Navy To Begin Landing Operations At NASA

NASA and the Navy plan a ceremony Monday, November 4, to mark the official opening of Wallops Flight Facility to field carrier landing practice for Navy E-2 Hawkeye and C-2 Greyhound aircraft. These twin engine turboprop aircraft will conduct up to 20,000 passes annually at Wallops Flight Facility. The first field carrier landing pass operations will take place on Monday, November 4.

The Navy has completed all necessary minor construction, including installation of runway lighting and markings to simulate the flight deck of an aircraft carrier, as well as the pouring of concrete pads for an Improved Fresnel Lens Optical Landing System and a work station for Landing Signal Officers . With construction complete, the facility is now capable of hosting E-2 and C-2 fielc carrier landing pass operations.

Conducting E-2 and C-2 passes at the Wallops Flight Facility will provide the Navy the ability to relieve some of the capacity issues at Navy Auxiliary Landing Field Fentress, in Chesapeake, Va., and reduce or eliminate the need for VAW-120, the E-2/C-2 Fleet Replacement Squadron, to conduct out-of-area detachments to NAS Jacksonville, Fla., four to six times per year to complete required field pass training.

This initiative entails positive net economic benefits to the region. In addition to the recently-completed construction, the Navy will pay for expanded service requirements at the airfield to support the operation , and also provide NASA direct payment for airfield use. Additionally, the ability to conduct two-week detachments will result in the requirement to obtain accomodation and transportation services on the civilian economy.

Source:

Handgun Theft In Accomack County Leads To Arrest In Pocomoke

Pocomoke City Police Department

Kelvin Sewell,

Police Chief

GREAT POLICE/TEAM WORK !

 

Sean  Erick Pike

     On 01 November 2013 at approximately 0730 hours Pocomoke City Police Department received a call from the Accomack County Sheriffs Office that a handgun was stolen from a home in Accomack County Virginia during a party last night. 

The Sheriff's Office gave Pocomoke Police a description and location of the suspect. 

Pocomoke City Police were  able to locate and arrest the suspect in the area of 800 Lynn Haven Drive in Pocomoke City.

       Recovered from the suspect, Sean Erick Pike,  from Girdletree, Maryland was a loaded High Point 45 caliber semi-automatic handgun.

       Pike was transported to the Pocomoke City Police Department and later charged with possession of a handgun. 

Accomack County Arsonist, Charles Smith, III, Admits Guilt

ACCOMACK COUNTY, Va. (WAVY) - The man accused in the string of arsons on the Eastern Shore pleaded guilty to all charges against him Thursday.

In Accomack County Circuit Court Thursday morning, Charles Smith III signed his name next to 67 counts of arson and one count of conspiracy to commit arson, admitting guilt to all the offenses.

Smith and his fiancee, Tonya Bundick, are accused in nearly 70 fires on Virginia's Eastern Shore between November 2012 and April of this year. The couple was arrested April 2. Bundick was indicted on two counts -- arson and conspiracy to commit arson while Smith was indicted for 68 offenses.

Smith originally pleaded not guilty during his arraignment. Smith's attorney, Carl Bundick, says he and his client received more information after the initial plea.

"In the reality and looking at the evidence that was available against Mr. Smith, it becomes a question of, what's trying to be done is in his best interest," explained Carl Bundick. "And that's the philosophy I always try to follow."

In court, the Commonwealth's Attorney Gary Agar and Carl Bundick presented the judge with a file that included a joint stipulation of facts supporting indictments. There were also four DVDs of interviews done with Smith. WAVY.com found summaries of each arson count in the file.

For example, the first count of arson, on Nov. 12, 2012 in Parksley, Smith said in the document, Tonya Bundick, "suddenly had the idea to burn [the house] down." Smith said he eventually set the fire because he was feeling an emotional connection to his fiancee and didn't want to disappoint her.

Months later, on March 12, 2013, the old Whispering Pines Motel went up in flames. Smith said Tonya Bundick dropped him off and he walked through a field to get the the motel. Smith said he found 40 to 50 mattresses and chairs and lit them with a rag and cigarette lighter.

