Saturday, March 16, 2013

Friday Night Brush Fire Ruled ARSON

69?

According to State Police, a brush fire early Saturday morning in Accomack County appears to be arson.

State Police say police and fire personnel responded to Dennis Drive and County Road in Parksly shortly before 1am.

The fire is under investigation.

Virginia State Police asks anyone with information that can assist in solving the arsons on the Eastern Shore to come forward. There continues to be a $25,000 reward offered for any information that leads to an arrest and conviction.

Source;

St. Patrick's Day ~ Riverside Grill

SATUDAY, MARCH 16TH
SUNDAY, MARCH 17TH
SPECIALS and MORE
 
 *We will also have a normal specials like $1 off shrimp baskets and burger night Saturday, and Happy Hour all day Sunday*
 
Corned beef, cabbage and red potatoes
Irish Potato Soup
 Cup 3.59
 Bowl 4.79
 
Shepherd’s Pie 6.99
 Corned Beef and Cabbage 6.99
 
 
 
Green Beer 1.50
 Irish Coffee 4
 Nutty Irishman 4
 Guinness 3.75
 Car Bombs 6
 Emerald Isle Martini 5
 Irish Flag Shot 5
 


Live Music on St. Paddy's Day!
 Sunday - March 17th
 

Music by
"3 Sheets"
playing from 4-7 pm
 
Music flavors:
Celtic, Nautical, Humorous, Bluegrass & Folk

Donations For Our Fire And EMS Personnel




UPDATE
It is no secret that Accomack County has been hit with 68 arsons since November 12, 2012.  Day or night our firefighters and emergency personnel have been on call and at times have had to fight two or more fires in a 24 hour period.  They have been and still continue to be remarkable in their strength to combat such senseless and needless acts.

Our fire departments and law enforcement personnel are exhausted.  A donation drive has been put in place to aid the local Accomack County fire departments with much needed supplies.

Coffee, Hot Chocolate, Creamer, Sweet n Low, Sugar, Coffee Cups, Regular Cups, Water, Gatorade, snacks, etc. would certainly be appreciated after a long night from fighting fires.  Monetary donations would be a great idea.

You may take donations directly to any Accomack County fire department or to the donation drop-off locations listed below.

Arcadia Nursing & Rehab
Cycle Creations - New Church
Highway Market - New Church
Pocomoke Animal Hospital

Contours Express - Exmore
Tangled Salon - Exmore
Martha's Kitchen - Saxis

Quail Run Assisted Living Facility in Nelsonia
Wal-Mart in Onley
 H.W. Drummonds in Greenbush
Attitudes Fitness in Onancock
A.J's Meat Barn in Cheriton



  Consider being a volunteer in your area.

ACCOMACK: Prayer vigil set for Tuesday night

ACCOMACK: Prayer vigil set for Tuesday night seeks 'God's intervention' in arsons

ONLEY — A number of local pastors have invited residents of the Eastern Shore to a prayer session Tuesday to ask for "God's intervention" in the work of an arsonist who has torched 68 structures through Thursday night.

"Let's pray about all this arson business," said the Rev. Steve Jones. "We're trying to get the word out."

The prayer meeting will be held in the Nandua High School auditorium on Tuesday from 7-8 p.m.

It is non-denominational, Jones said, and the meeting itself — and the group organizing it — don't have official titles.

"It's just us," said Jones. "There really is no official entity calling this."

Jones is pastor of Shore Presbyterian Church.

Source

TIME MACHINE ... This Sunday's Preview.





1905.. Eastern Shore plumber unearths potful of gold coins; 1969.. Pocomoke City's "Baby Beltway" project to start; 1889..Storm brings night of terror to Ocean City; 1940.. Pocomoke City man gets high WPA post; 1972.. Discount department store chain opens in Pocomoke City; 1934.. Part 3 of first-hand remembrances of life on lower shore in mid-1800's
.
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!

OPEN Auditions For GODSPELL ~ Mar-Va Theater This Weekend


Change Maryland Warns of Highest Fuel Prices in the Region

Annapolis - As the Maryland General Assembly holds the first hearings today - late Friday afternoon -  to minimize press coverage on Governor Martin O'Malley's unpopular motor fuel tax proposal, Change Maryland released figures that show the state will have the highest levies in the region for both gasoline and diesel.   The figures come from the Mid-Atlantic Petroleum Distributor's Association and analyze the plan when fully implemented.

 "Our top elected officials refuse to not only understand how this regressive tax impacts struggling Maryland families, but they also refuse to understand that Maryland is a small border state,  and having the highest fuel taxes will only create incentives for people to fill up across state lines," said Change Maryland Chairman Larry Hogan.  "Once again, politicians are wreaking havoc on entire industry sectors through the tax code, most notably convenience stores and delivery businesses."

If the legislature implements O'Malley's plan, sales taxes on fuel will likely ultimately rise to 6% and the current fuel tax will temporarily be reduced, only to rise again when pegged to the Consumer Price Index.   Under that scenario, Maryland's fuel industry will be at a severe competitive disadvantage with surrounding states.  Even under Virginia's recently-enacted plan, Maryland dealers will be charging 27.7 cents-per-gallon more due to fuel taxes than their southern neighbors when both plans are fully implemented.  To fill up a 20-gallon tank will cost $5.54 more in Maryland than certain parts of Virginia assuming taxes are passed on directly to motorists. Even in northern

Virginia, with an existing 2% motor fuel tax, there is still a difference of  21.4 cents-per-gallon between the states.

