Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Two Maryland State Troopers Recognized



April 23, 2013
PURPLE HEART RECIPIENT AND COMMUNITY LEADER AWARDED TROOPER/NCO OF THE YEAR

(PIKESVILLE, MD) – Maryland State Police Superintendent Colonel Marcus L. Brown awarded Trooper of the Year to a Purple Heart recipient and NCO of the Year to a trooper extremely active in his community and at work.


In a ceremony that recognized the local winners from each barrack and division, Colonel Brown congratulated Trooper First Class Christopher R. Toey who won Trooper of the Year and Sergeant Michael J. Smart who won Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year.

TFC Toey is assigned to Cumberland Barrack and Sgt. Smart supervises a work group at the John F. Kennedy Highway Barrack.
“The accomplishments of these troopers demonstrate the high standards of professionalism, dedication to duty, and commitment to the citizens of Maryland,” said Colonel Brown. “Both are continuing the tradition and outstanding reputation that the state police have been known for in our past and will continue in our future.”

The following narratives describe some of the work of TFC Toey and Sgt. Smart during 2012 which led to their awards today:

TROOPER FIRST CLASS CHRISTOPHER R. TOEY
CUMBERLAND BARRACK
 
The words, “excel, outstanding, dedication, and above and beyond the call of duty” are all used by his supervisors to describe TFC Christopher Toey and his performance as a Maryland state trooper.
 
“Leads by example” also describes him, as proven by his performance statistics from 2012.
 
Last year, TFC Toey led the troopers at the Cumberland Barrack in traffic stops with 1,846 and in the numbers of citations, warnings and equipment repair orders issued, which totaled 2,489. He led the barrack in criminal investigation reports and the number of arrests, making 78 adult criminal and drug arrests. He made 44 warrant arrests, also more than any other trooper at the barrack. He answered more than 750 calls for service, again leading the barrack.
 
TFC Toey ranked second at the barrack for the number of firearms recovered with seven. He made the second highest number of drunk driving arrests at the barrack with 13.
 
TFC Toey’s commitment to excellence does not stop with his road patrol duties. Last year, he volunteered for deployment to New Jersey to assist with Hurricane Sandy recovery efforts. He was instrumental in founding the Cumberland Barrack Law Enforcement Explorer Post. He contacted county schools and area media to promote the program. He recruited volunteers and put together a strong team to guide the youth who joined the program.
He also volunteered for Shop With A Cop and helped make holiday wishes come true for underprivileged children. He is an alumni member of the Wounded Warrior Project. He works as a peer mentor for wounded veterans. He volunteers packing backpacks with Under Armour items provided for our nation’s wounded veterans.
 
According to his supervisor, Sgt. Vincent Uphole, “TFC Toey’s reports are always clear, concise, and complete. He goes above and beyond in all investigations and is well prepared for court. He takes great pride in his uniform and appearance. His vehicle is always clean and well-maintained.” His barrack commander, Lt. Mike Fluharty, adds, “He will always volunteer for special assignments, like the deployment to New Jersey. He consistently asks for assignments that are challenging and exceeds expectations when he completes them.”
 
On April 9, 2012, a lookout was broadcast by police in West Virginia for a suspect who had assaulted several people and threatened to kill them while brandishing two loaded handguns. The lookout only gave a vehicle make and color.
 
Within minutes, TFC Toey located the vehicle and stopped it. Upon approaching the driver, he saw a handgun and immediately arrested the suspect. The second gun was also recovered.
 
The next month, TFC Toey responded to a call at a motel for a disturbance. When he found the persons involved, he knew one was wanted on a warrant. He arrested the known gang member and, because he already had a rapport with the suspect, was able to gain information about a methamphetamine lab operation at the hotel. He and another trooper returned to the motel and found the lab, making several more arrests in the process.
 
An AR-15 rifle was stolen in a residential theft TFC Toey was dispatched to investigate in October. Within hours, TFC Toey developed suspects, arrested them, and recovered the stolen rifle from where it had been hidden in West Virginia.
 
TFC Toey’s commitment to serve began long before he joined the Maryland State Police. After graduating from Westmar High School in 2001, he joined the United States Army. He was selected to be a member of the elite 82nd Airborne Division. He served our nation with distinction during combat in both Afghanistan and Iraq.
 
While the Trooper of the Year award is impressive, it pales in comparison to the Purple Heart he was awarded for wounds he received in combat in Iraq.
 
The citizens of Maryland and the members of the Maryland State Police are fortunate TFC Toey was determined to recover from his wounds and continue his outstanding commitment to service as a state trooper.
 
 

SERGEANT MICHAEL J. SMART
JOHN F. KENNEDY HIGHWAY BARRACK
 
Sgt. Smart joined the Maryland State Police in 1997. Before his service in Maryland, he was an officer with the Winslow Township Police in Camden County, New Jersey, for 11 years.
 
In 2012, Sgt. Smart was given the opportunity to lead the JFK Highway Barrack’s Special Traffic Initiative on Ninety-five Group, also known as the STING Team. According to Detective Sergeant Gooding, his supervisor at the time, Sgt. Smart “displayed excellent leadership qualities….is continually sought after by peers and subordinates for his advice…..and motivates his personnel to excel and deliver positive results that are nothing short of the example he himself sets.”
 