Smith told investigators, "I always wanted to see the Whispering Pines burn."

The next night, March 13, 2013, Smith said he and Tonya Bundick were headed home when they passed the old Mallards restaurant on Bayside Road. Smith explains how the former owner did not pay his mother for signs she once made for him. The thought made him mad so he lit beer boxes on fire that were inside the building.

WAVY's Liz Palka was in the courtroom Thursday and learned Smith will most likely be formally sentenced in December. It was also mentioned in court that Smith is on medication for bipolar disorder.

During a motion hearing in Accomack County Tuesday, attorneys representing Bundick quit, according to Accomack County Circuit Court Clerk, Teresa. Now, Bundick’s trial is postponed until she can find new representation. When the trial is rescheduled, it will take place in Virginia Beach, due to a change of venue granted by Judge Taylor earlier this month.
Source:

New Church Fire Department Pizza Night ~ TONIGHT !!

TRICK OR TREAT AT THE POCOMOKE CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT

Trick of Treat at the Pocomoke City Police Department brought out lots of scary creatures and even nice looking creatures seeking candy treats or tricks handed out by the police officers. 

Pocomoke City Police Chief Kelvin Sewell greeted the Halloween guests this evening.

Photo/ Pocomoke City Police Dept.

Photo/Pocomoke City Police Dept.

Photo/ Pocomoke City Police Dept.

Photo/Pocomoke City Police Dept.

Photo/ Pocomoke City Police Dept.

Hmmmm..... No matter what age we are some of us never grow out of the Trick of Treat mode...myself included!

Looks like tonight some young adults from UMES decided to pay a visit to the Pocomoke Police Dept. for some Halloween goodies.

Photo/ Pocomoke Police Dept.

Wait a minute!!!  The young lady in the center with her hand on her hip happens to be Kandie B from the OC 104 morning show!!  And if you didn't know this beautiful young lady is the daughter of  Chief and Rhonda Sewell.  Hope you guys had a great time!!

 Sorry I missed stopping by this evening but I sincerely hope everyone is safe in the city of Pocomoke. 

Thank you, Chief Sewell and all officers along with any others involved with the police work in Pocomoke,  for taking care of this wonderful city we know as Pocomoke. God bless and protect you.

TIME MACHINE ... This Sunday's Preview

1957.. Chincoteague Naval Air Station's tragic day; 1955.. Another impressive football season for Princess Anne's Maryland State College; 1971.. High School football making its debut in Worcester County; 1930.. Top Rotarian lauds Eastern Shore clubs; 1968.. Pocomoke City residents remember a prominent citizen; 1867.. A new lower Eastern Shore county is authorized.　

Although you may not find all of 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!

HALLOWEEN & YOUR PETS

SPCA Eastern Shore Virginia
HALLOWEEN & YOUR PETS...

Pet experts Victoria Stillwell (of “It’s Me or The Dog”), Chief Scientific Officer, Dr. Nicholas Dodman and America’s Veterinarian, Dr. Marty Becker—have compiled a list of Halloween safety tips for pet owners.

1. Keep the candy out of reach: While a single night of indulgence isn't likely to make you sick, that may not be the case with your pets. Both chocolate and the sweetener xylitol, which is found in sugar-free gums and an increasing number of other sweets, can be fatal to dogs.

2. No trick-or-treating: Don’t take your dog trick-or-treating with you, even if you’re confident that he/she will be able to handle it. Even if your dog is well-adjusted, some others you encounter may not be. Plus, seeing a bunch of four-foot tall Yodas and goblins can unnerve even the most placid dogs.

3. Put cords out of reach: Make sure all electric cords for holiday decorations are out of reach of your pets, especially if they’re chewers. Nibbling on a hot wire won’t turn out well for anyone.

4. Think twice about a costume: Not all pets look forward to putting on their favorite baseball player’s jersey or a pretty pink tutu. If your pet pants or acts stressed while dressed up, skip the costume. If your dog enjoys showing off, make sure he/she can move and stay cool while in costume.

