Another Shooting in Pocomoke

Date & Time: 12/22/2011 @ 4:00 P.M. Case #:11-0306

Location Occurred: Ninth Street, Pocomoke, Worcester County, Maryland

Crime or Violation: 1st Degree Attempted Murder, 2nd Degree Attempted Murder, 1st degree assault, 2nd degree assault.

Victim: (Juvenile)

Accused: Darius Tyrell Cotton B/M 18 years old, of 4th Street, Pocomoke, Worcester County, MD 21851

Narrative:

On Thursday, December 22, 2011 at approximately 4:00 P.M. a reported shooting had occurred at 700 block of 9th Street, Pocomoke, Maryland. The Pocomoke Police Department had arrived and secured the scene. A Juvenile victim had suffered a gunshot wound to the right leg. The juvenile was transported to Peninsula Regional Medical Center for treatment. The Pocomoke Police Department had requested the assistance of the Worcester County Bureau of Investigations (W.C.B.I.) and the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office to assist with the additional support. Detectives from (W.C.B.I.) arrived on scene and began conducting interviews. A suspect was identified through numerous interviews. A photo line-up was used and a suspect was identified as Darius Tyrell Cotton, 18 years of age, of the 800 block of 4th street was identified as the shooter. An arrest warrant and a search and seizure warrant were obtained for him.

On Friday December 23, 2011 at approximately 3:00 P.M. the Pocomoke Police Department, along with the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office, Maryland State Police and the Worcester County Bureau of Investigations had conducted a search and seizure warrant at Darius Tyrell Cotton’s residence. He was placed under arrest and taken before a District Court Commissioner where he was held without bond.

The juvenile has since been released from the hospital.

Being Demolished Today

The next time you travel Route 13 heading towards the Maryland/Virginia line you will see a noticable change on  the north bound side.

Being demolished today is the old Route 13 Truck Stop.

Many of us remember when this was a fully operational business many years ago.  Some of the guys we went to school with found summer jobs there.

These photos are a bit fuzzy but you get the idea.    More photos later.

Christopher Baker, 4th Grade Boy, Stuffed Into Duffel Bag By School Employees

LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- A 9-year-old autistic boy who misbehaved at school was stuffed into a duffel bag and the drawstring pulled tight, according to his mother, who said she found him wiggling inside as a teacher's aide stood by.

The mother of fourth-grader Christopher Baker said her son called out to her when she walked up to him in the bag Dec. 14. The case has spurred an online petition calling for the firing of school employees responsible.

"He was treated like trash and thrown in the hallway," Chris' mother, Sandra Baker, said Thursday. She did not know how exactly how long he had been in the bag, but probably not more than 20 minutes.
Mercer County schools Interim Superintendent Dennis Davis said confidentiality laws forbid him from commenting.

"The employees of the Mercer County Public Schools are qualified professionals who treat students with respect and dignity while providing a safe and nurturing learning environment," Davis said in a statement.
State education officials said they were investigating.

Chris is a student at Mercer County Intermediate School in Harrodsburg in central Kentucky. The day had barely begun when his family was called to the school because Chris was acting up. He is enrolled in a program for students with special needs.

Walking toward his classroom, Baker's mother saw the gym bag. There was a small hole at the top, she said, and she heard a familiar voice.
"Momma, is that you?" Chris said, according to his mother.

MORE HERE>>

TIME MACHINE Preview ... Childhood's Christmas Memories

A 1924 newspaper article asks "What are your first memories of Christmas? Can you bring them back through the long years and tell them over again to the children?" And from that point in time it looks ahead to memories being retold to future generations "in 1950, 1975, and even up to 2000..."

It's this Sunday on The Pocomoke Public Eye!


　
Do you have a local memory to share with PPE readers.. such as a big snow storm, a favorite school teacher, a local happening, something of interest your parents or grandparents told you about? It can be just a line or two or more if you wish. Your name won't be used unless you ask that it be. Send to tkforppe@yahoo.com and watch for it on a future TIME MACHINE posting!

Christmas Lights in Pittsville

If you haven't seen the Christmas Lights on the houses in Pittsville you really need to take a short trip over there.

Times are tight so they have a schedule this year thanks to Obama!

The lights are displayed Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights... And Santa is there for the little'uns too.

There is also a donation box at the entrance, please make a donation as when you see these lights and all the other decorations and even animated and moving things and figures you will know how much time and money goes into this setup. It really is unbelievable to see it has to be over a million lights just draped across the house.

