Amtrak Cancels Some Services Due To Earl

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - Amtrak says it's canceling some Virginia passenger train routes because of Hurricane Earl.

Amtrak says the cancellations involve routes between the Tidewater area and Newport News. The changes announced Wednesday run Thursday through Saturday.

On Thursday, Amtrak says trains 67 and 66 will end in Richmond instead of Newport News and Train 95 will end at Washington, D.C. instead of Newport News.

On Friday, Train 66 will start from Richmond instead of Newport News, while Train 94 will originate in Washington, instead of Newport News. Trains 95 and 83 will end their routes in Washington instead of Newport News and Train 78 is canceled.

Saturday, Amtrak says Train 194 will start in Richmond instead of Newport News and Train 82 will originate in Washington instead of Newport News.

http://www.wavy.com/

This One's For You Earl !!!

No vacancy

( AP photo / September 1, 2010 )

A window is boarded up with a message at the Buxton Beach Motel in Buxton, N.C. as Hurricane Earl approaches North Carolina's Outer Banks.

Son From Pennsylvania Arrested In Mother's Murder

BERLIN, Md.- Detectives with the Worcester County Bureau of Investigation have arrested a Pennsylvania man on murder and related charges after they say he intentionally ran over his elderly mother with a vehicle.

Steven Frederick Molin, 58, of Darby, Pa., is charged with first- and second-degree murder and manslaughter. He is being held without bond in the Worcester County Detention Center.

At around 11:57 p.m. Tuesday, deputies with the Worcester County Sheriff's Office responded to a reported motor vehicle accident on Carey Road in Berlin. When police arrived on the scene, 85-year-old Emily Belle Molin, also of Darby, was transported to Peninsula Regional Medical Center in Salisbury where she died from injuries sustained in the reported accident.

Investigators learned that Steven Molin was the driver of the vehicle. According to police, Molin claimed that his mother fell out of the moving vehicle. He explained that he backed up after he discovered she had fallen out of his vehicle. Police say it was reported that Molin had driven over his mother two or three times before stopping the vehicle.

It was at that point that the WCBI was notified and responded to conduct a criminal investigation. Investigators interviewed Molin. Police say that in addition, a forensic detective identified evidence that was not consistent with the reported incident.

Based upon the interview and forensic evidence Molin was arrested on the aforementioned charges. Police have not yet released a possible motive.

Detectives are still actively investigating this incident. Anyone who may have been traveling on Carey Road between Aug. 31 and Sept. 1, and saw anything suspicious is urged to call the WCBI at (410) 352-3476 or the Sheriff's Office at (410) 632-1111.

www.wboc.com

~~STILL MISSING~~

Advanced Delivery Of Social Security Checks

The Social Security Administration has authorized the advance delivery of checks in the areas threatened by Hurricane Earl.

The goal of early delivery is to ensure beneficiaries receive the checks before Friday when the storm’s worst affec...ts are expected to begin.

SSA will raise the limit on Third-Party Draft payments to facilitate immediate payment processing, where necessary.

Social Security checks will be delivered early to locations along the Atlantic seaboard in North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, and New York.

Early check delivery begins today and the remaining checks will be delivered on Thursday, September 2.

www.wtkr.com

Salisbury Cardiologist Indicted

BALTIMORE- A Salisbury cardiologist alleged to have implanted unnecessary cardiac stents in the arteries of his patients has been indicted on health care fraud charges, federal prosecutors announced Wednesday.

Dr. John R. McLean, 58, is not charged with a crime for the actual surgeries he performed but for the alleged fraud that went along with them. Federal prosecutors say McLean submitted insurance claims for the unnecessary stents, ordered needless tests and falsely documented patients' medical records.

According to the indictment, McLean had a private medical practice known as John R. McLean M.D. and Associates, located at 1315 S. Division Street in Salisbury. He also had hospital privileges at Peninsula Regional Medical Center.

The indictment alleges that at least from 2003 to May 2007, McLean performed cardiac catheterizations on patients at PRMC and falsely recorded in the patients' medical records the existence or extent of any coronary artery blockage, known as lesions, observed during the procedures. Patients must have a 70 percent blockage before cardiac stents are considered medically necessary. The indictment alleges that in order to increase his profit, McLean allegedly implanted cardiac stents in patients who had neither a 70 percent or more blockage nor symptoms of blockage.

The indictment also alleges that McLean ordered that his cardiac patients have routine follow up visits and undergo unnecessary diagnostic testing such as Cardiolite Stress Tests, echocardiograms and electrocardiograms. McLean caused claims in the total amount of $519,063 for medically unnecessary procedures, services and testing to be submitted to health care benefit programs, including Medicare, according to the indictment.

The indictment also alleges that McLean shredded and attempted to shred documents that were subpoenaed by the Maryland Board of Physicians and the United States Attorney's Office for the District of Maryland during an investigation of his medical practice.

The indictment seeks forfeiture of $519,063 and two properties located in Ocean City and Salisbury.

McLean faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison for health care fraud and five years in prison on each of six counts of making false statements relating to health care matters. No court proceedings have been scheduled yet.

McLean is also facing a lawsuit filed by more than a dozen of his patients. His attorneys could not immediately be reached for comment.

www.wboc.com

11 AM UPDATE ON EARL

TROPICAL UPDATE: Hurricane Earl

11 AM Update

Little to no change in strength or forecast path as Earl moves NW at
17mph.

Earl is now 725 miles SSE of Cape Hatteras.

A Hurricane Warning has been issued for NC from Bogue Island to NC/VA line,
Hurricane Watch has been expanded from NC/VA line to Delaware.
www.wtkr.com

Residents Of the Shore Watching Are Watching Earl

Hurricane Earl still is the center of attention for Eastern Shore residents this morning. According to the 5 AM advisory Earl has lost a little strength overnight. Highest sustained winds are 125 miles per hour down from 135 earlier and the predicted track has been moved slightly to the East which should make it less likely that we will be experiencing hurricane conditions here. Still, a minor change in the track of Earl could result in major damage on the Shore.

As of now Earl is expected to brush the Outer Banks before moving off to the North Northeast which would take the center a couple of hundred miles off the coast here. The National Hurricane Centers threat map shows that the seaside here has a moderate threat of tropical storm winds when Earl passes. The bayside is showing a low threat as of now. Again, a minor drift to the West would dramatically affect the weather here and what we receive.

Shore residents should monitor Earls progress and be prepared to act if conditions change. As of now no evacuations are contemplated. The main effect of Earl on our weather should be rough surf and strong rip currents. There could be some minor flooding with winds expected to be between 30 and 40 mph, from the northeast late Thursday or early Friday morning. The worst of the winds will occur at the seaside beaches and away from the coast winds should be in the 20 to 30 mph range.

Earl is moving north northwest at 16 mph and should increase in forward speed as it moves north. Thats good news because the worst of the weather here will be relatively brief. However you should avoid going to the barrier islands through the weekend because those strong rip currents and heavy surf will be very dangerous.

Still you should have plans in place to act quickly if necessary. This is the height of the hurricane season and there are other areas of concern moving off Africa which could move our way. Shoredailynews.com has a brand new hurricane preparedness section which contains extensive information including shelter options and flood zone maps for both counties, and tips on what to do before, during and after the storm.

Pictured top: The likelihood of areas experiencing hurricane force winds.

Pictured below: The likelihood of areas experiencing tropical storm force winds.

Charts courtesy of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
www.shoredailynews.com

1-In-4 Grown Men Travel With A Stuffed Animal

When Scott Hardy hits the road, he always makes sure to leave room in his suitcase for his stuffed animal.

That's right, the 34-year-old businessman always travels with Barkley, a stuffed beagle. No, it's not for his two daughters. No he doesn't sleep with a nightlight and no he isn't smuggling drugs.

Seven years ago Hardy's then girlfriend, now wife, gave him the doggie as a reminder of her.

"I travel enough that it's a nice reminder of home," said Hardy who runs an online legal notice company, Top Class Actions.

Housekeepers like to put it on top of his pillow or prop it up prominently on the night stand.

Even when Hardy travels on an annual guys trip -- a beach trip to Mexico this year -- Barkley comes along.

"I've had some friends who are like, 'What's with the stuffed animal?'" the Phoenix-area man said. "It's just a reminder of my beautiful bride."

"Barkley stays in the suitcase when I'm home," Hardy added. "He only comes out for trips."

Hardy isn't the only adult traveling with a stuffed animal. In fact, as many as one in every four grown men might just have a teddy bear tucked away in their suitcase.

Well, in the last 12 months, British hotel chain Travelodge has reunited more than 75,000 bears with the owners. That's a lot of stuffed animals left at its 452 hotels in the United Kingdom and Spain. So the company decided to investigate a bit further.

Travelodge surveyed 6,000 Britons and discovered that 35 percent of adults admitted they sleep with their teddy because they found cuddling their bear comforting. Additionally, many said the calming feeling of a bear hug helped them lower their stress level after a hard day.

And it turns out that a large number of the bear-toting travelers are men.

Travelodge said that 25 percent of men reported they take their teddy bear away with them when going away on business. The stuffed animal supposedly reminds them of home and -- some say -- helps fill a cuddle-void left by distant partners.

Men Travel with Stuffed Animals

One in ten single men surveyed admitted they hide their teddy bear when their girlfriend stays over and 14 percent of married men reported they hide their teddy bear in the wardrobe or under the bed when any family and friends come to visit.

Fear not, it's isn't just men who travel with stuffed animals.

Laurie Luck has a stuffed dog that she sleeps with every night -- at home or on the road.

"Puppy goes everywhere I go. He's kind of my security blanket," Luck said. "He's been everywhere. I sleep with him every night. I know that sounds terrible for a 42–year-old woman to say, but it's true."

Puppy has been camping, on a cruise. He's gone everywhere that Luck has been in the last 26 years.

Yes, that's right, Puppy isn't a holdover from childhood, but a more-recent acquisition.

"I was never allowed to have a stuffed animal or a blankie as a kid because my mom didn't want me to leave it and then not be able to sleep without it," said Luck, an animal trainer. "So 26 years ago, a friend gave me this. It sort of resonated with me. It was the stuffed animal I was never able to have as a kid."

She has never lost the stuffed animal when traveling but said to do so would be "disastrous."

"Puppy is more of a priority than my cell phone or purse," she said, adding, "I know I probably sound like an overgrown child."

Today, Luck said her friends and family accept her bunkmate when they learn about Puppy's existence.

"I made sure my husband was okay with it before we got married," she said. "I had to sort of break the news: I sleep with a stuffed animal. This is what I do and I hope there won't be a problem."

www.abcnews.go.com

Ships In Norfolk Ready To Evade Hurricane Earl

NORFOLK, Va. (AP) — The Navy says its ships in the Hampton Roads area are ready to head to sea to evade Hurricane Earl if needed.

The Navy said Tuesday that other operations in the area are normal. But preparations are being made for Earl, including placing sandbags in low-lying areas and removing debris from drainage areas.

Navy personnel have been advised to prepare for evacuation in the event one is necessary.

The National Hurricane Center says Earl has strengthened into a Category 4 hurricane with winds near 135 mph (215 kph) as it moves away from the Virgin Islands.

Earl is on a path that could brush the coast of the U.S. later in the week, though it's too early to tell exactly where it will go.

www.wtkr.com

Harry Potter Author Donates To MS

LONDON (AFP) – Writer J.K. Rowling has donated 10 million pounds to set up a new multiple sclerosis (MS) research clinic, the Harry Potter author revealed on Tuesday.

She hopes the clinic, to be based at the University of Edinburgh, will become a world centre for excellence in its field.

The facility will also aim to help researchers find out more about other incurable neurological conditions, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and motor neurone disease.

The clinic will be named after Rowling's mother Anne, who suffered from MS and died at the age of 45.

The author said the new clinic, which is expected to be completed within a year, will place patients at the heart of the research and treatment process.

Rowling said in a statement: "It is with great pleasure and pride that I am donating 10 million pounds to the Regenerative Neurology Clinic at the University of Edinburgh, which is to be named after my mother, Anne."

"I am incredibly impressed by the calibre of clinicians and researchers that Edinburgh has already managed to attract to make this project a reality, and I truly believe that it is set to become a world centre for excellence in the field of regenerative neurology."

The Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic will be based in a purpose-built facility within the University's Chancellor's Building, next to the city's Royal Infirmary at Little France.

It follows the setting up of the Centre for Multiple Sclerosis Research at the university three years ago, which also received support from the author.

The university said Rowling's 10 million pounds is the single largest donation she has given to a charitable cause. It is also the largest single donation the University has received.

www.yahoo.com

Earl Weakens To Category 3 Hurricane/Hurricane WATCH Moves Up The East Coast

RALEIGH, N.C. — Ocracoke Island tourists were ordered to board the ferries and head for the mainland today and more evacuations could be on the way as powerful Hurricane Earl threatened to sideswipe the East Coast.

The National Weather Service, meantime, extended its hurricane watch up the coast to include the Virginia Hampton Roads localities of Norfolk, Portsmouth, Chesapeake and Virginia Beach, and Northampton County on the Eastern Shore.

Hyde County emergency officials said the evacuation of Ocracoke Island started at 5 a.m. for about 5,000 visitors. The 800 or so year-round residents don’t have to heed it, but Emergency Services Director Lindsey Mooney said officials hope they’ll follow tourists on the 2½ hour trip to shore.

Hyde spokeswoman Jamie Tunnell said about 30 cars, including trucks pulling campers, were lined up to board ferries that would begin leaving Ocracoke Island on the state's Outer Banks for the 2½-hour trip to shore.

"Ferries are the only way off unless you have a private plane or boat," Tunnell said.

The 800 or so year-round residents don't have to heed it, but Emergency Services Director Lindsey Mooney said officials hope they'll follow tourists and leave the island.

The last time the island was evacuated was in 2005 as Hurricane Ophelia approached, shortly after Hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf Coast.

More evacuations along the Eastern Seaboard could follow, depending on the path taken by the storm, which weakened to a Category 3 hurricane early today as it whipped across the Caribbean with winds of 125 mph.

Earl was expected to remain over the open ocean before turning north and running parallel to the East Coast, bringing high winds and heavy rain to North Carolina’s Outer Banks by late tomorrow or early Friday. From there, forecasters said, it could curve away from the coast somewhat as it makes it way north, perhaps hitting Massachusetts’ Cape Cod and the Maine shoreline on Friday night and Saturday.

Forecasters cautioned that it was still too early to tell how close Earl might come to land. But not since Hurricane Bob in 1991 has such a powerful storm had such a large swath of the East Coast in its sights, said Dennis Feltgen, spokesman for the National Hurricane Center.

“A slight shift of that track to the west is going to impact a great deal of real estate with potential hurricane-force winds,” Feltgen said.

Even if Earl stays well offshore, it will kick up rough surf and dangerous rip currents up and down the coast through the Labor Day weekend, a prime time for beach vacations, forecasters said. Virginia’s governor today planned to declare an emergency, a preliminary step needed to muster emergency personnel should Earl hit the state.

The approaching storm troubled many East Coast beach towns that had hoped to capitalize on the BP oil spill and draw visitors who normally vacation on the Gulf Coast.

Yesterday, gusty winds from Earl’s outer fringes whipped palm fronds and whistled through doors in the Turks and Caicos Islands as tied-down boats seesawed on white-crested surf.

Islanders gathered to watch big waves pound a Grand Turk shore as the wind sent sand and salt spray flying.

“We can hear the waves crashing against the reef really seriously,” Kirk Graff, owner of the Captain Kirks Flamingo Cove Marina, said by telephone as he watched the darkening skies. “Anybody who hasn’t secured their boats by now is going to regret it.”

Carl Hanes of Newport News, Va. , kept an eye on the weather report as he headed for the beach near his rented vacation home in Avon, N.C. He, his wife and their two teenage children were anticipating Earl might force them to leave tomorrow, a day ahead of schedule.

“We’re trying not to let it bother us,” Hanes said before enjoying the calm surf.

In Rehoboth Beach, Del., Judy Rice said she has no plans to leave the vacation home where she has spent most of the summer. In fact, the Oak Hill, Va., resident plans to walk around town in the rain if it comes.

“I kind of enjoy it actually. You know, it’s battling the elements,” Rice said. “I have seen the rain go sideways, and, yeah, it can be scary, but I have an old house here in Rehoboth, so it’s probably more important that I am here during a storm than anywhere.”

In the Florida Panhandle, which has struggled all summer to coax back tourists scared away by the Gulf oil spill, bookings were up 12 percent over last year at the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. The resort is nowhere near Earl’s projected path, and spokeswoman Laurie Hobbs said she suspects the increase in reservations was partly because of a discount the hotel is offering and partly because of the hurricane.

“Weather drives business,” she said. “They go to where the weather is best.”

If Earl brings rain farther inland, it could affect the U.S. Open tennis tournament, being played now through Sept. 12 in New York City.

“We’re keeping our eye on it very closely,” said United States Tennis Association spokesman Chris Widmaier.

www.timesdispatch.com

Zsa Zsa Back In The Hospital

LOS ANGELES, Aug. 31 -- Nonagenarian celebrity Zsa Zsa Gabor was stabilized and undergoing tests at a Los Angeles hospital Tuesday, her publicist said.

John Blanchette, publicist for Gabor, said the actress's husband, Prince Frederic Von Anhalt, made an emergency call at 10:42 a.m. PDT and Gabor was taken to Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center by ambulance, the Los Angeles Times and KTLA-TV reported. Von Anhalt said Gabor, 93, was "unresponsive" before the call was made.

The spokesman said it was possible Gabor might be able to go home Tuesday night, the Times reported.

Gabor has been hospitalized several times since breaking a hip in a fall at her home in mid-July. Her publicist said she had returned home from the hospital two weeks ago, saying she wanted to spend her final days there. Before going home she had asked to see a priest, who administered last rites.

Gabor, a sex symbol in the 1950s and '60s, has been partially paralyzed since a 2002 car accident.

www.upi.com

5 Guilty Pleas in Northampton County Circuit Court

Northampton County Commonwealths Attorney Bruce Jones reports the following cases were heard in Northampton County Circuit Court:

Michael Devaughn Mitchell, 21 of Cape Charles, pled guilty to breaking and entering, grand larceny and destruction of property.

Cynthia Weathers, 35 of Jamesville, plead guilty to 4 counts of welfare fraud.

Juan Perez-Lopez, 25, pled guilty to breaking and entering and grand larceny. Perez was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment on each count to run concurrently with all time suspended but 6 months.

Andre Darnell Echevarria, AKA Andre Pittman, 29 of Boston, Ma., pled guilty to forging a public document, obstruction and driving on a suspended license. Echevarria was sentenced to 6 years imprisonment with all but 6 months suspended.

Mary Elizabeth Douglas, 43 of Nassawadox, pled guilty to felony eluding.
http://www.shoredailynews.com/

North Carolina Orders Ocracoke Evacuation On Wednesday

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Aug. 31 (UPI) -- North Carolina officials Tuesday announced vacationers will be evacuated from Ocracoke Island as Hurricane Earl gained strength over the Atlantic Ocean.

An estimated 5,000 visitors are on the island, which is accessible only by ferry. The evacuation is set for Wednesday morning, The Charlotte (N.C.) Observer reported.

About 800 permanent residents of the island will be permitted to remain, officials said.

Plans also called for closing the Cape Lookout National Seashore at 5 p.m. EDT Wednesday.

Federal Emergency Management Agency head Craig Fugate said Tuesday was the day for people who may be in the path of the Category 4 storm to prepare, in event further evacuations are ordered Wednesday, the newspaper said.

"While it is still too early to tell exactly what impact Hurricane Earl will have on our state," North Carolina Gov. Bev Perdue said, "we do know that we all bear a responsibility to ensure we are ready for any type of emergency."

At 8 p.m. EDT Tuesday, the National Hurricane Center in Miami said the center of Hurricane Earl was 1,000 miles south-southeast of Cape Hatteras, N.C., and the storm, with top sustained winds of 135 mph, was moving toward the northwest at 14 mph. This general motion was expected to continue Wednesday, when the storm was likely to take a gradual turn toward the north-northwest, forecasters said.

A hurricane watch was posted from north of Surf City, N.C., to the North Carolina-Virginia border, including the Pamlico and Albemarle sounds. A tropical storm watch was issued from Cape Fear, N.C., northeastward to Surf City.

The center said communities from Virginia to New England should monitor the hurricane.

www.upi.com

PRESS RELEASE SURF DOG RICOCHET & ENDLESS POOLS TEAM UP TO MAKE $11,000 DREAM COME TRUE FOR BRAIN INJURED 2 YEAR OLD!

Surf Dog Ricochet, the SURFice dog who has won several surf dog contests, and more notably inspires people around the world as she raises awareness and funds for human/animal causes, teamed up with Endless Pools, to make a brain injured two year olds dream come true!  A $11,000 therapy pool will be delivered to Finnley in the next couple weeks, as part of Ricochet's fundraiser for her.
Finnley was born with brain damage due to oxygen being cut off to her brain during delivery.  She was only expected to live one to 72 hours.  But, 2 years later... she is a living miracle!  However, her brain damage caused cerebral palsy, seizures, and vision impairment.  She's not able to walk or talk, but loves classical music.  Her cerebral palsy tightens her muscles, but when she's in a pool, she's able to move her arms and legs.  Her parents have been saving to purchase a therapeutic swimming pool for their home, so Finnley can get the daily therapy she needs, but it's very costly... over $11,000. 

When Ricochet heard about their situation, she started fundraising for Finnley right away.  Four weeks into the fundraiser, Ricochet came up with the idea of calling Endless Pools to see if they'd be willing to help her make Finnley's dream come true even sooner.
When Endless Pools heard how Ricochet lives a lifestyle of helping others by pawing it forward, saw her SURFice Dog video, and learned more about Finnley's Story, they immediately wanted to be part of the project.  They "came to the rescue" and offered a significant special needs discount!!  The funds Ricochet raised, coupled with the discount meant the family only had to come up with $2560, which they had in an account from previous fundraising they've done.

Finnley's mom, Care was in tears when she heard the news, and said "The pool is going to allow Finnley to get the physical therapy she so desperately needs... thank you so much, I'm so grateful" And, Finnley herself, although she doesn't talk right now, broke out into a huge smile! Click this link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZPulSq6hMV8 to see it on video!
Ricochet sincerely thanks Endless Pools, and her donors for their generosity, and help in making Finnley's dream come true!
Endless Pools, Inc was founded in 1988 to create a product that allows individuals to experience the benefits of water exercise and therapy in the comfort and privacy of their own homes.  Their company is dedicated to excellence in design and manufacturing, as well as courteous and comprehensive customer service.  Endless Pool's goal is to build and deliver an exercise machine that can be assembled easily, that offers an infinite array of installation design solutions, and requires minimal maintenance for the pool owner.  They endeavor to build Endless Pools that take up a smaller footprint, use less water, require fewer chemicals and consume less energy than traditional pools do.
Ricochet was slated to be a service dog for a person with a disability, but, due to her interest in chasing prey, she had to be released from that role.  She went from service dog to SURFice dog, and is now raising funds and awareness for human and animal causes.  She has raised over $48,000 in the last 10 months, and continues to inspire people all over the world with her positive energy, and charitable lifestyle
Note:  For more information, contact Judy Fridono at 707-228-0679 or pawinspired@aol.com.
http://www.surfdogricochet.com.  On Facebook & Twitter: "Surf Dog Ricochet"
http://www.EndlessPools.com
 http://finnleykate.blogspot.com/
SURFice dog video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BGODurRfVv4

Hurricane Earl May Effect The Shore

The East Coast is casting an eye toward Hurricane Earl.

The category 4 hurricane is expected to have some effect on our weather late Thursday or early Friday.

Earl should weaken to a strong category 2 storm as it reaches these latitudes. Weather forecasters currently think Earl will pass a couple of hundred miles off the coast but the development of a high pressure system out in the Atlantic and whether a trough in the mid west will make it here before Earl arrives will determine whether Earl will move off without affecting our weather dramatically, or move closer and brush us with tropical storm winds, rain and wind. At the very least, Earl promises to disrupt seaside activities bringing in high tides, heavy surf and strong rip currents into the weekend.

Eastern Shore residents should have plans finalized in case evacuation of low lying areas and mobile homes is recommended by the Dept. of Emergency Services. Preparations to secure or remove smaller boats from the water should be ready in case a Hurricane or Tropical Storm watch is issued for this area.

Plans should be made to evacuate to higher ground if necessary or to a more substantial structure if you live in a mobile home.

You should make arrangements for your own safety and that of your pets.

Everyone should be putting together an emergency kit which should include some canned food or packaged food that doesnt require refrigeration, three gallons of fresh water per person, a radio and flashlights with spare batteries, a several day supply of any medication you might need, some cash important papers including insurance cards and other papers you might need and pet food if necessary.

You should be prepared in case electric service is interrupted for an extended period.

www.shoredailynews.com

McDonnell Moves Ahead With Seeking Police Role In Enforcing Immigration Law

Richmond, Va. --

Gov. Bob McDonnell yesterday rejected a request by Latino and other organizations that he not go ahead with a proposal to let Virginia State Police pursue civil immigration law-enforcement powers.

Using the Virginia State Police is "a common-sense way for the federal government to partner with the commonwealth to improve public safety," said Stacey Johnson, press secretary to McDonnell.

That is the opposite of what the coalition, VA-SCOPE, contends. The acronym stands for the Virginia Alliance for Sensible Community Policing Efforts.

In a letter yesterday to McDonnell, the coalition said using the state police "would undermine immigrants' trust of law enforcement."

"We are particularly concerned about the severe chilling effect that descends on immigrant communities, and especially on immigrant crime victims and witnesses, if they perceive that law enforcement is to be feared rather than trusted, and the subsequent impact on crime reporting and public safety in Virginia," VA-SCOPE said in a letter to McDonnell.

McDonnell on Aug. 10 asked the Department of Homeland Security for an agreement that would allow troopers to perform functions of federal immigration officers.

The coalition also said Virginia has taken enough steps to make Virginians safe. It is one of only two states that requires an immigration status inquiry of every person taken into custody for a criminal act, the coalition said.

McDonnell said he would want the troopers to pursue only major drug offenses or violent offenses, such as murder, rape, robbery and kidnapping, as well as DUI offenses.

The coalition includes LULAC Virginia, Multi-Cultural Alliance of Virginia, Hispanic Community Dialogue, Tenants and Workers United, Virginia Coalition of Latino Organizations, Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy and Virginia Organizing.

McDonnell wants Homeland Security to enter into a so-called 287g agreement with the state. The agreement is named after a section of the Immigration and Nationality Act. Seven localities in the state have such a pact.

www.timesdispatch.com

McDonnell Wants Independent Probe of Computer Outage

Richmond, Va. --
Gov. Bob McDonnell wants an "independent third party" to investigate the collapse of a Virginia government computer system nearly a week ago that continues to paralyze some agencies.

"I am not pleased that our employees and citizens have experienced this disruption in service," McDonnell said yesterday in ending his public silence on the crisis.

Six of 26 agencies hit by the outage Wednesday still were not fully up and running, despite a promise by state computer chief Samuel A. Nixon Jr. to have their service restored by yesterday at 8 a.m.

This includes the state Department of Motor Vehicles, which may not be able to resume issuing driver's licenses and identity cards at its 74 offices until tomorrow. The agency had expected such services would be available today.

Other agencies still limping: the state Department of Taxation, which could not make tax refunds or process tax payments; and the state Department of Juvenile Justice, unable to handle fully the intake and tracking of young offenders.

The state Department of Environmental Quality had continuing problems with a system it uses to develop computer programs. Voter files are being restored at the State Board of Elections.

McDonnell's directive to the agency that Nixon heads, the Virginia Information Technologies Agency, to open an inquiry potentially puts the Republican governor at odds with Northrop Grumman, which was hired in 2005 to provide communications and computer services under a $2.3 billion contract -- the state's largest-ever privatization program.

Christy Whitman, a Northrop Grumman spokeswoman, declined comment.

McDonnell, who collected more than $75,000 in campaign contributions from Northrop Grumman, had pledged to smooth relations with the embattled company, having lured its headquarters from California to Northern Virginia and having agreed to a new, longer contract that pays it an additional $236 million.

"I have directed an operational and performance review of the situation be conducted so we can determine the proper course of action to best protect the interests of the commonwealth," McDonnell said in a written statement.

His press secretary, Stacey Johnson, said VITA is expected to hire an "independent third party" to explore the cause of the blackout and, perhaps, recommend that the state recover from Northrop Grumman the dollars in lost business and productivity.

The company already is expected to be hit with fines for the latest service interruptions. Nixon said the penalties will be at least $100,000.

Nixon said he had yet to select a firm to conduct the investigation and is choosing for now to focus on restoring service.

Even VITA is having difficulties. Its accounting and billing programs are not working properly.

Contributing to the delays: restoring giant data files, a task that can take 18 hours or more. The episode -- it is the second major outage under VITA/Northrop Grumman since 2007 -- is calling attention to the adequacy of backup systems, for which agencies must pay the company extra.

The new contract with Northrop Grumman requires that the company strengthen and speed up its response to equipment failures and other emergencies.

At VITA/Northrop Grumman headquarters in Chester, more than 400 servers, which support clusters of state computers and their software, failed when two circuit boards crashed mid-afternoon last Wednesday. The boards were manufactured and installed by EMC Corp. of Hopkinton, Mass.

A company spokesman could not be reached for comment.

But VITA said it had been told by EMC that a dual failure was unprecedented. The company shipped backup equipment to Virginia during the weekend, but it has not been installed, Nixon said.

Before the outage, McDonnell had planned to meet with his Cabinet yesterday morning at the VITA-Northrop Grumman offices in Chester. But the session was held in Richmond instead.

Johnson said the meeting was conducted at the governor's office -- the usual venue -- because "the folks at VITA need to get everything back and running."

www.timesdispatch.com

DMV Computers Still Down - No Driver's License Can Be Processed

NORFOLK - A computer system meltdown has taken DMV offline across the state. 74 customer service centers cannot process driver's licenses or ID cards.

Chris from Virginia Beach wrote to NewsChannel 3 saying his driver's license will expire on 9-3-10. He said, "I have been trying to get it renewed for the last eight days. I am going out of town for the holiday weekend. What are we to do? Can't get anyone on the phone with the DMV, can you please help?"

Pat Davis tried to renew her driver's license online.

"They said I had to come to the DMV because I have to have my picture taken," she said. When she got to the DMV, she was faced with another issue, "I was told that I could not renew my driver's license because the computers are down," she says.

The trouble is, most folks didn't know about the computer problem until they showed up at the DMV.

"It's extremely inconvenient, 'cause I have to take off from work to come in here," Pat says.

Pat's license expires tomorrow. She says she will not have to miss work again she she can legally drive again.

Melanie Stokes with the DMV told NewsChannel 3, "DMV apologizes for the inconvenience this statewide Vita computer outage has caused and we can only imagine the frustration our customers are experiencing when they cannot get a drivers license.

Drivers are now faced with no licenses and no clear cut answer on when the computers will be up and running again.

All other DMV services are up and running and the DMV says the Vita agency in charge of the computers is working around the clock to repair the problem. Call ahead and make sure the system is fixed before you make the trip.

If your license expires, state police now say they're extending a grace period. People with expired licenses from August 25th through August 31st will get a pass. If you've already received a summons because of the problems, it will go through the court system, but troopers have been advised to work with the Commonwealth Attorney on those cases.
www.wtkr.com

Suspected Drug Lord Captured In Mexico State

Mexico announced the capture Monday of one of its most wanted alleged drug lords, a Texas-born figure accused of unleashing a wave of brutal slayings near Mexico City as part of a ruthless battle with rivals.

Edgar Valdez Villarreal, also known by the improbable nickname "La Barbie," was seized by federal police in the state of Mexico, the region surrounding Mexico City, the Public Security Ministry said in a statement.

Valdez allegedly served as the top enforcer for Arturo Beltran Leyva, a major kingpin killed by Mexican marines in December. Since Beltran Leyva's death, police say, Valdez had been locked in a vicious war with Beltran Leyva's brother Hector for control of the cartel's business.

The fighting brought gangland-style executions and the hanging of beheaded corpses to Cuernavaca, a once-tranquil playground for the elite outside Mexico City that turned out to be headquarters for part of the Beltran Leyva gang.

The U.S. government had offered a $2-million reward for Valdez's capture after indicting him for allegedly smuggling tons of cocaine into the United States. It is possible Valdez will be extradited to the U.S.

The capture of Valdez is an important victory for beleaguered President Felipe Calderon, whose offensive against drug cartels has suffered a string of setbacks in recent weeks, including the slaying of two mayors, a rash of car bombings and the massacre of 72 immigrants, apparently because they refused to work for the traffickers who kidnapped them.

But arresting Valdez will not necessarily quell the violence since others may rise to fight for control of the Beltran Leyva operations.

Authorities released a photograph of Valdez, plumper than he appeared in earlier pictures and surrounded by police officers, some with their guns drawn. He was wearing a green shirt emblazoned with a large logo of a polo player, a coat of arms and the word "London." He appeared to be kneeling, a police agent's hand planted on his shoulder.

Valdez has been linked to numerous heinous crimes, including the mutilation of enemies in Cuernavaca and the slaughter of the family of a Mexican marine who was slain in the operation that killed Beltran Leyva.

His alleged battle with Hector Beltran Leyva pushed the bloodletting from Morelos state, where Cuernavaca is located, westward through Guerrero state to Acapulco. Bodies and body parts now turn up regularly in the popular resort city, often with messages scrawled in warning to one faction or another.

The Public Security Ministry announcement said Valdez was pursued in an intelligence operation that began in June 2009. In major operations, such as the killing of Beltran Leyva, Mexican authorities have been buoyed by intelligence from U.S. law enforcement authorities. It was not clear what role the U.S. might have played in Monday's capture.

Security forces are believed to have been close to trapping him in the affluent Bosques de las Lomas neighborhood of Mexico City a couple of months ago, but came up empty.

Valdez, who turned 37 this month, was known as "La Barbie" because of his blondish hair and what some considered good looks, plus his reputation as a party boy who frequented the bars, discos and nightclubs of Mexico City and Acapulco.

"This is positive for Calderon and a blow to the trafficking organization," security expert Raul Benitez said. However, "there well could be a backlash of violence."

Calderon confirmed the arrest in a Twitter message, announcing that Mexico had "trapped LaBarbie, one of the most wanted criminals in Mexico and abroad."

Valdez's capture also has value for Mexican and U.S. authorities because of the tactical knowledge of trafficking operations they believe he has. He is the third major figure taken down in the last nine months. But the other two, Beltran Leyva and Ignacio "Nacho" Coronel Villarreal, a major leader of the Sinaloa cartel, were killed.

www.latimes.com

Coming Soon...........MELSON POWER SHOW

Summer isn't over yet and there is still plenty of time left for racing!!

Mark these dates on your calendar so you don't miss out!

RACING UNDER THE LIGHTS

SEE YOU THERE !!

STILL MISSING - ALEX ARROYO-FLORES

Alex Arroyo-Flores, 21, has been missing since Friday, August 27 at 5:00 PM. According to family members, Arroyo had just returned with his family from Puerto Rico and was on his was to work at the Fruitland McDonalds.

When Alex had not returned home at 3:00 AM the next morning, his parents became worried and tried to contact him. After calling his place of work, his parents found out Alex had never made it to work Friday night.

Arroyo's parents have filed a missing persons report and are asking for any help regarding his location. He is a student at UMES and a Manager at the Fruitland McDonald's. Arroyo is a Type 1 diabetic and uses an insulin pump. He is 21 years old, about 5'7", 140 lbs, Puerto Rican, dark brown hair and eyes.

He probably has stubble in his beard and mustache area. He speaks both English and Spanish. He was last seen wearing the red polo McDonald's uniform.

Normally wears a hand-made anklet around his left ankle, rubber bands around his right wrist, a black watch, and various necklaces that say Puerto Rico. Arroyo's car is a silver Toyota Corolla, license plate 2ER E21. It is about 2007, with a Puerto Rican flag hanging from the rearview mirror and dark seat and steering wheel covers. His father is employed at the NASA Wallops Flight Facility.

Anyone with any information regarding Arroyo's whereabouts is asked to call the Wicomico County Sheriff's Office at (410)548-4890.

2 Men Sought For Home Invasion Near Greenbush

According to Major Todd Godwin, on Friday, August 27 at approximately 4:25 a.m., the Accomack County Sheriff's Office received a report that a man had been shot at a residence on Wanda Jane Lane near Greenbush.

Further investigation revealed that two suspects forcibly entered the victims residence and the victim was shot during a confrontation with the suspects.

The victim sustained multiple gunshot wounds to the body. He was transported by Parksley ambulance to Riverside Shore Memorial Hospital and then transferred to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital where he is listed in stable condition.

Suspect 1 is described as a black male, tall, slim build, wearing a white shirt and black pants.

Suspect 2 is described as a black male, short, chubby build, wearing black pants.

Anyone with information concerning this crime is asked to contact the Accomack County Sheriff's Office at 787-1131 or 824-5666.

www.shoredailynews.com

Arrest Made For 3 Accomack County Robberies

ACCOMACK COUNTY, Va.- Authorities have arrested an Eden, Md. man wanted in connection with a series of armed robberies that occurred late last week in Accomack County.

Sidney Andre Cottman, 33, is charged with three counts of robbery, three counts of use of firearm in commission of a robbery and three counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. He is being held without bond in the Accomack County Jail.

According to Maj. Todd Godwin of the Accomack County Sheriff's Office, on Friday, Aug. 27 Cottman robbed the Royal Farms convenience store in Nelsonia and the Tru Blue gas station. Cottman is also accused of robbing the Dollar General in Oak Hall on Thursday, Aug. 26. In all three incidents Cottman held the clerks up at gunpoint and got away with an undisclosed amount of money, Godwin said.

Godwin said that while investigating the robberies, police received a tip that led them to a bus stop in Oak Hall where Cottman was getting ready to board a bus in order to flee the area. Sheriff's deputies and Virginia State Police troopers surrounded the bus stop in their search for Cottman who was taken into custody without incident.

The Sheriff's Office was also assisted by Virginia Marine Police and the Exmore Police Department.

www.wboc.com

Some People Think Mud Bogging Is A Good Place For Politics

Some of you may not know this but there have been a few people that have worked quite hard behind the scenes for quite a few months to arrange the events at the Gumboro Mudbog. In fact, those people work behind the scenes for the wounded soldiers more times than anyone knows.
Last week I had a few conversations with a couple of them about the event because I wanted to know more so that I could write about in more depth on this blog. These men are no slackers when it comes to caring about these men and women of the military and I wish more people (including myself when it comes to giving) could and would do more.

Saturday was designated to be a day for the wounded warriors. They were coming to Gumboro to watch the mud races and to enjoy themselves on Delmarva and so the people could say thank you for all they have done and for all of the sacrifices they have given to this country.

Mr. Butch Elzey, and and some others deserve a pat on the back for all of the hard work put forth for Saturday's events. However, I was told in my conversation that POLITICS will play NO part in the events. I agreed with that decision 100%.

But it seems that one person either didn't get the memo, or has no respect for the military, or just lacks common sense and compassion.

It has been reported that this person was PLACING CAMPAIGN STICKERS ON WOUNDED WARRIORS CHILDREN AT THE MUD BOG ON SATURDAY!!

Tell me Ms. Rollins, have you ever bothered to visit the Gumboro Mud Bog at any other time before this past Saturday? Have you ever been there before to just see what these dedicated people have done for YOUR state of DELAWARE?

I can't say a word about anyone running for any office in the state of Delaware.... I am not a resident of that state. But Ms. Rollins, I AM A RESIDENT OF THIS GREAT AND WONDERFUL UNITED STATES OF AMERICA !!

And that makes me able to tell you that what you did Saturday was inexcusable and low and in poor taste!!

MISSING PERSON

Alert Message has been issued by the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office.
Sunday August 29, 2010 8:37 PM EDT

Incident: Missing Person
Date of Incident: 28 August 2010
Location: Wicomico County

Narrative: On 28 August 2010 the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office began an investigation into the disappearance of Alex Xavier Arroyo – Flores, 21 years old, of Salisbury.

Investigation revealed that Arroyo – Flores left his residence the previous evening at approximately 5:00 PM with the intent on heading to his place of employment in Fruitland, but has not been seen since leaving his residence.

Arroyo – Flores is a Hispanic Male, 5’10” with average length brown hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing a red McDonald’s polo, black pants and boots. He was known to have left in a 2007 Toyota Corolla, silver in color with Maryland
registration. All area law enforcement have been alerted to this information and this case is being actively investigated by the Sheriff’s Office.

Anyone who may have heard from Arroyo- Flores or may possibly have any information as to his whereabouts, is asked to contact the Sheriff’s Office immediately at 410-548-4890.

http://www.wgmd.com/

Man Arrested and Charged With Premeditated Murder

Sheriff Jack Robbins reports that on August 28, 2010 at approximately 11:43 PM the Northampton County Sheriff's Office was called to respond to 20247 Cheriton Crossroads for a gunshot victim.

Upon arrival by Northampton County Sheriff's Office ad Emergency Rescue personnel, Harold Moses, 48 of Cheriton, was found deceased.

After a brief search, Trawn Stratton, 30 of Cheriton, was arrested and has bee charged with willfully, deliberately, and with premeditation, the murder of Harold Moses in the first degree; use, or attempting to use or displaying in a threatening manner, a firearm while committing to attempting to commit murder; and while armed with a deadly weapon, entering in the nighttime the dwelling house of adjoining occupied outhouse of Harold Moses with the intent to commit murder, rape, robbery or arson.

Stratton is currently being held in the Eastern Shore County Regional Jail with no bond.

The Northampton County Sheriff's Office was assisted by the Exmore Police Department, the Cape Charles Police Department and the Virginia State Police.

The Northampton County Sheriff's Office will not be releasing any further information regarding the case.
www.shoredailynews.com

Charity Event At Gumboro Mud Bog

There was hardly any room left to park Saturday afternoon at the Gumboro Mud Bog Charity Event for the Wounded Soldiers at Walter Reed Hospital. Word is that over 2,000 fans were on hand for a day of watching trucks in the various classes make the attempt to get through 200 feet of mud in the least amount of time.

Mudbogging is a very competitive sport at times but Saturday wasn't just about competition. It was about showing the 65 or more guests from Walter Reed Hospital just how enjoyable the sport can be. And afterall, the day was about them and for them.
The wounded warriors, some with family, rolled in by bus with a police escort.

Weather on Delmarva doesn't get any better than what we had Saturday and I know everyone had to notice the clear blue skies, low humidity and wonderful breeze. It was so wonderful to see the grandstands full of fans and fans lined against the fence. The charity race always give the winner in each racing class double points and I am not aware (yet) of any records being broken in speed but I can report to all of you that during the Charity Event For the Wounded Soldiers At Walter Reed Hospital the Gumboro Mud Bog in just FIVE hours of racing in the mud raised FIFTEEN THOUSAND DOLLARS!!!!

It was an honor for all of those in racing competition on Saturday to be able to entertain America's hero's for a few hours. Each and every one of them had a marvelous day and will be talking about their trip to the Eastern Shore for a very long time.

So to all of you out there that wrinkle your nose at mud racing remember this..... LOOK WHAT MUD CAN DO!!Thankyou to all those men and women serving in the military, recovering in hospitals, retired and to your families for all you have done and continue to do for all of us so that we may remain free. God bless all of you.

Grand Opening of Tangier Island Clinic

Tangier Island, Va. --

TANGIER ISLAND -- The ribbon-cutting on a new, state-of-the-art medical center yesterday turned out to be one of the biggest events in the small island's history.

The much-anticipated occasion also turned out to be much more than the dedication of a building.

"It's a pretty big day for Tangier," said island resident Bruce Gordy, as he hustled to close the Tangier Island History Museum early so he could find a good vantage point for the ceremony. "It's great, but it's sad, too."

The joy and pride stem from the grand opening of the $1.4 million health center that replaces a cramped, dilapidated clinic that has served the island for more than 50 years.

The sadness surrounds Dr. David Nichols, 62, the White Stone physician who has filled the role of primary physician for Tangier's 525 residents, traveling to the island on his day off every week for 31 years. Last month, only weeks before he would begin seeing patients in a new facility that had been his dream for years, he was diagnosed with terminal cancer. He said he could have only a few months to live.

Yesterday's festivities were bittersweet, said Jimmie Carter, the Northern Neck developer and friend and patient of Nichols' who spearheaded the public-private partnership that built the center and established a foundation that will help ensure high-quality health care for islanders for years to come.

Under a cloudless sky and a relentless sun, hundreds gathered outside the new facility -- christened the David B. Nichols Health Center -- to cheer the building and honor its namesake.

It's a testament to the affection for Nichols that on such a hot day the crowd filled the narrow lanes around the building in folding chairs and the island's ubiquitous golf carts -- patients and former patients, islanders and mainlanders who came across the Chesapeake Bay by ferry or flew in by small plane or helicopter, making Tangier's small airfield look like a major airport for at least a day.

The center's front porch was filled with local and state officials, including Gov. Bob McDonnell and Rep. Robert J. Wittman, R-1st, who represents the island in Washington. McDonnell said he made the trip simply "to shower more love" on Nichols.

In welcoming everyone, Tangier Mayor James "Ooker" Eskridge stood at the top of the steps of the new clinic and said, "The Bible tells about God using certain people for certain jobs at certain times. Dr. Nichols, we appreciate all you've done and all you're doing, and we love you."

Schoolchildren sang "This Land Is Your Land." Representatives of Staff Care, the organization that chose Nichols as "Country Doctor of the Year" in 2006, came from Texas to present Nichols with its first "Country Doctor of the Decade" award. Elected officials bestowed resolutions and commendations upon him. One declared Nichols "A True Tangierman for Life."

Inez Pruitt, the Tangier-born physician assistant who was mentored and inspired by Nichols to follow her calling, praised his commitment and compassion and said she is "the most blessed woman in the world."

"I wouldn't change a thing," she said, "except for time -- and more of it."

After the ceremony, the crowd meandered over to the island's schoolhouse for a reception that was more of a community picnic -- with tables laden with soft-shell crabs, clam fritters and ham, as well as homemade salads and cakes. The cups of iced tea went fast.

"All these people," marveled Hedy Bowden, who was among the kitchen volunteers scurrying about replacing empty bowls and platters.

Bowden, 63, grew up on the island and was trying to remember a bigger community event but couldn't.

"This is the biggest I've seen," she said.

Throughout the day, the cheers, laughter and posing for photographs inevitably were mixed with hugs and tears. Anyone who was asked what Nichols has meant to the island invariably said, "Everything."

"He's going to be greatly missed," Bowden said.

When it came his turn to talk, Nichols said not to worry.

"While I will leave you in body," Nichols told the gathering, his eyes red and his voice catching, "I will never leave you in spirit.

www.timesdispatch.com

Virginia DMV Still Unable To Process Licenses

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) Virginia's governmental computer problems aren't fixed just yet.

The Department of Motor Vehicles says it won't be able to process driver's licenses and identification cards Monday. The agency is one of 26 affected by a major crash of the state's problem-plagued centralized computers last week.

The Virginia Information Technologies Agency says all but about three agencies' systems have been restored. Work continues on the remaining systems.

The DMV says Virginians whose ID cards or driver's licenses expired between last Wednesday and Monday must renew in person once service is restored. They have to bring a birth certificate, passport, or other document confirming citizenship or legal residency.

www.fredericksburg.com