5. Help their stress level: Be aware of how stressful the repeated ringing of the doorbell can be for dogs. Take some time to desensitize your pet to the sound of the doorbell or knocking in the days leading up to the big night so they’re prepared.

6. No answering the door: Keep your dog away from the door during trick or treating hours. Even if your dog is a good, well-mannered greeter, your smaller guests are not always prepared to see dogs bounding down the hallway or sniffing their candy bags. Plus, with the door constantly open, it’s easy for them to escape.


7. Tag them: Make sure your pet’s tags are as up to date as possible. Proper identification of all pets is necessary in case or their inadvertent escape.

Playing At The MarVa Tonight !

A clumsy young man nurtures a plant and discovers that it's carnivorous, forcing him to kill to feed it.

Thursday, October 31st

7 PM

Tickets: $5

Locals Appreciation Weekends At Delmarva Discovery Center

Charles Smitth, III Arson Trial Begins TODAY!!

Charles Smith, III

The arson trial of Charles Smith III will begin Thursday morning in Accomack County Circuit Court.   Smith is facing charges in 67 of the 77 reported arson cases occurring in Accomack County between November 13, 2012 and March 31, 2013.

Smith, along with his girlfriend Tanya Bundick,  are believed to have started the fires in mostly abandoned structures. 

The pair was arrested  after  Virginia State Police and Accomack County Sheriffs officers observed Smith lighting an arson fire in Melfa in the 11:00 p.m. hour of March 31, 2013. The Accomack County Sheriff Department stopped the vehicle in Melfa as they left the scene of the crime and arrested both.

 While Smith is charged with setting 67 of the fires, Bundick has only been charged in the March 31 fire in Melfa.

Source:

Worcester County Reports First Confirmed Case of Rabies in Family Pet for 2013

SNOW HILL - Worcester County Health Department confirms that a dog from the Snow Hill area has been laboratory confirmed positive for rabies.  The dog, a family pet, had a fight with a raccoon several weeks ago, prior to the development of symptoms of rabies last week.   Once rabies symptoms developed in the dog, the owner notified Worcester County Animal Control.  Based on those symptoms and the reported exposure to a raccoon, the Health Department was contacted and the dog was euthanized and sent for rabies testing at the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene’s Rabies Laboratory.  The positive results were received late Friday.  A number of individuals, mostly family, were exposed to the rabid dog and appropriate medical assessments were initiated on Friday for those exposed and post exposure rabies treatment started.

This incident follows an unusually high incidence this year in the County of rabid animals, mostly raccoons, which have come into contact with either people or pets.  To date in 2013, the Health Department has confirmed 43 rabid animals consisting of 37 raccoons, 3 foxes, 1 groundhog, 1 bat and this dog.  

There have also been 36 other suspect rabies investigations where the suspect animal was not able to be tested.

This latest case illustrates the importance of vaccinating pets against this deadly disease.  Maryland law requires rabies vaccinations for dogs, cats and ferrets.  The vaccination protects the animal for a limited time and it is important that pet owners follow up and revaccinate their pet when the protection expires.  The date the animal is due for its next shot can be found on the rabies certificate provided by the veterinarian.  If the date the animal is due is not known, pet owners should contact their veterinarian for the due date and vaccinate right away if expired.

Additionally, it is extremely important that any contact between a person or pet and a suspect rabid animal, such as raccoons, foxes, groundhogs, skunks, be reported immediately.  Health Department, local law enforcement and/or Animal Control are available 7 days a week to evaluate exposures in order that steps can be taken to test the offending animal and minimize the risk of further exposure.  Owners should not handle a pet bare handed immediately after contact to a wild animal – use gloves or other barrier if the pet must be handled.  

For further information regarding rabies in Worcester County, go to www.worcesterhealth.org or contact your veterinarian.   

Coast Guard Crew Recovers Cannons

Cannons from pirate ship recovered in Beaufort Inlet, NC -

PORTSMOUTH, Va. — The crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Smilax worked with personnel from the North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources to recover five cannons and multiple barrel hoops from the Queen Anne's Revenge in Beaufort Inlet, N.C., Monday.

