For the umpteenth time this year, Gannett Co., Inc. - (The Daily Times parent Company) - set yet another record low today.
Trading today broke below $4.50/Share shattering their previous record low and setting yet another record low at $4.46/Share.
Click here for more details:
http://www.google.com/finance?q=NYSE:GCI
DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
MAJOR BREAKING NEWS!!!!!! Salisbury DDS Arrested
A local Dentist has been indicted on 169 counts starting with Prescription Fraud and many other charges. Dentist (DDS) David Michael Fisher who's current address right now is,
Fisher, David Michael
Race: Caucasian
Sex: MHeight:6'0"Weight:275DOB:04/16/1955
Address: Wicomico County Detention Center
City: Salisbury State:MD Zip Code:21801
His Office is located at 943 Sumac Circle in Salisbury and resides at 9065 Spring Hill Lane in Salisbury.
The Salisbury Police arrested Mr. Fisher on February 8th 2009 and all I can tell you is, go to the Maryland Case Search Website HERE and type in his name. You just won't believe all the charges against this guy. GREAT WORK SPD Narcotics/Vice Unit!!!! States Attorney Davis Ruark has been working extremely close with this Unit and received a sealed indictment just the other day.
You're reading it here first on Salisbury News. Other news sources will pick up on it tonight or tomorrow. I expect to have more information on the case tomorrow but I do know Mr. Fisher is asking for a bond reduction and claims he's going through a divorce and can't afford to pony up that kind of money. His Bail was set at $150,000.00. This is the second doctor/dentist case in the past week or so locally in which both were arrested on similar charges.
The following charges are just some of what you'll find on the Maryland Judiciary Case Search File Website.
Circuit Court of Maryland
Go Back
Case Information
Court System: Circuit Court for Wicomico County - Criminal System
Case Number: 22K08001008
Title: State of Maryland vs David Michael Fisher
Case Type: IndictmentFiling Date:12/15/2008
Case Status: Open/Active
Case Disposition: Disposition Date:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Defendant Information
(Each Alias, Address, and Attorney for the Defendant is displayed) Name: Fisher, David Michael
Race: Caucasian
Sex: MHeight:6'0"Weight:275DOB:04/16/1955
Address: Wicomico County Detention Center
City: SalisburyState:MDZip Code:21801
Attorney(s) for the Defendant
Name: Preller, Esq, Patrick S
Practice Name: The Law Offices Of Patrick S Preller
Address: 218 E. Lexington Street
City: BaltimoreState:MDZip Code:21202
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Court Scheduling Information
Event Type: Bail reviewNotice Date:02/11/2009
Event Date: 02/12/2009Event Time:09:00 AM
Result: Result Date:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Charge and Disposition Information
(Each Charge is listed separately. The disposition is listed below the Charge) Charge No: 1CJIS Code:2 2530Statute Code:CR.8.610.(2)
Charge Description: Possess Forged Prescription
Offense Date From: 03/01/2008To:
Arrest Tracking No: 09-7022-00011-0Citation:
Charge Amend No: 0Sentence Version:0Charge Class:
Disposition Plea: Plea Date:
Disposition: Disposition Date:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Charge No: 2CJIS Code:1 0180Statute Code:CR.8.610.(b)(3)
Charge Description: Obtain Drug By Fraud
Offense Date From: 03/01/2008To:
Arrest Tracking No: 09-7022-00011-0Citation:
Charge Amend No: 0Sentence Version:0Charge Class:
Disposition Plea: Plea Date:
Disposition: Disposition Date:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Charge No: 3CJIS Code:1 0249Statute Code:CR.5.601.(2)(ii)
Charge Description: Cds Obtain By Forging/Altering Prescription
Offense Date From: 03/01/2008To:
Arrest Tracking No: 09-7022-00011-0Citation:
Charge Amend No: 0Sentence Version:0Charge Class:
Disposition Plea: Plea Date:
Disposition: Disposition Date:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Charge No: 4CJIS Code:1 0252Statute Code:CR.5.601.(2)(vi)
Charge Description: Cds Obtain By Making/Uttering False/Forged Prescription
Offense Date From: 03/01/2008To:
Arrest Tracking No: 09-7022-00011-0Citation:
Charge Amend No: 0Sentence Version:0Charge Class:
Disposition Plea: Plea Date:
Disposition: Disposition Date:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Charge No: 5CJIS Code:2 2510Statute Code:CR.8.609.(b)(2)
Charge Description: Issue Counterfeit Order
Offense Date From: 03/01/2008To:
Arrest Tracking No: 09-7022-00011-0Citation:
Charge Amend No: 0Sentence Version:0Charge Class:
Disposition Plea: Plea Date:
Disposition: Disposition Date:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Charge No: 6CJIS Code:2C2510Statute Code:CL
Charge Description: Con-Issue
Offense Date From: 03/01/2008To:
Arrest Tracking No: 09-7022-00011-0Citation:
Charge Amend No: 0Sentence Version:0Charge Class:
Disposition Plea: Plea Date:
Disposition: Disposition Date:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Charge No: 7CJIS Code:1 2502Statute Code:CR.8.601.(a)
Charge Description: Forgery And Counterfeit-Private Documents
Offense Date From: 03/01/2008To:
Arrest Tracking No: 09-7022-00011-0Citation:
Charge Amend No: 0Sentence Version:0Charge Class:
Disposition Plea: Plea Date:
Disposition: Disposition Date:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Charge No: 8CJIS Code:1C2502Statute Code:CL
Charge Description: Conspiracy/Forgery-Private Documents
Offense Date From: 03/01/2008To:
Arrest Tracking No: 09-7022-00011-0Citation:
Charge Amend No: 0Sentence Version:0Charge Class:
Disposition Plea: Plea Date:
Disposition: Disposition Date:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Charge No: 9CJIS Code:2 2530Statute Code:CR.8.610.(2)
Charge Description: Possess Forged Prescription
Offense Date From: 03/04/2008To:
Arrest Tracking No: 09-7022-00011-0Citation:
Charge Amend No: 0Sentence Version:0Charge Class:
Disposition Plea: Plea Date:
Disposition: Disposition Date:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Charge No: 10CJIS Code:1 0180Statute Code:CR.8.610.(b)(3)
Charge Description: Obtain Drug By Fraud
Offense Date From: 03/04/2008To:
Arrest Tracking No: 09-7022-00011-0Citation:
Charge Amend No: 0Sentence Version:0Charge Class:
Disposition Plea: Plea Date:
Disposition: Disposition Date:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Charge No: 11CJIS Code:1 0249Statute Code:CR.5.601.(2)(ii)
Charge Description: Cds Obtain By Forging/Altering Prescription
Offense Date From: 03/04/2008To:
Arrest Tracking No: 09-7022-00011-0Citation:
Charge Amend No: 0Sentence Version:0Charge Class:
Disposition Plea: Plea Date:
Disposition: Disposition Date:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Charge No: 12CJIS Code:1 0252Statute Code:CR.5.601.(2)(vi)
Charge Description: Cds Obtain By Making/Uttering False/Forged Prescription
Offense Date From: 03/04/2008To:
Arrest Tracking No: 09-7022-00011-0Citation:
Charge Amend No: 0Sentence Version:0Charge Class:
Disposition Plea: Plea Date:
Disposition: Disposition Date:
MORE TO COME!
Fisher, David Michael
Race: Caucasian
Sex: MHeight:6'0"Weight:275DOB:04/16/1955
Address: Wicomico County Detention Center
City: Salisbury State:MD Zip Code:21801
His Office is located at 943 Sumac Circle in Salisbury and resides at 9065 Spring Hill Lane in Salisbury.
The Salisbury Police arrested Mr. Fisher on February 8th 2009 and all I can tell you is, go to the Maryland Case Search Website HERE and type in his name. You just won't believe all the charges against this guy. GREAT WORK SPD Narcotics/Vice Unit!!!! States Attorney Davis Ruark has been working extremely close with this Unit and received a sealed indictment just the other day.
You're reading it here first on Salisbury News. Other news sources will pick up on it tonight or tomorrow. I expect to have more information on the case tomorrow but I do know Mr. Fisher is asking for a bond reduction and claims he's going through a divorce and can't afford to pony up that kind of money. His Bail was set at $150,000.00. This is the second doctor/dentist case in the past week or so locally in which both were arrested on similar charges.
The following charges are just some of what you'll find on the Maryland Judiciary Case Search File Website.
