VA. Gov. McDonnell Being Investigated

Governor McDonnell Being Investigated Over Disclosure Statements

RICHMOND -- Gov. Bob McDonnell is under investigation over the statements of economic interest he has filed.


The investigation was initiated by Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli, who sent a letter in early November 2012 to Richmond Commonwealth’s Attorney Michael N. Herring, appointing him to review McDonnell’s statements. By law, elected officials are required to account for all gifts received in excess of $50.
  "I did what I have consistently tried to do as attorney general, which is to uphold the law impartially," Cuccinelli said in a statement today.

" I made a referral to Richmond Commonwealth's Attorney Mike Herring in November 2012 to conduct an investigation into possible violations of financial disclosure provisions, as information came to my attention that triggered my requirement to look into the matter.  The law also requires me to designate a commonwealth's attorney with independent discretion to investigate the matter further.  

My referral to Mr. Herring was not a conclusion that any violation occurred.  Under the law, that conclusion will be made by Mr. Herring alone."

In response to to a Freedom of Information Act request for correspondence between the attorney general’s office and Richmond Commonwealth’s Attorney Office filed last week by the Richmond Times-Dispatch, Herring says:

“In that letter, the Attorney General designated me, pursuant to Virginia Code Section 2.2-3126(A)(2), to review certain Statements of Economic Interest filed by the governor."

The section of the Virginia Code referenced in Herring’s response outlines the responsibility of the attorney general as the sole official charged with the initial enforcement function with regard to disclosures required by certain state officers and employees. It states:

“If he determines that there is a reasonable basis to conclude that any officer or employee serving at the state level of government has knowingly violated any provision of this chapter, he shall designate an attorney for the Commonwealth who shall have complete and independent discretion in the prosecution of such officer or employee.”

In his response to the Times-Dispatch FOIA, Herring says he will not provide the letter sent by Cuccinelli requesting the investigation.

“I am not tendering the actual letter from the attorney general because I believe it constitutes 'criminal investigative file' material,” Herring states in his response, dated May 21.

“For future reference, I will not disclose the content, substance or results of my review until it is complete, and only then through due process and in accordance with the law.”

Continue Reading....

Drunk Driver Arrested After Short Pursuit

Steven Josef Martin

OCPD Arrest Drunk Driver After Short Pursuit

On May 20, 2013, at approximately 11:20 p.m. Ocean City Police observed a vehicle being driven erratically northbound on Coastal Highway. Based on police observations, the driver was suspected to have been under the influence of alcohol. Police attempted to stop the vehicle near 74^th Street; however, the vehicle fled.

Police pursued the vehicle at which time the driver, later identified as Shawn Josef Martin, 29, of Eldersburg, MD, turned into a parking garage on 77^th Street. Martin then sped through and exited the garage at which point struck a bush. Police attempted numerous times to have Martin stop; however, he continued to flee driving through several stop signs and traveling at a dangerously high rate of speed. Martin turned back onto Coastal Highway and crossed four lanes of traffic where he lost control and nearly struck the center median. He then turned east onto 79^th Street, drove onto the sidewalk and struck a street sign at which time his vehicle stopped.

Martin exited his vehicle and attempted to flee the crash scene on foot but was taken into custody shortly after by responding officers.

During the on-scene investigation, police confirmed their suspicion that Martin was intoxicated. Officers also noted that there were no injuries during the incident.

Ocean City Police have charged Martin with 49 citations for various reckless/aggressive driving charges. Martin must appear in court for 12 of those citations.

At the time of this release, Martin is being held by the Ocean City Police pending an initial appearance before a District Court Commissioner.

Submitted:
Ocean City Police Dept.

Pocomoke City Police Department Participated In "Click It Or Ticket" Campaign

The Pocomoke City Police Department participated with the Maryland State Highway statewide “Click It Or Ticket” campaign on Monday, May 20, 2013.

  Officers completed additional enforcement patrols to aide drivers with vehicle safety, officers issued 20 seatbelt citations, 1 child seat citation, 5 traffic citations and also had a DUI Arrest. 

Each driver stopped was given a Click It or Ticket pamphlet to help educate them on the dangers of not wearing their seatbelts.

Two FBI Special Agents Remembered

Fallen Agents Remembered for Their “True Valor”



FBI Photo

Earlier today, the FBI saluted two special agents killed in a training accident as devoted husbands and fathers and as men of valor who “walked willingly into places most of us dare not go” while serving on the Hostage Rescue Team (HRT).

Special Agent Christopher W. Lorek, 41, and Special Agent Stephen P. Shaw, 40, died May 17 during a maritime counterterrorism exercise involving helicopters and a ship off the coast of Virginia Beach, Virginia. The agents were in the process of fast-roping from the aircraft onto the ship when the helicopter encountered difficulties. The agents tragically fell a significant distance and suffered fatal injuries.

