David Craig On U.S. Dept of Education's Warning Shot to Indiana on Common Core

David Craig spent 34 years as an assistant principal and teacher in Maryland's public schools.  The following is an excerpt from his article in Human Events today about the problems with Common Core and how the U.S. Dept. of Education is penalizing Indiana for opting-out.

"What Indiana Governor Pence needs now, and what my home state of Maryland urgently needs, is to give control to teachers in the classroom. Maryland has rushed head first to adopt every federal program in the last several years including Obamacare, Common Core and EPA stormwater regulations, to name a few. The results are always the same – poor execution, millions of dollars wasted and excessive regulation and taxes."

http://www.humanevents.com/2014/05/12/dept-of-education-erects-obstacles-to-keep-states-in-common-core/

Buyers Beware of Craigslist Con with Fake Website

Craigslist.org can be a great place to find deals on used vehicles, electronics, appliances and other major items. But watch out for a new, elaborate scam that’s taking advantage of bargain hunters.

How the Scam Works:

You are browsing Craigslist for a used car, boat or other large ticket item. You see an ad for exactly what you want, and the price is lower than you’ve seen elsewhere.

You email the seller. He replies, saying the item is available, but you need to purchase it through a company called “Easy Yard Sale.” The writer claims his father recently died, and he inherited the boat or other item. He wants to sell it quickly, so he is using this service to handle logistics. You search online for the company’s name and find a website that looks completely legitimate.

In his message, the seller says you need to wire the purchase price to Easy Yard Sale, and they will handle the rest. His email reads: “They will ѕhіp thе boat tο уοuг аddгеѕѕ, will mаkе thе tгаnѕfег οf thе pгοpгіеtу οntο уοuг nаmе (The documents are аlгеаdу ѕіgnеd bу mе аnd nοtагіzеd, ѕο thеу аге еmpοwегеd tο dο thіѕ).”

But you guessed it! After you pay up, Easy Yard Sale and the seller both stop responding. You will never receive the item and tracking down your money will be extremely difficult.

How to Avoid Scams on Craigslist:

Follow our tips for shopping safely on Craigslist.org.

Always meet the seller and see the item for sale before purchasing. Following this one rule will help you avoid most scams on Craigslist. This is also true for housing rentals. If you can’t tour the house or apartment before renting it, it’s likely not available.

Avoid deals involving shipping or escrow services. The “Easy Yard Sale” scam is only one take on this trend. Avoid them by purchasing directly from the seller.

Never give out financial information.

Watch out for fake checks and money orders. Be aware that banks will initially accept checks, but will hold you responsible if they are later discovered to be fake.

Never wire funds or use a pre-paid debit card to transfer money to someone you don’t know. With these types of payment, once you send the money… it’s gone.

Read More...

Texas Hold'em Poker Event Held At Pocomoke American Legion

The World's Most Incredible Hypnotist at the Cypress Festival

 Admission is $2. 

Shows at 6:15 pm and 8:30 pm at the Cypress Festival on Friday, June 13th.  

COAST GUARD MEDEVACS 2 FROM CRUISE SHIP 135 MILES OFF NC COAST

PORTSMOUTH, Va. — The Coast Guard medevaced a 25-year-old man and a 60-year-old woman Sunday from a cruise ship approximately 135 miles southeast of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina.

Coast Guard 7th District personnel contacted Coast Guard 5th District Command Center watchstanders at approximately 4:30 p.m. Saturday, notifying them the Carnival Splendor, a 950-foot cruise ship, had two sick individuals in need of medical attention aboard approximately 410 miles southeast of Cape Hatteras.

Fifth District watchstanders contacted the Carnival Splendor, requesting the ship alter course toward North Carolina, and they agreed to conduct the medevac Sunday morning when the Carnival Splendor would be close enough for a Coast Guard helicopter to remove the sick passengers.

At approximately 4 a.m. Sunday, command center watchstanders dispatched crews aboard an MH-60 Jawhawk helicopter and an HC-130 Hercules from Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City, North Carolina, to assist.

The Jayhawk crew arrived on scene at approximately 5:45 a.m., hoisted two people into the helicopter and took the patients to New Hanover Regional Medical Center in Wilmington, North Carolina, where the patients were reported to be in stable condition.

VIDEO

"Mother's Day" All You Can Eat Beef & Dumpling Dinner

TIME MACHINE... 1930, 1959, 1937, 1904, 1899, 1905

(Reader Friendly Viewing Of Newspaper Archive Material)

April, 1930
Salisbury Times

(Excerpt)

WEATHER REPORTERS ASSEMBLE DATA AS CLAIM FOR DIRIGIBLE BASE ON THE EASTERN SHORE

With facts provided by Cooperative Observers representing the United States Weather Bureau in various sections of the Peninsula supplemented with observations being taken at the Del-Mar-Va Airport, Hebron, the Del-Mar-Va Eastern Shore Association today announced that charts are now in the course of preparation for the purpose of supplying information for the twenty questions regarding climatic conditions which have been submitted by Commander Jerome E. Hunsaker of the Goodyear Zeppelin Association.  The data is desired as the first actual step in investigating the Del-Mar-Va Peninsula as a possible base for the Trans-Atlantic Zeppelin service.