Circuit Court of Maryland
Go Back
Case Information
Court System: Circuit Court for Wicomico County - Criminal System
Case Number: 22K08001008
Title: State of Maryland vs David Michael Fisher
Case Type: IndictmentFiling Date:12/15/2008
Case Status: Open/Active
Case Disposition: Disposition Date:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Defendant Information
(Each Alias, Address, and Attorney for the Defendant is displayed) Name: Fisher, David Michael
Race: Caucasian
Sex: MHeight:6'0"Weight:275DOB:04/16/1955
Address: Wicomico County Detention Center
City: SalisburyState:MDZip Code:21801
Attorney(s) for the Defendant
Name: Preller, Esq, Patrick S
Practice Name: The Law Offices Of Patrick S Preller
Address: 218 E. Lexington Street
City: BaltimoreState:MDZip Code:21202
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Court Scheduling Information
Event Type: Bail reviewNotice Date:02/11/2009
Event Date: 02/12/2009Event Time:09:00 AM
Result: Result Date:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Charge and Disposition Information
(Each Charge is listed separately. The disposition is listed below the Charge) Charge No: 1CJIS Code:2 2530Statute Code:CR.8.610.(2)
Charge Description: Possess Forged Prescription
Offense Date From: 03/01/2008To:
Arrest Tracking No: 09-7022-00011-0Citation:
Charge Amend No: 0Sentence Version:0Charge Class:
Disposition Plea: Plea Date:
Disposition: Disposition Date:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Charge No: 2CJIS Code:1 0180Statute Code:CR.8.610.(b)(3)
Charge Description: Obtain Drug By Fraud
Offense Date From: 03/01/2008To:
Arrest Tracking No: 09-7022-00011-0Citation:
Charge Amend No: 0Sentence Version:0Charge Class:
Disposition Plea: Plea Date:
Disposition: Disposition Date:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Charge No: 3CJIS Code:1 0249Statute Code:CR.5.601.(2)(ii)
Charge Description: Cds Obtain By Forging/Altering Prescription
Offense Date From: 03/01/2008To:
Arrest Tracking No: 09-7022-00011-0Citation:
Charge Amend No: 0Sentence Version:0Charge Class:
Disposition Plea: Plea Date:
Disposition: Disposition Date:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Charge No: 4CJIS Code:1 0252Statute Code:CR.5.601.(2)(vi)
Charge Description: Cds Obtain By Making/Uttering False/Forged Prescription
Offense Date From: 03/01/2008To:
Arrest Tracking No: 09-7022-00011-0Citation:
Charge Amend No: 0Sentence Version:0Charge Class:
Disposition Plea: Plea Date:
Disposition: Disposition Date:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Charge No: 5CJIS Code:2 2510Statute Code:CR.8.609.(b)(2)
Charge Description: Issue Counterfeit Order
Offense Date From: 03/01/2008To:
Arrest Tracking No: 09-7022-00011-0Citation:
Charge Amend No: 0Sentence Version:0Charge Class:
Disposition Plea: Plea Date:
Disposition: Disposition Date:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Charge No: 6CJIS Code:2C2510Statute Code:CL
Charge Description: Con-Issue
Offense Date From: 03/01/2008To:
Arrest Tracking No: 09-7022-00011-0Citation:
Charge Amend No: 0Sentence Version:0Charge Class:
Disposition Plea: Plea Date:
Disposition: Disposition Date:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Charge No: 7CJIS Code:1 2502Statute Code:CR.8.601.(a)
Charge Description: Forgery And Counterfeit-Private Documents
Offense Date From: 03/01/2008To:
Arrest Tracking No: 09-7022-00011-0Citation:
Charge Amend No: 0Sentence Version:0Charge Class:
Disposition Plea: Plea Date:
Disposition: Disposition Date:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Charge No: 8CJIS Code:1C2502Statute Code:CL
Charge Description: Conspiracy/Forgery-Private Documents
Offense Date From: 03/01/2008To:
Arrest Tracking No: 09-7022-00011-0Citation:
Charge Amend No: 0Sentence Version:0Charge Class:
Disposition Plea: Plea Date:
Disposition: Disposition Date:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Charge No: 9CJIS Code:2 2530Statute Code:CR.8.610.(2)
Charge Description: Possess Forged Prescription
Offense Date From: 03/04/2008To:
Arrest Tracking No: 09-7022-00011-0Citation:
Charge Amend No: 0Sentence Version:0Charge Class:
Disposition Plea: Plea Date:
Disposition: Disposition Date:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Charge No: 10CJIS Code:1 0180Statute Code:CR.8.610.(b)(3)
Charge Description: Obtain Drug By Fraud
Offense Date From: 03/04/2008To:
Arrest Tracking No: 09-7022-00011-0Citation:
Charge Amend No: 0Sentence Version:0Charge Class:
Disposition Plea: Plea Date:
Disposition: Disposition Date:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Charge No: 11CJIS Code:1 0249Statute Code:CR.5.601.(2)(ii)
Charge Description: Cds Obtain By Forging/Altering Prescription
Offense Date From: 03/04/2008To:
Arrest Tracking No: 09-7022-00011-0Citation:
Charge Amend No: 0Sentence Version:0Charge Class:
Disposition Plea: Plea Date:
Disposition: Disposition Date:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Charge No: 12CJIS Code:1 0252Statute Code:CR.5.601.(2)(vi)
Charge Description: Cds Obtain By Making/Uttering False/Forged Prescription
Offense Date From: 03/04/2008To:
Arrest Tracking No: 09-7022-00011-0Citation:
Charge Amend No: 0Sentence Version:0Charge Class:
Disposition Plea: Plea Date:
Disposition: Disposition Date:
MORE TO COME!
Accident w/Injuries, Truck vs Motorcycle - Fruitland Md.
2/11/2009 - On Wednesday afternoon Sta.3 Fruitland along with Salisbury EMS was alerted for a accident with injuries involving a motorcycle on Camden Ave & Cedar Ln in Fruitland. Engine 301 arrived to find a Jeep Cherokee in the middle of the intersection with a motorcycle lying on its side near the front of the truck. The driver of the motorcycle was ejected from the bike after striking the truck in the front end a thrown about 20 feet away from the impact.
The intersection was shut down for about one hour while fire crews cleaned up the mess and the Maryland State Police could investigate the accident. Salisbury EMS transported one patient from the motorcycle to PRMC in serious condition. The driver of the truck refused treatment at the scene.
HEBRON MEETING CANCELLED
Don't rush home in the hopes of getting to the Hebron Town Meeting tonight, it's been cancelled.
Of course hiding messages at the Barber Shop and Post Office in the hopes Salisbury News wouldn't find out, we fully expected this to happen.
Nevertheless, we now have enough people on the lookout as to when the next meeting will come about and we'll keep you posted.
Wicomico County Sheriff's Office Press Release
Incident: Reckless Endangerment
Date of Incident: 10 February 2009
Location: 23000 block of Hurley’s Neck Road, Marcela Springs, MD
Suspect: Patrick Wade Cullen, 33, Marcela Springs, MD
Narrative: On 10 February 2009 at 7:23 PM, deputies from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office responded to a residence in the 23000 block of Hurley’s Neck Road in Marcela Springs for the report of a disorderly subject on the property. Upon arrival, the resident advised that her ex-boyfriend, Patrick Cullen had come to her residence dressed in camouflage while yelling that he was going to kill her. Cullen was gone upon the arrival of the deputies, but they heard repeated gunshots from a close vicinity. The deputies determined that the shots were being fired by Cullen, who was repeatedly discharging a shotgun close to the original complainant’s residence while yelling and laughing. The deputies attempted to contact Cullen by use of a public address system on a patrol vehicle, but Cullen declined to leave the woods. The Maryland State Police helicopter responded to the scene and upon its arrival, Cullen exited the woods.
Cullen was taken into custody and transported to the Central Booking Unit where he was processed and taken in front of the District Court Commissioner. After an initial appearance, Cullen was detained by the Commissioner in lieu of $7,500.00 bond.
Charges:
Trespassing
Reckless Endangerment
Disorderly Conduct
Date of Incident: 10 February 2009
Location: 23000 block of Hurley’s Neck Road, Marcela Springs, MD
Suspect: Patrick Wade Cullen, 33, Marcela Springs, MD
Narrative: On 10 February 2009 at 7:23 PM, deputies from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office responded to a residence in the 23000 block of Hurley’s Neck Road in Marcela Springs for the report of a disorderly subject on the property. Upon arrival, the resident advised that her ex-boyfriend, Patrick Cullen had come to her residence dressed in camouflage while yelling that he was going to kill her. Cullen was gone upon the arrival of the deputies, but they heard repeated gunshots from a close vicinity. The deputies determined that the shots were being fired by Cullen, who was repeatedly discharging a shotgun close to the original complainant’s residence while yelling and laughing. The deputies attempted to contact Cullen by use of a public address system on a patrol vehicle, but Cullen declined to leave the woods. The Maryland State Police helicopter responded to the scene and upon its arrival, Cullen exited the woods.