Sorry about the picture quality I took these with my very old flip phone. 

 

That's my Girl right here

And Here...

And Here....

Crabs For Christmas!

A week before Christmas in 2010 I spent a few days in Baltimore City.  The morning of my departure was a bitter cold morning in the early hours with the complete trip to the city hampered by nothing else but the winter precipitation everyone loves (except for me) SNOW!!

We made it there and my husband made the return trip home - the same day- safely. 

I am not a 'city' person.  I am not a fast paced person - unless I want to be.  But I managed to endure four whole days in the University of Maryland Hospital with my daughter. (no need to worry- she's fine) 

While my daughter recuperated I spent my days snapping photos and chatting with those around me within the area of the hospital - which actually resembles a mall in the lobby.  Weather was the topic of choice the first day.  (my displeasure of it and the fear my daughter and I would not be back on the Eastern Shore for Christmas).  Most people in Baltimore like the snow.  My final decision for their true love for the white mess is because many have never traveled on the country roads during a slippery and snowy time.  After all, where I come from if you can't go you don't go. 

There are many wonderful people up there and I made friends with those I will never see again.  Aside from the ways  the many people in Baltimore think, and do things there are TWO things that we have in common.  ACCENT!  With  the first syllable from my mouth they knew I was from the 'shore' and I knew I was in Balitmore! 

Secondly, CRABS!  Can you imagine they believe the crabs in Baltimore are the best crabs?  Well, being the 'southern gal' that I am I didn't argue even though I do know better.

So to all those I met at the University of Maryland Hospital that helped me through those days last year and discussed the Eastern Shore with  me have a MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR.  And to the gentleman that knows more about Ocean City than I do HAPPY HANUKKAH!

This video is for all of you...

MERRY CHRISTMAS !

                                                                                                                   

A Fulfilling Way To Be A Secret Santa.........

Due to lack of donations and toys this holiday season the Pocomoke City Police Department did not host their annual Christmas party for the needy families in the area.

There is still a great need for your support!

Angel at the Pocomoke Police Dept. is  still accepting donations to be given to these less fortunate children.

Please give and while visiting the Pocomoke Police Dept. with your kind donation for this year make a pledge to donate in the next Christmas season.

Even the smallest donation will make some childs Christmas Day brighter!

~MERRY CHRISTMAS~

  EDITOR: Alrighty Pocomoke lets get going! "Not enough toys"? This IS NOT the Pocomoke that I grew up in and know so well.... C'mon Pocomoke lets get those toys to the Police station and get this thing done, we don't have much time... to our readers, please send this to everyone local in your address book. The needed Pocomoke kids need our help. Lets go Pocomoke!... Merry Christmas!

Accomack Sheriff Says Father Murdered Mother, Two Children, and Tenant of Home

According to Sheriff Todd Godwin, on Thursday, December 15 at approximately 5:10 p.m., the Accomack County Sheriff's Office received a report of a possible suicide at a residence on 6th Street in the Gargatha area of Accomack County. Upon the initial deputy's arrival, the bodies of five deceased individuals were discovered inside the residence. Accomack County Investigators spent hours processing the scene, collecting evidence and conducting interviews and a Medical Examiner's investigation has determined that all five individuals died as a result of gunshot wounds.


The five deceased persons have been identified as 20 yr old Zayday Reyes, 27 yr old Evelyn Colon-Matias, 10 yr old Jesus Angel Quintero-Colon, 9 yr old Ana Estefani Quintero-Colon and 37 yr old Esteban Quintero-Gonzales.


Based on evidence at the scene and interviews conducted, it appears at this time that Esteban Quintero-Gonzales forced his way into the residence on 6th Street and shot the other 4 victims and then himself. Esteban Quintero-Gonzales was the father of Jesus Angel Quintero-Colon and Ana Estefani Quintero-Colon and was involved in ongoing custody hearings with the children's mother, Evelyn Colon-Matias. Zayday Reyes was a tenant at the 6th Street location and had been allowing Evelyn and her two children to stay at the residence.


Assisting the Accomack County Sheriff's Office in this investigation was the Virginia State Police.


The investigation into this incident is continuing.