Footnote: In January, 1930, it was reported that the Navy Department was considering the Eastern Shore as a site for one of two proposed dirigible bases. 

February, 1959
The Salisbury Times

(Excerpts)

SUPER GIANT OPENING ATTRACTS THRONGS 

Giant Food, Inc., on S. Salisbury Blvd., officially opened this morning at 9 as Mayor Jeremiah Valliant cut the ribbon to let in the customers.

Yesterday open house was held and it is believed to have drawn one of Salisbury's largest crowds. Store offiicials estimated that 25,000 or more broused through the store. "We have never had such a crowd as this. It was the biggest opening we have ever had," said John Morrison, director of supervision of Giant. During the open house at Giant yesterday afternoon S. Salisbury Blvd. was filled bumper to bumper with cars. Police Chief William J. Chatham estimated at least 15,000 cars were in the line during the five-hour open house. Extra police were put on duty.

December, 1937 (Time Machine archive)
(Daily News Record- Harrisonburg, Va.)

Warm Water Is Unused By Town

POCOMOKE CITY, Md., Dec.2. (AP)-  An underground stream of water- 85 degrees winter and summer- has been flowing under the business district here for 25 years.  And nothing has been done to utilize it.

The spring was discovered several hundred feet underground when a test well was drilled.  At that time the city was thinking of using artesian water for its city supply.  The warm water kept on flowing and was diverted through a 3-inch pipe to the Pocomoke River.

Residents attempted to form a company to operate the "Pocomoke baths," but nothing came of the venture because of lack of capital.  The water contains chloride of sodium, sulphur and magnesium compounds, engineers said.

January, 1904
The Colored American (Washington, D.C.) 

Princess Anne, Md.. Special.- An organization known as the Princess Anne Academy Building Fund Guild was formed Monday night.  The students of Princess Anne Academy believe in self-help and therefore, they have organized themselves into raising money to form the nucleus of a building fund.  They feel the need of a building having larger facilities. They believe if they help themselves first, others will come to their aid.

February, 1899
The Evening Times (Washington, D.C.)

Pocomoke Smallpox Cases.

Pocomoke City, Md., Feb. 23.-  Mayor Stevenson states that the rumors concerning the severity of the smallpox cases in Pocomoke are entirely false, and that the victims have been removed to the country, a long distance from the city. Dr. Fulton, in a letter to the mayor, says the cases are very mild and no likelihood of its spreading, as the families of the victims are strictly quarintined.

May, 1905
(The Daily News- Frederick, Md) 

Eastern Shore farmers and housewives are in a dilemma on account of the cooks and farmhands leaving their employers for the strawberry fields.

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!

Navy Pays a Penny To Get Rid of Carrier

(CNN) — For the second time in two years, the U.S. Navy is parting with one of its aircraft carriers for a penny.

The Navy announced Thursday it’s paying ESCO Marine of Brownsville, Texas, one cent to take the former USS Saratoga off its hands for dismantling and recycling.

The warship was decommissioned in 1994. It is now at Naval Station Newport in Rhode Island and is expected to be towed to Texas in the summer, the Navy said.

The 56,000-ton Saratoga was commissioned in 1956 and saw action off North Vietnam in 1972 and 1973.

In 1985, fighters from the Saratoga helped capture terrorists who hijacked the cruise ship Achille Lauro in the Mediterranean, forcing a jetliner carrying them to land at an air base in Sicily.

The carrier was also part of Operation Desert Storm in 1991 and air operations over the Balkans in 1992, 1993 and 1994, according to Navy records.

The Saratoga will follow the former USS Forrestal to dismantling in Texas. That ship was towed to All Star Metals of Brownsville earlier this year, with the Navy paying a penny to the ship recycler under a contract awarded last October.

The recyclers make money from selling the metal they salvage from the warships.

A third carrier, the former USS Constellation, is expected to meet a similar fate soon, according to a Navy statement.

Source:

FREE ~ Rain Garden Workshop

Somerset County Sheriff's Office Recent Arrests

Somerset County (MD) Sheriff's Office

Recent Arrest

Anthony Arzynell Butler Jr.,  Baltimore, arrested 3-27-14 on a warrant for failing to appear in court. Butler was held on a $500.00 bond.

Tuesday Linton Thornes,  Crisfield, arrested 3-28-14 on a warrant for violation of probation. Thornes was held on a $10,000 bond.

Ronnie Lee Gale,  Crisfield, arrested 4-1-14 on a warrant for failing to obey a court order. Gail was held without bond.

Jay Ferrell Jr.,  Prince George County, arrested 4-2-14 for driving under the influence of alcohol, driving while impaired by alcohol, driving on a suspended driver’s license, and a repair order. The arrest was the result of a traffic stop conducted by deputies on Ocean Highway for an equipment violation. Ferrell was later released on citations pending court actions.

Aaron Daniels,   Wenona, arrested 4-3-14 for obstructing and hindering police. The arrest was the result of a traffic stop conducted by deputies in the area of Somerset Ave, Princess Anne for a stop sign violation. Deputies allege that Daniels was concealing suspected drugs in his mouth, and when deputies attempted to retrieve the suspected drug, Daniels attempted to flee on foot and was apprehended. Daniels was later released on criminal citations pending court actions.

