Great Meal For A Great Cause! The Delmarva Discovery Center

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 Print this coupon and enjoy a wonderful meal for a great cause.

Arsonists Bundick and Smith Sit Behind Bars

Tonya S. Bundick

Tonya Bundick, 40 of Parksley, and Charlie Smith, 38 also of Parksley, are in custody at the Accomack County Jail today and have been implicated in the recent arson fires which have plagued the Eastern Shore since the fall.

A grey minivan driven by the couple was pulled over by the Sheriff's Office and Virginia State Police after it was observed dropping off Smith in front of an unoccupied structure on Airport Drive. It was again observed picking him up. The officers converged on the building spotting the fire and quickly stopped the minivan. According to Geller, both were taken into custody without incident.

Charles Smith
aka Applegate

Interrogation revealed that Smith and Bundick were involved in what Geller stated were the large majority of the 76 arson fires that have occurred in Accomack County since November 13, 2012. She stated that law enforcement is comfortable that these two are the main arsonists.

Smith, aka Charlie Applegate, operated Charlie's Auto Body in Tasley. The couple did live together, and there were also children in the residence, but, Geller stated very clearly, the children were not involved in any way. No motive was announced.

Geller was unable to give many of the details stating that while the initial investigation is over, this is merely the beginning of the end, and police and the Commonwealth's Attorney's office will now begin the process of ensuring Smith and Bundick are prosecuted to the full extent of the law.

Geller stated Commonwealth's Attorney Gary Agar will be bringing several more charges against Smith and Bundick very soon, but did not offer details.

Geller also did not give any details as to when the police presence on the Eastern Shore will begin to be reduced.


The investigation remains ongoing at this time. Anyone with information about these two individuals relating to the arsons or just the arsons in general is still encouraged to call or text the Accomack County Arson Tip Line at 757-655-1437.

Source:

Note:
Court documents say Charles R Smith has 31 felony charges over his life, including forgery charges in Accomack County. All the offenses happened in January of 1994 and he was arrested on January 28, 1994.

He was convicted in June of 1994 and was given a 3-year sentence, all of it suspended.

Arrests Made In Accomack County / Mug Shots

These two are responsible for the majority of the arsons set in Accomack County since November  12, 2012.

Both are being held in the Accomack County Jail without bond.  They go before a judge sometime tomorrow.



Tonya S. Bundick



Charles R. Smith
aka
Charles Applegate

TWO EASTERN SHORE RESIDENTS CHARGED IN STRING OF ACCOMACK COUNTY ARSONS

From: Virginia State Police

CTG Photo

MELFA, Va. – The Accomack County Sheriff’s Office and Virginia State Police placed two Eastern Shore residents under arrest Tuesday (April 2, 2013) in Accomack County on charges related to the serial arsons plaguing Accomack County since November 2012. Charles R. Smith III, (alias: Charles Applegate) 38, of Parksley, Va., and Tonya S. Bundick, 40, of Parksley, Va., are being held without bond at the Accomack County Jail.

Through the course of the investigation, a minivan was observed in connection with the Monday night (April 1, 2013) fire of a vacant, residential structure in the 19,300 block of Airport Drive in Melfa. The fire was reported at approximately 11:40 p.m. Shortly after midnight, a state trooper and sheriff’s deputy initiated a traffic stop on the minivan at the intersection of Airport Drive and Route 13. The two individuals were taken into custody without incident.

“Based on evidence collected since this morning and during the course of the investigations over the past five months, we are confident that Bundick and Smith are responsible for the majority of the fires set since November 12th of last year,” said Capt. Tim Reibel, Commander of the Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) Chesapeake Field Office. “As of this afternoon, Bundick and Smith have each been charged with one count of arson and one count of conspiracy to commit arson for last night’s fire in Melfa. In consultation with  Mr. Agar, the Commonwealth’s Attorney, additional charges for the remaining fires will be forthcoming very soon.”

