BREAKING NEWS

Wicomico County States Attorney Davis Ruark will be charged criminally for a loaded handgun while under the influence. Although Mr. Ruark had a permit to carry a weapon, you cannot be drinking and have a loaded weapon in your possession.

Worcester County States Attorney Joel Todd has charged Davis Ruark and the paperwork is at this very moment being processed by the Ocean City Police Department.

I ask, what ever happened to Brotherhood and professional courtesy? Joel Todd is desperate for attention after he totally screwed up the 4 dead baby case last summer and quite frankly this is despicable!

The handgun was buried in a console in the vehicle. There are two consoles and the gun was buried in the second console, underneath the top console. Mr. Ruark also offered the information about the handgun being in the vehicle. It's not as if the OC Police asked or even searched for it.

County Diesel Fuel Pickup Cancelled

While the County dispatched two or three trucks from Taylor Oil to pick up the 6,000 gallons of stolen diesel fuel this past weekend from Ray Lewis Construction, they were turned away after learning the tanks at the County Landfill had been topped off on Friday and the County had no place to put the fuel.

The Sheriff's Department did secure the tanks with locks and measured the amounts in each tank. I'm told once their reserve tanks are available they will collect and transfer the diesel fuel then.

Hebron Public Hearing Set For Feb 28th

The Hebron mega-development of Waller Landing comes before the Hebron Planning Commission for public hearing this THURSDAY 2/28/08 AT 7:00 P.M. at the Lion’s Club, 214 W. Chestnut Street, Hebron.

This project calls for 1,691 residential units plus 450,000 square feet of commercial on 400 acres of rural farmland.

It is proceeding DESPITE not being in compliance with Wicomico County Comprehensive Plan, the County Water and Sewer Master Plan and the draft County Water and
Sewer Master Plan. As the County has not granted a waiver, it is also under the Five Year Rule for no rezoning due to substantially different land uses.

As Hebron advertised this hearing only one time l4 days ago (its Charter allows that) everyone who cares about growth issues is urged to attend and express
your interest and concern.

Slidell, LA. 2005

While a very close friend of mine from Salisbury volunteered with the Red Cross during hurricane Katrina he took some incredible pictures during that time. This is one of them. It was taken in September of 2005.

Visitors From Around The WORLD

#32 qualitynet.net Kuwait 1:11:48 pm 1 0:00
http://sbynews.blogspot.com/2008...-wicomico-county-need-enema.html

#99 wanadoo.fr Paris, Ile-de-France 1:04:47 pm 1 0:00
http://www.sbynews.blogspot.com

I'm excited to see a couple visitors from around the World visiting Salisbury News. Obviously the first is a Soldier from Kuwait and another visitor from France. "We, We, M' Damn" Foot's stuck in the door. That's French. LOL

I Wonder Where The Bathrooms Are?

While my Father In Law served in the United States Marine Corps during W.W.II, one of his tours was in China. Today he is still recognized as a "China Marine" and is blown away as to what you see today verses what he saw in the 1940s.

Our friends in Worcester County, (Ocean City) should take a good hard look at what "could be." Unfortunately, once the Mayor and Town Council sees this they'll be saying, we're nowhere near capacity!

A Photo From Afar

Our friend George Lowe from Houston Texas sends this photo for your enjoyment. This was taken by his Bride in Luxor Egypt at 5:30 Am local time on the Nile. Thanks George!

Andy Harris Delivers His Monday Message Exclusively On Salisbury News

Friends,

Once again, I want to thank everyone who supported me in the Republican Primary. It was a hard race, but thankfully we were victorious. I especially thank all of the local elected officials who stood publicly by my side. People trust their local elected officials and I believe that is why I did so well in Wicomico County.

Every day as I participate in the legislative session in Annapolis, I realize the serious issues facing our state. Illegal Immigration has once again become a hot-button issue. Last week, I once again threatened to filibuster (stand on the floor of the Senate and talk until the bill died) in-state tuition for illegal immigrants because I believe people whose first action when coming to this country is breaking the law, should not be given a tax-payer funded scholarship to college. .

Supporters say those of us who oppose in-state tuition for illegal immigrants are not compassionate. I believe opposing giving illegal immigrants in-state tuition is very compassionate. It shows I care about my law-abiding tax-paying citizens of Maryland. A Marylander should not be turned down at an in-state university because an illegal immigrant took their place.