The Queen Anne's Revenge was the ship of the pirate Edward Teach, better known as Blackbeard, for more than a year before the ship ran aground on the shoals in the inlet.

The crew of the Smilax, a 100-foot inland construction tender, worked with NCDCR divers to lift the approximately one-ton cannons aboard the Smilax using a combination of flotation bags and the ship's crane.

U.S Coast Guard

IT'S FINALLY HALLOWEEN!!!

Please use extra caution when out Trick Or Treating this evening.

And don't forget to stop by the Pocomoke City Police Department for some Halloween "tricks or treats"!!  Have your already collected candy checked by a Pocomoke City Police Officer.

"Why Do We Kill?" Episode 4 ~ With Words From Retired Baltimore City Homicide Detective Kelvin Sewell *

"Why Do We Kill?" 
Episode 4: 

The New Sociopaths

The New Sociopaths

On May 3, 2008, a star lacrosse play and honor student living in Cockeysville Maryland named Nicholas Browning made a decision that to this day remains unexplained. He took a break from playing video games at a friend’s house, walked home, picked up his father’s gun and shot his entire family as they slept.

Dead were his father Tom, ?" Sylvia, and little brothers Gregory 10 years old and Benjamin eight. Worse yet, Nicholas confessed to crime but gave little explanation or motive other than the fact that his father wouldn’t let him use the family car to attend a party.

But Nicholas was not alone in his savagery.

Several weeks later just miles from the Browning residence another promising young man inexplicably turned to murder. A 17-year old star athlete Lewin Powell had been fighting with his mother over his flagging grades., But at some point in the dispute Powell picked up a bat and beat his mother to death.

But he wasn’t done.

The 17 year old Lewin Powell hid his mother’s corpse in a bedroom and waited for his father to return from work. The elder Powell fell asleep on the couch, where his son attacked him with the same bat, fracturing his father’s skull in two places before the bewildered parent could subdue his murderous son.

It’s a case that confounds the normal explanations for violent crime. Neither boys came from troubled homes or suffered from mental illness. In fact, they were leading exemplary lives.

Which is I why I decided these crimes were worth exploring in depth in our continuing televisual dialog on crime called “Why Do We Kill?” In this episode we look at the influence of the simulacra upon our psyches and its potential influence on criminality.

Specifically, how our deepening immersion in a world of illusion and symbolism affects or behaviors and may limit our ability to be empathetic.

"Why Do We Kill?" Episode 4: The New Sociopaths from Why Do We Kill? on Vimeo.

If you want to read more about the topic of why people chose to kill, click on the links below to the books written by the two former Baltimore homicide detectives who appear in this episode.

"You Can't Stop Murder: Truths about Policing in Baltimore and Beyond"

amazon.com/You-Cant-Stop-Murder-Baltimore/dp/1491009772/ref=pd_sim_b_1

"Why Do We Kill?: The Pathology of Murder in Baltimore"

amazon.com/Why-Do-Kill-Pathology-Baltimore/dp/1463534809/ref=pd_sim_sbs_b_1

*Kelvin Sewell is currently the police chief in Pocomoke City, Maryland.  Be sure to read his book:

P J Party At The MarVa Theater

Kids Halloween Party ~ Don's Seafood

Don's Seafood-Pocomoke · 

KIDS HALLOWEEN PARTY

Oct. 31st

PRIZES & TREATS

Kids Parade of Costumes

Register between 6:30 - 7:00 

Parade/Contest starts @ 7 

Kids Meals .99 and Free Popsicles

$5 Cheese Steaks 

$9.99 Entrees

Snow Hill AutoBody ~ Trunk Or Treat TONIGHT !

Trial Delayed For Accused Arsonist Tonya Bundick

Accomack County, Va. (WTKR) – The lawyers for Eastern Shore arson suspect Tonya Bundick will no longer be representing her.