Cullen was taken into custody and transported to the Central Booking Unit where he was processed and taken in front of the District Court Commissioner. After an initial appearance, Cullen was detained by the Commissioner in lieu of $7,500.00 bond.
Charges:
Trespassing
Reckless Endangerment
Disorderly Conduct
This Is What Happens When Government Gets Out Of Control
Richard Baker and Nick McKenzie
February 12, 2009
THEY were labelled law breakers, fined $50,000 and left emotionally and financially drained.
But seven years after the Sheahans bulldozed trees to make a fire break — an act that got them dragged before a magistrate and penalised — they feel vindicated. Their house is one of the few in Reedy Creek still standing.
The Sheahans' 2004 court battle with the Mitchell Shire Council for illegally clearing trees to guard against fire, as well as their decision to stay at home and battle the weekend blaze, encapsulate two of the biggest issues arising from the bushfire tragedy.
Do Victoria's native vegetation management policies need a major overhaul? And should families risk injury or death by staying home to fight the fire rather than fleeing?
Anger at government policies stopping residents from cutting down trees and clearing scrub to protect their properties is already apparent. "We've lost two people in my family because you dickheads won't cut trees down," Warwick Spooner told Nillumbik Mayor Bo Bendtsen at a meeting on Tuesday night.
GO HERE to view more.
February 12, 2009
THEY were labelled law breakers, fined $50,000 and left emotionally and financially drained.
But seven years after the Sheahans bulldozed trees to make a fire break — an act that got them dragged before a magistrate and penalised — they feel vindicated. Their house is one of the few in Reedy Creek still standing.
The Sheahans' 2004 court battle with the Mitchell Shire Council for illegally clearing trees to guard against fire, as well as their decision to stay at home and battle the weekend blaze, encapsulate two of the biggest issues arising from the bushfire tragedy.
Do Victoria's native vegetation management policies need a major overhaul? And should families risk injury or death by staying home to fight the fire rather than fleeing?
Anger at government policies stopping residents from cutting down trees and clearing scrub to protect their properties is already apparent. "We've lost two people in my family because you dickheads won't cut trees down," Warwick Spooner told Nillumbik Mayor Bo Bendtsen at a meeting on Tuesday night.
GO HERE to view more.
Salisbury News Hits 11,000 Posts
Salisbury News has now delivered 11,000 Posts since we began on Blogger. We actually have done far more than that, considering we were off Blogger for about a year and a half. Nevertheless, this is a huge number and clearly we're dedicated to keeping you up to speed locally with news and information 7 day a week.
Many Bloggers like to say less is better but this usually comes from individuals who don't have the time to give anything more than one or two articles per day. If you have any suggestions as to where you'd like to see things go for 2009, let us know.
In case you haven't noticed, our Contributor list is much smaller than it was a few days ago. At the end of 2008 I sent a message to all of our Contributors asking them to step up to the plate more often and in some cases many of their lives were just too busy elsewhere and they couldn't do so. It was at that time I chose to make changes with those Contributors and seek out others who could find the time, interest and passion for writing.
In the near future you will no longer see fictitious names as authors of each article as well. We want to have people involved who aren't afraid to have their name accompanied with their Posts. I feel this is very important towards the credibility of each article and fulfill an agreement I have made with other Bloggers, asking that they do the same. I also feel it will eliminate the personal attacks throughout the Blogosphere. If it works, great. If others choose not to agree, then you'll know who you can believe and or trust.
We are also looking to expand our coverage. We'd like to find Contributors in Somerset County, Worcester County, Sussex County and someone from Northern Delaware. One of the most important writers I'm looking for is someone in the Black Community to have a voice here in Salisbury. If you have interest contact me at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com.
If you have Press Releases you'd like Posted here on Salisbury News, please send them to the address above and we'll get them up as soon as humanly possible. This goes for Fundraisers and anything to do with Community and Public Interest. ALL Press Releases get Posted as they're written. We do not alter any of them and you are responsible for the content provided.
Many Bloggers like to say less is better but this usually comes from individuals who don't have the time to give anything more than one or two articles per day. If you have any suggestions as to where you'd like to see things go for 2009, let us know.
In case you haven't noticed, our Contributor list is much smaller than it was a few days ago. At the end of 2008 I sent a message to all of our Contributors asking them to step up to the plate more often and in some cases many of their lives were just too busy elsewhere and they couldn't do so. It was at that time I chose to make changes with those Contributors and seek out others who could find the time, interest and passion for writing.
In the near future you will no longer see fictitious names as authors of each article as well. We want to have people involved who aren't afraid to have their name accompanied with their Posts. I feel this is very important towards the credibility of each article and fulfill an agreement I have made with other Bloggers, asking that they do the same. I also feel it will eliminate the personal attacks throughout the Blogosphere. If it works, great. If others choose not to agree, then you'll know who you can believe and or trust.
We are also looking to expand our coverage. We'd like to find Contributors in Somerset County, Worcester County, Sussex County and someone from Northern Delaware. One of the most important writers I'm looking for is someone in the Black Community to have a voice here in Salisbury. If you have interest contact me at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com.
If you have Press Releases you'd like Posted here on Salisbury News, please send them to the address above and we'll get them up as soon as humanly possible. This goes for Fundraisers and anything to do with Community and Public Interest. ALL Press Releases get Posted as they're written. We do not alter any of them and you are responsible for the content provided.
Jim Ireton's Response To Insley Letter To Tenants
In today's Daily Times, it was reported that Richard Insley Jr. (owner of multiple rental properties in Salisbury) sent a letter to all of his tenants requesting them to vote for Gary Comegys.
Link to the story: http://delmarvanow.com/article/20090211/NEWS01/902110394/1002
Jim responds:
"It is not the responsibility of the City government to regulate the relationship between renter/landlord, and be sure, the landlord is the only person who can raise your rent. When crime rates become so high that all citizens - renter, university student, senior citizen, and homeowner - are seeking relief, then the city must step in and use all available tools to curb crime. What this letter represents is a misinformation campaign from the leader of an industry and the chairman of our housing board - that does not accurately reflect my position (that was never solicited by Insley or SAPOA) and continues the brazen practice of dividing renters and homeowners in order to profit from that division.
It is important to know that I have walked high crime areas that university students live in. I have always advocated, in my work in the Neighborhood Congress, and in politics to protect those among us whose situation can be improved. I am not scared of tactics like these, I have seen them for decades.
My campaign will convince renters and homeowners that only when we work together can we begin to address the issues of blight that are raising our crime rates. It is my hope that the rental industry will bring to the table what it is that they CAN do to partner in that effort."
EDITORS NOTE: It should be known by ALL that Mr. Ireton did in fact send this exact letter to the Daily Times yesterday and they chose not to run it. They put in a Comegys fluff piece in today's paper instead. I call it, Yellow Journalism.
Customers Burning Rubber Away From Burnett-White Tire And Auto
Campaigns should focus on issues, not intimidation
"As a business located on a frequently traveled street in Salisbury, we are often asked to put up yard sale signs for events and political campaigns. Trying to be a good neighbor, we help everyone by placing signs to inform the public.
Even though I am not a voter in Salisbury, I put up a sign for a candidate after a polite request. However, the negativity of politics as practiced in this city has been turned against us.
First, local blogs attacked us for placing a sign for someone other than their candidate. Now we have received an unsigned letter, implying it came from a former customer, attacking us for exercising our right to free speech: "I was troubled to see a Gary Comegys for mayor sign posted at your place of business. ... Even if you take yours down, I have to consider my customer relationship with your business as being tainted."
This is America. Our democracy is not well-served by this type of hatefulness. The voters of Salisbury are tired of the fight between two small groups of politically active citizens that results in all of us looking bad. In a community that can rise up and provide incredible support on short notice for sick kids and other important causes, we should not allow candidates or their supporters to use negative campaigning or launch attacks on citizens who are trying to practice free speech.
We are better than that.
These candidates need to stop their supporters from using intimidation and focus instead on the issues facing Salisbury, which are considerable in these tough economic times.
Dawn Tilghman
Salisbury"
IMHO, Dawn is the one who is a HATER. She goes public with her feelings because some of her own Customers disagree with her choice? In America, Dawn, other people have the right to their opinion too. They even have the right to not do business with you. After this letter in today's Daily Times, my guess is you'll now have even more Customers who see your own HATRED towards those who don't agree with you and do business elsewhere.
Dawn finished her letter with: "These candidates need to stop their supporters from using intimidation and focus instead on the issues facing Salisbury, which are considerable in these tough economic times."
Perhaps you haven't read today's Daily Times Dawn? I'm sure you're still trying to pull that foot out of your mouth this morning.
Quote Of The Day
Something to think about . . .
