Helicopter-Gate . . . .Saga Continues

A private investigator has recently been assigned by the DLA - Defense Logistics Agency - to investigate the procurement procedure and where-a-bouts of the mysterious missing helicopter that was donated to the Somerset County Sheriffs Department.

The Daily Times editor, Greg Bassett, reported on WQMR radio that the helicopter had been seen being transported via rollback from one abandoned chicken house in Somerset County to yet another abandoned chicken house in Wicomico County. The surplus military helicopter was obtained by the Somerset County Sheriffs Department through a grant request with the assistance of Greg Bassett's wife.

The tri-county council rejected the operational request from the Sheriff's Department after the helicopter was obtained citing high operational cost for the program.

The helicopter was also spotted being stored in Sam Goldman's hangar at the Salisbury-Ocean City airport before being transported to an abandoned chicken house in Somerset County. Moreover, the helicopter was sited several times being flown around Wicomico County. It has a military camouflage paint job.

Law Day Event

Local Bar Association to Host Law Day Event tomorrow, Friday May 1, 2009.

A Legacy of Liberty - Celebrating Lincoln's Bicentennial.

In celebration of the bicentennial of Abraham Lincoln's birthday in 1809, the Women's Bar Association- Lower Eastern Shore, in conjunction with the Circuit Court and District Court of Maryland for Wicomico County will sponsor a Law Day Program. Law Day is a national day set aside to observe how the law and the legal process have contributed to the freedoms that we have as American citizens.

As part of the local observation of Law Day, area attorneys and judges have volunteered to host a Law Day program for middle and high school students selected from Salisbury, Wicomico and Bennett Middle Schools and Wicomico High School. The students will have the opportunity to tour the District and Circuit Courts, observe court cases, and discuss Lincoln's Gettysburg Address, with attorneys leading the discussion.

"It's important for young people to realize the effect Abraham Lincoln had on our nation and our constitutional democracy," said Assistant State's Attorney, Franzella Hayward Starkey, one of the coordinators of the Law Day Program. "We are excited to provide the youth of our community with this program in which we will explore the Law Day theme, "A Legacy of Liberty," says Starkey.

The Law Day event is an annual event that is hosted by members of the Wicomico County legal community. Please see the next page for the agenda and note the times where cameras are prohibited.

For more information contact: Carolyn Widdowson or Fran Starkey 410 – 548 – 4880

The Law Day Agenda for Friday, May 1, 2009 is as follows:

8:45 - 9:00 - Gathering in the Jury Assembly Room

9:15 - 9:30 - A view of the Jury Orientation film

9:30 - 10:30 - District Court tour and Observation of cases
**Cameras not Permitted in the Courtroom**

10:30 - 11:30 - Observation of Circuit Court cases
**Cameras not Permitted in the Courtroom**

11:30 - 11:45 - Questions and Answers

11:45 - 12:30 - Lunch

12:30 - 1:15 - A discussion of Lincoln's Legacy in the Jury Conference Room

1:15 - 2:00 - Observation of Drug Court
**Cameras not Permitted in the Courtroom**

2:00 - Questions and Answer Session

2:15 - 2:30 - Dismissal

Former Youth Rehab Counselor Charged With Unlawful Sexual Assault

Montevilla Anderson

Former Youth Rehab Counselor Charged with Unlawful Sexual Assault of Ferris School Client

Location of Incident: Ferris School, Snowden Cottage, 1825 Faulkland Road, Wilmington, Delaware, New Castle County

Date and Time of Occurrence: March 17th, 2009, at approximately 4:30 a.m.

Suspect(s): Montevilla G. Anderson, 48, of Vandever Avenue in Wilmington, Delaware

Resume: Shortly after 1:00 p.m. this afternoon, detectives from Troop 2 arrested Mr. Montevilla G. Anderson for allegedly grabbing the genitals of a 14-year-old client (a juvenile committed to this institution) of Ferris School.

In this case, which occurred on March 17th, the client was sleeping in his assigned room when Anderson entered his room and grabbed the victim’s genitals. This woke the victim, and upon being confronted, Anderson fled the room.

Mr. Anderson responded to Troop 2 today where he cooperated with investigators. He was subsequently charged with a single count of Unlawful Sexual Contact in the 1st degree (felony). A computer check also revealed he was wanted on five other active capiases. This subject was arraigned, issued a $2,500.00 unsecured bond and released from custody.

Mr. Anderson has strong ties to the community and has been involved in a variety of groups and clubs as an instructor and facilitator. Anyone who believes they too have been victimized by Mr. Anderson is asked to call Troop 2 detectives at 302.834-2630 ext. 224.

