Not only does high gas prices effect peoples driving habits. . . but so does higher sales taxes effect peoples spending to.
Wicomico County Sales Tax Collection Totals
FY 2003 (08/02 - 07/03) $55,487,221
FY 2004 (08/03 - 07/04) $60,701,335
FY 2005 (08/04 - 07/05) $68,168,174
FY 2006 (08/05 - 07/06) $76,160,447
FY 2007 (08/06 - 07/07) $76,254,189
FY 2008 (08/07 - 07/08) $75,832,624 *
*Amount reflects 20% increase in sales tax rate from 5% to 6%
Theoretically speaking, you should reduce FY 2008 sales tax collection totals- $75,892,624 - by a factor of .8333 - (5% divided by 6% - sales tax rate increase) - to reflect the true decrease in sales transactions for Wicomico County. Thus the true indicator in sales tax collections for Wicomico County shows a net collection amount for FY 2008 to be $63,193,853.33 or a decline of $12,698,770.67 in sales tax collections for Wicomico County upon factoring-in the 20% increase in sales tax rate.
Bottom line - the citizens in Wicomico County purchased substantially less during fiscal year 2008 in comparison to previous years.
This is referred to in economic terms as Demand Destruction.
Look out Delaware - here they come.
DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Wednesday, December 03, 2008
Breaking News
The Salisbury Daily Times has LAID OFF 12 Employees so far today. More to come........
PAC-14 - The Prettyman Proposal
After lunch yesterday afternoon the Wicomico County Council finally got around to the reason I bothered to show up - a discussion of PAC-14. The conversation started off with a brief discussion of a proposal for a 4-4-1 board structure (4 members appointed by the county, 4 by Salisbury, and one joint appointment). The conversations then moved to a "compromise" of having 3 members appointed by the county, 3 by the city and 3 by the "community" (or "membership).
One problem with the 3-3-3 structure was when to allow the "membership" to have board seats. Should it be right away? Should it be after they reached a certain number of members? Should it be after the "membership" showed the ability to raise a certain amount of funds to aid in the operation of PAC-14? There didn't seem to be a real consensus as to when that should occur.
At this point Councilwoman Stevie Prettyman (R-2) spoke up. She wanted to offer a different solution for people to think about:
She was clear that she wasn't advocating for any particular solution, but that the council should at least think about it.
Admittedly, this was not the solution that I was looking for. I happened to be more in agreement with a form of the 3-3-3 proposal. However, Prettyman's proposal is not only intriguing - it has merit.
Read More ...
One problem with the 3-3-3 structure was when to allow the "membership" to have board seats. Should it be right away? Should it be after they reached a certain number of members? Should it be after the "membership" showed the ability to raise a certain amount of funds to aid in the operation of PAC-14? There didn't seem to be a real consensus as to when that should occur.
At this point Councilwoman Stevie Prettyman (R-2) spoke up. She wanted to offer a different solution for people to think about:
Set a PEG fee and let that provide the funding for PAC-14. Government could then get totally out of PAC-14.
She was clear that she wasn't advocating for any particular solution, but that the council should at least think about it.
Admittedly, this was not the solution that I was looking for. I happened to be more in agreement with a form of the 3-3-3 proposal. However, Prettyman's proposal is not only intriguing - it has merit.
Read More ...
Salvation Army Morning Update
Click images to enlarge
Thankfully, the blanks are being filled. There are still many more that need a committment. Please, if you have an hour in your day that you can contribute, do so, you won't be sorry. We'll keep everyone updated to the availability of time slots volunteers are needed. THANK YOU, to all that are stepping forward to help this organization in its efforts to raise funds in order to help those in need.
XMAS GIFT FROM BARRIE & BUBBA & MORE COMING
Every Salisbury property owner will soon be receiving the initial sewer and water bill at the higher rates needed to raise funds to pay the costs of the system. Recall the budget game that Barrie played last Spring – no recommendation for the rates – so that she could say that the Council decided on its own to raise them. Bubba Comegys went along with her scam, but Debbie Campbell and Terry Cohen demanded that Barrie present the full budget details.
As a result, Barrie was forced to disclose that it is necessary to raise the sewer and water rates by more than 50% (over several years) to meet the expenses. In June, the initial and lesser rate increase (step 1) was adopted when the budget was passed. And more recently Barrie has disclosed that even more money will be needed, and proposed raising it by increasing the impact fee on new construction and development. But there's a big problem: not much growth is underway or being planned, so guess who must pay even higher water and sewer charges than were originally presented.
Thus, we can look forward to even greater sewer and water fees, beginning next year – the higher bill you get this fall is but the first phase of the huge increase that will be coming.
Be sure to say Merry Christmas to Barrie and Bubba, early and often.
As a result, Barrie was forced to disclose that it is necessary to raise the sewer and water rates by more than 50% (over several years) to meet the expenses. In June, the initial and lesser rate increase (step 1) was adopted when the budget was passed. And more recently Barrie has disclosed that even more money will be needed, and proposed raising it by increasing the impact fee on new construction and development. But there's a big problem: not much growth is underway or being planned, so guess who must pay even higher water and sewer charges than were originally presented.
Thus, we can look forward to even greater sewer and water fees, beginning next year – the higher bill you get this fall is but the first phase of the huge increase that will be coming.
Be sure to say Merry Christmas to Barrie and Bubba, early and often.
A Wonderful Story
Last week I did a story about the Christmas Boat Parade and we received what I thought was a fantastic comment and it went as follows.
"Bryan Fykes said...
I just wanted to pop on here and Thank you, Joe, for telling us about this. We hadn't heard about it anywhere else, and my kids went nuts when they saw all of the boats.
and to 10:54- jealous much? I don't own a firetruck, but I love to see them decorated in holiday parades. I don't have a big house, but I love to see lots of lights on a really big house... exactly because I can't do it myself. It gives me a goal when my 2 year old son says he wants to ride on the big boats someday. I will work my fingers to the bone to do that for him if I have to. You see show-offs, I see the American dream. I see the possibilities and it gives me hope. And I need that hope this Christmas, since neither my wife or I have a job. So if I was like you I would say to you "quit flaunting in my face that you CAN pay your bills." learn to see the possibilities, not wallow in self pity.
Bryan Fykes"
That being said, one very dear friend of mine who was in the Boat Parade saw this message and immediately called me. He said, Joe, do you know this Bryan Fykes? I remembered the name but couldn't put two and two together. Once this friend reminded me it was someone who had made a comment I instantly recalled the comment as it touched me as well as many others as well.
Nevertheless, he asked me if there was any way I could contact him. I asked why it was so important and he said, I want to take Bryan and his Son out on my boat and fulfill his dream. My response was, you know this doesn't surprise me about you but that's one hell of an offer and a unbelievable thing to do.
As busy as things have been it slipped my mind today but as a higher power would have it, I received a call tonight that just blew me away! The person calling said they wanted to fill in a spot at Sam's Club and ring the bell and she gave me her first name but I couldn't hear the last name. So I asked, what was your last name again? FYKES. I said, is your Husband the guy that wrote that wonderful comment on the Boat Parade? She said, that's the one. Talk about unbelievable.
I proceeded to tell her why this was so important and she just couldn't believe what I had told her. Arrangements are being made to make sure Bryan and his Son get out for the experience of his lifetime. All because they wanted to donate their time for the Salvation Army.
My friend will read this Post and let me know if he wants his name known but I know him well enough to know, he's not about all that. He told me that if he was in Bryan's shoes, he'd want his Son to experience the same and he certainly has NOT forgotten where he came from. Great things are happening right here on Salisbury News.More importantly, I've got the greatest friends on earth!
"Bryan Fykes said...
I just wanted to pop on here and Thank you, Joe, for telling us about this. We hadn't heard about it anywhere else, and my kids went nuts when they saw all of the boats.
and to 10:54- jealous much? I don't own a firetruck, but I love to see them decorated in holiday parades. I don't have a big house, but I love to see lots of lights on a really big house... exactly because I can't do it myself. It gives me a goal when my 2 year old son says he wants to ride on the big boats someday. I will work my fingers to the bone to do that for him if I have to. You see show-offs, I see the American dream. I see the possibilities and it gives me hope. And I need that hope this Christmas, since neither my wife or I have a job. So if I was like you I would say to you "quit flaunting in my face that you CAN pay your bills." learn to see the possibilities, not wallow in self pity.
Bryan Fykes"
That being said, one very dear friend of mine who was in the Boat Parade saw this message and immediately called me. He said, Joe, do you know this Bryan Fykes? I remembered the name but couldn't put two and two together. Once this friend reminded me it was someone who had made a comment I instantly recalled the comment as it touched me as well as many others as well.
Nevertheless, he asked me if there was any way I could contact him. I asked why it was so important and he said, I want to take Bryan and his Son out on my boat and fulfill his dream. My response was, you know this doesn't surprise me about you but that's one hell of an offer and a unbelievable thing to do.
As busy as things have been it slipped my mind today but as a higher power would have it, I received a call tonight that just blew me away! The person calling said they wanted to fill in a spot at Sam's Club and ring the bell and she gave me her first name but I couldn't hear the last name. So I asked, what was your last name again? FYKES. I said, is your Husband the guy that wrote that wonderful comment on the Boat Parade? She said, that's the one. Talk about unbelievable.
I proceeded to tell her why this was so important and she just couldn't believe what I had told her. Arrangements are being made to make sure Bryan and his Son get out for the experience of his lifetime. All because they wanted to donate their time for the Salvation Army.
My friend will read this Post and let me know if he wants his name known but I know him well enough to know, he's not about all that. He told me that if he was in Bryan's shoes, he'd want his Son to experience the same and he certainly has NOT forgotten where he came from. Great things are happening right here on Salisbury News.More importantly, I've got the greatest friends on earth!
I Just Can't Help Myself
Desperate for hits and attention, Michael learned that he was getting the majority of visitors to his Site because people were Googling "White House Christmas Cards" and his Site would pop up because he did an article about it some time ago.
Since he learned that, he just put up another Post titled, "2008 White House Christmas Card." Sorry Folks, that just cracked me up to no end. That's not how you get Influential Michael! Oh, that's right, he never got it in the first place. Happy Blogging.
I had to come back and add this because I started cracking up realizing that now whenever someone Googles White House Christmas Card, because we have so many more visitors, they'll now come here instead/first. I didn't mean to do that Michael but it is what it is. ROTFLMAO.
Since he learned that, he just put up another Post titled, "2008 White House Christmas Card." Sorry Folks, that just cracked me up to no end. That's not how you get Influential Michael! Oh, that's right, he never got it in the first place. Happy Blogging.
I had to come back and add this because I started cracking up realizing that now whenever someone Googles White House Christmas Card, because we have so many more visitors, they'll now come here instead/first. I didn't mean to do that Michael but it is what it is. ROTFLMAO.
To ALL The So Called Men Out There
Ladies & Gentlemen, I'd like you to meet Kitty. Kitty was born and raised here on the Eastern Shore and God Bless Her, she's 88 years old. Kitty has been involved with the Salvation Army since she was 10 YEARS OLD!
Her beloved Husband passed away in 2006 but was very involved with the Salvation Army, it was his favorite charity.
So tell me Guys, are you willing to stand out in the cold for a couple of hours to give others a break? Or shall I call Kitty and ask her to come out and Volunteer?
We Need People to fill those open spots. If you can only do a couple of hours at a time, that's a BIG help! Many of the elderly are filling in most of the schedule and I want some of the younger generation out there sticking it out for a great cause.
We have been fortunate enough to have several companies come on board and even challenge the competition. You join up, we'll post your information and you can believe one thing, there are thousands of people coming here each and every day and you WILL be rewarded for Volunteering. It's the best form of FREE advertising you can get.
If you have the time, please contact the Salvation Army at 410-749-7771 ext. 100 and let them know you read it here on Salisbury News and they'll make sure they update the schedule with your company name on it. If you'd like to e-mail me with the time, date and company information please do so at, alberobutzo@wmconnect.com . I won't get to it until tonight though, I'll be out ringing the bell all day today.
Kitty, God Bless You.
HOW NOT TO "SHARE THE WEALTH"
Today (Dec. 2) the new Capitol Visitors Center opened in Washington DC. The facility required the removal from the site of more than 60,000 truckloads of soil. The total cost is immense, as are the budget overruns, which put Barrie Tilghman to shame. The following commentary is from Marc Fisher's blog, "Raw Fisher".
Even before the huge cost overruns and mind-numbing construction delays, even before we learned that a giant holding pen for tourists was going to cost more than Washington's new baseball stadium, the idea of funneling visitors away from the glorious outdoor view of the Capitol and into a marble-clad tunnel only fed my cynicism about big federal projects.
Four years and a stunning $400 million in extra costs later, the center -- a vast underground network of tunnels, meeting rooms, exhibition halls, eateries and security barriers -- opens today.
As a public works project and an expenditure of the taxpayers' money, the Visitor Center is an obscenity. The watchdog group Citizens Against Government Waste called it "among the most wasteful examples of botched construction projects ever promulgated by the federal government." The center is going to cost us more than $620 million.
Even before the huge cost overruns and mind-numbing construction delays, even before we learned that a giant holding pen for tourists was going to cost more than Washington's new baseball stadium, the idea of funneling visitors away from the glorious outdoor view of the Capitol and into a marble-clad tunnel only fed my cynicism about big federal projects.
Four years and a stunning $400 million in extra costs later, the center -- a vast underground network of tunnels, meeting rooms, exhibition halls, eateries and security barriers -- opens today.
As a public works project and an expenditure of the taxpayers' money, the Visitor Center is an obscenity. The watchdog group Citizens Against Government Waste called it "among the most wasteful examples of botched construction projects ever promulgated by the federal government." The center is going to cost us more than $620 million.
A Coment Worthy Of A Post
Jedadiah Cross Said...........
"Here is a great example of a real leader. Mike Lewis rings the bell with Joe Albero for all to see. You wont see Chief See and Webster doing this. They are told by the Mayor to stay away and not to speak. Puppets of the Mayor and disliked by many. I applaud Mike Lewis for being a real man and showing a good example by ringing with Joe. This is one time where the two stooges could polish their image and choose not to. If they would drop their guard for a few minutes, they would probably learn to get along. Its a step in the right direction at least. Thank you Joe and Mike for making a difference in our community."
To Chief See & or Chief Webster. I will be at WalMart from 1:00 TO 6:00 pm today if you'd like to join me? I truly welcome the opportunity in the spirit of the Holidays. Joe Albero
ALL Puppies Were Adopted On Saturday!!!!!
"Hey Joe,
ALL the puppies were adopted on Saturday! And so were a couple of adult dogs, kittens and adult cats...incredibly busy day but so great! It is what we work so hard for. Thanks for your help.
Linda"
YOU PEOPLE ROCK!!!!!!!
A Desperate PAC 14 E-Mail
Subject: Urgent Call to Friends of Pac 14
From: "MIchael Goodson"
Date: Tue, December 2, 2008 10:30 am
..As a Friend of PAC 14 we want to thank you for your continued support.
As you know there has been a great deal of conversation in regard to PAC 14 lately. As PAC members you have already stated your desire for PAC 14 to be fully funded and have a Community Media Center from which to serve the community.
In this regard, we have created a survey from which we can qualify and clarify
the sentiments of our supporters and their desires related to PAC 14. Please
take a moment as soon as you receive this to please go to
http://pac14.epetitions.net and fill out this very important survey.
Sincerely,
PAC 14
I strongly suggest EVERYONE get on there and tell them how ALL of you really feel.
From: "MIchael Goodson"
Date: Tue, December 2, 2008 10:30 am
..As a Friend of PAC 14 we want to thank you for your continued support.
As you know there has been a great deal of conversation in regard to PAC 14 lately. As PAC members you have already stated your desire for PAC 14 to be fully funded and have a Community Media Center from which to serve the community.
In this regard, we have created a survey from which we can qualify and clarify
the sentiments of our supporters and their desires related to PAC 14. Please
take a moment as soon as you receive this to please go to
http://pac14.epetitions.net and fill out this very important survey.
Sincerely,
PAC 14
I strongly suggest EVERYONE get on there and tell them how ALL of you really feel.
15th Annual CAT COUNTRY “Feed-A-Friend Marathon” Helps Feed Area Needy
(Salisbury, MD) – With the need to re-stock the rapidly depleting shelves of area food banks and food pantries greater than ever this year, the CAT COUNTRY “Feed-A-Friend Marathon” returns for its 15th year of collecting cans and non-perishable food items to benefit Delmarva’s needy residents.
Since 1994, the CAT COUNTRY “Feed-A-Friend Marathon” has raised almost 400,000 cans of food for families in need in Maryland and Delaware. The tradition continues in 2008 when the “Feed-A-Friend Marathon” begins Wednesday December 3rd at 3:00pm and continues through Friday December 5th at 5:00pm.
“Throughout the broadcast, listeners will be directed to sponsor locations where they can drop off canned goods and other non-perishable food items to help the less fortunate,” said General Manager Joe Beail. Beail added, “with recent newspaper articles and television stories highlighting the increased need for help, this year’s event couldn’t have come at a better time to really make a difference for Delmarva’s needy.”
Among the food pantries and food banks that will benefit from this year’s “Feed-A-Friend Marathon” are:
-- Dagsboro Church of God
-- 7 th Day Adventist Church in Millsboro
-- Christian Storehouse of Millsboro
-- Georgetown Wesleyan Church
-- Cape Henlopen Food Basket in Lewes
-- and Salisbury Outreach Services in Salisbury.
During this year’s event representatives from these organizations will take to the airwaves to discuss the need for help this year and how your donation will help their organization.
Several area businesses will sponsor a drop-off box for this year’s “Feed-A-Friend Marathon” – they include:
-- The Bank of Delmarva, with locations in Delmar, four locations in Salisbury, Rehoboth,
Dagsboro, Seaford, Laurel and Ocean City.
-- The Hen House in Laurel
-- Suburban Propane in Millsboro and Fruitland
-- Hocker’s SuperCenter in Clarksville and G&E Supermarket in Ocean View
-- Grand Rental Station in Rehoboth
-- Tull Ramey Limited and Century 21 Tull Ramey in Seaford
For more details visit www.catcountryradio.com. 97.5 & 105.9 CAT COUNTRY is a Delmarva Broadcasting Company station.
Since 1994, the CAT COUNTRY “Feed-A-Friend Marathon” has raised almost 400,000 cans of food for families in need in Maryland and Delaware. The tradition continues in 2008 when the “Feed-A-Friend Marathon” begins Wednesday December 3rd at 3:00pm and continues through Friday December 5th at 5:00pm.
“Throughout the broadcast, listeners will be directed to sponsor locations where they can drop off canned goods and other non-perishable food items to help the less fortunate,” said General Manager Joe Beail. Beail added, “with recent newspaper articles and television stories highlighting the increased need for help, this year’s event couldn’t have come at a better time to really make a difference for Delmarva’s needy.”
Among the food pantries and food banks that will benefit from this year’s “Feed-A-Friend Marathon” are:
-- Dagsboro Church of God
-- 7 th Day Adventist Church in Millsboro
-- Christian Storehouse of Millsboro
-- Georgetown Wesleyan Church
-- Cape Henlopen Food Basket in Lewes
-- and Salisbury Outreach Services in Salisbury.
During this year’s event representatives from these organizations will take to the airwaves to discuss the need for help this year and how your donation will help their organization.
Several area businesses will sponsor a drop-off box for this year’s “Feed-A-Friend Marathon” – they include:
-- The Bank of Delmarva, with locations in Delmar, four locations in Salisbury, Rehoboth,
Dagsboro, Seaford, Laurel and Ocean City.
-- The Hen House in Laurel
-- Suburban Propane in Millsboro and Fruitland
-- Hocker’s SuperCenter in Clarksville and G&E Supermarket in Ocean View
-- Grand Rental Station in Rehoboth
-- Tull Ramey Limited and Century 21 Tull Ramey in Seaford
For more details visit www.catcountryradio.com. 97.5 & 105.9 CAT COUNTRY is a Delmarva Broadcasting Company station.
MARDELA SPRINGS VOL FIRE CO CHICKEN & SHRIMP DINNER
Mardela Springs Volunteer Fire Co.
Chicken & Shrimp Dinner
Saturday December 6, 2008
Cost $20 per person
All you can eat
Sides, Beverage and Beer included in Ticket
At the Firehouse
Time 6 pm to 8 pm
All proceeds benefit
Mardela Springs Volunteer Fire Co.
For Tickets call
Wallace 410-749-5820
Jim 410-546-9769
Phil 410-546-4951
Or the Firehouse
410-749-5997
John Cannon Dives in Bed With Dems ...
... Ego Far More Important Than Principle or Party
It was my understanding that when this new county council came to office in 2006 that the Republican majority had agreed to rotate the presidency and vice presidency of the county council. This is fairly standard among local governing bodies.
After one year as President of the Wicomico County Council, John Cannon refused to step aside. Rather than make a big deal, his GOP "colleagues" didn't make a fuss. However, this year there was evidently a decision to make a change.
Outgoing council VP Stevie Prettyman (R-2) nominated Councilman Joe Holloway (R-5). What did John Cannon (? - At Large) do? He nominated Councilman Bill McCain (D - At Large). McCain, whose legendary intellectual acumen has led some to believe he is the bastard child of Salisbury Councilwoman Louise Smith, was elected 4 - 3 with Cannon finally showing his true stripes. This vote is particularly telling given that Holloway is probably the most fiscally conservative member of the council while McCain is the most profligate spender in the crowd.
Read More ...
It was my understanding that when this new county council came to office in 2006 that the Republican majority had agreed to rotate the presidency and vice presidency of the county council. This is fairly standard among local governing bodies.
After one year as President of the Wicomico County Council, John Cannon refused to step aside. Rather than make a big deal, his GOP "colleagues" didn't make a fuss. However, this year there was evidently a decision to make a change.
Outgoing council VP Stevie Prettyman (R-2) nominated Councilman Joe Holloway (R-5). What did John Cannon (? - At Large) do? He nominated Councilman Bill McCain (D - At Large). McCain, whose legendary intellectual acumen has led some to believe he is the bastard child of Salisbury Councilwoman Louise Smith, was elected 4 - 3 with Cannon finally showing his true stripes. This vote is particularly telling given that Holloway is probably the most fiscally conservative member of the council while McCain is the most profligate spender in the crowd.
Read More ...
I Warned You About this Months Ago, and You Thought I Was Nuts...
Pentagon to Detail Troops to Bolster Domestic Security
Washington Post Staff Writers
Monday, December 1, 2008; Page A01
The U.S. military expects to have 20,000 uniformed troops inside the United States by 2011 trained to help state and local officials respond to a nuclear terrorist attack or other domestic catastrophe, according to Pentagon officials.
The long-planned shift in the Defense Department's role in homeland security was recently backed with funding and troop commitments after years of prodding by Congress and outside experts, defense analysts said.
There are critics of the change, in the military and among civil liberties groups and libertarians who express concern that the new homeland emphasis threatens to strain the military and possibly undermine the Posse Comitatus Act, a 130-year-old federal law restricting the military's role in domestic law enforcement.Read More
Fools Call It A Recession. I Call It A Depression!
Ladies & Gentlemen, this was the parking lot at the Salisbury Mall at 6:30 PM last night. When I went inside to meet some friends it was a ghost town! There is absolutely NO WAY during this time of the year that ANYONE can deny that things are REALLY BAD!
Sure, there's probably lots of cars in the parking lot on weekends but where's the one hour long lines like there used to be this time of year? Money has dried up and the fools who are buying on credit will probably be relieved by yet another Bailout. However, it won't go to YOU. It will go to the Credit Card Companies financing you, like they deserve it!
Pinch those pennies people because the pictures don't lie. Make this a very small Christmas because it's about to get a whole lot worse!
See Dancing With The Stars With Wicomico County
(Salisbury, MD) Join Wicomico Recreation as it travels by bus to Washington DC’s Verizon Center for a special Dancing with the Stars on Thursday, January 29.
The hit television show is hitting the road this winter and bringing an entirely new cast of celebrities and professional dancers with it. The fourth Dancing with the Stars tour features an entirely new ensemble of the most popular and exciting competitors from the hit ABC show, including celebrities Lance Bass, Toni Braxton, Maurice Greene and Marlett Matlin.
The Wicomico Recreation Bus Trip will depart from the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center on Thursday, January 29 at 3:30pm. The price is $114 per person. Price includes transportation, show ticket and driver tip. Registrations are being accepted at the WY&CC Box Office (open Monday through Friday from 8am to 5pm) and online at www.WicomicoRecandParks.org.
For more information please call 410-548-4900 ext. 113 or email kmcinturff@wicomicocounty.org.
The hit television show is hitting the road this winter and bringing an entirely new cast of celebrities and professional dancers with it. The fourth Dancing with the Stars tour features an entirely new ensemble of the most popular and exciting competitors from the hit ABC show, including celebrities Lance Bass, Toni Braxton, Maurice Greene and Marlett Matlin.
The Wicomico Recreation Bus Trip will depart from the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center on Thursday, January 29 at 3:30pm. The price is $114 per person. Price includes transportation, show ticket and driver tip. Registrations are being accepted at the WY&CC Box Office (open Monday through Friday from 8am to 5pm) and online at www.WicomicoRecandParks.org.
For more information please call 410-548-4900 ext. 113 or email kmcinturff@wicomicocounty.org.
Wicomico County Sheriff's Office Press Releases
Incident: Theft
Date of Incident: 25 November 2008
Location: 6800 block of Cherry Walk Road, Quantico, MD
Suspect: Gregory Lee Newcomb, 29, Salisbury, MD
Narrative: On 25 November 2008 at 9:50 AM, a deputy from the WCSO responded to a business in the 6800 block of Cherry Walk Road and met with a victim in reference to a theft committed by an employee. According the victim, an employee by the name of Gregory Newcomb, stole power-tools from the business and sold them at a pawn shop in Salisbury. During the investigation, the deputy met with Newcomb and confirmed these events.
Newcomb was arrested and transported to the Central Booking Unit where he was processed and taken in front of the District Court Commissioner. After an initial appearance, Newcomb was released by the Commissioner on Personal Recognizance.*
Charges: Theft over $500 (2 counts)
Theft under $500
Incident: Assault
Date of Incident: 26 November 2008
Location: 1000 block of Delaware Avenue, Salisbury, MD
Suspect:
1. Jeffrey Alan Wiggs, 39, Salisbury, MD
2. Cindy L. Ebert, 46, Salisbury, MD
Narrative: On 26 November 2008 at 7:39 PM, deputies from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office responded to a residence in the 1000 block of Delaware Avenue for a reported altercation between Jeffrey Wiggs and Cindy Ebert. During the investigation it was determined that both Wiggs and Ebert were in a mutual physical altercation and both had injuries consistent with their accounts.
Both Wiggs and Ebert were placed under arrest and transported to the Central Booking Unit at the Wicomico County Detention Center where they were processed and taken in front of the District Court Commissioner. After an initial appearance both Wiggs and Ebert were detained in the Detention Center by the Commissioner; Wiggs in lieu of $10,000.00 bond and Ebert in lieu of $5,000.00 bond.
Charges: Assault 2nd Degree
Incident: Assault
Date of Incident: 26 November 2008
Location: 6100 block of Steve Street, Salisbury, MD
Suspect: Edmond Francis Cormier Jr., 51, Salisbury, MD
Narrative: On 26 November 2008 at 6:43 PM, a deputy from the WCSO responded to a residence in the 6100 block of Steve Street for a reported altercation involving the residents. Upon arrival, the deputy learned that Edmond Cormier was in an argument with another resident when Cormier broke off a piece of a wooden banister and brandished it as a weapon. The investigation revealed that Cormier began chasing the victim while swinging the wooden banister and eventually managed to strike the victim in the back.
Cormier was placed under arrest and transported to the Central Booking Unit where he was processed and taken in front of the District Court Commissioner. After an initial appearance, Cormier was detained by the Commissioner in the Detention Center in lieu of $10,000.00 bond.
Charges: Assault 2nd Degree
Incident: Rogue and Vagabond
Date of Incident: 28 November 2008
Location: 7400 block of Maple Street, Pittsville, MD
Suspect: Donzel Haywood Henry, 44, Berlin, MD
Narrative: On 28 November 2008 at 12:46 AM, deputies from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office responded to a complaint of an individual who was seen entering vehicles in the Pittsville area. Upon arrival, the deputies located an individual matching the description provided by the complainant, later identified as Donzel Henry of Berlin, MD. During the investigation, the deputies confirmed that Henry was the same individual seen by the complainant entering the vehicles. The deputies managed to locate the owner of the vehicles entered by Henry who confirmed that someone had in fact entered his vehicles.
Henry was arrested and transported to the Central Booking Unit where he was processed and taken in front of the District Court Commissioner. After an initial appearance, Henry was detained in the Detention Center by the Commissioner in lieu of $5,000.00 bond.
Anyone with any information about any other incidents of this nature or those that believe they may have been a victim is asked to contact the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office at 410-548-4891
Charges: *Rogue and vagabond
Possession of Burglar’s Tools
Incident: Burglary
Date of Incident: 28 November 2008
Location: 20400 block of Nanticoke Road, Nanticoke, MD
Suspect: Frank Peter Gavern 3rd , Nanticoke, MD
Narrative: *On 28 November 2008 at 3:16 PM, deputies from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office responded to a residence in the 20400 block of Nanticoke Road in Nanticoke, MD. Upon arrival, they met with a complainant who advised that Frank Gavern had just been witnessed kicking open the front door of a residence. Upon the deputies’ arrival, they located Gavern inside the residence and observed him to be visibly intoxicated. During the course of the investigation, the deputies spoke with the homeowner, who was out of town, via telephone and learned that Gavern had been threatening to kill the homeowner and was not supposed to be inside the residence.
Gavern was arrested and transported to the Central Booking Unit where he was processed and taken in front of the District Court Commissioner. After an initial appearance, Gavern was detained in the Detention Center by the Commissioner in lieu of $15,000.00 bond.
Charges:
Burglary 1st Degree
Burglary 2nd Degree
Malicious Destruction of Property
Incident: Disorderly Conduct
Date of Incident: 29 November 2008
Location: 700 block of N. Westover Drive, Salisbury, MD
Suspect: Dominic Rashad Russell, 23, Salisbury, MD
Narrative: On 29 November 2008 at 10:38 PM, deputies from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office were investigating an altercation at a residence in the 700 block of N. Westover Drive when Russell exited the residence yelling loudly and belligerently. A deputy on the scene attempted to warn Russell about his demeanor when Russell replied back with a statement which made the deputy believe that Russell was not interested in heeding the warning. Russell continued walking down the street yelling loud and profane comments about law enforcement to the level where residents began looking out of windows to see who was causing the commotion.
Russell was arrested and transported to the Central Booking Unit where he was processed and taken in front of the District Court Commissioner. After an initial appearance, Russell was released by the Commissioner on Personal Recognizance.
Charges: Disorderly Conduct
Failure to Obey a Lawful Order
Date of Incident: 25 November 2008
Location: 6800 block of Cherry Walk Road, Quantico, MD
Suspect: Gregory Lee Newcomb, 29, Salisbury, MD
Narrative: On 25 November 2008 at 9:50 AM, a deputy from the WCSO responded to a business in the 6800 block of Cherry Walk Road and met with a victim in reference to a theft committed by an employee. According the victim, an employee by the name of Gregory Newcomb, stole power-tools from the business and sold them at a pawn shop in Salisbury. During the investigation, the deputy met with Newcomb and confirmed these events.
Newcomb was arrested and transported to the Central Booking Unit where he was processed and taken in front of the District Court Commissioner. After an initial appearance, Newcomb was released by the Commissioner on Personal Recognizance.*
Charges: Theft over $500 (2 counts)
Theft under $500
Incident: Assault
Date of Incident: 26 November 2008
Location: 1000 block of Delaware Avenue, Salisbury, MD
Suspect:
1. Jeffrey Alan Wiggs, 39, Salisbury, MD
2. Cindy L. Ebert, 46, Salisbury, MD
Narrative: On 26 November 2008 at 7:39 PM, deputies from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office responded to a residence in the 1000 block of Delaware Avenue for a reported altercation between Jeffrey Wiggs and Cindy Ebert. During the investigation it was determined that both Wiggs and Ebert were in a mutual physical altercation and both had injuries consistent with their accounts.
Both Wiggs and Ebert were placed under arrest and transported to the Central Booking Unit at the Wicomico County Detention Center where they were processed and taken in front of the District Court Commissioner. After an initial appearance both Wiggs and Ebert were detained in the Detention Center by the Commissioner; Wiggs in lieu of $10,000.00 bond and Ebert in lieu of $5,000.00 bond.
Charges: Assault 2nd Degree
Incident: Assault
Date of Incident: 26 November 2008
Location: 6100 block of Steve Street, Salisbury, MD
Suspect: Edmond Francis Cormier Jr., 51, Salisbury, MD
Narrative: On 26 November 2008 at 6:43 PM, a deputy from the WCSO responded to a residence in the 6100 block of Steve Street for a reported altercation involving the residents. Upon arrival, the deputy learned that Edmond Cormier was in an argument with another resident when Cormier broke off a piece of a wooden banister and brandished it as a weapon. The investigation revealed that Cormier began chasing the victim while swinging the wooden banister and eventually managed to strike the victim in the back.
Cormier was placed under arrest and transported to the Central Booking Unit where he was processed and taken in front of the District Court Commissioner. After an initial appearance, Cormier was detained by the Commissioner in the Detention Center in lieu of $10,000.00 bond.
Charges: Assault 2nd Degree
Incident: Rogue and Vagabond
Date of Incident: 28 November 2008
Location: 7400 block of Maple Street, Pittsville, MD
Suspect: Donzel Haywood Henry, 44, Berlin, MD
Narrative: On 28 November 2008 at 12:46 AM, deputies from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office responded to a complaint of an individual who was seen entering vehicles in the Pittsville area. Upon arrival, the deputies located an individual matching the description provided by the complainant, later identified as Donzel Henry of Berlin, MD. During the investigation, the deputies confirmed that Henry was the same individual seen by the complainant entering the vehicles. The deputies managed to locate the owner of the vehicles entered by Henry who confirmed that someone had in fact entered his vehicles.
Henry was arrested and transported to the Central Booking Unit where he was processed and taken in front of the District Court Commissioner. After an initial appearance, Henry was detained in the Detention Center by the Commissioner in lieu of $5,000.00 bond.
Anyone with any information about any other incidents of this nature or those that believe they may have been a victim is asked to contact the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office at 410-548-4891
Charges: *Rogue and vagabond
Possession of Burglar’s Tools
Incident: Burglary
Date of Incident: 28 November 2008
Location: 20400 block of Nanticoke Road, Nanticoke, MD
Suspect: Frank Peter Gavern 3rd , Nanticoke, MD
Narrative: *On 28 November 2008 at 3:16 PM, deputies from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office responded to a residence in the 20400 block of Nanticoke Road in Nanticoke, MD. Upon arrival, they met with a complainant who advised that Frank Gavern had just been witnessed kicking open the front door of a residence. Upon the deputies’ arrival, they located Gavern inside the residence and observed him to be visibly intoxicated. During the course of the investigation, the deputies spoke with the homeowner, who was out of town, via telephone and learned that Gavern had been threatening to kill the homeowner and was not supposed to be inside the residence.
Gavern was arrested and transported to the Central Booking Unit where he was processed and taken in front of the District Court Commissioner. After an initial appearance, Gavern was detained in the Detention Center by the Commissioner in lieu of $15,000.00 bond.
Charges:
Burglary 1st Degree
Burglary 2nd Degree
Malicious Destruction of Property
Incident: Disorderly Conduct
Date of Incident: 29 November 2008
Location: 700 block of N. Westover Drive, Salisbury, MD
Suspect: Dominic Rashad Russell, 23, Salisbury, MD
Narrative: On 29 November 2008 at 10:38 PM, deputies from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office were investigating an altercation at a residence in the 700 block of N. Westover Drive when Russell exited the residence yelling loudly and belligerently. A deputy on the scene attempted to warn Russell about his demeanor when Russell replied back with a statement which made the deputy believe that Russell was not interested in heeding the warning. Russell continued walking down the street yelling loud and profane comments about law enforcement to the level where residents began looking out of windows to see who was causing the commotion.
Russell was arrested and transported to the Central Booking Unit where he was processed and taken in front of the District Court Commissioner. After an initial appearance, Russell was released by the Commissioner on Personal Recognizance.
Charges: Disorderly Conduct
Failure to Obey a Lawful Order
MERRY CHRISTMAS -- YOU'RE FIRED -- BY GANNETT
As Gannett's mass layoff spreads, tally passes 600; Second big wave to slam
papers on Wednesday; Thousands more employees are still vulnerable.
Gannett launched what is likely the biggest mass layoff in newspaper industry
history yesterday, slashing 655 jobs by early this morning, in an increasingly
desperate bid to return the troubled 102-year-old publisher to prosperity. The
final tally could run into the thousands.
Source: http://gannettblog.blogspot.com/2008/12/breaking-gannett-launches-mass-
layoff.html
Request -- please post info on any layoffs at the Daily Times this year.
papers on Wednesday; Thousands more employees are still vulnerable.
Gannett launched what is likely the biggest mass layoff in newspaper industry
history yesterday, slashing 655 jobs by early this morning, in an increasingly
desperate bid to return the troubled 102-year-old publisher to prosperity. The
final tally could run into the thousands.
Source: http://gannettblog.blogspot.com/2008/12/breaking-gannett-launches-mass-
layoff.html
Request -- please post info on any layoffs at the Daily Times this year.
Educators Holiday Celebration At The Fountains!
Come experience the holidays in the Grand Ballroom at The Fountains!
12/18 - Thursday - 6PM
Educator's Holiday Celebration Dinner
This dinner is open to anyone working in the education field - The Board of Education, teachers, principals, PTA, custodians, cafeteria employees and all other staff - present or retired. This festive evening features served holiday dinner, cash bar and entertainment . Reserve tables for your whole school or just a few. Friends and family welcome too. Tickets are $25 reservations are required.
410-749-5445
Happy Holidays!
12/18 - Thursday - 6PM
Educator's Holiday Celebration Dinner
This dinner is open to anyone working in the education field - The Board of Education, teachers, principals, PTA, custodians, cafeteria employees and all other staff - present or retired. This festive evening features served holiday dinner, cash bar and entertainment . Reserve tables for your whole school or just a few. Friends and family welcome too. Tickets are $25 reservations are required.
410-749-5445
Happy Holidays!
The New State Cake
The other night at our Parade Party, a friend invited me to go to the Library with her the following day to watch a Smith Island Cake Demonstration. I told her I wasn't sure that I wanted to go. The next morning my daughter reminded me about it and I agreed to go. I called my friend and couldn't get a hold of her, and thought she was probably on her way there.
My daughter and I walked to the Library and were pleasantly surprised at the turnout. Thirty five folks turned out for today's demonstration! Unfortunately, my friend was not there, and boy did she miss out.
Shortly after arriving we were introduced to Dana Evans, owner of Classic Cakes in Salisbury.
Dana began to tell us the history of Smith Island Cakes. She said that no one that she knows is sure of the origin and who actually made the first super thin multi-layered cake. But she does know that she has been making them all of her life, as was her mother, her grandmother, and her great grandmother.
Some poking around on the internet verifies what Dana say's that no one really knows the origin. Some believe that it was brought over by the original settlers from Whales, some say it's just always been here.
Dana believes that the reason that there are so many layers is because life moves slower on the Island, therefore the women had more time to bake more layers.
I like Dana's reason.
Dana allowed us all to ask her questions and she happily answered them as she assembeled one of her popular Banana Walnut Cakes.
Many of the spectators questions were recipe oriented and she good naturedly answered them with guarded precision to not allow any secrets to get out.
Dana with the help of the Heritage Foundation petitioned the Maryland State Legislator last year to make the Smith Island Cake, Marylands State Cake .
She said that she submitted 430 slices of the Traditional Flavor (yellow cake with chocolate fudge icing) to the State House on the day that the bill was submitted for a vote. (If only all bill submissions could be accompanied by a slice of cake)
She told the story of a woman name Frances Kitchen who was a Smith Island resident who people often assume created the cake because she wrote two cook books and include her version of the cake in her second book. But, Dana said that her grandmother was older than Mrs Kitchen and she had always made them. Mrs. Kitchen has long since passed away, so the mystery continues.
Six years ago Dana and her family left the Island to open her business in Salisbury two weeks before Easter. Having no idea how popular the cake was and how many people knew about it, she was overwhelmed with business for the holiday and it has only grown from there. She said that she never imagined that she would have the business that she has today.
Classic Cakes makes cakes for several restaurants in the area including Ocean City. They also provide Brides an unusual alternative to a traditional white wedding cake.
Dana works with daughter and thirteen other employees. She has fined tuned the business to an assembly line style of production and says that they can assemble one of these delicious masterpieces in just three minutes . Watching this demonstration makes this almost hard to believe. While she did work steadily the entire time she was speaking her skilled hands were able to execute the final product of divinty with perfection.
Classic Cakes is located at 1305 S. Division Street in Salisbury or you can call them at 410-860-5300.
They have a great web site where you too can watch a demonstration of how they make these wonderful cakes at www.classicsmithislandcakes.com
According to Dana, the bakery stays swamped with orders but are usually able to fill the orders very quickly. If you are interested in having one of her creations for the holidays she recommends placing your order by December 23, as she will be closing on the 24th at noon.
This is a great story of woman who took her homespun skills and changed the world around her for the better, and in the process brought recognition to a beautiful tradition from a traditional community that could have easily been lost in our 'Instant' society.
Congratulations Dana, you are an inspiration!