Monday, February 4, 2013

Field Notes By Delegate Mike McDermott



Feb. 3rd, 2013

Observations and Reflections on Legislative Activities
By Delegate Michael A. McDermott
 
 
 
Week 4  Jan. 28-Feb. 1, 2013
Tuesday Judiciary Committee Hearings:
HB-116 would allow for what is commonly referred to as “one-way” wire taps for crimes involving vulnerable adults. Current law allows for use of this type of recording for a multitude of crimes from Murder to Obstruction of Justice. This bill would add crimes against vulnerable adults to the list. We heard from several folks about the need for this mechanism to assist in these crimes, particularly many that cannot even speak for themselves.HB-156 would increase the fee of removing a shopping cart from a store premise from $25 to $100. The penalty has been in place since the 1950’s and it is believed that the increased penalty would help keep people from removing the carts for fear of prosecution. This crime is already covered by the current Theft statute which carries a more significant penalty of up to $500. I suggested that Montgomery County create a local civil penalty to encourage enforcement that could target their particular problem with these cart thefts.HB-154 would provide that someone who is sentenced in a District Court case who is convicted and sentenced who is entitled a second (new) trial before the Circuit Court would  be allowed to have their sentence stayed pending the outcome of their appeal to the Circuit Court. It would act to release people from incarceration (who have already been convicted) while their case is on appeal. According to testimony, it is unclear if anyone is having difficulty receiving an Appeal Bond while they wait for their Circuit Court trial and this may not even be a problem.HB-152 seeks to limit the double jeopardy which can occur when a case is tried before a Federal Court which could also have jurisdiction in a State Court. It basically makes the government choose the jurisdiction in which it wants to pursue a case against an individual.

Special Committee on Gun Legislation: Today the committee received an overview of the O’Malley-Brown Gun Bill. We went over the major components of the legislation asking questions along the way for clarification. I have broken the bill down and, although it is not an exhaustive review, it provides a good overview. It can be viewed at this link:
Gun Bill Overview.

Wednesday Session-State of the State Speech
Today, all the pomp and circumstance of a joint session in the House of Delegates where we listen to Governor O’Malley tell us how he sees the condition of our state. The governor began by referencing the Ravens, and, had he stopped there, it would have been the most uniting speech of his career. It went downhill from there. The governor is a big government guy and he believes it all the way. He pointed to a list of accomplished areas such as education where Maryland receives “number one” ratings from certain select sources. Essentially, if a state government is willing to outspend us as a percentage of their assigned state funding on education, they can dethrone us. This is also true for our willingness to spend money we do not have to provide various services across the board for anyone who asks. For instance, we are certainly not “number one” in the outcome of the education we provide, but let’s not look at those statistics. I do not blame the governor for drawing attention to areas where the state has been awarded a blue ribbon by some magazine or association, but our failure to be intellectually honest about how we achieve the ranking only hurts our future by focussing on the wrong measure of success: outcome!

Here are some of the governor’s concluding remarks. Where he refers to “a random shuffling of the deck”, he must have been alluding to this speech and our direction as a state. ..
I leave you with these thoughts:
Life is an ever evolving story of change and choice –letting go of things and ways that were, in order to reach for that which we have yet to achieve.
It is not some random shuffling of the deck, or a tossing of cards.  Life is an intentional process, and it calls for the goodness of our own intentions.
We, here in Maryland, are called to work at the center of this intentional movement.  For every decision we make, there is a future foretold.
Jobs and opportunity; public safety, public education, public transportation, the health of our people and the health of our planet. These are our concerns; and they are also the world’s concerns.”-Governor Martin O’Malley
Go here to read the entire speech