I also believe giving illegal immigrants in-state tuition is not compassionate for illegal immigrants. When these illegal immigrants receive their degrees, they cannot be legally employed. That means that tax-payers will have subsidized the education of an illegal immigrant who cannot even get a job in the economy. If Maryland gives illegal immigrants in-state tuition they are giving those illegal immigrants a false hope of being able to be employed with that new degree.

I believe in-state tuition for illegal immigrants is wrong and I will do everything in my power to ensure Maryland does not begin giving in-state tuition to illegal immigrants.

God Bless,

Andy

P.S. Saturday March 1st I will be at the Somerset Republican Central Committee Lincoln Day Dinner. I look forward to seeing folks there.

Wicomico County Corruption, Business As Usual?

While Joe Holloway came forward right out of the gate after he was elected, he came through in a BIG way for the County when it came to providing another Contractor who was willing to repair the Civic Center Roof for peanuts. He then introduced a small, yet important item, the infamous pen situation. Stevie Prettyman clearly showed there's a serious problem with the Liquor Dispensary System in Wicomico County and soon after came the exposure with Ron Alessi's possible conflict of interest in his company renovating Liquor Stores.

Wicomico County has been out of control for many years and I believe it's been actions and exposure such as these that actually started the County wide corruption. It's like I said to Rick Pollitt last night, you guys are certainly keeping my Blog busy.

Debbie Campbell and Terry Cohen have been attempting to expose many questionable items within the City and now there's a comment suggesting Mayor Barrie Tilghman allegedly used Public Works Employees to build a deck on the back of her house. It's been right in front of our noses for years, yet how dare these women challenge the Mayor and others, right?

Does Wicomico County Need An Enema?

Former Jury Commissioner Of Wicomico County Circuit Court Convicted

Dec. 7, 2004 Gay E. Hommel, 41, of Salisbury, the former jury commissioner of the Wicomico County Circuit Court, was convicted in that court of stealing more than $143,000 when she filled the court post. Hommel pleaded guilty to theft, and also admitted guilt to two counts of perjury and three counts of filing false state income tax returns between 1999 and 2003, when her scheme was discovered by her supervisor and she was fired.

Corruption in Wicomico County is nothing new. Should checks and balances have been in place long ago? I will be producing more information today about other forms of corruption recently in Wicomico County and it looks to me like the entire county needs an enema.

Where Was Mike Pretl When The WWTP Dumped Sewage Into River Recently?

If any of you have had the opportunity to meet Mike Pretl, he's a decent guy but all in all he is an environmental extremist.

As I encourage everyone their right to freedom of speech, today Mike writes a Letter to the Editor questioning Andy Harris and his environmental representation towards the Eastern Shore.

First of all Mr. Pretl, aren't you from the other side of the Bridge as well? That being said, I respect your concerns for the Eastern Shore and I applaud it. However, just because you're from across the Bridge doesn't mean you will not care or do not care. Washington, Baltimore and Annapolis are all surrounded by bodies of water, all of which they take VERY seriously. They may not have 20 or 30 years ago but just research the taxes over the Bridge and you'll quickly see they do NOT take the environment lightly and this kind of practice can only help those on the Eastern Shore.

I should add, I like Mr. Kratovil. He too is a very decent man. However, HE HAS NO TRACK RECORD, NOTHING! You don't take someone right out of school and turn them into a Police Officer without going through the Police Academy. Sending Frank Kratovil to Congress would certainly be a HUGE mistake, seriously. Like I said, he's a nice guy and all but he has absolutely NO experience.

That being said, Andy Harris has been in the Maryland State Senate for 9 years now. He has a proven record and that's why he won the Republican nomination, even beating out an 18 year incumbent. Everyone knows there's all kinds of FLUFF in bills that come through the Senate and Andy has done the Citizens of the state of Maryland a service like no other.

Right now this has become a race about the Republicans verses the Democrats and quite frankly, that's a shame, IMO. It should be about who's the best man for the job. IF I truly believed that Frank Kratovil was in fact the best man for the job, I swear to you I'd support him. No track record, no support. Sorry Folks, that's just how I feel.

Mike, where were you when the Salisbury WWTP had yet another big spill? I didn't see a Letter to the Editor from you then?

