SMKC Dog Show Update

While Cassandra, (Cassie) Williams was surrounded by WBOC & WMDT for interviews after their big win, tons of people were sitting and standing ring side watching the different matches being held this afternoon. Thanks for coming out and enjoying the Show. This Show only comes around once a year so don't miss out on it tomorrow as well. Who's #1 Cassie!

Local Salisbury Handler Wins Specialty Class

Local Handler Cassandra Williams, (also handles our Yorkies) won Best of Breed in the Specialty Bloodhound Sweep Stakes Class. This is a major win for these kind of Shows and she now has a chance of winning Best of Show.

Cassandra Williams also works at Cathy's Pet Salon who will soon be relocating into their new building they purchased on Mt. Hermon Road by the beginning of the year. Congratulations Cassie!

Don't miss this Show Folks. It's a great place to spend the day, especially on a day like today. They'll also be open tomorrow.

HISTORICAL MOMENTS BY GEORGE CHEVALLIER

A Short History of Salisbury, Maryland

It was in a colonial atmosphere that Salisbury Town was “erected” by act of the Provincial Assembly on August 8, 1732 – some 276 years ago. The site of the present Main St. bridge was where the shipping business of Col. Isaac Handy was established in 1665. For the following six decades, it was known as Handy’s Landing. When the Provincial Assembly decided to erect a town on this site, it was named Salisbury after Salisbury, Wiltshire, England. Many of the large land owners of the section at that time had emigrated from the vicinity of the ancient English city, some for religious reasons that they might have absolute freedom of worship, others to enlarge their fortunes in this new land.

At the time of its founding, Salisbury was a part of Somerset County and remained that way until 1867, when parts of Worcester and Somerset counties were set aside to form the new county of Wicomico. Prior to the formation of the new Wicomico County, residents had to go to either Snow Hill in Worcester County or Princess Anne in Somerset County to conduct official business. By 1867, there was enough business conducted in Salisbury to apply to the legislature for the formation of a new county. This also gave the Eastern Shore another vote in the legislature in Annapolis.

Salisbury was the center for a large farming community and the town grew along with it. The first major blow to the growth of Salisbury came in 1860, when a fire that started in the Daniel Davis building, located on the northwest corner of Main (then known as Bridge St.) and St. Peter’s streets, spread throughout what was then the “downtown” area and left Salisbury in smoldering ruins.

Slowly they rebuilt, until the area was bustling with business activity again. The railroad had started to come down through Delaware, but the Civil War interrupted the progress through Salisbury. After the war, the railroad was extended to Salisbury and that greatly enhanced the ability to move goods both to and from Salisbury. They were expanding at a rapid pace until the second major fire in 1886 destroyed 22 acres in the heart of Salisbury. After this fire, an ordinance was passed that all subsequent buildings be of either brick or stone to prevent another disaster like the fires of 1860 and 1886. The streets were also made wider to prevent fire from spreading as it had previously.

The form of government changed in 1888 from a three commissioner form of rule to a mayor and council elected by the citizens.

For the next 20 years, Salisbury experienced tremendous growth. In keeping up with the rest of the country, Salisbury acquired electricity and telephone service. The harbor was dredged to a navigable depth by 1906. Automobiles started to appear on city streets. In 1909, the dam holding back Humphreys Lake broke, exposing the land east of Division St. At one time Humphreys Lake extended from Division St. on the west to about Davis St. on the east end. The southern shore extended from where the Daily Times building is now to along S. Park Dr. The northern shore ran approximately along what is now Rt. 50- a rather large body of water to be sure. When it emptied, a group of businessmen bought the land from the Humphreys family and formed the Salisbury Realty Co. Many of today’s structures east of Division St. are built on land that was once under water.

On the southern side of Humphreys Lake, a new high school was built in 1905. Prior to this, the previous school was named Salisbury High School and was available only to residents of Salisbury. When the new school opened, it was named Wicomico High School, to reflect the fact that they served all of Wicomico County. Another new High School was opened in 1932. This is now Wicomico Middle School. The present Wicomico High School was opened in 1954. Since that time both James M. Bennett (named after a former superintendent of Wicomico County schools) and Parkside High Schools have been built.

Two other occurrences contributed to Salisbury’s growth. Route 13 was built through the city in the late 1930’s and Route 50 was built in the early 1960’s. Both of these improvements made traveling in either direction much more desirable and added to the traffic flow both to and from Salisbury. Both of these routes have been superceded by the new by-passes that have recently been completed. While this relieves the traffic flow through downtown, fewer people see Salisbury’s business district.

P.S. While I appreciate the favorable comments, some are in the form of a question. For the answers, please call me at (410) 749-1021 and I will try to answer them.

Upgrade Your Septic System For Free And Protect The Environment!

The Wicomico County Health Department has emerged as a most active participant in the Chesapeake Bay Restoration Fund by tapping into state "flush tax" funds to finance upgrade of onsite (residential) septic systems, without direct cost to our homeowners.

County residents—especially those of us who reside in the Critical Areas along our many waterways—can avail ourselves of these public funds to add new technology to our existing septic systems, designed to reduce substantially the annual discharge of 7.5 million pounds of harmful nitrogen into our groundwater, flowing into tributaries of the Bay.

This is good for you, and good for the environment we all enjoy. To determine if you qualify, contact Dennis DiCintio, County Director of Environmental Health, at 410-546-4446, or at ddicinti@dhmh.state.md.us.

Program information and application forms may be accessed online at www.mde.state.md.us/Water/CBWRF/index.asp.

Salisbury Police Department Press Releases

On November 4, 2008 at approximately 1:15 am, Officers of the Salisbury Police Department received a call to respond to the area of Emory Court for the report of a shooting. Upon arrival, the officers located one (1) male victim who had suffered a gunshot to the side. The victim has been identified as 24 year old Phillip Thomas of Salisbury. Thomas remains in stable condition at the Peninsula Regional Medical Center. Witnesses advised that the victim and suspect had been involved in an argument which led to the single suspect producing a handgun and firing the weapon at the victim, striking the victim. Prior to the shooting, the suspect had been located in a blue SUV type vehicle.

On the same date as above, officers were able to locate and stop the suspect SUV. Detectives from the Salisbury Police interviewed a number of witnesses and collected forensic evidence at the scene of the shooting. As a result of the investigation, the below suspects have been charged for this assault. Suspect # 1 was identified as the suspect who fired the handgun at the victim. This investigation is continuing.

ARREST #1: Andre Dion Fortt, 19 years of age Salisbury, Maryland

CHARGES:
Attempted first degree murder
First degree assault
Second degree assault
Reckless endangerment
Handgun possession in a vehicle
Handgun possession on a person
Handgun use in a felony/violent crime
Conspiracy to commit murder
6 Related conspiracy charges

ARREST #2: Kana Lamar Miles, 22 years of age Salisbury, Maryland

CHARGES:
Attempted first degree murder
First degree assault
Second degree assault
Reckless endangerment
Handgun possession in a vehicle
Handgun possession on a person
Use of a handgun in commission of a felony
Conspiracy to commit murder
6 Related conspiracy charges

DISPOSITION: Both released to Central Booking
CC # 200800040839

On November 4, 2008 at approximately 4:44 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police Department received a call to respond to the Food Lion Store on Nanticoke Road for the report of a shoplifter. Upon arrival, the officers met with store employees who advised that the below listed suspect had been observed by employees taking food from the store without attempting to make payment. The food items were recovered and returned to the store.

ARRESTED: Bobby Ronald Goodwine, 41 years of age Salisbury, Maryland

CHARGES: Theft (under $ 100)

DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking
CC # 200800040903

On November 5, 2008 at approximately 11:41 am, Officers of the Salisbury Police Department placed the below listed suspect under arrest as the result of a warrant received from an incident that was reported in April of this year. At that time, it was reported to the Salisbury Police that a suspect had stolen U.S. Currency from a victim in a residence at Cynthia Place and a victim in a residence on Virginia Avenue. The investigation identified the below listed suspect as responsible for the thefts.

ARREST: Brett Anthony Hickey, 21 years of age Elkton, Maryland

CHARGES: Theft (under $ 500)

DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking
CC # 200800040978

On November 5, 2008 at approximately 8:55 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police Department received a call to respond to the Hallmark Store on South Salisbury Boulevard for the report of an intoxicated and disorderly subject. Upon arrival, the officers observed the below listed suspect in front of the store. As the offices approached the suspect, the suspect began using profanity and yelled at customers of the store. The suspect was also in possession of an open container of alcohol.

ARRESTED: Keith Edward Olshefski, 43 years of age Salisbury, Maryland

CHARGES:
Disorderly conduct
Open container of alcohol
Consumption of alcohol in a retail location
Consumption of alcohol in a public place

DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking
CC # 200800041036

On November 5, 2008 at approximately 9:14 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police placed the below listed suspect under arrest on a warrant received for an assault that occurred on November 4 of this year. On that date, it was reported to the Salisbury Police that the below listed suspect had assaulted a female victim.

ARREST: Elwood John Towers, 71 years of age Salisbury, Maryland

CHARGES: Second degree assault

DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking
CC # 200800040895

HELICOPTER FOR SBY NEWS

"Joe:

I think you should put-in for the surplus military helicopter to be turned over to SBYnews. The new equipment would benefit us greatly as surveilance and help to identify squandering government resources.

If WBOC can get one I don't see why you shouldn't receive one to.

I've got my pilots license and I'll gladly fly it for SBYnews special assignments for free. In light of all you have revealed through SBYnews we need all available resources to help enemize Salisbury/Wicomico bureaucrats of waste, fraud, and abuse. IT IS RHAMPANT.

Let me know what you think."

I know where there's one down in Princess Anne, I'll see what I can work out.

Special Salisbury City Event!

After the City Council meeting on Monday, Nov. 19, there will be a "Public Forum" (don’t ask me what that means – probably a scripted presentation) – on the "North Prong Strategic Revitalization Plan Report." The agenda for the meeting suggests that it will begin about 7:30 PM (in the Council Chambers).

The Plan, if implemented as recommended in the report, would cost the City millions of dollars, so City taxpayers might want to raise their voices in opposition before it’s too late.

The Report is available at:

http://www.ci.salisbury.md.us/cityclerk/briefingbook/FinalReport.pdf

A Cup Of Tea

One day my mother was out and my dad was in charge of me.

I was maybe 2 1/2 years old and had just recovered from an accident.

Someone had given me a little 'tea set' as a get-well gift and it was one of my favorite toys.

Daddy was in the living room engrossed in the evening news when I brought Daddy a little cup of 'tea', which was just water. After several cups of tea and lots of praise for such yummy tea, my Mom came home..

My Dad made her wait in the living room to watch me bring him a cup of tea, because it was 'just the cutest thing!' My Mom waited, and sure enough, here I come down the hall with a cup of tea for Daddy and she watches him drink it up.

Then she says, (as only a mother would know... :)

'Did it ever occur to you that the only place she can reach to get water is the toilet?

The Daily Times

So tell me Folks, how does it feel to pay $ .75 cents for a Saturday paper and there's nothing there? I remember waking up almost every single Saturday and looking at that paper thinking, there's only a Real Estate Guide in this damn thing and next to nothing else.

Hey Greg Bassett, WE'RE COMING!

David Letterman

David Letterman wrote this; it's the David we don't often see....

'As most of you know I am not a President Bush fan, nor have I ever been, but this is not about Bush, it is about us, as Americans, and it seems to hit the mark.'
'The other day I was reading Newsweek magazine and came across some Poll data I found rather hard to believe. It must be true given the source, right?
The Newsweek poll alleges that 67 percent of Americans are unhappy with the direction the country is headed and 69 percent of the country is unhappy with the performance of the President.. In essence 2/3 of the citizenry just ain't happy and want a change. So being the knuckle dragger I am, I started thinking, 'What are we so unhappy about?'

A. Is it that we have electricity and running water 24 hours a day, 7 Days a week?

B. Is our unhappiness the result of having air conditioning in the summer and heating in the winter?
C. Could it be that 95.4 percent of these unhappy folks have a job?

D. Maybe it is the ability to walk into a grocery store at any time and see more food in moments than Darfur has seen in the last year?

E. Maybe it is the ability to drive our cars and trucks from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean without having to present identification papers as we move through each state.
F. Or possibly the hundreds of clean and safe motels we would find along the way that can provide temporary shelter?

G. I guess having thousands of restaurants with varying cuisine from around the world is just not good enough either.

H. Or could it be that when we wreck our car, emergency workers show up and provide services to help all and even send a helicopter to take you to the hospital.

I. Perhaps you are one of the 70 percent of Americans who own a home.
J. You may be upset with knowing that in the unfortunate case of a fire, a group of trained firefighters will appear in moments and use top notch equipment to extinguish the flames thus saving you, your family, and your belongings.

K. Or if, while at home watching one of your many flat screen TVs, a burglar or prowler intrudes, an officer equipped with a gun and a bullet-proof vest will come to defend you and your family against attack or loss.

L. This all in the backdrop of a neighborhood free of bombs or militias raping and pillaging the residents. Neighborhoods where 90% of teenagers own cell phones and computers.

M. How about the complete religious, social and political freedoms we enjoy that are the envy of everyone in the world?

Maybe that is what has 67% of you folks unhappy.

Fact is, we are the largest group of ungrateful, spoiled brats the world has ever seen. No wonder the world loves the U.S. , yet has a great disdain for its citizens. They see us for what we are. The most blessed people in the world who do nothing but complain about what we don't have, and what we hate about the country instead of thanking the good Lord we live here.

I know, I know. What about the president who took us into war and has no plan to get us out? The president who has a measly 31 percent approval rating? Is this the same president who guided the nation in the dark days after 9/11? The president that cut taxes to bring an economy out of recession? Could this be the same guy who has been called every name in the book for succeeding in keeping all the spoiled ungrateful brats safe from terrorist attacks? The commander in chief of an all-volunteer army that is out there defending you and me?
Did you hear how bad the President is on the news or talk show? Did this news affect you so much, make you so unhappy you couldn't take a look around for yourself and see all the good things and be glad? Think about it......are you upset at the President because he actually caused you personal pain OR is it because the 'Media' told you he was failing to kiss your sorry ungrateful behind every day.
Make no mistake about it. The troops in Iraq and Afghanistan have volunteered to serve, and in many cases may have died for your freedom. There is currently no draft in this country. They didn't have to go. They are able to refuse to go and end up with either a ''general'' discharge, an 'other than honorable'' discharge or, worst case scenario, a ''dishonorable' discharge after a few days in
the brig.

So why then the flat-out discontentment in the minds of 69 percent of Americans?

Say what you want, but I blame it on the media. If it bleeds it leads and they specialize in bad news. Everybody will watch a car crash with blood and guts. How many will watch kids selling lemonade at the corner? The media knows this and media outlets are for-profit corporations. They offer what sells, and when criticized, try to defend their actions by 'justifying' them in one way or another. Just ask why they tried to allow a murderer like O.J. Simpson to write a book about how he didn't kill his wife, but if he did he would have done it
this way......Insane!

Turn off the TV, burn Newsweek, and use the New
York Times for the bottom of your bird cage. Then start being grateful for all we have as a country. There is exponentially more good than bad. We are among the most blessed people on Earth and should thank God several times a day, or at least be thankful and appreciative.' 'With hurricanes, tornados, fires out of control, mud slides, flooding, severe thunderstorms tearing up the country from one end to another, and with the threat of bird flu and terrorist attacks, 'Are we sure this is a good time to take God out of the Pledge of Allegiance?'

-David Letterman

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/the_big_picture/2008/11/geffen-on-obama.html

Classified Ads

Don't forget to click on the Classified Ad Link on the right side of the Blog.