"You cannot legislate the poor into freedom by legislating the wealthy out of freedom. What one person receives without working for, another person must work for without receiving. The government cannot give to anybody anything that the government does not first take from somebody else. When half of the people get the idea that they do not haveto work because the other half is going to take care of them, and when the other half gets the idea that it does no good to work because somebody else is going to get what they work for, that, my dear friend, is about the end of any nation. You cannot multiply wealth by dividing it."
~~ The late Dr. Adrian Rogers ~~
"You cannot legislate the poor into freedom by legislating the wealthy out of freedom. What one person receives without working for, another person must work for without receiving. The government cannot give to anybody anything that the government does not first take from somebody else. When half of the people get the idea that they do not haveto work because the other half is going to take care of them, and when the other half gets the idea that it does no good to work because somebody else is going to get what they work for, that, my dear friend, is about the end of any nation. You cannot multiply wealth by dividing it."
~~ The late Dr. Adrian Rogers ~~
Letter to the Editor w/ Comment
This was submitted by Two Sentz reader and Insley tenant "hdg3xb" who, for obvious reasons, wishes to remain anonymous. Here's the full text of his e-mail:
A Few Thoughts Regarding 4-2
It appears to me that the 4-2 legislation that is the topic of much conversation was created out of two main beliefs:
1. Limit the number of rental units to boost property values of the surrounding areas.
2. Prevent “slum lords” from opening up shop.
WAKE UP SALISBURY!!! The exact opposite is happening. Salisbury is a growing city. Every year the University is growing, however its students have no place to go. Go ahead and say what I know you're thinking: "All college kids do is party and disturb the peace. Like hell they are going to live next to me." Let me just remind you though, not every college student is a drunken fraternity brother who parties 6 nights a week and sobers up in jail on the 7th. In fact most of the trouble makers you blindly form stereotypes around don’t make it very far here. Trust me, as a senior here at SU, most of the “students” the community has a problem with are gone in two, maybe three semesters. If mommy and daddy don’t pull the plug, the University will. Once they are out of here, all that is left is legitimate students who want to spend their time studying and not trying to figure out where to live next (more on that later).
4-2 is back firing for most involved. Keep in mind that the legislation does not limit the number of houses; it only limits the occupants of said house to 2 unrelated people. Given that the demand for rental housing is only growing, and that full occupancy is barred by law, the number of rental units is only increasing ever faster. And even worse, we are seeing homes being sliced up into sub-par “apartments.” Have any of you ever been inside of a home converted to apartments? All they do is throw up a piece of drywall and add a “kitchen” somewhere. There is no attempt at sound proofing or solid workmanship. I have been scared for my life walking up some of the back “entrance” stairs of the converted houses. In houses that have not been converted, tenants are forced to pay twice the rent. Even if the law says only two people can live here, land lords are still charging the same rent they did when it was occupied by four people.
So you know who is losing out on all of this? You and I are my friends. I am being forced to choose between sub-standard housing and impossibly high rents. You are seeing MORE rental units in your neighborhoods to accommodate this artificially created demand. Do you know who is not losing out? You guessed it; they would be Salisbury’s well established and “morally sound” rental agencies.
Let’s move on to belief number two. 4-2 is preventing “slum lords” from opening up shop. Guess what? All it's doing is giving them a golden key to the city. I have rented through two people here in Salisbury, and as I do not like to report on things I have not experienced firsthand, I will only be mentioning them. As for the rest, I will leave it up to you to uncover.
My first rental was a great experience and I still wish I was there now. I lived in nice house with my 3 roommates. There was plenty of space, off street parking, and a VERY reasonable rent. Everything in the house worked perfectly and if something did break, the land lord was there the next day to fix it. Now for the shocker ladies and gentlemen. This house was owned by a private landlord. In fact he lived in Virginia, which made the fact that he was here next day even all the more incredible. But do you know what happened here? He must have been one of those “slum lords” you all hate so much because the city made us move and drove him out of business. Now I live three times the distance to school, I am in a house half the size, and paying a more expensive rent. Any clue who owns this property? Richard Insley does.
Now once again I find myself about to move, but this time because I have had it with Insley and his practices. I currently live in one of those “exempt” houses that only the old land lords had time to apply for years ago. So even though there are more than two people living here, everyone seems to be fine about it…. except for the tenants. And here are just a few reasons why:
A. Turnaround time on repairs. When I first was looking to rent I asked about who makes repairs to the property. I was told that he has a staff of full time, plumbers, carpenters, etc. Later I found out exactly what this means. He has a staff of people who work full time at other jobs and get to his properties when they have spare time. I called once about a broken shower head that had corroded due to hard water and finally went up. It took his “full time staff” two weeks to come out and fix it. The whole time I had to shower at friends houses because mine was useless. Beginning to look like a slum lord?
B. And I quote, “it was broken when we bought the house so we are not going to fix it.” This one is pretty self explanatory. That is an actual answer I received from Mr. Insley’s office when I called to get a wall receptacle fixed. REALLY??? You own it, now FIX IT!
C. This one goes with A but I am making it its own topic because it happened to my neighbor who also rents from Insley. I feel that I can include it because I did witness the whole thing first hand. When winter rolled around this year and we had those couple of days in the 30’s, my neighbor realized his heat was broken. He called Insley to report it and just like my shower head, it was added to the queue of someone with a day job. After two days of 30 degree nights, and countless phone calls to Insley, he finally brought over some space heaters to use while he was still waiting on his guy to get around to fixing the problem. But guess what? The heaters he brought for the tenant to use were to large for the house's wiring, so they blew the circuit breakers even on low and were completely useless. Any clue how many cold days he had to endure because Insley was too cheap to pay the extra few dollars to hire a real professional who would have fixed it that day? 8 very cold days latter it was finally fixed. Try living in your house for 8 days with no heat and then tell us how great of people the land lords you allow to operate are.
Now keep all of this in mind when you go to the polls. It is obvious who these landlords are supporting and why. They are the ones who really want 4-2. It’s not for the protection of you and me; it is to drive out competition by legitimate private landlords, artificially create demand for an inferior product, and pad their pockets with the money they have robbed from their tenants. Use your brains people. Get the facts. Do your own research. See the truth.
We also received a comment from someone who appears to be a non-student resident and I feel it is worthy of a post so here it is:
If Ireton is elected mayor, he will create a landlord/tenant board that will be there for renters to make complaints like you folks have here--you DO have legal rights and Insley and his pals are trampling all over them. They count on the idea that renters don't know their rights.
As for 4-2 (which actually was changed to 4-3, and really 4-4 since Insley is head of the board that decides whether you are in compliance),the SAPOA landlords were the ones who successfully conned students into thinking it was an anti-student ordinance. I'm sure some proponents of 4-2 don't like students, but the vast majority of us chose to live by the college because we like being in a lively place. The difference, though, is that we don't want 8 people living next to us in a house, driveway, and yard designed for far fewer.
Let's be realistic--4 people renting often means 8 people living there once boyfriends and girlfriends move in. The hard thing about it is that you might be an awesome neighbor, but you (or one of your roommates) will likely leave in 6 months or less. Then it is a real crap shoot as to whether the next person will be as good a neighbor. I know homeowners can also be terrible neighbors, too, it is just that they have more incentive to get along with people they might live next to for 20 years.
Finally, renters and owners both need to keep the eye on the ball: the real blame here belongs to slumlords, not students or other renters. Insley and the majority of SAPOA have been exploiting students for too long--they are terrified that if Ireton gets elected, the rules will finally be enforced and the terrible living conditions, unfair security deposits, and BS "fees" will come to an end. Our interests are aligned, no matter what Insley wants to tell you--I live near the college and have had awesome experiences with student rentals (and some not-so-awesome). My fight is with the bad landlords (not all of them are bad by any means) and the city administration that refuses to enforce laws that are there not only to protect neighborhoods, but to protect the renters from exploitation. My fight is not against renters. A vote for Comegys is a vote for Insley to remain on the housing board. Don't ever forget that.
A Few Thoughts Regarding 4-2
It appears to me that the 4-2 legislation that is the topic of much conversation was created out of two main beliefs:
1. Limit the number of rental units to boost property values of the surrounding areas.
2. Prevent “slum lords” from opening up shop.
WAKE UP SALISBURY!!! The exact opposite is happening. Salisbury is a growing city. Every year the University is growing, however its students have no place to go. Go ahead and say what I know you're thinking: "All college kids do is party and disturb the peace. Like hell they are going to live next to me." Let me just remind you though, not every college student is a drunken fraternity brother who parties 6 nights a week and sobers up in jail on the 7th. In fact most of the trouble makers you blindly form stereotypes around don’t make it very far here. Trust me, as a senior here at SU, most of the “students” the community has a problem with are gone in two, maybe three semesters. If mommy and daddy don’t pull the plug, the University will. Once they are out of here, all that is left is legitimate students who want to spend their time studying and not trying to figure out where to live next (more on that later).
