TASK FORCE DISRUPTS SIGNIFICANT DRUG DISTRIBUTION NETWORK ON EASTERN SHORE

(CENTREVILLE, MD) – A combined local, state and federal law enforcement partnership has led to the disruption of a cocaine distribution network operating throughout the Upper Eastern Shore and the arrests of two dozen suspects.   

Police believe three suspects were involved in directing the operation.  The first suspect is identified as Adrian L. Reed, aka “Slick,” 37, of the 2200-block of Pondtown Road, Chestertown, Md.  He was arrested May 12, 2014 and charged on a 35 count indictment of drug related charges including conspiring to import cocaine into the state, conspiring to distribute cocaine, conspiring to possess cocaine, conspiring to manufacture cocaine, and possession of cocaine with intent to distribute.  He is currently being held on $250,000 bond. 

The second suspect is identified as Baraka Z. Chauka, aka “Rock,” 37, of the 1400-block of Barclay Road, Barclay, Md.  He was arrested May 19, 2014 and charged on a multiple count indictment of drug related charges including conspiring to import cocaine into the state, conspiring to possess cocaine, conspiring to distribute cocaine, possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, and possession of heroin with intent to distribute.  He is currently being held on $100,000 bond. 

The third suspect is identified as Carlos J. Cain, aka “Cain,” 40, of the 100-block of Washington Street, Centreville, Md.  He was arrested May 8, 2014 and charged on an indictment with conspiring to import cocaine into the state, conspiring to possess cocaine, and conspiring to distribute cocaine.  He is currently being held on $100,000 bond. 

The more than six month investigation began in the fall of 2013 when the Queen Anne’s County Drug Task Force, the Maryland State Police, the Queen Anne’s County Sheriff’s Office, and the Queen Anne’s County State’s Attorney’s Office, with assistance from Homeland Security Investigations, began an intense investigation of a cocaine distribution ring operating in Queen Anne’s County.  During the investigation, it was learned the three suspects listed above were importing large amounts of powder and crack cocaine from Delaware and Pennsylvania into Queen Anne’s County.   

Investigators believe they were importing and distributing more than three pounds of cocaine within a two month period.  They were then using a network of distributors to sell the cocaine in Queen Anne’s, Kent, and Caroline counties.   

During the ensuing investigation, police served 18 search warrants in Maryland and two in Delaware.  Police obtained felony indictments on 14 persons, including the three listed above.  In addition, police made six on-view felony arrests and four on-view misdemeanor arrests.  They recovered more than $14,000 in drug related money and eight vehicles believed to be involved in, or the fruits of, the drug operation.  Police recovered various amounts of marijuana, powdered and crack cocaine, and heroin.    

The Queen Anne’s County Drug Task Force is comprised of members of the Maryland State Police, The Queen Anne’s County Sheriff’s Office, the Queen Anne’s County Office of the State’s Attorney, the Centreville Police Department and the Maryland Natural Resources Police, with assistance from Homeland Security Investigations. 

Investigations like this one highlight the multi-jurisdictional nature of drug crimes and how the close working relationship between the Maryland State Police, the Queen Anne’s County Sheriff’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations and numerous allied law enforcement partners both in and out of Maryland, are helping stem the flow of illegal drugs coming into Queen Anne’s County. 

MD. State Police News Release

Five Chinese Military Hackers Charged with Cyber Espionage Against U.S.

From left, Chinese military officers Gu Chunhui, Huang Zhenyu, Sun Kailiang, Wang Dong, and Wen Xinyu have been indicted on cyber espionage charges.

In a case out of the Western District of Pennsylvania, five Chinese military hackers were indicted on charges of computer hacking, economic espionage, and other offenses directed at six American victims in the U.S. nuclear power, metals, and solar products industries. This marks the first time criminal charges have been filed against known state actors for hacking.

From 2006-2014, defendants Wang Dong, Sun Kailiang, Wen Xinyu, Huang Zhenyu, and Gu Chunhui, who were officers in Unit 61398 of the Third Department of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army, were allegedly involved a hacking conspiracy that targeted Westinghouse Electric Co.; U.S. subsidiaries of SolarWorld AG; United States Steel Corp.; Allegheny Technologies Inc.; the United Steel, Paper and Forestry, Rubber, Manufacturing, Energy, Allied Industrial and Service Workers International Union; and Alcoa, Inc.