As part of his strategy to meet barrack and department goals in 2012, Sgt. Smart planned and implemented 12 different criminal and traffic enforcement initiatives. The goal of these initiatives was to have a direct impact on local communities due to past criminal activity or violations of traffic laws that posed a threat to citizens in the areas selected for enforcement action. During the planning and implementation of these initiatives, Sgt. Smart demonstrated excellent communication skills by coordinating with numerous allied police departments at the local, state, and federal levels, and multiple Maryland State Police barracks, units and divisions.
 
The operations included: two Bel Air Criminal Initiatives, Operation Trojan Horse, Operation JOUST, Operation MOLE, Operation Bus PASS II, Operation COBRA, Operation Rolling on Rt. 22, the Cecil Co. Crime Initiative, Operation CRIME, Operation PREVENT, and Operation Chameleon.
 
During Operation Bus PASS II, the JFK Sting Team worked with the Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division, Maryland Transportation Authority Police and others to target passenger bus safety on I-95. The combined efforts led to 76 commercial buses stopped, with 36 being inspected. Five buses were placed out of service for safety violations and another four drivers were taken off the road due to license violations. Two were arrested for criminal violations. 
 
Operation Rolling on Route 22 was a response to citizen concerns about speeding and crashes on Route 22 in Harford Co. In one day, the STING Team made 40 traffic stops and cited 70 percent of the violators for not wearing seat belts.
 
The STING Team was part of the Cecil Co. Crime Initiative that also involved the North East Barrack, the Maryland State Police Gang Unit, State Apprehension Team and the Criminal Enforcement Division. This operation resulted in 25 arrests for warrants, 15 drug arrests, including a heroin distributor, and the dismantling of three marijuana growing operations.
 
In 2012, the subordinates under Sgt. Smart’s supervision were responsible for 8,348 traffic stops, resulting in 6,224 citations and 5,415 warnings. They made 190 drunk driving arrests and 145 criminal arrests.
 
Sgt. Smart led by example. He was personally responsible for making 748 traffic stops with 1,048 citations and warnings issued. He made 16 criminal arrests and assisted with 35 other arrests.
Sgt. Smart is also an exceptional leader in his community. Six years ago, he started an annual holiday food drive for a family in the community who had fallen on hard times. He did this again this year and coordinated donations of money and food from the barrack and community to ensure the family in need this Christmas had a happy holiday.
 
He also started the annual community Christmas Eve Gift Run with Santa 14 years ago. Again this year, he donated his time and responded with Santa Claus to many homes throughout the area with small children to distribute gifts and promote a positive image of police.
 
Sgt. Smart is president of his homeowners association and frequently gives guidance and presentations on home security, child safety and drug abuse. He also helps run a youth basketball program at his church.
 
In summarizing the outstanding work of Sgt. Smart, Detective Sergeant Gooding said, “He routinely stands out at the JFK Highway Barrack as a member of the Department who is consistently reliable, hardworking, and dependable in completing his assigned duties. Sgt. Smart has been self-motivated and persistent at setting a higher standard of work ethics and accountability. He sets the example to be emulated by his subordinates and peers within the Maryland State Police.”

Submitted: MD. State Police

Administrative Assistant's Day ~ Riverside Grill

 
 
Riverside Grill Pocomoke
Administrative Assistant's Day
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
 

 *Cream of Crab Soup w/ 1/2 turkey sandwich or side salad 6.99
 
*NC Pulled Pork BBQ Sandwich w/ cole slaw & hush puppies 6.99
 
*Raspberry Walnut Salad 7.99
 
 
*Neptune Wrap (shrimp salad & lump crab) w/ fries 10.99
 
 *Purchase a Flirtini and $1 goes to WSW to help someone with breast cancer*
 
 Happy Hour 4-7 w/ $1 off all apps!
 
 
@ 8 pm:
$5 cosmos & crab dip
 $2 Coors light drafts & house wines

Dogs Can't Speak Up For Themselves

Photo BW
For the Dogs It’s All Pain, No Gain

Recently we wrote a blog about “pit bull” dog websites and the damage that well-intentioned advocates cause when they post outdated information about the dogs.

A prime example of this is the perpetuation of the old myth that “pit bull” dogs have a higher tolerance for pain than other dogs.

One advocacy website writes, “Sometimes presented as a negative trait, the fact that pitbulls have a high pain tolerance makes them exceptional family dogs. They easily (and happily) put up with the rough play of children without reacting.”

Tragically, the myth of high pain tolerance is also used on pro-BSL websites to justify why “pit bull” dogs are uniquely different, dangerous, and therefore need to be regulated. It’s even shown up in court as justification for bans via claims that their supposedly high tolerance for pain makes them uniquely dangerous in comparison to other dogs.
Photo BW

Let’s set the record straight, shall we?

There is nothing unique about the neurological system of a “pit bull” dog. All dogs, regardless of breed label, experience pain.

How each individual dog responds to that pain will vary, but the response cannot be accurately predicted by physical appearance or breed.

Tufts Veterinary Medicine Magazine examined the issue of pain in their Winter 2013 issue. Here’s what the experts had to say:
“Pain medicine as a veterinary specialty is relatively new. As recently as a decade ago, most veterinarians assumed that animals didn’t feel pain, or at least experienced it differently than humans.

