Matt Dellinger
New York
Writer, tamer of digital archives. Native Hoosier and author of www.amazon.com/dp/1416542507/ … Writing a book about Brooklyn in the Civil War.
Articles by Matt Dellinger
Michael Crawford’s Mixed-Up U.S.A.
The cartoonist Michael Crawford had a thing for America—jazz and baseball and mobsters, which made their way into many of his gags for this magazine—but also the map of it, the shapes of it, the names of it. The man loved a good panhandle or peninsula. During the last decade of his life (he died last summer, at the age of seventy), he would often grab a paintbrush or Sharpie and fiddle with the familiar national form, make a fresh mess of the mainland, or carve characters out of county lines.
Wild Wedding Hashtags
Olivia de Recat cartoons would-be hashtags for wildlife nuptials.
Talkin’ Fifty Years of Bob Dylan’s “Blonde on Blonde”
In 2016, on the fiftieth anniversary of Bob Dylan’s “Blonde on Blonde,” the Country Music Hall of Fame, in Nashville, Tennessee, hosted a birthday celebration. The Hall asked Old Crow Medicine Show, a band whose most popular single “Wagon Wheel” was co-written with Dylan, to play the entirety of “Blonde on Blonde” that night.
Chicago's Big Bet on the Bus
CHICAGO—Just ten years ago, living in Chicago without an automobile was considered eccentric behavior. In 2002, a food writer friend moved there from New York and attempted bravely to get by using public transportation, taxis, and her own feet.
Eastern Panhandle 'Friends Fur Life' to hold soup fundraiser - Dothan Eagle: State
Friends Fur Life Rescue is a local organization that has operated in the Eastern Panhandle area for several years. Gabriela Martin, a volunteer, said people have enjoyed the soups and sandwiches the group has made for previous events and decided to hold a new event. "This is our first official fundraiser of the year," said Gabriela Martin, volunteer with Friends Fur Life.
Eastern Panhandle 'Friends Fur Life' to hold soup fundraiser - Clay Center Dispatch On-Line: State
Friends Fur Life Rescue is a local organization that has operated in the Eastern Panhandle area for several years. Gabriela Martin, a volunteer, said people have enjoyed the soups and sandwiches the group has made for previous events and decided to hold a new event. "This is our first official fundraiser of the year," said Gabriela Martin, volunteer with Friends Fur Life.
Eastern Panhandle ‘Friends Fur Life’ to hold soup fundraiser
MARTINSBURG, W.Va. (AP) – A non-profit group dedicated to saving at-risk animals will be holding an annual homemade soup and sandwich sale to benefit recovery efforts. The group is currently taking pre-orders. Friends Fur Life Rescue is an organization that has operated in the Eastern Panhandle area for several years. Gabriela Martin, a volunteer, said people have enjoyed the soups and sandwiches the group has made for previous events and decided to hold a new event.
Eastern Panhandle 'Friends Fur Life' to hold soup fundraiser
MARTINSBURG, W.Va. (AP) — A non-profit group dedicated to saving at-risk animals will be holding an annual homemade soup and sandwich sale to benefit recovery efforts.The group is currently taking pre-orders.Friends Fur Life Rescue is a local organization that has operated in the Eastern Panhandle area for several years.
Eastern Panhandle 'Friends Fur Life' to hold soup fundraiser
MARTINSBURG, W.Va. (AP) — A non-profit group dedicated to saving at-risk animals will be holding an annual homemade soup and sandwich sale to benefit recovery efforts.The group is currently taking pre-orders.Friends Fur Life Rescue is a local organization that has operated in the Eastern Panhandle area for several years. Gabriela Martin, a volunteer, said people have enjoyed the soups and sandwiches the group has made for previous events and decided to hold a new event.
Eastern Panhandle 'Friends Fur Life' to hold soup fundraiser - Roanoke Times: Wire
Friends Fur Life Rescue is a local organization that has operated in the Eastern Panhandle area for several years. Gabriela Martin, a volunteer, said people have enjoyed the soups and sandwiches the group has made for previous events and decided to hold a new event. "This is our first official fundraiser of the year," said Gabriela Martin, volunteer with Friends Fur Life.
Eastern Panhandle 'Friends Fur Life' to hold soup fundraiser - Richmond Times-Dispatch: Ap
Friends Fur Life Rescue is a local organization that has operated in the Eastern Panhandle area for several years. Gabriela Martin, a volunteer, said people have enjoyed the soups and sandwiches the group has made for previous events and decided to hold a new event. "This is our first official fundraiser of the year," said Gabriela Martin, volunteer with Friends Fur Life.
Hearing held for sheriff candidate Orem
MARTINSBURG - John Orem appeared in Berkeley County Magistrate Court Wednesday for a pre-trial scheduled ahead of his October jury trial for misdemeanor possession of a controlled substance. Orem was charged after he was found unresponsive at his Inwood home on August 2. First responders administered Narcan to Orem, and he regained consciousness shortly after, according to court records. Paramedics had previously responded to the home the night before.
Police, schools partner for new anti-drug initiative
MARTINSBURG - The Martinsburg City Police Department and Berkeley County Schools announced a new partnership to combat the growing heroin epidemic on Monday at Winchester Avenue Elementary School. "The Martinsburg Initiative is an innovative partnership that has developed a model solution to the problem of opiate addiction and abuse," the group said in their press release.
Probable cause found in Bell case
CHARLES TOWN - Probable cause was found for two of the three felony charges levied against former Jefferson County Commissioner Eric Keith Bell during a Thursday hearing. Bell, 37, of Charles Town Road in Charles Town, appeared in Jefferson County Magistrate Court on Thursday for a preliminary hearing to determine if there was probable cause to send the charges to a grand jury.
Community holds National Falls Prevention Awareness event
CHARLES TOWN - Probable cause was found for two of the three felony charges levied against former Jefferson County Commissioner Eric Keith Bell during a Thursday hearing. Bell, 37, of Charles Town Road in Charles Town, appeared in Jefferson County Magistrate Court on Thursday for a preliminary hearing to determine if there was probable cause to send the charges to a grand jury.
7 indicted in multimillion-dollar charity bingo scam
MARTINSBURG - A federal grand jury has charged seven Eastern Panhandle residents with operating a fraudulent charity and pocketing millions in illegal revenue, it was announced on Wednesday. Brent Jackson, 45; Steve Crites, 45; James M. Cites, 72; Betty Crites, 68; Kristy Vanduzer, 43; Larry Webster, 68; and James R. "Jay" Crites, 37, all of Martinsburg, were named in each count of a 53-count indictment returned Tuesday and unsealed Wednesday, according to court documents.
Job seekers visit Martinsburg mall for employment fair
MARTINSBURG - Hundreds of local jobseekers came out to explore options and talk to employers at Foxcroft Towne Center on Monday. The job fair was promoted by Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., and had over 100 different companies and agencies spread out to answer questions from potential employees. "It's the perfect place and people want to work or for people who have a job and aren't satisfied," Manchin said. "We can help you. We also have resume help here to assist job seekers.
Top prosecutor speaks to kids about the dangers of opiates
MARTINSBURG - The United States Attorney for the Northern District of West Virginia visited two local schools Monday to show a presentation on the dangers of drug use. William J. Ihlenfeld II spoke to students at Orchard View Intermediate School and Eagle School Intermediate as part of the nation's Opioid Awareness Week, a White House-endorsed program aimed at preventing youth from experimenting with addictive drugs.
Boyfriend facing felony charges in Green Frog hit-and-run death
MARTINSBURG - Felony charges have been levied against the boyfriend of the woman accused of killing a man in a hit-and-run outside of the Green Frog Bar and Grill in Inwood on Aug. 13. Brandon Ray Hyler, 25, of Koncer Drive in Martinsburg, is facing felony charges after he allegedly attempted to cover up the incident. Hyler and Morgan Katherine Kerr, 22, also of Koncer Drive, were driving back from a wedding reception in Charles Town when the incident occured.
Woman charged in hit-and-run death
MARTINSBURG - A Martinsburg woman has been charged in the Aug. 13 hit-and-run death outside of the Green Frog in Inwood. Morgan Katherine Kerr, 22, of Koncer Drive in Martinsburg, was arraigned recently on felony charges including hit and run resulting in death. According to court documents, Kerr was driving her boyfriend's car back from a wedding reception at the Moose Club, in Charles Town, when she struck Matthew Stuart Self, killing him, in front of the Green Frog Bar and Grill.
Family horrified by dog’s death
FALLING WATERS - A Berkeley County family is searching for answers after their family dog was found hanging by its neck near their driveway. Danielle Teran's son discovered their beloved husky, Ryu, mutilated and hanging by its neck on their property early Friday and are offering a reward for information about the incident. "Ryu was hung up by his neck with his insides hanging out," Teran said.
Church holds remembrance service
CHARLES TOWN - Asbury United Methodist Church held an annual 9/11 service to remember and reflect in Charles Town on Sunday. September 11, 2001 was a day no one will ever forget, and Asbury UMC has held a service every year to show solidarity with those who sacrificed everything that fateful day 15 years ago. "On our 15th anniversary, we wanted to make sure we remember all those who lost their lives," said Bill Ball, associate pastor at Asbury UMC.
Local veterans reflect on 9/11 anniversary
MARTINSBURG - America lost a lot on Sept. 11, 2001, but for some local veterans, the loss hits closer to home. "That was a bad day," said Frank Barna, a Vietnam Marine Corps veteran. "I was supposed to go on a trip with my buddy who worked in one of the towers on the fourth floor, but we never got to go. I'm afraid it will happen again." Barna's initial feelings were indicative of the national response immediately following the news of the attacks. "I wanted revenge. A lot of us did," Barna said.
Mall employees reflect on announcement of closure
MARTINSBURG An announcement Wednesday that the former Martinsburg Mall would be closing its doors Nov. 1 appears to have taken some store employees by surprise. "They never said anything to me. We got a letter in the mail on Friday," said one employee who asked not to be named. "I guess the lease agreement only gave us 30 days. We don't know what's going on." That news seems to be a common theme among mall employees. "They just gave us a letter," said Thomas Adams of Good Looks barbershop.
Police: Martinsburg safer in 2016
MARTINSBURG - Major crime has decreased in Martinsburg compared to this time last year, according to a police press release. "In 2016, MPD has been on a mission to knock down crime and improve safety in every neighborhood, and now we're really seeing our efforts pay off," said Chief Maury Richards in the press release. "The drop in crime is major.
Fire ravages Capital Heights home Sunday
MARTINSBURG - Although a fire engulfed a Capital Heights townhouse Sunday evening, no one was injured in the blaze. Local fire crews were dispatched shortly before 3:30 p.m. Sunday to reports of a working fire on Capital Drive in the Capital Heights housing area. "We got the call around 3:15 for a structure fire," said Baker Heights Chief Marty Roberts. "We arrived, and the fire was working up the backside of the structure." Crews worked fast to put out the flames.
Local man trains dog for search and rescue
MARTINSBURG - A Charles Town man has been training tracking dogs for three years with the hope of helping emergency services locate missing persons. Bill Hewitt said it all started when his son went missing for four days. "I got into it when my 15-year-old son ran away," Hewitt said. "I had hassles with finding him, so I went out and bought a bloodhound." Although his son returned safely, Hewitt said he wants to be proactive rather than reactive.
Derby wins crowd at fair
CHARLES TOWN Thousands came out to the Jefferson County Fair on Wednesday for a smashing good time. The demolition derby had fans packed into the arena while a concert performance by country music star Daryle Singletary filled the area with music. "We've never been to the fair before," said Laurie Monsma. "I just started teaching at Jefferson Academy and came to support some students.
School settles whistleblower lawsuit
MARTINSBURG - A civil lawsuit filed against the Berkeley County Board of Education and Superintendent Manny Arvon by a former employee has been settled by the parties, according to the board's attorney. "It was settled for $40,000," said Laura Sutton, Assistant Superintendent and the district's general counsel for Berkeley County Board of Education.
WISH grants awarded at Shepherd
SHEPHERDSTOWN - Over $80,000 was awarded to local charitable and academic groups by the Women Investing in Shepherd on Sunday. Formed in 2014, WISH is a women's giving circle sponsored by the Shepherd University Foundation. Through membership fundraising, the organization awarded $20,625 to four chosen groups in a ceremony conducted on campus at Erma Ora Byrd Hall. The ceremony began with a short speech by Shepherd University president and WISH member Dr. Mary Hendrix.
‘Good Samaritan’ 911 law could help save lives
MARTINSBURG - Elizabeth was driving to Food Lion recently and saw a car with two men stopped along the road. One man was laying on the edge of the roadway while the other attempted to drag him back in the vehicle. "I stopped and asked if they were alright," Elizabeth Sullivan said. "They said they were car sick. I said, 'You're not carsick, you're ODing!'" West Virginia has the highest overdose death rate in the country.
Man arrested after Foxcroft stabbing
MARTINSBURG - Martinsburg City Police arrested a man suspected in a brutal stabbing behind Finn Thai Restaurant and Bar and Las Trancas on Tuesday. Police say Jose Orlando Hernandez, 23, of Georgetown Square in Martinsburg, is facing a felony charge of malicious wounding for the violent attack on a Las Trancas co-worker. Authorities were contacted at approximately 3:57 pm for a report of a stabbing in the area of Foxcroft Avenue.
Third murder suspect sent to grand jury
CHARLES TOWN - In a Jefferson County Magistrate Court hearing, probable cause was found for the third suspect in the July 19 murder of Ryan Mumaw in the Tuscawilla Hills subdivision. Malakye Emerson Boyd, 18, of New Oak Tree Court in Charles Town, sat before Magistrate William Senseney to determine if there was probable cause to send him to a grand jury as the prosecution and defense pled their initial arguments.
While owners away, Spring Mills home destroyed by fire
SPRING MILLS - A fire destroyed a home in a Spring Mills development Monday while the family was on vacation. David Brining, Bedington Fire Department chief, said the house at the corner of Orchid Lane and Jamestown Drive was fully involved when crews arrived. "The fire was contained to the second floor and attic with the cause still under investigation," Brining said. "No occupants were in the house." The fire was quick-moving and burned most of the house, according to neighbors.
Rescue pilot recalls career with Coast Guard, police
MARTINSBURG - Local veteran David Cooper is a retired Coast Guard and Maryland State Police rescue pilot now focusing on saving the environment. Cooper, who was born in Cumberland, Maryland, and raised in Keyser, is a second-generation military man. "My father was a Marine at Guadalcanal and my mother was an Army nurse," Cooper said.
Police warn of sexual predator dangers
MARTINSBURG - In the interconnected world of today, communicating with one another has never been easier. The internet has spurred progress and development the world over. The internet is also home to a small, but dark underbelly of individuals who prey on the naivety and good nature of children. "There's really no way to prevent all encounters with possible predators on the internet," said Sergeant W.R. Garrett with the West Virginia State Police, Crimes Against Children Unit.
Human trafficking problem brought to forefront for city
MARTINSBURG - Recently unsealed court documents detail the alleged exploitation of a former Martinsburg dancer and highlights how human trafficking is a real concern, even in the Eastern Panhandle. It's estimated that there are more than 20 million humans victimized by forced labor and sex trafficking worldwide, according to Polaris, a Washington, D.C., nonprofit dedicated to eradicating human trafficking.
Morrisey hosts open house in Martinsburg
MARTINSBURG - West Viginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey hosted an open house event at his Martinsburg office Thursday afternoon. The heroin epidemic dominated conversation but other topics included consumer protection, the recent Frontier high-speed Internet lawsuit and obstacles facing small businesses. The first question fielded was related to the drug problem and how the attorney general's office was helping the fight.
Wrongful death lawsuit against city police quashed
MARTINSBURG - A Circuit Court Judge ruled for summary judgement in favor of the Martinsburg City Police Department on Monday. Judge Michael D. Lorenson found the plaintiff's claim against the city was barred by the Government Tort Claims and Insurance Reform Act. Plaintiff's on behalf of the McLaughlin estate filed suit against the City of Martinsburg for negligence in their alleged role in the death of Peter James McLaughlin in 2013.
Tractor pulls in crowd on Sunday
MARTINSBURG - The tractors pulled in hundreds to the stands at the Berkeley County Youth Fair on Sunday night. The event saw 23 tractors lined up to test their strength as the fair continued on Sunday evening. Chuck Ware, of Shepherdstown, started the evening off in his John Deere and pulled the weighted trailer a respectable 252.5 feet. The second attempt was made by Kevin Cooper in his red Massey Furgeson 4-cylinder, roaring down to 171.13 feet.