At the U.S. Marine Corps Memorial Chapel at Quantico—together with family, friends, and colleagues of the two agents—Director Mueller heralded the men as members of an elite team that “assumes the greatest risk as part of their everyday job.”

Agent Lorek joined the FBI in 1996 in a professional support role. Two years later, he became an agent and headed to Milwaukee for his first field office assignment. He graduated HRT operator training in July 2008, and most recently, served on the team that rescued the 5-year-old boy taken hostage in Alabama.

“Intelligent, thoughtful, and always up for a challenge, with a ready smile on his face,” the Director said of Lorek, a native of Maywood, Illinois, who is survived by his wife and two daughters, ages 11 and 8.

FBI Photo

Agent Shaw entered the FBI in 2005 and graduated from HRT operator training in November 2011. He earned recognition for his leadership skills and his willingness to take on even the most menial of tasks for the benefit of his team.

“He seemed to genuinely like and take an interest in everyone around him, regardless of rank or situation,” Director Mueller said. “He was quick to make you feel like you were his best friend…his brother.” Born in Santa Paula, California, Agent Shaw is survived by his wife, a daughter who turns 4 this week, and a son, age 1.

Trained in military tactics, HRT members put themselves in harm’s way to help safeguard the nation and to save lives, serving as federal law enforcement’s counterterrorism tactical team. 2013 marks the HRT’s 30th anniversary.

“True and unerring valor was a gift given to both Chris and Steve—a gift that was tested time and again, through their commitment to the FBI, to the Hostage Rescue Team, and to the citizens they served,” the Director said.

Don't Forget To Buckle Up!

On Monday May 20^th, the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office teamed up with the Selbyville Delaware Police in a Border to Border seat belt enforcement initiative.

Worcester County Sheriff’s Deputies patrolled Rt 113 at the Maryland State line with Selbyville Delaware police looking for drivers who refused to wear their seatbelts. The Worcester County Sheriff’ Office also patrolled Rt. 13 at the Maryland Virginia border looking for unbuckled drivers front seat passengers.

 15 citations were issued and 24 warnings during the enforcement initiative. 

Remember to always wear a seatbelt when in a vehicle.

 

Buckle up. The life you can save may be your own. 

 

 

Submitted:

Lt. Edward C. Schreier

Worcester County Sheriff’s Office

Next Mudbog Competition To Be Held In Snow Hill

 

The mudbog scheduled for Sunday, May 26, 2013 has been CANCELED due to excessive water on the Crisfield Elks Lodge grounds.

 

NO MUDBOG IN JUNE

 
Since yesterday the commitee members have found that rescheduling a makeup mudbog for June would cause a scheduling conflict with the Elks Lodge. Keep in mind that the Crisfield Elks Lodge schedules so many other wonderful events -  other than provide a place for mudbogging and making us comfortable on race day.
 
A new date will be decided and I will have all of that information for you when I receive it.
 
The next race date is Saturday, July 13, 2013 in Snow Hill sponsored by the Snow Hill Volunteer Fire Company. This is the first time the Snow Hill Volunteer Company has sponsored a mud bog and


I hope all of you will help make it a success. More information will be posted soon.

 
Thanks for your understanding and patience!

 

 

2013 Racing Schedule

 

CANCELED ~Sunday May 26 Crisfield ~ CANCELED
 Saturday July 13 Snow Hill

 Saturday July 27 Crisfield~ NIGHT RACE
 Saturday Aug. 31 Crisfield
 Sunday Sept. 22 Gumboro

 

More information, photos and videos-

click below

 

Gumboro~Crisfield Mudbogs

Nature Trail Update ~ Hard Work And Happy Times

There's still plenty to do so don't be afraid to volunteer.   And by all means, donations are very welcomed  and will be put to great use.  All the info you need is in this Nature Trail Update.  I'm quite anxious to see what has taken place around Stevenson's Pond.

"Not bad for a small bunch of volunteers.
But these aren’t just any volunteers!" ~
Richie Shoemaker  

 

 

Nature Trail update
by Ritch Shoemaker MD, project chairman

 

Construction:Seriously, how many readers thought we would have 96 feet of Trail built with treads in place in three weeks? No one? We do.

How many thought that we would actually reach our goal of completion of these 50-ton transport and 600-foot construction projects in less than one month? Don’t bet against it.

Photo/Donna Clarke

With work schedules and rain, we couldn’t get much done (until Sunday) this week but Chris Miles did starting on Friday. There he was cutting up heavy, freshly salt-treated lumber each 16 feet long into the 4-foot treads (AKA treated treads). How many boards? Another 250!

Andy Clarke likes math problems, as do I. Here’s the Trail tread math quiz:

(1) How many pounds of lifting did installation of 1000 treads on the Trail require?