Swine Flu

Joe,

I am writing because I want to try to educate a few very insensitive, obnoxious individuals. I work for a chicken plant. Do you know how many times I have been questioned today about why our Hispanic population is being allowed to work today? My response is always the same. Do you have any knowledge of them traveling to Mexico in the past few weeks? The answer is always NO!! Just because you are Hispanic doesn't mean that you have the flu. If, however, an individual has been to Mexico then there is reason for concern. You CANNOT get the swine flu from a person just because they are Hispanic. I swear the ignorance of some people sometimes is overwhelming.

Thanks for your help.

Rick Hoppes Is You New Acting Fire Chief

Fire Chief David See is going to be retiring effective June 30, 2009. However, he has decided to take some of his accumulated leave and so today will be his last actual day on duty. Mayor Ireton has named Deputy Chief Rick Hoppes as Acting Fire Chief effective tomorrow, Friday, May 1, 2009.

FORD SEAFOOD IS NOW SELLING CRABS!

We will be at Goose Creek in Princess Anne today from 2pm-8pm, Friday, Sat and Sun. With the weather people are advised to call 443-669-7234 to check on hours.They can also call that number for deliveries or general info.

All my customers have been loving my crabs and they keep sending friends and family. Every order by the bushel or dozen is hand picked for size and quality. Only the biggest and best crabs are sold. The best part is I have something for every budget. I have huge females for $10 a dozen or 3 dozen for $25. People love them and 3 dozen feeds a family cheap! But I also have premium jumbo crabs, 7"+ jumbos that no one else has. They are absolutely beautiful. These crabs aren't cheap, $50 a dozen or $100 a half bushel but they are unmatched. I 100% guarantee everything I sell. I sell crabs to restaurants and markerts in Baltimore and my prices here are the way below retail elsewhere (although my prices on Jumbos are high these crabs can be $100 dozen in the city).

Blackberry Phone Lost Or Stolen At GOB

A Blackberry was lost or stolen at or near the Government Office Building (GOB) on Tuesday afternoon at about 2:30. Someone made an outgoing call from the cell phone to a number at the GOB at 3:50 that same afternoon. This may have been an attempt to return the phone by redialing a number that originated a call in an attempt to assist in locating the missing phone. Since the phone has not been returned or reported found, service has been turned off. If you have found the phone please call 410-548-3140 to make arrangements to return it to its owner.”

Where Will Big Brother End Up Next?

Remember this camera next to my Office at 300 W. Main Street?

All of a sudden the camera has been removed from the Taylor's building, across from my Office. Mind you, I haven't been back to 300 W. Main Street since the beginning of this past winter. Now you tell me, it was there when I was going in and out of my Office on a daily basis and the SPD could see who was coming and going every day. Then I chose not to go there any more and it disappears?

It would appear they also installed one on the Library, perhaps for the Salisbury Festival. Nevertheless, I personally find this very suspicious now that the Mayor is gone and a new Mayor is in Office.

DOES THE AG. DISTRICT DOWNZONING MAKE SENSE TO YOU?

Anyone who heard the environmental lobby perform at the public hearing this week on the proposed bill to prohibit “cluster subdivisions in Wicomico County surely cringed in fear of unbridled development and the end of farming in the County before someone has succeeded Barack Obama as the President. I sure did while listening to alarmists like King Burnett and John Grout, and that condition continued until I heard the historical data that the Planning Office recently presented to the County Council after the hearing about the total amount of these subdivisions and other residential development in the rural areas.

During the 11 years since cluster subdivisions were authorized (to limit the extent of development) there have been a grand total of 12 such subdivisions approved in rural areas that contain 263 lots on 972 acres, and most of that acreage is permanently preserved open space that is not part of the lots. That rate -- on average of about 1 subdivision and 24 new lots each year – will not come close to depleting farm land in Wicomico County, and actually preserves most of the subdivided land, separate from the homes and lots, for agricultural usage together with any areas that are significant in terms of the environment.

In fact the Planning Office’s data shows that more land has been subdivided for the conventional “large lot” subdivisions, such as “The Plantations” -- the one with the long white fence on the south side of Route 50 near Hebron – which has 42 lots on 641 acres. The same number of lots could have been developed on about one-quarter of that acreage if it were platted as a cluster subdivision, and at least half of that lesser acreage would be preserved open space for farming separate from the lots. Altogether, during the 11-year period, the conventional subdivisions such as The Plantations have consumed 1053 acres in rural areas to create just 75 lots – about 14 acres per lot as compared to 3.7 acres (including the preserved open space) in the cluster subdivisions, in which the average developed area is less than 2 acres per lot.