Wednesday Judiciary Hearings:HB-163 would eliminate the Office of Orphans Court Judge from Anne Arrundel County and replace them with the Circuit Court. It was supported by the Anne Arrundel Delegation but was opposed strongly by many judges of the Orphans Court across Maryland. Based upon what I heard and observed, this bill is going nowhere.HB-150 would require that a person who is involved in a motor vehicle accident where a fatality or serious injury occurs cannot refuse to submit to a test of breath or blood to determine alcohol concentration. This bill seeks to increase the number of drivers tested  and an overall strengthening of DWI enforcement in Maryland in accident cases. There was only token resistance offered by the Office of the Public Defender.HB-78 is the “Pit Bull” legislation which seeks to mitigate the court case which made all owners of Pitt Bull dogs liable for any attacks, damage, or bites inflicted by the dog. This bill would provide that an owner can provide evidence to show that they had no reason to believe the dog in question was previously aggressive (a rebuttable presumption). Effectively, this bill will widen the liability incurred by dog owners in general as opposed to being breed specific. The impression from the co sponsors of the legislation is that the bill is a compromise and does not reflect the will of the House of Delegates in a bill which was passed last year by the House. The hearing was long with many people testifying on the bill.

Thursday Afternoon Judiciary-Budget Briefing
We received our
annual budget fiscal briefing by Director Warren Deschenaux of the Office of Policy Analysis from the Dept. of Legislative Services. Overall spending increases over 6%. There are hundreds of millions in new spending and some restoration funding. The budget includes a 3% COLA for State employees as well as Merit raises. Our debt service currently stands at $100 million, but more state spending involves trading current dollars for bonds (debt). This will increase our debt service in coming years to over half a billion dollars which will have a significant impact on future budgets. It is the proverbial kicking of the can down the road. The next two administrations will be addressing the folly of the current administrations spending policies.

There is a new $25 million fund for School Security (this will not go far across an entire state). The budget throws a one time bone to municipal governments by giving them a slight increase for local transportation issues. This is nowhere near the 90% amount the governor took from local government funding several years ago. Ironically, the governor does not call for increasing any funding for the counties in this regard. Some of these breakdowns can be found on page 5 at the above link.

Special Committee on Gun Legislation: Today the committee heard from Dr. Daniel Webster (John Hopkins) and Secretary Joshua Sarfstein (MD Dept. of Health) regarding studies on gun violence and firearms registration components instituted by various jurisdictions. The relevance of the information was questionable as there was no comparison/contrast with what Maryland is currently doing in this regard. Some information that would have been helpful was simply missing from the presentation.

Press Conference on Gun Bill: There was a
Senate-House Press Conference on the O’Malley-Brown Gun Bill. Sadly, while Republicans are standing up to the assault on the 2nd Amendment, so far the Democrats have been mostly silent with any opposition. Only Senator John Astle and Delegate Kevin Kelly have spoken up against the bill.

Friday Morning Eastern Shore Delegation Meeting:
The Delegation met with Secretary Joshua Sharfstein of the MD Dept. of Health and Mental Hygiene. We also met with representatives of various Hospice organizations from the Eastern Shore who reported on their activities. We received an update from the folks representing the Healthy Families Programs and agreed to write a letter to support a funding increase. Minutes from the meeting are available at this link:
Delegation Minutes 2-1-13.


 

 

Gumboro~Crisfield Mudbogs 2012 Season Banquet

GUMBORO-CRISFIELD MUDBOGS
2012 AWARDS BANQUET
 
Saturday, March 23, 2013
Crisfield Elks Lodge- 4410 Crisfield Hwy.,
Crisfield, MD.
Banquet begins @6:30 PM
Tickets: $15.00 per person
Awards and trophies for the 2012 mudbog season will be presented.
Contact Charlie Price for tickets
410-330-6571

Baltimore Ravens WIN Super Bowl XLVII

WAY TO GO RAVENS !
 

Sunday -

Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley has released the following statement on the Ravens Super Bowl win :

“The Baltimore Ravens have proven that they are the team of destiny this year. We are incredibly proud of Coach John Harbaugh and our entire Baltimore Ravens team for bringing the Lombardi Trophy back to Baltimore.

“Our Ravens have provided an inspirational lift for all of us to reach beyond our dreams this season. They are the heart and soul of Baltimore, and fans across our great State are celebrating in the historic accomplishments of this team. We look forward to the Ravens homecoming and the parade in the days to come.