Now all evidence points to the contrary. Research has shown that animals and humans have similar neural pathways for the development, conduction and modulation of pain, making it pretty likely that our pets experience pain in much same the way we do.”
This tells us that all animals experience pain. All of them.

The perception of pain is unique to each individual: human or dog. Humans have the choice to be stoic and decline treatment for issues such as chronic pain, but our dogs can’t speak up for themselves. When we perpetuate the myth that “pit bull” dogs are different in the way they experience pain, we may wind up missing an opportunity to provide them with the care they need.

The article goes onto say that even in people, pain is often undertreated. “If we’re looking at practically half of the human population that’s in pain getting undertreated, I have to believe that over 95 percent of animals in [chronic] pain are not getting proper treatment,” says Michael Petty, president of the International Veterinary Academy.

While all dogs will express pain differently, this doctor is saying that an enormous amount of our pets are not getting relief! That is a lot of “stoic” animals or, more likely, a lot of owners that are either ignoring or not observing subtle symptoms of pain (for more on how pain may present in a dog’s body, please read the full article).

 
READ MORE....

Annual Spring Plant Sale To Benefit SPOTS


 
The Society for the Preservation
 of the
Onley Train Station, Inc. (SPOTS)
 
 
 Annual Spring Plant Sale
 
 Saturday, April 27, 2013
 
9AM till 2PM.
 
 in front of the Sage Diner
 
 
Many varieties of plants and shrubs will be available.
 
**Proceeds from this sale help fund Play With Trains an educational outreach program for children of all ages.**
 
The Society for the Preservation of the Onley Train Station, Inc. is a nonprofit, 5013 organization.

THROWBACK THURSDAY At The Mar-Va Theater




Thursday, April 25th
 7 PM
Tickets: $5
 

Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Pocomoke Nature Trail to be Completed ~ YOU Can Help

Pocomoke Area Chamber of Commerce
 
 

If you have been to see Dr. Shoemaker, you know he is an avid outdoorsman and birder. One of his most beloved projects has been the construction and maintenance of the
Pocomoke City Nature and Exercise Trail
a two mile walking path through primeval cypress forest and swamp along the Wild and Scenic Pocomoke River. 

The floating boardwalk that Ritchie designed has stayed intact through floods, hurricanes and twenty years of use.  He is trying to raise the money needed to finish the "last link" for the Trail itself.  Would you help with a donation?
 
Dr. Shoemaker reports that the trail committee has been revived and the loop around Stevenson Pond will be completed and donated to the town.  The goal is to finish by July 4. $30,000 is needed and the bird shirt will be available for sale any day. 

 Please see the letter on www.pocomoke.com blog for further details. (You will also find a diagram on how this special boardwalk along with other interesting facts)

Download the Pocomoke City Nature Trail Donation Form

You can also contact the Chamber at 410-957-1919 or pocomokechamber@gmail.com
for more information.
 
Come on Pocomoke people!! 
 
So many remember when this first began many years ago! 
 
So many have walked that Nature Trail with children who are now grown and have children of their own!
 
Many remember the day the bridge was flown in and lowered at Stevenson Pond!
 
Now the loop needs to be completed. 
 
Even a donation of $9.99 will help will help bring the Nature Trail even closer to its completion.
 
 

Sharone White Bailey Scholarship Award Applications Available

Rev. Sherri Brooks of Macedonia AME Church in Accomac announces the third annual
Sharone White Bailey

Sharone White Bailey Scholarship Award

Two scholarships in the amount of $2000 each ($1000 per semester) will be awarded to students enrolled in college for the 2014/15 term.

Applicants must be either an Accomack or Northampton County Public High School graduating senior, or a college student under age 25, who graduated from a public high school in Accomack or Northampton County.

Additional eligibility requirements are detailed in applications available at local high schools or by contacting Ms. Savage at 757-665-4010, Ms. Turner at 757-787-2267 or Mrs. White at 757-787-2107.

All applications must be postmarked not later than May 11, 2013.

Applications that do not bear a postmark will not be accepted for consideration.

Riverside Grill Pocomoke ~ Tuesday Lunch Specials

 
Riverside Grill
Tuesday 4/23 Specials
 
 -Turkey & Corn Chowder w/ ½ tuna salad sandwich or side salad 5.99
 
 -Meatloaf w/ mashed potatoes & green beans
 
 -Buffalo Shrimp Platter w/ carrots, celery & cole slaw 9.99
 
 -Strawberry, Spinach & Pear Salad 7.99
 
 
 99 cent kids meals 4-close
 
 Happy Hour 4-7 w/ $1 off all apps!
 
50 cent wings 8-close

The Upper Deck Seafood Restaurant & Lounge Weekly Lunch Specials


The Upper Deck Seafood Restaurant & Lounge
Weekly Lunch Specials

 Mon...Gr Cheese and Bowl of Soup....$4.99
 Fish n Chips...$5.75


 Tues....Tuna Melt with Chips.....$4.99
 BBQ Pork sand with Cole Slaw & FF....$6.50


Wed.....Deck Cheese Burger & FF....$5.75
 Crispy Chicken Buffalo Wrap with FF...$6.99


 Thurs...Chicken & Tuna Salad  Sliders with Chips...$5.75
 Reuben Sand with FF....$6.99


 Friday Lunch Buffet....$7.99
 Fried Chicken, Fried Flounder, Au Gratin Potatoes, Peas & Dumplings, Salad,

 Tuna Salad, Soup, Cornbread, Cole Slaw.