Shannon Dunham and her husband Garrett Dunham made the motion to withdraw as counsel in Accomack County Circuit Court Tuesday.

The Dunhams told Judge Glen Tyler that motion had nothing to do with their belief in the strength or weakness of Bundick’s case, but instead cited a conflict of interest with another case that Garrett Dunham is handling which raised ethical concerns.

Dunham declined to discuss the specifics of what the conflict of interest entailed.

Garrett Dunham had only formally been appointed as co-counsel during a hearing last week. During that same hearing, Shannon Dunham had asked the court to continue Bundick’s trial set for November in Virginia Beach. Judge Tyler denied that motion and then denied another motion made by Shannon Dunham to withdraw from the case at that time.

Tonya Bundick had been set for a jury trial in Virginia Beach on November 6, but that has now been delayed until a new attorney can be appointed to represent her.

Bundick is currently facing one count of arson and one count of conspiracy to commit arson for a fire that occurred in Melfa in early April.

Her fiancée and co-conspirator Charlie Smith is facing 67 counts. His bench trial is set to begin in Accomack County on Thursday.

Source:

Pocomoke City Police Department To Celebrate Halloween

HALLOWEEN CANDY FOR TRICK OR TREATERS

Pocomoke City Police Department

     The Pocomoke City Police Department will be giving out candy to all kids this Halloween. 

Stop by the Pocomoke City Police Department at 1500 Market Street between the hours of 5 pm to 8 pm and get your bags filled with all types of delicious Halloween candy.

The Pocomoke City Police Department will also have Police Officer’s waiting at the Police Station to scan/check your candy.

Coast Guard Searches For Missing Man In Chesapeake Bay

PORTSMOUTH, Va. — The Coast Guard is searching Monday for a 32-year-old man who was reported to have fallen overboard from the Fleeton, a 170-foot fishing vessel, during the vessel's southbound transit in the Chesapeake Bay.

The master of the Fleeton contacted Coast Guard Sector Hampton Roads Command Center watchstanders at approximately 9 a.m. reporting a crewmember was last seen as the vessel was transiting the Chesapeake Bay, and the crewmember hadn't been seen or heard from in a few hours.

Sector Hampton Roads watchstanders issued an urgent marine information broadcast and dispatched crews aboard an HC-130 Hercules aircraft and an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter from Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City, N.C., a 45-foot Response Boat - Medium from Coast Guard Station Little Creek, a 25-foot Response Boat - Small from Coast Guard Station Milford Haven, a 25-foot Response Boat - Small from Coast Guard Station Cape Charles and the Coast Guard Cutter Albacore, an 87-foot patrol boat homeported in Virginia Beach, Va., to assist in the search.

Crews aboard the Coast Guard Cutter Albacore and a Jayhawk are scheduled to continue searching until sunset and another search is scheduled to begin around sunrise Tuesday.

The search area is focused approximately five miles east of the mouth of the Rappahannock River.

Worcester County Sheriff's Office Will X-Ray Halloween Candy

From the Worcester County Sheriff's Office

Halloween Trick or Treat

Don't forget kids! 

October 31st from 5 p.m. 

Have your Halloween candy screened by the 

Worcester County Sheriff's Office

The Worcester County Sheriff's Office announce Trick or Treat times for areas of Worcester County. They are:

Berlin , October 31st from 5 til 7 p.m.

Ocean City, October 31st from 4 til 6 p.m. at the White Marlin Mall

Pocomoke City, October 31st from 5 til 7 p.m.

Snow Hill, October 31st from 5 til 8 p.m.

**Also, the Sheriff's Office will open the Worcester County Circuit Court located at 1 West Market Street in Snow Hill for those parents desiring there childrens candy to be x-rayed as an added safety measure on October 31st from 5 til 7 p.m.**

Remember to report all suspicious activity to your local Police or the Sheriff's Office at 410-632-1111.

Anniversary of Hurricane Sandy

Hurricane Sandy
October 29, 2012

Here are just a few photos from Hurricane Sandy...

Before Hurricane Sandy - Around 11:00 am
 Photo by Rob Clarke

 Restaurant -downtown Pocomoke City
Photo jmmb

Beaver Dam Presbyterian Church
Photo jmmb

Pocomoke Cypress Park
Photo jmmb

Pocomoke City Police Chief creating a healing moment with some Pocomoke City children before the storm.
Photo Zina Means

 Food Lion employees preparing for the storm.
Photo jmmb

T's Corner - Even Rodney boarded up and left!
Photo jmmb

Boat washed ashore and hidden in the weeds.
Photo jmmb

Thankfully the East Coast had an uneventful season where hurricanes are concerned.  Wonder what there is in the forecast for the winter season?

Thefts From Motor Vehcles Investigated By Worcester County Sheriff's Office

Zachery A. Mitchell, Jr

During the earlier part of October, deputies of the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office began investigating a rash of car break-ins and thefts from motor vehicles in the West Ocean City area and the Route 611 area including Frontier Town. 

During these thefts, approximately $3,000 worth of electronics, cash and clothing items were stolen from numerous vehicles. 

Deputies took numerous reports and began working on potential suspects. During one of the thefts, an I-phone was stolen. The owner of the I-phone was able to locate the stolen phone via the phones security features. 

Deputies then responded to meet with the victim and learned that the victim had contacted Frontier Town security and that they had activated the phones security feature leading to the location of the suspects. The suspects were interviewed and later identified and charged with multiple theft counts, theft scheme and 3 counts of Rogue and Vagabond.  Arrested were Zachery A. Mitchell W/M Age 18 and Charles J. Mitchell Jr.
   

Charles J. Mitchell, Jr.

They were taken before a judicial officer and released on a $15,000 unsecured bond. 


We would like to remind you to never leave your phones or belongings in unlocked vehicles overnight .

 The Sheriff’s Office hosts a number of training programs for both residents and businesses on how to protect your items and prevent these types of thefts from occurring. 

As we approach the shopping and Holiday Season, our Burglaries and Thefts will increase and many will become victims because they failed to lock their doors or secure their valuables in their vehicles. The most important lesson is to watch out for each other. 

Contact your neighbors, join a Community Watch Group and report suspicious behavior to Law Enforcement.

Worcester County Sheriff's Office

BINGO !! All Proceeds Benefit DASH Rescue !

The Upper Deck Seafood Restaurant & Lounge ~ HALLOWEEN PARTY & COSTUME CONTEST

The Upper Deck Seafood Restaurant & Lounge

Halloween Party and Costume Contest

Friday, November 1, 2013

9:00 pm until 1:30 am

Drink special

Costume Contest 

 DJ Mike Shannon from 9-1

BLOXOM VOLUNTEER FIRE CO. TRUNK OR TREAT !

 Bloxom Fire House Thursday night - October 31, 2013 

for

 Trunk-or-Treat!!! 

Hours are 5 p.m. until 7 p.m.

  Town curfew for Bloxom is 8 pm.

 Have a safe and Happy Halloween from the Bloxom Volunteer Fire Company!!

Firearms Stolen From Federalsburg Home

Christopher Glanden

Two Accused Of Stealing $9,000 Worth Of Firearms In Federalsburg

FEDERALSBURG, Md. - Two people have been charged after allegedly stealing guns from a Federalsburg home.

The Dorchester County Sheriff's Office says on October 23rd, they investigated a robbery and theft of over $9,000 worth of firearms from a Scarlett Lane home. An investigation showed that the suspects took the 19 weapons from a gun safe, along with $1650 in cash.

Amanda Hahn

Police say further investigation lead them to arrest 18-year-old Amanda Hahn, who reportedly lived in the Scarlett Lane home, and 22-year-old Christopher Glanden, of East New Market. Both suspects have been charged with 20 counts of theft under $1,000, 2 counts of theft over $1,000 but under $10,000, theft over $10,000 but under $100,000 and 4th degree burglary with intent to commit theft.

Hahn was held on $10,000 bond, while Glanden is being held on $100,000 bond. Police say their investigation into this incident is continuing.