“Congratulations to Joe Flacco for being named Most Valuable Player. We also wish Ray Lewis well in his future endeavors, and we are forever grateful for what he has done for Baltimore for 17 years. Go Ravens!”

Sunday, February 3, 2013

Legislative Updates By Mike McDermott



Observations and Reflections on Legislative Activities

Feb. 2nd, 2013
What the O’Malley-Brown Gun Bill Does
By Delegate Mike McDermott
 
 
The following breakdown is, by no means, exhaustive as it relates to the intricacies of this large document. I have attempted to break down the basic elements in the bill, and, at times, contrast the provisions with current law. There are a multitude of issues that arise from the proposed legislation which will be the subject of debate. Some reflection and modification of current law is in order, particularly as it relates to mental health issues. I also believe some attention needs to be paid to the issue of Criminal Background Checks. I will keep you posted on any proposed changes. A complete list of current firearm bills that have been proposed can be found on the MGA website.
Here is the O’Malley-Brown Gun Bill breakdown:
  • Defines all Regulated Firearms currently listed as “Assault Weapons” as “Assault Long Guns”.
  • Defines “Assault Weapon” as an “Assault Long Gun”; an “Assault Pistol”; or a “Copycat Weapon”.
  • Defines a “Copycat Weapon” as “a semi-automatic centerfire rifle that accepts a detachable magazine”…along with any one of a long list of features.

So, the bill consolidates all of these types of firearms under the heading “Assault Weapon”.
  • “Copycat Weapon” is an “Assault Weapon; “Assault Long Gun” is an “Assault Weapon”; “Assault Pistol” is an “Assault Weapon”…yet a “Copycat Weapon” does not include an “Assault an Assault Long Gun” or an “Assault Pistol”???

The bill bans all “Assault Weapons” from being possessed or brought into the State of Maryland.  There are some exceptions to the ban:
  • Assault Pistols possessed and registered prior to June 1, 1994
  • A Licensed Firearms Dealer can continue to possess/sell/transfer an “Assault Long Gun” or a “Copycat Weapon” lawfully possessed on or before 10-1-2013. (Note: it seems that “Assault Pistols” are not included)
  • An individual gun owner who lawfully possessed an “Assault Long Gun” or a “Copycat Weapon” before 10-1-2013 and registers the weapon with the State Police prior to 11-1-2013 may continue to possess said weapon.

(Note: Exceptions remain for tubular fed rifles in .22 caliber)

The bill limits all magazine capacities for any firearm to 10-rounds.
(Note: current law allows restricts to 10-rounds for a handgun/20-rounds for a rifle)

The bill adjusts the penalties and expands the definition for utilizing an “Assault Weapon” and/or magazines of greater than 10-rounds in the commission of a crime.
(Note: Current law only addressed Assault Pistols or a magazine of over 20 rounds).

Mental Health Issues/Adjustments:
  • Those under a court ordered Involuntary Commitment must surrender any firearms in their possession if the attending physician deems it appropriate. Once surrendered, the weapons cannot be returned until the individual is granted relief through the State Health
  • Department after meeting several criteria for removing the disqualification stipulation.
  • Those who have been found “Not Criminally Responsible” are disqualified.
  • Those who have been voluntarily or involuntarily patient for 30 consecutive days or more are disqualified.
  • Those who have been declared unable to possess a firearm by a court based upon credible evidence of their dangerousness to others are disqualified.
  • Those under the protection of a guardian appointed by a court are disqualified.

In Order to Purchase a Hangun…:
  • Possess a valid Handgun Qualification License;
  • Not be prohibited by Federal or State law from possession

Creation of a “Handgun Qualification License”:
  • This will be the means through which a person becomes authorized to “purchase, rent, or receive a handgun.” In order to take possession of a handgun, the following criteria must be met:

In order to qualify for a Handgun Qualification License, the individual must:
  • Be at least 21 years of age;
  • Be a resident of Maryland;
  • Attend a state approved Firearms Safety Training Course within one-year prior to the purchase of the firearm.

The 8-Hour Firearm Safety Course must include the following elements:
Classroom instruction on:
1.      State Firearm Law;
2.      Home Firearm Safety; and
3.      Handgun Mechanisms and Operation.