Since November 12, 2013, the Virginia State Police BCI Chesapeake Field Office and Accomack County Sheriff’s Office have been investigating arson fires that have targeted abandoned and/or vacant residential and commercial structures throughout the county. No injuries resulted from any of the arsons. Additional fires have included debris and tires.

“I want to express my sincere appreciation to the residents of Accomack County,” said Accomack County Sheriff Todd Godwin. “Our residents have been so supportive and patient throughout a very extensive and arduous process of investigating these arsons.

We especially thank our Eastern Shore residents for all the calls and tips they have provided over the past five months related to these crimes.”

 “The State Police thank Accomack County Sheriff Todd Godwin and his investigators and deputies for their hard work and collaboration with responding to and investigating these fires,” said Capt. Reibel. “Also deserving our many thanks are the 12 volunteer fire departments who serve and protect Accomack County. These men and women have responded to every one of these fires with the potential risk of serious injury or worse. They have dedicated a tremendous amount of resources and time to fighting the fires and assisting law enforcement with our investigations and we are most appreciative.”

The local police departments up and down the Eastern Shore have also dedicated numerous resources to assist with the investigation, along with the Virginia Department of Fire Programs, ATF and FBI.
 
The investigation remains ongoing at this time. Anyone Anyone  with information about these two individuals relating to the arsons or just the arsons in general is still encouraged to call or text the Accomack County Arson Tip Line at 757-655-1437.

Northampton County Sheriff Investigating Possible Murder

The Northampton County Sheriff's Department is investigating the death a Cheriton man.

Bryan Keith Elliot of Cheriton was found dead inside a home at 21587 Seaside road after they were called to the scene around 6:30 a.m Sunday.

The death is being investigated as a homicide.

  The Northampton County Sheriffs Department has not released any further information in the case.

Source:

Press Conference To Be Held This Afternoon

The Virginia State Police and Accomack County Sheriff’s Office will hold a press conference at 3:30 p.m. this afternoon in front of the Accomack County Sheriff’s Office.

New information will be released at the press conference regarding the ongoing investigations into the Accomack County arsons.

Arsons In Accomack County ~One Arrest For Last Nights Fire

 

Tonya S. Bundick, 40, of Parksley, was taken into custody without incident following a traffic stop just after midnight Tuesday  April 2, 2013) morning near an arson set at a vacant residence 19322 Airport Drive in Melfa.

 

 

Tonya S. Bundick

 

 

 

Bundick has been charged with one felony count of arson and one felony count conspiracy to commit arson and is currently being held without bond in the Accomack County Jail.
The investigation is ongoing. 

  State Police still have not said if she is suspected in any of the other arsons.

Berlin Man Arrested On Drug Charges

On March 28, 2013, members of the Worcester County Criminal Enforcement Team executed two search and seizure warrants simultaneously at two residences in Berlin, Maryland relating to a three month marijuana distribution investigation.  These two residences were located at the Decatur Apartments, Old Ocean City Road and the Homes of Berlin Apartments, Flower Street. As a result of this search and seizure warrant investigators located 189 Grams of Marijuana, 3 grams of crack cocaine, and semi automatic handgun along with various items of paraphernalia to include packaging materials indicating the distribution of marijuana.

Mr. Charles L. Johnson, Age 25, of Berlin, Maryland was taken into custody and charged with the following offenses:

Possession of Crack Cocaine
Possession of Marijuana
Possession with intent to distribute Marijuana
 Unlawful Possession of a regulated firearm
 Possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime


Mr. Johnson was subsequently committed to the Worcester County Jail on a $100,000.00 bond. During the execution of these search and seizure warrants, the Worcester County Criminal Enforcement Team was assisted by the Berlin Police Department SWAT Team, Worcester County Sheriff’s Office STAR Team,  Maryland State Police Gang Unit, Maryland State Police Berlin Barrack, Wicomico County Narcotics Task Force, Worcester County Sheriff’s Office Patrol Division, and Ocean City Police Department Narcotics Unit.

