Sunday, February 3, 2013

Legislative Updates By Mike McDermott



Observations and Reflections on Legislative Activities

Feb. 2nd, 2013
What the O’Malley-Brown Gun Bill Does
By Delegate Mike McDermott
 
 
The following breakdown is, by no means, exhaustive as it relates to the intricacies of this large document. I have attempted to break down the basic elements in the bill, and, at times, contrast the provisions with current law. There are a multitude of issues that arise from the proposed legislation which will be the subject of debate. Some reflection and modification of current law is in order, particularly as it relates to mental health issues. I also believe some attention needs to be paid to the issue of Criminal Background Checks. I will keep you posted on any proposed changes. A complete list of current firearm bills that have been proposed can be found on the MGA website.
Here is the O’Malley-Brown Gun Bill breakdown:
  • Defines all Regulated Firearms currently listed as “Assault Weapons” as “Assault Long Guns”.
  • Defines “Assault Weapon” as an “Assault Long Gun”; an “Assault Pistol”; or a “Copycat Weapon”.
  • Defines a “Copycat Weapon” as “a semi-automatic centerfire rifle that accepts a detachable magazine”…along with any one of a long list of features.

So, the bill consolidates all of these types of firearms under the heading “Assault Weapon”.
  • “Copycat Weapon” is an “Assault Weapon; “Assault Long Gun” is an “Assault Weapon”; “Assault Pistol” is an “Assault Weapon”…yet a “Copycat Weapon” does not include an “Assault an Assault Long Gun” or an “Assault Pistol”???

The bill bans all “Assault Weapons” from being possessed or brought into the State of Maryland.  There are some exceptions to the ban:
  • Assault Pistols possessed and registered prior to June 1, 1994
  • A Licensed Firearms Dealer can continue to possess/sell/transfer an “Assault Long Gun” or a “Copycat Weapon” lawfully possessed on or before 10-1-2013. (Note: it seems that “Assault Pistols” are not included)
  • An individual gun owner who lawfully possessed an “Assault Long Gun” or a “Copycat Weapon” before 10-1-2013 and registers the weapon with the State Police prior to 11-1-2013 may continue to possess said weapon.

(Note: Exceptions remain for tubular fed rifles in .22 caliber)

The bill limits all magazine capacities for any firearm to 10-rounds.
(Note: current law allows restricts to 10-rounds for a handgun/20-rounds for a rifle)

The bill adjusts the penalties and expands the definition for utilizing an “Assault Weapon” and/or magazines of greater than 10-rounds in the commission of a crime.
(Note: Current law only addressed Assault Pistols or a magazine of over 20 rounds).

Mental Health Issues/Adjustments:
  • Those under a court ordered Involuntary Commitment must surrender any firearms in their possession if the attending physician deems it appropriate. Once surrendered, the weapons cannot be returned until the individual is granted relief through the State Health
  • Department after meeting several criteria for removing the disqualification stipulation.
  • Those who have been found “Not Criminally Responsible” are disqualified.
  • Those who have been voluntarily or involuntarily patient for 30 consecutive days or more are disqualified.
  • Those who have been declared unable to possess a firearm by a court based upon credible evidence of their dangerousness to others are disqualified.
  • Those under the protection of a guardian appointed by a court are disqualified.

In Order to Purchase a Hangun…:
  • Possess a valid Handgun Qualification License;
  • Not be prohibited by Federal or State law from possession

Creation of a “Handgun Qualification License”:
  • This will be the means through which a person becomes authorized to “purchase, rent, or receive a handgun.” In order to take possession of a handgun, the following criteria must be met:

In order to qualify for a Handgun Qualification License, the individual must:
  • Be at least 21 years of age;
  • Be a resident of Maryland;
  • Attend a state approved Firearms Safety Training Course within one-year prior to the purchase of the firearm.

The 8-Hour Firearm Safety Course must include the following elements:
Classroom instruction on:
1.      State Firearm Law;
2.      Home Firearm Safety; and
3.      Handgun Mechanisms and Operation.