Source;  shoredailynews.com

Sara McMeen Shot 3 Children, Boyfriend, Herself In Illinois Town: Police (VIDEO)

CHICAGO — An Illinois woman shot each of her three children, including a 10-month-old baby, in the head before apparently killing herself, authorities said Monday. Investigators arriving on the scene found their bodies in the backyard, the woman's hands stained with soot from firing the gun.

Authorities released new details on the shootings in Emington, a farming community with 117 residents about 85 miles southwest of Chicago. Neighbors have said the gunfire erupted moments after McMeen's two older children got off a school bus on Friday.

Investigators found the body of her live-in boyfriend, Daniel Warren, 29, inside the couple's rented home. They found McMeen, 30, and her three children in the backyard.

Next-door neighbor Annelise Fiedler told The Associated Press on Saturday that she ran out of her house when she heard the first burst of gunfire. She saw McMeen hovering over her baby as if she had dropped her.

Fiedler asked McMeen if everything was all right.

"She looked at me and said, `No, everything is not all right,'" Fiedler said. Then, McMeen shot the baby.

Autopsy results released Monday said 10-month-old Maggie Warren had two gunshot wounds in the head and a separate wound where a bullet grazed her neck.

McMeen's two older children, 8-year-old Skyler Lemke and 7-year-old Ian Lemke, also were shot in the head. Autopsy results showed Skyler died of two gunshot wounds to the head and one to the upper back. Ian was shot once in the head.

Daniel Warren, 29, had gunshot wounds in the back and neck, authorities said.

READ MORE HERE>>

"Jingle Bells" In Perfect Harmony

Dogs barking "Jingle Bells" for a Pedigree commercial in perfect harmony -

Well, almost.

Pocomoke Police Confiscate $1k in Fake Bills at Walmart, Arrest Suspects

POCOMOKE CITY — The Walmart Supercenter in Pocomoke City was the target of a counterfeit scheme that also victimized stores in Fruitland. Two suspects are behind bars for the crimes.

Mary Guirand of Stanford, Conn., and Antwan Freeman of Dover were arrested on a warrant by Pocomoke police after investigators recovered $1,100 in fake bills allegedly used by the suspects to make Walmart purchases.

According to police, a suspect was seen on video surveillance purchasing an iPad at the Pocomoke Walmart, while a second suspect was filmed purchasing other items and receiving change back. Both suspects paid for merchandise with fake $100 bills, police said.

Police investigators, called by store management to examine the currency, recovered the fake bills and learned that merchandise purchased in Pocomoke had been returned for cash at stores in Fruitland. Police did not name the Fruitland businesses.

Both Guirand and Freeman remained behind bars late Friday.

Source;  http://www.delmarvanow.com/article/20111216/NEWS01/111216026/Pocomoke-police-confiscate-1k-in-fake-bills-at-Walmart-arrest-suspects?odyssey=mod|newswell|text|WCT-News|s

Pocomoke City Restaurant

One week before Christmas Day - December 18, 2011/ Sunday

Progress seems to be moving right along......

Walk Through Bethlehem

Wow! It's that time of year again.


Don't miss the "Walk through Bethlehem" at Lynnhaven Baptist Church, if you have never visited this wonderful event you have missed a really well orchestrated live Christmas display.


The "Walk through Bethlehem" at Lynnhaven Baptist Church is exactly that, it's a recreated Town of Bethlehem built and put together by volunteers. The Town has actual Bethlehem buildings, stable, manger, etc. it's complete with real animals and the scenic route and buildings are occupied by volunteers dressed in biblical attire.


This is admission free (donations accepted) and a must see for all ages and will leave you with a life long memory.


Take the "Walk Through Bethlehem" today, you will not be disappointed. 

  

"Walk through Bethlehem" Dates: 

December  10, 11, 16, 17 & 18 - 6:00 to 9:00 pm

To visit Lynnhaven Baptist Church web site CLICK HERE>>

TIME MACHINE ... Christmas Eve, 1897

(Reader-friendly viewing of newspaper archives material)

　

　

ACROSS THE USA

It appears from this article that more than a century ago it was Christmas eve that was the most anticipated time for holiday shopping.

　

December 24, 1897

(Woodland Daily Democrat- Woodland, California)

CHRISTMAS EVE

Children Will Catch A Glimpse Of Fairyland

People With Christmas Memories In Their Minds And Christmas Cheer In Their Hearts

Those who have had the opportunity to watch the people surge up and down the street this afternoon know is has been a busy day for the merchants, and without the use of the calendar they could easily determine the date. Indeed, if a resident of one of the planets could drop in on us unannounced he would know it was the day before Christmas on account of the industrious manner in which people are picking up odds and ends to fill the toe and heel of the Christmas stocking and add to the happiness of Santa Claus' day.