Across the region, Maryland's fuel levies will cause the highest prices in the region.   For gasoline, Maryland stations will be passing on 3.5 cents-per-gallon more than West Virginia; Pennsylvania 5.9 cents-per-gallon; the District 14.7 cents-per-gallon. In Delaware, a state without a general sales tax, gasoline will be 15.2 cents per gallon cheaper, creating further incentives for cross-border shopping. The prices are further distorted for diesel fuel, where Maryland prices will rise even higher.

 "There will be more soccer moms buying clothes in Delaware, more commuters filling up in Virginia and more delivery businesses getting diesel in any of our neighboring states," said Hogan. "With this latest fuel tax proposal, O'Malley further validates the decision of thousands of taxpayers and their dollars to save money by leaving the state."

The Mid-Atlantic Petroleum Distributor's Association's figures do not project tying the existing fuel tax to the CPI, which could result in even greater disparities.  Change Maryland has previously noted O'Malley’s tax-raising legacy which include 24 tax, fee and toll increases from 2007 that remove an additional $2.4 billion annually out of the pockets of struggling Marylanders.

Change Maryland expects to be releasing an updated tax, fee and toll increase list soon.

 

Checkpoint Strikeforce

Checkpoint Strikeforce
March 16, 2013
 
 
 
The Pocomoke City Police Department will conduct a sobriety checkpoint on March 16, 2013.  The operation will be conducted with the national campaign  "Checkpoint Strikeforce".

The goal is to reduce the number of drunk and drugged drivers on Worcester County roadways during the St. Patrick's holiday weekend.

Call Backs Not Normal For Arson Tipline

Photo/BW
Police received 200 tips in one month
Written by
Anne McNamara
ACCOMACK COUNTY, Va. (WAVY) - Calls are pouring in to the arson tip line, as State Police continue to search for the suspects who have set 68 fires on the Eastern Shore.
But some viewers told 10 On Your Side police never returned their calls, and they wonder if their tips were investigated, at all.
"How am I supposed to get this information in the right hands?" one viewer wrote.
"Very annoying," said another.

State Police have received 200 tips since February. They got 75 tips last weekend from checkpoints on Route 13 in Accomack County. And because of that volume, police say not every call can be answered.

"It's a pretty overwhelming amount of information coming in all at one time, which is great. It's exactly what we need and what we want to keep getting," said Corinne Geller, a state police spokesperson.
Geller says no tip is ignored. But, police do not return calls, unless it's necessary.

"A lot of people have the expectation they will be called back immediately," said Geller. "But there are various elements when a tip comes in."

Geller said every tip is analyzed, categorized and prioritized after it is entered into the database. But, not everyone will get a call back for the following reasons:

1.) Caller provided enough information to investigate
2.) Police already investigated a similar tip
3.) Information may be more relevant at a later date

State Police hope to get even more calls, to help in a search that, at times, feels like looking for "a needle in a haystack." The county stretches 450 square miles, but the communities are small, and State Police know someone has the information they need.

"Even if you think it's insignificant, and it may be to you, but it may be the missing piece of the puzzle we need," said Geller.

Anyone with information should call, email or text state police at (757) 655-1437. There is a $25,000 reward for any information that leads to an arrest and conviction.

Source:

The Business of Guns

Gun manufacturing and sales is big business in the United States — as it turns out, one of the biggest.
 
In terms of gun ownership, the U.S. is the runaway global leader. There are nearly nine firearms for every 10 American citizens; this proportion is 40% higher than that of Yemen, which ranks second in the world for gun ownership.

Every year, nearly 9 million firearms enter the U.S. market. 5.5 million guns are manufactured domestically, and roughly 95% are eventually sold to Americans. An additional 3.2 million firearms are imported into the U.S. and sold through licensed firearms dealers. Currently there are more than 130,000 of these licensed dealers in the country; to put that number in perspective, the U.S. is also home to 144,000 gas stations, 36,500 grocery stores, and 14,000 McDonald’s restaurants.
 
Want more comparisons? The firearms industry generates roughly $32 billion in revenue every year — $10 billion more than the Ford Motor Company — and employs 98,000 people, five times more than Google Inc. Furthermore, the gun industry is continuing to grow at an astonishing rate. Connecticut-based Sturm, Ruger & Co., the country’s fourth largest firearm manufacturer, recorded a $180 million increase in revenue since 2004.
 

Friday, March 15, 2013

VEHICLE SOUGHT AS I-695 FATAL HIT AND RUN INVESTIGATION CONTINUES


(CATONSVILLE, MD) – Maryland State Police traffic crash investigators have developed a description of a vehicle that may have been involved in the fatal hit and run crash on the inner loop of I-695 yesterday morning that took the life of a Baltimore County woman.

