Surf dog helps special needs kids fetch waves!

VIDEO: SURF DOG RICOCHET HELPS SPECIAL NEEDS KIDS FETCH WAVES:  As 2010 comes to a close, this video montage shows Ricochet's year of working with special needs kids, and people with disabilities in a non "traditional" SURFice dog kind of way! She thanks all the kids, people and organizations for allowing her to be part of their lives
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dVfgB08Hx_Q

$9000+ TOY DRIVE UPDATE:  Donations to Ricochet's Surfin' Santa Paws Toy drive continued to come in, even after delivery on December 22nd.  Final totals ended with $9045 in donations, and more than 3400 toys delivered to kids at Rady Children's Hospital, and to Helen Woodward Animal Center's dogs, cats, horses, rabbits, and birds... yes, Ricochet stopped chasing birds long enough to give them toys!  Ricochet sincerely thanks everyone for their donations and involvement... so do the animals, as you can see in this video... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yhwoIfrB1eo  

$5000 WHEELCHAIR DONATION:  Ricochet presented Tamandra Michaels, a woman with spina bifida a brand new $5000 wheelchair donated by the TiLite Wheelchair company (http://www.TiLite.com).  Tamandra had been using a very dangerous chair she kept falling out of.  In fact, Ricochet used her old chair during toy delivery (Ricochet injured her foot a few days prior), and she fell out of it twice! Ricochet is very grateful to TiLIte for donating this amazing new chair!

Ricochet wishes everyone a healthy, prosperous, and happy New Year!!  For more info on the toy drive, the kids, people and organizations she works with, please visit http://www.SurfDogRicochet.com

State's Attorney, Joel Todd, Bids Farewell

SNOW HILL – Departing Worcester County State’s Attorney Joel Todd paid a surprise visit to the Worcester County Commissioners on Tuesday.

Todd, who recently lost his bid for re-election to Beau Ogelsby by a slim margin, took the opportunity to say his farewells to the commissioners he has worked with during his multiple terms as the county’s top prosecutor. He also thanked them for the level of effort they had put into running the county.

“I know I’ve said it before but it bears repeating,” stated Todd. “I’ve always been impressed with the quality of government in this county.”

Todd then commented on the growth of the commission over the last decade or so. Todd mentioned that when he took office the commission was not diverse ethnically or in terms of gender, but things were different now.

“The makeup (of the commission) has changed and I think it’s for the better,” Todd said. “I hope one day Washington looks at Worcester County…that they take a page out of your book.”

Todd said he believes the commissioners were “always interested in the greater good” for the county.

Todd also passed along a few departing requests. He asked the commissioners to consider granting county employees a raise as soon as they could in such a weak economy.

Beyond that, Todd encouraged the commissioners to supply as much funding as possible to Diakonia.

“It’s more than just a homeless shelter,” said Todd.

Each commissioner took a moment to thank Todd for his service. Many had known Todd for years and reminisced about the past.

“I’ve known him a long time…good people, good family,” said Commissioner Madison Bunting.

“I guess I remember Joel more for the bagpipe thing,” admitted Commissioner Virgil Shockley, referring to the first time he’d met Todd, playing bagpipes at a funeral.

Shockley joked, “I always thought it took a real man to wear a quilt.”

County Attorney and former commissioner Sonny Bloxom was one of the last to speak. He cited his unique experience with Todd, both as a member of the bar and as a commissioner.

“Joel raised professionalism and expertise to an all-time high [in his office],” Bloxom said.
www.mdcoastdispatch.com

Will It Start In The Morning?

When you think you have it bad it doesn't take much looking to see that some of the worst days of our lives are merely everyday occurrences to a lot of people.

When I started looking at these pictures it was hard for me to stop so below is a collage of various vehicles stuck in a little snow.

Which one do you think will start in the morning?

^^^I can tell you with 100% certainty that this one ^^^^ will not start in the morning.^^^ 

Not Even ONE Deputy On Duty??

As I was making my rounds today helping people out and enjoying the drive in the snow I came across a vehicle that was blocking a side road and not one soul was around.

Well I don't know about anyone else but when I find a vehicle that has been abandon right smack-dab in the middle of a roadway I wonder, did this vehicle breakdown and the occupants try to walk somewhere in this weather? If they did, did they make it to their destination?

Being where this vehicle was abandon and the conditions I called the Somerset County Sheriffs Department and guess what? The SCSO dispatch said that they had NO ONE ON DUTY. HUH?? That's right the SCSO had not one officer on duty while under the state of emergency.

This is not hearsay or second hand information, this came directly from the SCSO dispatcher on duty.I was told to call the MSP for assistance.

Snow Storm of 12/26/2010

While I was out and about today my son snapped a few pictures of the whiteout conditions that occurred at different times and places during my travels.

 If you notice in the picture below you can barely see the hood of my truck

By 3:00 PM 11 Inches of Snow Or More Have Fallen

BELLE HAVEN -- Unofficial totals show 11 inches of snow have fallen in the mid-Va. Shore area by 3 p.m. Sunday.

As much as 14 inches are expected.

The winter storm warning for Northampton and Accomack counties expires at 5 a.m. Monday.

www.delmarvanow.com

Blizzard conditions have just been announced. Please use good judgement and good sense and stay where you are. The police and emergency people are having a rough time out in this weather. Don't jeopardise your life or theirs!

Heavy Snowing To Continue

The heavy snow that started early Sunday morning continues to fall as it begins to pile up.

As of noon, almost 6 inches had fallen and we may see as much as 4 to6 inches more before it all ends overnight.

VDOT is working the main roads including Rt. 13, The Chincoteague Road and the roads leading into the main towns on the Eastern Shore.

The back roads however are unplowed and increasing winds this afternoon and evening as the low pressure moves past could result in serious drifting before morning.

Therefore Winter Storm Warnings remain in effect until 5 AM Monday. Church services were cancelled both Sunday and Sunday evening as motorists were advised to stay off the roads as much as possible.

The Dialysis Center in Nassawadox has closed for the day and they're advising their patients to call Monday morning at 7:30 for a treatment time. They're also asking individuals with big trucks willint to transport patients to and from the Dialysis center to call 442-4966.

Closings for Monday include Mosher Physical, both offices, Accomack Convenience Centers closed til noon, and Cardiac Rehab in Onley and Nassawadox, closed.

www.shoredailynews.com

Issued by The National Weather Service
Wakefield, VA
7:22 pm EST, Sat., Dec. 25, 2010

... WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 5 AM SUNDAY TO 5 AM EST MONDAY...

A WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 5 AM SUNDAY TO 5 AM EST MONDAY.

* AREAS AFFECTED: THE EASTERN SHORE OF VIRGINIA... AND THE LOWER MARYLAND EASTERN SHORE.

* PRECIPITATION TYPES: SNOW.

* ACCUMULATION: 8 TO 12 INCHES OF SNOW IS EXPECTED ACROSS THE WARNED AREA.

* TIMING: ACCUMULATING SNOW IS EXPECTED... MAINLY SUNDAY AND SUNDAY NIGHT. THE HEAVIEST SNOW IS EXPECTED SUNDAY... FROM LATE MORNING THROUGH THE EVENING HOURS.

* IMPACTS: HAZARDOUS TRAVEL CONDITIONS.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A WINTER STORM WARNING FOR HEAVY SNOW MEANS SEVERE WINTER WEATHER CONDITIONS ARE EXPECTED OR OCCURRING. SIGNIFICANT AMOUNTS OF SNOW ARE FORECAST THAT WILL MAKE TRAVEL DANGEROUS. ONLY TRAVEL IN AN EMERGENCY. IF YOU MUST TRAVEL... KEEP AN EXTRA FLASHLIGHT... FOOD... AND WATER IN YOUR VEHICLE IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY.

MERRY CHRISTMAS

From all us here at The PPE we wish you a very Merry Christmas

 CLICK HERE>>> For our Christmas greetings to all our readers. 

Merry Christmas

(UPDATE) 'He's Here' Track Santa VIA: NORAD

Update; Santa is here and working, check out the new screen-shot (the first below) Next stop; Baltimore Md. yippee

It's becoming to be that time of evening, fresh cookies and milk waiting for the jolly'ol feller and the little ones all snuggled in yet looking and listening for the pitter-patter of Santa's Reindeer on the rooftop hoping to sneak a peak of Saint Nick and restless while looking forward to an early morning with gifts abound.

So for the all the little ones that do happen to be awake, and for the big kids like myself lets do a little Santa tracking.

Follow THIS LINK>> to track Santa's whereabouts, see just when the Jolly'ol feller finds his way right to your house.

(Update) The Last Day Before Christmas, Christmas Is Canceled

ut-oh looks like we might have a bit of a problem

ATTENTION ALL DRIVERS!! IMPORTANT LAW CHANGE -EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2011

Don't get caught by the speed traps

If you receive a traffic citation in Maryland, a new law has changed what you are required to do in response to that citation.  The new law requires that you must:

1- Request a trial date at the date, time and place established by the District Court; or

2-Request a hearing regarding sentencing and disposition in lieu of a trial, (meaning you do not dispute the truth of the facts as alleged in the citation, but you wish to be heard regarding sentencing); or

3- Pay the full amount of the preset fine.

The law requires that you make one of these three choices and notify the District Court within 30 days of receiving the traffic citation.  (Instructions are printed on your copy of the citation.)  If not, the MD Motor Vehicle Administration will be notified and may take action to suspend your driver’s license.  

The law does not apply to traffic citations for ‘must appear’ offenses.  The Court will automatically notify you of a trial date. 

For further information, visit www.mdcourts.gov/district or call 1-800-492-2656.

NEW MARYLAND TRAFFIC TICKET PROCESS BEGINS JANUARY 1, 2011 

^^^CLICK IMAGE TO ENLARGE^^^

There’s a new law in Maryland starting Jan. 1, 2011. If you get a payable traffic ticket, you must do one of the following within 30 days...

Pay the full fine

• Pay in person at your local District Court
  
• Pay by mail – send to:
  District Court Traffic Processing Center
  P. O. Box 6676
  Annapolis, MD 21401-0676
  
• Pay online at www.paymentchek.com/MD/MarylandCourt/
  
• Pay by telephone, 1-800-492-2656

OR
Ask for a waiver hearing to plead guilty with an explanation

• Check the “Request a Waiver Hearing” box on the ticket
• Sign and date the ticket
  
• Mail the ticket to the District Court Traffic Processing Center

OR
Ask for a trial

• Check the “Request a Trial” box on the ticket
  
• Sign and date the ticket
  
• Mail the ticket to the District Court Traffic Processing Center 
 

 

If you don’t respond within 30 days, the District Court notifies the Motor Vehicle Administration to begin the driver's license suspension process.

GO HERE>> FOR MORE INFO  Then click on the links in the traffic light.