Operation Medicine Drop ~ For Worcester County

Worcester County residents are urged to participate in the countywide drug take back effort


Operation Medicine Drop
Saturday, April 27, 2013
10 a.m. until 2 p.m.

Operation Medicine Drop: Safe Communities-Healthy Waterways is a chance to safely dispose of unwanted, unused, or expired over-the-counter and prescription medications by dropping them off at the following designated sites throughout the county:
·       Pocomoke Health Center, 400-A Walnut Street.
·       Snow Hill Health Department, 6040 Public Landing Road.
·       Berlin Police Department, 10 Williams Street.
·       Food Lion, Rt. 611 in West Ocean City.
·       Food Lion, Manklin Creek Rd. in Ocean Pines.
·       Town of Ocean City Police Dept. and Ocean Pines Police

Dept. offices both have permanent drop-off boxes for safe disposal of medications all year long.

Local law enforcement officers and volunteers will assist residents as they drop off their medicine at the designated drop off sites. 


There is no charge for this service and no questions asked.

Shore Beef and BBQ 2nd Annual Lunch For Active/Local Fire/EMS Personnel



ATTENTION !!
FROM SHORE BEEF AN BBQ
The 2nd Shore Beef and BBQ FREE lunch for the local/active volunteer firemen will be held in just a few days.

There is still a desperate need for desserts to help satisfy these hungry firemen and EMS personnel! 

Ladies!  Bakers!  Where are you?   Baked goods are needed and as of today  no confirmations have been received.
 
Please call - 757-824-0009 or contact on FACEBOOK .  Items can be dropped off Friday night or on Saturday morning. 

Thank you.


FINALLY! My View of the Antares Rocket

 They say the third time's the charm.  And it was.  We made three trips to the area where our friends live and it seems we only see them when there is a rocket blasting off.  But no matter how often that is the conversation takes up where it left off and suddenly it seems as if no time has passed at all.
 
Seemed like everyone had the same idea as on Thursday and Saturday and then again on Sunday.  And I must point out that it was so wonderful seeing the Sheriff's Deputies busy at a task that seemed much more enjoyable and less stressful than what they were faced with not even one month ago. 
 
Did anyone else notice the cold wind?  I made my way to the edge of a field a few minutes before rocket time and wished I had worn a hat!  But once the rocket began to lift I wished I had an extra pair of hands for my ears! 
 
Well, I was amazed and pleased that the Antares Rocket had made a successful liftoff.  And so was everyone else because everyone on the beach nearby clapped and cheered.


 
So for a few seconds I felt the Earth move, I heard that deafening sound a rocket makes and I actually heard the few remaining  window panes in the abandoned house near me as they hit the floor.
 
 
 
 
 
Hope you didn't miss it. 
 
 


Delmarva Discovery Center Summer Camp 2013

Sign up soon...
Space is limited
 
 
 

Richie Havens ~ Opener For Woodstock~ Dies At 72

Richie Havens
Photo: Robert Deutsch, USA TODAY

 
R.I.P., Richie Havens

The folk singer, who came to fame after his 1969 performance, suffered a heart attack.

Wearing a dashiki and strumming earnestly on the open-tuned strings of his guitar, folk singer Richie Havens set the tone for Woodstock. Havens, who opened the watershed 1969 music festival and fashioned a career from covering pop and folk tunes in his distinctively rhythmic style, died Monday morning in his home from a heart attack. He was 72.

Born in 1941, the Brooklyn native moved to Greenwich Village in the early '60s and released his first album, A Richie Havens Record, in 1965. In 1967, he signed with Bob Dylan's manager, Albert Grossman, and also landed a deal with Verve Records. His big break came when he played a lengthy opening set at Woodstock, particularly a memorable extrapolation of the spiritual Motherless Child that became known as Freedom.

In 2004, Jack Black told USA TODAY that Havens' blistering acoustic set was an inspiration to his comedy rock duo Tenacious D "because we couldn't believe how hard a guy could rock with an acoustic guitar."

Havens often covered popular songs, his gritty voice and singular strumming style giving them an easily recognizable sound. His biggest radio hit came in 1971 with a remake of The Beatles' Here Comes the Sun, which reached No. 16 on the Billboard Hot 100. He released more than two dozen albums and compilations, the most successful being 1969's Richard P. Havens, 1983 and 1971's Alarm Clock. He later lent his voice to several commercials, including one for Cotton Incorporated for which he sang The Fabric of Our Lives jingle.

Havens, who was paid $6,000 for his 1969 Woodstock appearance, returned to the site in upstate New York in August 2009 to commemorate the festival's 40th anniversary. He reprised Freedom for an audience of about 150 in an open field there that afternoon, then performed at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts that night, telling the crowd: "My generation was very, very special, because we had the best-looking generation. We look good ... still."

Havens announced his retirement from live performing in 2012, citing health problems.

According to a media release announcing the singer's death, a public memorial will be planned.