4-2 is back firing for most involved. Keep in mind that the legislation does not limit the number of houses; it only limits the occupants of said house to 2 unrelated people. Given that the demand for rental housing is only growing, and that full occupancy is barred by law, the number of rental units is only increasing ever faster. And even worse, we are seeing homes being sliced up into sub-par “apartments.” Have any of you ever been inside of a home converted to apartments? All they do is throw up a piece of drywall and add a “kitchen” somewhere. There is no attempt at sound proofing or solid workmanship. I have been scared for my life walking up some of the back “entrance” stairs of the converted houses. In houses that have not been converted, tenants are forced to pay twice the rent. Even if the law says only two people can live here, land lords are still charging the same rent they did when it was occupied by four people.
So you know who is losing out on all of this? You and I are my friends. I am being forced to choose between sub-standard housing and impossibly high rents. You are seeing MORE rental units in your neighborhoods to accommodate this artificially created demand. Do you know who is not losing out? You guessed it; they would be Salisbury’s well established and “morally sound” rental agencies.
Let’s move on to belief number two. 4-2 is preventing “slum lords” from opening up shop. Guess what? All it's doing is giving them a golden key to the city. I have rented through two people here in Salisbury, and as I do not like to report on things I have not experienced firsthand, I will only be mentioning them. As for the rest, I will leave it up to you to uncover.
My first rental was a great experience and I still wish I was there now. I lived in nice house with my 3 roommates. There was plenty of space, off street parking, and a VERY reasonable rent. Everything in the house worked perfectly and if something did break, the land lord was there the next day to fix it. Now for the shocker ladies and gentlemen. This house was owned by a private landlord. In fact he lived in Virginia, which made the fact that he was here next day even all the more incredible. But do you know what happened here? He must have been one of those “slum lords” you all hate so much because the city made us move and drove him out of business. Now I live three times the distance to school, I am in a house half the size, and paying a more expensive rent. Any clue who owns this property? Richard Insley does.
Now once again I find myself about to move, but this time because I have had it with Insley and his practices. I currently live in one of those “exempt” houses that only the old land lords had time to apply for years ago. So even though there are more than two people living here, everyone seems to be fine about it…. except for the tenants. And here are just a few reasons why:
A. Turnaround time on repairs. When I first was looking to rent I asked about who makes repairs to the property. I was told that he has a staff of full time, plumbers, carpenters, etc. Later I found out exactly what this means. He has a staff of people who work full time at other jobs and get to his properties when they have spare time. I called once about a broken shower head that had corroded due to hard water and finally went up. It took his “full time staff” two weeks to come out and fix it. The whole time I had to shower at friends houses because mine was useless. Beginning to look like a slum lord?
B. And I quote, “it was broken when we bought the house so we are not going to fix it.” This one is pretty self explanatory. That is an actual answer I received from Mr. Insley’s office when I called to get a wall receptacle fixed. REALLY??? You own it, now FIX IT!
C. This one goes with A but I am making it its own topic because it happened to my neighbor who also rents from Insley. I feel that I can include it because I did witness the whole thing first hand. When winter rolled around this year and we had those couple of days in the 30’s, my neighbor realized his heat was broken. He called Insley to report it and just like my shower head, it was added to the queue of someone with a day job. After two days of 30 degree nights, and countless phone calls to Insley, he finally brought over some space heaters to use while he was still waiting on his guy to get around to fixing the problem. But guess what? The heaters he brought for the tenant to use were to large for the house's wiring, so they blew the circuit breakers even on low and were completely useless. Any clue how many cold days he had to endure because Insley was too cheap to pay the extra few dollars to hire a real professional who would have fixed it that day? 8 very cold days latter it was finally fixed. Try living in your house for 8 days with no heat and then tell us how great of people the land lords you allow to operate are.
Now keep all of this in mind when you go to the polls. It is obvious who these landlords are supporting and why. They are the ones who really want 4-2. It’s not for the protection of you and me; it is to drive out competition by legitimate private landlords, artificially create demand for an inferior product, and pad their pockets with the money they have robbed from their tenants. Use your brains people. Get the facts. Do your own research. See the truth.
We also received a comment from someone who appears to be a non-student resident and I feel it is worthy of a post so here it is:
If Ireton is elected mayor, he will create a landlord/tenant board that will be there for renters to make complaints like you folks have here--you DO have legal rights and Insley and his pals are trampling all over them. They count on the idea that renters don't know their rights.
As for 4-2 (which actually was changed to 4-3, and really 4-4 since Insley is head of the board that decides whether you are in compliance),the SAPOA landlords were the ones who successfully conned students into thinking it was an anti-student ordinance. I'm sure some proponents of 4-2 don't like students, but the vast majority of us chose to live by the college because we like being in a lively place. The difference, though, is that we don't want 8 people living next to us in a house, driveway, and yard designed for far fewer.
Let's be realistic--4 people renting often means 8 people living there once boyfriends and girlfriends move in. The hard thing about it is that you might be an awesome neighbor, but you (or one of your roommates) will likely leave in 6 months or less. Then it is a real crap shoot as to whether the next person will be as good a neighbor. I know homeowners can also be terrible neighbors, too, it is just that they have more incentive to get along with people they might live next to for 20 years.
Finally, renters and owners both need to keep the eye on the ball: the real blame here belongs to slumlords, not students or other renters. Insley and the majority of SAPOA have been exploiting students for too long--they are terrified that if Ireton gets elected, the rules will finally be enforced and the terrible living conditions, unfair security deposits, and BS "fees" will come to an end. Our interests are aligned, no matter what Insley wants to tell you--I live near the college and have had awesome experiences with student rentals (and some not-so-awesome). My fight is with the bad landlords (not all of them are bad by any means) and the city administration that refuses to enforce laws that are there not only to protect neighborhoods, but to protect the renters from exploitation. My fight is not against renters. A vote for Comegys is a vote for Insley to remain on the housing board. Don't ever forget that.
Another Slanted Article From The Daily Times
GO HERE to read the full Daily Times article.
WHERE'S THE LETTER?
The Daily Times said in their article, "Ireton and Caldwell are said to buy into Campbell's alleged tirade to oust renters from residential neighborhoods. Caldwell shares Campbell's disapproval for Insley's letter."
"Are said to buy into" blah, blah, blah. WHO SAID IT?
ALLEGED TIRADE? Come on now, tell us where that one came from. Do you have ANY class left at all?
This is yet another slant by Joe Camean, (more than likely) added to the article to bash Campbell, Ireton and Caldwell. The Daily Times should be more responsible and print the actual letter and let their readers decide. So why didn't they print it? Because the chances of their readers seeing the actual letter is slim. However, many will still come to Salisbury News and see it HERE TWO DAYS AGO! Obviously we struck a nerve at the Daily Times.
The survival of the Daily Times will depend on Comegys being elected. Think about it like this Ladies & Gentlemen. Let's just say Ireton or Caldwell get elected Mayor. After the treatment they received from the Daily Times, do you think they're going to deliver them inside information? Do you think they're going to deliver them information a day in advance so they can go to print the next day when everyone else is delivering it? If Comegys loses this election, that will be it for the Daily Times. Could it be possible that the Blogs will actually be relied upon to get their messages out, knowing it won't be twisted and that their Press Releases will go out exactly as stated, (word for word) from the new Administration? Time will tell.
In the mean time, take a look at their article and then take a look at the actual letter we produced and YOU decide if this article by the Daily Times is fair and accurate. I'd say they have become more of a Blog from the old days than a respectable Newspaper worth trusting.
ANDY HARRIS AND “EJ” PIPKIN TEAM UP IN ANNAPOLIS
SENATE BILL 432
By: Senators Jacobs, Pipkin, Colburn, Glassman, Harris, and Stone Introduced and read first time: February 2, 2009 Assigned to: Education, Health, and Environmental Affairs AN ACT concerning Environment – Sewage Sludge Utilization – Zoning and Lane Use Requirements FOR the purpose of prohibiting the Department of the Environment from issuing a sewage sludge utilization permit for a site unless the site meets all county zoning and land use requirements or ordinances; and generally relating to the use of sewage sludge.
SECTION 1. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF MARYLAND, That the Laws of Maryland read as follows: Article – Environment 9–233.
(A) The Department may not issue a permit to install, materially alter, or materially extend a sewage sludge composting facility or a sewage sludge storage facility until:
(1) The sewage sludge composting facility or sewage sludge storage facility meets all zoning and land use requirements of the county where the sewage sludge composting or storage facility is to be located; and
(2) In the case of a sewage sludge composting facility, the Department has a written statement that the board of county commissioners or the county council of the county where the sewage sludge composting facility is to be located does not oppose the issuance of the permit.
