Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by Carol Vaughn
Federal Funding Approved for Study on Dredge Build Up of Tangier Island - DredgeWire
Posted on January 19, 2023 BY CAROL VAUGHN, Eastern Shore Post The spending bill passed by Congress and signed by President Joe Biden in December includes $300,000 for a study on Tangier that could pave the way for the use of dredging spoils to build up the eroding island.
Five COVID-19 Deaths Reported on Eastern Shore in Past Month
By Carol Vaughn Five deaths associated with COVID-19 were reported on the Eastern Shore in the past month, with four of the five reported last week. In four of the cases, the person who died was more than 80 years old. In addition, 58 people on the Eastern Shore visited the hospital emergency department for COVID-like illness the week ending Aug. 6, and 66 went to the emergency department for COVID-like illness the week before, according to the Virginia Department of Health.
Sen. Lewis Holds Town Hall, Discusses Tax Rebates, Marijuana Legislation, and Fish Spills
By Carol Vaughn — Sen. Lynwood Lewis held a town hall Thursday, July 21, at Eastern Shore Community College to discuss the recent legislative session and to hear from constituents. Additional town hall meetings will be held later in Chincoteague and the Cape Charles area. Lewis said the state budget “is the most important thing we do.” The biennial budget work is done in even years, including this year.
Accomack Board Approves Wattsville Energy Facility
By Carol Vaughn — The Accomack County Board of Supervisors last Wednesday voted unanimously to approve conditional rezoning and a conditional use permit for a battery energy storage facility in Wattsville. The votes came after two public hearings during the meeting — one to seek comment on the proposed adoption of a revenue share ordinance for energy storage facilities and another on the siting plan for the Wattsville facility.
Accomack Adopts EMS Recommendations
By Carol Vaughn — The Accomack County Board of Supervisors Wednesday voted 6-3 to implement four recommendations made by Director of Public Safety Charles R. Pruitt about how to improve fire and rescue services in the county. The board during a budget work session in February asked Pruitt to provide recommendations. The four items “are not all-inclusive but rather the most significant in terms of impact on the existing service level and safety,” according to Pruitt.
Parksley Church Hosts Christmas in July Event
By Carol Vaughn — Members of Grace United Methodist Church, in Parksley, transformed the church into a winter wonderland for the church’s first Christmas in July event, a fundraiser inspired by the donation of a large collection of Christmas decorations. The event, held July 14 to 16, featured vendors selling Christmas items, caroling, children’s craft activities, and — the highlight — a hall filled with decorated Christmas trees and tables.
Nandua Graduate Nominated for Federal Judgeship
By Carol Vaughn — Jamar K. Walker, who graduated in 2004 from Nandua High School, where he was known for his scholarship, was nominated July 13 by President Joe Biden to serve as a judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. Walker was nominated to fill the seat of Judge Raymond Alvin Jackson, who recently retired and under whom Walker served as a clerk from 2011 to 2012. Walker was among six new federal judicial nominees Biden announced last week.
Pony Penning Returns to Chincoteague
By Carol Vaughn — Pony Penning events will be held live next week for the first time in two years, after a hiatus resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. Pony Penning, held the last week in July, draws thousands of visitors to Chincoteague annually. New this year is that during the live pony auction Thursday an online auction will be going on simultaneously. In 2020 and 2021, the pony auction was held only online due to pandemic restrictions on gathering.
Perdue Farms Donates $25K for Foodbank School Backpack Program
By Carol Vaughn — Officials from both organizations were on hand last Tuesday at the Foodbank in Tasley for the presentation of a $25,000 donation made by Perdue Farms to the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore. The money is for the foodbank’s school backpack program. The program serves around 3,600 children across 65 schools, including seven on the Eastern Shore.
The Slammin' Clams Travel to Orlando for Special Olympics USA Games
By Carol Vaughn — The Slammin’ Clams basketball team from Special Olympics Virginia Area 19, which includes Accomack and Northampton counties, was chosen to participate in the Special Olympics USA Games in Orlando, Fla., in June. It was the first time in recent memory that a team from the Shore was chosen to participate in the USA games, according to Sandy Taylor, Special Olympics Virginia Area 19 coordinator.
Accomack Board Discusses Rescue Plan Options, Postpones Decision on Jupiter Power
By Carol Vaughn — The Accomack County Board of Supervisors Wednesday discussed priorities for spending $3.1 million in federal funds coming to the county in the second and final allotment resulting from the American Rescue Plan Act. The board by consensus postponed action on allocating the money until the county receives cost information for one of the projects, a regional 911 communications system. The money must be obligated for specific uses by Dec. 31, 2024.
Pup, Pup, Away: Volunteer Pilot Flies Rescue Animals to Safe Haven
By Carol Vaughn — Two dogs from the Eastern Shore Regional Animal Control Facility in Melfa are on their way to a new life, after a volunteer pilot Saturday flew the dogs from the Melfa airport to an animal rescue organization in New Jersey.
Tyson Foods Offers Ride-Share Service to Employees
By Carol Vaughn — Tyson Foods recently initiated a ride-share program, called Commute with Enterprise, to help its employees have a low-cost way to commute to work. The program began last year and has grown to include 26 Tyson facilities, including the processing plant in Temperanceville, where around 60 employees participate. More than 1,000 Tyson employees in total participate, saving an estimated 4 million commuter miles, according to a press release.
D.A.R.E. Day Is Culmination of Program To Discourage Drug Use
By Carol Vaughn — Fifth grade students from Accomack County Public Schools and Kiptopeke Elementary School in Northampton gathered on the grounds of Nandua High School Tuesday for the annual D.A.R.E. Day celebration. D.A.R.E., which stands for Drug Abuse Resistance Education, is a program that teaches students good decision-making skills to help them lead safe, healthy lives. The program on the Eastern Shore is conducted by the sheriff’s offices of Accomack and Northampton counties.
'One of a Kind': Shore Mourns Charles Baines III
By Carol Vaughn — The Eastern Shore community is mourning the death of Accomack County sheriff’s deputy Corporal Charles Linwood Baines III. Baines, 50, died Saturday at his home in Painter, according to Accomack County Sheriff Todd Wessells. “We are heartbroken at the sudden loss of Corporal Charles Baines, who was an incredible co-worker and made many lasting contributions to the Accomack County Sheriff’s Office. You were always met with a smile and an upbeat attitude.
Acccomac Residents Give Preferences For Use of ARPA Funds
By Carol Vaughn — Accomack County supervisors heard from residents at a town hall meeting held Thursday, May 5, to receive comment about proposed uses of the second installment of federal funds coming to Accomack County as result of the American Rescue Plan Act. The second installment, expected to come to the county as early as this week, is around $3.1 million, similar to the amount received a year ago in the first round.
Accomack Hears From All Sides In Debate Over Expanding Emergency Services
By Carol Vaughn — Accomack’s Board of Supervisors will continue discussing the 2023 budget Monday, Feb. 28, at 5 p.m., in Accomac, after hearing from 15 people at a town hall meeting Wednesday. There will be no public comment at Monday’s session. The town hall was to hear public opinion about proposals to add 36 positions to address public safety, including 31 to provide 24-7 fire and emergency medical services from volunteer fire stations in Melfa, Saxis, Tangier, and Wachapreague.
Pungoteague Post Office Building To Be Sold At Auction
The building that houses the Pungoteague post office will be sold at auction April 9. Photo by Carol Vaughn. By Carol Vaughn — The building that houses the Pungoteague post office will be sold at auction next week. The property, at 30296 Bobtown Road, will be auctioned Saturday, April 9, at 1:11 p.m., with Zeb B. Barfield Inc. conducting the live auction. Register to bid at https://www.zebsauctions.com/auctions/detail/bw76485 The owner listed in Accomack County real estate records is Elsie D.
Library Construction Resumes With New Schedule And Additional Monitoring
The Eastern Shore of Virginia Regional Library and Heritage Center construction site, in Parksley, on Feb. 23. Photo courtesy of Eastern Shore Public Libary. By Carol Vaughn — Construction has resumed on the new Eastern Shore Regional Library in Parksley, after negotiations among Accomack County, the contractor, and the surety company associated with the performance bond for the project.
Accomack Board Sends RV Ordinance Back to Planning Commission
By Carol Vaughn — The Accomack County Board of Supervisors at the Feb. 16 meeting sent a proposed ordinance about using recreational vehicles for habitation back to the Department of Planning for possible changes. The board voted to continue the matter after Supervisor Harrison Phillips asked about the possibility of permitting RVs for temporary habitation on property automatically when a building permit is issued for home construction, without requiring a special use permit, as is the case now.
Accomack Wants to Hear From Public on FY 2023 Budget
By Carol Vaughn — Accomack officials deferred deliberations on the 2023 budget until after they hear from the public at a Feb. 23 town hall meeting. The meeting starts at 6 p.m. at Metompkin Elementary School. The subject is whether the county should hire 31 employees to provide 24/7 fire and emergency medical services at volunteer fire and rescue stations in Melfa, Saxis, Tangier, and Wachapreague.
Rail Trail Foundation Formed
Rails waiting to be sent to a salvage company lie along the railroad bed in Parksley on Thursday, Nov. 18, 2021. Photo by Carol Vaughn.
Many seats will remain empty and fewer performances than usual will be staged of “Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill.” Before Covid, North Street Playhouse would have sold about 700 tickets to a performance such as this. Due in part to Covid protocols, only about 250 tickets will be available. Photo by Jim Ritch.
In Waning Days of His Administration, Northam Dedicates Expanded Wildlife Area
Gov. Ralph Northam and other officials cut a ribbon to ceremonially open an expansion of the Doe Creek Wildlife Management Area near Greenbush on Tuesday, Jan. 11, 2022. Photo by Carol Vaughn. By Carol Vaughn — Gov. Ralph Northam joined dozens of other conservation advocates in an out-of-the-way forest glade near Greenbush Tuesday to dedicate an expansion of the Doe Creek Wildlife Management Area.
Gov. Northam Declares State of Emergency Due to COVID-19 Surge
Gov. Ralph Northam speaks during a press briefing on Monday, Jan. 10, 2022. Screen shot by Carol Vaughn. By Carol Vaughn — Gov. Ralph Northam issued an emergency order Monday intended to help Virginia hospitals address rising numbers of patients being admitted with COVID-19 and to support health care workers.
Accomack’s New Countywide Meal Tax Begins Jan. 1
By Carol Vaughn – Businesses in Accomack County will have to collect a 5% meals tax starting Jan. 1 under a new county law. The Accomack County Board of Supervisors in September approved the tax, which applies to businesses excluding those in incorporated towns that already have a meals tax. The tax will be due the 20th of each month, starting Feb. 20 for the month of January. The tax applies to all food and beverages, including alcoholic beverages, purchased in or from a food establishment.
Palma Gervasi is One of Shore's Newest — And Oldest — Residents - Eastern Shore Post
Palma Gervasi sits in her living room at Community Senior Living in Onancock on Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2021. Photo by Carol Vaughn. By Carol Vaughn — A New York City native is one of the Eastern Shore’s newest residents, at age 101. Palma Gervasi, who will be 102 in August, recently moved to Commonwealth Senior Living at the Eastern Shore, in Onancock.
After Battling COVID-19 and Strokes, Kickboxer Charles Baines Takes His Fight Back To The Ring
Charles Baines kickboxing during the WAKO Senior World Championships in Lido di Jesolo, Italy, on Oct. 19, 2021. Photo courtesy of Charles Baines. By Carol Vaughn — Baines is back. As a champion kickboxer and an Accomack County Sheriff’s deputy, Charles Baines, 49, is used to facing challenges. Baines works at the Accomack County Jail and doing crisis intervention at Riverside Shore Memorial Hospital.
Accomack Supervisors Approve Fire Company Application Form
By Carol Vaughn — The Accomack County Board of Supervisors Wednesday approved an application form for volunteer fire companies to use to apply for COVID-19 relief. The application period is Dec. 16, 2021, through April 15, 2022. The board previously identified volunteer fire and rescue companies as a priority for use of federal funds coming to the county as result of the American Rescue Plan Act.
COVID-19 Breakthrough Cases on the Rise for the Eastern Shore
By Carol Vaughn — The number of COVID-19 cases on the Eastern Shore is currently lower than the state average, according to Jon Richardson, chief operating officer of the Eastern Shore Health District. The overall number of “breakthrough” cases — cases of the virus in people who have been fully vaccinated — remains low on the Shore. Just 1.5% of fully vaccinated people have experienced a breakthrough infection. Still, those numbers have been rising in recent weeks, which is a concern.
Chincoteague's 41st Annual Old-Fashioned Christmas Parade a Big Hit
Santa Claus arrives on a Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Department truck at the end of the 41st Annual Chincoteague Old-Fashioned Christmas Parade on Saturday, Dec. 4. Photo by Carol Vaughn. By Carol Vaughn — The 41st annual Chincoteague Old-Fashioned Christmas Parade on Saturday, Dec.
Accomack Supervisors Approve More Employee Bonuses
By Carol Vaughn — County employees who were not included in a prior decision to give bonuses to first responders will receive one in their Dec. 15 paycheck, after the Accomack County Board of Supervisors approved a resolution to that effect Wednesday. The bonus applies to all full-time and part-time employees of the county and social services employees other than first responders, who already were approved to receive a bonus.
142-Unit Townhouse Project Proposed Near Captains Cove
By Carol Vaughn — CCG Note LLC is proposing to build a 142-unit townhouse development on a 24-acre parcel adjacent to and surrounded by the Captains Cove community near Greenbackville. The company in October applied for a conditional use permit and to rezone the former Hastings/Mariner farm, which fronts on State Line Road, to the Village Development district. “It is outside the Captains Cove development,” said Deputy County Administrator of Planning and Community Development Rich Morrison.
Group of Formerly Incarcerated Men Look Back To Find Their Way Forward
Gerald Boyd, second from right, shows a group the interior of the Samuel D. Outlaw Blacksmith Shop Museum during a tour Tuesday, Sept. 21, 2021. Photo by Carol Vaughn. By Carol Vaughn — A group from Birmingham, Ala., visited the Samuel D. Outlaw Blacksmith Shop Museum in Onancock Tuesday, Sept. 21, as part of a road trip intended to help them retrieve cultural memories and move forward.
Accomack County Improperly Disseminates 300 Email Addresses
By Carol Vaughn — The email addresses of around 300 people or businesses who had applied for a building permit in the past in Accomack County were improperly disseminated after a routine upgrade to the computer application the county uses to handle permitting. The application apparently generated hundreds of emails, incorrectly, to previous permit applicants during the upgrade Wednesday, Sept. 22, according to Accomack County Administrator Mike Mason.
Accomack ARPA Funds To Benefit Broadband, Child Care, Fire Companies, and Library Roof
By Carol Vaughn — Accomack County officials at a Sept. 15 meeting continued discussion of how to use nearly $6.3 million in federal funds coming to the county as result of the American Rescue Plan Act. The Board of Supervisors previously identified three priorities for spending for the first of two installments of federal funding: childcare, volunteer fire and rescue companies, and broadband expansion. The county has received the first installment, around $3.1 million.
TV Host Finds Eastern Shore to His Liking in New Series
Television host Dave Parker, right, films Tangier Mayor Ooker Eskridge for an episode of the new PBS travel program "Virginia Found." Photo courtesy of Dave Parker. By Carol Vaughn — The Eastern Shore is featured in two episodes of a new PBS television travel and culinary series called “Virginia Found.” The first season focuses on the eastern part of the state. The episode about the southern part of the Eastern Shore, featuring Cape Charles and surrounding areas, will air on WHRO Friday, Sept.
Virginia Preparing For COVID-19 Booster Shots
By Carol Vaughn — Virginia health officials are making plans to deliver COVID-19 vaccine booster shots starting in September, after the White House on Aug. 18 announced the recommendation that individuals get a booster eight months after receiving their second dose of either the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine. Federal health officials did not yet make a recommendation about boosters for those who received the Johnson&Johnson vaccine. Dr. Danny Avula, Virginia’s vaccine coordinator, in an Aug.
Accomack Considers Adding 24-Hour EMS Staff at Greenbackville
By Carol Vaughn — The Accomack County Board of Supervisors voted to hold two public hearings to receive comment about adding county positions to make it possible to staff Greenbackville Volunteer Fire Department 24 hours a day and to add positions for backfill staffing, a training coordinator, and human resources. Greenbackville Volunteer Fire Department requested the county provide paid EMS personnel at the department 24 hours a day.
Local Special Olympics Team Headed to the USA Games in Florida Next June
Members of the Slammin’ Clams basketball team and coach Janie Pease, second from right, pose for a photograph after receiving the news the team was selected to participate in the Special Olympics USA games in Florida next June. The announcement was made at the Eastern Shore YMCA in Onley Monday, July 5. Photo by Carol Vaughn.
Officers Recognized With Meritorious Service Award for Jan. 2020 Boater Rescue
From left, Marine Patrol Officer Trevor Wessells, Conservation Police Sgt. Steve Garvis, and Conservation Police officer Anthony Pennino pose after Wessells and Pennino were awarded meritorious service medals by the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries. The awards recognized the men’s heroic actions in helping to rescue three boaters whose boat capsized in dangerous conditions Jan. 19, 2020. Garvis was awarded a meritorious service medal earlier in connection with the same incident.
‘I Knew I Was Having a Stroke’: Charles Baines Describes Stroke Symptoms, Recovery
Charles Baines, a world-class athlete and law enforcement officer, used discipline and faith to recover from a stroke. Riverside Health System photo. By Carol Vaughn — Charles Baines, 49, of Painter, seems like the last person one would expect to suffer a stroke — and yet he did, in January. A stroke can happen to anyone at any time.
Owners of Iconic Pungoteague General Store To Retire in July
A handpainted sign identifies the Village General Store in Pungoteague. Photo by Carol Vaughn. By Carol Vaughn — The owners of the Village General Store in Pungoteague will retire in July, after owning and operating the store nearly 25 years. Billy Huffman, who owns and operates the business with his wife, Evelyn, bought the general store from the previous owner, Gary Parker, in 1996.
Democratic Primary Results: McAuliffe Will Be Party's Candidate in the November Election
By Carol Vaughn — Terry R. McAuliffe won the Democratic primary in Virginia Tuesday to become the party’s candidate for governor in the November election. The former governor handily won his party’s nomination for a second term with over 61% of the vote according to unofficial results Tuesday night, prevailing over Jennifer L. McClellan, Jennifer D. Carroll Foy, Lee J. Carter, and Lt. Gov. Justin E. Fairfax. Governors in Virginia are not allowed to serve consecutive terms.
Former Air Force Pilot Recalls Fulfilling Career on the Wing
Retired Air Force pilot Al Walker, using his hand to represent the state’s shape, explains the location in Michigan where he took his first flight at age 16. Photo by Carol Vaughn. By Carol Vaughn — Al Walker, who recently turned 90, loves airplanes.
Virginia Ends Pandemic Restrictions
By Carol Vaughn — President Joe Biden and Gov. Ralph Northam spoke Friday, May 28, at Sportrock Climbing Center, a rock climbing gym in Alexandria, Virginia, to celebrate the lifting of coronavirus pandemic restrictions in Virginia. “Today we mark a tremendous milestone in our fight against COVID-19. As of 12:01 this morning, for the first time since March 2020, there are no limits on capacity or distancing in Virginia’s restaurants, businesses, offices, or other venues.
At Accomack Hearing, Broadband Tops Public’s Recovery Priorities
By Carol Vaughn — A crowd turned out for a meeting the Accomack County Board of Supervisors held June 2 to receive comment about using federal pandemic recovery funds. The board will continue discussion about how to spend nearly $6.3 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds at its June 16 meeting. The county will get the money in two payments — half was sent in May and half will be sent in 12 months.
Accomack County To Receive $6.3M in Federal Coronavirus Recovery Funds, Officials Seek Public Input On Uses
By Carol Vaughn — Accomack County received its first of two payments resulting from the federal American Rescue Plan Act Wednesday. The county’s share of funding is nearly $6.3 million, with half coming now and the other half in a year. The Accomack County Board of Supervisors will hold a town hall-style meeting Wednesday, June 2, at 6 p.m., at Metompkin Elementary School in Parksley to receive public comment about potential uses for the money.
Local Nonprofits, Health Providers Address Shore’s Poor Showing in Health Rankings
A sign encourages walking in the town of Onancock on Thursday, April 29, 2021. Photo by Carol Vaughn. By Carol Vaughn and David Martin — Last week’s front-page article reported that health outcomes for the Shore’s two counties are among the state’s lowest with life expectancy in Accomack at 76.8 years and in Northampton at 76.4 years, compared to the state’s overall average of 79.5 years.
Firefighters Respond to Multiple Blazes in Accomack County Over Weekend; State Police Investigating Two Fires
Police are investigating this structure fire on Cattail Road near Bloxom on Saturday, May 1. Parksley Vol. Fire Company photo. By Carol Vaughn — Accomack County volunteer firefighters were kept busy over the last weekend responding to several fires. Two structure fires, one Friday, April 30, on Nocks Landing Road in Atlantic and another Saturday, May 1, on Cattail Road near Bloxom, are under investigation by the Virginia State Police, according to police spokesperson Sgt. Michelle Anaya.
Show More
loading
Actions
Is this you?
As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.Get in touch with Carol
Contact Carol, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack