Have a free Dr.Pepper on Guns n' Roses

Axl Rose,of Guns n' Roses,with his favorite pop.
The 20 oz bottle being offered

You read it here first-Dr.Pepper will be making good on their promise of free sodas this weekend, as the Guns n' Roses long awaited new album, "Chinese Democracy" hits the shelves on Sunday!

Back in March, a spokesperson for Dr.Pepper claimed that they would give everyone in America a free soda if Guns n' Roses managed to release "Chinese Democracy" in 2008. Sounds easy enough,but as most GNR fans like myself know, this album has been in the works since 1994-FOURTEEN years! Thats a long time! One issue after another within the band delayed the album and finally it is a reality!

"We never thought this day would come," Tony Jacobs, Dr Pepper's vice president of marketing, said in a statement. "But now that it's here, all we can say is: The Dr Pepper's on us."
Beginning Sunday at 12:01 a.m., coupons for a free 20-ounce soda will be available for 24 hours on Dr Pepper's Web site. They'll be honored until Feb. 28,2009. Dr. Pepper is owned by Dr Pepper Snapple Group, Inc. and is distributed locally on Delmarva by Pepsi Bottling Ventures.This is NOT a hoax, so make sure you hit the official website http://www.drpepper.com sometime on Sunday!
And fellow Gn'R fans-get out and get a copy this weekend!My sister Amy is such a huge fan, that I almost expect her to throw a release party for the occasion!!!!!

Salisbury Christian School Teacher Update

I'm told the Teacher was allegedly involved with the Child ever since he was 14 years old. So much for it all being the kids fault or a lie. The charging documents say it all.

What Will Gannett Do?

"Joe:

FYI

NY Times just released information that they were cutting dividend payments by 74%. http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/new-york-times-co-cuts/story.aspx?guid=%7B9DDCC6AF-F03F-4EB0-B709-5DAECF02BB34%7D&dist=msr_1

If Gannett follows suit and takes similar action, Buffett will surely exodus right-a-way and unload 3.4 million shares on the open market forcing their stock into steep plunge.

Gannett is truly in a precarious position."

Delaware Electric Cooperative "Peak Alert"

“Peak Alert”

TOMORROW MORNING

Be Energy Aware Between

7 A.M. & 9 A.M. TOMORROW MORNING Friday, November 21

Between the hours of 7 a.m. and 9 a.m. tomorrow morning Friday, November 21 we are asking you to turn off all unnecessary lights or appliances that may not be needed.

In addition, whenever you can, please delay major appliance usage such as dishwashers, washing machines and clothes dryers, and if you can, delay any hot water usage.
By reducing our peak demand during these hours we save energy resources and the environment.

We need your help. Together we can “Beat The Peak”
Thank you.

GANNETT MELTDOWN CONTINUES

GCI - (The Daily Times parent company) - stock value continues to plummett. For the ump-teenth time this year, Gannett has broken yet another record low level. The stock tanked to $6.07 per share during regular trading, and, in after hours it has tanked yet again . . .and is currently trading at $5.85/Share.

How low Gannett will go remains to be seen. But even at these price levels it can't seem to get its footing. There is not much more room between this level and the bottom. Stay-tuned folks, things are really getting interesting.

BREAKING NEWS!!!!!!! ROBBERY/SHOOTING

This Just In! There has been a Robbery/Shooting in the Salisbury Trailer Park and Clover Street. Everyone is on their way to the scene right now. One person has been shot and the suspect is at large. If I get any further details I'll post them immediately. More to come.........

CRIME SPIKES IN MARDELA

Last night, the Mardela Springs VFC hosted a community meeting to address the spike in crime that has occurred in both the town limits and the surrounding areas. In attendance was Sheriff Mike Lewis along with Chief Baker and Deputy Ray, County Council Representative Stevie Prettyman (Vice President) and the Mardela Springs Town Commissioners headed by David Insley.

The purpose of this meeting was to address a series of recent crimes including but not limited to, theft, vandalism, burglary, mdop and so on. Sheriff Lewis gave many statistics about the number of crimes in Mardela over the last couple of months as well as the policing stats including the number of patrol checks, number of calls, number of arrests, and so on. These statistics were broken down to every level and thoroughly explained.

After the presentation, the crowd of over 100 people from all walks including members of the fire department, First Baptist Church, and local business owners asked a wide array of questions. These questions were given very detailed and complete answers which the locals appreciated. After a little over 2 hours, the session was over. Although the people of Mardela were very upset, everyone acted in a calm and orderly manner. There wasn't any yelling, bickering or feuding between anyone in attendance. This says a great deal about the kind of people that live in Mardela Springs. The Sheriff did note that the Mardela area as a whole has very low crime compared to the rest of the county.

Some pointers that were given out from the sheriff's department are:

Do not wait to call 911 or the sheriff's department if you witness a crime or are suspicious about activity you see or hear.

You are legally allowed to apprehend any person including juveniles who commit a crime, but this is not what the Sheriff's office suggests you do. Instead, try to get a detailed description of any suspects including any vehicle involved, most importantly tag numbers. Get a direction of travel or possibly take a picture if a camera is handy. Then call 911 or the sheriff's office right away. Don't think about it for 20 minutes and then call, Don't call the parents or house of the people you think were involved. Let the experts handle this.

If you are a parent, please keep an eye on your own children. Don't think that YOUR child won't do anything bad. Keep an eye on their cell phone usage, get to know their friends and their friends parents. Don't let your children make their own plans to sleep over at someone's house. Call the other parents and verify everything to be true. If you do catch your child doing something, you may be the best disciplinarian in the world, but also consider letting the authorities know because it might not be the first time, or it might not be the last.

Lock all of your belongings at all times. Although crimes tend to happen more at night, they also do happen during the day. The times of leaving cars, sheds and houses unlocked are over. Keep your outside lights on and trim any bushes next to your entryway or windows.

Don't keeps piles of rubble and garbage around. This might become the vandals next tool for breaking windows, smashing cars, or projectiles launched at you or your house.

Do not call a neighbor to search your property for intruders if you also call the Sheriff's office. The responding officer does not know who this person is and why they are there. They might just end up starring down the business end of a loaded gun. Please, for every ones safety, call the authorities.

I can't stress enough to please call 911 or the Sheriff's at 410-548-4891 as soon as possible.

Sheriff Lewis also explained how the new technology has helped make the sheriff's office even better. In a picture above he is showing a rugged laptop computer deputies are using. This lets the officer on patrol have access to everything he or she needs through a wireless connection (WIFI). Report information can be entered right away. Research can be done right away. This is something that not all police agencies have. I've heard rumors that none of this technology is working. Let me dispel that rumor. The technology that the sheriff's office has introduced through the use of seized assets, is working just fine. Go ahead and commit a crime, you'll soon find out.

Another tool at the Sheriff's office disposal is K-9 patrols. They have (8) dogs and handlers in use. Maryland State Police have (1) and the Salisbury Police have (0). These dogs are used all over the county including use by the State and Salisbury. If someone runs from your home, these dogs can track them right to their doorstep. Two of the dogs can sniff out bombs, and the rest can smell the drugs.

In closing, I would like to thank the Mardela fire company for hosting this meeting. I would like to thank the town council for making the arrangements and the citizens of Mardela for caring about their community. I would like to give a huge kudos to the Sheriff's office and Mike Lewis. He was a true professional in every aspect. He is a hands on leader who not only tells his fine men and women how to fight crime, but also does it by example. We should all be very grateful that he is our sheriff because not every office of law enforcement has this great leadership. I would also like to thank Stevie Prettyman for her concerns about our town. Most people in and around Salisbury don't realize we exist or that we have a middle and high school. Mrs. Prettyman has always been there for our community and I would like to thank her.

Wicomico County Sheriff's Office Press Release

Incident: Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance and Handgun
Date of Incident: 14 November 2008
Location: 4000 block of Joseph Drive, Eden, MD
Suspect: Jedidiah Jones, 25, Eden, MD

Narrative: On 14 November 2008 at 8:50 PM, a deputy from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office responded to a residence in the 4000 block of Joseph Drive in Eden for a report of an individual walking around the neighborhood brandishing a handgun. Upon the deputy’s arrival, witnesses identified the suspect as Jedidiah Jones and stated that he was talking to subjects in the neighborhood while holding a revolver in his hand. The deputy entered the residence where Jones supposedly had gone and located both Jones and the revolver which had been hidden in the tank of a toilet.

Jones was placed under arrest for carrying the handgun at which time the deputy located a metal canister in Jones’ pocket that contained what the deputy identified as oxycodone pills. Based on the amount of pills and the storage method used by Jones, the deputy believed they were destined for distribution.

Jones was transported to the Central Booking Unit where he was processed and taken in front of the District Court Commissioner. After an initial appearance, Jones was detained in the Detention Center by the Commissioner in lieu of $50,000.00 bond.

Charges:

Wear, Carry or Transport a Handgun

Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance with the Intent to Distribute

Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance

Gas Prices Keep Dropping

"As of 9:30 AM today the Shell station on Route 13 North, just past the Mall has regular gas for $1.76 /gallon."

Daily Times Does Story on Christine Sheddy

I received a call the other day from a reporter from the Daily Times. She wanted to ask me about the Christine Sheddy case. I told her I would be happy to provide any information that I had, and be of any help that I could.

I shared with her my disappointment with the MSM in not giving the story the attention that I believe that it needs. She apologized and told me she has been hired since Christine went missing and had just heard about it.

I told her it was my belief that the story’s the reporters stay on top of are the crimes that get solved. She agreed.

She, like I, is concerned why the Mayor of Pocomoke is also the lead detective in this case. She said that it seemed like a conflict of interest. I agreed that I felt this way as well.

Mayor McDermott has made it clear throughout this investigation that Christine was not a virtuous woman, and told me from the beginning that he believed she had ran away from her life. I strongly disagreed with him, then and now. I believe that Mayor McDermott and other officers based their opinions of Christine’s character on the characters of Tia and Jr., the character of her boyfriend, and on her Myspace page. All of which didn’t paint her in a becoming light. However, does the company one keeps determine the amount of money the county spends on trying to find you if your missing.

If your kids go missing, do you have to convince the police that they are really great kids, show them their high school grades, their resume? Mayor McDermott stated that she was a sponge on society, that she didn’t have a work record. How sad.

Gosh, I hope my daughter never comes up missing. Especially, in this economy. She’s had four years of college and there’s no jobs to be had. I would hate to hear what would he would say about her.

The four ponds that are less than a mile away from the Byrd Road farm needed to be dragged. A well organized grid search needs to be conducted on all surrounding properties.

Det. McDermott stated that the property has been searched, but neither Jenny Hopkinson, the Daily Times reporter, or myself have been able to establish from him exactly when the searches were conducted, how many people were involved, exactly what areas the search covered, and how many searches actually took place.

I would still like to see an organized community search conducted, and the nearby ponds dragged. I think it would be very healing for the family and the community. We all need to know that we have done all that we know to do.

Thank you Jenny for getting Christine’s story in front of the eyes of more people than just those of us here in Pocomoke. It is my prayer that you will conduct update interviews with all of those involved, including maybe the last people who saw her.

One Year Ago Today

Ah, the pleasures of the Internet. It was one year ago today, (or somewhere really close to this date) when the GOB had their Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. As you can see, the Council Members were in the mistletoe kinda mood, kissing and hugging and spreading the love.

If you'd like to capture the moment, don't miss being Downtown tonight and bring those kiddies. Now you tell me, do your children see you kissing your partner like this even in your own home? A peck on the cheek is one thing but a smacker on the lips, in public? I guess technically, Lynn Cathcart wasn't a Council Member any longer at the time but Gary Comegys was.

The Tree Lighting Ceremony will be held from 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM tonight.

Absolutely The Funniest Joke Ever ! . . . ON US

Does anybody out there have any memory of the reason given for the establishment of the DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY during the Carter Administration? Anybody? Anything? No? Didn't think so. Bottom line . . we've spent several hundred billion dollars in support of an agency the reason for which not one person who reads this can remember. Ready? It was very simple, and at the time everybody thought it very appropriate. The Department of Energy was instituted 8-04-1977 TO LESSEN OUR DEPENDENCE ON FOREIGN OIL. HEY, PRETTY EFFICIENT, HUH? AND NOW IT'S 2008, 31 YEARS LATER, AND THE BUDGET FOR THIS NECESSARY DEPARTMENT IS AT $24.2 BILLION A YEAR, THEY HAVE 16,000 FEDERAL EMPLOYEES, AND APPROXIMATELY 100,000 CONTRACT EMPLOYEES AND LOOK AT THE JOB THEY HAVE DONE! THIS IS WHERE YOU SLAP YOUR FOREHEAD AND SAY 'WHAT WAS I THINKING?' Ah yes, good ole bureaucracy. And now we are going to turn the Banking system over to them? May Heaven help us.

Add this address to your Chistmas card list

When doing your Christmas cards this year, take one card and send it to this address. If we pass this on and everyone sends one card, think of how many cards these wonderful special people who have sacrificed so much would get.



When you are making out your Christmas card list this year, please include one to the following:



A Recovering American Soldier

c/o Walter Reed Army Medical Center

6900 Georgia Avenue, NW

Washington , D.C. 20307-5001

You want change?

Classified Ads

Classified Ads come out on Saturday. If you have any items you'd like to sell FREE, send your information to, alberobutzo@wmconnect.com and I'll get them posted right away.

Kids Of Honor Fundraiser A Huge Success

Joe,

On behalf of Kids of Honor, I want to take this time to thank you for taking time out of your day to raise money for us. Also I want to express thanks to all inmates who volunteer and raise money for Kids of Honor.

A special thanks to the students of Salisbury University for organizing the event, and doing the work.

If someone missed the opportunity to donate for the jail and bail, but still wants to make a donation, please donated directly to Kids of Honor.

Best Regards,
Levi Willey
Board Chair of Kids of Honor

Blonde's on the Economy

A blonde was watching the news with her husband when the newscaster said two Brazilian men died in a skydiving accident.
The blonde starts crying to her husband, sobbing, "That's horrible so many men dying that way!"
Confused, he said, "Yes dear, it is sad, but they were skydiving and there is always that risk involved."
After a few minutes the blonde, still sobbing asks, "How many is a Brazilian?"

Holiday Decoration Classes

Paint your own personalized holiday ornament

The Worcester County Arts Council is pleased to offer an adult holiday workshops on December 2 and December 4, from 9:30 am to 12 noon with an award winning artist Jayne Collinge.

The workshops will be held at the WCAC’s newly open Arts and Education Center located at 6 Jefferson Street in Berlin.

Participants will paint holiday designs on glass ornaments to decorate the home for the holidays or to give as gifts to family and friends.

Step-by-step demonstrations and a relaxing style promise you a fun learning experience in an encouraging and supporting atmosphere.

No painting experience necessary.

The cost of each workshop is $20.00 including all supplies.

Jayne Collinge has been teaching the art of porcelain painting since 1973 and has won many awards for her work. Her unique ornaments became a part of the Smithsonian’s permanent collection. Jayne has been commissioned to custom paint pieces for many well known, including Barbara Bush and Hillary Clinton.

Deadline to register is November 28^th.

Space is limited, so please call to register 410-641-0809.

Thank you for your continued support of the Arts in Worcester County.

The Worcester County Arts Council is a non-profit corporation made up of 300 members whose mission is to promote and encourage visual and performing arts in Worcester County. The Arts Council is committed to providing necessary funds to various arts organizations as a way to increase public awareness of arts availability, and to provide affordable arts events not usually offered to those living in the surrounding areas.

The Worcester county Arts Council is supported by a grant from the Maryland State Arts Council, an agency dedicated to cultivating a vibrant cultural community where the arts thrive. An agency of the Department of Business & Economic Development, the MSAC provides financial support and technical assistance to non profit organizations, units of government, colleges and universities for arts activities

The Worcester County Arts Council receives support also from Worcester County Commissioners and from the membership of over 350 members and businesses.

Salisbury Police Department Press Releases

On November 15, 2008 at approximately 10:57 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police Department were on routine patrol in the area of Hammond Street and observed a vehicle operated by the below listed suspect involved in a traffic accident. As the officers made contact with the suspect, they observed documentation in the rear area of the vehicle regarding a handgun. The vehicle was checked, and a loaded handgun was found beneath a mat in the rear area.

ARRESTED: Joseph Hylton, III, 26 years of age Princess Anne, Maryland

CHARGES: Wearing, carrying a handgun in a vehicle

DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking CC # 200800042272

On November 16, 2008 at approximately 3:34 am, Officers of the Salisbury Police received a call to respond to a residence on Hazel Avenue for the report of a burglary. Upon arrival, the officers met with a victim who advised that an unknown suspect had made entry into the rear of his residence, before the victim and a roommate were able to force the suspect out of the residence. While the officers checked the area for the suspect, the suspect returned and was taken into custody. There was no property taken from the residence.

ARRESTED: John Edward Lowe, 26 years of age Mardela Springs, Maryland

CHARGES: Fourth degree burglary

DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking CC # 200800042299

On November 16, 2008 at approximately 10:19 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police were on routine patrol in the area of Ohio Avenue and stopped a vehicle operated by the below listed suspect for traffic violations. A routine records check revealed that the suspect was driving on a suspended privilege, and a search of the vehicle incident to arrest revealed a quantity of suspected morphine tablets. The suspect was not able to provide any documentation for the morphine tablets.

ARRESTED: Christopher David Shockley, 26 years of age Delmar, Maryland

CHARGES:
Possession of morphine with the intent to distribute
Possession of morphine
Possession of cds/paraphernalia

DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking CC # 200800042377

On November 16, 2008 at approximately 10:32 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police were on foot patrol in the area of Railroad Avenue and made contact with the below listed suspect. The suspect gave the officers consent to search his person, and the search revealed a quantity of counterfeit crack/cocaine and a quantity of suspected real crack/cocaine.

ARRESTED: Eric Lee West, 37 years of age Salisbury, Maryland

CHARGES:
Possession of counterfeit CDS with the intent to Distribute
Possession of cocaine
Manufacturing a counterfeit CDS
Possession of cds/paraphernalia
Attempted distribution of a counterfeit CDS as a CDS

DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking CC # 200800042376

DuvaFiles Is Formally Gone

Blog has been removed
Sorry, the blog at duvafiles.blogspot.com has been removed. This address is not available for new blogs.

Bill Duvall has formally called it off and shut down his Blog. Enjoy your retirement Bill and again, thanks for all that you gave.

Kids Of Honor Raises Thousands Of Dollars

Thanks to many of you, the Kids of Honor event last night raised thousands of dollars for a great cause and was a huge success. Not for nothing but thanks to sbynews.com readers, we raised 1/3 of the funds brought in by the time I had left. The College Students gave us a major run for our money though as they networked and did an unbelievable job raising funds.

I'll put up another Post later this morning showing others involved. Thank You Folks!

Photos courtesy of our friend Jon.

Wicomico County Sheriff's Office Press Releases

Incident: False Statement to a Law Enforcement Officer
Date of Incident: 18 November 2008
Location: 1300 block of S. Salisbury Blvd., Salisbury, MD
Suspect: Charles G. Von Kollmar, 26, Salisbury, MD

Narrative: On 18 November 2008 at 6:26 PM, a deputy from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office went to an establishment in the 1300 block of S. Salisbury Blvd. looking for an individual wanted on a District Court bench warrant for Failure to Appear. Upon entering the store, the deputy approached an individual who he thought was the wanted subject, Charles Von Kollmar. When he asked Von Kollmar his name, he replied with a different name. The deputy then checked a photograph of Von Kollmar and then showed the same photo the individual denying being Von Kollmar. At that point Von Kollmar confirmed his true identity and he was placed under arrest. In addition to the warrant, the deputy also charged Von Kollmar with making a false statement to a law enforcement officer.

Von Kollmar was transported to the Central Booking Unit where he was processed and taken in front of the District Court Commissioner. After an initial appearance, Von Kollmar was released on Personal Recognizance by the District Court Commissioner on both the False Statement Charge and the District Court Bench Warrant.

Charges:
False Statement to a Law Enforcement Officer

Incident: Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance
Date of Incident: 19 November 2008
Location: Ocean Gateway at Hobbs Road, Salisbury, MD
Suspect: Dustin Kyle Vass, 21, Hebron, MD

Narrative: On 19 November 2008 at 1:49 AM, a deputy from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office stopped a vehicle operated by Dustin Vass for displaying a registration plate for a different vehicle. While stopping the vehicle, the deputy observed indicators of criminal activity so a WCSO drug K9 was called to the scene. During the scan, the K9 alerted positively to the odor of illegal drugs emanating from the vehicle. During a search of the vehicle and Vass, the deputy located two containers of prescription pills which the deputy managed to identify as Oxycodone and Clonazepam, neither of which Vass had a prescription for.

Vass was arrested and transported to the Central Booking Unit at the Wicomico County Detention Center where he was processed and taken in front of the District Court Commissioner. After an initial appearance, Vass was held in the Detention Center by the Commissioner in lieu of $3,000.00 bond.

Charges:
Possession of A Controlled Dangerous Substance (2 counts)
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

Chief Of Police Webster Refuses To Get Out Of Car

As you can see in these photos, Chief Webster refused to get out of his vehicle and be a part of the TEAM. I wonder what it truly feels like to be so into yourself that your peasants drop to their knees and praise you simply because you can intimidate and threaten jobs so people will like and respect you? Is there ANYONE who is friends with Barrie Tilghman or Chief Webster that can ask them that question and get back to us with an answer? It's OK, we'll wait.........

Inacom Celebrates Their New Building & Location

I was invited to join a wonderful group of people gathered at Inacom Information Systems at their new location, 111 Davis Street in Salisbury. Mr. Hunter Johnson is the Founder of the Company who purchased this building a few years ago but had a tenant in the building until just recently. They renovated the facility and held an Open House that was just unbelievable.

They hired a Band called, Transfusion. These guys were unbelievable. I don't go around often in life saying a Band was unbelievable, these guys were. They Catered in the food through Jim Hughes, Restaurant 213 in Fruitland. Clients and friends got the opportunity to tour this three story facility and representatives from different companies Inacom sells and distributes for were also on hand to answer any technical questions.

Inacom, (in case you don't know) handles Computer Networking, Business Telephone Systems, Web Site Developing, Multi Function Printers/Copiers from SHARP and all sorts of other services and products.

To learn more about Inacom, GO HERE.

The Nationality Of Jesus

There were 3 good arguments that Jesus was Black:
1. He called everyone brother
2. He liked Gospel
3. He didn't get a fair trial

But then there were 3 equally good arguments that Jesus was Jewish:
1. He went into His Father's business
2. He lived at home until he was 33
3. He was sure his Mother was a virgin and his Mother was sure He was God

But then there were 3 equally good arguments that Jesus was Italian:
1. He talked with His hands
2. He had wine with His meals
3. He used olive oil

But then there were 3 equally good arguments that Jesus was a Californian:
1. He never cut His hair
2. He walked around barefoot all the time
3. He started a new religion

But then there were 3 equally good arguments that Jesus was an American Indian:
1. He was at peace with nature
2. He ate a lot of fish
3. He talked about the Great Spirit

But then there were 3 equally good arguments that Jesus was Irish:
1. He never got married.
2. He was always telling stories.
3. He loved green pastures.

But the most compelling evidence of all - 3 proofs that Jesus was a Woman:
1. He fed a crowd at a moment's notice when there was virtually no food
2. He kept trying to get a message across to a bunch of men who just didn't get it
3. And even when He was dead, He had to get up because there was still work to do

Another Good Cause--Lifesavers Junior Red Cross Chapter

Decatur Lifesaver club members (l to r) Kristen Miller; Club Co-Coordinator Sarah Miller; Alison Sappington and Club Advisor Ryan Cowder adorning the Tree of 1,000 Lights—1,000 lives
Photo Credit: Patti Miller

1,000 Lights – 1,000 Lives

For as little as a dollar per measles vaccine, a child's life is saved.

By Patti Miller, Lower Shore Chapter

Tuesday, November 18, 2008 — Members of Decatur High School's Lifesavers Junior Red Cross Club in Berlin, Maryland, have taken holiday giving to a new level. The gifts they give may save children's lives.


Decatur Lifesaver club members (l to r) Kristen Miller; Club Co-Coordinator Sarah Miller; Alison Sappington and Club Advisor Ryan Cowder adorning the Tree of 1,000 Lights—1,000 lives
Photo Credit: Patti Miller

Last year Club members discovered the Measles Initiative on YouTube, and were astounded to learn that children in impoverished countries die of measles, an easily preventable disease. The idea that a vaccine that costs a dollar can save a child's life led the Club to adopt the project immediately.

The 40 Red Cross youth volunteers decided to collect money during the holidays, with each light on a tree symbolizing a life that might be saved through the measles immunization project. After getting a tree and 1000 lights donated by the local Walmart, members began selling lights with the goal of raising $1,000 - one dollar for each light on the tree.

Club member's enthusiasm captured the heart of Stephen Decatur High School Principal, Lou Taylor, who invited the club to place the tree in the foyer, at the entrance of the school. Principal Taylor asked that the tree be decked out in school colors, and be placed next to the office so it could be seen by everyone entering the school.

The local community also showed great support. Two anonymous donors immediately pledged to match donations that the club members raised. Local papers covered the Decatur Lifesavers progress.

Last holiday season, the mission was accomplished, with perhaps a thousand lives changed forever. This year, the Decatur Lifesavers look forward to trimming the tree again, to give another 1,000 children the shot they need at life.

The Measles Initiative is a partnership committed to reducing measles deaths globally. Launched in 2001, the Initiative-led by the American Red Cross, the United Nations Foundation, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, UNICEF and the World Health Organization-provides technical and financial support to governments and communities on vaccination campaigns worldwide. To date, the Initiative has supported the vaccination of more than 500 million children in 50 countries helping reduce measles deaths by more than 68% globally and 91% in Africa (compared to 2000). To learn more or make a donation, visit www.measlesinitiative.org.

Was Gary Comegys Parked In The Cemetary While This Work Was Being Done?

"Joe,

The newly painted lines at Zion and Kelly/ Beaglin Park roads are complete. (-ly ridiculous). Please take a gander at the talent these guys have. These talents will be on display for many more years as the top of the line talent we taxpayers work so hard to employ. Think about people from other states who will travel this road and see this talent.

My pictures don’t really capture the extent of the f-ups in this area, you may want to swing by and snap a few of your own next time by. Things to notice are:

Forgot stop bars at Zion and Naylor Mill

Inability to merge double yellow lines

Lines do not line up with each other while travelling through intersection (This is also at Naylor Mill crossing B13)

I wonder what the lines look like on that new section of Beaglin Park. Since those were done by a contractor, they’re probably good to go.

"Barry G

The Daily Times Sends Salisbury News A Message

"to SBYNEWS - The DT prints their circulation figures as audited by an outside agency.

Question - Can SBYNEWS post the # of hits it receives daily and can this information be verified?

On average the DT has over 400 different stories includung local, national, sports and obits. Oh my I almost forgot about advertizing and sales flyers. What revenue does SBYNEWS generate from it's paid advertizing? I bet you it is pretty darn close to $0000000.00 (I put all those zeros in to make you feel good Joe) How many people does SBYNEWS employ? - 0.

Find some real news BeezerBoy & Joey"

While I was told the DT's used to employ some 200 people, that number has dropped tremendously. What scares the DT's is that they know we will be able to provide the same volume of information soon without having to piss away hundreds of thousands of dollars on employees, making advertising costs drop at least 50% less than the DT's.

Greg Bassett and I had a conversation a year ago referencing hits and quite frankly, Salisbury News blows away the Daily Times when it comes to "Page Views." I'm not going to get into a pissing match with them on numbers. They'll do their thing, we'll do ours.

Come January, Salisbury News will start advertising. We have been bombarded with people and companies interested in advertising and it will be so reasonable, the DT's will NOT be able to compete and stay in business. I'm NOT suggesting I'm putting them out of business. I'm simply stating we'll be taking quite a bit of their advertising customer base and they know it.

As far as how many people we'll employ. Time will tell on that. As far as our advertising revenue being "$0000000.00" sit tight Mr. Bassett. Unlike YOU, we're not hurting for money, obviously. Now how many of you think Gannett will come begging to purchase Salisbury News within the next year? There's always the other option. They could come to Salisbury News and beg us to buy them.

As far as Salisbury News posting our hits and verifying those numbers every day, Homey Don't Think So! Nice try though. Look Greg, it's very simple. You know how many comments you get a day. You know how many hits you get in a day. Salisbury News has more of BOTH.