Tia Inez Shaw,   Baltimore, arrested 4-3-14 on a warrant for failing to appear in court. Shaw was held on a $500.00 bond.

Dagvon Tymar Mills,  Snow Hill, arrested 4-4-14 on a warrant for violation of probation. Mills was held without bond.

William Gerald Peacock 4th,  Portsmouth Virginia, arrested 4-8-14 on a fugitive warrant. Peacock was held without bond.

Keshawn Terrell Kellan,  Parksley Virginia, arrested 4-11-14 on a warrant for failing to appear in court. Kellam was later released after posting a $5,000 bond.

Five juveniles arrested at the Deal Island Harbor for underage drinking. While on patrol, deputies investigated a truck parked at the harbor. During the investigation, deputies recovered wine, and beer. The juveniles were charged with underage possession of alcohol, and released to family members pending court actions.


Deshawn Maurice Taylor,  Princess Anne, arrested 4-12-14 for reckless endangerment, malicious destruction of property, fleeing and eluding police in a vehicle, disorderly conduct, driving on a suspended and revoked driver’s license, and multiple traffic citations. Deputies attempted to stop Taylor who was driving a Lincoln Town car in the area of Bratten Ave, Princess Anne, when Taylor instead of stopping took deputies a small chase that ended up in the Somers Place Apartment Complex where Taylor bailed from his vehicle leaving to collide into two clusters of US mail boxes, and almost striking a small child who was riding a bicycle. Taylor was later held on a $50,000 bond.

Charles Edward Collins,  Mt. Vernon, arrested 4-18-14 for 4th degree burglary, and theft less than $1,000. The arrest was the result of a theft investigation where deputies alleged that Collins removed a water pump, lawn mower, and a weed eater from an outdoor shed, on a property in Mt.Vernon. Collins was later released on a $5,000 unsecured bond.

Tamera Lynn Wheatley,  Salisbury, arrested 4-26-14 for possession of cocaine, possession with the intent to distribute cocaine, possession of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Wheatley was later released on a $25,000 unsecured bond. The arrest was the result of a traffic stop conducted by deputies in the area of Hampden Ave, Princess Anne for a traffic violation. Deputies later recovered suspected powder cocaine, crack cocaine, and marijuana.

Don Benjamin Ballard,  Princess Anne, arrested 4-29-14 on a warrant for violation of probation. Ballard was later held without bond.

Akeem Khallid Claggett,  Princess Anne, arrested 4-30-14 for possession of suspected marijuana, possession with the intent to distribute marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Claggett was later held on a $25,000 bond. The arrest was the result of a search and seizure warrant served by deputies at the Arden’s Run Apartment Complex in Princess Anne. Deputies later recovered suspected marijuana, and drug paraphernalia.

Timothy John Byrd,  Parsonsburg, arrested 5-1-14 on a warrant for failing to appear in court. Byrd was held on a $500.00 bond.

Wallace Douglas Thomas, Crisfield, Criminal Summons served 5-1-14 for theft less than $500.00, and passing a bad check. Thomas was released on signature pending court actions.

Troy Jerome Taylor,  Salisbury, arrested 5-2-14 on two warrants regarding violation of probation. Taylor was later held without bond.


Brandon Morgan Sherbes,  Deal Island, arrested 5-5-14 on a Hartford County warrant for failing to appear in court. Sherbes was held without bond pending extradition. The arrest was the result of a traffic stop conduted by deputies on Deal Island Rd, Princess Anne.

TIME MACHINE ... This Sunday's Preview

1930.. Eastern Shore trying for a dirigible base; 1959.. Salisbury super market opening draws unexpected throngs; 1937.. A use for naturally heated warm water that flows under Pocomoke City?; 1904.. Self-help, the students are raising money to aid the Princess Anne Academy building fund; 1899.. Pocomoke City mayor counters smallpox rumors; 1905.. The local strawberries made me do it!

Although you may not find all of 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!

Coming Soon: 21st Annual "Drums On the Pocomoke"

Distracted Driving Tickets Skyrocket In MD

Maryland State Police records show that tickets for distracted driving offenses have skyrocketed since driving while using a hand-held cellphone became a primary offense in October. 

The Frederick News-Post reported Friday that troopers issued nearly 6,800 electronic tickets for such offenses in the seven months from October through April. That's more than the 5,000 electronic tickets they issued for distracted driving in all of 2013.

 Electronic tickets are printed by devices in patrol cars that scan a driver's license.The figures don't include handwritten tickets.

Before last October, driving while using a hand-held cellphone was a secondary offense, meaning drivers couldn't be stopped for that reason alone.

 The State Farm insurance company says drivers should either pull over to text or ask a passenger to send the message. 

Source:

GOP Candidate Forum May 9

Media Advisory: GOP candidate forum May 9

What: 

The Center for the Study of Democracy at St. Mary’s College of Maryland and the Maryland Public Policy Institute will co-sponsor a policy forum for Republican candidates for Maryland governor.