Source:

Female Hit By Vehicle / Capeville Man Charged With Hit & Run and DWI

Stephen Ray Carpenter

A Capeville man is in jail as the result of a traffic accident near Oyster Thursday afternoon. Stephen Ray Carpenter, 28, has been charged with driving while intoxicated, driving on a suspended license, failing to report an accident resulting in injury and maiming of another person in connection with driving while intoxicated.

According to Sheriff David Doughty, deputies received a call at about 5:20 pm to help an ambulance on Seaside Road near Eastville. Upon arrival they found a female who had been hit by a vehicle and assaulted. The identity of the victim has not been released.

The Sheriffs Office is asking anyone with information on the case to call 678-0458.

Carpenter is being held without bond in the Eastern Shore Regional Jail.

Source;

TIME MACHINE ... 1953, 1884, 1923, 1913, 1941

(Reader-friendly viewing of newspaper archives material)


January, 1953
(Eugene Register Guard- Eugene, Oregon)

Kissing Lessons Offered Grade School Students in Maryland

PRINCESS ANNE, Md. (UP)- Serious, mild-manner Louis L. Pund said Saturday he isn't sorry he gave his seventh grade students kissing lessons "to teach them the facts of life."

"It did them a lot of good," the 40-year-old teacher said. "It helped them get over their inhibitions."

Pund, who took up psychology as a hobby, had to give up his job at historic Washington Junior High School Friday when angry parents protested against their children playing "postoffice" in the classroom.

"I started it a month ago because some of the children were inhibited and it seemed like a good way of teaching the facts of life," he said.

"Down here in this eastern shore town a good many of the parents don't appear to take the trouble to explain to the children what life is all about."

Most of the children considered the experiment a lark and School Superintendent John L. Bond said apparently no real harm was done. But he ruled the practice had to stop.

Thirteen-year-old Jimmy Byrd said the kissing games didn't make "any particular impression" on him but he thought school was a "queer" place to play them.

"I have no objection to kissing games," said his father, James Byrd. "Played them myself as a boy, but school is not the place for that sort of thing."

Mrs. C. M. Mildom said she was "very alarmed and surprised," when she learned her 12-year-old, Cradoc, was involved in the experiment.

One youngster, who wouldn't give his name, said sourly: "I didn't see anything to enjoy." But he added he didn't think anything was wrong with it.

Most of the pupils seemed sorry that Pund was leaving.

Pund, who has a small child of his own, has decided in view of the storm that he'd better give up teaching. He is going to get a job playing the trumpet or trombone for a jazz band.

The teacher-sponsored "post office" game went over big once the children got used to it, Pund said, even though they were a little shy at first and said "ah, no" or "I don't want to."

"A girl would select a boy who would go into the cloak room and call out the name of a girl who them would be it," he explained. "The girl would go into the cloak room with the boy and they would kiss each other on the cheeks or lips. They would then leave the cloak room and the girl would call out the name of another boy."

Pund's schedule called for "postoffice" for two half-hour periods every day during his three-hour mathematics classes. Playing, of course, was not compulsory.


January, 1884
(Peninsula Enterprise- Accomac)

The prospect of the railroad being built through our county is at this time very flattering. We are now authoritatively informed that the officers of the proposed road have control of the "business"Eastern Shore road, which has heretofore been an obstacle to their progress, the bridge across the Pocomoke is being built by contract, and that a large force of employees of the new road "broke ground" at Pocomoke on New Years' Day. These facts seem to justify the prediction that, in a few months now the snort of the iron horse will soon be heard in our midst. Indeed, it is now positively asserted by those who ought to be informed in the matter, that if the weather is favorable, Accomac C. H., will be connected by rail with all the busy marts of the country by the 1st day of next May, and we are hopeful enough and sanguine enough to believe that such will be the case.

　　

October, 1923 (Time Machine archive)
(The Tyrone Daily Herald- Tyrone, Pa.)