Source:

OCPD Urges Citizens To Turn In Unused and Expired Medications

The Ocean City Police Narcotics Unit is inviting citizens to participate in the upcoming Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) National Prescription Drug Take-Back Initiative which will take place on Saturday, April 27, 2013 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Public Safety Building (6501 Coastal Highway).
The OCPD has participated in the bi-annual program on three previous occasions. The Department’s last participation in “Operation Medicine Drop” proved to be a success, yielding 14.2 pounds of medicine at the Ocean City location.
In cooperation with officials from the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office, Worcester County Health Department, Berlin Police Department and Assateague Coastal Trust/Coastkeeper, a total of 135 pounds of unused and expired medications was collected in Worcester County alone.
The previous drug take-back day, September 29, 2012, resulted in 488,395 pounds (244 tons) of unwanted/expired medications at the 5,263 take-back sites that were available in all 50 states. There have been a total of five take-back days since the beginning of this program which has yielded a total of more than 2 million pounds (1,018 tons) of medication from circulation.

In addition to drug take-back day, OCPD’s commitment to get unwanted, unused and expired prescription medication out of citizens’ cabinets and off the streets continues each day through the 24-hour drop box, donated by the Ocean City Elks Lodge. T
his drop box is located at the Public Safety Building. Citizens are urged to not flush their medication or throw them away. Disposing of medication properly prevents the medication from entering our waterways and landfills.
The Maryland Executive Board Members of the National Association of Drug Diversion Investigators (NADDI) have hailed this effort as a success in keeping unwanted and unused prescription drugs out of the hands of those who shouldn’t have them as well as out of Maryland coastal bays and waterways.
The National Prescription Drug Take-Back Initiative is a free and confidential program. If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact the OCPD Public Affairs Office at: 410-723-6665.
Submitted:
Ocean City Police Dept.

Monday, April 22, 2013

Latest On Escapee


Jessey Dudley
Escapee
Monday- 11:45 PM

Jessey Dudley, the man police say escaped from the Sussex Community Corrections Center, has turned himself in.

Suspects Charged in Recent Counterfeit Money Crime Spree

Derrick Ryan Richardson
On April 2, 2013, Ocean City Police began receiving numerous complaints regarding counterfeit money. OCPD officers took a total of five reports of counterfeit money being passed or attempted to be passed at local businesses over the next 36 hours.
During the investigation OCPD officers and detectives identified two possible suspects and confirmed that police agencies in Worcester and Wicomico Counties, as well as Sussex County Delaware, were also investigating the passing of similar counterfeit currency.  On April 5, 2013, a suspect identified as: Derrick Ryan Richardson 25, of Parsonsburg, MD, and a female accomplice were arrested by the Fruitland Police Department while attempting to pass the counterfeit money at a local business.
Justin Michael Scanlon
 
 
As a result of this arrest, accompanied by the recovery of additional evidence and surveillance video, Ocean City investigators positively identified the suspects who passed the counterfeit currency in Ocean City as: Richardson and Justin Michael Scanlon, 26, of Ocean City. 
Ocean City detectives have charged Scanlon with:
  • Theft Under $100
  • Knowingly Issuing Counterfeit United States Currency
  • Theft Scheme
  • Conspiracy
Richardson had been charged with: 
  • Theft Under $100
  • Knowingly Issuing Counterfeit United States Currency
  • Theft Scheme
  • Conspiracy
  • Manufacturing Counterfeit United States Currency

Both suspects are still in custody at the time of this release.


Submitted: Ocean City Police Department

UPDATE/Police Manhunt In Snow Hill Area - Precautionary Lockdown

  Monday  4:30 PM  UPDATE:

Snow Hill Chief of Police reports:

 At this time the suspect has not been apprehended.

We will have additional law enforcement presence from the state police and the Worcester County Sheriff's Office along with our Snow Hill patrol.

 Should anyone feel uncomfortable with the situation around their residence or see anyone that matches the description of the suspect, contact 911.

From WBOC

SNOW HILL, Md.- A police manhunt in the Snow Hill area has prompted the lockdown of several area schools as a precautionary measure.

Snow Hill and Pocomoke City public schools, along with Chapel Special School, Worcester Technical High School and the Worcester County Board of Ed Central Office, are all on a precautionary lockdown, according to county officials.

Snow Hill police said they are looking for 24-year-old Jessey Dudley. According to the Delaware Department of Corrections, Dudley has been wanted since early March after he failed to return from an authorized pass issued by the Sussex Community Corrections Center in Georgetown.

The SCCC is where the DOC manages offenders who are transitioning back into the facility. According to the DOC, Dudley was in the SCCC for violation of probation stemming from an original charge of third-degree burglary.

Dudley is described as a white male, 5-foot-9, 175 pounds, with brown eyes, black hair, a mustache with goatee and pierced ears.

Anyone with information about Dudley's whereabouts is asked to call the Snow Hill Police Department at (410) 632-2447 or the Delaware DOC at (800) 542-9524.

Police Manhunt In Snow Hill Area - Precautionary Lockdown

JesseyDudley
From WBOC

SNOW HILL, Md.- A police manhunt in the Snow Hill area has prompted the lockdown of several area schools as a precautionary measure.
 
Snow Hill and Pocomoke City public schools, along with Chapel Special School, Worcester Technical High School and the Worcester County Board of Ed Central Office, are all on a precautionary lockdown, according to county officials.
 
Snow Hill police said they are looking for 24-year-old Jessey Dudley. According to the Delaware Department of Corrections, Dudley has been wanted since early March after he failed to return from an authorized pass issued by the Sussex Community Corrections Center in Georgetown.
 
The SCCC is where the DOC manages offenders who are transitioning back into the facility. According to the DOC, Dudley was in the SCCC for violation of probation stemming from an original charge of third-degree burglary.
 
Dudley is described as a white male, 5-foot-9, 175 pounds, with brown eyes, black hair, a mustache with goatee and pierced ears.
 
Anyone with information about Dudley's whereabouts is asked to call the Snow Hill Police Department at (410) 632-2447 or the Delaware DOC at (800) 542-9524.

20th Annual Delmarva Birding Weekend

Get set to attend the 20th Annual Delmarva Birding Weekend, which takes place April 25-28, 2013, and celebrate the spring migration of thousands of warblers, shorebirds, waterfowl and raptors. No experience is necessary, as guided walks, paddles and boat excursions are suited to experienced birders and novices alike.

Worcester County is a birdwatcher’s paradise. From the Atlantic coastline across the Pocomoke Forest and down  Pocomoke River, Worcester County is home to pelicans and pewees, kingbirds and cuckoos, herons, harriers and eagles. The piping plover, a bird struggling to make its way off the endangered species list, makes its nesting grounds in and around Assateague Island, while another 350 species of birds also make their homes in and around the salt marshes along the Atlantic Coastal Bays.

Birding in Worcester County offers travelers the chance to experience an unspoiled barrier island, cypress swamp, centuries-old forest, tidal wetlands and secluded fields. State and national parks in the county offer camping, nature trails and guided tours, inviting you to share the beauty of Worcester County’s native landscape.


The Delmarva Birding Weekend provides of tours in these areas that offer an inside glimpse at the diverse wildlife that migrates to regions of the Atlantic and Chesapeake Bays as well as Delaware Bays, where they nest and forage along the barrier islands, tidal wetlands, cypress swamps, upland fields and primeval forests. In fact, more than 400 bird species have been recorded in the region.

The wildlife to be seen on each tour differs. For example, those who tour Ayres Creek are likely to witness wading birds herons, egrets, loons and various duck species – to birds of prey, including majestic bald eagles and hawks. Those opting to tour the Pocomoke will discover warblers and other birds that make their homes far off the beaten paths.

Tours are not just for experienced birders, but are also great for novice birdwatchers, individuals and families alike who love wildlife and being outdoors.

“I went on a trip on the Shorebird Explorer and that was an excellent trip because there were lots of guides on the boat pointing out various species. We even saw a clapper rail as we went down the backside of Assateague and around Skimmer Island,” Challenger said.“We saw a lot of really beautiful birds. This particular trip is a great event for families with children.” “This year, birders may even see some seals bathing in the sun”.
Worcester County was recognized by the Audubon Maryland-DC, the state office of the National Audubon Society for ongoing work to protect the Important Bird Areas (IBA) along the Atlantic Coastal Bays. Specifically, the county purchased and facilitated conservation easements in this habitat-rich area. The IBA in Worcester County includes vulnerable birds and their habitats, and boosts the local economy through nature tourism.

All trips are guided by experienced birders. Take day or night hikes on public and private lands, paddle at sunrise or sunset and cruise by boat in our coastal waters, rivers and creeks.

Nature enthusiasts are invited to join us and experience the fall migration as well for the Eastern Shore Birding and Wildlife Festival, which runs from October 11– 13.

For more information on birding in Worcester County or to register for these events, visit www.delmarvabirding.org.

http://www.co.worcester.md.us

Band Boosters President Sentenced

Tracey Whittington Colbert
 
SNOW HILL -- The former president of the Pocomoke High School Band Boosters, convicted of theft in February after absconding with thousands of dollars of the organization’s funds, was sentenced last week to three years in jail with all but eight months suspended and was ordered to pay over $2,000 in restitution.

In October, Worcester County Bureau of Investigation (WCBI) detectives met with representatives of Pocomoke High and the Worcester County Board of Education regarding a suspected theft.

Board members told detectives the president of the Pocomoke Band Boosters, identified as Tracey Whittington Colbert, 39, of Crisfield, had been using the organization’s funds for her own benefit.

The alleged theft was reported to police as soon as the Board of Education was made aware of the crime. The WCBI investigation revealed that between August and October, Colbert allegedly not only forged other booster member’s signatures on checks, but also stole roughly $2,271 from the accounts of the organization. As a result, Colbert was charged with theft from $1,000 to $10,000, forgery and uttering, and theft scheme from $1,000 to $10,000.

In February, Colbert was found guilty of theft from $1,000 to under $10,000, forgery of public documents and issuing a false document and a pre-sentence investigation was ordered.

Back in court last week, Colbert was sentenced to three years in jail with all but eight months suspended. She was also ordered to pay $2,271 in restitution to the victims and was fined $500 and placed on probation for three years.

Source:

Sunday, April 21, 2013

Female Arson Suspect To Be Evaluated By Norfolk Doctor

By Carol Vaughn
Staff Writer
Female arson suspect faces psych evaluation

ACCOMAC — A Hopeton woman accused of arson will undergo a psychiatric evaluation to determine whether she is competent to stand trial and to assess her mental condition at the time she allegedly committed the crimes.

