Next Launch June 24 from Wallops Flight Facility

June 20, 2013 launch
NASA PHOTO

WALLOPS ISLAND, Va. – Following the successful launch today, June 20, of a NASA Terrier-Improved Orion sounding rocket, launch teams are now preparing for a two-rocket salvo June 24 from the Wallops Flight Facility, Va. 

The launch at 5:30 a.m. today carried experiments built by university instructors and students from across the country through the RockOn and RockSat-C programs conducted with the Colorado and Virginia Space Grant Consortia. 

The programs are designed to provide participants an introduction to building small experiments that can be launched on sounding rockets. More than 100 students and instructors were at Wallops participating in the programs.

The experiments were carried to an altitude of 73 miles before descending by parachute and landing in the Atlantic Ocean. The payload was recovered, and the students will receive their experiments later today to begin analyzing the data collected.

Wallops’ next launch is scheduled for June 24. Two rockets will launch 15-seconds apart in support of the Daytime Dynamo experiment, which is a joint project between NASA and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, or JAXA.

The project is designed to study a global electrical current called the dynamo, which sweeps through the ionosphere. The ionosphere stretches from about 30 to 600 miles above Earth and plays a crucial role in our day-to-day lives. For example, radio waves bounce off it as they travel from sender to receiver, and communications signals from satellites travel through it as well. A disruption in the ionosphere can disrupt these signals. 

The first rocket scheduled for launch is a single-stage Black Brant V, which will collect data on the neutral and charged particles it travels through. The second rocket is a two-stage Terrier-Improved Orion. It will shoot out a long trail of lithium gas to track how the upper atmospheric wind varies with altitude. These winds are believed to be the drivers of the dynamo currents.

Since the launch is during the day, the lithium trails will not be highly visible to the naked eye.

Based on the approved range schedule, the rockets are set for launch between 9:30 and 11:30 a.m. June 24. The backup launch days are June 25 and from June 28 to July 8.

The rockets will be visible to residents in the Wallops region. The NASA Visitor Center will open at 8 a.m. on launch day for viewing the launches.

Live coverage of the launch is available via UStream beginning at 8:30 a.m. on launch day at:http://www.ustream.tv/channel/nasa-tv-wallops

Launch status can be followed on launch day on Twitter at:http://www.twitter.com/NASA_Wallops and Facebook at:http://www.facebook.com/NASAWFF

Launch status also is available on the Wallops launch status line at 757-824-2050.

Further information on the Daytime Dynamo mission and NASA sounding rockets is available at:http://www.nasa.gov/soundingrockets

Worcester County Health Department Investigates Rabid Raccoon Situation in Ocean City

 Ocean City, Md. – Worcester County Health Department confirmed late yesterday afternoon that a raccoon that attacked a person in north Ocean City tested positive for rabies.

 

The health department was initially notified by a citizen on Tuesday morning about an aggressive raccoon near Northside Park that attacked one person.  It was later learned that two more people were charged by what authorities believe is the same raccoon.

 

Rabies is an ongoing issue in Worcester County and affects local wildlife. The animals most frequently confirmed with rabies in the county are raccoons, followed by foxes, skunks, groundhogs and cats.

 

Any person, pet or other animal that may have had contact with this or other rabies suspect wildlife may be at risk of a rabies exposure.  To report any contact with or exposure to this raccoon, call the Worcester County Health Department at 410-632-1100 or 410-352-3234.  Any potential exposures should be reported immediately so that a risk assessment can be done.   

 

If a pet has had contact with a wild or suspect animal, contact your veterinarian and the health department.  Wounds found on an outdoor pet from an unwitnessed encounter should be treated as a possible rabies exposure.  Appropriate management for your pet will be determined and currently vaccinated animals should be reboostered after exposure.

 

Reports of sick acting, aggressive wildlife or strays should be reported immediately so law enforcement can assess the situation and contain the suspect animal and minimize other exposure to pets or persons.  Suspect rabid animals should then be made available for testing by the health department, where warranted.   

 

The health department recommends the following tips to protect your pets and family from rabies exposure:

 

o   Vaccinate pets and keep those vaccinations current.  Maryland law requires vaccination against rabies for all dogs, cats and ferrets over 4 months of age.  Rabies vaccinations (shots) have limited time of protection, so citizens should verify that their pets are CURRENTLY protected. 

 

o   Do not feed pets outdoors.  Pet food, even the odor of it, in empty containers and on the ground draws wildlife.  While looking for food is normal behavior for raccoons and foxes particularly in the spring when there are young to be fed, these animals may return to areas they frequent if they become rabid. 

 

o   Secure trash cans and dumpster lids for the same reason outlined above.  Wild animals forage for food and minimizing food sources will discourage wildlife from coming to your property.

 

o   Remove strays from the community.  Stray cats are of particular concern, as they are competing for food with wildlife and have more opportunity for exposure to rabid wildlife, such as raccoons.  Many of the fights with raccoons go unwitnessed, and are only noted after the cat becomes rabid.  Cats are the most frequently identified rabid domestic animal.

 

o   Report immediately to local law enforcement or animal control, any abnormally behaving or aggressive wild animal or stray, particularly if contact to humans or pets is imminent or has already occurred.  A response can be made to the scene and assessment done of the animal’s behavior.  DO NOT TOUCH bare-handed any pet that has fought with a wild or suspect rabid animal. Determination will be made as to the disposition of the offending animal and the need for rabies testing.
Worcester County Health Department

MULTI-VEHICLE CRASH ON I-95

(HALETHORPE, MD) – One person was injured early this morning in a three vehicle crash which occurred southbound I-95 in the area of I-695.

 The driver of the Toyota Corolla is not being identified at this time pending notification of family members. The driver was transported by ambulance to the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center for treatment.

 The driver of the first commercial vehicle is identified as Mazec (NMN) Kazimierz, 60, of Palm Coast, Florida. He was operating a Freightliner tractor with a trailer. The vehicle was hauling a load of water. The driver refused medical treatment at the scene.

 The driver of the second commercial vehicle is identified as James W. Tisdale, 45, of Baltimore, Maryland. He was operating a Peterbilt truck. The vehicle was hauling linens. The driver refused medical treatment at the scene.

 Troopers from the Golden Ring Barrack were dispatched to southbound I-95 about one-half mile prior to the I-695 interchange shortly after 4:00 a.m., this morning. Troopers from the Maryland State Police Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division along with CRASH team members responded to assist with the investigation.

The preliminary investigation indicates that for unknown reasons, the Toyota was slowing or stopping in the travel portion of southbound I-95. The Freightliner tractor attempted to avoid the Toyota, but struck the vehicle on the left rear. The Peterbilt truck was unable to avoid the Toyota as well and struck it in the rear. The Peterbilt truck overturned, causing the vehicle’s fuel to spill onto the roadway. The Peterbilt truck came to rest across three lanes of traffic. Baltimore County Fire Department personnel responded to handle the fuel leak.

 Due to the severity of the crash and the fuel leak involved, southbound I-95 was close for approximately five hours. Baltimore Police Department, Maryland Transportation Authority and State Highway Administration personnel assisted with the road closure and detours. Two lanes of traffic were opened at approximately 8:45 a.m. and the remainder of the road was opened at approximately 10:45 a.m.

 The cause of the crash is still under investigation. There has been no determination of speed. No charges have been placed at this time. Upon completion of their investigation, Maryland State Police investigators will present their findings to the Baltimore County State’s Attorney’s Office for review and consultation regarding charges.

 Anyone with information regarding this crash is asked to contact the Maryland State Police, Golden Ring Barrack at (410) 780-2700. The investigation is continuing.

Submitted:
Maryland State Police

Public Meeting Tonight To Discuss US13 Bridges In Pocomoke

POCOMOKE CITY — The Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) will host an informational public meeting to update those who live and work in the area on the US 13 Bridges over the Pocomoke River near the Worcester/Somerset County line.

The meeting will be held tonight, June 20, from 6-7:30 p.m, in the cafeteria of Pocomoke Middle School, located at 800 Eighth Street in Pocomoke City.

As engineers finalize design for the project, the project team is seeking public feedback and also providing information on traffic management during construction.

This fall crews will begin construction to upgrade the bridge decks on both US 13 bridges in Pocomoke City. Located at the Somerset/Worcester county line, the two bridge decks will be reconstructed. The northbound bridge deck will be replaced, and the southbound bridge deck will be resurfaced. Work will require lane closures and traffic shifts during the two-year project.

Project information is available at roads.maryland.gov under the “SHA Projects Page.” Click on the Wicomico County link.

Customers may also contact Mr. Jason Pollock, Project Manager, SHA Office of Structures at 410-545-8318 or toll-free 1-888-375-1084.

SOURCE;

TIME MACHINE ... This Sunday's Preview.

1953.. Treasure found at site of Eastern Shore road construction; 1939.. New Maryland speed limits; 1894.. Whipping post in Worcester; 1876.. High expectations for Chincoteague; 1891.. Worcester sheriff tangles with mistaken identity case. 

Although you may not find these items in a history book, they are a part of our local history and you can read more about it this Sunday right here at The Pocomoke Public Eye! 