When:  

Fri, May 09, 2014 | 7:00 - 9:00 pm

Where: 

St. Mary’s College of Maryland, Auerbach Auditorium of St. Mary's Hall

8952 E. Fishers Road, St. Mary's City, MD 20686

Who: 

David Craig

Ron George

Charles Lollar

Hogan: In Gubernatorial Debate, Democrats Promote Failed Policies of Past Eight Years

Annapolis, MD – May 8, 2014 – Republican candidate for governor of Maryland today issued the following statement on last night’s Democratic gubernatorial debate:

“Last night's gubernatorial debate proved what many of us have already known for months:  The Democratic candidates are out of touch with the struggles and harsh economic realities that Marylanders of all walks of life face every day.  All three candidates actively promoted a job-killing and regressive economic agenda that hiked 40 consecutive taxes, hurting the state's low-income and middle class families, and causing a 75 percent increase in unemployment and a mass exodus of 31,000 taxpayers.

“The cold hard fact is that Maryland simply cannot afford four more years of the same policies that Mr. Brown, Mr. Gansler, and Ms. Mizeur represent.  Marylanders need jobs, need to keep more of their hard earned money, and need leadership that will restore integrity to state government.  None of these candidates will usher in a new era of growth and economic stability that we deserve.

Marylanders demand change; and that's exactly what we'll give them in November.

####

About Hogan-Rutherford

Larry Hogan is an Anne Arundel county small businessman, former state cabinet secretary and founder of Change Maryland, the state’s largest non-partisan grassroots organization advocating fiscal restraint and common sense government reform.  A lifelong Marylander, he and his wife Yumi, a teacher, artist and first generation Korean-American, reside in Edgewater.  They have three daughters.

Boyd Rutherford is an accomplished attorney with a record of distinguished public service leadership as Secretary of the MD Dept of General Services, and an Asst. Secretary in the US Dept of Agriculture who was unanimously confirmed by the US Senate.  Boyd has extensive legal, small business and minority enterprise development experience.  He and his wife Monica live in Columbia, Maryland. They have three adult children.

DEA’S NATIONAL PRESCRIPTION DRUG TAKE-BACK DAYS MEET A GROWING NEED FOR AMERICANS

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Americans nationwide showed their support for the United States Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA’s) National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day program by dropping off more prescription pills than ever this past Saturday. 

 After seven previous Take Back Days spread over almost four years, 780,158 pounds (390 tons) of pills were brought to the 6,072 collection sites that DEA and its 4,423 state, local, and tribal law enforcement partners set up on April 26 so the public could discard unwanted, unused and expired prescription drugs from medicine cabinets, bedside tables, and kitchen drawers.  When added to that collected at previous DEA-coordinated Take-Back events, 4.1 million pounds (2,123 tons) of prescription medications have been removed from circulation. 

 “DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take-Back events provide an obviously needed and valued service to the public, while also reducing prescription drug abuse and trafficking,” said DEA Administrator Michele Leonhart.  “By taking these medications off their hands, our citizens know they have made their own families and communities safer.  We continue to work toward making the process for disposing of controlled substance medications by users and their caregivers even easier by creating regulations that will enable the public to regularly, safely, and conveniently dispose of such medicines when they are no longer needed or wanted.”


The National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day aims to provide a safe, secure, and environmentally responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs, while also educating the general public about the potential for abuse and trafficking of medications.  This is important because the non-medical use of controlled substance (CS) medications is at an all-time high, with 6.8 million Americans reporting having abused prescription drugs in 2012, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) released in 2013.  That same study revealed more than 54 percent of people who abuse prescription pain relievers got them through friends or relatives, a statistic that includes raiding the family medicine cabinet. 


The DEA’s Take-Back events are a significant piece of the Obama administration’s strategy for preventing prescription drug abuse and trafficking, which also includes education of health care providers, patients, parents and youth; enhancing and encouraging the establishment of prescription drug monitoring programs in all the states; and increased enforcement to address doctor shopping and pill mills.


Take-Back Days are presently needed because the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) as originally written didn’t provide a way for patients, caregivers, and pet owners to dispose of such CS medications as painkillers, sedatives, and stimulants like ADHD drugs.  People were flushing their old meds down the toilet or throwing them in the trash. 


DEA launched its first Take-Back event in September 2010, after which the President signed  the Secure and Responsible Drug Disposal Act of 2010, which amended the CSA to allow people, including residents of long term care facilities, to regularly, conveniently, and safely dispose of their CS medications by delivering them to entities authorized by the Attorney General to accept them. DEA is in the process of finalizing regulations to implement the Act, publishing on December 21, 2012, a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on the Disposal of Controlled Substances (available [here] on our website) that presented possible disposal options.

American Pickers Are Coming To Your Town

Coast Guard Completes 13-hour Tow of Disabled Boat Off North Carolina Coast

PORTSMOUTH, Va. — The Coast Guard rescued two people Thursday aboard a disabled boat approximately 50 miles southeast of Bald Head Island, North Carolina.

Henry Fischer, aboard the 33-foot sport fishing boat Atlanta, contacted Coast Guard Sector North Carolina Command Center watchstanders at approximately 5:15 p.m. Wednesday requesting assistance after his boat lost steering.

Sector watchstanders dispatched a crew aboard a 47-foot Motor Life Boat from Coast Guard Station Oak Island, North Carolina, to assist.

The MLB crew arrived on scene at approximately 10 p.m. Wednesday and placed the Atlanta in tow.