State Police CRASH Team investigators are searching for a gold 2001-2005 Chevrolet Impala. Investigators used debris found at the scene of the fatal hit and run on the inner loop of I-695 near Edmondson Avenue that occurred yesterday sometime around 5:00 a.m. to narrow the description of the vehicle that may have been involved. The crash took the life of Judith A. Hill, 62, of Halethorpe, Md., who was found dead on the left shoulder of the inner loop. Her vehicle, a 2007 Chevrolet pickup, was found parked on the right shoulder of the interstate.

The 2001-2005 gold Chevrolet Impala should have damage to the left side of the front bumper cover, the left fender, and the left side mirror. Troopers are not certain at this time if the Chevrolet Impala was the actual vehicle that struck and killed Ms. Hill. They want to locate the car and investigate further to determine if it was involved.

Anyone who has information about this vehicle or who may have witnessed the fatal hit and run is urged to contact the Maryland State Police at the Golden Ring Barrack, at 410-780-2700. Callers may remain confidential.
 
Submitted: Maryland State Police


Firemen's Fest BBQ Chicken Dinner Funraiser

Firemen's Fest BBQ Chicken Dinner Fundraiser


 By Princess Anne and Mt. Vernon Vol. Fire Departments

12155 Elm Street, Princess Anne, MD 21853

 Saturday, March 16, 2013
Time: 11 AM - til sold out
 BBQ Chicken Dinner includes:
1/2 Chicken, 2 sides, and a roll
 
 Also available for purchase: Baked goods, sodas, water
 
Cost: $8
No tickets needed
 
Parking lot in front of the District Court plaza on Rt. 13
 (off of Elm Street)
 
Please come out and show your support!
From the fire departments:
The Princess Anne Volunteer Fire Department and Mt. Vernon Volunteer Fire Department are planning to hold a Firemen’s Fest in Princess Anne, MD at the Somerset County Civic Center on June 8, 2013 to help raise funds for our departments. The Firemen’s Fest will be a family-friendly event which will include a music concert with various acts (including Chris Lane!), car show, firemen’s muster, vendors from various companies, and an arts and crafts show.

Donations For Our Fire And EMS Personnel

 
 
Donations For Our Fire And EMS Personnel

It is no secret that Accomack County has been hit with 68 arsons since November 12, 2012.  Day or night our firefighters and emergency personnel have been on call and at times have had to fight two or more fires in a 24 hour period.  They have been and still continue to be remarkable in their strength to combat such senseless and needless acts.

Our fire departments and law enforcement personnel are exhausted.  A donation drive has been put in place to aid the local Accomack County fire departments with much needed supplies. Drinks ( water, gatorade, juice, coffee) snacks, etc. would certainly be appreciated after a long night from fighting fires.  Monetary donations would be a great idea.

You may take donations directly to any Accomack County fire department or to the donation drop-off locations listed below.

Arcadia Nursing & Rehab
Cycle Creations - New Church
Highway Market - New Church
Pocomoke Animal Hospital
Contours Express - Exmore
Tangled Salon - Exmore
Martha's Kitchen - Saxis


List will be updated as new locations are announced.

  Consider being a volunteer in your area.
 
A big thank you to Karen Barnes, administrator of  "Eastern Shore Trash and Treasure"  facebook page for her organization of the donation drive.

Admission 1/2 Price If You Wear Green This Weekend !

Come to the center this weekend wearing GREEN and receive HALF off admission!

 Programs this weekend: Saturday, March 16 at 1 PM- Critter Corner (animals that wear green)
 

Sunday, March 17 at 1:30 - Dive Dialogue (Sarah and Scorchy's shenanigans)featuring our new speaking Dive mask!  
Great weekend to come, save, and discover at the
Delmarva Discovery Center.

Beagle Still Missing / REWARD


Thursday Night Fire For Accomack County

68

Thursday, March 14, 2013
10:44 PM
Area of 15204 Cashville Road  - Onancock, Virginia
Intersection of Cashville and Evans Wharf Road
 (approximately one mile south of Cashville)

Abandoned structure fire with exposure to the woods.
(Former grader shed)  Structure was fully involved and had burned almost to the ground when crews arrived.

Cashville Fire
WAVY TV Photo
Tasley, Onancock, Melfa and Onley responded.  There were no injuries.

Fire is being investigated and if determined to be arson this will be the 68th arson since November 12, 2013.

Reminder:
An award of up to $25,000 is being offered for information leading to the capture and conviction of the person or persons involved in the fires.

Call the Accomack County Sheriff's Department tip line at 757 655-1437 if you have any information that might help police.

Thursday, March 14, 2013

THROWBACK THURSDAY ~ Tonight At the Mar-Va Theater



7:00 PM
All tickets ~ $5.00

REWARD INCREASED FOR INFORMATION IN UMES MURDER INVESTIGATION

(PRINCESS, ANNE, MD) – The reward offered for information leading to the arrest of the person or persons responsible for the murder of a University of Maryland Eastern Shore student last month has been increased and now totals $10,000.