“The range of trade secrets and other sensitive business information stolen in this case is significant and demands an aggressive response,” said U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder at a press conference announcing the charges today in Washington, D.C. “Success in the global market place should be based solely on a company’s ability to innovate and compete, not on a sponsor government’s ability to spy and steal business secrets.”

“State actors engaged in cyber espionage for economic advantage are not immune from the law just because they hack under the shadow of their country’s flag,” added Assistant Attorney General for National Security John Carlin. “Cyber theft is real theft, and we will hold state-sponsored cyber thieves accountable as we would any other transnational criminal organization that steals our goods and breaks our laws.”

As FBI Executive Assistant Director Robert Anderson emphasized, “If you are going to attack Americans—whether for criminal or national security purposes—we are going to hold you accountable. No matter what country you live in.”

OCPD INTRODUCES SPECIALIZED DUI ENFORCEMENT

(May 19, 2014) – This week, a group of specialized DUI enforcement officers with the Ocean City Police Department will be hitting the streets in an effort to curb impaired driving in the resort town. A group of officers that are specially trained in traffic safety will now dedicate their time to detecting and enforcing impaired driving.

“Impaired driving continues to be an issue in Ocean City and now with this dedicated enforcement team we will be able to combat impaired driving head on,” commented Chief Ross Buzzuro. “Finding a sober ride home is an easy choice one can make to protect their safety.”

This group of specialized officers is dedicated to making Ocean City safer by striving to eliminate the threat of impaired drivers on roadways. Other specialized DUI enforcement teams across the state, including the Maryland State Police SPIDRE team, have seen great success and experienced significant decrease in impaired driving collisions.

“Impaired driving is one of the biggest problems on our roadways,” began Milt Chaffee, Administrator of the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration and the state’s Governor’s Representative for Highway Safety. “An average of 175 people have died every year for the past five years as a result of someone being impaired while behind the wheel. I applaud the Ocean City Police Department’s effort to stop impaired drivers and urge all drivers to always find a safe ride home. Call a friend or call a cab but do not get behind the wheel after you have been drinking.”

The Ocean City Police Department reminds citizens to always plan a safe ride home prior to consuming any alcoholic beverages. Citizens are strongly encouraged to designate a sober driver, call one of the many local taxi companies or ride the municipal bus.

For more information on the OCPD’s specialized DUI enforcement initiative, contact Public Affairs Specialist Lindsay O’Neal at 410-520-5395.

Ocean City Police Dept.

PARKSLEY V.F.C. MEMORIAL DAY CHICKEN BBQ

PARKSLEY VOL. FIRE COMPANY

MEMORIAL DAY  CHICKEN BBQ

LOCATION:  OLD WAYSIDE PARK ACROSS FROM PARKSLEY ROYAL FARMS

Friday, May 23

Saturday, May 24

Monday, May 26

11 am until sold out

Most days they are there to at least 6 pm

MENU:

HALF CHICKEN OR PORK BBQ SANDWICHES

COLESLAW

BEANS

ROLL

DRINK

$8 A DINNER

LIMITED DELIVERIES AVAILABLE FOR LUNCH ON FRIDAY. CONTACT 709-4655 FOR INFO

SUMMER 2014 TRAVEL SEASON KICKS OFF WITH MEMORIAL DAY

Reminder: Headlights are required at all times on the Bay Bridge

As the unofficial start to summer approaches, the Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) reminds the more than 1.7 million motorists anticipated to travel MDTA roadways this holiday – plan ahead; travel off-peak; and Drive Smart. Arrive Safe.  This total represents a 1% increase in traffic counts compared to last year.  MDTA officials anticipate more than 333,000 vehicles will travel the Bay Bridge between Friday, May 23, and Monday, May 26: 

The MDTA offers the following travel tips for this holiday weekend and throughout the summer months: 

• Travel off-peak when heading to and from the Eastern Shore.  The best times to travel the Bay Bridge this weekend include: 
            Thursday – before 10 a.m. and after 10 p.m.
Friday – before 10 a.m. and after 10 p.m.
Saturday – before 7 a.m. and after 5 p.m.
Sunday – before 10 a.m. and after 10 p.m. 
Memorial Day Monday – before 10 a.m. and after 10 p.m.

Don't Wing It. Plan Ahead!
Call 1-877-BAYSPAN (229-7726) for 24/7 Bay Bridge traffic conditions.
Visit baybridge.com to view traffic cameras at the Bay Bridge and to sign up for  email alerts.
Follow the MDTA at twitter.com/TheMDTA and facebook.com/TheMDTA.
Ease your travel with E-ZPass.  Visit ezpassmd.com to enroll on-line and for a list of E-ZPass "On the Go" retail locations.
Know Before You Go - call 511 or visit MD511.org for statewide travel information.  To view traffic cameras on MDTA roadways, visit mdta.maryland.gov.
The current cash toll rate for two-axle vehicles at the Bay Bridge is $6. 

Please be aware of the new safety signage installed on the Bay Bridge, including:
• MANDATORY HEADLIGHT USE AREA signs along both the westbound and eastbound bridges. Headlights are required at all times on the bridge;
• Curve warning signs and 40 mph speed-limit signs prior to curves on the westbound and eastbound bridges;
• YOUR SPEED IS signage on the bridge; 
• DO NOT TAILGATE signs on the westbound and eastbound bridges;
• To be installed after Memorial Day weekend: CONGESTION AHEAD signs with flashers to activate during heavy congestion to warn motorists of the potential for slowed/stopped vehicles.


Keeping traffic moving as safely and efficiently as possible is the MDTA's priority.  The MDTA Police will remain vigilant and target aggressive and impaired drivers, seatbelt violators and criminal activity.  The MDTA Police and Vehicle Recovery Units will have additional patrols on duty to respond quickly to incidents and disabled vehicles. In addition, the MDTA will lift construction-related temporary lane closures from Friday, May 23, at 5 a.m. through Tuesday, May 27, at 9 a.m.

For your safety and the safety of other motorists and emergency personnel:
• Pay attention to lane markings and rumble strips on the Bay Bridge westbound span.  Lane changes between the westbound left and center lanes are prohibited for the entire span, whether or not two-way operations are in effect.
• Obey posted speed limits and overhead lane-control signals.
• Devote your full attention to driving – it is illegal to text and use hand-held cell phones while driving in Maryland. 
• Law requires that every passenger in a moving vehicle be secured with a seat belt or child safety restraint.  Click It or Ticket. 
• Keep a safe following distance to avoid rear-end collisions.
• Do not change lanes while traveling over bridges and through tunnels.
• Keep your eyes on the road – do not sight-see.  
• Make sure your vehicle is "road ready."
• If your vehicle becomes disabled, remain inside and call #77 for assistance. 
• Move-over when passing an emergency situation.  If you are unable to move over, slow down.

In accordance with the State's budget-reduction plan, MDTA offices will be closed on Friday, May 23, including the E-ZPass Maryland Stop-in Centers and Customer Service Center.  Visit ezpassmd.com or use the automated system at 1-888-321-6824 to sign up for E-ZPass, update account information or make payments via credit card.  Offices will reopen on Tuesday, May 27. 

Pocomoke Police Chief Sewell Urges Residents To Lock All Vehicles

Pocomoke City Police are receiving several complaints regarding theft from motor vehicles. To date all thefts have been from UNLOCKED motor vehicle doors. Chief Sewell is urging all Pocomoke City residents and surrounding area residents to lock your vehicle doors when exiting your vehicle at all times. 

Also, remember to never leave money, change, electronics, wallets, purses or anything of value visible to someone that may be looking inside of your vehicle. 

If you or neighbors see any suspicious persons in your area, contact the Pocomoke City Police Department as soon as possible. If possible try to obtain a description of what the person is wearing and their direction of travel. 

If you or anyone you know has any information on the thefts please contact Pocomoke City Police Dept!

Pocomoke City Police Department

Coast Guard Recommends VHF-FM Radios for Boaters In Distress

NEW ORLEANS — While boaters may feel safe with just a cell phone, the Coast Guard recommends marine-band radios set to channel 16 for boaters in distress during this third day of National Safe Boating Week.

VHF-FM radios are intended mainly for short range communications, generally 5-10 miles, and at least 20 miles to a Coast Guard station. Boaters are urged to stay by the radio, if possible. Even after the message has been received, the Coast Guard can find you more quickly if you can transmit a signal on which a rescue boat or aircraft can receive. With marine-band radios on board and set to channel 16, a boater is only a call away from help.

The Coast Guard, other first responder agencies and fellow mariners  monitor channel 16 24/7, which increases the number of people who can respond.

"Radios are better than cell phones because thier signals can assist in locating people in distress," said Ed Huntsman, boating safety program manager for the 8th Coast Guard District. "Though a cell phone is better than no commmunication device at all, cell phones tend to have gaps in coverage while on the water, plus limited battery life. Many VHF radios are now water resistant and some are even waterproof."

The Coast Guard would like to remind that a growing number of boaters unsuccessful in getting a radio check on VHF channel 16 are calling Mayday to get a response. Every hoax, including Mayday radio checks, is subject to prosecution as a Class D felony under Title 14, Section 85 of the U.S. Code, liable for a $5000 fine plus all costs the Coast Guard incurs as a result of the individual's action.

For information on marine-band radios and procedures making distress calls on channel 16, click here.

PHS Students Collect Food For Food Bank

Congratulations POCOMOKE HIGH SCHOOL WARRIORS!

PHS students collected 1601 pounds of food for the Maryland Food Bank.

MISSING PERSON

Could be anywhere on the shore, or possibly Princess Anne / Salisbury / Pocomoke area.

National Safe Boating Week

National Safe Boating Week

May 17-23, 2014

National Safe Boating Week is scheduled each year as the first full week before Memorial Day weekend.

For more information:  http://www.uscgboating.org/

SpaceX Dragon Spacecraft Returns Critical NASA Science from Space Station

SpaceX's Dragon cargo spacecraft splashed down at 3:05 p.m. EDT Sunday, in the Pacific Ocean, approximately 300 miles west of Baja California, returning more than 3,500 pounds of NASA cargo and science samples from the International Space Station.

A boat will carry the Dragon spacecraft to a port near Los Angeles, where it will be prepared for a return journey to SpaceX's test facility in McGregor, Texas, for processing. Some cargo, including a freezer packed with research samples collected aboard the space station, will be removed at the port in California and returned to NASA within 48 hours.

"The space station is our springboard to deep space and the science samples returned to Earth are critical to improving our knowledge of how space affects humans who live and work there for long durations," said William Gerstenmaier, associate administrator for human exploration and operations. "Now that Dragon has returned, scientists can complete their analyses, so we can see how results may impact future human space exploration or provide direct benefits to people on Earth."

Investigations included among the returned cargo could aid in better understanding the decreased effectiveness of antibiotics during spaceflight while also improving antibiotic development on Earth. Others could lead to the development of plants better suited for space and improvements in sustainable agriculture.

The T-Cell Activation in Aging experiment, which also launched to space aboard Dragon, seeks the cause of a depression in the human immune system while in microgravity. The research could help researchers develop better protective measures to prevent disease in astronauts.

Dragon is the only space station resupply spacecraft capable of returning large amounts of cargo to Earth. The spacecraft lifted off from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida April 18, carrying approximately 5,000 pounds of supplies and science investigations to the space station. The mission was the third of at least 12 cargo resupply trips SpaceX plans to make to the space station through 2016 under NASA's Commercial Resupply Services contract.

For more information about the International Space Station, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/station

For more information about SpaceX's mission, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/spacex

For more information about the International Space Station, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/station

TIME MACHINE ... 1977, 1964, 1901, 1922, 1947, 1894

(Reader-friendly viewing of newspaper archives material)

May, 1977
The Morning Herald (Hagerstown, Md)

Strawberries go high

PRINCESS ANNE, Md: (UPI) - Strawberry growers and buyers are blinking their eyes at the unbelievable prices the berries are bringing at this year's auction on the Eastern Shore.

"It's a modest volume and the producers are seeing the prices soar," a spokesman for the state Department of Agriculture said Wednesday.

"A crate of good healthy strawberries has been going for $15.50 — that's a lot," he said. "Last year they averaged $8 a crate for good berries.

''The buyers were really amazed when crates went for $15.50. They had never heard of prices like that," he said.

"So far there has not been a heavy volume," he said. "There are willing buyers and a limited supply of berries which boosts prices up. The growers who have berries are very happy, but buyers can't get the quantity they want."

June, 1964
Salisbury Times

Pocomoke Jaycees To Host State Golf Tourney

The Pocomoke Jaycees are making extensive plans to host the annual Maryland State Jaycees Golf Tournament at the Winter Quarters Country Club.  The dates — July 16 and 17.

AVERY SMITH, a tireless worker of junior golf on th Eastern Shore during the past decade, is serving as tournament chairman. The state golf chairman is Jerry Dorman, former Wicomico High standout athlete of not so many years ago.

The top four survivors qualify for the International Jaycees tournament at St. Paul, Minn. August 3-8. Eligibility is open to anyone in the state, 18 years old and under.

AMONG THE leading Eastern Shore contestants will be 14 year old Chris Smith ol Pocomoke, 1963 Delmarva champion, son of the tourney chairman. He carded a four- over-par 75 on the Talbot Country Club course at Easton, defeating Edward Lee Jarman of Ocean City. This annual classic has produced some of the nation's better golfers including Gene Littler, Doug Sarders, Tommy Jacobs. Phil Rodgers, Al Geiberger and Jack Rule Jr. Prob- ably the most widely known of alumni is Jack Nicklaus, winner of the national Jaycee title in 1957.

June, 1901  (Time Machine archive)
(The Denton Journal)

Herring are swarming in Purnell's Creek, a branch of the Pocomoke river, just above Snow Hill.  The like has not been seen for many years.  Charles Timmons, 15 years-old, Monday morning caught 2,000, and many others were almost as successful.  All that has to be done is get any kind of a net with a pole to it and scoop them up.  Apparently there are millions of them.

September, 1922
(Gettyburg Times- Gettysburg, Pa.)

VETERAN SUCCOMBS

Ernest H. Wardwell,  prominent Civil War veteran of Maryland, is dead at his home in Pocomoke City.  He was 73 years old.

While the battle of Gettysburg was being fought, Mr. Wardwell was convelessing in Baltimore from wounds received at Barbina and South River.  He returned to duty and became the special aid of General E.B. Tyler in command of the Northwestern defense of Baltimore.

May, 1947
(Hagerstown Daily Mail- Hagerstown, Md.)

Five More Towns On Daylight Time

Salisbury, Md., May 19 (AP).-  Five more lower Eastern Shore towns were on daylight savings time today, Princess Anne, Crisfield, Pocomoke City, Berlin and Ocean City going on "fast time" over the week-end.  

In Ocean City, Robert L. Cropper, president of the Chamber Of Commerce, said he would continue to oppose the change.

March, 1894
(Peninsula Enterprise- Accomac Court House)

(Ad)

I am now prepared to offer the latest style in footwear, comprising a large line of Ladies' Dongola Button Boots and Bluchers, prices from $2 to $4.  Large buttons and latest styles. Gents' in Russet and Patent Leather made over the latest improved lasts.  Call on me when in Pocomoke and be convinced that I am the leader in style and prices. H.W.CALLAHAN, Next door to I.H. Merrill's.  Pocomoke City, Md. 


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!

COAST GUARD MEDEVACS MAN, 27, FROM FISHING BOAT OFF VIRGINIA COAST

PORTSMOUTH, Va. — The Coast Guard medevaced a 27-year-old crewmember Saturday from a fishing boat approximately 40 miles east of Chincoteague.

The master of the fishing boat Kirsten Lee contacted Coast Guard Sector Hampton Roads watchstanders at 11:15 a.m. Saturday stating a crewmember was suffering from chest pain and needed medical attention.

Sector watchstanders launched a crew aboard an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter from Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City, North Carolina, to assist.

The helicopter crew arrived on scene at approximately 1:40 p.m. hoisted the man and took him Peninsula Regional Medical Center in Salisbury, Maryland.

WATCH VIDEO

2nd Annual Pet Parade

Body of Trucker In CBBT Accident Recovered

Around 9 a.m. Saturday morning divers recovered the body of a tractor trailer driver whose rig ran off the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel Thursday morning (May 15, 2014). 

Weather had prevented dive teams from recovering the body.  The driver of the truck was 45-year-old Daawund  Z. Hakim  of Chesapeake, Virginia.  

Mr. Hakim was employed as a contract driver by Big Daddy Drayage and was carrying wooden tomato stakes at the time of the accident.

4th Friday Art Stroll ~ Downtown Pocomoke City

Ocean Pines Man Sentenced For Heroin Distribution

(May 16, 2014) The Ocean Pines rapper known as “Hott Spitter” was sentenced May 2, to four years in prison, with all but one suspended for distribution of heroin.

After Brian Jones Sr., 36, pleaded guilty Jan. 9 to that charge in Circuit Court in Snow Hill, Judge Thomas C. Groton III ordered a pre-sentence investigation.

Judge Groton permitted Jones to remain out of jail on bond to care for his wife, who was in the courtroom in a wheelchair the day he pleaded guilty to the drug offense.

Jones, his defense attorney had said, was the sole caretaker for his wife, Jennifer, who was unable to get out of bed unassisted and needed help with essential needs such as bathing and dressing. Unable to eat, the woman, who weighed less than 100 pounds was fed through a feeding tube.

Less than three weeks later, Jennifer Melvin, 29, died at Atlantic General Hospital.

In court May 2, Jones thanked Judge Groton for allowing him to be with his wife “for her last 20 days on earth.”

Jones had been the target of an investigation into drug distribution by the Criminal Enforcement Team of the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office. A detective obtained his cell phone number, called and left a message. Jones called the detective and agreed to sell him eight bundles of heroin, with each bundle containing 12 to 13 bags of the drug, for $1,040.

The two met in a store parking lot in Ocean Pines on May 30, 2013. Jones was driven there by a 29-year-old woman who, according to court information, shares his address in Ocean Pines. Jones left that vehicle, got into the detective’s vehicle and handed him a black hat. Inside the hat were the bags of heroin.

The detective gave Jones money for the heroin and the two parted ways. As Jones returned to his residence in the area known as Sherwood Forest in South South Ocean Pines, other detectives followed him.

Jones was charged with distribution of heroin, two counts of possession of heroin with the intent to distribute it, conspiracy to distribute heroin, conspiracy to possession heroin with the intent to distribute it, two counts of possession of heroin and conspiracy to possess heroin.

In exchange for his guilty plea to the first charge, the other charges against him were not prosecuted.

In court last Friday, Jones’ defense attorney, Edward Richitelli, said Jones had become addicted to drugs following a 2006 accident when he was struck by a vehicle while riding a bike and suffered a head injury. He was prescribed oxycodone and then oxycontin for pain. He had traded marijuana for heroin with a female friend, who “got jammed up with police and turned them on to my client,” Richitelli said. That started the investigation that led to his arrest.

Assistant State’s Attorney Ajene Turnbull said the sentencing guidelines for Jones, who had no criminal record, were six months to three years incarceration. Judge Groton, however, meted out a harsher sentence of four years, although three years were suspended, to be followed by two years of supervised probation.


“This is not an unusual case,” Judge Groton said of the circumstances of a person who is prescribed painkillers and moves on to heroin.

Read More

TIME MACHINE ... This Sunday's Preview

1977.. Strawberries bringing unbelievable high prices at Princess Anne auction block; 1964.. Pocomoke Jaycees are hosting state golf tournament; 1901.. Herring being caught by the thousands  in creek near Snow Hill;  1922.. Pocomoke City resident was prominent Civil War veteran; 1947..  Five more lower shore towns will go on Daylight Savings Time; 1894.. Latest footware fashion in Pocomoke City is at H.W. Callahan.