Salisbury Police Keepin It Real

On February 21, 2008 at approximately 2:30 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police Department were on routine patrol in the area of Catherine St. when the officers observed the below listed subject who was known to be wanted on an outstanding warrant. As the subject observed the officer, the subject fled from the area toward the area of Penn St. resulting in a foot chase. During the foot chase, the subject was observed to remove and discard a jacket that he was wearing. The subject continued the foot chase and entered a residence on the three hundred (300) block of Penn St. The officers were able to check the residence and located the suspect under a bed in a rear bedroom. In close proximity to the suspect was a loaded handgun. The jacket, discarded by the suspect, was recovered by officers and found to contain a large quantity of suspected cocaine. A quantity of suspected crack/cocaine was located in the suspect’s pants pocket. The suspect was also served with the outstanding warrant.

ARRESTED #1: Antoinne Leon Stephenson, 18 years of age Salisbury, Maryland

CHARGES:
Wearing and carrying a handgun on person
Possession of cocaine (2 counts)
Possession of cocaine with the intent to distribute (2 counts)
Use of a handgun in the commission of a felony
Use of a handgun in relation to a drug trafficking crime
Wearing and carrying a firearm while engaged in a drug trafficking crime
Possession of a regulated firearm under 21 years of age
Possession of regulated ammunition under 21 years of age

DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking CC # 20080006123

On February 21, 2008 at approximately 11:54 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police Department were on routine patrol in the area of W. Railroad Avenue and Isabella St. when they observed the below listed subject acting in a suspicious manner. The officers made contact with the subject and a consensual search of the subject’s person resulted in the recovery of a quantity of prescription medication. An inspection of the prescription medication bottle revealed that the label on the bottle had been rendered unreadable.

ARRESTED: Samuel David Schoolfield, Jr., 38 years of age Salisbury, Maryland

CHARGES: Unlawful altering of a prescription label

DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking CC # 200800006211

Today's Wildlife Photo

Ever since I put up the post asking others to send in pictures, my mailbox has been filling up with unbelievable photos. So far, no one wants to take credit for their work but that's cool. Thanks for sharing and keep those photos coming Folks.

A Message From County Executive Rick Pollitt

Call it Watch Dog, Whistle Blower, whatever you like. County Executive Rick Pollitt wants to make it VERY CLEAR, IF you know of any wrong doing going on in ANY Department in Wicomico County, he encourages you to come to his Office and speak up immediately.

They want to also express that even though there is a Chain Of Command Policy, you come to his Office and you will NOT be retaliated against. Rick has expressed this since he came into Office and right now more than ever, speak up and make things right.

If your Boss has told you that you'd get in trouble for going over their head, don't believe them. Write him, e-mail him or simply go to see him. "I don't care if I have to meet them in an alley at 6:00 in the morning, I'll do it," said Rick Pollitt. We are making arangements right away to add a section to our Web Site just for whistle blowers.

This man wants to get things straight in Wicomico County and he needs your help. If you ask me, you couldn't ask for a better guy to work for.

POSTPONEMENT - WESTSIDE COLLECTOR ROAD GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY

The groundbreaking ceremony scheduled for Monday at 9:00 A.M. at the beginning of the new Westside Collector Road is postponed.

This was cancelled because of the stir up in the sudden resignation of Rai Sharma Saturday.

CITY OF SALISBURY

CITY COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA
Meeting #4 FEBRUARY 25, 2008 6:00 p.m.
City/County Government Office Building Room 301

6:00 p.m. CONVENE – LORD’S PRAYER – PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

6:04 p.m. ADOPTION OF AGENDA

6:07 p.m. APPROVAL OF FEBRUARY 11, 2008 MINUTES

6:09 p.m. AWARD OF BIDS – Director of Internal Services Pam Oland

6:20 p.m. RESOLUTIONS – City Administrator John Pick
• Resolution No. 1631 - appointment to City Park Committee
• Resolution No. 1632 - adopting FY09-FY13 Capital Improvement Plan
• Resolution No. 1633 - accepting the donation of animal oxygen masks for use by the Salisbury Fire Department
• Resolution No. 1634 - repealing tax deferral plan (Resolution No. 1435) and granting a PILOT for Victoria Park at Sassafras Meadows

7:05 p.m. UPDATE ON COMPREHENSIVE PLAN WORK PROGRAM – Planning & Zoning and Community Development Director Jack Lenox

7:20 p.m. PUBLIC COMMENTS

7:30 p.m. ADJOURN

CLOSED SESSION

Following the conclusion of the regular meeting

As permitted under the Annotated Code of Maryland Sections 10-508(a)(3)(7)