(B) THE DEPARTMENT MAY NOT ISSUE A SEWAGE SLUDGE UTILIZATION PERMIT UNLESS THE SEWAGE SLUDGE UTILIZATION SITE MEETS ALL ZONING AND LAND USE REQUIREMENTS OR ORDINANCES OF THE COUNTY WHERE THE SITE IS LOCATED. SECTION 2. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That this Act shall take effect October 1, 2009.
By: Senators Jacobs, Pipkin, Colburn, Glassman, Harris, and Stone Introduced and read first time: February 2, 2009 Assigned to: Education, Health, and Environmental Affairs AN ACT concerning Environment – Sewage Sludge Utilization – Zoning and Lane Use Requirements FOR the purpose of prohibiting the Department of the Environment from issuing a sewage sludge utilization permit for a site unless the site meets all county zoning and land use requirements or ordinances; and generally relating to the use of sewage sludge.
SECTION 1. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF MARYLAND, That the Laws of Maryland read as follows: Article – Environment 9–233.
(A) The Department may not issue a permit to install, materially alter, or materially extend a sewage sludge composting facility or a sewage sludge storage facility until:
(1) The sewage sludge composting facility or sewage sludge storage facility meets all zoning and land use requirements of the county where the sewage sludge composting or storage facility is to be located; and
(2) In the case of a sewage sludge composting facility, the Department has a written statement that the board of county commissioners or the county council of the county where the sewage sludge composting facility is to be located does not oppose the issuance of the permit.
(B) THE DEPARTMENT MAY NOT ISSUE A SEWAGE SLUDGE UTILIZATION PERMIT UNLESS THE SEWAGE SLUDGE UTILIZATION SITE MEETS ALL ZONING AND LAND USE REQUIREMENTS OR ORDINANCES OF THE COUNTY WHERE THE SITE IS LOCATED. SECTION 2. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That this Act shall take effect October 1, 2009.
SALISBURY'S “RIVER PLACE” CONDO SELLS ANOTHER UNIT!
In December another unit was sold in that big (mid-rise) condo on Riverside Drive with the breathtaking view of Brew River and odor of the Perdue Plant. That makes 3 sales closed last year – the same number as in 2007. And, now, only 36 are left unsold or sold but not closed.
It looks like the developer has cut prices – here's the data:
Date Unit Price
2008- Dec. 18 301 349,900
Aug. 21 103 349,900
June 3 601 650,000*
2007- Dec. 20 401 400,000
Dec. 20 302 439,900
Dec. 7 501 494,370
this is a 2,600 sq. ft. unit on the top floor – the others are about 1,600 sq. ft.
Should you buy one now or wait for further price cutting? And how low will they go?
It looks like the developer has cut prices – here's the data:
Date Unit Price
2008- Dec. 18 301 349,900
Aug. 21 103 349,900
June 3 601 650,000*
2007- Dec. 20 401 400,000
Dec. 20 302 439,900
Dec. 7 501 494,370
this is a 2,600 sq. ft. unit on the top floor – the others are about 1,600 sq. ft.
Should you buy one now or wait for further price cutting? And how low will they go?
Valentine's Day Cards
Click on image to enlarge.Joe,
Would you mind posting our Valentine's Day card special to your blog? (see attached)
30% of the proceeds of the sale of these cards goes to the Brooke Mulford Foundation.
If people have questions they can call us here at the shop.
Would you mind posting our Valentine's Day card special to your blog? (see attached)
30% of the proceeds of the sale of these cards goes to the Brooke Mulford Foundation.
If people have questions they can call us here at the shop.
410.749.9901
Joey D.
Joey D.
Purr Machines!
Finally, some Pets are available at the Wicomico Humane Society. Look at this selection too! The Albero Ranch is loaded with 5 resident cats and Lord knows how many of our neighbors cats enjoy the feasts we offer twice a day on the front porch.
Please take some time out of your schedule to go visit our furry friends and be sure to drop off some food or toys for them to play with. They can always use some loving company, even if they can't come home with you.
Say Hello To My Other Furry Friends
Here are some dogs... had more photos taken but dogs got adopted this morning! What a great problem to have! Will get more to you later this week.
Linda
Fuel-Scam Contractor Sentenced To 10 Years
MIAMI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
Fuel-scam contractor sentenced to 10 years
BYDAVIDOVALLE
dovalle@MiamiHerald.com
A former, contractor convicted in the fuel farm scheme at Miami International Airport was sentenced Monday to 10 years in state prison.
Jeffrey Smith, 46, former environmental director of Cliff Berry Inc., was convicted in December of grand theft and organized fraud for his role in the scheme to steal jet fuel from the airport's fuel farm.
Jurors in December also convicted the company. Its former president, Cliff Berry II, was acquitted.
Monday's sentence was delivered by Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Jacqueline Hogan Scola.
The company, Smith and several others must also pay $1.23 million in restitution, according to the Miami-Dade State Attorney's Office. Also, Cliff Berry Inc. cannot have any government contracts.
The company's trucks were supposed, to haul away wastewater but instead drove off with jet fuel later sold to yacht owners. Their indictments were part of a far-reaching probe that uncovered several racketeering schemes at the airport.
On Thursday, a former supervisor at the airport's^1 fuel farm management company, ASIG Fueling, was sentenced to 12 years in prison. Brian Schneir, 45, had pleaded guilty in exchange for two years in prison but violated his plea agreement by lying during a deposition, Hogan Scola ruled.
In all, 23 defendants pleaded guilty to having roles in the scams.
Fuel-scam contractor sentenced to 10 years
BYDAVIDOVALLE
dovalle@MiamiHerald.com
A former, contractor convicted in the fuel farm scheme at Miami International Airport was sentenced Monday to 10 years in state prison.
Jeffrey Smith, 46, former environmental director of Cliff Berry Inc., was convicted in December of grand theft and organized fraud for his role in the scheme to steal jet fuel from the airport's fuel farm.
Jurors in December also convicted the company. Its former president, Cliff Berry II, was acquitted.
Monday's sentence was delivered by Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Jacqueline Hogan Scola.
The company, Smith and several others must also pay $1.23 million in restitution, according to the Miami-Dade State Attorney's Office. Also, Cliff Berry Inc. cannot have any government contracts.
The company's trucks were supposed, to haul away wastewater but instead drove off with jet fuel later sold to yacht owners. Their indictments were part of a far-reaching probe that uncovered several racketeering schemes at the airport.
On Thursday, a former supervisor at the airport's^1 fuel farm management company, ASIG Fueling, was sentenced to 12 years in prison. Brian Schneir, 45, had pleaded guilty in exchange for two years in prison but violated his plea agreement by lying during a deposition, Hogan Scola ruled.
In all, 23 defendants pleaded guilty to having roles in the scams.
NORM CONWAY REALLY BRINGS HOME THE BACON (AND OTHER PORK)
Numbers don't lie. The General Assembly recently issued data that shows that Wicomico County is one of the biggest hogs at the trough in Annapolis. Here's a summary of the table for “State Aid to Local Government” (for 2010 – the proposed budget for the next fiscal year).
Per Capita: $1,879 – highest (Baltimore City)
$1,579 – Wicomico County (4^th )
$1,160 – statewide average
$587 – lowest (Talbot County)
Growth (2009/10): 7.7% – highest (Montgomery Co.)
6.7% – Wicomico County (2^nd )
1.0% – statewide average
-1.2% – lowest (Prince George's County)
Source: http://mlis.state.md.us/2009rs/budget_docs/ALL/2009_Fiscal_Briefing.pdf – the data is on page 42 (pdf 46).
Per Capita: $1,879 – highest (Baltimore City)
$1,579 – Wicomico County (4^th )
$1,160 – statewide average
$587 – lowest (Talbot County)
Growth (2009/10): 7.7% – highest (Montgomery Co.)
6.7% – Wicomico County (2^nd )
1.0% – statewide average
-1.2% – lowest (Prince George's County)
Source: http://mlis.state.md.us/2009rs/budget_docs/ALL/2009_Fiscal_Briefing.pdf – the data is on page 42 (pdf 46).
Catching Wild Pigs Obama Style
Catching Wild Pigs
A chemistry professor in a large college had some exchange students in the class. One day while the class was in the lab the Professor noticed one young man (exchange student) who kept rubbing his back, and stretching as if his back hurt.
The professor asked the young man what was the matter. The student told him he had a bullet lodged in his back. He had been shot while fighting communists in his native country who were trying to overthrow his country's government and install a new communist government.
In the midst of his story he looked at the professor and asked a strange question. He asked, 'Do you know how to catch wild pigs?'
The professor thought it was a joke and asked for the punch line. The young man said this was no joke. 'You catch wild pigs by finding a suitable place in the woods and putting corn on the ground. The pigs find it and begin to come everyday to eat the free corn. When they are used to coming every day, you put a fence down one side of the place where they are used to coming. When they get used to the fence, they begin to eat the corn again and you put up another side of the fence. They get used to that and start to eat again.. You continue until you have all four sides of the fence up with a gate in The last side. The pigs, who are used to the free corn, start to come through the gate to eat, you slam the gate on them and catch the whole herd.