Maryland State Police homicide investigators are continuing their investigation to identify who is responsible for the stabbing death of Edmond A. St. Clair, 21, who was murdered at the university on the night of February 16, 2013. St. Clair was a passenger in a car on campus at about 9:00 p.m., when they encountered several persons walking in the street. Some type of altercation ensued and St. Clair was stabbed. Police continue to search for three suspects who are described only as African American males in their late teens or early twenties.
The University of Maryland Eastern Shore has increased its reward for information to $8,000. An additional reward of $2,000 is being offered by the Crime Solvers program.

Anyone with information concerning this investigation is urged to call the Crime Solvers line at 410-548-1776, or the Maryland State Police Princess Anne Barrack at 443-260-3700. Callers may remain anonymous.
 
Submitted:
Maryland State Police

Federalsburg Police Looking For Suspect Wanted In Armed Robbery Of Town Mayor

Subject in photo got away with
Mayor Beall's phone and wanted his
 wallet
Abby Andrews Staff Writer


FEDERALSBURG -- Federalsburg police are looking for the suspect in an armed robbery of the town's mayor Tuesday afternoon Mayor Bill Beall lost his cell phone, but was uninjured, police said
 
 The report of the robbery also initiated a lockdown procedure at Federalsburg Elementary School, just as students were preparing for dismissal, Caroline County Superintendent Dr. Khalid Mumin said Wednesday.

Police said Beall was outside the Super Soda, at the corner of Main Street and Central Avenue, around 3:25 p.m. Tuesday, when he was approached by a black man, wearing blue jeans and a gray hoodie.

Police said the man asked Beall for a ride to the marina, where he was meeting a friend.

“I trust people,” Beall said Wednesday in an interview on his home phone. “He had the best smile; it was raining, so I told him to get in the truck.”

Beall drove down Main Street toward the marina. He said the man asked to borrow his cell phone to call a friend, and pretended to speak to the friend, telling him to meet him at the stop sign at the corner of Smith Street and River Road, across from the marina.

When Beall stopped the truck at the stop sign, he said the man stepped out of the truck with Beall's phone still in one hand, and then reached under his hoodie with the other, as though he had a concealed gun.

“He said, 'I need your wallet,'” Beall said. “I was so shocked. I said 'You gotta be kidding me!'”

Beall said the man repeated the demand.

“He said, 'No, I need your wallet before this goes off,'” Beall said.

Beall said he stepped on the gas and made a U-turn, hitting the suspect with the open passenger's door of the truck as he did so.

The man fled, and Beall said he drove straight to Resort Linens on River Road, owned by former Federalsburg Mayor Mickey Fluharty, where he asked Fluharty to call the police.

Beall said Federalsburg officers and a K-9 unit responded, as did the Caroline County Sheriff's Office. No one has been arrested, and the investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with information should call Federalsburg police at 410-754-8966.

Beall said the incident changed his mind about accepting requests for rides from strangers.

“Next time I'll tell him to take a bus,” Beall said. “Call a cab.”

Mumin said Federalsburg police called the school administration as soon as the robbery was reported, and the school went into a standard lockdown procedure. Bus drivers, who were en route to the school, were alerted by the transportation department before they arrived, Mumin said.

Police escorted students onto the busses, Mumin said. Police also trailed the busses, and trailed groups of students who walk home, to make sure everyone arrived safely.

The lockdown did not delay dismissal, Mumin said, and no afterschool activities were scheduled, because students are taking Maryland School Assessment exams this week.

“All students and staff were safe,” Mumin said.

Source:

Troopers Search For Driver and Vehicle In Fatal Hit and Run

(CATONSVILLE, MD) -- Maryland State Police are searching for the driver and vehicle that struck and killed a Baltimore County woman whose body was found along the center median of Interstate 695, early this morning.

The victim has been identified as Judith A. Hill, 62, of the 2800 block of Manoff Road, Halethorpe, Maryland. She was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency medical personnel from Baltimore County. Her body has been taken to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for an autopsy.

A preliminary investigation conducted by troopers from the Golden Ring Barrack, with assistance from the Maryland State Police CRASH Team, indicates that shortly after 7:30 a.m. this morning, troopers received a 9-1-1 call reporting a body lying against the center median on Interstate 695 in the area of Edmondson Avenue. For reasons unclear at this time, the victim’s 2007 Chevy pick-up was stopped on the right shoulder. She exited her vehicle at which time, investigators believe she was struck. The unknown striking vehicle failed to stop. Investigators believe the crash occurred around 5:00 a.m.

Due to the severity of the incident troopers closed the inner loop of I-695 in the area of Edmondson for several hours. State Highway Administration personnel are assisting with road closures and establishing detours for motorists.

Troopers are asking anyone with information relevant to this hit and run crash which took the life, to please contact the Golden Ring Barrack at 410-780-2700. All calls will remain confidential.

The cause of the crash is under investigation.

CONTACT: Sgt. Marc Black, Sr.
Office of Media Comm. - 410-653-4236

Breakfast With The Easter Bunny

 
Atlantic Volunteer Fire and Rescue Company
10071 Atlantic Road
Atlantic, Virginia
 
Menu:
Eggs, Pancakes, Scrapple, Sausage, Juices, Coffee, Milk
 
$7 Adults-$3 Kids- ages 6 yrs. old and under
 
 
EGG HUNT 10am
 

Proof That Guns Can't Kill



Today I swung my front door wide open and placed my Stevens 320 12 gauge shotgun right in the doorway.

 I gave it 6 shells, and noticing that it had no legs, I even placed it in my wheelchair to help it get around.

 I then left it alone and went about my business. While I was gone, the mailman delivered my mail, the neighbor boy across the street mowed the yard, a girl walked her dog down the street, and quite a few cars stopped at the stop sign right in front of our house.

 After about an hour, I checked on the gun. It was still sitting there in the wheelchair, right where I had left it. It hadn't rolled itself outside. It certainly hadn't killed anyone, even with the numerous opportunities it had been presented to do so. 

In fact, it hadn't even loaded itself. Well you can imagine my surprise, with all the media hype about how dangerous guns are and how they kill people. 

Either the media is wrong, and it's the misuse of guns by PEOPLE that kills people, or I'm in possession of the laziest gun in the world.


 Alright, well I'm off to check on my spoons. I hear they're making people fat.


 Thanks, Eric

TIME MACHINE ... This Sunday's Preview.


  1905.. Eastern Shore plumber unearths potful of gold coins; 1969.. Pocomoke City's "Baby Beltway" project to start; 1889..Storm brings night of terror to Ocean City; 1940.. Pocomoke City man gets high WPA post; 1972.. Discount department store chain opens in Pocomoke City; 1934.. Part 3 of first-hand remembrances of life on lower shore in mid-1800's.

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!

Delmarva Discovery / Easter Egg Hunt


Shamrock Search At Chattie's Lounge/ Chincoteague, Virginia


This Week End At the Mar-Va Theater


Friday, March 15th at 7 PM
Saturday, March 16th at 7 PM
Tickets: $5
 

Commercial Structure Fire For Accomack County

67
Wednesday, March 13,2013
11:22 PM  Commercial Structure Fire
22327 Bayside Road (near Deep Creek Road)
Onancock, Virginia

Mallards Restaurant (Hungry Haven)

Photo/ WAVY  TV
A neighbor was awakened to a crackling sound that sounded more like gunshots until he looked out his window and saw the blaze.

Flames were showing when fire fighters arrived on the scene and the high winds were a factor in fighting the fire. 

Earlier in the evening departments were called to a rekindle of last nights blaze at  Whispering Pines in Tasley, Virginia.


Residents can report suspicious activity to the Accomack County Tip Line via text, phone or email at 757-655-1437. Since established Feb. 14, 2013, the tip line has received close to 100 calls, texts and emails.

 The $25,000 reward is still available for information that leads to an arrest and conviction in the arson fires. The reward has been made available through funds committed by the Accomack County Sheriff’s Office and International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI).

Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Arson Arrest Is RUMOR

Rumors that a suspect was arrested in relation to the Whispering Pines fire have been flatly denied by the Virginia State Police.

Sgt. Michelle Anaya of the State Police issued a release that stated that during the fire at the Whispering Pines an arrest was made but it had nothing to do with the arson fires. The person arrested had a warrant for his arrest on unrelated charges and was taken into custody at the scene of the fire.

The State Police continues to urge everyone to be on the lookout for actions and behavior that might provide leads in the case.

A reward of up to $25,000 is being offered for anyone providing information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons involved in the arson fires. Call 757-655-1437.

Worcester County Sheriff's Office Press Release

Worcester County Sheriff’s Office
Press Release
 

On 03/09/2013 at 0126 hrs. a Worcester County Sheriff's Office Deputy responded to AGH ER in reference to a fight.  Upon arrival DFC Rhode observed a Female in the parking lot being disorderly.  After a several chances of trying to get her to leave she was arrested for Disorderly Conduct.  Jessica Erin Bradshaw 31 of Ocean City, she was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct. She was released on a Uniform Criminal Citation. 
 

On 03/09/2013 Worcester County Sheriff’s Office Deputies stopped a  SUV for a traffic violation. The driver, Roger Vincent Welton of Berlin 24 years old, appeared to have been was drinking an alcoholic beverage while driving a vehicle. Mr. Welton did poor on field tests and was arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated and driving while suspended.
 

On 03/10/2013 at 0341 hours A Worcester County Sheriff’s Office Deputy stopped a vehicle on Rt. 50 in the area of Hall Rd. for speed.  The Driver, Roger William Upole JR 19 of Mardela Springs, and a juvenile were in possession of controlled dangerous substance paraphernalia. The driver was charged with possession of C.D.S. paraphernalia.  The passenger was a juvenile and was also charged with possession of paraphernalia and released to the custody of his mother.


On 03/11/2013, a Worcester County Sheriff's Office Deputy conducted a traffic stop on Greenbackville Road in the area of George Island Landing Rd in Stockton Md. Upon approach the Deputy observed marihuana in plain view at the driver's feet. The driver, Benjamin Poole 31 of Salisbury, was placed under arrest for possession of marihuana. Poole was later released on a criminal citation.

PCPD Checkpoint Strikeforce


Pocomoke City Police Dept. ~ 11th Annual Easter Egg Hunt


Arsonist Destroys Abandoned Motel


EASTERN SHORE, Va. (WAVY) - State Police are investigating yet another arson on the Eastern Shore, this time involving an abandoned motel in Tasley.

Sgt. Michelle Anaya with the Virginia State Police said the fire was reported around 9:30 p.m. in the 23300 block of Tasley Road. A two-story abandoned motel was destroyed by arson.

Photos: Arson destroys abandoned motel

Viewers are telling WAVY.com the abandoned motel is the old Whispering Pines Motel that's been around for years.  Whispering Pines has been described as a landmark in Accomack County. 
Sherry Bradley was a manager at the motel in the 1990s. 

"When I saw the first picture come in of it actually on fire and the firemen there, I was in awe," explained Bradley.

Bradley, who lives in Harborton, is one of the many residents who has been following the arson situation closely.  She says she was worried the arsonist would set their sights on the old motel.

"It was like just standing there staring you in the face," said Bradley.  "Sooner or later this is going because he's going to want to get bigger and bigger."

Bradley also describes Whispering Pines as the "place to go back in the day."  She says everyone from families to celebrities would visit.

More than 60 structures have been set on fire on the Eastern Shore since mid-November and State Police are offering a $25,000 reward for information that will lead to an arrest.

Source:

Riverside Grill ~ Live Music on St. Paddy's Day!

RIVERSIDE GRILL ~ POCOMOKE
Live Music on St. Paddy's Day!
 
Sunday - March 17th
 
Music by
"3 Sheets"
playing from 4-7 pm
 

Music flavors:
Celtic, Nautical, Humorous, Bluegrass & Folk
 

Wounded Immature Bald Eagle Taken To Wildlife Center

On Saturday, March 9, an immature Bald Eagle from Virginia’s Eastern Shore was brought to the Wildlife Center.  The volunteer transporter also brought four dead eagles from the same rescue site. 

The unusual circumstances surrounding this eagle’s rescue are being investigated by the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries Law Enforcement The Center collected evidence and is cooperating with the authorities in this investigation.

The immature Bald Eagle, likely a male, was admitted as patient #13-0174.  Dr. Dana Tedesco, the Center’s veterinary intern, examined the bird when it arrived.  The eagle was quiet,  and while the bird was standing in its transport enclosure, its head was drooping.  Dr. Dana performed a physical examination, radiographs, and initial blood work, which included a lead test. 

The results came back at 0.27 ppm – an elevated, but not yet critical level of lead, but one that warranted treatment.  Chelation therapy was started.

On radiographs, Dr. Dana was able to see multiple metal fragments in the bird’s digestive tract.  To avoid a continued leaching of the lead into the eagle’s bloodstream, Dr. Dana formulated a “Metamucil slurry” tube-feeding plan so that the metal fragments will quickly move through the eagle’s system. 

Since beginning treatment, the eagle has been a little brighter and more alert.  Additional radiographs will be taken on March 12 to check on the status of the fragments.  An additional lead test will be performed on March 13.

MORE READING.......

Citizens Observations Leads to Arrest of a Wanted Fugitive


Matthew Jacob Bullen
On March 10, 2013, at approximately 12:28 a.m. Ocean City Police received a call-in reference to a suspicious person being spotted in the area of Teal Drive. The caller, who was identified as Maryland State Senator James Mathias, advised that he observed a male subject acting suspiciously and remained on the phone observing the location of the suspicious person until police arrived.

Responding officers quickly located the suspect in an alleyway off Teal Drive. The suspect was identified as Matthew Jacob Bullen, 21, of Pasadena, Maryland. While speaking to Bullen, officers noticed a woman’s bracelet with sales tag still attached fall from Bullen’s pocket. Officers also determined that Bullen had an active arrest warrant in Anne Arundel County, MD, for prescription drug fraud and other charges.

Further investigation revealed that three vehicles in the area had been broken into and that Bullen was in possession of items taken from those vehicles. Bullen was arrested and charged by the Ocean City Police with theft under $100, theft under $1,000 and willful motor vehicle tampering without owner’s consent.

Bullen was seen by an Ocean City District Court Commissioner and held on $5000 bond regarding the Ocean City charges, and $10,000 bond for the outstanding Ann Arundel County warrant. He was then transferred to the Worcester County Jail.

“This is a classic example of how police and the community can work together to solve and deter crime in our neighborhoods,” said Acting Police Chief Michael Colbert. “The Ocean City Police Department continues to encourage citizens to practice pro-active crime prevention by calling police when they see suspicious persons, or circumstances.”

Citizens are reminded to lock their vehicles when parked and to secure any valuables out of plain view. The Ocean City Police Department supports citizens being active in Neighborhood Watch and other crime prevention programs. For more information on how you can become involved, contact the Ocean City Police Departments Public Affairs Office at 410-723-6665 or 410-520-5395 or visit us at:www.oceancitymd.gov/police.

Submitted:
Ocean City Police Dept.

Arson #66 ~ Residents Know How To Identify Them By Now

Tuesday, March 12, 2013
9:00 PM
Abandoned Structure Fire -Commercial
23388 Tasley Road
Tasley, Virginia

Whispering Pines Hotel
The main structure to the hotel was fully involved when crews arrived on the scene.  At this time I am not quite sure how many fire departments were involved.  I counted nine. (11 depts.)  The outer buildings nearby the central part of the hotel still stand.

