Dozens Arrested In Huge Drug Sweep

To the Worcester County State's Attorney's Office and ALL law enforcement agencies involved in this long over do task THANKYOU!! 

SNOW HILL – Worcester County authorities indicted 44 people over the weekend, wrapping a broad six-month drug distribution investigation in Snow Hill and Pocomoke City.

The Worcester County Criminal Enforcement Team executed nine drug-related search and seizure warrants. Police took two juveniles and 38 others, ranging in age from 19 to 55, into custody. Most arrests were related to crack cocaine possession or distribution. The sum of all their bonds comes to $2.83 million.


Authorities say the goal of the operation was to have “an immediate and major impact” on all levels of drug dealers. Eight more people who were indicted remain at large, police said. The Worcester County State's Attorney's office announced the indictments and arrests.


Among the 38 people arrested were:

• Honiss Webster Cane, 40, of Pocomoke City, charged with three counts of drug possession and distribution. Bond: $150,000.
• Javon Tyree Schoolfield, 25, of Pocomoke City, charged with eight counts, including cocaine possession, distribution and conspiracy to sell drugs. Bond: $200,000.
• Gabriel Devon Hayes, 34, of Pocomoke City, charged with five counts, including possession with intent to distribute in a school zone. Bond: $200,000.
• Antonio Lopez Wise, 39, of Pocomoke City, charged with 10 drug counts. Bond: $150,000.
• Jamon Keith Byrd, 27, of Snow Hill, charged with three drug offenses. Bond: $200,000.

Police said the following people were still wanted in connection with the investigation:
• Jeremy Lonnel Fitch, Pocomoke.
• Gerry Marshall Laws, Pocomoke.
• Torrance Demar Davis, Horntown, Va.
• Kelvin Knock, New Church, Va.
• Travis Antonio Bowen, Snow Hill.
• Terrell Maurice Holley, Snow Hill.
• Larry James Davis, Snow Hill.
• Jonathon Purnell, Snow Hill.

The state's attorney's office said the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office, Ocean City Police Department, Snow Hill Police Department, Berlin Police Department, Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office, Wicomico County Narcotics Task Force, Somerset County Narcotics Task Force, Salisbury Police Department, Maryland State Apprehension Team, Maryland State Police Gang Unit, Maryland State Police Berlin Barrack, Accomack County Sheriff’s Office, Eastern Shore Virginia Drug Task Force and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms assisted during the two-day operation.

Who's accused

Police indicted and arrested the following people on drug possession and drug distribution charges on July 30 and 31:
Breon Odale Ayres, 19, of Pocomoke
Patrick Lee Schoolfield, 28, of Pocomoke
Javon Tyree Schoolfield, 25, of Pocomoke
Richard Wayne Williams, 36, of Pocomoke
Honiss Webster Cane, 40, of Pocomoke
Gabriel Devon Hayes, 34, of Pocomoke
Broadus Lorenzo Mason, 32, of Pocomoke
Donald Edward Sturgis, 29, of Pocomoke
Antonio Lopez Wise, 39, of Pocomoke
Kaniesha L. Johnson, 18, of Pocomoke
Martel Lamel Costen, 26, of Pocomoke
Minaster Fate Nixon Wright, 55, of Pocomoke
Tamar Gilbert Cutler, 27, of Pocomoke
Gregory Daniel Snead Jr., 23, of Pocomoke
Eric Vincent Bishop Sr., 55, of Pocomoke
Marcus Delonte Fletcher, 36, of Pocomoke
Devin Devon Bryant, 22, of Pocomoke
Deron Raymont Ames, 19, of Snow Hill
Joshua Handy Pitts, 43, of Snow Hill
Anthony Lamont Bibbins, 28, of Snow Hill
Jamon Keith Byrd, 29, of Snow Hill
Clinton Wilson Waters, 38, of Snow Hill
John Donzell Ginn, 42, of Snow Hill
Christopher Kinsey Johnson, 19, of Snow Hill
Tanya Rena Jenkins, 36, of Snow Hill
Brent Hamill Marshall, 37, of Snow Hill
Stefan Dante Allen Sr., 31, of Snow Hill
Earl Finney Tull, 42, of Snow Hill
Craig Lamont Shockley, 33, of Snow Hill
Andrew Lamont Snead, 43, of Snow Hill
Pecoro Lynn Jackson, 25, of Snow Hill
Betty Jane Williams, 42, of Snow Hill
Dawn Rochelle Hudson, 51, of Snow Hill

Police arrested two people on drug possession charges alone:
Tyronee Kurtis Nixon, 32, of Pocomoke
Charles Benjamin Powell, 47, of Snow Hill

Police also indicted Sharon Raye Benoit, 49, of Pocomoke and Gloria Jean Smith, 53, of Snow Hill on charges of maintaining a common nuisance, meaning a building or vehicle frequently used by drug abusers. And police arrested Robert Steven Jackson, 44, of Snow Hill during the raid, charging him with disorderly conduct and resisting arrest. Two juveniles were also arrested during the raid, police said.

Police said eight people were still wanted in connection with the investigation: Jeremy Lonnel Fitch, Pocomoke; Gerry Marshall Laws, Pocomoke; Torrance Demar Davis, Horntown, Va.; Kelvin Knock, New Church, Va.; Travis Antonio Bowen, Snow Hill; Terrell Maurice Holley, Snow Hill; Larry James Davis, Snow Hill; and Jonathon Purnell, Snow Hill.

Source;  http://www.delmarvanow.com/article/20110803/NEWS01/110803011/Dozens-charged-drug-selling-Pocomoke-Snow-Hill?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7Cfrontpage

Then and Now

Over 5000 years ago, Moses said to Israel, 'Pick up your shovels, mount your asses and camels, and I will lead you to the Promised Land.'

When Welfare was introduced, Roosevelt said, 'Lay down your shovels, sit on your asses, and light up a Camel, this is the Promised Land.'

Today, the government has stolen your shovel, taxed your asses, raised the price of Camels, and mortgaged the Promised Land to China

 Hat Tip; Eric

Buy American Made

Well over 50 yrs ago I knew a lady who would not buy Christmas gifts if they were made in China. Her daughter will recognize her in the following.

Did y'all see Diane Sawyer's special report? They removed ALL items from a typical, middle class family's home that were not made in the USA .

There was hardly anything left besides the kitchen sink. Literally. During the special they showed truckloads of items - USA made - being brought in to replace everything and talked about how to find these items and the difference in price etc..

It was interesting that Diane said if every American spent just $64 more than normal on USA made items this year, it would create something like
200,000 new jobs!

I WAS BUYING FOOD THE OTHER DAY AT WALMART and ON THE LABEL OF SOME PRODUCTS IT SAID 'FROM CHINA '

FOR EXAMPLE THE "OUR FAMILY" BRAND OF THE MANDARIN ORANGES SAYS RIGHT ON THE CAN 'FROM CHINA '

I WAS SHOCKED SO FOR A FEW MORE CENTS I BOUGHT THE LIBERTY GOLD BRAND OR THE DOLE SINCE IT'S FROM CALIF.

Are we Americans as dumb as we appear --- or --- is it that we just do not think. The Chinese, knowingly and intentionally, export inferior and even toxic products and dangerous toys and goods to be sold in American markets.

70% of Americans believe that the trading privileges afforded to the Chinese should be suspended.

Why do you need the government to suspend trading privileges? DO IT YOURSELF, AMERICA !!

Simply look on the bottom of every product you buy, and if it says 'Made in China ' or 'PRC' (and that now includes Hong Kong ), simply choose another product, or none at all. You will be amazed at how dependent you are on Chinese products, and you will be equally amazed at what you can do without.

Who needs plastic eggs to celebrate Easter? If you must have eggs, use real ones and benefit some American farmer. Easter is just an example. The point is do not wait for the government to act. Just go ahead and assume control on your own.

THINK ABOUT THIS: If 200 million Americans each refuse to buy just $20 of Chinese goods, that's a billion dollar trade imbalance resolved in our favor...fast!!

Most of the people who have been reading about this matter are planning on implementing this on Aug. 1st and continue it until Sept. 1st. That is only one month of trading losses, but it will hit the Chinese for 1/12th of the total, or 8%, of their American exports. Then they might have to ask themselves if the benefits of their arrogance and lawlessness were worth it.

Remember, August 1st to Sept. 1st !!!!!! START NOW.

Send this to everybody you know. Let's show them that we are Americans and NOBODY can take us for granted.

If we can't live without cheap Chinese goods for one month out of our lives, WE DESERVE WHAT WE GET!

Pass it on, America ...

Hat Tip; Mrs M.

Worcester County Sheriff's STAR Team

On Saturday of last week I posted that I had received calls from various people in Pocomoke that had witnessed alot of police activity in the Linden/Fourth/Oxford Street areas of town.  At least two officers were standing in the street holding assault rifles and one witness saw an arrest being made.

Because drugs and drug crimes are so present in almost every city and town arcross America it is always easy to jump to the conclusion that this was a drug bust.

As it turns out it quite possibly wasn't a drug bust at all. 

It has been brought to my attention that what some witnessed was the STAR team. (Sheriff  Tactical Armed Response) team serving warrants.  The STAR team is used for many reasons.

Please read:

The Sheriff's Tactical Armed Response Team (STAR) is a 12 man unit that is responsible for handling hostage situations, barricaded gunmen, high risk warrant services and other crisis situations that require the use of the team's special training and skills.

The Worcester County Sheriff's STAR Team was formed in 1991, in response to a growing number of potentially violent incidents that our deputies were called upon to handle. Of primary concern was the number of search warrants generated by the Narcotics Task Force and the growing number of loaded firearms that were being recovered as those warrants were served. Irrespective of the problems associated with narcotics search warrants, it was also recognized that patrol deputies had to deal with armed and barricaded suspects without having the capability of calling upon a specialized unit with the agency. Although at the time the office was capable of calling for specialized assistance from other agencies, such assistance can bring with it certain problems that could be mitigated by having the same capability with our own agency. It was known that any tactical team acts only within the limits of its training and the dictates of existing political dogma that surrounds its agency and team orientation. These problems were eliminated by forming, training, and maintaining our own tactical team. Our Office responsibility and county liability were the key issues.

There have been occasions since the STAR Team was formed when they were called upon to take over tactical situations that were deemed to be overly hazardous for patrol deputies. Knowing the abilities of and having confidence in a team is essential during these situations. We have found that our Team has the ability to take control of a situation and bring it to a conclusion in the most effective means available.

We have also learned since the formation of the team that its constant training in tactics, specialized weaponry, team movement, and organizational unity, have brought with it a built in measure of safety that cannot compare with any other unit with the agency. Because safety is the primary objective of any tactical unit, it is a large part of anything that our team does whether in training or during an actual operation.

With respect to the high risk entries associated with narcotics search warrants, it is obvious that on most occasions the greatest danger is dealing with the unknown. There are several things that we do know about people who deal in illicit drugs. They are often drug user themselves and they are desperate with respect to earning enough money to support their own narcotics habits. They are often paranoid, as a result of their narcotics usage, and they are rarely willing to go to jail. Recognizing these issues the team takes the necessary precautions to safeguard themselves to quickly and effectively subdue narcotics dealers and their associates.

The issue of changing demographics is one we cannot control, however, we must continue to monitor and make adjustments for them. As change continues and safety issues remain, the Worcester County Sheriff's Office finds it necessary to maintain a resource, upon which we can draw during those times when the normal approach is inadequate. The STAR Team has proved itself to be a valuable means by which to bring dangerous situations to a prompt and safe conclusion. Without the availability of this asset, it is believed that our deputies may needlessly be faced with having to place themselves in jeopardy when they might not have to otherwise.

It is hoped that the STAR Team will continue to serve the office in the efforts to provide a safe environment for the citizens of Worcester County. It has done so time and time again since its inception and is dedicated to doing so in the future.

The members of the team are assigned to different divisions of the Worcester County Sheriff's Office as their primary duty assignment. The STAR Team is a secondary assignment for which the members volunteer and are on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Deputies that apply to the team for a position must pass a physical fitness test, have a minimum average firearms score of 90 percent, and attend an interview with the current team members. The applicants are then selected by the team members based on their performance in the application process. Deputies interested in serving on the STAR Team must have a minimum of two years experience with the Office and be in excellent physical condition. He or she must pass the basis SWAT training course. He or she must have a good departmental performance record.

Copied from:  http://co.worcester.md.us/wsco/starteam.aspx

FIREMAN'S FAMOUS CHICKEN BBQ

If you missed the chance to buy some of the Pocomoke City Volunteer Fire Departments delicious barbecued chicken in July  here's another chance!

The Pocomoke City Vol. Fire Co.

CHICKEN BBQ
SATURDAY - AUGUST 6
MARKET ST. AT 14 th. STREET

The menu will include: 1/2 a bbq chicken and a roll

 Price  $6.00  ~ Carryout ONLY

Limited number of dinners available so get there early!

NO advanced ticket sales

Man Shot In Parksley~ Arrest Made

According to Sheriff Todd Godwin, on Friday, July 22 at approximately 2:18 a.m., the Accomack County Sheriffs Office received information from the Eastern Shore 911 Center that a man had been shot in the area of Germaine Lane in Parksley and then driven to a nearby convenience store.


The victim was transported by Parksley Ambulance to Riverside Shore Memorial Hospital and later transferred to Sentara Norfolk General where he is listed in stable condition.


Further investigation led to the identity of the suspect to be Anthony Lee Wise, age 32 of Melfa. On July 28th Wise was located at a residence in Onancock and apprehended without incident.


He was arrested on charges of Malicious Wounding and Use of Firearm in Commission of a Felony in addition to 2 Court Capias. He is incarcerated in the Accomack County Jail with bond denied.


The Accomack County Sheriffs Office was assisted by the Eastern Shore Drug Task Force, Onancock Police Department and the Northampton County Sheriffs Department.

Source; shoredailynews.com

Escape at the Somerset County Detention Center

The guy went over the fence and his girlfriend was waiting for him in a car.

At ECI, there was an inmate that died of a heart attack and one that was injured in a fight, but he didn’t die.

THESE STATEMENTS ARE TRUE.

*****************************************************************************************************************

Its my understanding that a news reporter (in Salisbury) is saying an inmate from ECI killed somebody and escaped and for the public to be on the look out.

"National Night Out"

National Night Out – August 2, 2011

POCOMOKE CITY TO JOIN CITIES NATIONWIDE FOR

“AMERICA’S NIGHT OUT AGAINST CRIME”

          On Tuesday, August 2rd, neighborhoods throughout Pocomoke City are being invited to join forces with thousands of Communities nationwide for the “28^th Annual National Night Out” (NNO) crime and drug prevention event. National Night Out, which is sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch (NATW) and co-sponsored locally by Pocomoke City Police Department/Chief JD Ervin, will involve over 11,000 communities from all 50 States, U.S. territories, Canadian cities and military bases around the world. In all, over 35 million people are expected to participate in “America’s Night Out Against Crime” on August 2, 2011.

          National Night Out is designed to: (1) Heighten crime and drug prevention awareness; (2) Generate support for, and participation in, local anticrime efforts; (3) Strengthen neighborhood spirit and police- community partnerships; and (4) Send a message to criminals letting them know neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.

          From 5 PM to 9 PM on Tuesday August 2, 2011, residents in neighborhoods throughout Pocomoke City and across the nation are asked to lock their doors, turn on outside lights and spend the evening outside with neighbors and POLICE.