  • Firearm’s Qualification demonstrating personal proficiency with the firearm.
  • Apply to the Central Repository for a National and State Criminal History Check
1.      Submit two complete sets of legible fingerprints to the FBI;
2.      Pay a fee associated with a Criminal Background Check to the state;
3.      Pay a fee associated with the FBI Background Check

  •  Pay a $100.00 non-refundable Application Fee.

(Note: The Handgun Qualification License is good for five-years and can be renewed by meeting the same standards as prescribed in the original application and paying all associated fees required).

Individuals who move into Maryland after 10-1-2013:
The bill appears to prohibit bringing any Assault Weapon into the state following the ban date. Regulated firearms that are brought into the state after this date:
  •  Must be registered with the MD State Police within 30-days after establishing residency;
  •  Must pay a non-refundable fee of $15.00 per weapon registered.





 

Super Bowl Sunday ~ Riverside Grill Pocomoke

Come watch the Super Bowl with us! Great food and drink specials all day!
 
Sunday  February 3, 2013


 -MD Crab Soup (6.99) or Hearty Vegetable Beef (5.99) w/ 1/2 deli sandwich or side salad
 -Taco Salad 6.99
 -1 Chili Cheese Dog 4.99 or 2 dogs 6.99
 -Chili Nachos 4.99
 -Wing Sampler (4 BBQ, 4 Old Bay, 4 Buffalo, 4 sweet red chili) 8.00


**Happy Hour all day w/ $1 off all appetizers and $1 or more off most drinks**

$1.50 Coors light, Bud light, and Yuengling drafts
 $2.50 Bloody Mary's and Mimosas
 $5 bombs!

Happy Super Bowl !! GO RAVENS !!!

GO RAVENS !!
PHOTO/The Virginia-Maryland Dog
 
 
Happy Super Bowl Sunday everyone!!!

  Visit  The Virginia-Maryland Dog Magazine and the Baltimore Ravens on Facebook.

Repost/Drug Investigation: A Message From Pocomoke City Police Chief Sewell

Several Month Undercover Drug Investigations Lead To Multiple Local Arrests

Over the last several months, members of the Worcester County Criminal Enforcement Team have been conducting undercover drug distribution investigations throughout Worcester County. As a result of these investigations the following individuals were apprehended and charged with the following drug offenses.

Ted Davis (Age 18) Pocomoke, Maryland
·         Distribution of crack cocaine in a School Zone – 2 Counts
·         Possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine
·         Distribution of crack cocaine – 3 Counts
·         Possession of crack cocaine – 3 Counts
Committed to the Worcester County Jail on a $100,000.00 Bond


Charles William Smith (Age 48) Pocomoke, Maryland
·         Possession with intent to distribute cocaine in a school zone
·         Distribution of cocaine
·         Possession of cocaine
Committed to the Worcester County Jail on a $500,000.00 Bond



Norman Lee Crawley (Age 36) Pocomoke, Maryland
·         Distribution of cocaine in a school zone – 2 Counts
·         Distribution of cocaine – 2 Counts
·         Possession of cocaine – 2 Counts
Committed to the Worcester County Jail on a $250,000.00 Bond


Orintha Jerome Godwin (Age 30) Pocomoke, Maryland
·         Distribution of crack cocaine – 3 Counts
·         Possession of crack cocaine – 3 Counts
Committed to the Worcester County Jail on a $250,000.00 Bond


Eric Vincent Bishop Jr. (Age 37) Pocomoke, Maryland
Distribution of crack cocaine
Distribution of cocaine
Possession of crack cocaine
Possession of cocaine
Committed to the Worcester County Jail on a $250,000.00 Bond

Jeffrey Maurice Fisher (Age 50) Snow Hill, MarylandDistribution of cocaine in a school zone – 2 Counts
Distribution of cocaine – 2 Counts
Possession of cocaine – 2 Counts
Committed to the Worcester County Jail on a $250,000.00 Bond

Donyell Antonio Ballard (Age 41) Berlin, Maryland

Distribution of crack cocaine
Possession of crack cocaine
Committed to the Worcester County Jail on a $250,000.00 Bond

Dionederick Ronshae Godwin (Age 30) Berlin, Maryland

Distribution of crack cocaine
Possession of crack cocaine
Committed to the Worcester County Jail on a $250,000.00 Bond

McKineo John Middleton (Age 26) Frankford, Delaware

Distribution of Heroin in a school zone – 2 Counts
Distribution of heroin – 2 Counts
Possession of heroin – 2 Counts
Committed to the Worcester County Jail on a $250,000.00 Bond

Christopher Lee Sturgis  (Age 26) Laurel, Delaware

Distribution of heroin
Possession of heroin
Committed to the Worcester County Jail on a $250,000.00 Bond

Shamus Montez Hall (Age 36) Pocomoke, Maryland

 Distribution of crack cocain
           Distribution of cocaine
·         Possession of crack cocaine
·         Possession of powder cocaine

During the apprehension of Mr. Hall, he was found to be in possession of approximately 3 grams of cocaine. A subsequent search and seizure warrant was executed by the Worcester County Criminal Enforcement Team at Mr. Hall’s residence in Pocomoke, Maryland at which time investigators recovered an additional 3.5 grams of crack cocaine, small quantity of heroin along with various items of paraphernalia. Mr. Hall was also charged with Possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine, Possession of crack cocaine, Possession of heroin, and Possession of paraphernalia. Mr. Hall was committed to the Worcester County Jail on a $250,000.00 Bond.

The Worcester County Criminal Enforcement Team was assisted by the Ocean City Police Department Narcotics Unit and the Pocomoke City Police Department during the course of these investigations.


**Chief Sewell of the Pocomoke City Police department stated that if the citizens of these towns can't live in peace because drug dealers want to sell drugs, then the Pocomoke City Police Department and these other law enforcement agencies  are going to continue to work together to make sure that the drug dealers don't live in peace as well.

TIME MACHINE ... 1966, 1976, 2001, 1901, 1890


(Reader-friendly viewing of newspaper archives material)

 
ACROSS THE USA

November, 1966
(Press Telegram- Long Beach, Calif.)

Pro Grid Meets On Merger

New York (AP)- A joint committee of the American and National Football Leagues went into a closed session today to work out details of their merger- particularly the Super Bowl and a common draft.

President Johnson signed into law a bill giving the merger limited immunity from antitrust laws Tuesday.

Under the merger plans the leagues will play a Super Bowl in January pitting the AFL champion against the NFL champions. The leagues will also have a common player draft and will plan a schedule of inter league, pre-season games next season.

Those were among the items the committee was scheduled to discuss today, but a league spokesmen said no announcement would be made.

NFL Commissioner Pete Rozelle will preside at the meeting. 


Super Bowl Scores

GameDateResult
XLVIFeb. 5, 2012Giants 21, Patriots 17
XLVFeb. 6, 2011Packers 31, Steelers 25
XLIVFeb. 7, 2010Saints 31 Colts 17
XLIIIFeb. 1, 2009Pittsburgh 27 Arizona 23
XLIIFeb. 3, 2008New York 17, New England 14
XLIFeb. 4, 2007Indianapolis 29, Chicago 17
XLFeb. 5, 2006Pittsburgh 21, Seattle 10
XXXIXFeb. 6, 2005New England 24, Philadelphia 21
XXXVIIIFeb. 1, 2004New England 32, Carolina 29
XXXVIIJan. 26, 2003Tampa Bay 48, Oakland 21
XXXVIFeb. 3, 2002New England 20, St. Louis 17
XXXVJan. 28, 2001Baltimore 34, N.Y. Giants 7
XXXIVJan. 30, 2000St. Louis 23, Tennessee 16
XXXIIIJan. 31, 1999Denver 34, Atlanta 19
XXXIIJan. 25, 1998Denver 31, Green Bay 24
XXXIJan. 26, 1997Green Bay 35, New England 21
XXXJan. 28, 1996Dallas 27, Pittsburgh 17
XXIXJan. 29, 1995San Francisco 49, San Diego 26
XXVIIIJan. 30, 1994Dallas 30, Buffalo 13
XXVIIJan. 31, 1993Dallas 52, Buffalo 17
XXVIJan. 26, 1992Washington 37, Buffalo 24
XXVJan. 27, 1991N.Y. Giants 20, Buffalo 19
XXIVJan. 28, 1990San Francisco 55, Denver 10
XXIIIJan. 22, 1989San Francisco 20, Cincinnati 16
XXIIJan. 31, 1988Washington 42, Denver 10
XXIJan. 25, 1987N.Y. Giants 39, Denver 20
XXJan. 26, 1986Chicago 46, New England 10
XIXJan. 20, 1985San Francisco 38, Miami 16
XVIIIJan. 22, 1984L.A. Raiders 38, Washington 9
XVIIJan. 30, 1983Washington 27, Miami 17
XVIJan. 24, 1982San Francisco 26, Cincinnati 21
XVJan. 25, 1981Oakland 27, Philadelphia 10
XIVJan. 20, 1980Pittsburgh 31, L.A. Rams 19
XIIIJan. 21, 1979Pittsburgh 35, Dallas 31
XIIJan. 15, 1978Dallas 27, Denver 10
XIJan.   9, 1977Oakland 32, Minnesota 14
XJan. 18, 1976Pittsburgh 21, Dallas 17
IXJan. 12, 1975Pittsburgh 16, Minnesota 6
VIIIJan. 13, 1974Miami 24, Minnesota 7
VIIJan. 14, 1973Miami 14, Washington 7
VIJan. 16, 1972Dallas 24, Miami 3
VJan. 17, 1971Baltimore 16, Dallas 13
IVJan. 11, 1970Kansas City 23, Minnesota 7
IIIJan. 12, 1969N.Y. Jets 16, Baltimore 7
IIJan. 14, 1968Green Bay 33, Oakland 14
IJan. 15, 1967Green Bay 35, Kansas City 10
*Source: superbowlhistory.net
 
Footnote: Longtime Salisbury resident Tom Brown played for the Green Bay Packers in the 1967 and 1968 Super Bowls.  Brown had starred at the University Of Maryland in baseball and football and then signed with the Washington Senators as a first baseman and outfielder.  After a year and a half in pro-baseball he signed with the Green Bay Packers, playing under coach Vince Lombardi.  A shoulder injury curtailed his football career. Since moving to the Eastern Shore in the early 1970's Brown has devoted his time to instructing and coaching youngsters in sports, and founded the Tom Brown League in Salisbury. 
 
 
 
June, 1976
(The Salisbury Times)

(Excerpt)

'Cypress Festival' Is Planned In Pocomoke

POCOMOKE CITY- Backers of this town's First Annual Cypress Festival, to be held July 9-10-11 in the municipal park on the Pocomoke River, are busy this week putting final touches on preparations for the three-day event.

Attractions include something for everyone's taste. There will be singing, a hand bell concert, teen costume ball, street and boat parades, art show, water-related sporting events, horse show and tours of the historic Costen House.

Unless otherwise specified, all events will take place at Cypress Park which is currently getting a road, a bike path and parking space- hard surfaced under a $60,000 Open Space city funded project.
 
June, 2001 (Time Machine Archive)
Cypress Park was the site for the Delmarva Chicken Festival as Pocomoke City and The Pocomoke City Chamber Of Commerce hosted the 53rd annual event. Despite some showers from the remnants of Tropical Storm Allison, the festival drew an attendance of more than 20,000 visitors. Festival features included The Chicken Capers games, a chicken splash, tug of war, arts and crafts, an antique and classic car show, a home and trade show, and the traditional giant fry pan serving Delmarvalous chicken.


May, 1901
(The Atlanta Constitution- Atlanta, Ga.)

(Excerpts)

COSTAL EXTENDS IT WIRES

New York, May 22.- The Postal Telegraph headquarters here has announced the opening of the following new offices on the Delaware peninsula.

Birds Nest, Va., Bloomtown, Va., Cape Charles, Va., Cheriton, Va., Cobbs, Va., Eastville, Va., Exmore, Va., Hallwood, Va., Keller, Va., Kings Creek, Md., Machipongo, Va., Nasawadox, Va., New Church, Va., Oak Hall, Va., Onley, Va., Parksley, Va., Pocomoke, Md., Tasley, Va.

Wires will also soon be completed to the following stations:
Crisfield, Md., Delmar, Del, Dover, Del, Eden, Md., Fruitland, Md., Loretto, Md., Princess Anne, Md., Salisbury, Md., Seaford, Del., Williams, Md.

 
Memories of Accomac, 1890 John S. Wise Jr.. "Memories of Accomac, 1890" Peninsula Enterprise (Accomac, Va.: August 21, 1937)

A friend recently said to me that after all, our memories remain with us and with many are all they get out of life. Certainly I cherish nothing more than my memories of old Drummondtown and Accomack County in 1890, now nearly half a century ago, when I spent a summer with my dear old cousin, Dr. John J. Wise, at his old home "Woodburn," about a mile north of Drummondtown.

I was then a lad of fourteen and full of youthful vitality and activity and interest and curiosity about all things of the Eastern Shore new to a boy who had spent most of his time in the inland country mountains.

(PART 6)

Duff Savage was proprietor of the old hotel. There was bar there so I was not allowed to hang around. Those were the days when dinner cost a quarter and he served everything the country provided. Here gathered the farmers, drummers and travelers.

Jimmy Scott, with about two feet of white beard, would often drive in and by the time he had a few drams, he's expatiate on the size of his apples.

Nat Lang had a bar in the house up at the corner of the open on Jail Road, next to the Debtor's Prison. The patronage there was largely fishermen and country people. Some wild parties broke out over there at times. The rough crowds fought it out there.

In those days we had the County Court, which met monthly, with Judge John W. Gillet on the bench. Then we had the Circuit Court with Judge Ben T. Gunter on the bench.

Judge Gillet was a very studious, reserved and dignified man. He was not much seen around the town. He lived in the old house just below the tavern, afterwards occupied by Judge Ross.

That by the way is the highest point on the Eastern Shore, thirty-six feet above sea level.

The Circuit Court handled the more important civil cases. The County Court was the big time. Everybody came to town.

 Then was when the folks swapped horses and jack-knives and made up the boat-races.

Everything was transacted and settled at County Court. It's abandonment is a community misfortune.

In those days the Langs and the Milliners were a legion.

I spent all the time I could with "Polk" Lang, fishing out of Folly Creek, from Garrison's and Black Stump Landings, and the day never passes when I do not look back to it all as one of the most interesting times in my life.

Mrs. Etta A. Wise and her daughter Miss Etta were teaching school and music at the old Woodburn farm where they had twenty or thirty pupils from whom they collected from $5 to $10 a year each, if they could pay it.

FOOTNOTE: LOOK FOR THE CONCLUDING PORTION OF THIS ARTICLE ON NEXT WEEK'S TIME MACHINE.

 
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!
 

Third Suspected Arson Fire In 3 Days

Local Accomack Fire Companies along with Virginia State Police Fire Investigators and Accomack County Sheriff's Department can't seem to get a break from the recent suspected arsons that have occurred over the weekend.

Thursday evening a fire broke out in an abandoned store in Pungoteague.  Friday evening companies were alerted to a fire in an airplane hangar on Locustville Road in Onley, Virginia.

Saturday evening (Feb.2) at 10:59 Saturday night another abandoned structure fire was reported in a barn on Foxgrove Road, just before Fisher's Corner, in Parksley.

Parksley, Bloxom, Tasley and Onley responded to the fire. Minor damage was reported to the structure and Virginia State Police believe this fire to be a result of arson also.

 A $5000 reward is STILL being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the fires. Contact the Virginia State Police or the Accomack County Sheriff's Department.

If  you  have ANY information call:
 1-800-582-8350 or (757) 424-6820
 Accomack County Sheriff's Office at (757) 787-1131.

Saturday, February 2, 2013

Several Month Undercover Drug Investigations Lead To Multiple Local Arrests

The Ocean City Police Department Narcotics Unit and the Pocomoke City Police Department assisted the Worcester County Criminal Enforcement Team in this investigation that lasted several months and has taken cocaine and heroin off the streets!  Great job!!

Over the last several months, members of the Worcester County Criminal Enforcement Team have been conducting undercover drug distribution investigations throughout Worcester County. As a result of these investigations the following individuals were apprehended and charged with the following drug offenses.



Ted Davis (Age 18) Pocomoke, Maryland
·         Distribution of crack cocaine in a School Zone – 2 Counts
·         Possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine
·         Distribution of crack cocaine – 3 Counts
·         Possession of crack cocaine – 3 Counts
Committed to the Worcester County Jail on a $100,000.00 Bond


Charles William Smith (Age 48) Pocomoke, Maryland
·         Possession with intent to distribute cocaine in a school zone
·         Distribution of cocaine
·         Possession of cocaine
Committed to the Worcester County Jail on a $500,000.00 Bond


Norman Lee Crawley (Age 36) Pocomoke, Maryland
·         Distribution of cocaine in a school zone – 2 Counts
·         Distribution of cocaine – 2 Counts
·         Possession of cocaine – 2 Counts
Committed to the Worcester County Jail on a $250,000.00 Bond


Orintha Jerome Godwin (Age 30) Pocomoke, Maryland
·         Distribution of crack cocaine – 3 Counts
·         Possession of crack cocaine – 3 Counts
Committed to the Worcester County Jail on a $250,000.00 Bond



  Eric Vincent Bishop Jr. (Age 37) Pocomoke, Maryland
Distribution of crack cocaine
Distribution of cocaine
Possession of crack cocaine
Possession of cocaine
Committed to the Worcester County Jail on a $250,000.00 Bond

 Jeffrey Maurice Fisher (Age 50) Snow Hill, Maryland
Distribution of cocaine in a school zone – 2 Counts
Distribution of cocaine – 2 Counts
Possession of cocaine – 2 Counts
Committed to the Worcester County Jail on a $250,000.00 Bond


 Donyell Antonio Ballard (Age 41) Berlin, Maryland
Distribution of crack cocaine
Possession of crack cocaine
Committed to the Worcester County Jail on a $250,000.00 Bond

 Dionederick Ronshae Godwin (Age 30) Berlin, Maryland
Distribution of crack cocaine
Possession of crack cocaine
Committed to the Worcester County Jail on a $250,000.00 Bond


 McKineo John Middleton (Age 26) Frankford, Delaware
Distribution of Heroin in a school zone – 2 Counts
Distribution of heroin – 2 Counts
Possession of heroin – 2 Counts
Committed to the Worcester County Jail on a $250,000.00 Bond

Christopher Lee Sturgis  (Age 26) Laurel, Delaware
Distribution of heroin
Possession of heroin
Committed to the Worcester County Jail on a $250,000.00 Bond

Shamus Montez Hall (Age 36) Pocomoke, Maryland
 Distribution of crack cocain
           Distribution of cocaine
·         Possession of crack cocaine
·         Possession of powder cocaine
 

 During the apprehension of Mr. Hall, he was found to be in possession of approximately 3 grams of cocaine. A subsequent search and seizure warrant was executed by the Worcester County Criminal Enforcement Team at Mr. Hall’s residence in Pocomoke, Maryland at which time investigators recovered an additional 3.5 grams of crack cocaine, small quantity of heroin along with various items of paraphernalia. Mr. Hall was also charged with Possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine, Possession of crack cocaine, Possession of heroin, and Possession of paraphernalia. Mr. Hall was committed to the Worcester County Jail on a $250,000.00 Bond.


The Worcester County Criminal Enforcement Team was assisted by the Ocean City Police Department Narcotics Unit and the Pocomoke City Police Department during the course of these investigations.

Submitted:  Lieutenant Edward C. Schreier
Worcester County Sheriff's Department

TIME MACHINE ... This Sunday's Preview.


Super Bowl Sunday items... and a look back to local happenings in 1976, 2001, 1901, plus more from "Memories Of Accomac," 1890. 

It's 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!

Suspected Arson- Minor Damage To Airport Hanger

Fire units from Onley, Onancock, Tasley and Melfa responded to a reported fire Friday night at 11:02 at an airport hanger on Locustville Road. Units arrived quickly and the damage was minimal.

State Police are investigating the incident as a possible arson fire.

A $5000 reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the arson suspect. Contact either the Virginia State Police or the Accomack County Sheriff's Department.

Onancock, Tasley, Onley and Melfa also responded to a second fire early this morning on Pine Ridge Rd. This one was in an outbuilding but preliminary information indicates it was caused by an extension coard to an outbuilding.

The Virginia State Police is investigating.

A $5000 reward is being offered for information leading to the  arrest and conviction of the arsonist. Contact the
Accomack County  Sheriff's Department or the Virginia State Police.
                            
If  you  have ANY information call:
 1-800-582-8350 or (757) 424-6820
 Accomack County Sheriff's Office at (757) 787-1131.


Source:

Ground Hog Day 2013

HAPPY GROUND HOG DAY !
 
 
 


 Will Punxsutawney Phil see his shadow?

Groundhog Website

Delmarva Discovery Center ~ See What's Happening Today !



OPEN
SATURDAY  10:00  TO 4:00
SUNDAY  1:00   TO 4:00
 
Stop by and say hi to Gary the box turtle!
Enjoy the many exhibits
 
 
 
See what's new in the museum gift shop!
 
 
Downtown Pocomoke City
 

Pocomoke City Mayor and Council Meeting



A G E N D A
POCOMOKE CITY MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEETING
7:30 p.m., Monday, February 4, 2013
City Hall
 
  1. Call to Order, Prayer and Pledge of Allegiance.
 
  1. Review and approval of minutes from meeting of January 7, 2013.
 
  1. Review and approval of bills to be paid.
 
  1. Chief Kelvin Sewell to introduce new patrol officer Karl Klinke.
 
  1. Mr. Ed Young, of G.E.Y. Engineering Co., to present report on storm drainage project near Lynnhaven Drive.
 
  1. Consider requests from Chamber of Commerce:
    1. Use of Winter Quarters Golf Course for tournament on April 20, 2013
    2. Use of Cypress Park for second annual Pocomoke Octoberfest/Beer and Wine Festival on September 7, 2013.
 
  1. Discuss request from Major East and others regarding use of City properties for bow hunting.
 
  1. Review letter from Tim Fry regarding City-owned property at 408 Laurel Street.
 
  1. Approve appointment of Ms. Tracey White to the City’s Board of Elections Supervisors.
 
  1. Recommendation from Pocomoke City Revolving Loan Committee to approve new loan for Market Street boutique at 145A Market Street. (owner, Kimberly Jackson)
 
  1. First Reading of Ord. No. 414 regarding nuisance growth problems.

  1. Discuss letter from Building Inspector Harvey Davis recommending repair or demolition of three houses on Second Street. (owners, Molock Group)
 
  1. Authorize purchase of materials:
    1. Pipe and other materials for looping of 6” water line between Winter Quarters Drive and Greenway Avenue. 
    2. Golf carts for Winter Quarters Golf Course (18)
    3. Discuss golf course club house damage from Hurricane Sandy.
Comments from the Audience.
Mayor and Council Items.
Adjourn.
 
AGENDAS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE UNTIL THE TIME OF CONVENING.

Stockton Neighborhood Crime Watch Meeting

The Stockton Crime Watch Meeting that was postponed on Jan. 25 has been  rescheduled for Friday, February 8, 2013.

The meeting will be held at 6:00 PM at the Stockton fire department.

STOCKTON VOL. FIRE DEPT. ON FACEBOOK

Friday, February 1, 2013

Warming Specials For Friday ~Riverside Grill

 
FRIDAY
FEBRUARY 1, 2013
 
Warm up with a nice bowl of Jambalaya
 



-Maryland Crab Soup w/ 1/2 ham sandwich or side salad 6.99
 -Mahi-Mahi Wrap (grilled, blackened or fried) w/ fries 9.99
 -Tropical Salad w/ chilled shrimp and fresh fruit 8.99
 Ale-Batter Fried Shrimp Platter 9.99

 

Happy Hour 4-7 w/ $1 off appetizers

 @ 8 pm:

$3.50 Captain Morgan and Sailor Jerry drinks,
$1.50 Bud lt
 Coors lt
 and Yuengling drafts

MD. State Police: Celebrate Responsibility

A RESPONSIBLE CELEBRATION IS
THE BEST GAME FOR THE SUPER BOWL XLVII

(PIKESVILLE, MD) – Maryland State Troopers remind fans a responsible celebration is the best game plan for this Super Bowl Sunday.

At the direction of Colonel Marcus L. Brown, Superintendent of the Maryland State Police, each of the 22 barracks will have additional patrols specifically focusing on impaired driving on Super Bowl Sunday. When not answering calls for service, troopers on regular patrol will also target impaired drivers.

“Our patrols will target those who elect to ignore the law and endanger others by drinking and driving,” Colonel Brown said. “We want everyone to be able to have a safe celebration and to cheer for the Ravens!”

Troopers encourage motorists to plan ahead. If you plan to drink, don’t plan to drive. Be responsible, call a family member or friend, use public transportation or arrange for lodging at a hotel nearby your celebration.

As a reminder, the penalty for driving under the influence can be up to one year in jail and a thousand dollar fine for a first offense. There are also administrative penalties from the Motor Vehicle Administration including a suspension of your driver’s license. Legal fees, insurance and tow cost can also add to your financial burden.

Last year, on Super Bowl Sunday, troopers arrested 38 drunk drivers. Driving with a blood alcohol content of .07 (driving while impaired) is illegal in Maryland and .08(driving under the influence) or higher is illegal in every state. A driver under the age of 21, with any measurable alcohol in their system is in violation of alcohol laws in Maryland.


MD. State Police Press Release

Another Abandoned Structure Fire In Accomack County

 Thursday evening fire units from Nassawadox, Melfa, Painter and Exmore responded to an  fully involved fire in an  abandoned store  at the intersection of Boston Road and Sheilds Bridge Road  in Pungoteague (Accomack County).  The fire was reported to 911 around 9:40 Thursday evening.

Fire Investigators from the Virginia State Police are investigating
but it is believed to be the work of an arsonist.


A $5000 reward is being offered for information leading to the  arrest and conviction of the arsonist. Contact the
Accomack County  Sheriff's Department or the Virginia State Police.
                             

If  you  have ANY information call:
 1-800-582-8350 or (757) 424-6820
 Accomack County Sheriff's Office at (757) 787-1131.

Broadwater Academy Gives Back To Community

WESR
No snow, ice or fog in the forecast for Monday but Broadwater students will be going in two hours late.

 Headmaster Jeremy McClean granted the free time to reward the students for collecting over two tons of food for the Food Bank. Broadwater senior Logan Holland and the Broadwater Student Council organized the drive which will provide over 3000 meals for the needy on the Eastern Shore.

Food Bank manager Charmin Horton stated that the drive came at an especially good time since the holidays are now over. She said she is delighted with the efforts by Holland, the student council and all of the students and parents who supported the effort.

So Broadwater students will get a little extra sleep and have extra time to get to school the Monday after the Super Bowl.

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The students from Broadwater Academy made themselves busy back in October 2012 a few days after Hurricane Sandy.  Students, parents and grandparents spent a huge part of their weekend cutting trees and cleaning up debris in the Sanford and Saxis areas. jmmb