Tonya Bundick, 40, who is incarcerated in the Accomack County Jail, will be evaluated there by a Norfolk doctor, according to a court order General District Judge Gordon Vincent signed April 17.

Bundick and her fiance, Charles R. Smith III, who also remains incarcerated at the jail, are so far charged only in connection with an April 1 arson in Melfa but police say they are confident the two set most of the 77 arsons reported in the county since November.

Smith confessed to police he set 52 fires and said Bundick set 15, according to court documents.

The motion attorney Shannon Dunham filed asking for a psychiatric evaluation said it appears Bundick’s actions during the arsons in which she allegedly took part “may have been affected by mental disease ordefect.”

The motion asked the court to appoint a physician to evaluate three things: Bundick’s competency to stand trial; her mental state at the time of the alleged offenses; and “mitigating factors related to the defendant’s history, character or mental condition to include an assessment, to the extent possible, of future dangerousness.”

Included in the order is the caveat that no statements or disclosure Bundick makes about the crimes during the evaluation may be used against her as evidence during a trial.

In Smith’s case, Eastern Shore of Virginia 9-1-1 Commission Director Jeffrey A. Flournoy has been subpoenaed, at Smith’s attorney’s request, to appear at a May 6 preliminary hearing in Accomack County General District Court.

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TIME MACHINE ... 1918..1882..1974..1880..1913


(Reader-friendly viewing of newspaper archives material)
 
February, 1918
(The Denton Journal- Denton, Md.)

No Place For Loafers

Says the Wilmington Every Evening: "The Dover Index calls attention to a published notice in the Advertiser of Salisbury, Md., to the loafers of Wicomico County, to 'work or go to Delaware.' " That is, if they stay in Maryland they will have to work. If they step over the line into Delaware they may enjoy a life of lazy leisure. "This does not sound well for Delaware," says the Dover Index. "We need labor about as much as any other state, and we certainly do not want to become a refuge for loafers from other states. We have work for everyone in Delaware, and can employ part of Maryland's population. So we can, and so we should. If Maryland's loafers think they can evade work by simply stepping over the State line, they may find themselves mistaken. Governor Townsend has been vested by the Legislature with unusual powers in respect to meeting war emergencies, and there is no doubt that forcibly putting loafers to profitable work would come within his official province. These are no times for 'slackers' in any line of industry. And also, in consideration of the demand for labor in all branches of industry, it is time to enforce the maxim: 'The man who does not want to work should be compelled to work.' "  


 
July, 1882
(Peninsula Enterprise- Accomac)

ONLY ONE DOLLAR.

The jury summoned in Worcester county, Md., to assess damages to land owners who had not granted the right of way to the Peninsula railroad over their lands, from Pocomoke City to the Virginia line, met on last Thursday. In consideration of the advantages to be derived from the construction of the road, one dollar was considered an adequate compensation for each landholder, and so awarded by the jury. The only instance in which a larger compensation was allowed was Mr. John A. Brittingham, to pay the expense of removing certain outbuildings which lay along the line of the road. At the next term of our court, commissioners will be appointed to assess damages to landowners in Accomac who have refused to give right of way to said road.


 
June, 1974
(Daily Times- Salisbury)

Essay Contest Winners Listed

The American Legion Auxiliary, Worcester Post No. 93, recently sponsored an "Americanism Essay Contest" limited to students in grades three through eight.

Entrants were required to write an essay on "What Freedom Means To Me."

Ann Hastings Lewis, of Winter Quarters Drive, Pocomoke City, a fifth grade student, was the winner of the fourth and fifth grade group. Lee Payne, also of Pocomoke City, was the winner for grades six through eight.

Both students received a $25 savings bond and their essays were entered in the Southeastern Shore District and Maryland Department Competitions.

At a district banquet held recently in Hurlock, Miss Lewis won first place in the district contest for which she received a check for $25 to be put towards a savings bond. She also came in second place statewide and received a $75 savings bond, and an Americanism Medal. Attending the banquet with her was her mother, Mrs. Peggy Lewis, and her brother, Tom Lewis. 


 
February, 1880 (Time Machine Archive)
(The Cedar Rapids Times- Cedar Rapids Iowa)

Winter wedded a very early Spring in Accomac County, Va., the other day when Egbert G. Bailey, seventy-two years old, led Maggie Bennett, bride of fourteen, to the altar.



(Part of a continuing series of articles regarding the death of a young Salisbury office worker.)  
June, 1913
(The Frederick Post- Frederick, Md.)

PEEPHOLES PLAY PART IN SALISBURY MYSTERY

Through Them Members of Elks Club Are Said To Have Had View of Gas Office

Salisbury, Md., June 27- Two or more small holes bored in the wall between the Salisbury Lodge of Elks Home and the office of the Home Gas Company are expected to play no small part into the probe into the death of Miss Florence Wainwright.

Rumors surrounding the mysterious holes grew stronger today. It was learned that a number of members of the Elks had testified at the hearing last Saturday that they were aware of 'peep holes' in the walls.

Others whose names have come to the authorities will face the inquest tonight and tell what they know about the peep holes and what is alleged to have been seen through them that the state expects to show a motive for the criminal operation alleged to have caused the death of the young Salisbury girl. The holes, which are now said to be chinked with putty and plaster, opened from the dining-room and hallway of the Elks Home, through a board siding and gave limited view to the interior of the back room of the Gas Company's office.