And this holiday rush will continue far into the evening because Christmas Eve is everybody's evening. It is the evening when all take the evening off from the ordinary occupations of their ordinary existences and spend that evening down town in the interests of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. It is the evening when the day laborer and the capitalist rejoice together in common cause that work is over, at least for a brief season. It is the evening when the best girl shares the pleasure of the best young man. It is the evening when whole families of young children get their first glimpse of the fairyland of Christmas and of the treasures piled high behind protecting windows, and of the white-whiskered and mysterious old man who shakes their hands, takes their names and promises them on the fairth of a Santa Claus a present of a doll or a drum on Christmas morning.

This evening being Christmas eve the electric lights on the streets, the electric lights over the store entrances, the electric lights that mist fantastically across the facade of tall buildings will flare their brightest radiance for the benefit and happiness of the passing throng. Windows will blaze with twinkling jets and reflect the shades of tinted glows upon the colors of the goods below. Light and darkness will chase each other up and down a continuous chain decorating the edge of our tallest structures. Lights will flicker from the branches of the Christmas trees and gladden the hearts of the children.

Christmas eve is the night when the green foliage of Christmas brings a breath of spring, and this evening it will be a cheerful spectacle to see the bright holly leaves, shining with the seasons good will, the hollie berries, red as the season's charity, the mistletoe hinting at furture pleasures and the joys of future frolics, the evergreens filling the streets with Christmas odors and the minds of the passing throng with Christmas memories and their hearts with Christmas cheer. This evening windows will blaze with light and glow with color. Pavements will resound with noisy clamor. Stores that are filled with a bewildering wealth of holiday treasures will be thronged with eager, admiring purchasers. But after all it will be the people who give life and animation to the spectable that will make the scene worth seeing, and the night worth living. It will be a crowd to watch and mingle in, to become part of it in the pleasure, in contentment, in wonder and in that satisfactory feeling of accomplished work and anticipated rest.

　

　

　

Do you have a local memory to share with PPE readers.. such as a big snow storm, a favorite school teacher, a local happening, something of interest your parents or grandparents told you about? It can be just a line or two or more if you wish. Your name won't be used unless you ask that it be. Send to tkforppe@yahoo.com and watch for it on a future TIME MACHINE posting!

TIME MACHINE Preview ... Christmas Eve, 1897

An article from more than a century ago gives a glimpse of Christmas Eve in that era, indicating it was the most anticipated day and evening for holiday shopping.

It's this Sunday on The Pocomoke Public Eye!

　
Do you have a local memory to share with PPE readers.. such as a big snow storm, a favorite school teacher, a local happening, something of interest your parents or grandparents told you about? It can be just a line or two or more if you wish. Your name won't be used unless you ask that it be. Send to tkforppe@yahoo.com and watch for it on a future TIME MACHINE posting!

"Say Merry Christmas"

Who says we can't say MERRY CHRISTMAS??

Here's a way to fix the problem everyone gripes about....

Question is:  Are YOU willing to try it???

Let's spread this message..

~MERRY CHRISTMAS~

Toy Donations Still Being Accepted For PCPD Children's Christmas Party

REMINDER:

Today is the last day to donate toys for the Pocomoke City Police Department's Annual Children's  Christmas party on December 18, 2011.  Toys will go to children in Pocomoke  who are less fortunate at Christmastime.

PLEASE drop off any toys or gift cards at ANY downtown business in Pocomoke.

Downtown businesses will still continue to collect non-perishable food items through Christmas.  These donated items will go to the Pocomoke City Smaritan Shelter.

*Discounts from downtown businesses still apply.*

Five Bodies Found in Trailer

PHOTO/WAVY TV

UPDATE
Investigators still on scene investigating.  It is reported that there was a custody hearing scheduled for court and none of the parties have been heard from.

A brother of one of the victims, Omar Colon Matias, told the Associated Press his sister Evelyn, her husband, their two children, ages 9 and 11, were living in the trailer with another woman.

The trailer is located along a dirt road in a wooded remote area of the Eastern Shore near the Maryland line. It's among a handful of trailers in the area.
(Gargatha is about 22 miles from the Maryland line)

~

ACCOMACK COUNTY, Va. (WAVY) - Five people were found dead in a trailer in Accomack County on Thursday.

A call came into the sheriff’s office at 5:15 in the afternoon for an attempted suicide.

When the sheriff’s deputy arrived, they found five people dead inside the trailer on Diamond Spring Boulevard in Gargatha, Va.

Sheriff Todd Godwin says they have been working the scene for several hours. As of 8:30 Friday morning, the road remained blocked and law enforcement were still investigating.

Sheriff Godwin could not confirm anything else at the time.

Siurce;http://www.wavy.com//dpp/news/local_news/five-bodies-found-in-trailer

*Unofficial sources have also reported this incident to be a murder- suicide involving a family.*

Christmas Gift Suggestion

Need help with a Christmas gift selection for someone on you Christmas list?

Here's a unique idea....

A gift certificate for MARTIAL ARTS CLASS

The studio of Diana Toledo Martin (Hanshisei Martin) has been open at 1300 Market Street

  Pocomoke City 

for 23 years and offers classes in

Karate, Judo, Jujitsu, and Grappling

Classes are available for
3 to 5 year olds
Children 6 and up
Adults


Convenient class hours are held on Monday thru Thursday evenings.


For more info call Diana- 757- 824 -4322 or 443- 614- 2203

~MERRY CHRISTMAS~

Change in Plan to Allow Sewage Treatment Plant Tabled by Planning Commission

The issues that attracted the most attention at the Accomack County Planning Commission meeting Wednesday night centered around the proposed sewage treatment plant that would service the Atlantic Town Center, a planned unit development being considered for Wattsville.

Atlantic area residents who attended were up at arms over the developers plans to locate a sewage treatment plant in the Nocks Landing area of Atlantic.

After Building and Zoning director David Fluhart ruled in July that the Countys current zoning ordinances prohibited the construction of sewage treatment plants in agriculturally zoned areas, the developer proposed a change in the language of the ordinance that would permit that to occur.


Attorney for the developer Mark Baumgardner told the commission that in his opinion, Accomack's zoning ordinance did not conform to state requirements that allow private sewage treatment plants on ag zoned land and when there is such a conflict, state law trumps local ordinances.


Many residents of the Atlantic area have objected on the grounds that developers should not be able propose a change in the language of any valid comprehensive plan. County attorney Mark Taylor said there is precedent in the county to provide language to allow a conditional use permit by right. It is not new to the county or to Virginia law. Its more of a process.


The commissioners discussed the possibility that the plant itself could be located within the planned unit development in which case only treated effluent would be sent to the Nocks Landing area.

Concerns were raised that a strong hurricane or equipment failure could result in untreated sewage being spilled into the Nocks Landing area.


Speaking for the developer Baumgardner stated that the proposed sewage treatment plant was designed to allow the county to use part of its capacity in the future if that became necessary. The proposed capacity is one million five hundred thousand gallons daily. If the plant itself were located at the development it would only be able to process seven hundred fifty thousand gallons per day which would be adequate for the Atlantic Town Center but not provide the capacity for county use in the future.


Several area residents spoke during the public comment part of the meeting. All who spoke were opposed to any effluent treated or untreated being deposited at the Nock's Landing site.


The Planning Commission decided to table the change in language to give the staff time to research the issue and provide more information. They decided to conduct a public hearing on the language change and the conditional use permit for the sewage plant on January 11 at a site to be determined.

Source:  shoredailynews

A Soldier and His Dog- Welcome Home

This video was put together in celebration of Veterans Day.

Now that our Troops will be returning home from Iraq this is another great time to view the happy meetings of  a soldier and his dog. 

Regardless of your feelings about the American/Iraqi war let's put our feelings aside and just rejoice that the end has finally come and these brave men and women will be returning home....

some to a whole lot of 'shakin' goin' on' !

GOD BLESS OUR TROOPS

!! WELCOME HOME !!

TIME MACHINE Preview ... Christmas Eve, 1897

A more than century old newspaper article gives a glimpse of Christmas Eve in that era.

It's this Sunday on The Pocomoke Public Eye!

　

Do you have a local memory to share with PPE readers.. such as a big snow storm, a favorite school teacher, a local happening, something of interest your parents or grandparents told you about? It can be just a line or two or more if you wish. Your name won't be used unless you ask that it be. Send to tkforppe@yahoo.com and watch for it on a future TIME MACHINE posting!