First, Chris lifted the boards onto his big truck, and then unloaded the 70-pound boards one at a time to take into his shop. He placed the wood on his long saw bench and cut the 4 foot pieces one at a time. Remember that most 16 foot boards are 193.5 inches long. Does that affect your answer? He lifts each cut piece to stack onto two platforms, building multiple 20-piece towers eight feet wide. Then he lifts (with the help of some old guy) 60-80 pieces onto an old small pick up to make a load. The loaded treads are tossed by the old guy down the hill leading to the construction site where Mike Thornton or Mike Redden (two days), or get this, Donna Clarke (Andy’s mother), picks the boards up and then the treads are stacked after being carried over three bridges and two hummocks to the tread-staging area. The treads are then unstacked and trundled into position where they are nailed in place after they are placed bark-side up. We don’t ever want to lift the same board twice in one spot as that would be making a retread.

(2) How many times were the treads handled individually or as part of a 16 footer?

And your answers are? The first correct answer sent to Jennifer Rafter at the Chamber of Commerce (complete with a $10 donation to the Trail) gets a free copy of the Nature Trail book, a free Famous Trail Bird t-shirt, a free Nature Trail bumper sticker and an honorary plaque as Trail Bull Work Math Champion. Call Jennifer at 410-957-1919. We expect hundreds of responders so don’t delay! Perhaps new users of our Missing Loop of the Trail will have a different level of respect for the volunteers when they walk on our beautiful treads.

NEWS FLASH: Now, thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor, ALL correct entries will receive prizes and the plaque for the first correct entry has been upgraded.

I don’t want to get political but we are going to have to deal with those who say “Don’t tread on me.” I agree. Don’t tread on my rights makes a lot of sense.

But let’s think about this treading idea. If I can’t tread on you, and I don’t think that such treading is politically or socially correct, and I am a 4-foot piece of wood nailed to the Trail, then why are you allowed to tread on me? To answer that question I think we would need to know how much wood could a treated wood tread tread, if a treated wood tread could tread wood. Now if we didn’t have the treads and someone wanted to access our otherwise inaccessible Trail site, they would have to tread water a long time to enter the island so my suggestion is to tread lightly on the treads or else this idea will become water under the bridge treads.

To finish this discussion I am astounded that the big boar raccoon we saw and then inadvertently treed would not come down from its perch to tread on our treads. The treeing must have made him ill. But still, his decision to wait was oak with me; however unpoplar, as maple he wood come down tomorrow, if he weren’t pining for his past free (non-treed life) or not if he wasn’t syca(ny)more. I guess he is right because if he started to de-tree and we were around he would be re-treed. It is better to tread than to retreat.

Andy Clarke, Katy Clarke and Montana
Photo/Donna Clarke

All attempts at word play aside, after the rains blew out to sea on Sunday, Andy wanted just to put in two racks at the construction site. “Just to see how it would go over the deepest water part of the swamp,” he said. So look at who came out to help: Supervisor Don Malloy; the old physician; Andy; Hunter and Scott Tatterson; Mike Thornton; and Katy Clarke (Andy’s bride). I’m telling you what; those folks forever more moved it.

“No reason to stop now, Andy,” I said, “let’s make it to the cypress ahead.” In a 90-minute instant, in the hot steamy swamp, humidity at 90% and 80 degrees, we had 96 feet of racks and railroad tie sleepers (which will not be called Pullmans ever in this discussion) linking the start of the Loop to our first target, the 125-foot cypress tree.

Larry Fykes and Andy hopped on the developing Trail Monday and now we are walking on treads. Amazing. Andy’s powerful portable battery operated drill performed way more than what mine could do. Modern Torx drive screws are such an advance on our old toe-nailed racks from the Mastodon era of Trail construction from twenty years ago.

And in just a few days the Trail Loop will be back to the best cypress of all at the base of the high ground of the Trail. Now that is a magnificent tree but it is just another stop on the new treaded highway.

Still, who has seen that tree to appreciate it? Not many, I am sure. Now we all can.

Be sure to come out on Saturday morning, May 25th beginning at 9 AM. Meet at the Greenway parking lot just off Winter Quarters Drive at the beginning of the Fishing Pier. Walk around the pond towards Route 13, but not on the Pier side. You will hear us. Come join the fun!

Donations:

I wish I had a better list to report. For some reason the town merchants aren’t leading the charge that will surely bring them notice and foot traffic. The Trail is a prize of Pocomoke. Let’s all have some civic pride!

PNC Bank is our leader this week, with a $500 gift. Graham Wilson of Mathews, North Carolina bought 10 Feet of the Trail and Bobbie (Lynch) Hammerbacher bought one Foot of the Trail. We are so grateful to our donors. We look forward to the time they all can walk on our new loop and see their donations recognized publicly.

Stay tuned: we might not have the observation stations done on Saturday but I fully expect to be able to walk from high ground on Broken Back Island to the high ground near the otter slide and the grove of royal pawlonia trees without getting my feet wet on Saturday. Download the Pocomoke City Nature Trail Donation Form

Commercial Vehicle Collides Into Police Car

On May 18, 2013, at approximately 11:35 a.m. a marked Ocean City Police vehicle with two officers was travelling southbound and was stopped in stop and go traffic at 84th Street.

A commercial vehicle described as a “Bethany Resort Furnishing” box truck failed to stop causing the box truck to strike the marked police car.  This caused a chain reaction involving four vehicles total. 

 The two officers inside the police vehicle, who are not being identified at this time, were treated at the scene by Ocean City EMS and transported to Atlantic General Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.  Both officers were later released from the hospital, however will not return to duty for several days.  The police vehicle involved sustained a significant amount of damage and has been taken out of service.

The operator of the at-fault commercial vehicle has been identified as John Clifton Truitt, 33, of Salisbury, MD and was charged with:

• Failing to control speed to avoid a collision
• Negligent driving
• Failing to have valid medical certificate (Commercial Driver Code Violation)

The other three vehicles involved were not significantly damaged and could be driven from the scene. No other injuries were reported as a result of the incident.

National Click It or Ticket Enforcement

OCPD Taking Part in National Click It or Ticket Enforcement

As motorists take to the roads this Memorial Day holiday weekend, Ocean City Police are urging everyone to buckle up.   Beginning Monday, May 20th, law enforcement officials were out in full force, taking part in the 2013 national Click It or Ticket seat belt enforcement mobilization and cracking down on motorists who are not belted.

“We want everyone to enjoy their summer here in Ocean City. One big part of that is staying safe,” said Acting Chief Gregory Guiton. “Buckling your seat belt is one of the easiest choices you can make to ensure your safety.”

On the morning of May 20th, OCPD joined law enforcement agencies throughout Maryland and the entire northeast region in mobilizing the Click It or Ticket “Border to Border” Operation.

Law enforcement agencies that share State borders will team up to provide increased seat belt enforcement at border sites, sending a ‘zero tolerance’ message to the public: Driving or riding unbuckled will result in a ticket, no matter what State.

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 52 percent of the 21,253 passenger vehicle occupants killed in 2011 were not wearing their seat belts at the time of the crash. As noted, deaths involving seat belt nonuse are more prevalent at night than during the daytime.  According to the NHTSA, 62 percent of the 10,135 passenger vehicle occupants killed in 2011 during the overnight hours of 6 p.m. to 5:59 a.m. were not wearing their seat belts at the time of the crash.

“Maryland’s seatbelt law is about to get tougher.  Come October first, everyone must wear a seatbelt.  Everyone.  Those in the back seat as well as those in the front,” said John Kuo Administrator of the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration and the Governor’s Highway Safety Representative for in Maryland. “Governor O’Malley just signed into law a bill that will require all occupants of a vehicle to be buckled.”

In 2011, seat belts saved an estimated 11,949 lives nationwide according to the NHTSA. While this year’s Click It or Ticket enforcement mobilization runs from May 20 through June 2, officers are out enforcing seat belt laws year-round.

For more on the national Click It or Ticket mobilization, please visit www.nhtsa.gov.

Submitted by:
Ocean City Police Department

Change Maryland: More Job Losses for Maryland

More Job Losses for Maryland

 

Maryland lost 6,200 jobs in April according to the latest available numbers from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.  Maryland is the only state in the region to experience significant job losses last month while many parts of the country have begun a path towards economic recovery. 

Change Maryland notes the tragic irony of the report’s release the same day as Governor Martin O'Malley and President Obama were in Baltimore city touting the President’s “Middle Class Jobs & Opportunity Tour.”

“The President has had a rough week.  Visiting Maryland to tout job creation on the same day a report shows Maryland lost the third highest number of jobs in the country is just another stroke of bad luck for this President this week,” said Larry Hogan, Chairman of Change Maryland. “But it is tragic for Maryland’s struggling middle class families." 

"After nearly seven years of failed economic policies, it has become crystal clear that the O’Malley-Brown Administration just does not get it when it comes to jobs,” Hogan added.   “Year after year, their jobs, jobs, jobs rhetoric is simply that – rhetoric.  But their record stands in stark contrast.  The fact of the matter is when it comes to jobs, our increased reliance on government to create jobs has left Maryland’s economy vulnerable to the ever changing political winds in Washington.”

In the most recent report, Maryland’s loss of 6200 jobs was the third worst, trailing only mid-western states Minnesota and Wisconsin for the numbers of jobs lost in April.  In all, 31 states experienced job growth for April. Further, the Bureau of Labor Statistics revised Maryland’s employment numbers downward for March.

 

Regionally, only Delaware, with 300 lost jobs, experienced job losses over the same period of time. Virginia gained over 12,000 jobs and Pennsylvania added over 6,000. 

Riverside Grill Pocomoke Honors EMS This Week

National EMS Week May 19th-25th: EMS personnel get 15% off your check with ID

 

 

 

 

PLEASE NOTE:

 

 Riverside Grill will be

CLOSED

for the holiday 

 Sunday 5/26

 and on

Memorial Day, Monday 5/27

BINGO ! Friday Night

CASH Bingo!

Mar-Va Fundraiser

 

 

Motorist Charged for Striking Pedestrian in Marked Crosswalk

On May 18, 2013, at approximately 6:15 p.m. Ocean City Police responded to the area of 28^th Street and Philadelphia Avenue, in reference to a pedestrian that was struck by a vehicle.

Officers and Ocean City EMS personnel arrived at the scene and determined that a 25-year-old pedestrian, whose name is not being released, was walking with the pedestrian signal on Philadelphia Avenue at 28th Street from east to west when she was struck by a vehicle turning onto northbound Philadelphia Avenue from Robin Drive.  The investigation determined the driver at the intersection failed to yield the right of way to the pedestrian and struck her while she was in the crosswalk.

The pedestrian was transported to PRMC by OCEMS with non-life threatening injuries.  The driver, identified as Tess Ann Marianetti, 21, of Bel Air, MD, was cited for failing to yield to pedestrian in crosswalk.  Alcohol was not a factor in the crash.

Ocean City Police urge citizens to use extra caution while crossing streets, as well as advise drivers to be alert of pedestrians on the road.

For individuals who are traveling on foot, on a bicycle, moped or scooter, here are some important safety tips to remember:

Cross the street at a marked crosswalk or intersection.

Make eye contact with drivers when crossing busy intersections

Continue to watch for traffic the entire time you are in the crosswalk.

It is illegal to wear headphones in both ears at the same time while operating any vehicle.

Vehicle operators should to be extremely vigilant while driving, keeping consistently aware of pedestrians, bicycles, mopeds and scooters.

Avoid making quick, un-signaled turns or abrupt stops. If you can’t make the turn safely, proceed past the turn and turn around when safe.

Allow plenty of time to stop or proceed through intersections.

Pedestrians should only use crosswalks and not take unnecessary risks crossing busy streets against traffic lights.

Parents are reminded to pay extra attention to children when crossing busy roads. Keep hold of small children’s hands while waiting for traffic lights to change and while crossing.

The Ocean City Police Department reminds visitors to
 Walk Smart: Drive with Care, Walk with Caution.

Submitted:
Ocean City Police Department

Throwback Thursday At the Mar-Va Theater

THROWBACK THURSDAY

 

Thursday, May 23rd

 

7 PM

 

Tickets: $5

 

www.marvatheater.com 

Arrest Made In Theft of City Property

OCPD Charge Suspect in Theft of City Property

On May 9, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. Ocean City Police responded to the inlet lot in reference to a theft of Town of Ocean City property.  Officer arrived at the scene and met with an Ocean City Public Works supervisor who advised that two large sets of aluminum steps were stolen from a collapsible stage/trailer in the inlet parking lot.

Police noted the items that were stolen were from an area of the Inlet that is covered by the Town of Ocean City video surveillance cameras.   Officers were able to use the surveillance images that captured a person stealing the items.  After viewing footage from several cameras a suspect was identified as Timothy Allen Aulinskis, 46, of Berlin.

Officers located Aulinskis pick-up truck with the stolen city property at a residence in Berlin, Maryland.  During the investigation Police determined that Aulinskis did steal the items valued at approximately $3,000.

Ocean City Police have charged Aulinskis with the following:

• 2 counts Theft $1,000 to $10,000

This is another example of surveillance technology helping to solve crimes.  In an ongoing effort to improve public safety, The Town of Ocean City has strategically positioned video surveillance cameras at various public locations throughout Ocean City.  These cameras provide not only surveillance to catch criminals; they also assist public safety with vehicular traffic management and large event planning.

The OCPD reminds citizens that it can view real-time video images of the Ocean City Boardwalk, Inlet and Beach by going to: http://oceancitymd.gov/allcams.html.

A photo of Aulinskis is not available at this time.

Submitted:
Ocean City Police Dept.

Two FBI Agents Killed In Training Accident

FBI Mourns the Loss of Two Special Agents
Killed in Training Exercise

Two FBI special agents were tragically killed Friday during a training exercise off the coast of Virginia Beach, Virginia. Special Agent Christopher Lorek and Special Agent Stephen Shaw were members of the FBI’s elite Hostage Rescue Team, part of the Critical Incident Response Group based at Quantico, Virginia. The cause of the incident is under review.

In a statement, FBI Director Robert S. Mueller said, “We mourn the loss of two brave and courageous men. Like all who serve on the Hostage Rescue Team, they accept the highest risk each and every day, when training and on operational missions, to keep our nation safe. Our hearts are with their wives, children, and other loved ones who feel their loss most deeply. And they will always be part of the FBI Family.”

Special Agent Lorek, age 41, joined the FBI in 1996. He is survived by his wife and two daughters, ages 11 and 8. Special Agent Shaw, 40, joined the FBI in 2005 and is survived by his wife; a daughter, age 3; and a son, age 1.

FBI PRESS RELEASE

National EMS Week 2013

National EMS Week 2013

May 19-25, 2013

"EMS: One Mission. One Team"

 

 

 

National Emergency Medical Services Week brings together local communities and medical personnel to publicize safety and honor the dedication of those who provide the day-to-day lifesaving services of medicine's "front line."

 

The American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) was instrumental in establishing EMS Week when President Gerald Ford declared November 3 – 10, 1974 as the first “National Emergency Medical Services Week.” This annual observance continued for four more years and was then reinstituted by ACEP in 1982. Around this time the observance of EMS Week was moved to September. In 1992 EMS Week was again moved to be the 3^rd week in May. The move was made to separate EMS Week from Fire Prevention week in October. The rationale for the move was the majority of fire and EMS services felt having the two events back to back hurt the effectiveness of each program so EMS Week was moved to May.

Alleged BGF Leader Tavon White Will Be Moved

Alleged BGF leader Tavon White will be moved to U.S. custom
Defendant's attorney had argued he was being held in poor


Tavon White
leader of the Black Guerrilla Family

conditions
 By Ian Duncan,
The Baltimore Sun
May 17, 2013
Tavon White, the alleged leader of the Black Guerrilla Family at the Baltimore City Detention Center, will await trial in federal custody out of state, his attorney said Friday.

A federal judge ordered him moved from state custody Friday after a hearing on the conditions of White's detention. His lawyer Gary E. Proctor complained earlier this week about the conditions he faced at a Maryland prison in Cumberland.

In a court order, U.S. Magistrate Judge Susan K. Gauvey cited the "allegations of corruption among the Division of Correction's staff in at least one of its correctional institutions." It is not clear how those allegations factored into her ruling.

White is accused of leading a smuggling operation at the city jail, and is charged in an indictment along with 13 female corrections officers who federal prosecutors say aided him.

Proctor argued in a court filing that White was being held without his personal belongings and was unable to receive visitors. His conditions, Proctor wrote, could hurt his client's ability to get ready for a trial.

State officials have said they had worked to meet Proctor's requests and that White's property had been turned over to him once it arrived in Cumberland.

Neither the U.S attorney's office, which is prosecuting the corruption case, nor the State's Attorney's Office for Baltimore City, which is pursuing an attempted murder charge against White, objected to his being moved, according to the court order

"The defendant is to remain in the custody of the United States Marshal Service and not be returned to the custody of the State of Maryland," Gauvey wrote.

The parties agreed earlier this week to begin a two-month trial in the federal case next June. In the meantime, plea negotiations between the government and defense lawyers have started, according to a filing in the case.

SOURCE/READ MORE

TIME MACHINE ... 1962..1993..1884..1943..1906..1900

(Reader-friendly viewing of newspaper archives material)

March, 1962
(The Salisbury Times)

Famed Chincoteague Pony Foals A Filly

CHINCOTEAGUE, VA., (AP)- The most famous Chincoteague pony of them all foaled a filly even as the count showed 55 ponies died in last week's savage coastal storm.

Misty, the storied 16-year-old pony who was evacuated from this ravaged island when the floods struck, gave birth to a third off-spring at Pocomoke City, Md., Sunday.

That was about the only bright news to reach pony-owners and fanciers on Chincoteague.

A final count showed 55 of the little ponies perished in the flood on nearby Assateague Island, where they roam wild. Ninety died on Chincoteague.

Four Army helicopters will remove the dead animals from the two islands today, lifting them by rope and depositing them in trucks, which will take the carcasses to a mainland farm for burial.


　
November, 1993
(The Altoona Mirror- Altoona, Pa.)

(Excerpts)

WAYNESBORO (AP)- Stormy, a brown and white foal of Misty, the Chincoteague pony made famous by a 1940's children's book, has died at age 31.

Stormy, who died Wednesday, was born near Pocomoke City, Md., and lived nearly all her life on Chincoteague Island off the coast of Virginia's Eastern Shore. In 1989 she was moved here by Michael Pryor, who runs a non-profit organization with Misty's descendants.

Stormy was the third and final foal of Misty, who gained fame after Marguerite Henry wrote the 1947 children's classic, "Misty Of Chincoteague." It was the first of a series of tales she wrote about the herd of wild ponies that live on the island.
In 1962, the California author wrote a sequel, "Stormy- Misty's Foal." Pryor said it sold more than 12 million copies in eight languages.

Pryor said Stormy, who died at 745a.m. (11/24/93), would be preserved by a Mt. Alto, Pa., taxidermist and displayed along with her mother, who died in 1972.


　
November, 1884 (Time Machine archive)

A railroad route from Delmar, Md. to Cape Charles, Va., was put into service by The New York, Philadelphia, and Norfolk Railroad. The line was to travel though Salisbury, Fruitland, Eden, Leretto, Princess Anne, King's Creek, Adelia, Pocomoke, New Church, Hallston, Matompkin, Accomac, Pungoteague, Belle Haven, Bird's Nest, and Eastville. At Cape Charles passengers were to be transferred to fast mail steamers and ferried over to Norfolk where rail connections to other locations could be made. A new steamer under construction would carry rail cars and was planned to be in service in March.　



May, 1943

A Pocomoke City man, described by authorities as a vagrant, was arrested for violating the "work or fight" law that had been enacted by the Maryland legislature. Trial Magistrate Crawford R. Hillman sentenced the man to serve six months in The Maryland House Of Correction. Worcester County State's Attorney William G. Kirben had ordered officers to look into enforcement of the law. No other violators were found.　


April, 1906
(The Denton Journal)

The Peninsula Agricultural Society's executive committee has decided to offer $35 in prizes to the school children of the Eastern Shore of Maryland for the best collection of insects made this spring.　

　
(An automobile is coming to the Eastern Shore!)

April, 1900
(Trenton Times- Trenton, N.J.)

Automobile Tour

An automobile bound for Salisbury, Md., passed through this city Wednesday afternoon. The vehicle was in charge of W.L. Edison of the Edison Vehicle Supply Company of New York, and Thomas Clarke of the Boston Theatrical Company. The run from New York (to Trenton) was made in four hours. The party expects to tour the South and may go to Paris.

　
(TIME MACHINE Archive)

"... it is said that Salisbury may have had up to a dozen cars on its streets by 1910. The first car to be driven in Salisbury was around 1900 and the driver and owner was Billy Edison, son of famed inventor Thomas Alva Edison. The young Edison had lived in Salisbury for a while and married a young lady from Salisbury. But he encountered the problem of tires on his Stanley Steamer being cut while negotiating Salisbury's sandy oyster shell based streets of that era. Years later when Edison returned to the area in an expensive Pierce Arrow he found that attempting to drive the vehicle on country roads was too hazardous an endeavor. He decided not to attempt a return trip from the country back to Salisbury; he sold the vehicle."　

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

TIME MACHINE ... This Sunday's Preview.

1962 & 1993.. "Misty" and "Stormy;" 1884.. There's a new railroad route from Delmar to Cape Charles; 1943.. Maryland's new "work or fight" law brings Pocomoke arrest; 1906.. A spring school project for Eastern Shore children; 1900.. An automobile is coming to the Eastern Shore!  
　
Although you may not find these items in a history book, they are a part of our local history and you can read more about it this Sunday right here at The Pocomoke Public Eye! 


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

Nature Trail UPDATE ~ Moving Right Along With Lots To See and Still Do!

NATURE TRAIL UPDATE

By Richie Schoemaker MD, project chairman

Posted Tuesday, May 14th 2013


Construction:
Looking back from where we are now, I can’t believe we only got started 2 weeks ago. Now we are ready to start building (come help us on 5/15 and beyond). The massive transport job led by foreman Andy Clarke is just about done. The 38 “second floor” racks are now waiting on the island (as yet unnamed; how about “Broken Back Island”?) near their final resting place in the final stretch of impenetrable swamp. Granted it took two sessions of 90 minutes each to load the 150 pound racks in groups of 10 onto Andy’s long trailer, transport them from the City Public Works lot to the building site, slide each rack down the hill and through the woods, over the bridges and into place. It took four people to load each rack; two to unload and move to the forest and four to haul into the swamp staging area.


Prothonotary Warbler - Male

We had some familiar faces sweating with the loads: Larry Fykes, Rob Clarke (right in there full bore!), Andy Clarke, Michael Redden and a newbie, Josh Weichman. Our first truck load took 58 minutes and the second 39 minutes. The next session was Andy, Larry, Rob, Scott Tatterson, some physician part time, and from the cadet corps came Kalie and Luke Speta. With all that crew, Larry suggested that they move some planks that we need to use as joists as well. And so they did.

Meanwhile, the Town Public Works crew has moved the hundreds of 4 foot treads that Chris Miles cut (for free, thanks Chris!) for us. Only 600 more to go (well, maybe a few more). We are ready for the machine-like assembly line in the swamps! But, one small item remains. What path does the Trail actually follow to get to its final end point? Into the swamp go Andy and Larry, with music from African Queen and Heart of Darkness quietly playing in the stream of consciousness. They make it back alive. Larry’s hip waders didn’t drag him down into the suction of the organic floor of the wooded wetlands (don’t laugh, that happens).

So now we are so close to finishing. Larry wants to jump start our deep water sections, the most difficult, which as one might expect are the first. Yet, our plan is still to push the work over Memorial Day weekend, beginning on Saturday at 9 AM. Volunteers will assemble at the Greenway parking area for the Trail entrance by the golf course and walk around Stevenson’s Pond to the work site adjacent to the northbound Route 13 Bridge. You will see and hear us. Bring your own tick repellent spray, water and work gloves. We will work for 3 good hours and see what we have.

Great Crested Flycatcher

Donations:We are so thankful for the support we have received so far. Many people have called asking about how to contribute. Checks are welcome, payable to CRBAI or the Pocomoke Nature Trail; mail them to Nature Trail, 500 Market St Suite 103, Pocomoke, Md 21851.


T-shirts are going out (as soon as they are done!) to Anne Hughes, Al Correia, Debbie Waidner, CD Hall and Nancy Newsome for their donations for a Foot of the Trail. Major donors are Dr. Tom and Dorothea Harblin and Dr. Scott McMahon who will each sponsor an observation station. Our biggest booster to date is Circuit Court Judge Richard Bloxom who is a Silver Sponsor and supporter of an observation station.

Why volunteer to do this much work?As I stood as quietly as I could last week on the island, I could hear the pileated woodpeckers and summer tanagers calling. Prothonotary warblers were all around. See them and hear them. There was a black and white warbler close to the trunk of the sycamore tree. The great crested flycatchers (AKA weep-weep birds) were definitely annoyed that I was in their space. I heard a new bird call, one almost like a warbler’s phrasing, but no, this was a vireo. We have lots of vireos in our swamps, but this one…

My hearing is getting bad, so I can’t rely on the sound any more. There it is, I can see it just overhead. It was a solitary vireo (and was by itself too), one that I personally have never seen around here. Where is naturalist John Dennis when I need him?

Pileated Woodpecker

I saw a blue-lined skink and found scat of a fox newly deposited on the top of the new bridge abutment. The lizard and fox couldn’t resist checking out our new trail. Neither can I. As the evening started to arrive with fading light, softening of the wind in the cypress and a few buzz, buzzing bugs around my ears, I could see schools of surface feeders breaking the calm of the slack waters between the tides. Solace, indeed.

And yet, what was that? Not a log; that was a head! An otter! Oh my, I haven’t seen otters here for twenty years! I waited, hoping if I held my breath that it would come my way but it swam to shore out of sight up by the magnificent cypress that will be our final destination of this loop.

Otters, birds, fish, and quiet magnificence of our Trail: all this wonder leads to some important questions. What really matters when people are slaughtered in Mother’s Day parade and stories of unspeakable horror fills our newspaper? Are we really better off to seal away human populations from use of our wooded wetlands as a place for solace, learning and recreation? Or are we better off teaching our visitors what splendor we have by letting them see it from our protected boardwalks and observation platforms. I have consistently voted to open access of our forests and swamps to school kids and visitors understanding that a few visitors will attack our signs and some others will toss cans and paper onto the forest floor. Not all people are good hearted.

For every knucklehead who trashes a part of our Trail, there are hundreds and hundreds of others who will value seeing an otter slide or an osprey soar or a calico bass ripple a still surface. Will seeing an elusive vireo (after first identifying its call) impact an eighth grader’s view of nature and the world? Will that attention to detail be the springboard for a new answer to approaching the complex problems of a global world? Can we just try?

Blue Lined Skink

I am not suggesting that studying lizard habitat or understanding where mammals hide under the snows in southern places like Pocomoke will help save the world, but as long as we have youngsters like Hunter Tatterson, Kalie and Luke Speta, and Josh Weichman who are willing to give back to a community like Pocomoke, almost before they are old enough to have taken from the community, then I am optimistic that all the efforts of old guys like Don and Jim and me, like Jack Spurling years ago, are based on an idea that won’t die as we will. We have a duty to teach, to share and to provide for those who will follow and improve upon our attempts to make this a better place to live, to work and to raise the next generation. We can’t ask our schools to take on extra burdens when we can combine our love of nature and our willingness to do the hard work to share with others in hopes that our survivors will see what we see now.

So, you can understand why I feel that building the last loop of the Trail means a lot symbolically. Please give generously of your time and what donations you can to help us make the Pocomoke Nature Trail better.

And don’t forget to pick up a couple of the famous Birds of the Pocomoke River t-shirts! And the bumper stickers too. Call us at 410-957-1550 or at the Chamber of Commerce at 410-957-1919.

Years ago (1980), Mayor Dawson Clarke told me that once I had some Pocomoke River mud under my toenails that I would stick around. The world has changed since then but the same river mud that helped shape my career to focus on environmental health issues might just be important for some one else.

Please help our Trail committee make that opportunity grow.

 Download the Pocomoke City Nature Trail Donation Form


Many thanks,

Ritch Shoemaker MD
Trail Committee, Chairman