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!

2014 Armed Forces Day

Delmarva Discovery Center ~ SUMMER CAMPS

Tonya S. Bundick Arraigned On 62 Counts of Arson

In Accomack Circuit Court Friday morning, Tonya S. Bundick was arraigned on 62 counts of arson from her grand jury indictment on December 2, 2013. 

Arraignment for count 52 was read separately and formally because it will be the subject of the first of 62 separate trials scheduled to start on July 14. The property in this case is owned by Mr. Richard Hall and located near Keller on Pungoteague road.

Bundick, who is still being held in the Eastern shore regional jail, was offered the choice of a trial by jury or by the judge. She chose the jury trial pleading not guilty to not only count 52 but all 61 other counts. 

Judge Tyler explained his position on venue change to Virginia Beach stating that so many people in Accomack County were affected by these fires that he felt it would be difficult to seat jurors who had not been affected.

 Both the Commonwealth attorney Gary Agar and defense attorney Allen Zaleski agreed that there would be a separate hearing on June 10, 2014 to hear any and all pretrial motions. This hearing will be in Accomack County Circuit Court.

Source:

21st Annual "Drums On the Pocomoke" ~ Saturday and Sunday

DON'T MISS THIS!!

Delegate Mike McDermott Private Pension Editorial

“Do as I say, not as I do”

-The O’Malley-Brown message to Private Pension Retirees

by Delegate Mike McDermott

I’m sure that I am not the only one who finds irony in the O’Malley-Brown administration heralding a new “Task Force” to help protect private sector retirement money.  This should send chills down the spine of the private sector. It reminds of when President Ronald Reagan said, "The nine most terrifying words in the English language are: 'I'm from the government and I'm here to help.'"

Perhaps the first “Task Force” we should have is one that would study how the State of Maryland plans to repay the $1.3 billion dollars that they are taking from the teacher’s pensions over the next five years. It would also be nice for this group to study how Maryland plans to cover a $37.5 billion dollar unfunded pension/benefit liability in the years to come.

Quite frankly, it’s terrifying to think that Lt. Governor Brown is involved in this at any level following his dismal management of Maryland’s version of Obamacare. One might expect that the prudent choice would be someone from the private sector to head up this brain trust, but that’s just not the way things shake out in Annapolis. So they dust the cobwebs off former Lt. Governor Kathleen Kennedy-Townsend and trot her out for a spin. These decisions do not engender “optimism”.

Well, here are some simple things this administration, and those that follow, can do to “help” the private sector when it comes to them saving for retirement:

·     ⇨    Reduce the tax burden on our corporations and businesses. Good things happen when companies retain greater earnings: they expand; and they invest in their people. A prosperous, growing company can be an employee’s best answer to a secure retirement.

·    ⇨     Let Marylanders keep more of their own money. Cut income taxes across the board by 10% and allow them to invest in their own futures. Families with increased discretionary income can better prepare for the future needs of their children as well as their latter years.

·   ⇨       Provide direct incentives to companies who create matching fund retirement accounts of up to a 5% match of the employee’s contribution.

·   ⇨      Exempt all contributions to an individual’s retirement account from ever being subject to Maryland taxes, including the capital gains associated with the investment account.

·   ⇨      Eliminate all inheritance taxes and estate taxes.  

All in all, we just need Maryland to become a more business friendly state. A robust economy is an elixir for many ills and future retirement needs. We would also do ourselves a favor by exempting retirement income from the State income tax. This would allow our seniors to age in place and would make Maryland a friendlier climate for many retirees looking for a favorable place to park their money.

All of these things have been recommended by the Republican’s in the General Assembly. Many bills have been introduced that would accomplish much of what I have proposed, yet little meaningful action is taken by the Democratic leadership to address these challenges.

If we are going to do something to help private sector retirees we must lead by example; and the model we are displaying is a choice between piracy and passing the buck. Beware private pensioners!…I see the dome of the capitol on the horizon and she has hoisted the Jolly Roger!!!

ECI Inmates Train Future Service Dogs For Wounded Vets

Photo WMDT

WESTOVER, Md. - Speak, leash, push, rest and under -- not the typical commands to teach your dog.

But puppies at Eastern Correctional Institute in Westover, Md. have a higher calling. Taking the meaning of man's best friend to a whole new level, they're training to be future service dogs for disabled veterans, at the hands of prisoners.

"We're able to train dogs for our needy veterans in much quicker time than if they were raised outside a correctional facility. Why? Because we're structured, disciplined," ECI Warden Kathleen Green said.

Through America's VetDogs program, inmates train the dogs to turn off light switches, open and close doors, and move around wheelchairs and crutches. The dogs come to prison as puppies. They're taught tricks that are specially designed to help wounded warriors in everyday life.

Eastern Correctional Institute Inmate Shane Pardoe has been training Argus, a black Labrador, for the past 10 months.

"You feel productive in an environment where that's hard to achieve. I think the experience we all have is that we're capable of a lot more, and we're capable of doing good even under the worst circumstances. It just means the world to be able to give back in some kind of way. Especially since we all owe a debt to society for our crimes and the victims involved," he said.

Gary Miller is a Vietnam war veteran. His pup, Galaxie has given him the opportunity to serve his country once again.

"When I came into the program, I was still resentful of a lot of things. I've been in prison a long time. He's changed me – made me more mellow, more easy to get along with, easier to talk to people too because I talk to him all the time. He's even got me to a point where I want to get back in shape so I can raise more like him," he said.

Giving inmates a sense of purpose and wounded veterans a renewed sense of independence.

But the only way for these dogs to graduate from prison to the home of a deserving veteran, they need your help. The program is looking for volunteers to take the puppies home on weekends, exposing them to the outside world.

For more information on being a weekend puppy raiser, call 410-845-4091. To learn more about the America's VetDogs program, visit www.VetDogs.org.

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Tonya Bundick To Be Arraigned On Arson Charges Friday

Tonya Bundick will be back in court Friday morning. There is an arraignment hearing on 62 charges of arson stemming from last years arson spree. 

Bundick will go to court in Virginia Beach on July 14 to face the first of those 62 charges. Whether or not the number of actual trials goes to 62 remains to be seen. The only witness that implicates Bundick in the other arson cases is Charles R. Smith III who confessed to these offenses in 2013. 

Meanwhile Bundick still has to face sentencing on one charge of arson and one of aiding an arson case. She copped an Alford Plea at an earlier trial in Virginia Beach on these charges. 

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Delmarva Discovery Center This Weekend

  Sunday - 5/18 - International Museum Day - FREE admission to the museum 1 pm - 4 pm

Sale Of Knives and Laser Pointers To Be Banned In Ocean City

OCEAN CITY – The Mayor and City Council voted to ban the sale of “assisted opening knives” and laser pointers in Ocean City with both most likely being passed by an emergency ordinance next Monday to become effective immediately.

On Tuesday afternoon, Ocean City Police Department Chief Ross Buzzuro and Lt. Mark Pacini requested the Mayor and City Council move an amendment to Chapter 58, Sections 121 and 123, of the town code to add the definition and prohibition of “assisted opening knife.”

This change would go along with Maryland State Law that states a person may not sell, barter, display, or offer to sell or barter a switchblade or shooting knife. Ocean City plans to take it one step further by banning “assisted opening knives.”

State law defines a switchblade or shooting knife as “a knife or a penknife having a blade that opens automatically by hand pressure applied to a button, spring or other device in the handle of the knife, commonly called a switchblade knife or a switchblade penknife, or a device that is designed to propel a knife from a metal sheath by means of a high-compression ejector spring, commonly called a shooting knife.”

A person who violates this state law is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 12 months or a fine of not less than $50 and not exceeding $500 or both.

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Farmer's & Flea Market - OPEN Friday and Saturday

Farmer's & Flea Market

Downtown Pocomoke City

Fridays and Saturdays

7:00 am both days

Free to vendors!

For more info call - 410-957-1333