Hundreds enjoy police held National Night Out at park
MARTINSBURG - Hundreds came out to see the Martinsburg Police Department's first National Night Out at War Memorial Park on Wednesday. The community outreach event brought together local police officers and citizens for a night of food, music, free mini-golf and good times. But most importantly, the event hoped to bring together groups for a positive and healthy dialogue, despite recent national events.
Local man hikes for ‘adopted’ cause
MARTINSBURG - A Hedgesville resident is nearing completion of a 2,100-mile hike of the Appalachian Trail to raise awareness of adoption. Terry "Homeward" Smathers recently retired and decided to hike the Appalachian Trail. So far he has hiked more than 1,800 miles and raised thousands to bring attention to adoption efforts. "This is a spiritual thing for me. I've recently become more personally aware of how difficult it is for orphans in the world," Smathers said.
Some golf windows get hole-in-one
MARTINSBURG - A recent dispute on the Locust Hill golf course has raised concerns whether golfers are responsible for damage caused by their errant golf shots and how often it happens. An affordable public course ranked No. 5 in West Virginia by Golfweek magazine, according to the Locust Hill website, it is a popular course and attracts a high volume of golfers.
Governor’s grant awarded to child advocacy program
CHARLESTON - Governor Earl Ray Tomblin announced a $1.6 million grant to child advocacy centers around the state Thursday, with $96,000 going to the Eastern Panhandle. Safe Haven Child Advocacy Center will be awarded the grant money to strengthen child-focused programs that encourage a multi-disciplinary team approach to the investigation and treatment of child abuse. The program aims to bring greater coordination and community response efforts in Jefferson, Berkeley and Morgan counties.
Local vet recognized for service
MARTINSBURG - A Martinsburg Vietnam veteran was recently recognized for his combat service, but remains committed to the battles that veterans continue to face. Ron Rice was recognized recently at a ceremony at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, with his unit - the 173rd - for his combat service in Vietnam. "I really felt honored," Rice said. "I just did what my country asked me to do." Rice was involved with special operations and long-range reconnaissance.
Martinsburg police officers remain vigilant in light of recent events
MARTINSBURG - Martinsburg Police Department has released a statement about the police shootings in Baton Rouge saying, "For the second time this month, officers have been the victim of unthinkable violence." "We will continue to do jobs on every shift with excellence," the statement on the MPD website reads. On Sunday, three law enforcement officers in Baton Rouge, Lousiana, were slain when a gunman opened fire outside of a convenience store frequented by local officers.
Shepherdstown welcomes new ambulances into service
SHEPHERDSTOWN - Shepherdstown Fire Department and members of the public officially welcomed two new state-of-the-art ambulances into service Sunday. Current EMS and fire personnel as well as volunteers and members of the public came out to a dedication ceremony for the new response vehicles that officially rolled into service. "I just want to give a collective thank you to all that helped out," said Marshall DeMeritt, EMS chief for the Sheperdstown Fire Department.
Feed The Community event draws hundreds of residents
MARTINSBURG - The second annual Feed the Community event, hosted by T and T Detailing & Sales, located on North Queen Street, offered up food, music and good times to Martinsburg residents on Sunday. "With everything going on, we wanted to show love," said Curtis Taylor, co-owner of T and T Detailing. "We have the community coming together to give back." T and T Detailing is owned by Taylor and his wife Twanda who have been putting on community events for years.
Teen spends year in prison for false rape accusation
CHARLES TOWN - A Jefferson County teen has been released from prison after a jury returned a verdict of not guilty on Wednesday for two felony counts of second-degree sexual assault. Jordan Berry, 18, was released after serving more than a year in prison for a crime he did not commit. After an hour and a half of deliberation, the seven male and five female jurors returned a not guilty verdict on all counts against Berry. "Justice has been served," said Brenda Williams, Berry's mother.
Senior Expo draws a crowd
MARTINSBURG - Area seniors and residents planning for the future had questions answered at the Martinsburg Senior Expo at the Holiday Inn on Sunday. Many representatives from local businesses gathered to promote services and answer questions pertinent to our area's aging population. "We were very impressed with the show last year," said Karen Mcclay with Menno Haven Retirement Communities.
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 Matt
Contact Matt, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack