BREAKING NEWS! Another MAJOR WWTP Spill

On Tuesday between 2:00 PM and 3:15 PM there was a major malfunction to the flow control system at the WWTP which caused an overflow at a final effluent manhole. As a result of the malfunction, 10,000 gallons is estimated to have overflowed into an adjacent street within the Plant. Approximately 350 gallons of waste water present in the area of the overflow was pumped to an adjacent treatment tank. Plant personnel promptly responded to minimize the impact of the spill.

The Wicomico County Health Department and Maryland Department of the Environment are being contacted for reporting the overflow.

Health Advisory signs are being posted on the Wicomico River from the City to Upper Ferry. Sampling of the river will begin tomorrow morning.

For additional information call Mayor Tilghman or John Pick at, 410-548-3100.

Do you think they'll come back tomorrow and claim it was far less than announced, like they did the last time?

God's Gift To Delmar Maryland & Delmar Delaware

While this Rainbow could obviously be seen from all sorts of areas here on the Eastern Shore, this is what I captured yesterday from Line Road. One side is on the Delmar Delaware side and the other is Delmar Maryland.

God's Gift To The Eastern Shore

Joe,

This isn't the greatest pic, but this is a rainbow that appeared over our home yesterday, in Tyaskin. I intended to send it to you immediately, but my dog got out, and took off because of the thunder, and just remembered I had taken it. It is very faint, but there are two rainbows in this picture. It was more beautiful in person.

Countrygirl

SPD Press Releases

On June 13, 2008, Officers of the Salisbury Police Department arrested the below listed suspects for an assault that occurred on May 22. On that date, Officers responded to a residence on the six hundred (600) block of Fitzwater Street for the report of an assault with a firearm. Upon arrival, the officers were advised by the victim that during a domestic type altercation, a suspect had responded to his residence and fired several shots into his residence with a handgun. There were no injuries. As a result of the investigation, warrants were obtained for the suspects, and the suspects were arrested on the above date.

ARRESTED #1: Ronald Lee Jones, Jr., 19 years of age Salisbury, Maryland
ARRESTED #2: Calvin Edward Schoolfield, Jr., 21 years of age Salisbury, Maryland

CHARGES:
Second degree assault
Reckless endangerment

DISPOSITION: Both released to Central Booking CC # 200800018049

On June 14, 2008 at approximately 6:40 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police Department conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle operated by the below listed suspect for traffic violations in the area of Naylor and Brown Streets. A passenger in the vehicle was found to be wanted on an outstanding arrest warrant, and a search of the vehicle incident to arrest revealed a smoking device containing suspected cocaine residue.

ARRESTED: Marie Catherine Holt, 27 years of age Bivalve, Maryland

CHARGES:
Possession of cocaine
Possession of CDS/paraphernalia

DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking CC # 200800020899

On June 15, 2008 at approximately 4:15 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police Department met in the Salisbury Police front lobby with two (2) subjects in reference to an assault with a knife. One of the subjects in the lobby had an injury to the upper stomach and was treated by Salisbury Fire Department EMS, then transported to Peninsula Regional Medical Center where he received further treatment and was listed in stable condition. The victim was identified as 55 year old Bobby Lee Johnson of Salisbury. Johnson, and witnesses, advised the officers that during an argument in their residence the victim was stabbed in the stomach with a kitchen knife by his brother, suspect James Earl Johnson. Johnson, who had also responded to the SPD Lobby with his brother, was taken into custody and charged with attempted murder.

ARRESTED: James Earl Johnson, 56 years of age Salisbury, Maryland

CHARGES:
Attempted Murder
First degree assault
Second degree assault
Reckless endangerment

DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking CC # 200800021033

Breaking News

David Scheibach was sentenced to 10 years in Jail for killing Carolyn Huston in Willards back in September of 2007. He got an additional 5 years for leaving the scene of an accident but the Judge made it concurrent with the 10 years, so 10 years is the final Judgment.

Will Wicomico County Privatize Liquor Dispensary System?

Good Afternoon Everyone.

I took the time today to participate in the County Council Work session referencing the Dispensary discussions. Quite frankly, this was one heck of a topic and we watched the County Council truly show they are a fine tuned machine and do in fact know how to get down to doing business in a very professional manor.

Hoe Holloway quite frankly was pretty ticked off at the LCB because they refused to deliver the information the Council requested. We can get revenues but nothing else from them. "They're Stonewalling Us!"

John Cannon stated the situation they have at hand is a two fold problem. Competing with private industry and we're dealing with taxpayers money. Meaning, there's a serious revenue source coming into the County from the LCB, how do we replace that portion of it?