Suddenly the wild pigs have lost their freedom. They run around and around inside the fence, but they are caught. Soon they go back to eating the free corn. They are so used to it that they have forgotten how to forage in the woods for themselves, so they accept their captivity.
The young man then told the professor that is exactly what he sees happening to America. The government keeps pushing us toward socialism and keeps spreading the free corn out in the form of programs such as supplemental income, tax credit for unearned income, tobacco subsidies, dairy subsidies, payments not to plant crops (CRP), welfare, medicine, drugs, etc.. While we continually lose our freedoms -- just a little at a time.
One should always remember: There is no such thing as a free lunch! Also, a politician will never provide a service for you cheaper than you can do it yourself
Also, if you see that all of this wonderful government 'help' is a problem confronting the future of democracy in America, you might want to send this on to your friends. If you think the free ride is essential to your way of life then you will probably delete this email, but God help you when the gate slams shut!
'A government big enough to give you everything you want, is big enough to take away everything you have".
Thomas Jefferson
A chemistry professor in a large college had some exchange students in the class. One day while the class was in the lab the Professor noticed one young man (exchange student) who kept rubbing his back, and stretching as if his back hurt.
The professor asked the young man what was the matter. The student told him he had a bullet lodged in his back. He had been shot while fighting communists in his native country who were trying to overthrow his country's government and install a new communist government.
In the midst of his story he looked at the professor and asked a strange question. He asked, 'Do you know how to catch wild pigs?'
The professor thought it was a joke and asked for the punch line. The young man said this was no joke. 'You catch wild pigs by finding a suitable place in the woods and putting corn on the ground. The pigs find it and begin to come everyday to eat the free corn. When they are used to coming every day, you put a fence down one side of the place where they are used to coming. When they get used to the fence, they begin to eat the corn again and you put up another side of the fence. They get used to that and start to eat again.. You continue until you have all four sides of the fence up with a gate in The last side. The pigs, who are used to the free corn, start to come through the gate to eat, you slam the gate on them and catch the whole herd.
Suddenly the wild pigs have lost their freedom. They run around and around inside the fence, but they are caught. Soon they go back to eating the free corn. They are so used to it that they have forgotten how to forage in the woods for themselves, so they accept their captivity.
The young man then told the professor that is exactly what he sees happening to America. The government keeps pushing us toward socialism and keeps spreading the free corn out in the form of programs such as supplemental income, tax credit for unearned income, tobacco subsidies, dairy subsidies, payments not to plant crops (CRP), welfare, medicine, drugs, etc.. While we continually lose our freedoms -- just a little at a time.
One should always remember: There is no such thing as a free lunch! Also, a politician will never provide a service for you cheaper than you can do it yourself
Also, if you see that all of this wonderful government 'help' is a problem confronting the future of democracy in America, you might want to send this on to your friends. If you think the free ride is essential to your way of life then you will probably delete this email, but God help you when the gate slams shut!
'A government big enough to give you everything you want, is big enough to take away everything you have".
Thomas Jefferson
The Original S.U.V.
As our nation's Big 3 auto manufacturers face bankruptcy, will all be faced with returning to the old time basics?
Americans may soon need to embrace the original SUV….
Americans may soon need to embrace the original SUV….
Two Sentz: "all rumor: NO TRUTH!"
Over on my blog, which I am not allowed to mention or link to, we had some comments regarding Salisbury's famous slumlords that went something like this:
Anonymous said...
Anon 8:34 - Donnie Williams also has a letter he sends to tenants explaining his increase in their rent as a "renter's tax" passed by the City Council. Complete BS.
February 10, 2009 4:48 PM
Anonymous said...
Where is the backing for all this? Go figure, the only true part about "blue truth" is you're blue in the face from all the BS sprouting up around here. Sentz is no better than SBYNEWS... all rumor: NO TRUTH!
February 10, 2009 6:55 PM
I'm pretty certain the first comment was from a renter in SBY. I'm not sure about the second comment and don't really care other than the fact they called our commenter a liar. Well, guess what? He wasn't a liar and since you called BS on us, here is some proof:
It's worth noting that the rental rate increase (in this case an additional $25 per month) easily exceeds "what amounted to a renter's tax" (landlord licensing fee of $25 per year, per unit) and yet, somehow, it still didn't manage to cover their "additional cost of doing business". I seems that lie "amounted to" a $325 net increase in revenue per unit.
THE IRISH ARE COMING!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The Friends of Poplar Hill Mansion is pleased to invite you to bring the kids, and come to our Celtic Show Sunday, March29th at 1:00. In conjunction with “Music at the Mansion” Irish American singers, Mike O’Loughlin, Mickey Justice, and Mezzo Soprano, Aleta Davis will perform your favorite Celtic tunes, old and new. Silent auction items will be available to bid on, and traditional Irish refreshments will be served. Wear your favorite kilt or clan garb for even more fun! Please join us for an afternoon of fine food, wonderful music and a chance to share our Irish heritage with the kids. Yes, you can sing along with the band! Reservations are suggested as space is limited. Please call our Curator, Nancy Marasco at 410-749-1776 or visit us online at http://www.poplarhillmansion.org/ . Ticket prices are $15.00 for adults and $10.00 for children., children under 5 are free! Wear your green and join in the festivities!
The Friends of Poplar Hill Mansion is a 501 ( c ) (3) corporation dedicated to the preservation of Poplar Hill Mansion, the oldest home in Salisbury, built in the Federal Style. The funds raised go toward interior restoration. If you fall in love with Poplar Hill Mansion as we have, please consider joining the Friends of Poplar Hill Mansion. Membership begins at the $25.00 annual donation level and includes many benefits.
The Friends of Poplar Hill Mansion is a 501 ( c ) (3) corporation dedicated to the preservation of Poplar Hill Mansion, the oldest home in Salisbury, built in the Federal Style. The funds raised go toward interior restoration. If you fall in love with Poplar Hill Mansion as we have, please consider joining the Friends of Poplar Hill Mansion. Membership begins at the $25.00 annual donation level and includes many benefits.
Should Pets Be Rentable
Is it responsible to rent a pet?
Thank you for voting!
Yes 10% (424 votes)
No 90% (3724 votes)
Total Votes: 4148
GO HERE and vote yourself.
Save $5 On Harlem Globetrotter Tickets
(Salisbury, MD) The World Famous Harlem Globetrotters are bringing their 2009 World Tour to the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center on Monday, March 2 at 7:00pm. In partnership with the Harlem Globetrotters, IHOP is now offering coupons that will save you money on a ticket to the show. You can get the $5 discount by logging on to www.harlemglobetrotters.com/IHOP . Print out this coupon and bring it to the box office to receive your discount. NOTE: This offer can only be redeemed in person at the Wicomico Youth and Civic Center Box Office.
The show offers a captivating assortment of trick shots, high-flying dunks, and ball handling wizardry…with a side-splitting array of comedy guaranteed to entertain both the young and the young at heart.
Before the show, join us at IHOP on February 19th at 11 AM where Harlem Globetrotter “Buckets” Blakes will be on hand to sign autographs and answer any questions you may have about the show. The Salisbury IHOP is located at 2732 N. Salisbury Boulevard in the North Point Plaza.
Tickets are on sale now and begin at $21 plus fees. Tickets can be purchased at the Wicomico Youth and Civic Center box office. The box office is located at 500 Glen Avenue in Salisbury, MD. For more ticket information, please visit http://www.wicomicociviccenter.org/ .
The show offers a captivating assortment of trick shots, high-flying dunks, and ball handling wizardry…with a side-splitting array of comedy guaranteed to entertain both the young and the young at heart.
Before the show, join us at IHOP on February 19th at 11 AM where Harlem Globetrotter “Buckets” Blakes will be on hand to sign autographs and answer any questions you may have about the show. The Salisbury IHOP is located at 2732 N. Salisbury Boulevard in the North Point Plaza.
Tickets are on sale now and begin at $21 plus fees. Tickets can be purchased at the Wicomico Youth and Civic Center box office. The box office is located at 500 Glen Avenue in Salisbury, MD. For more ticket information, please visit http://www.wicomicociviccenter.org/ .
Wednesday 2/11. Today is . . .
Today is WHITE SHIRT DAY.
White Shirt Day has been celebrated every February 11th since 1937. This day honors the workers who were involved in a strike at General Motors in 1937. These workers helped the United Auto Workers (UAW) union to become a bargaining tool against General Motors.
According to the UAW website, this is what you do on this day:
* Everyone must wear a white shirt of some sort (blouse, tshirt or shirt)
* Your shift mustn't get dirtier than your boss's shirt.