Indications still point to the implication in the event it is proved an operation was performed, and the reports today, which are said to sift from the guarded utterances of the jurors, are to the effect that the inquest will either agree to hold at least two persons or disagree entirely.

The witnesses for the inquest are assembling today. C.A. White and Joseph Niblett came from Philadelphia last night and others are said to have come from Baltimore at the insistence of state authorities.

Mrs. Elmer Smith, who spent part of Friday afternoon in Miss Wainwright's company in the Gas Company's office, told again today her story of the events which preceded immediately the tragedy.

Mrs. Smith, who was with the girl while she was ill in the rear yard of the place, said that she left Harold Smith and Miss Wainwright alone in the office at 5:40 o'clock on Friday afternoon, only a short time before the girl's dead body was found propped against her desk by Mervin Ellis, her brother-in-law.

"Miss Wainwright appeared to be better when I left her," she said, "she told me she was ill when I went into the office at 4:30 o'clock." She said that she had cramps when she left home and had taken a drink of whisky for relief. I could smell it on her breath.
 
 
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!
 

Rocket Launch Attempt Today

Due to upper level wind restrictions the #Antares launch was scrubbed for Saturday afternoon.

The next launch attempt will be Sunday, April 21st at 5 p.m. EDT.

(I figure we've all waited this long one more day won't hurt.)

FINGERS CROSSED!


Coast Guard And Local Agencies Respond To Overturned Boat

Photo U.S. Coast Guard
Near Point Lookout State Park — The Coast Guard and local agencies rescued four people and recovered the bodies of two from an overturned 25-foot boat approximately two miles south of Point Lookout State Park in Scotland, Md., Saturday.

Watchstanders at the Coast Guard Sector Baltimore Command Center overheard a broadcast on VHF-FM channel 16 at approximately 8:30 a.m. by a local charter captain asking for any assistance looking for the overturned boat.

The watchstanders learned the charter captain had received a phone call from a family member of one of the people aboard the boat stating she received a call from her sibling saying they were taking on water and then lost communications.

Sector Baltimore watchstanders dispatched a crew aboard a 45-foot Response Boat – Medium from Coast Guard Station St. Inigoes.

Crews from St. Mary’s County fire and rescue, Maryland Natural Resource Police and helicopter crews from Naval Air Station Patuxent River and Maryland Police also responded.

U.S. Coast Guard

Shreveport Louisiana Man Arrested For Wearing His Pants Too Low

SHREVEPORT, La. - A Louisiana man was arrested for wearing his pants too low.

Police say they were responding to a fight, when Aaron Woodbury wouldn’t follow their commands to pull up his pants.

“They gave him an opportunity to correct the problems and leave the area,” said Shreveport police Sgt. Bill Goodin. “Refusing to do so ultimately they made a decision to take him into custody.”

Aaron's wife Semekia Woodbury says he was arrested only a block away from their home.

“I’m like, you’re arresting him because he would pull up his pants? Why?” Semekia asked.

Woodbury was charged with resisting arrest and the wearing of pants below the waist in public.

According to Shreveport Government Website, anyone caught with their pants sagging below their waist so low as to show their skin or undergarments could be cited and summoned to appear in court.

If convicted, they could be fined up to $100 and sentenced to perform a day of community service.

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Pocomoke Artist Wins Maryland Migratory Game Bird Stamp Design Contest

Congratulations, Paul!

Peaceful Swim by Paul Makuchal
Photo DNR- k king
Paul Makuchal from Pocomoke won the 39th annual Maryland Migratory Game Bird Stamp Design Contest with his painting of a Lesser Scaup titled Peaceful Swim.

“It’s a wonderful surprise to learn my artwork was this year’s winning entry,” said Makuchal.

A panel of judges selected Makuchal’s work out of 21 entries from 11 Maryland artists. They judged the entries before a crowd on March 24 at the 24th Patuxent Wildlife Art Show, held at the National Wildlife Visitors Center in Laurel, Md. The contest is the fourth oldest in the country and is restricted to Maryland residents only.

Makuchal is now a two-time Maryland Migratory Game Bird Stamp Contest winner. In 1998 at the age of 21, he won his first Maryland title with a painting of a pair of pintails, and again in 2006 with his Canada Goose entry. At 17 he placed third in the Junior Federal Duck Stamp Contest.

The Makuchal name is well known in the world of Maryland art. Paul’s father, Wally Sr., was a long-time commercial artist by trade. His brother, Wally, is an accomplished wildlife artist as well and won Maryland’s “duck stamp” contest in 1999 and 2009. Paul, who prefers to work using acrylics, does a lot of commissioned art and custom painting.

In addition to his past successes in Maryland, Paul’s artwork has won the 2000 Oklahoma Duck Stamp Contest, and earned him Maryland Ducks Unlimited’s “Artist of the Year,” a feature in Ducks Unlimited Magazine and a spot in the Indiana Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Calendar.

The Maryland Migratory Game Bird Stamp Design Contest showcases the talents of Maryland’s gifted wildlife artists while raising funds for the conservation. Migratory game bird hunters are required to purchase these stamps and the proceeds are used to fund migratory game bird research and habitat enhancement on the State’s public lands. More than $6 million in stamp sales have been spent on migratory game projects since the beginning of the stamps in 1974.

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