  • Firearm’s Qualification demonstrating personal proficiency with the firearm.
  • Apply to the Central Repository for a National and State Criminal History Check
1.      Submit two complete sets of legible fingerprints to the FBI;
2.      Pay a fee associated with a Criminal Background Check to the state;
3.      Pay a fee associated with the FBI Background Check

  •  Pay a $100.00 non-refundable Application Fee.

(Note: The Handgun Qualification License is good for five-years and can be renewed by meeting the same standards as prescribed in the original application and paying all associated fees required).

Individuals who move into Maryland after 10-1-2013:
The bill appears to prohibit bringing any Assault Weapon into the state following the ban date. Regulated firearms that are brought into the state after this date:
  •  Must be registered with the MD State Police within 30-days after establishing residency;
  •  Must pay a non-refundable fee of $15.00 per weapon registered.





 

Super Bowl Sunday ~ Riverside Grill Pocomoke

Come watch the Super Bowl with us! Great food and drink specials all day!
 
Sunday  February 3, 2013


 -MD Crab Soup (6.99) or Hearty Vegetable Beef (5.99) w/ 1/2 deli sandwich or side salad
 -Taco Salad 6.99
 -1 Chili Cheese Dog 4.99 or 2 dogs 6.99
 -Chili Nachos 4.99
 -Wing Sampler (4 BBQ, 4 Old Bay, 4 Buffalo, 4 sweet red chili) 8.00


**Happy Hour all day w/ $1 off all appetizers and $1 or more off most drinks**

$1.50 Coors light, Bud light, and Yuengling drafts
 $2.50 Bloody Mary's and Mimosas
 $5 bombs!

Happy Super Bowl !! GO RAVENS !!!

GO RAVENS !!
PHOTO/The Virginia-Maryland Dog
 
 
Happy Super Bowl Sunday everyone!!!

  Visit  The Virginia-Maryland Dog Magazine and the Baltimore Ravens on Facebook.

Repost/Drug Investigation: A Message From Pocomoke City Police Chief Sewell

Several Month Undercover Drug Investigations Lead To Multiple Local Arrests

Over the last several months, members of the Worcester County Criminal Enforcement Team have been conducting undercover drug distribution investigations throughout Worcester County. As a result of these investigations the following individuals were apprehended and charged with the following drug offenses.

Ted Davis (Age 18) Pocomoke, Maryland
·         Distribution of crack cocaine in a School Zone – 2 Counts
·         Possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine
·         Distribution of crack cocaine – 3 Counts
·         Possession of crack cocaine – 3 Counts
Committed to the Worcester County Jail on a $100,000.00 Bond


Charles William Smith (Age 48) Pocomoke, Maryland
·         Possession with intent to distribute cocaine in a school zone
·         Distribution of cocaine
·         Possession of cocaine
Committed to the Worcester County Jail on a $500,000.00 Bond



Norman Lee Crawley (Age 36) Pocomoke, Maryland
·         Distribution of cocaine in a school zone – 2 Counts
·         Distribution of cocaine – 2 Counts
·         Possession of cocaine – 2 Counts
Committed to the Worcester County Jail on a $250,000.00 Bond


Orintha Jerome Godwin (Age 30) Pocomoke, Maryland
·         Distribution of crack cocaine – 3 Counts
·         Possession of crack cocaine – 3 Counts
Committed to the Worcester County Jail on a $250,000.00 Bond


Eric Vincent Bishop Jr. (Age 37) Pocomoke, Maryland
Distribution of crack cocaine
Distribution of cocaine
Possession of crack cocaine
Possession of cocaine
Committed to the Worcester County Jail on a $250,000.00 Bond

Jeffrey Maurice Fisher (Age 50) Snow Hill, MarylandDistribution of cocaine in a school zone – 2 Counts
Distribution of cocaine – 2 Counts
Possession of cocaine – 2 Counts
Committed to the Worcester County Jail on a $250,000.00 Bond

Donyell Antonio Ballard (Age 41) Berlin, Maryland

Distribution of crack cocaine
Possession of crack cocaine
Committed to the Worcester County Jail on a $250,000.00 Bond

Dionederick Ronshae Godwin (Age 30) Berlin, Maryland

Distribution of crack cocaine
Possession of crack cocaine
Committed to the Worcester County Jail on a $250,000.00 Bond

McKineo John Middleton (Age 26) Frankford, Delaware

Distribution of Heroin in a school zone – 2 Counts
Distribution of heroin – 2 Counts
Possession of heroin – 2 Counts
Committed to the Worcester County Jail on a $250,000.00 Bond

Christopher Lee Sturgis  (Age 26) Laurel, Delaware

Distribution of heroin
Possession of heroin
Committed to the Worcester County Jail on a $250,000.00 Bond

Shamus Montez Hall (Age 36) Pocomoke, Maryland

 Distribution of crack cocain
           Distribution of cocaine
·         Possession of crack cocaine
·         Possession of powder cocaine

During the apprehension of Mr. Hall, he was found to be in possession of approximately 3 grams of cocaine. A subsequent search and seizure warrant was executed by the Worcester County Criminal Enforcement Team at Mr. Hall’s residence in Pocomoke, Maryland at which time investigators recovered an additional 3.5 grams of crack cocaine, small quantity of heroin along with various items of paraphernalia. Mr. Hall was also charged with Possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine, Possession of crack cocaine, Possession of heroin, and Possession of paraphernalia. Mr. Hall was committed to the Worcester County Jail on a $250,000.00 Bond.

The Worcester County Criminal Enforcement Team was assisted by the Ocean City Police Department Narcotics Unit and the Pocomoke City Police Department during the course of these investigations.


**Chief Sewell of the Pocomoke City Police department stated that if the citizens of these towns can't live in peace because drug dealers want to sell drugs, then the Pocomoke City Police Department and these other law enforcement agencies  are going to continue to work together to make sure that the drug dealers don't live in peace as well.

TIME MACHINE ... 1966, 1976, 2001, 1901, 1890


(Reader-friendly viewing of newspaper archives material)

 
ACROSS THE USA

November, 1966
(Press Telegram- Long Beach, Calif.)

Pro Grid Meets On Merger

New York (AP)- A joint committee of the American and National Football Leagues went into a closed session today to work out details of their merger- particularly the Super Bowl and a common draft.

President Johnson signed into law a bill giving the merger limited immunity from antitrust laws Tuesday.

Under the merger plans the leagues will play a Super Bowl in January pitting the AFL champion against the NFL champions. The leagues will also have a common player draft and will plan a schedule of inter league, pre-season games next season.

Those were among the items the committee was scheduled to discuss today, but a league spokesmen said no announcement would be made.

NFL Commissioner Pete Rozelle will preside at the meeting. 


Super Bowl Scores

GameDateResult
XLVIFeb. 5, 2012Giants 21, Patriots 17
XLVFeb. 6, 2011Packers 31, Steelers 25
XLIVFeb. 7, 2010Saints 31 Colts 17
XLIIIFeb. 1, 2009Pittsburgh 27 Arizona 23
XLIIFeb. 3, 2008New York 17, New England 14
XLIFeb. 4, 2007Indianapolis 29, Chicago 17
XLFeb. 5, 2006Pittsburgh 21, Seattle 10
XXXIXFeb. 6, 2005New England 24, Philadelphia 21
XXXVIIIFeb. 1, 2004New England 32, Carolina 29
XXXVIIJan. 26, 2003Tampa Bay 48, Oakland 21
XXXVIFeb. 3, 2002New England 20, St. Louis 17
XXXVJan. 28, 2001Baltimore 34, N.Y. Giants 7
XXXIVJan. 30, 2000St. Louis 23, Tennessee 16
XXXIIIJan. 31, 1999Denver 34, Atlanta 19
XXXIIJan. 25, 1998Denver 31, Green Bay 24
XXXIJan. 26, 1997Green Bay 35, New England 21
XXXJan. 28, 1996Dallas 27, Pittsburgh 17
XXIXJan. 29, 1995San Francisco 49, San Diego 26
XXVIIIJan. 30, 1994Dallas 30, Buffalo 13
XXVIIJan. 31, 1993Dallas 52, Buffalo 17
XXVIJan. 26, 1992Washington 37, Buffalo 24
XXVJan. 27, 1991N.Y. Giants 20, Buffalo 19
XXIVJan. 28, 1990San Francisco 55, Denver 10
XXIIIJan. 22, 1989San Francisco 20, Cincinnati 16
XXIIJan. 31, 1988Washington 42, Denver 10
XXIJan. 25, 1987N.Y. Giants 39, Denver 20
XXJan. 26, 1986Chicago 46, New England 10
XIXJan. 20, 1985San Francisco 38, Miami 16
XVIIIJan. 22, 1984L.A. Raiders 38, Washington 9
XVIIJan. 30, 1983Washington 27, Miami 17
XVIJan. 24, 1982San Francisco 26, Cincinnati 21
XVJan. 25, 1981Oakland 27, Philadelphia 10
XIVJan. 20, 1980Pittsburgh 31, L.A. Rams 19
XIIIJan. 21, 1979Pittsburgh 35, Dallas 31
XIIJan. 15, 1978Dallas 27, Denver 10
XIJan.   9, 1977Oakland 32, Minnesota 14
XJan. 18, 1976Pittsburgh 21, Dallas 17
IXJan. 12, 1975Pittsburgh 16, Minnesota 6
VIIIJan. 13, 1974Miami 24, Minnesota 7
VIIJan. 14, 1973Miami 14, Washington 7
VIJan. 16, 1972Dallas 24, Miami 3
VJan. 17, 1971Baltimore 16, Dallas 13
IVJan. 11, 1970Kansas City 23, Minnesota 7
IIIJan. 12, 1969N.Y. Jets 16, Baltimore 7
IIJan. 14, 1968Green Bay 33, Oakland 14
IJan. 15, 1967Green Bay 35, Kansas City 10
*Source: superbowlhistory.net
 
Footnote: Longtime Salisbury resident Tom Brown played for the Green Bay Packers in the 1967 and 1968 Super Bowls.  Brown had starred at the University Of Maryland in baseball and football and then signed with the Washington Senators as a first baseman and outfielder.  After a year and a half in pro-baseball he signed with the Green Bay Packers, playing under coach Vince Lombardi.  A shoulder injury curtailed his football career. Since moving to the Eastern Shore in the early 1970's Brown has devoted his time to instructing and coaching youngsters in sports, and founded the Tom Brown League in Salisbury. 
 
 
 
June, 1976
(The Salisbury Times)

(Excerpt)

'Cypress Festival' Is Planned In Pocomoke

POCOMOKE CITY- Backers of this town's First Annual Cypress Festival, to be held July 9-10-11 in the municipal park on the Pocomoke River, are busy this week putting final touches on preparations for the three-day event.

Attractions include something for everyone's taste. There will be singing, a hand bell concert, teen costume ball, street and boat parades, art show, water-related sporting events, horse show and tours of the historic Costen House.

Unless otherwise specified, all events will take place at Cypress Park which is currently getting a road, a bike path and parking space- hard surfaced under a $60,000 Open Space city funded project.
 
June, 2001 (Time Machine Archive)
Cypress Park was the site for the Delmarva Chicken Festival as Pocomoke City and The Pocomoke City Chamber Of Commerce hosted the 53rd annual event. Despite some showers from the remnants of Tropical Storm Allison, the festival drew an attendance of more than 20,000 visitors. Festival features included The Chicken Capers games, a chicken splash, tug of war, arts and crafts, an antique and classic car show, a home and trade show, and the traditional giant fry pan serving Delmarvalous chicken.


May, 1901
(The Atlanta Constitution- Atlanta, Ga.)

(Excerpts)

COSTAL EXTENDS IT WIRES

New York, May 22.- The Postal Telegraph headquarters here has announced the opening of the following new offices on the Delaware peninsula.

Birds Nest, Va., Bloomtown, Va., Cape Charles, Va., Cheriton, Va., Cobbs, Va., Eastville, Va., Exmore, Va., Hallwood, Va., Keller, Va., Kings Creek, Md., Machipongo, Va., Nasawadox, Va., New Church, Va., Oak Hall, Va., Onley, Va., Parksley, Va., Pocomoke, Md., Tasley, Va.

Wires will also soon be completed to the following stations:
Crisfield, Md., Delmar, Del, Dover, Del, Eden, Md., Fruitland, Md., Loretto, Md., Princess Anne, Md., Salisbury, Md., Seaford, Del., Williams, Md.

 
Memories of Accomac, 1890 John S. Wise Jr.. "Memories of Accomac, 1890" Peninsula Enterprise (Accomac, Va.: August 21, 1937)

A friend recently said to me that after all, our memories remain with us and with many are all they get out of life. Certainly I cherish nothing more than my memories of old Drummondtown and Accomack County in 1890, now nearly half a century ago, when I spent a summer with my dear old cousin, Dr. John J. Wise, at his old home "Woodburn," about a mile north of Drummondtown.

I was then a lad of fourteen and full of youthful vitality and activity and interest and curiosity about all things of the Eastern Shore new to a boy who had spent most of his time in the inland country mountains.

(PART 6)

Duff Savage was proprietor of the old hotel. There was bar there so I was not allowed to hang around. Those were the days when dinner cost a quarter and he served everything the country provided. Here gathered the farmers, drummers and travelers.

Jimmy Scott, with about two feet of white beard, would often drive in and by the time he had a few drams, he's expatiate on the size of his apples.

Nat Lang had a bar in the house up at the corner of the open on Jail Road, next to the Debtor's Prison. The patronage there was largely fishermen and country people. Some wild parties broke out over there at times. The rough crowds fought it out there.

In those days we had the County Court, which met monthly, with Judge John W. Gillet on the bench. Then we had the Circuit Court with Judge Ben T. Gunter on the bench.

Judge Gillet was a very studious, reserved and dignified man. He was not much seen around the town. He lived in the old house just below the tavern, afterwards occupied by Judge Ross.

That by the way is the highest point on the Eastern Shore, thirty-six feet above sea level.

The Circuit Court handled the more important civil cases. The County Court was the big time. Everybody came to town.

 Then was when the folks swapped horses and jack-knives and made up the boat-races.

Everything was transacted and settled at County Court. It's abandonment is a community misfortune.

In those days the Langs and the Milliners were a legion.

I spent all the time I could with "Polk" Lang, fishing out of Folly Creek, from Garrison's and Black Stump Landings, and the day never passes when I do not look back to it all as one of the most interesting times in my life.

Mrs. Etta A. Wise and her daughter Miss Etta were teaching school and music at the old Woodburn farm where they had twenty or thirty pupils from whom they collected from $5 to $10 a year each, if they could pay it.

FOOTNOTE: LOOK FOR THE CONCLUDING PORTION OF THIS ARTICLE ON NEXT WEEK'S TIME MACHINE.

 
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!
 

Third Suspected Arson Fire In 3 Days

Local Accomack Fire Companies along with Virginia State Police Fire Investigators and Accomack County Sheriff's Department can't seem to get a break from the recent suspected arsons that have occurred over the weekend.

Thursday evening a fire broke out in an abandoned store in Pungoteague.  Friday evening companies were alerted to a fire in an airplane hangar on Locustville Road in Onley, Virginia.

Saturday evening (Feb.2) at 10:59 Saturday night another abandoned structure fire was reported in a barn on Foxgrove Road, just before Fisher's Corner, in Parksley.

Parksley, Bloxom, Tasley and Onley responded to the fire. Minor damage was reported to the structure and Virginia State Police believe this fire to be a result of arson also.

 A $5000 reward is STILL being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the fires. Contact the Virginia State Police or the Accomack County Sheriff's Department.

If  you  have ANY information call:
 1-800-582-8350 or (757) 424-6820
 Accomack County Sheriff's Office at (757) 787-1131.