Stevie Prettyman said that she does not believe the County should be in the liquor business, as did the County Executive. As ca matter of fact, the entire Council agreed with exception of Sharee Sample Hughes. Stevie went on to question expenditures from the LCB as well as Joe Holloway.

County Executive Rick Pollitt chimed into the meeting and stated he was holding his own internal investigation with other Counties to see how they are handling their own changes in the past and or the current systems in place. "I don't believe Government should be in the liquor business," said Pollitt.

No one from the LCB showed up for this meeting, which truly surprised me. Nevertheless, the County Council needs to have some kind of decision on where they're going to go with perhaps putting this up for referendum no later than the end of July for a November vote.

Therefore they discussed creating a committee in which they decided would consist of 7 people.
1. Health Department
2. Restaurant Association
3. Package Store (example, Cheers)
4. Board of License Commission
5. Fraternal Civic Organization (example Elks Lodge)
6. Accountant
7. Council Person

The Council voted 6-1 in favor of creating this committee to further search the pros and cons of perhaps abolishing the Dispensary and bringing it to referendum. Stay tuned Folks!

All It Takes Is A Little Concern

A few weeks ago I posted some of my concerns about the conditions and future improvements of city park. The post received some good comments, garnered the response of the City Park Council President who answered questions and provided information, and actually got two areas cleaned up that needed it. I learned a lot from these posts, especially on the shoreline and I am better informed. Now the pictured area has grass coming up; things got done right!

Now this brings me to one of two points of my post. The ball is moving on these areas but when these improved areas are littered with trash and clothing by ignorant lazy people then it gets me into a boil. I walked the park and saw trash, no fault of anyone but those who littered, literally within feet of trashcans or a very short walk. Though more trashcans are needed, people can hold on to their trash for a little bit or not forget about it. I even heard of a report that by one of the park benches, yes there are benches, that someone dumped a bag of trash everywhere. Few days later it still looked like someone dumped trash. Get real people, don't ruin a public park. I'm tired of going fishing and running over and around trash.

The second point is if you feel something needs to be done or have a concern the only way you can get results and answers to your inquiries is to become engaged within the community. That means that you have to pose the questions, attend the meetings, start dialogues with those who are in a specific position, and do your homework. Just a little post and concern got some areas attended to which needed it and had not been dealt with for a while. Think what a whole group of citizenry could do if they did the same thing or more on our problems. Granted you might have to yell a little louder than I did on some issues with some people, but still it is each citizens responsibility to at least be informed and give your opinion in whatever way you can.

Get vocal and active Salisbury

WGMD Reports Deadly Accident In Sussex County This Morning Involving Ambulance

GO HERE for the full story and photo.

The investigation into a deadly crash this morning continues today. Two people died after a Mid-Sussex Rescue Squad Ambulance crashed into a tree just east of the Lewes/Rehoboth Fire Company substation on Route 24 in Angola. State Police say the accident happened just after 2:30 - a patient in the ambulance was killed in the crash and a paramedic, who was ejected from the ambulance, has died from their injuries. The ambulance driver and attendant were both injured and taken to Beebe Medical Center with non-life threatening injuries.

MEN ARE JUST HAPPIER PEOPLE

NICKNAMES

If Laura, Kate and Sarah go out for lunch, they will call each other Laura, Kate and Sarah.
If Mike, Dave and John go out, they will affectionately refer to each other as Fat Boy, Godzilla and Four-eyes.

EATING OUT

When the bill arrives, Mike, Dave and John will each throw in $20, even though it's only for $32.50. None of them will have anything smaller and none will actually admit they want change back.
When the girls get their bill, out come the pocket calculators.

MONEY

A man will pay $2 for a $1 item he needs.
A woman will pay $1 for a $2 item that she doesn't need but it's on sale.

BATHROOMS

A man has six items in his bathroom: toothbrush and toothpaste, shaving cream, razor, a bar of soap, and a towel .
The average number of items in the typical woman's bathroom is 337. A man would not be able to identify more than 20 of these items.

ARGUMENTS

A woman has the last word in any argument.
Anything a man says after that is the beginning of a new argument.

FUTURE

A woman worries about the future until she gets a husband.
A man never worries about the future until he gets a wife.

SUCCESS

A successful man is one who makes more money than his wife can spend.
A successful woman is one who can find such a man.

MARRIAGE

A woman marries a man expecting he will change, but he doesn't.
A man marries a woman expecting that she won't change, but she does.

DRESSING UP

A woman will dress up to go shopping, water the plants, empty the trash, answer the phone, read a book, and get the mail.
A man will dress up for weddings and funerals.

NATURAL

Men wake up as good-looking as they went to bed.
Women somehow deteriorate during the night.

OFFSPRING

Ah, children. A woman knows all about her children. She knows about dentist appointments and romances, best friends, favorite foods, secret fears and hopes and dreams.
A man is vaguely aware of some short people living in the house.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

A married man should forget his mistakes. There's no use in two people remembering the same thing!

A Dog Story

An older, tired looking dog wandered into my yard. I could tell from his collar and well fed belly, that he had a home and was well taken care of. He calmly came over to me and I gave him a few pats on the head, whereupon he followed me into my house, slowly walked down the hall, curled up in a corner and went fast asleep.

An hour later he went to the door and I let him out. The next day he was back, greeted me in my yard, walked inside and resumed his spot in the hall and slept for about an hour.

This continued off and on for several weeks. Curious, I pinned a note to his collar: 'I would like to find out who the owner of this wonderful sweet dog is, and ask if you are aware that almost every afternoon your dog comes to my house to take a nap'.

The next day he arrived for his nap, with a different note attached to his collar: 'He lives in a home with 6 children, two under the age of three - he's just trying to catch up on his sleep.'

Can I come with him tomorrow?

City Council on Salisbury Fire Department

It is not my intention to stir the pot between the paid firefighters and the volunteer firefighters. Most of the time, I listen to the voices in my head, not this time. This is one of those times that things need to be heard. I'll say this once again, It is not my intention to stir the pot between the paid firefighters and the volunteer firefighters. It is my intention to let anyone willing to take the time to listen and hear, who said what, during the recent budget deliberations and then draw your own conclusions.

See and Gordy enter with their very best "approach the council" face on until Gary Comegys skirted around the question of assurance , Chief See quickly reminds him how the code is written, letting him know in no uncertain terms that he'll get what he wants, one way or the other. In the event that Chief Sees chest thumping didn't work, Deputy Chief Bill Gordy suggests how they should spin it . He suggested they make the volunteers an offer they couldn't refuse. Is his name Gordy or Corleone? How in the world can they or anyone else expect their staff to have one iota of respect for either of them when they use tactics such as this to get what THEY want Are these new multi million dollar toys for the firefighters or Big Chief See & Gordo Corleone? Are these requests being made on behalf of the emergency personnel, that serves the citizens of this city? It sounds, to me, these requests are being made for 2 over grown bullies that will do whatever it takes to get what they want, and one council vice president, that has yet to grow up, and the hell with everyone else. They got that $10 million dollar toy box, now they want multi million dollar toys to put in it.

According to Bubba SFD got bigger raises than SPD...LAST YEAR. Because they got bigger raises they shouldn't get additional personnel? Is it their fault that the rubber stamp of the council majority has approved every application for annexation, expanding the limits of the city? Hey Bubba, more streets, more houses, more businesses, more people means ...drum roll please...MORE PUBLIC SAFETY. If, as Bubba says, growth pays for growth, we wouldn't have a problem finding money for additional personnel. Considering public safety in impact fees would be a good start. OH, what am I thinking, this is Salisbury, we don't have impact fees.

You won't believe Shanies solution to the personnel issue. This woman must have been asleep when they told the council the volunteers money CAME FROM THE COUNTY. Do we have to tell you everything, Shanie? Stay awake, pay attention. At least act like you have an interest in the city instead of the chocolates. I don't know what we'll do when Shanie is replaced next year. If nothing else, Shanie has entertainment value.

While the council majority is all gaa gaa over the new trucks (new debt) not one of them is willing to entertain the concept of making cuts to fund public safety personnel for either department. Now that the council majority has decided to sink the taxpayers even deeper in debt with these 4 new fire trucks and a new car for Gordo Corleone (next he'll want a driver) has anyone bothered to ask, HOW ARE YOU GOING TO STAFF THEM? You don't have enough staff as it is to meet minimum safety requirements of 2 in/2 out. If you do have the staff to meet the requirements, I'd like to hear an explanation for the fire at Dogwood & Frederick.

Gary Comegys willingness to do whatever is necessary to fund an additional 4 new fire trucks and a banquet simply baffles me. He'll do whatever it takes to get the volunteers behind him in his upcoming campaign even if it means driving a wedge between the career and volunteers firefighters.

After listening to Gordo Corleone suggest using mob tactics a question came to mind. WHY is Gary Comegys voting on any issue related to fire personnel pensions? Gary, as a former SVFD member, benefits from that pension fund. Is this a conflict of interest? I think it is. Should he recuse himself from voting on any issues related to the SVFD? I absolutely think he should. What is your opinion?

Rest in Peace, Jimmy Brinson.

Politially Correct

Due to the climate of political correctness now pervading America, Kentuckians, Tennesseans and Wes t Virginians will no longer be referred to as "hillbillies." You must now refer to them as "Appalachian-Americans"

And furthermore HOW TO SPEAK ABOUT WOMEN AND BE POLITICALLY CORRECT:
1. She is not a "BABE" or a "CHICK" - She is a " BREASTED AMERICAN."
2. She is not "EASY" - She is "HORIZONTALLY ACCESSIBLE."
3. She has not "BEEN AROUND" - She is a "PREVIOUSLY-ENJOYED COMPANION."
4. She does not "NAG" you - She becomes " VERBALLY REPETITIVE."

HOW TO SPEAK ABOUT MEN AND BE POLITICALLY CORRECT:
1. He does not have a "BEER GUT" - He has developed a "LIQUID GRAIN STORAGE FACILITY."
2. He is not a "BAD DANCER" - He is " OVERLY CAUCASIAN."
3. He does not "GET LOST ALL THE TIME" - He " INVESTIGATES ALTERNATIVE DESTINATIONS."

PAC 14 Wants Big Money, Period!

While Mike Goodman and Jerry Waldren (sp?) presented their package to the City Council last night, they weren't prepared. They said they expected to be doing this in July and this was about a month to early.

Nonetheless, PAC 14 wants to tack on an additional $ .85 cents per Comcast Cable Subscriber to pay for their new $2,000,000.00 to $3,000,000.00 independent buildings that YOU the Cable Subscriber will pay for. Oh wait a minute, the big question would then be, does that relieve the City & County Taxpayers from all that money they currently front to PAC 14? NO WAY! PAC 14 fully expects those same funds to come in anyway.

OK, let's look at the figures a little more accurately then. At $ .85 per household and their being some 25,000 Cable Subscribers in the City and Wicomico County, that's $21,250.00 a month! Translated, that's $255,000.00 a year, NOT including what the County and City front this group.

OK, it gets even better! PAC 14 is proposing a contract for 8 years with the City and County. That would help secure the deal and pay off all their debts in that 8 year period. So the question then asked to PAC 14 was, after the 8 years is up will the fees go away? NO!

The Council, (who decides for you) Shanie, Gary & Louise have agreed to move this forward to a Council Meeting. Your tax dollars hard at work! Alessi is going to see this and immediately try to do the same thing for the Zoo!

Question of the Day, Tue 6/17

No one wants to die. More importantly, no one wants to die a long, sick, unhealthy death. My question today is this:

If you could choose your own "manner of death" what would it be?

Today's Wildlife Photo

Click on image to enlarge.

Will Wicomico Dispensary Move to Referendum?

The answer lies squarely on the shoulders of my representative on the Wicomico County Council. In an earlier discussion of whether to move the question of abolishing the Wicomico County Liquor Control Board to a referendum, Councilwoman Gail Bartkovich (R-3) voted with the Democrat minority of Sheree Sample-Hughes (D-1), Bill McCain (D), and Dave MacLeod (D-4) to keep the question off of the November ballot.

What is Mrs. Bartkovich's rationale for wanting to keep the state in the retail and distribution business?

Today we may learn more as the question again comes before a council work session. The arguments in favor of maintaining a state sponsored business run the gamut from specious to merely being red herrings.

Proponents of this practice of days gone by claim that abolishing dispensaries would "put a liquor store on every corner". Not according to the county's Liquor Licensing Board, which would have to approve EVERY license and location.

Using public funds for a paid political ad, the Wicomico County Liquor Control Board try to persuade citizens that children will be buying liquor if the dispensary system is ended. Children have already been caught buying liquor at the LCB's dispensaries. By ending the current antediluvian system, the Liquor Licensing Board will finally be able to punish offenders. Under the current system the LCB faces no substantial penalties, other than possible public embarrassment, when they sell booze to our children. Trust me, the loss of an expensive licensing fee - plus the lost revenue of losing your license - is a pretty strong incentive for a private business to stay on the straight and narrow.

While traveling up the Bay today, I'll be waiting to see how the council votes. The questions are fairly simple. Who will do the most efficient job distributing and retailing liquor in Wicomico County - a state appointed bureaucracy or private enterprise? Who will do the best job in policing liquor distribution within the county - the Liquor Licensing Board, who has never been tainted by scandal, OR the LCB, who has a proven history of insider dealing, refuses to release public records until threatened with legal action, and who has failed in one of its core missions (refusing to sell to minors) and is not subject to sanction by the Liquor Licensing Board?

cross posted at Delmarva Dealings

Powered by ScribeFire.