 Lieutenant Edward C. Schreier
Worcester County Sheriff's Office

Legislative Updates By Delegate Mike McDermott

Mar. 30, 2013

Governor’s Gun Bill Update

   " The Amendment Shootout at the OK Corral”

By Delegate Mike McDermott

 

Friday marked an 8-hour Voting Session with the Joint Committees of Judiciary and HGO (Health and Government Operations) on SB-281, the O’Malley-Brown Gun Bill. Before I begin with the amendment process, I have to point out that the Judiciary Committee only received the operating copy of the bill (complete with over 10 significant multi-page amendments) at 5pm on Thursday evening. These significant changes caused a lot of problems for Republicans as we scrambled to craft amendments to amendments on a bill that Bill Drafters could not work from since the slated amendments had not been adopted by the committee.

We all got together and went through the bill page by page to see the proposed changes from the Democrats already fashioned as part of the bill. We altered some of the amendments previously crafted and added a few more. Three of us, Del. Smeigel, Del. Hough, and myself offered the bulk of the amendments. When I consider that the leadership wanted no amendments added during the Voting session…and a Joint Session at that…I did not like our chances, but I focused on amendments that made a lot of sense.

In the end, I was able to get the support on the committee to pass some significant amendments to the bill:

·         To include the Maryland Defense Force as one of the exempted organizations alongside the US Armed Forces and National Guard in three specific sections of the bill (Amendment 11)

·         To allow members of the Armed Forces or National Guard 18 years of age or older to be eligible to purchase a Regulated Firearm in Maryland (had been 21).

·         The rolling in of my bill, HB-961, into the governor’s bill which will provide for the shielding of personal information and registration records from any form of public disclosure. The bill was crafted to address the problems many faced in New York when the media published the gun purchase records in the paper. This will be illegal in Maryland if the bill passes.

·         To exempt folks who are physically disabled and assisted by a Guardian not to be denied their rights to own and possess firearms (Amendment 15).

·         To clarify specifically in the bill that a banned firearm or magazine is allowed to pass to an heir declared in an estate and to insure that the heir can possess the firearm without exception so long as they are not otherwise disqualified by law (Amendment 14).

·         To provide that no matter how many regulated firearms a person moving into the state may declare, the cost for the application is $15. It had been $15 per firearm (Amendment 16)

Delegate Smigiel was able to amend clarifying language in the cases of “relic, antique, and curio” firearms through Amendment 13 which will prove very helpful going forward. Delegate Hough was able to add language which would require the Secretary in the case of any denial of a permit to provide a written reason to the denied individual through Amendment 12.

Delegate Simmons was the lone Democrat to have an amendment added to the bill which made individuals who received a Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) verdict in cases involving a crime which would have been disqualified them from owning/possessing a regulated firearm as being disqualified under the terms of the bill.

By far, the most controversial amendment was offered by Delegate Smigiel and would have eliminated various credits that inmates currently receive while incarcerated for any of the mandatory time they serve for a crime involving a firearm. This would insure that a five year mandatory sentence would need to be fully served. It was a great amendment and the vote count was close but favorable by a very small margin. Many celebrated with the passage of the amendment as it would be the only portion of this bill which would actually address problems associated with criminals. The celebration was very short lived and sparked a controversy when Chairman Vallario interrupted the next amendment presentation several minutes later and stated, “we have to vote that last amendment again…we got the vote count wrong”. It was clear that following passage of the amendment, the Democrat leadership operatives began whipping the members until they altered the vote count. Delegate Shawn Tarrant changed his mind and this apparently spawned the second vote on the amendment. This time around the count came up tied at 23-23 and the amendment was declared to have failed. Controversy followed with claims that the vote was “tyrannical”, “unfair”, and “out-of-order” by members and many in the audience. In fact, about half of those who had occupied the audience (around 85 total) showed their contempt for the proceedings by making a loud exit storming out of the committee chamber.

This type of display was a good example of what the minority party suffers on a regular basis at the hands of a supermajority that has grown increasingly arrogant in recent years. I hope this stays with the many who saw it firsthand and those who will hear about it or see it on Youtube (Treachery in the House) in the future.

The ban list of 45 regulated rifles remains in the bill and the list includes many popular firearms such as the Colt AR-15. Further banned will be any firearms that are similar to those on the list as well. The 10-round magazine limit also could not be shaken from the bill even though many of us believe it will result in a de facto ban on many firearms currently sold in Maryland as the manufacturers refuse to tool up just for a small market state. While the bill is currently fashioned prospectively (only addresses future purchases), it will require a significant training component for new owners which will also include “displaying proficiency with the firearm” on a range. We simply do not have the infrastructure to support this type of mandated training in Maryland. Some areas of the state are better equipped than others, but all are deficient. It also remains to be seen where these folks will acquire the handguns to take to the range so they can secure their Handgun Qualification Permit since they cannot receive their handgun until they take the course. See what happens when people who know nothing about firearms make laws addressing firearms.

Registration is still in the bill moving forward and those who want to secure their Handgun Qualification License will also need to be fingerprinted and fill undergo a significant background investigation by the State Police. Folks who move into the state after October 1, 2013 will need to declare their regulated firearms to the State Police and fill out an application including a fee of $15. I can see the new signage on our gateway highways: “Governor O’Malley Welcomes you to Maryland and reminds you to check your guns with the police and get out your wallet…”

The mental health components of the bill are significant and anyone who finds themselves involuntarily committed for mental health related issues will find their right to possess a firearm significantly disrupted. The House eliminated those who were voluntarily committed as they felt this could represent a big hurdle for those who could be forced to choose between firearm ownership and receiving treatment. While there is a mechanism built into the bill to allow for an individual to show they should have their rights of firearm ownership to be restored, the path will not be an easy.

The bill will also require some additional record keeping by dealers and will expand the ability of law enforcement to conduct inspections of records. While the bill drafters worked to eliminate components in the original documents that would have eliminated all of the firearms manufacturers in Maryland, the new language will generally allow these folks to continue functioning in the state. However, it is clear that these companies are deeply offended that this state is slated to define their employees work product as “bad” or “evil” to the extent that it must be banned in Maryland. I doubt that they will remain in a state where their product cannot be sold to the employees who manufacture them.

The electronic version of the bill is available for review in total. Over the next two days the House will be debating the bill on the floor where amendments will be offered before the entire membership. It is possible it could be modified again, but it is probably in the form in which it will be voted on in the House.  If the bill passes in the House, it will be reintroduced in the Senate since it has been significantly amended. The Senate will then have the choice of accepting the changes and approving the bill or moving the bill to a Conference Committee where members from both chambers will see if an agreement can be achieved before the end of this year’s session.

I encourage you to continue contacting the Democratic members of the House of Delegates and insure they know how you feel about this bill. Your Second amendment rights are clearly on the line, and I can assure you, going forward, the ban list will only grown larger so long as Annapolis has a supermajority of Democrats in charge.

Marylanders, take back your state.

Possession of Unstamped Cigarettes Gets New York Man Arrested

On March 27, 2013, at approximately 0815 hours, Worcester County Sheriff's Office Deputy was on patrol in the area of Route 113 Northbound at Kepler Lane, Bishopville, Worcester County, Maryland, when they observed a silver in color mini-van,  traveling at what they believed to be over the posted speed limit of 55 miles per hour.  The Deputy was able to obtain a speed reading of 65 miles per hour on the aforementioned mini-van.  A traffic stop was affected on said mini-van and contact was made with the driver, identified as Chak Wah Kong, 44 years of age, of New York. 

Upon making contact with Kong, the Deputy observed that Kong became very nervous, his hands were shaking and he began to sweat.  The Deputy was able to see numerous large black garbage bags in the rear portion of the mini-van and upon questioning Kong he stated that he was coming from Virginia and that there was fruit in the black bags.  Upon returning to their vehicle the Deputy was able to look in the rear driver`s side window and was able to observe, in the seat area, a white bag that had the ends of Marlboro cigarette cartons sticking out from it, approximately 5 or 6 cartons. 
  
    Upon returning to the vehicle the Deputy asked Kong about the cigarettes in the white bag and Kong stated that he did smoke.  Based upon the observations made the Deputy completed a probable cause search of the vehicle.  Upon inspection of the mini-van an amount of cigarettes, determined to be 190 cartons, was located.  Kong was placed under arrest for possession of unstamped cigarettes.     Kong was transported to the Worcester County Sheriff`s Office where the Comptroller`s Office for the State of Maryland arrived shortly thereafter and seized the cigarettes as well as the mini-van belonging to Kong.  Kong was processed and taken before the District Court Commissioner where he was released on personal recognizance. 

UPDATE: One Arrest in Accomack County Arsons

UPDATE:  ONE ARREST
Tonya S. Bundick, 40, of Parksley, was taken into custody without incident following a traffic stop just after midnight Tuesday morning near an arson set at a vacant residence 19322 Airport Drive in Melfa.


Bundick has been charged with one felony count of arson and one felony count conspiracy to commit arson.

She is being held without bond at the Accomack County Jail and the investigation remains ongoing at this time.


What we do not know at this time is if this fire is related to the other fires in the past months.......

 


Monday, April 1, 2013 / 11:54 PM
Structure Fire
19322 Airport Drive, Melfa, Va
(Airport Drive and Beacon Road)

FIRE HAS BEEN DETERMINED TO BE ARSON.

UPDATE: Easter Sunday Structure Fire / Accomack County

77

UPDATE
According to the Virginia State Police Fire Investigators the structure fire that occurred near the intersection of Folly Farm Road and Drummondtown Road Easter evening (3/31/13) was a result of arson.

The blaze, which began at the back of the structure was quickly brought under control. 

 Sometime around 1:00 Monday morning a rekindle was discovered by a fire investigator who promptly alerted  911.
 
REMINDER:

Police are asking anyone who has information that might lead to the capture and conviction of the person or persons involved in this or any of the other arson fires to call the tip line at the Accomack County Sheriff's Department at 757-655-1437.


A reward of up to $25,000 is being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the arsonist.

BURN BAN IN EFFECT

 

Accomack County is under a burn ban until further notice.

 

 All uncontained burning has been suspended with the exception of Chincoteague and Assateague Islands.

 

The only exceptions are burning in a container (TRASH) and attended camp fires. (Assateague camp sites)

 

Non-Emergency Phone Numbers: (757) 787-0911, 824-0911, 442-0911.

 

PLEASE make it easier on our firefighters by calling one of the non-emergency phone numbers listed above if you plan to burn your trash.

Press Release By Delegate Mike McDermott

‘

 

Delegate Mike McDermott Fights for the Second Amendment Rights of Military, Physically Disabled, and Families’

 

Mar. 29th, 2013

 

(Annapolis) -- “Despite the serious erosion of our Second Amendment rights in the O’Malley-Brown Gun Bill, I was able to offer several significant amendments approved by the Joint Committee which will remove burdens on the disabled and protect gun owners all over the state.”

s

tated Delegate Michael A. McDermott (R-Worcester & Wicomico Counties).  Today the House Judiciary Committee and Health & Government Operations Committee met to vote on SB-281, the so-called “Firearm Safety Act of 2013.”

Delegate McDermott’s first amendment adopted by the Joint Committee will exempt the Maryland Defense Force from many aspects of the bill.  It would allow members of the Maryland Defense Force to buy guns from the list of banned “assault weapons” and to purchase or receive a handgun without having to show the Handgun Qualification License, that is created under SB-281.  Additionally, it would allow members to sell, rent, and transfer a regulated firearm to another person without having to show a Handgun Qualification License.

 

Delegate McDermott’s second amendment adopted by the Joint Committee allows anyone who is 18 years or older and serving in the Armed Forces or National Guard to purchase regulated firearms.  Under the original bill, anyone under the age of 21 would have been prohibited from purchasing firearms.  “This substantial change in the law will provide for our brave veterans to return home and have the ability to own firearms which, before, were kept from them simply because they were not yet 21. It is clearly a right they have earned in defending our country”, stated Delegate McDermott.

 

The third amendment adopted by the Joint Committee will protect individuals with physical disabilities from needing to go through a special board to get approval for the Handgun Qualification License.  Under the original bill, anyone who had physical disabilities would have to apply to a special board in order to get a Handgun Qualification License. “I was pleased that we were able to remove this additional barrier to firearms ownership by the states disabled”, said Delegate McDermott.

 

The last amendment adopted by the Joint Committee clarified that a person may obtain a regulated firearm through inheritance.  Essentially, it will exempt inherited firearms from many of the other requirements in the bill and clears the way for possession by the heirs of regulated firearms. “This provides protections for transferring property in the form of firearms to your children and grandchildren,” said Delegate McDermott.

 

Although these amendments passed, Delegate McDermott still strongly believes that this bill is a major infringement on Marylanders Second Amendment Rights.  On the final committee vote on SB-281, Delegate McDermott stated “Not just no, but HELL NO!”

 

The final vote count to SB-281 was 27-18.  The bill is expected to be heard on the House Floor early next week.

SAVE THE DATE~ 2nd Annual Local Volunteer Firemen/EMS FREE Lunch

SAVE THE DATE

 

 

 

 

Mayor's Prayer Breakfast ~ May 2nd

Paksley Volunteer Fire Company ~ GIVEAWAY

Riverside Grill ~ Pocomoke

Riverside Grill

Will be closed Easter Monday

April 1, 2013

Commercial Structure Fire Outside Pocomoke

Worcester County Fire Marshall Office Photo

Written  by:  Matt Owens
Worcester County
Fire Marshall Office
On March 27, 2013 the Worcester County Fire Marshal’s Office investigated a reported commercial structure fire located at 5341 Heather Lane, Pocomoke, Maryland in Worcester County.

Pocomoke, Snow Hill, Princess Anne, and Fruitland Volunteer Fire Companies responded and quickly contained the fire. 

 First arriving fire units reported two chicken houses well involved in fire with partial structural collapse. The chicken houses involved in the fire are owned by Perdue Farms.  There were no injuries reported.  The Fire Companies remained on the scene for approximately two hours. 

 The cause of the fire is listed as undetermined and the investigation remains open. 

 Anyone with additional information is asked contact Chief Deputy Matt Owens at 410-632-5666 ext. 2 or mowens@wcfmo.org.

Another Fire To Be Investigated In Accomack County

9:15 PM
Sunday, March 31, 2013
Residential Structure Fire
Intersection of Drummondtown Road and Folly Farm Road
Between Accomac and Daugherty

Melfa, Onley, Onancock and Tasley responded. 

Fire was quickly brought under control.

State police are investigating.

More details later.

TIME MACHINE ... 1913..1888..1971..1929..1888

(Reader-friendly viewing of newspaper archives material)
　　
(This is a follow-up article to last week's posting and next in a series regarding the 1913 case regarding a young Salisbury woman who was found dead in her office chair.. More articles will follow, as investigation heightened the mystery surrounding her death.)
 June, 1913
(The Washington Post)

BLAMED FOR GIRL'S DEATH

Arrest of Prominent Persons at Salisbury, Md., Predicted.

Inquiry into Untimely End of Miss Florence Wainwright Conducted in Secret- Throng at Her Funeral.　

Special to The Washington Post.
Salisbury, Md., June 22.- It was said today that the arrest of persons prominent socially and in a business way, in connection with the death of Miss Florence Wainwright, whose lifeless body was found last night seated in a chair in the gas office, where she was employed, is probable, but no intimation is given as to when the arrests will be made.

A great throng attended the funeral of Miss Wainwright today. There was a great deal of excitement when it became generally known that she had not met her death from natural causes, as at first had been given out. The box of pills which were found on the desk beside Miss Wainwright were marked "quinine," but it was stated today that they did not contain any quinine, and it was presumed they were purchased for another purpose.

A part of Miss Wainwright's stomach has been sent away by Dr. (J. McFadden) Dick, who performed the post-mortem examination, for chemical analysis. He refused to discuss the case today, further, than to say that he probably would have some important disclosures to make on next Friday, when the coroner's jury will again meet to examine witnesses.

It was authoritatively stated tonight that the pills have been traced to a person in this city, and that a warrant will be sworn out for his arrest some time this week.

It is stated that there will be about 50 witnesses examined before the grand jury, many of whom are out of the city at this time.

There were no marks of any kind on Miss Wainwright's body with the exception of a small scar on the right cheek near the eye, and this may have been caused by a death struggle. When Miss Wainwright was discovered, several of her hairpins were on the floor, and a part of her hair was hanging down. Her hands, however, were folded across her lap, and she was sitting in an upright position in her chair.


　
June, 1888
(Peninsula Enterprise- Accomac)

Leemont.
The time fixed for the corner-stone laying of the new Methodist Protestant Church in Hunting Creek Neck is July 5th. Pocomoke City brass band has been engaged for the occasion at a great expense.
　
　
　January, 1971 (Time Machine Archive) 

Baltimore Orioles relief pitcher Ed Watt was scheduled to be guest speaker at a Pocomoke Little League meeting designed to generate enthusiasm among parents and eligible players. Little League president Louis H. Kragler Jr. said plans were for eight Little League teams and four Senior League teams in Pocomoke involving 180 players for the 1971 season.
　
　
1929

In 1929 Parksley had four department stores, three general hardware stores, two chain grocery stores, four ladies hat shops, two men's clothing shops, six general grocery stores, a hotel, amd two restaurants. Source: ghotes.net Genealogy And History Of The Easterm Shore Of Virginia


　
(Told by our Eastern Shore neighbors to the north.)

March, 1888
(The Denton Journal)

A WOMAN IN BLACK

Her Secret and Mysterious Midnight Mission

A special correspondent of the Baltimore American of March 2nd says: The people of Church Hill and vicinity (Queen Anne's County) are just now excited by a mystery which almost equals the tale of Wilkie Collins , "The Woman In White." In this case it's a woman in black whose mysterious movements have stirred the quiet little town to a white heat of curiosity and speculation.

On Monday night, among the passengers on the south-bound train on the Queen Anne's and Kent Railroad, was a woman dressed in mourning and heavily veiled. She left the train at Price Station to go to Church Hill, about four miles distant. There was no stage at the station, and she had some difficulty in obtaining a means of transportation. Finally, Mr. Samuel Walls drove her over to the hill, arriving there about 10 o'clock at night. During the drive over, Mr. Walls passenger maintained a rigid silence, not even replying to questions; nor did she once raise her heavy veil.

At Church Hill she engaged Mr. Harrison Massey to drive her immediately to the house of a well- known and prominent farmer, living about six miles from the village. During the negotiations and during the second drive, she kept the same strange silence, only speaking when absolutely necessary, and often declining to answer civil questions. When the farmer's house was reached, the woman in black informed Mr. Massey that she did not know, nor had she ever seen, either the farmer or wife, but she must see the latter that night.

The farmer was called from his bed and the strange request made known. After some parleying, his wife consented to see the unknown visitor alone, and the latter was ushered in. She remained about a half an hour, during which time she talked earnestly and excitedly to her involuntary hostess. She then returned to Church Hill with Mr. Massey, and departed in the morning on the early train. During the entire time she never raised her veil or gave the slightest clue to her business.

Her confidant, the farmer's wife refuses to disclose what passed between them, stating that she was bound to secrecy, even to exclude her husband from all knowledge of the matter. Mr. Massey says he was well paid for his midnight ride, as was everyone else with whom the stranger dealt. There is not the slightest clue to her identity or business and the mysterious manner of her appearance and disappearance has excited the greatest interest and curiosity in Church Hill.　



　
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!

~ HAPPY EASTER ~

All of us  here,  at the Pocomoke Public Eye,  hope that all of you are able to spend your day with family and friends.

TIME MACHINE ... This Sunday's Preview

1913..(new article) Investigation widens into the mysterious death of a young Salisbury woman found in her office chair; 1888.. Pocomoke City's Brass Band; 1971.. Orioles player to speak at Pocomoke Little League meeting; 1929.. Parksley thrives; 1888.. Fact or legend?- The mysterious visit of a Woman In Black.



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!

PCPD ANNUAL EASTER EGG HUNT

Bring your own bag or Easter basket

Today ~ 12 NOON

 

 

Habitat for Humanity Collects For Local Fire Departments

Habitat for Humanity Photo

On Saturday, March 23rd, the Board of Directors of the Eastern Shore of Virginia Habitat for Humanity, met for a board retreat. A strategic plan for the next three years was agreed on and a restructuring of committees and goals was accomplished.

During the discussion of the needs of the Eastern Shore, the topic of the Accomack arsonist came up, and the tireless service given by the volunteer firefighters across the Shore. Board members decided to bring supplies to be given to the firefighters to our board meeting the following Monday.

At the Board Meeting, the items were brought in and covered the entire conference table in the meeting room. Two of the board members, who live in Virginia Beach, brought this donation up at their church on Sunday, and Virginia Beach Christian Church contributed over $500 for this effort. Gas cards as well as supplies were brought in for the collection. The Board is pleased to make this donation to our loyal firefighters.

From now until May 1, 2013, the ESVA Habitat ReStore will have a box available for anyone to make a donation to these brave, hard working volunteers. The ReStore will also give 10% discount to any volunteer firefighter who shops at the store until May 1, 2013.

The ReStore is located at 3271 Main Street, Exmore and is open Wednesday through Friday from 10am-5pm and Saturday from 9am-2pm. Suggested supplies include dish soap, bottled water, Gator Aid, Protein Bars, coffee, cream, sugar and paper products. The ReStore can be reached at 757 442-3500 for more information.

Source:

Statement Re: Shooting Suspect Wounded By Troopers After Stanpff

3/29/2013
STATEMENT RE: SHOOTING SUSPECT WOUNDED BY TROOPERS AFTER STANDOFF


This statement is issued regarding the condition of the suspect involved in the shooting incident that occurred on March 29, 2013 in Rawlings, Maryland.
The suspect identified as Samuel E. George, 53, of the 15000-block of Meadow Dale Drive, Rawlings, Maryland has died from the gunshot wounds sustained during a standoff with troopers. He was pronounced dead this afternoon at the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center.
The criminal investigation is being conducted by the Maryland State Police Homicide Unit, which conducts criminal investigations in to all shootings involving Maryland state troopers. Homicide Unit investigators are being assisted by investigators from C3I and the Allegany County Sheriff’s Office as well as crime scene technicians from the Maryland State Police Forensic Science Division. State Police investigators have conducted interviews with persons who witnessed the incident. Evidence collected from the scene will be reviewed and analyzed to corroborate witness statements. All victims involved are currently cooperating with investigators.
The Allegany County State’s Attorney responded to the scene and has been continually updated on the active investigation. The Maryland State Police Internal Affairs Unit is also conducted an investigation into the police involved shooting, which is procedure.


Sgt. Marc Black
Spokesman
Maryland State Police

Chincoteague 34th Annual Easter Decoy & Art Festival

34th Annual Easter Decoy & Art Festival

 

Chincoteague Combined School
 4586 Main St.
 Chincoteague Island, Virginia

Friday, March 29  Noon to 6:00 p.m.

 Saturday, March 30     9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

 

Local and national carvers and artists of all kinds exhibit and sell their works.

 

*New in 2013 will be a silent auction of

 "Pre-Loved Treasures". 
 Items that once held a warm spot in someone's heart will be auctioned off to new homes to be loved "a second time around!

 

Jenny Somers of "Bayside Arts" will be there with her fine exhibits of painting, other talents....and eggs!

 

If you mention Facebook to Jenny she will give you a 10% discount off your purchase.