Barn Wrecked By Explosion

Pocomoke City, Md., Oct 11- Bootlegging vengeance was in evidence here again when another building was totally wrecked, this time the barn of Sylvester Messick, a retired lumber merchant, living on Walnut Street. A terrific explosion shook the neighborhood. Messick's barn had been blown to atoms. He is one of the special officers sworn in some time ago, and has been active in the apprehension of those who have been arrested for illicit liquor traffic. The barn contained nothing of special value. There is no clue to the perpetrator.

　

March, 1913
(The Hagerstown Daily Mail)

Heavy firing by ships of the Atlantic Fleet in the lower Chesapeake Bay at target practice has done much damage to property in Crisfield and throughout lower Somerset County.

　

June, 1941
(The Racine Journal-Times, Racine, Wisconsin)

OFFER TO TALKERS GETS NO TAKERS

SNOW HILL, Md. (AP)- There's a "freedom of speech" platform here awaiting any orator who wants to talk.

The speaker's platform on the court house green was left over from the last community Christmas party and Mayor John O. Byrd directed that it be left in tact.

He ordered immunity for anyone who wants to mount the platform and exercise his constitutional right of freedom of speech, saying it might encourage public speaking among the townspeople.

No takers have come forth as yet.


　

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!

Santa House Toy and Food Drive With Help From Ocean City Police Dept.

In an effort to consolidate local holiday charity efforts, and to bring greater relief to those in need during the upcoming holiday season, the Ocean City Police Department will be partnering with the “Santa House, Inc.” (a 501(c)(3) registered charity) holiday food and toy drive.

In past years both holiday charities have been able to provide help to Worcester County and Ocean City residents in need.  By incorporating the resources of the “Santa House” with the assistance of the OCPD we can improve the process by which the generous donations of our community are distributed to those in real need during the holidays.

The OCPD and the Santa House are asking that all charitable monetary donations/contributions normally made to the OCPD be directed to the “Santa House, Inc.”  As in years past, all toy donations, as well as monetary donations, will be used to provide gifts and food to local families. Unwrapped, new toys may be dropped off at the Public Safety Building, located at 65th Street and Coastal Highway.  These donations will be distributed through the “Santa House” charity to Ocean City and Worcester County residents in need during this upcoming holiday season.

For those who wish to contribute monetary donations, they can be mailed to the “Santa House, Inc.” 4520 Red House Road, Snow Hill, Maryland 21863. Checks made out to the Santa House, Inc. may also be dropped off at any Calvin B. Taylor Bank. The Santa House is accepting referrals of children or families that are in need of assistance.  In order to be considered for this program, a family must be referred by Community Organizations, Criminal Justice Agencies, Church Affiliations, Schools or State or County Personnel.

“The holidays can be difficult for some families. By partnering with the Santa House, families in need will be helped during the holidays,” said OCPD Chief Ross Buzzuro. “While the economy has improved for some, the businesses and citizens of the Ocean City and Worcester County communities continue to pull together to provide for those families who are struggling this year. This is truly what the holiday season is all about.”

The Ocean City Police Department will continue to seek the assistance of volunteers to help distribute toys and food.  The Ocean City Police Department and the Santa House ask that all donations be made by Monday, December 15.  Distribution is tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, December 17 at 8 a.m.

The OCPD Public Affairs Office will begin taking names of volunteers. To submit a donation, volunteer, or refer a family in need, please contact the Santa House, Inc. at:  410-632-4924 or the OCPD Public Affairs Office at:  410-520-5395.

Submitted:
Ocean City Police Dept.

Virginia Murder Suspect Arrested In Ohio

Federal officials say a man accused in a Virginia slaying has been arrested in Ohio.

U.S. Marshal Robert Mathieson says 27-year-old John Logan of Tasley was captured after authorities received a tip that he was living with a family in Cincinnati. Logan was arrested without incident Wednesday.

The Northampton County Sheriff's Office in September issued an arrest warrant for Logan. He was wanted for malicious wounding by mob, murder by mob, and participation in street gang activity. The case stems from the April 13 shooting death of 23-year-old Jessie Jordan.

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