Panetta Formally Shuts Down US War in Iraq

BAGHDAD (AP) - After nearly nine years, 4,500 American dead, 32,000 wounded and more than $800 billion, U.S. officials formally shut down the war in Iraq - a conflict that U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta said was worth the price in blood and money, as it set Iraq on a path to democracy.

Panetta stepped off his military plane in Baghdad Thursday as the leader of America's war in Iraq, but will leave as one of many top U.S. and global officials who hope to work with the struggling nation as it tries to find its new place in the Middle East and the broader world.

He and several other U.S. diplomatic, military and defense leaders participated in a highly symbolic ceremony during which the flag of U.S. Forces-Iraq was officially retired, or "cased," according to Army tradition.

The U.S. Forces-Iraq flag was furled - or wrapped - around a flagpole and covered in camouflage. It will be brought back to the United States.

"You will leave with great pride - lasting pride," Panetta told the troops. "Secure in knowing that your sacrifice has helped the Iraqi people to cast tyranny aside and to offer hope for prosperity and peace to this country's future generations."

During several stops in Afghanistan this week, Panetta made it clear that the U.S. can be proud of its accomplishments in Iraq.

"We spilled a lot of blood there," Panetta said. "But all of that has not been in vain. It's been to achieve a mission making that country sovereign and independent and able to govern and secure itself."

That, he said, is "a tribute to everybody - everybody who fought in that war, everybody who spilled blood in that war, everybody who was dedicated to making sure we could achieve that mission."

Panetta echoed President Barack Obama's promise that the U.S. plans to keep a robust diplomatic presence in Iraq, foster a deep and lasting relationship with the nation and maintain a strong military force in the region.

As of Thursday, there were two U.S. bases and about 4,000 U.S. troops in Iraq - a dramatic drop from the roughly 500 military installations and as many as 170,000 troops during the surge ordered by President George W. Bush in 2007, when violence and raging sectarianism gripped the country. All U.S. troops are slated to be out of Iraq by the end of the year, but officials are likely to meet that goal a bit before then.

The total U.S. departure is a bit earlier than initially planned, and military leaders worry that it is a bit premature for the still maturing Iraqi security forces, who face continuing struggles to develop the logistics, air operations, surveillance and intelligence sharing capabilities they will need in what has long been a difficult neighborhood.

U.S. officials were unable to reach an agreement with the Iraqis on legal issues and troop immunity that would have allowed a small training and counterterrorism force to remain. U.S. defense officials said they expect there will be no movement on that issue until sometime next year.

Still, despite Obama's earlier contention that all American troops would be home for Christmas, at least 4,000 forces will remain in Kuwait for some months. The troops will be able to help finalize the move out of Iraq, but could also be used as a quick reaction force if needed.

Obama met in Washington with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki earlier this week, vowing to remain committed to Iraq as the two countries struggle to define their new relationship. Ending the war was an early goal of the Obama administration, and Thursday's ceremony will allow the president to fulfill a crucial campaign promise during a politically opportune time. The 2012 presidential race is roiling and Republicans are in a ferocious battle to determine who will face off against Obama in the election.

Panetta acknowledged the difficulties for Iraq in the coming years, as the country tries to find its footing.

"They're going face challenges in the future," Panetta said Wednesday during a visit with troops in Afghanistan. "They'll face challenges from terrorism, they'll face challenges from those that would want to divide their country. They'll face challenges from just the test of democracy, a new democracy and trying to make it work. But the fact is, we have given them the opportunity to be able to succeed."

The ceremony at Baghdad International Airport also featured remarks from Army Gen. Martin Dempsey, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Gen. Lloyd Austin, the top U.S. commander in Iraq.

Austin is leading the massive logistical challenge of shuttering hundreds of bases and combat outposts, and methodically moving more than 50,000 U.S. troops and their equipment out of Iraq over the last year - while still conducting training, security assistance and counterterrorism battles.

Over the coming days, the final few thousand U.S. troops will leave Iraq in orderly caravans and tightly scheduled flights - a marked contrast to the shock and awe that rocked the country on March 20, 2003, as the U.S. invasion began.

Saddam Hussein has been ousted, the reports of weapons of mass destruction largely laid to rest. And the future of a nascent democracy awaits.