Do you have a local memory to share with PPE readers.. such as a big snow storm, a favorite school teacher, a local happening, something of interest your parents or grandparents told you about? It can be just a line or two, or more if you wish. Send to tkforppe@yahoo.com and watch for it on a future TIME MACHINE posting!

BINGO TONIGHT FOR TWO GREAT CAUSES

BINGO  TONIGHT !

 

Support Two Great Causes

 

Thursday, June 20, 2013 
Parksley Volunteer Fire Company, Inc.

18431 Dunne Ave.

 

bingo, prizes, food, and more

 

Doors open at 6 pm
Games at 7 pm

 

Proceeds of this event go to
TEAM BRITT'S SUPPORT OUR TROOPS PROJECT

 

 

 

AND

 

 

GREATER PARKSLEY ASSOCIATION

 

 

Bring an item for a care package and get one card FREE!

 

 

  Games are only a dollar!

 

 

 

 

NASA's Wallops Flight Facility / Launch Was A Success

NASA Photo/T. Rogers





 

Under beautiful clear skies there was a successful launch early this morning from Wallops Flight Facility of a Terrier-Improved Orion sounding rocket.

  The rocket  carries  experiments developed by university students and instructors in the RockOn and RockSat-C programs.

NASA's Wallops Flight Facility

Jun 20, 2013 6:10am

Mar-Va Theater This Weekend

 

The life story of Jackie Robinson and his history-making signing with the Brooklyn Dodgers under the guidance of team executive Branch Rickey.

 

Friday, June 21

Saturday, June 22

7PM

Tickets ~ $5

Rocket Launch Set For Early Thursday Morning ....

WALLOPS ISLAND, VA A NASA Terrier-Improved Orion suborbital sounding rocket carrying experiments developed by students from across the nation is scheduled for launch June 20 from the Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia.

Based on the approved range schedule, the rocket is set for launch between 5:30 and 10 a.m. EDT. The backup launch day is June 21. The rocket will be visible to residents in the Wallops region. The NASA Visitor Center will open at 4:30 a.m. on launch day for viewing the launch.

Live coverage of the launch is available via UStream beginning at 4:30 a.m. on launch day at:
http://www.ustream.tv/channel/nasa-tv-wallops

Launch status can be followed on launch day on Twitter at:
http://www.Twitter.com/NASA_Wallops
and Facebook at:
https://www.facebook.com/NASAWFF

Launch status also is available on the Wallops launch status line at 757-824-2050.

Further information on the mission, including a map showing from where the rocket may be seen, is available at:
http://www.nasa.gov/wallops


 

New Church Volunteer Fire and Rescue Company To Hold Annual Independence Day Celebration ~ June 30

 
In keeping with tradition the New Church Volunteer Fire and Rescue Company will hold their annual Independence Day Celebration

Join them in their
ANNUAL CELEBRATION OF AMERICA

 

 

Sunday, June 30, 2013

4 p.m. until 9:30 p.m.
New Church firehouse

 

 

Beginning @ 4 PM

Carnival rides
 food
  games

 

Beginning @ 5:30 p.m.

(in its 11th year)

Pedal Tractor Pull for kids

 

 

According to Freddie Holland, President of the NCVFRC and event chairman:
“The tractor pull is for kids up to age ten and is free.”  “The kids work so hard to win and everybody cheers them on.”

 

FOOD BOOTHS

BBQ chicken platters
  $7
 half a barbecued chicken, baked beans, and a roll

 

Oyster fritters
  hamburgers
 hot dogs
 boardwalk fries
 pizza
 funnel cakes
 snow cones
 ice cream
 fresh strawberry shortcake

 

Mike Shannon -  well-known local DJ, will provide entertainment.

 

LIVE AUCTION
 7 p.m.  

(one of the favorite events of the evening)

 

SLIDE SHOW PRESENTATION @ 9:20 PM

PROFESSIONAL FIREWORKS @ 9:30 PM

 

 

BRING YOUR LAWN CHAIR AND ENJOY THE ACTIVITIES ALL AFTERNOON AND INTO THE NIGHT!!

 

 

Rain date: Sunday, July 7

Expect Altered Downtown Traffic Patterns ~ Ocean City

Expect Altered Downtown Traffic Patterns During 121st Annual Fireman’s Convention

The Maryland State Firemen’s Association is currently celebrating their 121st Annual Fireman’s Convention. Once again, the convention will include a parade down Baltimore Avenue on Wednesday, June 19 at 1:00 p.m.


Downtown traffic patterns will be affected as follows: Beginning at 11:00 a.m. on the day of the parade, all northbound traffic on Baltimore Avenue will be diverted to Philadelphia Avenue at 9th Street. No traffic will be allowed on Baltimore Avenue from 12th Street to 31st Street.


Baltimore Avenue should experience congestion between 11:00 a.m. until shortly after 5:00 p.m.  Citizens should consider using alternate routes into Ocean City during these times in order to avoid traffic delays.

Heavy pedestrian traffic is also expected along the parade route.  Parade spectators are encouraged to watch the parade on the sidewalk, avoiding the median at all times.  Pedestrians are reminded to use marked crosswalks while crossing the street.  In addition, pedestrians should not take unnecessary risks crossing busy streets against traffic lights and are encouraged to watch for traffic the entire time you are in the crosswalk.  Motorists should also be extremely vigilant while driving, keeping constantly aware of parade participants, spectators, pedestrians, bicycles, mopeds and scooters.

Submitted:
Ocean City Police Department

Pocomoke City Police Chief Kelvin Sewell Honored Today

 

Pocomoke City Police Chief Kelvin Sewell was honored today during the Worcester County Board of Education meeting in Newark. 

 Chief Kelvin Sewell was honored  by the Worcester County Public Schools for his outstanding contributions to the service of the youth of Pocomoke City and Worcester County.  He was presented The "Youth Service Award".

Congratulations to Chief Sewell on another job well done!

NASA Rocket Launch Scheduled June 20 from Wallops

A NASA Terrier-Improved Orion suborbital sounding rocket carrying experiments developed by students from across the nation is scheduled for launch June 20 from the Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia.
The experiments were developed through the RockOn and RockSat-C programs conducted with the Colorado and Virginia and Space Grant Consortia. The programs are designed to provide participants an introduction in building small experiments that can be launched on sounding rockets. More than 100 students and instructors will be at Wallops to witness the launch.

Based on the approved range schedule, the rocket is set for launch between 5:30 and 10 a.m. EDT. The backup launch day is June 21. The rocket will be visible to residents in the Wallops region. The NASA Visitor Center will open at 4:30 a.m. on launch day for viewing the launch.

Live coverage of the launch is available via UStream beginning at 4:30 a.m. on launch day at: http://www.ustream.tv/channel/nasa-tv-wallops

Launch status can be followed on launch day on Twitter at: http://www.twitter.com/NASA_Wallops and Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/NASAWFF

Launch status also is available on the Wallops launch status line at 757-824-2050.

10th ANNUAL Lucas Oil Truck and Tractor Pull / Pocomoke Fair Grounds

10th ANNUAL

 Lucas Oil  Truck and Tractor Pull

 

Photo/BW

 

 Saturday, June 22, 2013

Broad Street

Pocomoke City, Maryland

 

Gates open at 4PM

Show starts at 7PM

 

 

Photo/BW

 

Don't miss the special pre-show entertainment ....

the little ones on their pedal tractors !!

 

Kitchen will be open with all of your shore favorites ~

oyster subs, hamburgers, hot dogs, sweet potato fries, sweet tea and much more.

 

Photo/BW

 

Beer wagons will be available all evening

 

 

$15 for adults

$8 for youth ~ 7 to 12 years

 

 

 

 

Earplugs will be on sale at the kitchen window

 

Sponsored by:

 

 

 

 

Arson Case For Couple Now Headed To the Grand Jury

Charles Smith III

ACCOMACK COUNTY, Va. (WAVY) - The couple accused of terrorizing the Eastern Shore by setting fires repeatedly for months appeared in court for a preliminary hearing on Monday.

Police said Tonya Bundick and Charles Smith III are responsible for the majority of the 77 arsons set in Accomack County between November 2012 and April 2013.

For more than three hours, a General District judge heard the Commonwealth's evidence against Bundick and Smith. The judge then certified arson and conspiracy charges against the couple. Their case is now headed to a grand jury.

Tonya Bundick

During the preliminary hearing, seven investigators and an arson victim testified in court. State troopers and special investigators gave revealing testimonies about the state of mind and behavior of Bundick and Smith on the night of their arrest.

The last home set ablaze on the Eastern Shore was on Airport Road in Melfa. The owner of the property, Claud Henry, testified that he put more than $22,000 worth of improvements into the home before it was burned the night of April 1.

Virginia State Troopers were doing surveillance in a camouflage tent in the woods near Henry's property that night . Trooper Troy Johnson testified he was using night vision when he saw a man get out a mini-van and run towards the back door of Henry's property.

Trooper Johnson said the man jammed something into the door, and ignited it. When the house caught fire, Johnson and another trooper ran after the man. Johnson said the man then ran towards Airport Road, and jumped into the passenger side of a mini-van.

Moments after the van sped away from the scene, it was pulled over by an Accomack County deputy and a Virginia State Trooper.

Investigators testified Bundick was driving the mini-van and Smith was in the passenger's seat.

Accomack County Sheriff Todd Godwin testified that he went to the scene of the arrest. Smith apologized saying, "I'm sorry, but I didn't light them all."

Investigators testified that Bundick did not speak and appeared calm during the arrest. During her interrogation, however, investigators said Bundick said she did not know Smith was going to set fire to the home on Airport Road; she said she drove Smith out to Melfa to take a break from her children.

Special agents testified that Smith was interviewed for more than four hours after his arrest on April 1. During the interrogation, Smith told investigators, "I knew we were busted before we did it. I even told her this place was a setup. She's smarter than me and said it wasn't. It was a dead giveaway.

There were too many cars there. I had never seen that many cars."

The owner of the property on Airport Road said even though the fire cost him $2,500 in damages, he has no ill feelings toward Bundick or Smith.

"It could have been burnt to the ground," Henry said. "I had only minor damages, approximately $25 hundred dollars of damage. It could have been worse, compared to those who lost everything."

The prosecuting attorney did not want to speak about the details of the hearing, but told WAVY.com the hearing is a step towards closure for residents in Accomack County.

"I think people are relieved that an arrest was made," said Commonwealth's Attorney Gary Agar.

Bundick and Smith will appear in court again for a grand jury hearing. The next grand jury in Accomack County meets the first Monday in August.

Scource:

‘Delegate Mike McDermott is the Recipient of the 2013 Legislator of the Year Award’

June 17. 2013
 

DELEGATE MIKE MCDERMOTT PRESS RELEASE

 

 

 ‘Delegate Mike McDermott is the Recipient of the

2013 Legislator of the Year Award’

 

“We are proud to announce that Delegate Michael A. McDermott has been named our legislator of the year” stated Steven Kroll, Executive Director of the Maryland State’s Attorney’s Association (MSAA).  Delegate Mike McDermott (R-Worcester & Wicomico Counties) has worked closely with MSAA on several key pieces of legislation while sitting on the House Judiciary Committee.

 

Delegate McDermott also met with MSAA to discuss numerous bills he sponsored this session, such as HB709, the Sheddy-Bennett Act.  HB709, now enrolled into law, will increase the maximum penalty for being an accessory after the fact to murder in the first degree from 5 to 10 years. He also worked with MSAA on many other bills, such as HB727, HB719 and HB765.

 

“Unanimously the Board of Directors of the Maryland State’s Attorneys Association voted Delegate McDermott 2013 legislator of the year. We enjoyed working with him in the past and look forward to working with him in the future on bills on behalf of victims, witnesses, law enforcement, and prosecutors” concluded Steven Kroll. 

 

Delegate McDermott has focussed on several key areas of public safety. His efforts have allowed more cops to remain on the streets while insuring that all defendants have access to legal counsel at every stage of the judicial process. This resulted in saving Maryland Taxpayers tens of millions of dollars. The Sheddy-Bennett Act insures that those participating in covering up or concealing a murder will not get away with a light sentence. His non partisan approach at solving legislative problems has garnered equal support from both sides of the aisle.

 

“I am grateful to be recognized by the MSAA as their Legislator of the Year”, said Delegate McDermott. “Their efforts as an organization in defense of Maryland crime victims and the rule of law have no equal in the General Assembly.”

 

Congratulations Delegate McDermott !!

Worcester County Library Presents REPTILE WORLD !

LINKS:

WORCESTER COUNTY MARYLAND LIBRARY

WORCESTER COUNTY LIBRARY

Bill Payment Scam Targeting Utility Customers In Virginia

*CONSUMER ALERT*

Attorney General Cuccinelli warns Virginians of bill payment scam targeting utility customers

RICHMOND (June 17, 2013) - Today, Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli warned Virginians to be cautious of scam phone calls from individuals who claim to be an employee of their electric utility provider and demand immediate payment of their bill. There have been several recent reports of citizens receiving calls, where the caller claims to be a company employee and threatens to shut off electric service unless a delinquent bill is paid within a matter of hours. Those called are then encouraged to go to Walmart or another retailer to purchase a Green Dot Visa card or other pre-paid debit card so that funds can be loaded onto the card and a payment can be made over the phone to the scammer.  The scammers appear to be specifically targeting Spanish-speaking customers, the elderly, and businesses in the state.  The scammers sometimes are able to gain an additional aura of legitimacy by "spoofing" the utility's phone number so that the citizen's Caller ID makes it appear they are receiving a phone call from their utility.

 

 

Instances have been reported to date by customers of Shenandoah Valley Electric Cooperative, Dominion Virginia Power, and Rappahannock Electric Cooperative.

Cuccinelli urged all Virginians to protect themselves from these scammers and offers these tips.

• Always attempt to verify the identity of any individual calling you who claims to represent a business. Do not provide money or personal information to an unsolicited caller whose identity you are not able to verify.   

• Always take your time making a decision. Legitimate companies won't pressure you to make a snap decision.

• If you receive a call along the lines described, do not make a payment by purchasing a Green Dot card or other means.   Please do immediately contact your utility's local office to report the call and to verify your account status.

• If you received a call along the lines described and you made a payment to the scammer, report that information to your local law enforcement.   You may also report this information to state or federal law enforcement agencies such as the Federal Trade Commission.

"Scammers are always coming up with new tricks to take away your hard-earned money. Taking advantage of innocent people is intolerable, shameful, and appalling-- especially in this tough economy-- and my office will not stand for it," said Cuccinelli.

Consumers should know that, although it is possible that their utility may contact them by phone if they are delinquent on a bill, the utility will never direct them to make a payment in a specific form, for example, by Green Dot Card. In those situations, the utility will only inform the customer of how they may make a payment, such as by coming to the corporate office and providing a check, money order or cash, or mailing a check with their most recent bill, or contacting the corporate office and paying by credit or debit card. 

Consumers also should know that their utility typically will not communicate with them about the potential termination of their electric service over the phone but instead will do so only through a mailed communication.

"We are taking the necessary steps to inform the citizens of Virginia that scammers are real, and educating them on how to protect themselves," said Cuccinelli.

If you have questions about this scam, the Office of the Attorney General's Consumer Protection telephone counselors are available to assist you with your consumer questions. Please call the Consumer Protection Hotline at 1-800-552-9963 if calling from Virginia, or 804-786-2042 if calling from the Richmond area. The Consumer Protection office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Customers of Shenandoah Valley Electric Cooperatives can call toll-free at 1-800-234-7832 and speak with a customer service representative regarding any questions or concerns.

Customers of Dominion Power can call toll-free at 1-866-366-4357 and speak with a customer service representative. 

Customers of Rappahannock Electric Cooperative can call toll-free at 1-800-552-3904 to speak with a customer service representative.

Pocomoke City Mayor and Council Meeting TONIGHT

 

A G E N D A

POCOMOKE CITY MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEETING

7:30 p.m., Monday, June 17, 2013

City Hall

 
 

1. Call to Order, Prayer and Pledge of Allegiance.

 
2.  Review and approval of minutes from meeting of June 3, 2013.
 
3.  Review and approval of bills to be paid.
 
4.  Second Reading of Res. No.475 to adopt the budget for fiscal year 2014.
 
5.  Second Reading of Res. No. 476 to set the tax rates for fiscal year 2014.
 
6.  Second Reading of Res. 477 to set fees, charges and penalties for fiscal year 2014.
 
7.  Representatives of the Great Fair Committee to discuss upcoming events: Tractor Pull (6/22/13), and Great Pocomoke Fair   (8/1-3/13).
 
8.  City Manager to present eleven month budget report.
 
9.  Mayor to discuss letter from Tim Richo regarding 7^th grade AAU basketball team support.
 
10.  City Manager to recommend allowing employees to enroll in optional Legal Shield program through payroll deduction.

11.  Discuss letter from Pentecostal Church of God requesting use of former Fire Dept. parking to for carnival outreach event.
 
 
Comments from the Audience.
Mayor and Council Items.
Adjourn.

4th Annual FINTASTIC FESTIVAL This Weekend

The Delmarva Discovery Center Is Seeking Volunteers

 

 

BINGO ! To Support Two Great Causes

BINGO !!

 

Thursday, June 20, 2013

Parksley Volunteer Fire Company, Inc.

18431 Dunne Ave.

 

 

bingo, prizes, food, and more

 

Doors open at 6 pm
Games at 7 pm

Proceeds of this event go to

Team Britt's Support Our Troops Project

and

 Greater Parksley Association

 

Bring an item for a care package and get one card FREE!

 Games are only a dollar!

 

 

Family and Local Police Officers Honor Dfc. Brian Heller On Anniversary

Worcester County Sheriff's Office

 

Photo/Worcester County Sheriff's Dept.

2013 Dfc. Brian Heller Memorial Service June 14, 2013

 

On June 14th, 2013, The Worcester County Sheriff's Office honored  Dfc.  Brian Heller on his 13th Anniversary LODD.

 

Members of the Sheriff's Office were joined by Brian's family, the Maryland State Police, Snow Hill Police Department, Wicomico Sheriff's Office, Pocomoke City Police and the Berlin Police Department.

 

For those of you who were fortunate to know Brian, you know the loss that we still feel. Brian was a part of our family and is deeply missed each and every day.

 

We honor him each day by continuing to put our best foot forward and protecting and serving our county residents.

 

Worcester County Sheriff's Office (PHOTOS)

 

 

Deputy Brian K. Heller

On June 14, 2000 Deputy Brian K. Heller, of the  Worcester County Sheriff's Office  was killed in an single car automobile accident while responding to assist another deputy with a mental patient, who was armed with a possible weapon.

Photo/Worcester County Sheriff's Office

 

While driving southbound on U.S. Route 113, his 2000 Ford Crown Victoria went out of control and struck a group of trees, ejecting him before bursting into flames.

 

Deputy Heller was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries a short time later.

 

Deputy Heller had been in law enforcement for 13 years, and had been with the Worcester County Sheriff's Office for four years.

 

Deputy Brian Keith Heller is survived by his wife and two daughters who were ages 9 and 14 at the time of his death.  He was 35 years of age.

Officer Down Memorial Page

Suspected Arsonists Due In Accomack County Court Today

Charles R. Smith

The two Hopeton residents believed to be responsible with many of the 76 arson fires on the Eastern Shore November 2012 unti April 2013  will go to court today for preliminary hearings.

Tonya Bundick and Charles Smith will face the judge in the Accomack County District court at 1:30 today.

Tonya Bundick

Court ordered evaluations of both Smith and Bundick showed they both suffer from depression. That wasn't enough to prevent today's hearing from taking place.

 
To date each is charged with one count of arson and one count of conspiracy to commit arson in connection with a fire at an abandoned structure in Melfa.

Men's Tug-O-War Competition

Pocomoke Cypress Festival

Men's Tug-O-War Competition
Saturday Night


Video Rusty Merritt


Great to see  that this oldie but goodie has returned! The idea to return the tug-o-war started out with a slow response.   For an event to have been gone for a few years the 2013 tug-o-war competition ended with 3 women's teams and six men's teams. 

Be sure to watch the video to find out who managed to stay out of the mud to win the trophy !

 

Father's Day 2013

and..........

 

 

 

Be sure to create a memory today.....

TIME MACHINE ... 1885

(Reader-friendly viewing of newspaper archives material)

　
I'm on vacation this week. Below is a news story you may have missed previously or maybe would like to read again. The Time Machine will be back with some "new" items from our past next Sunday.- tk

　
January, 1885
(The Freeborn County Standard- Albert Lea, Minnesota)

SHIPS SAILING IN AIR

Remarkable Mirage Seen From The Decks Of A Steamer In Chesapeake Bay

From The Baltimore Herald. "At the time I discovered it," said Captain Wilson of the steamer Tangier "we were off Watts Island on the Pocomoke Sound. The day was clear and bright. I was standing on the hurricane deck forward with a passenger, and we were commenting on the strange action of a dense line of smoke which rose perpendicularly from the stack of a saw mill in Pocomoke City, which lay to the east of us. My attention was suddenly called to the distinct outlines of a three-masted schooner which appeared above the line where the smoke spread out and disappeared. I could hardly believe my senses, and, calling my attention to the gentleman who was with me to the strange sight, I rushed into the pilot house and got my glasses. Through them I discovered more clearly the outlines of the vessel. There was evidently no breeze, as the sails were lying inboard. Then I scanned the horizon on either side of the smoke with the glasses and discovered four additional schooners, all of them similarly rigged and all wearing a full set of sails which were also inboard. They were more or less distinct as they were nearer or farther from the shore. Three of them pointed north and two south. The vessels were enveloped in what appeared to be a transparent haze, which I at once supposed to be the ocean. Fringing the lower edge of the haze were the outlines, perfectly distinct of the Atlantic coast between Chncoteague and Cobbs Islands. Even the inlets and small capes were discernible. Next appeared the broad waters between the outer bar and the mainland. This was also depicted as a haze, the land dovetailing into it here and there. Skirting the lower edge of the haze was the mainland, with open fields and clumps of trees. The mirage extended down to the meeting line of the land and the eastern horizon. I called all the passengers up from the lower deck and saloon, and all of them gazed at the phenomenon with wonder and admiration. The sight lasted about twenty minutes and gradually disappeared from view."

Captain Wilson stated that a land breeze had prevailed for several days previous to the mirage, and the phenomenon is accounted for on the ground that there was unusual retraction of the lower strata of the atmosphere. This is the first known instance of a mirage being seen in the lower Chesapeake. This phenomenon, however, is not infrequent in the Chesapeake, and Captain Wilson states that he once saw Cove point light from the lower end of Tangier Island, a distance of 38 miles. He calculated the distance of the mirage of a few days ago to be 30 miles.


 　　
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!
　

Police say alleged Accomack County Arsonists Targeted Facebook User

ACCOMAC — Search warrants filed in Accomack County contain information about a possible motive behind one of the more than 70 arson fires that happened in Accomack County during a five-month crime spree.

The Hopeton couple police say are responsible for setting most of the fires are scheduled to appear Monday in General District Court in Accomac for a preliminary hearing.

Charles R. Smith III, 38, after his arrest April 2 admitted to setting more than 70 structure and brush fires with help from his fiancee, Tonya S. Bundick, 40.

Smith told investigators the couple picked one house as a target because of comments made on Facebook, according to information contained in two search warrants taken out by Virginia State Police.

“Mr. Smith specifically indicated that in one case they targeted the residence that he burned because of comments that were made to Ms. Bundick on Facebook,” the warrant stated as probable cause for searching two Facebook accounts belonging to Bundick.

The scope of the searches included status updates, shares, notes, postings, friend lists and private messages, among other information associated with the accounts.

The warrant did not specify whose residence Smith and Bundick targeted or what the online comments said.

One of Bundick’s Facebook personas, “Teechar Toobannounced,” is still listed as a member of the Facebook groups “Arson in Accomack” and “ESVA Fires — Who is Setting These Fires? And How Will They Be Stopped?" They are two of several groups created on the social media site to discuss the arsons.

The police searches resulted in a three-page .pdf file from one account, tonya.bundick, and a 521-page file from the second account, teechar.toobannounced.

Read More

Rocket Week For Teachers and Students / Wallops Flight Facility

Students and Teachers Become Rocket Scientists at NASA's Wallops Flight Facility

WASHINGTON -- More than 120 students and educators will delve into the world of rocket science June 15-21 during Rocket Week at NASA's Wallops Flight Facility on Virginia's Eastern Shore.

Activities during the week will include a RockOn! workshop for 50 university and community college-level participants, and the Wallops Rocket Academy for Teachers and Students (WRATS) for a high school audience. All attendees will participate in a sounding rocket launch scheduled between 5:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. EDT June 20.

"Rocket Week brings together students and teachers from across the country to experience first-hand the exciting world of rocketry," said Joyce Winterton, senior advisor for education and leadership development at Wallops. "For students, it provides them valuable experience to blend with academics for their future STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) careers. The educators gain valuable experience to expand their curriculum in the classroom and mentor students for STEM majors and careers."

RockOn! Introduces participants to building small experiments that can be launched on suborbital sounding rockets. Now in its sixth year, the workshop is conducted in partnership with the Colorado and Virginia Space Grant Consortia.

"Working with NASA, we have developed a step approach to expand the skills needed for students to enter STEM careers," said Chris Koehler, director of the Colorado Space Grant Consortium. "RockOn! is the first step, followed by RockSat-C and then RockSat-X. Each step is technically more challenging than the previous one, allowing the students to expand the skills needed to support the aerospace industry."

The RockOn! participants will build standardized experiments to be launched on a NASA Terrier-Improved Orion suborbital sounding rocket. The 35-foot-tall rocket is expected to fly to an altitude of about 75 miles. After launch and payload recovery, the participants will conduct preliminary data analysis and discuss their results.

Nine custom-built Rocksat-C experiments, developed at universities that previously participated in a RockOn! Workshop, also will fly inside a payload canister on the rocket. About 50 students who designed and built the experiments will be attend Rocket Week.

Also attending will be university participants in RockSat-X. They are previous Rocksat-C participants who will fly six custom-built experiments aboard a sounding rocket from Wallops in August.

In the WRATS program, 20 high school teachers from Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, Tennessee and the District of Columbia will learn about the dynamics of rocketry and the science gained from suborbital sounding rockets to reinforce STEM concepts they teach in their classrooms. They also will attend the planned sounding rocket launch.

These programs continue NASA's investment in the nation's education programs by supporting the goal of attracting and retaining students in STEM disciplines critical to the future of space exploration.

For more information about the WRATS programs, visit:
http://education.wff.nasa.gov



The RockOn! and WRATS workshops are supported by NASA's Sounding Rocket Program. RockOn! also is supported by NASA's Office of Education and NASA's National Space Grant College and Fellowship Program in partnership with the Colorado and Virginia Space Grant Consortia.

For more information on RockOn! and RockSat, visit:
http://spacegrant.colorado.edu/rockon

For more information about NASA's education programs, visit:
 
http://www.nasa.gov/education