A Pet's Ten Commandments

1. My life is likely to last 10-15 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful.

2. Give me time to understand what you want of me.

3. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being.

4. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainments, but I have only you.

5. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me.

6. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it.

7. Before you hit me, before you strike me, remember that I could hurt you, and yet, I choose not to bite you.

8. Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I'm not getting the right food, I have been in the sun too long, or my heart might be getting old or weak.

9. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too, will grow old.

10. On the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there, because I love you so.

Take a moment today to thank God for your pets. Enjoy and take good care of them. Life would be a much duller, less joyful experience without God's critters.

David Scheibach To Be Sentenced This Morning

This morning at 9:00 AM David Scheibach will be sentenced for killing Carolyn Huston in a drunk driving accident on Rt 50. He is from Chesterfield, Va.

They postponed the sentencing so he could spend Father's Day with his Children. I'm sorry but I don't understand that Carolyn's Mother will never have the opportunity to spend Mother's Day with her Daughter again because of his negligence.

The accident happened on 9-24-2007 in Willards, Maryland. The photo above shows Scheibach's vehicle after the accident where he was still driving around in a field where Officers spotted him and originally arrested him for drunk driving. Moments later they realized this was the driver who hit and killed Carolyn Huston.

GO HERE to see our original article on this accident.

Louise Smith - Mike Dunn in Drag

While millions seem to be worried about California permitting same-sex marriage, we should look inward. Barrieland may hold the distinction of having the first drag queen as city council president. While I apologize for not knowing the current politically correct term, there is a strong possibility (nay, probability) that former council president Mike Dunn put on a wig and glasses, and got elected AGAIN.

During Mike's term, no one like to change the council rules more. Now we have Louise (or should I say Mike) back at it. At Monday's Salisbury Council work session, a new resolution to change the council rules was on the agenda. When this matter reaches a legislative sessions citizens will be able to see that these rules have already been amended TEN TIMES!

Are the rule changes necessary? Of course not.

Why the need for ANOTHER change? Louise was given her marching orders that there would be no more introduction of ANONYMOUS letters read into the record. Second, Louise and her cohorts want to limit debate by Councilwomen Debbie Campbell and Terry Cohen to five minutes each.

The citizens of Salisbury are faced with another individual holding the gavel who is so obtuse that they can't read their own rules. If they bothered they would note several things. First of all, the council rules - as presently adopted - only permit the introduction of material or testimony into the record with a vote of the majority of council.

As for limiting debate, there is already one provision in the council's standing order (their "Rules of Order") as well as a variety of tools available to Louise and her dirty little guild through Robert's Rules of Order. Of course this would require a little studying on Louise's part and that ain't gonna happen!

Rules of a parliamentary assembly, like the Salisbury City Council, are supposed to protect several parties: the majority, the minority and those participating through observation. The public needs to be assured that all parties are participating on a level playing field. However, there need be no concern for that in the fascist state of Barrieland.

Do Louise, et al have a right to feel abused by the minority? Yes. My friends Debbie and Terry may never speak to me again, but they do tend to be repetitive. They can be unnecessarily long winded. They also waste far too much time apologizing for, and excessively explaining, their actions.

They should ask their questions, DEMAND answers, and be done with it.

Louise, however, is incapable of running a meeting. Hell, I'd give her lessons if that's what it took. NO ONE at that table has a clue what the rules are, including City Clerk Brenda Colegrove. If they did, there would be NO DEBATE or EXPLANATION of vote on consent items. Ms. Dunn would enforce her own CODE of CONDUCT. Ms. Dunn would then only permit discussion that was truly germane to the legislation at hand. There would be NO points of personal privilege (no such right exists, but a member may ask a "Question of Privilege" - which is different). The list goes on ... and on. In fact, if Ms. Dunn had a clue she would amend the council's standing orders to have one item only - "All meetings of this body will be governed by the current edition of Robert's Rules of Order, Newly Revised. There she would find that the majority, the minority AND the public are all protected. She could easily achieve her stated goals without appearing to be some kind of black shirted throw back to the 1930's.

But Ms. Dunn can't do that. Instead, she is under the false assumption that her gavel gives her near dictatorial powers, bordering on those of the Queen of Barrieland herself. She is wrong. If she did her job, a great deal of these problems would simply disappear into the ether.

Therefore, the public can expect an 11th amendment to the most dysfunctional set of rules ever laid out for any parliamentary assembly; even one as irrelevant as the Salisbury City Council.

cross posted at Delmarva Dealings

Technorati Tags: Maryland, politics, Salisbury, Salisbury politics, Louise Smith, Mike Dunn, Debbie Campbell, Terry Cohen