Thursday, September 1, 2011

Crews Working To Reopen Assateague


Parking Lot/February 2010

ASSATEAGUE -- Officials at Assateague Island National Seashore and Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge are scrambling to reopen Assateague beach by the holiday weekend after Hurricane Irene destroyed the parking lots, depositing up to 18 inches of sand in some places.

The storm also created a breach at least 100 yards wide just north of the parking area joining Swan's Cove with the Atlantic Ocean.

"None of the damage was minor," said Refuge Manager Lou Hinds, adding "the best-case scenario" is to have 200-300 parking spaces available this weekend.

There are usually 961 parking spaces at the beach.

Hinds said the U.S. Park Service found more damage than was first thought. The latest plan officials are considering is to rebuild whatever spaces can be put in place by the weekend, then stop until spring because the demand for parking goes down after Labor Day and there is "a high probability it would only get washed away" during winter storms, he said.

The beach remained closed to visitors during the last full week of the summer season as workers using heavy equipment attempted to rebuild as many of the parking spaces as possible before Labor Day weekend, when thousands of tourists traditionally flock to the refuge and seashore.

The refuge reopened Tuesday under a temporary arrangement that includes opening a lifeguard-protected beach two miles north of the current recreational area, which visitors can access by bicycle or on foot.

In recent years the beach parking lots at times were completely full during holiday weekends, with one vehicle being allowed onto the refuge as another left.

"We knew this day would come... It just happened the storm hit the weekend before Labor Day weekend," said Hinds, who in the past has warned local and federal officials of the need for a backup plan in case a storm wiped out beach parking during the tourist season.

The remnants of Hurricane Ida last year also destroyed the parking lots, but workers had time to rebuild them before the next summer, at a cost of $450,000.

Hinds accompanied Chincoteague Mayor Jack Tarr, Accomack County Supervisor Wanda Thornton and other Chincoteague officials on a tour to inspect the damage, as well as to see the northern beach, which he proposed to open as a temporary solution to provide beach access to visitors this week.

That area, including plans for up to 8.5 acres of parking, is also proposed as the permanent site for the recreational beach in the future in two of four alternatives listed in the refuge's Comprehensive Conservation Plan. The plan was unveiled at recent open houses at Assateague Beach and the Chincoteague Center and was the subject of two public input meetings in Melfa and Pocomoke City.

Thornton kept an upbeat attitude after viewing the damage, saying, "It isn't as bad as I anticipated -- I've seen it a whole lot worse."

She predicted the breach at Swan's Cove will fill in over time.

Thornton also said Labor Day is traditionally not as busy for the seashore as other holidays like July Fourth.

Donna Mason, owner of Waterside Inn, said while she had some cancellations from guests affected in their home areas by Irene, bookings were holding steady for the weekend.

"We're hoping for a good weekend," she said. "Just tell them Chincoteague is open for business."

The northern beach, accessible from the Swan's Cove Trail off the Wildlife Loop, will have lifeguards on duty from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., but it will have very limited facilities.

Refuge officials encourage visitors to bicycle to the refuge due to the lack of available parking.

Vehicles may enter the refuge, but can go only as far as the Herbert H. Bateman Educational and Administrative Center. Limited parking is available there, as well as at the lighthouse, which will be open normal hours, and at the wildlife loop.

In addition to destroying the parking lots, Irene left groups of Chincoteague ponies freely roaming the beach road and the Bateman Center parking lot after gates were opened ahead of the storm's arrival to allow the ponies to seek higher ground. The ponies are usually kept away from areas frequented by people.

Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company's Saltwater Cowboys at some point will round up the ponies, for the second time this summer, and return them to their customary grazing grounds. But refuge officials did not put a timetable on that effort, saying they are sensitive to the extra work volunteer fire and rescue personnel put in before, during and after the storm.

In the meantime, drivers should proceed cautiously to avoid harming ponies they encounter in the road or parking lots. Visitors should not approach the wild ponies.

Entrance fees to the refuge were waived this week during the recovery effort. The refuge is open during reduced daylight hours, 7 a.m.-8 p.m., with tentative plans to resume normal hours Friday.

Source;  http://www.delmarvanow.com/article/20110831/NEWS01/108310377/Crews-hurry-reopen-Assateague?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|frontpage

Nursing Director Faces Drug Fraud Charges

PRINCESS ANNE -- The nursing director at Manokin Manor Nursing & Rehabilitation Center has been charged with forging a prescription for oxycodone and trying to get it filled at a local pharmacy.

Pamela Brittingham Quillen, 39, of Jones Road in Pocomoke City, was arrested Aug. 24 by Maryland State Police, according to District Court records.

She was released the same day on $5,000 bond.

Quillen is accused of forging the signatures of Vincent Lewis, a physician's assistant who works at the nursing home, and Dr. Vel Natesan, a Salisbury internist, according to court documents.

The prescription was taken to Karemore Pharmacy in Princess Anne where a staff member contacted Natesan's office to verify it.

After a copy of the prescription was faxed to the doctor's office, Natesan and Lewis confirmed the signature was a forgery, police said.

Natesan's office manager then contacted state police.

State police obtained a surveillance video from the store and showed it to the nursing home's administrator, Bonnie Stone, who identified Quillen, according to court records.

The time on the tape, about 11 a.m. Aug. 22, coincided with a time when Quillen left work to run errands, police said.

A trial date has been set for Oct. 14 in District Court in Princess Anne.

Source;  http://www.delmarvanow.com/article/20110831/NEWS01/108310382/Nursing-director-faces-drug-fraud-charges

Sanford, Virginia Area/ Tall Pines Harbour Campground

Sanford, Virginia Area
 After Hurricane Irene
August 27, 2011


Flooded side streets and roads
A few trees toppled and lots of limbs.

The road running through Sanford leading to Saxis, Va. was blocked for a period of time.

The fact that there was water in the road didn't stop alot of drivers.

Quite frankly, we have experienced nor'easters (that have gotten no attention at all) much worse than Hurrican Irene.

Campers were evacuated from the campground last week a day before Irene hit the Eastern Shore.

Saturday night the main road leading to the entrance was covered in water.  By Sunday afternoon the roads were nearly clear.
The owners of Tall Pines Harbour Campground, along with volunteers have worked with great speed this week to clear the campground of debris and to ready it for the long weekend.

The campground  is open and WILL be open for the Labor Day Holiday weekend.

TIME MACHINE Preview ... When The Pocomoke Fire Siren Sounded For A Really Unusual Reason, Description Of Area Towns In 1800, 1950's Music Concerns!

After bowing out last weekend for Hurricane Irene the TIME MACHINE returns this Sunday.

Once long ago authorities sounded the Pocomoke City fire siren loud and long but you'll never guess why, and it accomplished its most unusual purpose!

A look at some local towns as they existed in 1800... and from ACROSS THE USA criticism abounds about the music teenagers are listening to in the 1950's!

It's this Sunday on 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. Your name won't be used unless you ask that it be. Send to tkforppe@yahoo.com and watch for it on a future TIME MACHINE posting!

Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Fall Festival In Donwtown Pocomoke

POCOMOKE CITY -- The Pocomoke City Downtown Association is in the planning stages for its annual

Fall Festival, which will include new activities, entertainment, events and fun for the entire family.

Organizers are continuing to expand the exhibitor areas for arts and crafts, and food vendors, and would like to invite vendors to attend.


The festival takes place in downtown Pocomoke City near the Delmarva Discovery Center and the historic Pocomoke River drawbridge, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Oct. 8.


Application deadline is Sept. 23. For more information and for a vendor application, call the Chamber at 410-957-1919.

Crisfield Mud Bog

MUD BOG THIS SATURDAY


Saturday September 3, 2011

This will complete the series of mudbogs scheduled to be held in Crisfield.

Remaining mudbogs will be held in Gumboro.

More info for events will be posted soon.

Pocomoke City Golf Course & Stevensons Pond

A reader sent me these photos taken in the Winter Quarters Drive area after Hurricane Irene.
#3 Fairway

When you can't get to the beach
3rd Tee and 2nd Green
1st Green
Cart Barn and Log Cabin
Boardwalk under water at Stevensons Pond

I'm not a golfer but I believe I would call the club house before I ventured over to play a round of golf.

Thanks Jenny!

Shore Beef and BBQ

WEDNESDAY LUNCH SPECIAL


Pulled BBQ chicken sandwhich
w/side order and drink
$7.50

Check out the other sandwich selections on the menu!

Route 13 South
T's Corner

Waterman Shocked From Downed Power Line

SMITH ISLAND, Md. —AP- Low-hanging power lines from Hurricane Irene shocked a waterman on Smith Island and forced power to the Chesapeake Bay island to be shut off after the storm.


The Rev. Rick Edmund, who lives on the island, said Tuesday that one of his parishioners, Buddy Evans, was pulling a cart of soft shell crabs Sunday morning when a power line touched his shoulder.


Edmund says Evans was unconscious at first but made it to his house. His wife called rescuers on the island who provided first aid. Evans sustained severe burns to his hand and shoulder. He was flown to the Washington Hospital Center for treatment and is in good condition.


The power was shut off for eight hours Sunday.


Edmund says there was only minor hurricane damage at Smith Island.

Source;  http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/waterman-shocked-on-smith-island-on-morning-after-hurricane-due-to-downed-power-line/2011/08/30/gIQAHXYAqJ_story.html

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Florida sued for ticketing motorists who warn others of speed traps

Florida is facing a class-action lawsuit from drivers who have been ticketed for attempting to warn other motorists of hidden speed traps. According to WTSP 10 News, Eric Campbell was recently cited for just that, despite the fact that there is no law against using one's headlights to communicate with other drivers. The officer who ticketed Campbell used Florida State Statute 316.2397, even though the courts ruled that the police were wrongfully applying the law to crack down on vehicle-to-vehicle communication in 2005. Now Campbell wants his $100 ticket refunded and $15,000 in damages.

Since 2005, over 10,429 drivers have been cited for flashing their high beams, and if Campbell wins his case, Florida could be facing over $1 million in ticket refunds. But that's nothing compared to the $156.4 million the state could have to pay out if each driver is awarded $15,000 each. Hit the jump to take a look at news report on the lawsuit.



Source: WTSP.com

Australia has a real leader

I’m ready to move to Australia.

Facts:
1.  She is a leader.
2.  She has more balls than you know who.
3.  She is not trying to destroy her country from within.


Subject: She did it again!
Australia says NO -- Second Time she has done this!
She sure isn't backing down on her hard line stance and one has to appreciate her belief in the rights of her native countrymen.
A breath of fresh air to see someone lead.
I wish OUR leaders would step up in Canada & USA ..
Australian Prime Minister does it again!!
The whole world needs a leader like this!

Prime Minister Julia Gillard - Australia
Muslims who want to live under Islamic Sharia law were told on Wednesday to get out of Australia , as the government targeted radicals in a bid to head off potential terror attacks.
Separately, Gillard angered some Australian Muslims on Wednesday by saying she supported spy agencies monitoring the nation's mosques. Quote:
'IMMIGRANTS, NOT AUSTRALIANS, MUST ADAPT... Take It Or Leave It. I am tired of this nation worrying about whether we are offending some individual or their culture. Since the terrorist attacks on Bali , we have experienced a surge in patriotism by the majority of Australians.'
'This culture has been developed over two centuries of struggles, trials and victories by millions of men and women who have sought freedom.'
'We speak mainly ENGLISH, not Spanish, Lebanese, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Russian, or any other language. Therefore, if you wish to become part of our society, learn the language!'
'Most Australians believe in God. This is not some Christian, right wing, political push, but a fact, because Christian men and women, on Christian principles, founded this nation, and this is clearly documented. It is certainly appropriate to display it on the walls of our schools. If God offends you, then I suggest you consider another part of the world as your new home, because God is part of our culture.'
'We will accept your beliefs, and will not question why. All we ask is that you accept ours, and live in harmony and peaceful enjoyment with us.'
'This is OUR COUNTRY, OUR LAND, and OUR LIFESTYLE, and we will allow you every opportunity to enjoy all this. But once you are done complaining, whining, and griping about Our Flag, Our Pledge, Our Christian beliefs, or Our Way of Life, I highly encourage you take advantage of one other great Australian freedom, 'THE RIGHT TO LEAVE'.'
'If you aren't happy here then LEAVE. We didn't force you to come here. You asked to be here. So accept the country YOU accepted.'
NOTE: IF we circulate this amongst ourselves in Canada & USA , WE will find the courage to start speaking and voicing the same truths.
If you agree please SEND THIS ON and ON, to as many people as you know...

Hat Tip; Kack

Pocomoke Cypress Park and Hurricane Irene

Pocomoke Cypress Park
Sunday, August 28, 2011
After Hurricane Irene
After The Storm

The largest tree closest to the American Flag lost some branches and its very top cracked and fell.
I love this tree.  My family used this tree many times as the "wait for me there" tree. Or "go no farther than" tree.  I hope it lives.
Many of us have seen Cypress Park like this quite a few times. 

Many years ago when Feldman's Furniture was in business there were a few times when warehouse merchandise had to be taken to the second floor.  During that same time of flooding water would run into the backyard of what was once known the Simon Helig home.  Water would also  cover the tennis courts.
Many people were left without electricity due to hurricane Irene, including a few businesses downtown.  City Hall operated on Monday with a partial staff and is in full operation today along with the other stores and businesses. 

The Delmarva Discovery Center is OPEN today but has no phone service.

And I imagine the water in the park is almost gone..........

Pocomoke Fire Department Called To Assist Pocomoke City Public Works

On August 27, 2011 at 6:17 PM the Pocomoke City Volunteer Fire Company was called to assist Pocomoke City Public works with a tree on a residence. 

 As a result of the high winds and heavy rains caused by Hurricane Irene at the time a  large tree in the yard of a residence on 10th Street split into two sections causing one half to fall onto the home while the other section blocked 10th Street.

According to Chief Dick Gladding the residents were home at the time and stated that they heard a  loud POP!

No in the home was injured but could not stay in the home due to safety reasons.

Chincoteatgue To Collect Storm Debis Left From Storm....

Photo/Shoredailynews
The Town of Chincoteague has announced it will be collecting debris left from Hurricane Irene until September 9.

In order to have debris picked up, please place it at curbside, brush must be separated from other types of debris, brush shouldn't be any longer than 8 feet and no larger than 6 inches in diameter, debris should not include hazardous materials.

Please call the Town Office to ensure your debris will be collected at 336-6519.

Hurricane Irene Gives A Preview

Hurricane Irene decides to introduce herself by stirring up her winds causing a large tree to fall onto power lines on Cedar Steet  causing the lines to arc.

The Pocomoke City Volunteer Fire Company responded to the call on Saturday, August 27, 2011 at 11:29 AM.




Hoping the rest of the day into the evening and all night long was uneventful and everyone remained safe.

Just In Time For The Holiday Weekend!

Monday, August 29, 2011

Gaddafi Family Nanny Describes Physical Abuse At Son's Seaside Condo (GRAPHIC VIDEO)







With its panoramic views and opulent furniture, the seaside home of Hannibal Gaddafi more closely resembles a luxury resort than a private residence. But a closer inspection of the home following Libyan rebels' ransacking has now revealed some of the unspeakable horrors to have allegedly taken place on its premises -- even among those trusted to take care of the colonel's grandchildren.
As CNN is reporting, Shweyga Mullah, an Ethiopian woman who'd been working as a nanny to Hannibal's two children, claims she suffered brutal abuse at the hands of Hannibal's wife, Aline.
"She took me to a bathroom and tied my hands behind my back, and tied my feet," the 30-year-old Mullah told CNN, before describing having been scalded after she refused to beat Hannibal's young son when he wouldn't stop crying. "She tied my mouth...and she started pouring the boiling water on my head like this."
Mullah, whose wounds appeared to be in desperate need of medical attention, said she was never paid for her work. "I worked for a whole year; they didn't give me one penny," she noted. "She said, 'No money for you. You just work.'"
Watch CNN's interview with Shweyga Mullah below (WARNING: contains graphic imagery):



VIA: Huffpost

President Obama's uncle, arrested

Onyango Obama, Uncle Of President, Arrested For Drunk Driving


Onyango Obama, President Obama's uncle, was arrested on August 24 in Massachusetts for allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol, CBS News reports.
According to CNN, Onyango Obama was arrested in Framingham, a Boston suburb, after not stopping his SUV at an intersection.
The Metro West Daily News reports that he had a blood alcohol level of .14 when tested with a Breathalyzer at the police station. The legal limit in Massachusetts is .08, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
From the Associated Press:

Police said that when asked if he wanted to make a phone call, Obama said: "I think I will call the White House." A spokesman for Cleveland immigration attorney Margaret Wong, who is representing him, confirmed that the 67-year-old is the president's uncle.
...
Police say the president's uncle is originally from Kenya and is being held without bail on a detainer from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Wong was one of the attorneys who represented Zeituni Onyango, President Obama's aunt, who last year was granted political asylum after spending ten years as an undocumented immigrant in Boston.
The White House did not respond to a request for comment from The Boston Herald, the paper reports.

VIA: Huffpost

Hurricane Irene: How You Can Help

The aftermath of Hurricane Irene has caused flooding, power outages and damage along the eastern seaboard. Many disaster relief and recovery organizations are launching their response recovery efforts. Please consider making a donation to one of the organizations below. Make sure to designate your gift to the appropriate fund specified for each organization below.

CLICK HERE>>

Chincoteague ponies safe after Hurricane Irene tears past





CHINCOTEAGUE, Va. (AP) -- The Chincoteague ponies are safe after Hurricane Irene tore past their island.
Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company spokeswoman Denise Bowden said Sunday that the herd of wild horses owned by the fire company since the 1920s made it through the storm without any nicks or scratches.
The company owns more than 100 of the wild ponies that graze on nearby Assateague Island. The ponies made famous by the novel "Misty of Chincoteague" and a subsequent movie are now visited by hundreds of thousands of people a year.

READ MORE: @ rrstar.com

Boys Will Be Boys

Some just love our country more than others.

Hat Tip; Eric

Obama Wants To Imprison Christians

Sunday, August 28, 2011

Sea Foam in Ocean City,MD - Hurricane Irene

Goodnight Irene

TIME MACHINE ...


Anticipating Hurricane Irene material will be of most interest, the TIME MACHINE items that were scheduled to be posted today have been rescheduled for next Sunday.

Growing up in Pocomoke City in the 1950's Hurricane Hazel in 1954 stands out as the storm I most remember.

Stay safe everyone!



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. Your name won't be used unless you ask that it be. Send to tkforppe@yahoo.com and watch for it on a future TIME MACHINE posting!

Dear Miss Hurrican Irene.....

Dear Miss Hurricane Irene,
I have been miserable all day because of you.  Everytime I go out to use the bathroom I get my paws wet and there has been no time to play with my new friend Sprout.

We argued over a toy and our mommy took it away from us because we pulled the stuffing out and made the living room look like it had snowed.  I hope mom takes us to that store for smart pets tomorrow for a new one.

 My mommy says you will be gone in the morning. But for now you are scaring our mommy so would you please go away now. 

I have to go because i'm too young to be on the computer.  But this is what i think of  you.
Miss Lady in the city

Saturday, August 27, 2011

UPDATE: Coverage on Hurricane Irene


UPDATE: Coverage of Hurricane Irene
If you have to go out (which is HIGHLY not recommended) you can have up to the minute updates on The Pocomoke Public Eye and on WGOP 540AM and 100.7 FM. Our Primary Station, Bay Country 97.9FM has lost power to the transmitter because of the storm. But you can still tune in because "Travis in the Morning" will still have updates for you on WGOP, checking in with AccuWeather.com for updates on Hurricane Irene. You can find a list of closings at our website, easternshoremedia.net. As soon as we can get Bay Country back on, I will be live with updates on there as well. Stay safe throughout the storm, And I will have updates on here for you as well as on your radio dial at WGOP 540AM/100.7FM!

National Guard Arrives At Onancock Armory

Several units of the Virginia National Guard arrived Friday night at the Onancock Armory.

The guard units, escorted by the Virginia State Police came to prepare to assist local residents in the aftermath of Hurricane Irene.

shoredailynews.com

Use Patience Today..........

This was the scene Friday morning at the Food Lion and SK Nails  at T's Corner in Oak Hall, Va.

Shoppers doing their normal Friday shopping chore and shoppers stocking up for the storm led to what looked to be a food shopping frenzy!

Within a few short hours Hurrican Irene will be on our doorsteps. So PLEASE people as you go out today to do any shopping remember this:

Be kind to those waiting on you whether it be behind the deli counter or the check out. Many of these people have been working etra hours to accomadate all of us.

Take into consideration also that these people have families of their own that may need to be taken care of along with making last minute preparations in their own homes before this horrible storm lands in our laps.

Take it easy on the roads. Every driver out there today plans to return home to a family just as you do.

And don't get too upset if the selections you want or if what you need isn't there. Batteries, flashlights and storm necessities are scarce.

Use patience and be safe.