A second crew from Station Oak Island got underway aboard a 25-foot Response Boat - Small at approximately 4:25 a.m. Thursday to relieve the first crew from their tow. The second crew took over at approximately 5:30 a.m.

The RB-S crew towed the Atlanta into Southport Marina in Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina and moored the vessel at approximately 11 a.m. Thursday.

There are no reports of injuries.

U. S. Coast Guard

HEROIN DEALER IN POPLAR GROVE AREA OF BALTIMORE SENTENCED TO 10 YEARS IN PRISON

Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Catherine C. Blake sentenced Isiah Robinson, age 27, of Baltimore, to 10 years in prison followed by five years of supervised release for conspiring to distribute and possession with intent to distribute heroin.

The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Acting Special Agent in Charge William P. McMullan of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives - Baltimore Field Division; Commissioner Anthony W. Batts of the Baltimore Police Department; and Baltimore City State’s Attorney Gregg L. Bernstein.

According to his plea agreement and court documents, from January to July 23, 2013, Robinson conspired with his father, Darryl Robinson Sr., and others to distribute heroin from an open-air drug "shop" in the Poplar Grove neighborhood of Baltimore. On a daily basis, the co-conspirators bought heroin, stored the drugs at stash houses throughout Baltimore City and packaged the drugs to sell on the streets. Isiah Robinson personally sold heroin to customers in Baltimore City while also supervising and directing other street-level dealers.

During the conspiracy, Isiah Robinson and others conspired to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute at least a kilogram of heroin.

Darryl Robinson, age 49, of Baltimore, a leader of the drug trafficking organization, previously pleaded guilty to his participation in the conspiracy and was sentenced to 15 years in prison.

United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein praised the ATF, Baltimore Police Department, and Baltimore City State’s Attorney’s Office for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant United States Attorneys Clinton J. Fuchs and Scott Lemmon, who prosecuted the case.

THANKS FOR THE VISIT

Many  of you may not know that I am once again back  in Johns Hopkins Hospital fighting leukemia.

Things are going very well and I just have but a few days left to stay.  JHH is quite a distance from my beloved Pocomoke but I have learned to cope with the homesickness.

And I DO get excited over visitors from home!  

My Pocomoke visitors for today were Pocomoke City Police Chief Kelvin Sewell and his lovely wife Rhonda who were  in the Baltimore area for the day.  

SO WONDERFUL TO SEE YOU GUYS !!

ARSON SUSPECT ARRESTED

Marguees K.Wise

On May 4, 2014 Pocomoke City Police responded to a call for a reported Attempted Arson. 

Upon arriving Police learned the suspect had attempted to set fire to a home while the residents were asleep, then left the area on foot. Police canvassed the area, locating the suspect. 

Arrested was Marguees K. Wise, age 21 of Pocomoke City, MD. Wise was charged with 1st degree Arson, 2nd degree Arson, 1st degree Attempted Murder and 2nd degree Attempted Murder.

Wise was held without bond at the Worcester County Detention Center.

Pocomoke City Police Department

TIME MACHINE ... This Sunday's Preview.

1930.. Eastern Shore trying for a dirigible base; 1959.. Salisbury super market opening draws unexpected throngs; 1937.. A use for naturally heated warm water that flows under Pocomoke City?; 1904.. Self-help, the students are raising money to aid the Princess Anne Academy building fund; 1899.. Pocomoke City mayor counters smallpox rumors; 1905.. The local strawberries made me do it!

Although you may not find all of 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!

STATE POLICE INVESTIGATE THE DEATH OF A NEW JERSEY MAN

Maryland State Police

STATE POLICE INVESTIGATE THE DEATH OF A NEW JERSEY MAN 
PREVIOUSLY REPORTED MISSING

Hani Heiba

(Prince Frederick, MD) MSP Investigators from the Criminal Enforcement Division Central South Region are investigating the death of a New Jersey man, previously reported as missing.

The deceased is identified as Hani Heiba, 29, of the unit block of New Brook Lane in Springfield, New Jersey. Heiba was found deceased in a ravine in Prince Frederick, Maryland. The cause and manner of death are pending autopsy results.

At 5:30 p.m. today, police discovered Heiba in a heavily wooded ravine, about 166 yards from the front of the hotel located in the 300-block of Merrimac Court in Prince Frederick. Emergency medical personnel pronounced Heiba deceased at the scene.

Heiba was reported missing on Sunday, May 4, 2014 through the Springfield Police Department in New Jersey. His last known location was at the Avis Rental Car office located at BWI Airport on Sunday, May 4, 2014 at 11:30 p.m. He was wearing a white shirt and a dark colored jacket.

Police believe Heiba left New Jersey on May 4th, 2014 en route to Maryland by train, where he rented a car to complete the remainder of his commute. Heiba rented a grey Ford Fusion, later found abandoned at the hotel in Prince Frederick.

An extensive search of the area by the Maryland State Police Mobile Field Force and deputies from the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office was conducted. Heiba was found in the wooded area and pronounced deceased at the scene. 

Police believe Heiba may have suffered from a medical condition. The cause and manner of death will be determined by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner pending autopsy results.

Troopers from the Criminal Enforcement Division Central South Region, state troopers from the Prince Frederick Barrack and the Maryland State Police Homicide Unit responded to the scene. Sheriff deputies from the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office and a forensic investigator from the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner also responded to assist with the investigation. The Calvert County State’s Attorney has been updated with the information.


If anyone has any information regarding the missing person investigation, or has information relevant to this case, please contact the Maryland State Police at the Prince Frederick Barrack at 410-535-1400. Callers will remain anonymous.

Failed Field Sobriety Testing Lands Driver With Charges

On May 1, 2014 at approximately 3:24 PM a Worcester County Sheriff’s Office Deputy was dispatched to the Food Lion located at 11007 Manklin Creek Road Berlin, Maryland for a hit and run accident.

The Deputy learned through investigation that the driver, Melissa Renner 24 years old from Berlin, Maryland. The witnesses told the Deputy that Renner was driving erratically and struck another unattended vehicle while parking. The Deputy noted that the damage was minor. 

While the Deputy was interviewing witnesses, Renner returned to the scene and admitted to driving the vehicle. The Deputy smelled the odor of an alcoholic beverage on Renner’s breath and person. Renner’s eyes were glassy and bloodshot. When the Deputy asked Renner for her license Renner handed the Deputy narcotic prescription pills from her pocket in which Renner did not have a prescription for. Renner admitted to drinking alcohol and the Deputy observed bottles of alcohol within the vehicle she was operating. 

Renner was asked to perform a series of field sobriety testing in which she performed unsatisfactorily. Renner was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs, leaving the scene of an accident, and for possession of a controlled dangerous substance-not marijuana. Renner was taken before the District Court Commissioner and released pending trial.

Texas Hold 'Em Poker

Pocomoke City Police Department Observes "Law Enforcement Week"

From:  Pocomoke City Police Chief Kelvin Sewell

Pocomoke City Police Department

May 12, 2014 begins Law Enforcement Week which pays tribute to all of the law enforcement officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. 

Law Enforcement Week also gives us a chance to voice our appreciation for all those who currently serve on the front lines against the battle of crime with courage and dedication. 

This observance also reminds us of the ongoing need to be vigilant against all forms of crime.


SCHEDULE OF EVENTS for 2014

NATIONAL POLICE WEEK

MSP Investigators from the Criminal Enforcement Division Central South Region Ask For the Public's Assistance In Investigation of Missing Person - UPDATE

UPDATE RE: MISSING NEW JERSEY MAN BELIEVED TO BE IN MARYLAND


Hani Heibi is a Caucasian man, standing 5'11" tall, weighing 170 pounds with brown hair and brown eyes. He was last seen at the Avis Rental Car office located at BWI Airport on Sunday, May 4, 2014 at 11:30 p.m. He was wearing a white shirt and a dark colored jacket.


Heibi, 29, from Springfield, New Jersey is reported missing since Sunday, May 4, 2014 through the Springfield Police Department. He may have traveled by train to Maryland where he rented the vehicle at BWI Airport.

MSP Investigators from the Criminal Enforcement Division Central South Region ask for the public's assistance in the investigation of a missing person.

Hani Heibi, 29, from Springfield, New Jersey has been reported missing since Sunday, May 4, 2014 through the Springfield Police Department.

Heibi routinely travels from new Jersey to St. Mary's County, Maryland for work purposes. He was last known to leave New Jersey on May 4th, 2014. The rental vehicle which police believe Heibi was operating is a grey Ford Fusion and was found at the Holiday Inn Express in Prince Frederick.

Police have been advised Heibi suffers a chronic medical condition which renders him helpless if he experiences an acute attack to his liver. The condition causes Heibi to become disoriented and incoherent.

An extensive search for Heibi was completed throughout the Prince Frederick area. Local surrounding businesses, hotels and Calvert Memorial Hospital were checked. Preliminary interviews were completed with family members.

If you have any information regarding the missing person investigation, or make contact with the above individual please contact the Maryland State Police Prince Frederick Barrack at 410-535-1400. Callers will remain anonymous.

1st ANNUAL SCAVENGER HUNT!!

GET YOUR TEAMS TOGETHER!!!

Let's make this  a HUGE success for the SOROPTIMIST OF POCOMOKE

Worcester County Sheriff’s Office Press Release

On April 30, 2014 a Vice Principal of a Worcester County High School notified a School Security Deputy to a package he received at the school through the United States Postal Service.  It was observed that the package contained fecal matter.

The Deputy alerted the Postal Service of the incident.  On May 2^nd the Deputy was notified by a Postal Inspector that an additional two packages had been processed to be sent to the Vice Principal.  It was determined that both packages also contained fecal matter.

The Postal Inspector along with the Deputy identified a Juvenile student as the suspect.  On May 5^th the juvenile was arrested. During a search of the juvenile’s vehicle, the Deputy also located a large quantity of alcohol. The Juvenile subsequently admitted to the sending of fecal matter.

The Juvenile has been charged with six counts of disturbing activities at school and possession of alcohol under the age of 21. The case has been referred to Juvenile services for adjudication.

Hogan Calls Brown “jobs plan” a Page Out of O’Malley’s Job-Destroying Playbook

Annapolis, MD – May 6, 2014 – Gubernatorial candidate Larry Hogan today slammed Lt. Governor Anthony Brown’s $112 million “jobs plan.” 

Hogan said, “For nearly eight years, Anthony Brown actively promoted his administration's 40 consecutive tax increases on everything from gasoline, to sales to pensions and even the rain which drove tens of thousands of families, 6,500 small businesses and countless retirees from Maryland.  Now, with 49 days before a potentially career-ending primary, Anthony Brown rips a page from his boss's jobs-destroying playbook by proposing yet another Blue Ribbon Panel.  Maryland’s next governor must act on day one to reverse the job-killing tax and spend policies of the past eight years,” said Hogan.

 Larry Hogan is an Anne Arundel county small businessman, former state cabinet secretary and founder of Change Maryland, the state’s largest non-partisan grassroots organization advocating fiscal restraint and common sense government reform.  A lifelong Marylander, he and his wife Yumi, a teacher, artist and first generation Korean-American, reside in Edgewater.  They have three daughters.

Boyd Rutherford is an accomplished attorney with a record of distinguished public service leadership as Secretary of the MD Dept of General Services, and an Asst. Secretary in the US Dept of Agriculture who was unanimously confirmed by the US Senate.  Boyd has extensive legal, small business and minority enterprise development experience.  He and his wife Monica live in Columbia, Maryland. They have three adult children.

Memorial Service For K-9 Ike

K-9 Ike
Photo Worcester County Sheriff's Office

 From the Worcester County Sheriff's Office:

We would like to thank you for the tremendous support that has been displayed by our community and allied agencies. The outpouring of support and prayers has been comforting to Cpl. Larmore and his family and to this office. We have been left speechless with the kind words and reflections that have been left on this page and the phone calls at our office. 

Sheriff Mason and the Sheriff's Office will he holding a Memorial Service for K-9 IKE on May 9th, 2014 at the Pocomoke Fire Department Community Center located on Market Street. 

The ceremony will take place at 4:00 p.m.

 Law Enforcement Agencies across the region have been asked to attend as well as our community members.

 We again must say how appreciative we all are of the support you have shown us. It gives us great pride to know that we work in community that supports our Law Enforcement Agencies.

Sunday Night Shooting in Melfa, Virginia - Arrest Made

James V.Rankin

According to Sheriff Todd Godwin, on May 4, 2014 at approximately 02:26 AM, the Accomack County Sheriff's Office received a report of an altercation between two subjects on Back Street near Melfa. While deputies were enroute to the scene, additional information was received that indicated a subject had been shot at this same address. 

Upon law enforcement's arrival on the scene, one victim was located with an apparent gunshot wound to the body and a suspect was located nearby and taken into custody. The victim was transported by EMS to Riverside Shore Memorial Hospital and later transferred to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital where he was treated and subsequently released.

As a result of this incident, James V. Rankin, 31 years old of Melfa, was arrested and charged with Malicious Wounding and Use of a Firearm in the Commission of a Felony. Rankin is incarcerated in the Accomack County Jail with bond denied.

The Virginia State Police along with officers from the Onancock, Onley and Parksley Police Departments assisted with this incident.

Anyone with information on this or any other incident may contact the Accomack County Sheriffs Office at 757-787-1131 or 757-824-5666. Tips may also be submitted through the sheriffs office website at accomackcountysheriffsoffice.org.

Source:

CYBER-RELATED SCAMS TARGETING UNIVERSITIES, EMPLOYEES, AND STUDENTS

The Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) is aware of multiple scams targeting universities, university employees, and students across the nation. The scams range from Internet fraud to intrusions. The following are common scenarios:

• Spear phishing e-mails are being sent to university employees that appear to be from their employer. The e-mail contains a link and claims some type of issue has risen requiring them to enter their log-in credentials. Once employees provide their user name and password, the perpetrator accesses the university’s computer system to redirect the employees’ payroll allocation to another bank account. The university employees’ payroll allocations are being deposited into students’ accounts. These students were hired through online advertisements for work-at-home jobs, and provided their bank account information to the perpetrators to receive payment for the work they performed.
• 
  
• Scammers are posting online advertisements soliciting college students for administrative positions in which they would receive checks via the mail or e-mail. Students are directed to deposit the checks into their accounts, and then print checks and/or wire money to an individual. Students are never asked to provide their bank account information to the perpetrators.
• 
  
• Perpetrators are compromising students’ credential resulting in the rerouting of their reimbursement money to other bank accounts. The reimbursement money is from student loans and used to pay tuition, books, and living expenses.
• 
  
• Perpetrators are obtaining professors’ Personally Identifiable Information (PII) and using it to file fraudulent income tax returns.
• 
  
• Some universities have been victims of intrusions, resulting in the perpetrators being able to access university databases containing information on their employees and students.

If you have been a victim of one of these scams or any other Internet related scam, we encourage you to file a complaint with the IC3 at http://www.ic3.gov and notify your university police.

- Dinner To Benefit Local Fire Chief With Injuries From Fighting Fire

Spaghetti Dinner Benefit For the Beasley's Family

Local fire departments  coming together to host an all you can eat spaghetti dinner. 

All proceeds will be given to Saxis Volunteer Fire Company Chief Coley Beasley and his family. Chief Beasley received burns while working a marsh and woods fire in the Saxis and Sanford area on April 13th and will be out of work for over a month and has extensive medical bills. 

Anyone wishing to contribute by donations or making a dessert or for more information can contact Tony at 757-990-0502 or Wayne at 757-710-9274.

Coast Guard Rescues Woman in Elizabeth River near Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel

Monday, May 5, 2014

PORTSMOUTH, Virginia — The Coast Guard rescued a 58-year-old woman Monday from the Elizabeth River near the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel.

Virginia State Police dispatchers contacted Coast Guard Sector Hampton Roads Command Center watchstanders at 11:20 p.m. Sunday, reporting a woman in the water.

An MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew from Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City, North Carolina was diverted and a 25-foot Response Boat - Small crew from Coast Guard Station Portsmouth launched to assist.

The helicopter crew spotted the woman at approximately 12:05 a.m., Monday, and guided the small boat to her location. 

At 12:10 a.m. the woman was pulled from the water by the small boat crew and taken to Willoughby boat ramp in Norfolk where she was transferred to an awaiting ambulance crew and taken to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital.

The woman was reported to be hypothermic but in good condition.

Also involved in the search was Norfolk Fire Boat 4.

U. S. Coast Guard

SAVE THE DATE ~ BINGO

Magdrl: the Mid-Atlantic Great Dane Rescue League, Inc Would like to Welcome you out to our 

Magdrl: the Mid-Atlantic Great Dane Rescue League, Inc

  2nd Annual Basket, Bags & Much More BINGO!!!!!

Friday, May 30 6:00pm

Pocomoke Elks in Pocomoke

Pocomoke City, Maryland

Doors Open at 6 pm 

Games start at 7 pm! 

Must be 18 to play BINGO! 

Tickets can be purchased now for $20 and tables can be reserved!!!! 

For more info contact Ashlee Buchanan 4102517922 or email buchanancritters@yahoo.com

 BINGO, 50/50, Raffles

 Chinese Auction

 Silent Auction

Door Prizes

  Bake Sale!!!! 

Elks will provide food and drinks. So come out and join us for a fun filled night with a chance to win great prizes and support a wonderful cause!!!! 

Donations still being accepted!!!!

SHA BEGINS SINGLE-LANE TRAFFIC PATTERN FOR US 13 BRIDGE REHABILITATION PROJECT OVER POCOMOKE RIVER

SHA  Photo

NEWS RELEASE

Bridge Deck Work Over Pocomoke River to Impact Traffic for Two Years

(May 1, 2014) – The State Highway Administration (SHA) is starting construction of a $14.4 million project to replace the bridge decks (driving surface) of the two northbound lanes of US 13 (Ocean Highway) and resurface the two southbound bridge decks crossing the Pocomoke River. The two US 13 bridges carry four lanes of state highway and the route is a major connection between Somerset and Worcester counties.  Preliminary work on the project began underneath the bridges earlier this spring.

 

Construction work will impact motorists beginning Monday, May 5 when SHA will close both southbound lanes of the US 13 Bridge, and switch traffic via a temporary median crossover just north of the Pocomoke River.  Both directions of traffic will use this bridge through November 2014.

 

Immediately after the southbound bridge decks are resurfaced late this fall, SHA will reopen the southbound lanes and switch all northbound traffic to a second temporary single lane crossover in the median just south of the Pocomoke River Bridge.

 

The existing 55 mph speed limit along US 13 approaching the bridge and throughout the work zone area will be reduced to 45 mph when the primary construction phase begins later in the spring. The speed limit reduction will continue until the project is complete.

 

The contractor is permitted to work on the bridge Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., but extended hours into the early evening may be necessary, depending on progress of the project. Motorists should allow for extra time in crossing the bridge in both directions during construction.  In addition to replacing both bridge decks, the contract includes bridge painting, and repairs to steel beams and the concrete surfaces of the bridge piers. All work is expected to be complete by late fall 2015, weather permitting.

 

Motorists should expect to use one lane in each direction each day during the construction project.  The contractor will use cones and barrels together with a flagging operation, as needed, to direct traffic during construction. SHA awarded the contract to Joseph P. Fay Company, of Glen Burnie.

 

“Originally constructed in 1959 and 1966, the bridge decks have outlived their useful service,” said SHA Administrator Melinda B. Peters. “Rehabilitating the bridge decks on this vital roadway on Maryland’s lower eastern shore will save money on future maintenance costs and support safety and mobility as part of SHA’s bridge system preservation program,” she added.

 

This project was made possible with funding from the Transportation Infrastructure Investment Act of 2013, which maintains crucial system preservation investments and allows Maryland to activate long-term strategies to invest in Maryland’s transportation systems. By putting people back to work in the transportation industry with $4.4 billion in new investments in the next six years, Maryland is creating hundreds of millions of dollars in economic activity and providing Marylanders with the transportation infrastructure necessary to grow and prosper for decades to come.

 

While SHA and its transportation partners work hard to maintain safe traffic mobility in work zones, each driver needs to actively modify his or her driving style to help prevent crashes.  Stay alert and look for reduced speed limits, narrow driving lanes and highway workers. Slow down and don’t follow too closely.  Safer Driving. Safer Work Zones. For Everyone!