          The event location will be Downtown Pocomoke City at the Cypress Park.

We are encouraging businesses to set up vendor tables, anyone wishing to participate please contact Angel Thornes @ 410-957-1600. 

TIME MACHINE ... The Wild, Wild East!

January, 1911

(The Washington Post)

FEARS FOR HER LIFE

Mrs. J. L. Sturgis Of Pocomoke City
Asks For State Aid.

RECEIVES BLACK HAND LETTER

Wife of Bank President, Ordered to Leave $100 "Under Doorsteps," Calls Upon Thomas Ewell, State Fire Marshal, for Protection- Friends of Men Sent to Jail Suspected.

Special to The Washington Post

Baltimore, Jan. 23- Fearing that life and property are in danger, Mrs. John L. Sturgis, of Pocomoke City, Md., wife of the president of the national bank of that town, has appealed to State Fire Marshal Thomas Ewell for protection.

Col. Ewell received a letter from Mrs. Sturgis yesterday, including a missive written in a disguised hand, and which Mrs. Sturgis believed was sent to her by "Black Handers." The letter reads:

"Mrs. Sturgis: You are here bye notified to leave $100 under the door steps Sunday night or you died with all property burnt."

Factions in the Town.

A skull and crossbones were roughly drawn under this, while the name "Secretary" was signed to the note. Mrs. Sturgis found the note under the door last week, and has been very much frightened ever since.

Col. Ewell is of the opinion the letter was sent by friends of the five men who were sentenced to jail about a month ago on charges of arson, at his instance. Pocomoke City, he says, is divided into two factions, and one of the factions is continually annoying the other. The incarcerated men belong to one faction, while Mrs. Sturgis lives in the part of the town where the other faction is located.


August, 1923

There was concern in Pocomoke City that at least several of six escapees from the Eastern Penitentiary in Philadelphia had been retained by lawless bootleggers to terrorize Pocomoke citizens. The escapees had reportedly been seen in the Pocomoke area while at the same time there was an increase in threats and fires around town. The home of Rev. J.R. Bicking, one of the leaders of a citizens committee waring against the bootleggers and crime, was burned. Many Pocomoke City citizens were carrying guns, raising prospects that there would be a clash between the vigilantes and the bootlegging lawbreakers.


October, 1923

(The Tyrone Daily Herald [Pennsylvania])

Barn Wrecked By Explosion

Pocomoke City, Md., Oct 11- Bootlegging vengeance was in evidence here again when another building was totally wrecked, this time the barn of Sylvester Messick, a retired lumber merchant, living on Walnut Street. A terrific explosion shook the neighborhood. Messick's barn had been blown to atoms. He is one of the special officers sworn in some time ago, and has been active in the apprehension of those who have been arrested for illicit liquor traffic. The barn contained nothing of special value. There is no clue to the perpetrator.






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!

The Princess Anne Fair

If you didn't make it to the Princess Anne Fair you missed a great show. At the Pocomoke Fair there was a lot of horsepower pulling sleds across the dirt, but at The Princess Anne Fair there was real horsepower pulling the sled. It was a simple event with sled pulling and several baked goods auctions between classes when they changed the weights on the sled. Being it was a simple event I don't have much to say except that it was a great event but I do have a lot of pictures for those that missed it.

BTW: The last cake of the day was a Smith Island 10 layer reeses pieces cake and it was auctioned off to the high bidder of $200.00

 Ready-Set-Go

 GONE!! That's a full pull with 4000 pounds on the sled

Notice when those horses are pulling their ears are pinned back

These horses are big muscular animals

Now it's time to add another 1000 pounds to the sled to make it 5000 pounds, while they do that it's time to auction off some baked goods.

5000 pounds? No problem for these powerful horses. This is real horsepower.

Simply beautiful.

Time to dig! Let me tell you when the operators drop that ring on the tongue of the sled those horses hear it and do not need directions, they dig-in and take off. You can feel the power in the ground when they do. 

Again, 5000 pounds is no problem for these massive animals.

You'd never know the power of these genital beast if you didn't see it for yourself. 

It's time to change the weights on the sled again, this time they only go up 500 pounds for a total weight 5500 pounds. While they make the changes another baked good goes up for auction.

This is a picture of the team.

And stomping the ground with 5500 pounds.

COUNT DOWN TO THE CRISFIELD MUD BOG

CRISFIELD MUD BOG begins tomorrow at 1:00 PM. 

Be sure to be there to cheer on your favorite truck and driver!

187 East Performance



'In The Mix'



'Short and Sassy'





'All Night Soldier'

   The MudDoctor for the 187 East Performance Team has made his rounds today and everything looks good for the three trucks participating tomorrow!

~Thanks Donald!!~

We are sure going to miss 'The Grey Ghost' and 'Sod Buster'!!
They'll be back soon even better!

Sunday ~ Crisfield Mud Bog

SUNDAY

JULY 31, 2011

Admission $7 children 10 and under FREE

Registration 9:30 to 12;30

Events start 1:00

Power Wheel races for the kids

NO alcoholic beverages

Pocomoke Getting Some Action This Morning!!

Currently happening in Pocomoke City:

Just received a call that undercover officers, possibly SWAT and maybe DEA are in Pocomoke
making arrests in the Linden/Fourth/Oxford Street areas.

Officers  standing in the street and are carrying assault rifles, wearing masks.

Eye witness saw one person in handcuffs being escorted from a house.

Unmarked vehicles.
Has anyone seen anything else this morning?

TIME MACHINE Preview ... The Wild, Wild East!

The TIME MACHINE takes a look at some rough and tumble times in Pocomoke City's past... 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!

Wo. Co. Sheriff's Office - Crime Watch Meeting

SNOW HILL — The Worcester County Sheriff’s office is hoping to establish a crime watch in Girdletree and has scheduled a crime watch meeting on

August 22nd at the Girdletree Firehouse

Beginning at 7 p.m., Deputy First Class Dale Trotter will give a brief overview of crime watch, citizen concerns, necessary precautions and future meeting times.

Call 410-632-1112.

Walking For Our Troops- Earlier This Week

Al "Iron Grandpa" Slusser, a 72-year-old Arizona native, is walking from Key West, Fla., to
the Canadian border north of Maine to honor U.S veterans and troops.


PHOTO  Linda Cicoira

He stopped at Melfa Volunteer Fire & Rescue Co. for a short rest Tuesday. Slusser said he’s gone about 4,200 miles since April 5, 2011, when his eastern coastline walk began.

A friend drove him over the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel earlier this week.

A Navy veteran who served in Europe during the Vietnam Era, Slusser already has walked "from sea to shining sea." He went from San Diego to Annapolis last year while pulling his cart of belongings, which includes a cell phone, a  satellite locator, flags from all branches of the service and pins in his hat from all but the Air Force.

He dedicated that journey to seniors and disabled Americans, including veterans.

Slusser said hehopes to walk the western coastline next year,completing 7,300 miles by age 73. "I don’t mind the heat but the humidity" is a different story, he said

 I’m losing weight by the gallons." Slusser said everyone has been really nice to him. He is collecting

 names of loved ones who were POW, MIA or KIA for a memorial service at the border.

To follow his travels or offer a name, go to www.c2cw.com

Source;  easternshorepost.com

                                                                              

Maj. Todd Godwin Replaces Sheriff Larry Giddens

Beginning August 1, 2011 Major Todd Godwin will begin his new job as Accomack County Sheriff.  He will fill the position for Sheriff Larry Giddens who has decided to take his retirement before his first terms ends at  the end of 2011.

Major Godwin was sworn in by (Ret) Judge Glen Tyler with  his wife and sons by his side.  Retired Judge Tyler was specially appointed to administer the oath.



Maj. Todd Godwin and family, Retired Judge Glen Tyler
Photo/ Linda Cicoira

The best of luck to you Sheriff Larry Giddens in your retirement.

Virginia Zoo Welcomes New Baby Giraffe

NORFOLK - The Virginia Zoo has announced the long-anticipated birth of one of its newest additions-a 6-foot-tall baby giraffe.

After two hours of labor and a 6-foot headfirst drop, giraffe parents, 10-year-old Billy and 9-year-old Imara, welcomed their new baby into the world yesterday at 4:20 p.m.

Several visitors had the opportunity to watch the entire labor and birth.

"This healthy birth marks an exciting milestone for our giraffe collection," says executive director Greg Bockheim, who adds that this is the second birth for Imara. Her last offspring, Willow, now lives at Disney's Animal Kingdom in Florida.

"The idea of a six-foot drop sounds scary to people, but it's normal for a giraffe," explains Bockheim. "It helps stimulate breathing to get the baby on its own and since baby giraffe can be 6-feet tall and 150 pounds, the fall doesn't seem so far to them."

Newborn giraffe can stand and walk within 1 hour of birth, and they can start eating leaves at 4 months old.

The new baby has been given a preliminary checkup and appears to be very healthy.

Mom and baby can be viewed by Zoo visitors now.

The zoo will announce a baby naming poll  at a later date.

Source;  http://www.wtkr.com/news/wtkr-virginia-zoo-giraffe-birth,0,1572019.story

Al Slusser - AKA "IronMan Grandpa" Is Still On The Move

I was on my way to Salisbury this morning and what to my wondering eyes should appear? Mr Al Slusser AKA: IronMan Grandpa pulling his cart in this smoldering heat.

I was headed north on Rt. 13 at the Olsen's Antique Store. I jumped in the left lane so I could make a U turn and see if the Ironman was friendly. I stopped behind him on the shoulder of the road and put my emergency flashers on and stuck my head out the window and I yelled "Could I get a picture please?" the Ironman immediately turned his cart sideways and posed with a smile. I had my phone ready for the picture so I snapped one quick pic and walked up to him, and we shook hands, and I thanked him for what he was doing.

I spoke about how hard his journey must be and with a soft low voice but a great big smile the Ironman said not really. We talked for about five minuets, Referring to a place to stay at night I mentioned that Princess Anne was about 15 miles and Salisbury was about 15 miles past that, he said that 15 miles per day is about what he averages walking while pulling that wagon, I know one thing I couldn't do it. The heat was just tremendous coming off that black top highway, it had to be 100 degrees and getting hotter, I could feel the heat coming off each truck as it whizzed by us.

Once again I thanked him for what he was doing and we shook hands again and with a big smile on his face we parted ways. I wish that we had a place to sit and chat for awhile because within that short time that we did talk I could tell that the Ironman was a super guy with a very big heart.

 I wish him the best of luck on his journey, he still has a long way to go from here. I'm just very happy that I actually had the opportunity to meet and talk to the Ironman, I'm sure he'll go down in history. 

TONIGHT ONLY AT THE MAR-VA THEATER

The advanced group from the

MAR-VA THEATER  ACADEMY

presents

"MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM"

Friday  July 29th   2011

7:00 PM

Admission:  Adults $5.00

                   Children  $5.00

Show is tonight only!

Show your support for these young performers!

At The Mar-Va Theater

Summer 2010's runaway hit is returning!!

"BEEHIVE - The 1960's Musical"

Presented by  The North Street Playhouse, Inc.

At The Mar-Va Theater

Pocomoke City, Maryland

Sunday, July 31, 2011

3:30 PM

The girls are back, bigger hair and better than ever!

The North Street Playhouse presents "Beehive- the Sixties Musical" created by Larry Gallagher, highlighting the music of the female singers of the 1960's.

Over thirty-five songs are included, made famous by artists from Diana Ross and the Supremes to Leslie Gore, from Janis Joplin,Tina Turner, and Aretha Franklin to Janis Ian and Annette Funicello.

The cast of singers includes Beth Sharpely, Catrina Satchel, Katisha Crippen, Christy Northam, Patsy Goard and Shenae Cooper.

They will be backed by the live band, "MR. B. and The Boys" and Tynisha Savage on the saxophone!

Tickets are available ONLY through

The North Street Playhouse.
Call 866-70-DRAMA or 757-787-2050.

Tickets will be available for purchase at the door on Sunday at 3:30 p.m.
Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for students.

Group discounts available, call for details or to order your tickets today!　

Man Pleads Guilty To Pushing Stranger Into Inner Harbor

Wayne Black

A 21-year-old Pasadena man pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter Thursday for shoving a stranger who couldn't swim into the Inner Harbor in 2008 — an act previously characterized by one Baltimore judge as complete stupidity.

Wayne Black, who was 18 when he pushed 22-year-old Ankush Gupta into the water and ran, will be sentenced to four years in prison at his sentencing, scheduled for Aug. 30, per an agreement cut with Baltimore Circuit Judge M. Brooke Murdock.


His mother dabbed tears from her eyes as the deal was done, while Gupta's friends and family sat stone-faced on the other side of the courtroom.

"That is not justice," Saneel John Masih said after the hearing. He and Rohit Gupta were longtime friends of Ankush, more like brothers than buddies, they said.

They were devastated by his death and disgusted by Black's deal, which the family was informed of shortly before it was struck. They were hoping for a murder conviction rather than manslaughter, and a prison term of at least 10 years.


A spokesman for the Baltimore state's attorney's office said prosecutors pushed for a 10-year sentence, the maximum allowed for involuntary manslaughter, but that the judge reduced it to four years, based on sentencing guidelines.


"We, as a victim's family, have no authority whatsoever," said Rohit Gupta, who is not related to Ankush. Black "intentionally pushed [Ankush] into the water; it was a murder."

In late August 2008, on their way back from a day trip to New York City, Ankush and Rohit Gupta and several other friends had stopped at the Inner Harbor after midnight to stretch their legs. Ankush took a stroll by himself, then disappeared. His friends heard only a scream and a splash.

Rescue divers pulled Ankush's body from the water hours later. He had drowned.

His friends suspected that Ankush was pushed, though two years would pass before their suspicions were confirmed. A tipster told police in September that Black, a high school dropout who had been at the harbor that night skateboarding, was involved.

Prosecutor Charles Blomquist filled in the gaps Thursday during the plea hearing, quoting from a confession Black gave authorities.

Ankus Gupta

"'I walked up, and I pushed him into the water,'" Black told police. "'I came up behind him and I pushed.'"

Added Blomquist: "The victim did not know how to swim."


Black's attorney, Howard Cardin, said his client has been choked with guilt and last year confided in a friend who alerted police.

"It's a tragedy, an absolute regrettable tragedy," Cardin said, adding that a judge previously called the prank "stupid." "Obviously, we're very apologetic to the family."

Black's mother said she would give anything to reverse the past.


Ankush Gupta's family said he was their best hope for the future.

At 22, he was the only child still living at home in Montgomery County with his parents, who emigrated from India when Ankush was 12. He cared for them, delivering medication to his disabled father, Anoop, and shared his dreams of being a NASA engineer with his mother.


Ankush was about to enter his junior year at the University of Maryland, College Park on an engineering scholarship when he was killed, his friends said. They described him as bright, selfless and hardworking.

"He wasn't doing all this for himself," Masih said. " He was just doing it for his mom and dad."

Ankush's mother, Meena Kumari Gupta, cried after the hearing. She held a photo of her son kneeling before a bed of orange and yellow tulips.

Her statement, which was translated into English, asked that Black be severely punished. She never got to read it in court.

"This man must learn from his mistakes," it said. "He has broken up a family who has nothing left in America. He killed our American dream and our son."

Source;  http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/baltimore-city/bs-md-ci-harbor-drowning-plea-20110728,0,227422.story