* Safety and work rules must be followed.
On a lighter note, please do not confuse this day with WET White Shirt Day. However, you can get wet, if you follow the UAW rules listed above.
Muir Boda Removes Face Book Page Completely
Four names, (friends) were found on Muir Boda's Face Book Page the other day. Once these people were exposed, Muir completely removed the entire page, I'm confident this was at the instructions of the Tilghman Administration. Be careful people, even Barrie Tilghman was sporting a Bible in her lap during her Daughters Court Trial with Rachel Polk. The names removed were:
#1 Mike Dunn - Anti Albero Activist
#2 John Robinson - Anti Albero Activist
#3 Jonathan Taylor - Anti Albero Blogger
#4 Karen Wells - Anti Albero Blogger
Muir Boda, YOU'VE BEEN BLOGGED!
Not for nothing Folks but when a man put up his closest friends on his face book page and gets called out on it, then removes the page completely, that man has a lot to hide. Salisbury News has revived these names for safe keeping.
Lower Shore Young Republicans Meeting
The Lower Shore Young Republicans will be having their monthly meeting this Thursday February 12th at 7:00 pm. The meeting will be held at Flavors of Italy located on East Main street in Salisbury. If you or someone you know might be interested in attending please contact us at lowershoreyoungrepublicans@gmail.com. Our club is open to anyone that hold conservative ideals and is between the ages of 18-40.
Respectfully,
Mark A. Biehl
President
Lower Shore Young Republicans
Respectfully,
Mark A. Biehl
President
Lower Shore Young Republicans
Something Rare--Bear Quints
Black bears typically have two cubs; rarely, one or three. In 2007, in northern New Hampshire , a black bear sow gave birth to five healthy young. There were two or three reports of sows with as many as four cubs, but five was, and is, extraordinary. I learned of them shortly after they emerged from their den and set myself a goal of photographing all five cubs with their mom - no matter how much time and effort was involved. I knew the trail they followed on a fairly regular basis, usually shortly before dark. After spending nearly four hours a day, seven days a week, for six weeks, I had that once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and photographed them. I used the equivalent of a very fast film speed on my digital camera. The print is properly focused and well exposed, with all six bears posing as if they were in a studio for a family portrait...
(Read on..)
I stayed in touch with other people who saw the bears during the summer and into the fall hunting season. All six bears continued to thrive. As time for hibernation approached, I found still more folks who had seen them, and everything remained OK. I stayed away from the bears as I was concerned that they might become habituated to me, or to people in general, as approachable friends. This could be dangerous for both man and animal.
After Halloween I received no further reports and could only hope the bears survived until they hibernated.
This spring, before the snow disappeared, all six bears came out of their den and wandered the same familiar territory they trekked in the spring of 2007.
I saw them before mid-April and dreamed nightly of taking another family portrait, an improbable second once-in-a-lifetime photograph
On April 25, 2008 I achieved my dream...
When something as magical as this happens between man and animal, Native Americans say, 'We have walked together in the shadow of a rainbow.'
And so it is with humility and great pleasure that I share these photos with you..
Sincerely, Tom Sears
(Read on..)
I stayed in touch with other people who saw the bears during the summer and into the fall hunting season. All six bears continued to thrive. As time for hibernation approached, I found still more folks who had seen them, and everything remained OK. I stayed away from the bears as I was concerned that they might become habituated to me, or to people in general, as approachable friends. This could be dangerous for both man and animal.
After Halloween I received no further reports and could only hope the bears survived until they hibernated.
This spring, before the snow disappeared, all six bears came out of their den and wandered the same familiar territory they trekked in the spring of 2007.
I saw them before mid-April and dreamed nightly of taking another family portrait, an improbable second once-in-a-lifetime photograph
On April 25, 2008 I achieved my dream...
When something as magical as this happens between man and animal, Native Americans say, 'We have walked together in the shadow of a rainbow.'
And so it is with humility and great pleasure that I share these photos with you..
Sincerely, Tom Sears
WICOMICO COUNTY FIRST DISTRICT CITIZEN'S MEETING
Wicomico County Councilwoman Sheree Sample-Hughes will hold the next in a series of citizen’s forum meetings on Thursday, February 19th at 7:00 P.M. at the United Methodist Church, 1203 Pine Street, Delmar, MD. The program will focus on foreclosure. The speaker for the evening will be a representative from the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development.
Councilwoman Sample-Hughes said that she will be joined by County Executive Rick Pollitt, County Council President John Cannon and Sheriff Mike Lewis.
Wicomico County District One includes Delmar, Hebron, San Domingo, Salisbury- West Side and Mardela Springs. Mrs. Sample-Hughes said the over-all theme of the forums is “Creating Community Connections.” She commented that the purpose of the forums is to provide citizens with an opportunity to speak face-to-face with their elected officials. She further noted that this is the continuation of the fulfillment of her campaign promise to hold quarterly meetings throughout District One.
Mrs. Sample-Hughes said that “I encourage as many of my constituents who possibly can to join us for this important meeting.”
For More Information, Please Contact Councilwoman Sample-Hughes at 443-366-5846 or Via Email at ssample@wicomicocounty.org
Sheree Sample-Hughes
Councilwoman Sample-Hughes said that she will be joined by County Executive Rick Pollitt, County Council President John Cannon and Sheriff Mike Lewis.
Wicomico County District One includes Delmar, Hebron, San Domingo, Salisbury- West Side and Mardela Springs. Mrs. Sample-Hughes said the over-all theme of the forums is “Creating Community Connections.” She commented that the purpose of the forums is to provide citizens with an opportunity to speak face-to-face with their elected officials. She further noted that this is the continuation of the fulfillment of her campaign promise to hold quarterly meetings throughout District One.
Mrs. Sample-Hughes said that “I encourage as many of my constituents who possibly can to join us for this important meeting.”
For More Information, Please Contact Councilwoman Sample-Hughes at 443-366-5846 or Via Email at ssample@wicomicocounty.org
Sheree Sample-Hughes
Key Dates For The Third Marking Period In Wicomico Schools
Evening High School classes begin Monday, Feb. 2, for the spring term (last date to enroll is Feb. 5), and students in Wicomico Schools will receive report cards for the second marking period on Tuesday, Feb. 3.
Here are some other key dates during the third marking period, which began Jan. 28:
Presidents' Day (schools and Central Office closed), Feb. 16
Deadline to sign up for the April 4 administration of the ACT, Feb 27 (see the high school guidance office)
Professional Day (schools closed for students, open for teachers), March 2
Registration for prekindergarten and kindergarten for the 2009-2010 school year, March 13
SAT I & II administration, March 14 (students must sign up by Feb. 10; see the high school guidance office)
Maryland School Assessment (MSA) Reading testing for grades 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, March 17-18
Maryland School Assessment (MSA) Math testing for grades 6, 7, 8, March 17-18
Maryland School Assessment (MSA) Math testing for grades 3, 4 and 5, March 24-25
End of 3rd marking period, March 27
Looking ahead on the assessment calendar:
Maryland School Assessment (MSA) Science testing will occur between April 22-May 12 for students in grades 5 and 8
Makeup testing for seniors who have not met the state's High School Assessment (HSA) requirement for graduation, April 20-23 (the regular spring HSA testing period for students completing an HSA-tested course in Algebra/Data Analysis, English 10, Government or Biology will be May 18-21)
Advanced Placement tests for students enrolled in AP classes who choose to take the end-of-course test for a score that could earn the student college credit, May 4-15
Here are some other key dates during the third marking period, which began Jan. 28:
Presidents' Day (schools and Central Office closed), Feb. 16
Deadline to sign up for the April 4 administration of the ACT, Feb 27 (see the high school guidance office)
Professional Day (schools closed for students, open for teachers), March 2
Registration for prekindergarten and kindergarten for the 2009-2010 school year, March 13
SAT I & II administration, March 14 (students must sign up by Feb. 10; see the high school guidance office)
Maryland School Assessment (MSA) Reading testing for grades 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, March 17-18
Maryland School Assessment (MSA) Math testing for grades 6, 7, 8, March 17-18
Maryland School Assessment (MSA) Math testing for grades 3, 4 and 5, March 24-25
End of 3rd marking period, March 27
Looking ahead on the assessment calendar:
Maryland School Assessment (MSA) Science testing will occur between April 22-May 12 for students in grades 5 and 8
Makeup testing for seniors who have not met the state's High School Assessment (HSA) requirement for graduation, April 20-23 (the regular spring HSA testing period for students completing an HSA-tested course in Algebra/Data Analysis, English 10, Government or Biology will be May 18-21)
Advanced Placement tests for students enrolled in AP classes who choose to take the end-of-course test for a score that could earn the student college credit, May 4-15