Source;  http://www.wmdt.com/story/16328521/panetta-formally-shuts-down-us-war-in-iraq

Delicious Thursday Special

SUPPORT THE SMALL BUSINESSES

SHORE BEEF  and BBQ

SPECIAL FOR TODAY

BBQ Chicken  Sandwich w/Side

Drink ~ $7.50

OR

ADD bacon and cheddar cheese for

a Club Sandwich

**If you're planning on a holiday party ask about catering from Shore Beef and BBQ**

Post Office Closings Postponed

The cash-strapped agency announced Tuesday that it would hold off on closings by several weeks to give Congress more time to pass legislation that would give it more authority and liquidity to stave off bankruptcy. The Postal Service, which is expected to default Friday on a $5.5 billion payment to the Treasury, is forecast to lose a record $14.1 billion next year.

Last week, the Postal Service said it was moving forward on cutbacks. It had planned to begin closing processing centers as early as April, and shutter some post offices early next year.

"There continues to be extreme urgency, and our financial crisis continues," said postal spokesman David Partenheimer. "But we're hoping by working with senators and all members of Congress that they can pass comprehensive legislation that allows the Postal Service to return to profitability."

The agreement by the Postal Service also means that cuts to first-class mail that would slow delivery and, for the first time in 40 years, eliminate the chance for stamped letters to arrive the next day, would not occur before May 15. Previously, the post office said it had hoped to implement the cuts to first-class service in April. 

Last Thursday, a group of 21 senators from mostly rural states led by Bernie Sanders, an independent from Vermont, signed a letter to congressional leaders asking them to add language to legislation that would halt closings for six months. The closures could cost 100,000 postal employees their jobs.


"What I feared very much is that the post office unilaterally would start making drastic cuts to processing plants, rural post offices and slow first-class mail service before Congress can pass postal reform," Sanders said. "So it's a step forward in terms of giving us time with certainty that rural post offices won't be closed."


In all, roughly 100,000 postal employees could be cut as a result of the various closures, resulting in savings of up to $6.5 billion a year.

Source;  shoredailynews.

"Old Fashioned Christmas Evening" Video Clip..........

Here's a short video clip I found of the Christmas tree being lit during the first "Old Fashioned Christmas Evening" in Pocomoke on  December 2, 2011

I am not the best photographer nor an expert with video

but I just thought you might like to see the tree as it came

'alive' on that joyous evening.

Mayor Bruce Morrison's first annual

"Old Fashioned Christmas Evening" Christmas tree.

December 2, 2011 ~ Pocomoke City, Maryland

To The Community- From Police Chief Kelvin D. Sewell

 MISSION STATEMENT

The members of the Pocomoke City Police Department are dedicated to providing the highest quality police services in order to enhance community safety, protect life and property, and reduce crime and the fear of crime.

To do this, we pledge to develop a partnership with the Community, lead a community commitment to resolve problems, and improve the safety and quality of life in our city.

We will perform our duties with honesty, zeal, courage, discretion, fidelity, and sound judgment. It is essential that all members of the Pocomoke City Police Department remember that in the execution of their duties they act not for themselves but for good of the public.

U.S. Regulators Act To Quiet Blaring TV Commercials

Jasmin Melvin Reuters
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. communications regulators cracked down on excessively loud TV commercials on Tuesday, implementing a bill passed last year to quiet commercials to the same volume as the programs they accompany.

The Federal Communications Commission has been fielding viewer complaints about loud commercials almost as long as commercial television has existed, the agency said.

The commission voted unanimously to require TV stations and cable and satellite operators to ensure that the average volume of a commercial does not exceed the average volume of the programming around it.

Commercials for OxiClean stain remover, ShamWow towels and HeadOn pain reliever "will never be the same," FCC Commissioner Robert McDowell said at the agency's open meeting.

Commissioner Mignon Clyburn added that the agency's latest rulemaking will put an end to the "frightening decibel levels that resulted in considerable alarm, anger and spilt popcorn."

The order adopted on Tuesday implements the CALM Act, authored by RepresentativeAnna Eshoo and signed into law last December.

The California Democrat told Reuters her idea for the bill started after "being subjected to the blast of the high volume of advertisements" while watching a football game with family.

After discovering that loud commercials had been the top complaint to the FCC by consumers for decades, Eshoo said she drew up the bill, never anticipating it would garner such an overwhelming response from consumers and fellow lawmakers.

"While this certainly doesn't resolve the huge challenges that are facing the country ... we may get some peace and quiet in households across the country," she said, adding that the FCC's action came on her birthday.

The new FCC rules enacting the CALM Act will go into effect in a year, giving TV providers have until December 13, 2012, to comply.

Using certain equipment and getting certifications from distributors for ads imbedded into programming will satisfy compliance requirements.

Larger operators will have to perform annual spot-checks of commercials for two years, but smaller operators will only have to monitor commercials if a pattern of complaints specific to their station emerges.

It marks the first time the FCC has attempted to regulate the loudness of commercials. The limitations of analog television made it too difficult previously, but the emergence of digital TV technology now makes it feasible.

Source;  http://www.wpix.com/entertainment/sns-rt-us-fcc-television-commercialstre7bc286-20111213,0,5182834.story

Police Seize Five Lbs of Marijuana, Arrest Four Men in Three Days



Kimo Grant-Johnson



Narcotics investigators from the Ocean City Police Department, the Worcester County Criminal Enforcement Team and DSP conducted three separate narcotics trafficking investigation last week; they seized five pounds of marijuana with a street value of $43,000 and arrested four men.

Daniel Stuart

During a traffic stop on December 7, police recovered two pounds of marijuana and arrested 24-year-old Kimo Grant-Johnson of Ocean City and 21-year-old Daniel Stuart of Selbyville; a search of both men’s homes also turned up additional marijuana.

Robert Pippin

Both are behind bars at the Worcester County Jail in lieu of $10,000 bail each.

On December 8, police served a warrant at a home on 8^th Street in Ocean City; they seized a pound of marijuana and $9,000 cash.

32-year-old Robert Pippin of Ocean City was arrested; he was committed to the Worcester County Jail in lieu of $25,000 bail.

Robert Grandelli

And on December 9, police served a warrant at a home on Tunnel Avenue; they seized over a half-pound of marijuana. 43-year-old Robert Grandelli of Ocean City was arrested and committed to the Worcester County Jail, also in lieu of $25,000 bail.

NTSB Recommends Banning All Cell Phone Use While Driving

If Legislation Is Ever Adopted It Would Be Up To Each State To Decide

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) – It’s a stunning recommendation from a federal traffic safety agency.

The National Transportation Safety Board is calling for a nationwide ban on behind the wheel cell phone use — even with hands-free devices.

It’s the NTSB’s version of you can’t walk and chew gum at the same time. It is now saying you shouldn’t be allowed to drive and talk on the phone at the same time. And it made a non-binding recommendation that all 50 states to impose a ban, reports CBS 2′s Marcia Kramer.

It’s a frightening fact: Your car travels the length of a football field in the time it takes to send the average text.

“It may seem like it’s a very quick call, a very quick text a tweet or an update, but accidents happen in the blink of an eye,” NTSB Chairwoman Deborah Hersman said. “You can’t take it back. You can’t have a do-over and you can’t rewind.”

The NTSB wants a national ban on talking and texting behind the wheel — even if your car is equipped with a hands-free device. And it has statistics to back up its concerns about the growing distractions for drives of all types of vehicles.

The agency says:
* An estimated 3,000 people died last year in distracted driving crashes
* Drivers using cell phones fail to see up to 50-percent of the information in their driving environment
* A person using a cell phone is four times more likely to have a crash that will result in going to the hospital

Local drivers have mixed feelings about the recommendation.

“I think it’s a good idea. I used to be a police officer and I’ve seen so many accidents that were caused by people using their cell phones, and it’s been proven texting and cell phones, speeding, even with Bluetooth you can’t concentrate while you’re talking,” said Willie Hollenfer of Bergenfield, N.J.

“I’m more of a libertarian. I think you should be punished if you get into an accident after using a phone, but if you want to use a phone in a car you should be able to,” added Todd Jordan of Rowayton, Conn.

Sometimes I feel that it is really dangerous, actually, when I’m talking on the phone and driving, probably a good idea,” said Adriannz Cutler of Armonk.

“I guess it’s pretty smart. There’s a lot of accidents that are caused, but it is nice to have your hands-free,” Jeanette Gromko of Stamford, Conn.

Although the NTSB’s recommendation is non-binding lawmakers and governors take its findings seriously.

A spokesman for New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said his office is reviewing the agency’s report.

Do you believe that cellphones should be banned entirely or is this another case of Big Brother run amok?

Source;  http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2011/12/13/feds-want-to-ban-all-cell-phone-use-while-driving/