This has been by far the largest act of arson yet - keeping our fireman and rescue personnel tied up for hours and to the point that move down assignments were put into place.

Photo/WMDT
In its day Whispering Pines was the equivalent to a 5-Star hotel of today.  This afternoon it stood as a run down, unsafe, unattractive eye sore for anyone driving along Lankford Highway.  Tonight, through photographs sent to me,  it is best to be called a war zone.

Last year the property was sold at a county tax sale for the prize sum of  near $27,000.  The VERY same day the new owner filed bankruptcy. So the building sat.

And the building has been sitting until tonight when someone decided it should burn.  And for the 66th time since November 12, 2012 our firemen, police, emergency personnel and many others risked their lives.  The structure itself was too  unstable for the fireman to enter.  While fighting this inferno they were able to keep the fire from spreading to other buildings on the grounds and precious homes occupied by those who, on any other night,  would be asleep.

Now, at 12:52 a.m. many of the firefighters are still on the scene....they will be there all night.  Once again they managed to walk away unharmed.

Many of us won't sleep either.  Any bump in the night or vehicle on the road after a certain time almost always seems to awaken most of us.  After all this time it just seems routine.  And I suppose the most frustrating element in all of this is if the time comes when arrest(s) are made there will be hardly no jail time at all.



WMDT 47 News /Photographer Josh Sims


Anyone with information about the arsons and/or individual(s) responsible is encouraged to contact law enforcement via a Tip Line dedicated to these investigations. Text, call or email at 757-655-1437.
Anyone with a tip that leads to an arrest and conviction in these cases could be eligible for a reward of up to $25,000.

Tuesday, March 12, 2013

Delmarva Discovery Center Is Looking For YOUR Green This Weekend


SKELETAL REMAINS BELONG TO LOCAL HOMELESS MAN

SKELETAL REMAINS FOUND ALONG A PATH IN
CARROLL COUNTY BELONG TO LOCAL HOMELESS MAN

(Westminster, MD) -- Maryland State Police investigators identify skeletal remains found on October 6, 2012, along a path in a vacant lot in Carroll County, Md.

The man has been identified as Thomas E. Linhan, 67, no fixed address. An autopsy conducted by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner revealed no apparent trauma. There was no evidence of foul play.

The skeletal remains, now identified as Linhan, were found shortly before noon on October 6, 2012, as citizens walked through a vacant lot in the 500 block of Baltimore Boulevard in Westminster, Maryland. There was no identification located with the remains. All remains were processed and recovered at the scene by forensic investigator and crime scene technicians. The skeletal remains were transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Baltimore for an examination and autopsy.

Maryland State Police Homicide investigators were contacted by Westminster Police Department and assumed the investigation. Information was communicated to police departments throughout the region and requests were made to check missing person files for potential matches based on the available information. Additional forensic tests were conducted.

After an exhausting search, investigators contacted the Carroll Hospital Center in Westminster and obtain x-rays of a local homeless man. A detailed comparison of the x-rays and the remains lead to a positive identification of Linhan. The comparison was conducted by Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.

Investigators are still attempting to locate Linhan’s next of kin. Anyone who may have information is urged to contact Maryland State Police investigators immediately at 410-386-3000

Submitted:

Maryland State Police

Be A Volunteer ~ The Delmarva Discovery Center


Tornado Preparedness Day In Virginia

 
March 12 as Tornado Preparedness Day
Citizens can participate in statewide tornado drill
 
On March 12, businesses and organizations, schools and colleges, and families and individuals are encouraged to practice taking cover from tornadoes during the Statewide Tornado Drill, set for 9:45 a.m.  At that time, the National Weather Service will send a test tornado warning that will trigger a tone alert and broadcast message on NOAA Weather Radio.  The message will be picked up by TV and radio broadcasters, simulating what listeners will hear during an actual tornado warning.

When the test tornado warning is sounded, people should move as quickly as possible to a safe area in a sturdy building.  Safe areas are basements, interior rooms, bathrooms, closets or hallways on the lowest level of a building.  In choosing a safe area, stay away from windows.  Once in the safe area, crouch down or sit on the floor, facing down, and cover heads with hands. 

“The best and fastest way for anyone to get a tornado warning is by NOAA Weather Radio,” said Bill Sammler, NWS warning coordination meteorologist.  “With a weather radio, you get weather data directly from the nearest National Weather Service office.  When we issue a tornado warning, the weather radio sounds an alarm or flashes lights and then gives information on where the storm is, which way it’s moving, and telling people in its path to take cover.  This radio could be a lifesaver.”

NOAA Weather Radios with SAME alerts are available at electronics and sporting goods stores, discount and department stores, and online.  They come in battery-powered models, and many also have AM/FM bands.  A special needs NOAA Weather Radio is available as well.  The special-needs NOAA Weather Radio can warn deaf and hard-of-hearing persons of hazardous conditions, giving them around-the-clock, up-to-the-minute weather information.

Legislative Updates From Delegate Mike McDermott

 
Field Notes
Observations and Reflections on Legislative Activities
By Delegate Mike McDermott
 
 
Week 9 Feb.4-Feb. 8, 2013
 
 
Tuesday Judiciary Hearings:Hearing on School Safety Bills-“The only thing proven to stop a bad guy with a gun is a good guy with a gun on the other side of the doorway”-Delegate Mike McDermottHB-776 would require records be kept on the sale of ammunition by businesses and would allow a review of sales records by law enforcement personnel. The bill provides for access by local police whenever they desire to review ammunition purchases. This would place Maryland on the same posture as they were in 1986 before congress voted to resend many aspects of the 1968 Civil Rights Act passed by congress. The tracking of ammunition could not be justified as helping solve crimes by law enforcement and was scrapped under the new bill.HB-375 would require record keeping of significant records which are already required by federal regulations.HB-1092 would require reporting a lost or stolen firearm within 48 hours of knowledge that the firearm was lost or stolen. It is thought that this bill would assist in establishing straw purchases.HB-490 would prohibit Teflon coated bullets (referred to as “Cop Killer” bullets). This bill is supported by the NRA with amendments.HB-861 would tighten up access and availability requirements within a home.
HB-1275 would tax regulated firearms to fund mental health screenings and programs to insure firearms are not accessed by said individuals.
HB-1077 would require the owner of a regulated firearm when it is lost or stolen within 72 hours of such an occurrence. It is very similar to HB-1092.HB-655 would tighten regulations on access and availability requirements of firearms within a home by children.
Wednesday Judiciary Hearings:
HB-885 seeks to address the sale of counterfeit airbags in Maryland. I see this as legislation that should be addressed federally, but the representatives who testified from the automobile industry believe is should also be implemented at the state level.HB-838 seeks to repeal the Sunset date for collecting of the surcharge collected by the courts through civil cases to pay for legal aid for those who qualify. This bill would allow for that funding mechanism to continue unabated.HB-1304 would insure that any communications during Critical Incident Stress Management would be considered Confidential Communications. One would think that these types of communications would already be protected, but we were advised otherwise.HB-1114 would allow for the use of an annuity account to compensate and provide for persons who are the recipients of judgments awarded under a malpractice claim. It would create an arbitration board who could structure settlements for individuals through annuities over a long period of time to insure that a person’s needs were able to be met in the future.HB-1156 seeks to create a Maryland Contributory Negligence Act by establishing that contributory negligence should be established based upon the Common Law standard in place as of January 1, 2011. There was much discussion on this issue as it has been before the committee for several sessions as the sponsors seek to reach consensus with the committee members.
Wednesday Voting Session in Judiciary:
The following bills were passed as “Favorable” by the Committee:
HB-60, HB-245, HB-247, HB-277, HB-292, HB-588, HB-626, HB-742, HB-821, HB-858, HB-859, HB-921, HB-950.
Thursday Judiciary Hearings:
HB-396 would create a law addressing the electronic harassment of a minor. This is an attempt to deal with cyber bullying through various social media sources currently in use.HB-679 would require that notices be issued to residents in an impacted neighborhood that a Juvenile Group Home is being located in that neighborhood.HB-1320 would increase funding for a pilot program to address Children in Need of Supervision in Baltimore City and Baltimore County. This bill will allow for continued funding support for the next 3 years.HB-848 would require that juveniles who have been waived to adult status in the courts would be required to be housed in a juvenile facility if it was shown that the juvenile was not violent or a threat to others in the institution.jAHB-1010 would restrict the ability of government employees to conduct searches of juveniles. It is aimed at actions taken by TSA agents at our airports.HB-786 would be similar to HB-848 by keeping juvenile offenders under the control of the Dept. of Juvenile Justice and continue to treat them as juveniles even if they have been adjudicated as adults through the courts.Thursday Third Readers(Click)

Friday Judiciary Hearing:Friday Third Readers(Click)
The Judiciary Committee conducted a Voting Session on SB-276, the Repeal of the Death Penalty. The Republicans offered several amendments to restore the Death Penalty for certain qualified offenses including for the murder of police and correctional officers, Acts of Terrorism, and First Degree Murder on School Grounds, along with several other heinous acts of crime worthy of Death Penalty consideration. The amendments were all defeated along party lines and the bill was voted out of committee by the same party line vote with all Republicans and one Democrat voting against the repeal. It was clear that there would be no changes allowed on this bill. (Update Analysis)

A Joint Hearing was conducted by the Judiciary and the Health and Government Operations Committees to hear the presentation from the Senate on
SB-281, the O’Malley-Brown Gun Bill. The administration highlighted the amended sections of the bill as changed by the Senate. I was told by the Judiciary Chairman that we will be working on the Senate version of the bill going forward. Some changes made in the Senate have weakened the effect of the bill but the proposed legislation continues to do nothing to impact criminals while creating stumbling blocks and challenges to law abiding citizens. It is impossible to amend this bill in a way that would make it something that one could vote for in good conscience. Also heard during this hearing were several marijuana bills addressing medicinal usage and decriminalization. In my opinion, this is a moot point as the federal government continues to maintain marijuana as a Scheduled drug.