So, why would we want to do away with cluster subdivisions to preserve land for farming and open space??? Maybe the four members of the County Council who are sponsoring the legislation will explain why that makes sense before they vote next week. Those Council members are: John Cannon, Wm. McCain, Sheree Sample-Hughes and David MacLeod, and their telephone numbers and e-mail addresses are listed at: http://www.wicomicocounty.org/council/council.html

Key Events In Wicomico Schools This Week

Friday:

Reception for students with artwork in the Wicomico County Elementary & Secondary Student Art Show, and the students' families, 7 p.m. at the Wicomico County Public Library. The 31st annual Wicomico County Elementary & Secondary Student Art Show, featuring more than 1,000 works from students in every Wicomico school, is on display at the Wicomico Public Library in Salisbury through May 3. Art teachers have elected 20 to 50 pieces per school, including paintings, drawings, photographs and sculpture, to represent the creative efforts of Wicomico students. The artwork will be displayed in the lobby and throughout the children's side of the library. The exhibit is available for viewing during library hours: 10 a.m.- 9 p.m. Monday to Wednesday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Thursday to Saturday, and 1-5 p.m. Sunday. For information about the Wicomico County Student Art Show, please call Gary Beauchamp, supervisor of fine and performing arts, at 410-677-4573.

Parkside High School will host a mock crash at 9 a.m. Friday for the seniors of Parkside and James M. Bennett High School, as the two schools prepare for their proms. The mock crash, which illustrates for students what happens when a student drinks and drives, will take place at the basketball courts behind Parkside. A number of law enforcement agencies, fire and rescue personnel, and a funeral home will be involved in staging the mock crash, after which an assembly will be held in the auditorium. Parkside's prom will be on Friday night at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, and JMB's prom will be held at Salisbury University May 23. (Wicomico High, whose prom is Saturday, hosted a mock crash before homecoming last fall for students of Wi-Hi and Mardela High.)

Sunday

Derek Wu, a senior at James M. Bennett High School, will give a piano recital at 1:30 p.m. Sunday in the Great Hall of Holloway Hall at Salisbury University. The recital is free and open to the public, but attendees are asked to bring canned goods to support the Maryland Food Bank and/or donations to support the Salisbury/Wicomico Youth Leadership Academy. In addition to being a senior at JMB and the student member of the Maryland State Board of Education, Derek is an award-winning pianist who has studied at the Peabody Institute.

Before & After

The spirit is high for a change Downtown and the Plaza is really starting to take shape.

Salisbury Kennel Club Yard Sale

INDOOR YARD SALE
Clean Out Your Attic
MAY 9

7:00 A.M. UNTIL 1:00 P.M.
Sponsored by
SALISBURY MARYLAND KENNEL CLUB

31663 WINTERPLACE PARKWAY AT NEW TRAINING CENTER
Setup will be allowed Friday night between 8:00 and 9:30 p.m.
$15.00 FOR 6’ X 12’ SPACE
OR
$25.00 FOR 12’ X 12’ SPACE
BRING YOUR OWN TABLE
FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL: 410-430-6113

ADMISSION FREE

Smith, Comegys & Shields

During Budget Session Meetings the Three stooges had lunch at this local restaurant this week. For what it's worth, I could see them hooking up at the Salisbury Festival and deciding to grab a bite to eat together but when you're in the middle of your Budget Session, well, it's just not an ethical thing to do. Some might say it's a quorum and they should know better. I had been hoping these three would start seeing that the taxpayers want change. Maybe I'm wrong, maybe they said absolutely nothing at all about business while they were out together. What do you think?

Adults, Please Don't Try This At Home

Spread of Swine Flu

JESI SIMPSON FUNDRAISER

COME OUT TO JACKS MARKET ON ROUTE 50 IN HEBRON MARYLAND SUNDAY MAY 3RD STARTS AT 11:00 AND PICK UP A CHICKEN BBQ PLATTER THAT WILL INCLUDE ½ CHICKEN, BAKED BEANS, CHIPS, ROLL AND A SODA FOR $8.00

ALL MONIES RAISED WILL GO TO JESI SIMPSON AND HIS FAMILY. FOR SOME OF YOU THAT ARE NOT AWARE, JESI IS A 15 YEAR OLD PARKSIDE STUDENT WHO WAS RECENTLY DIAGNOSED WITH LEUKEMIA. JESI IS CURRENTLY UNDERGOING HIS 2ND ROUND OF CHEMO AT JOHNS HOPKINS. JESI AND HIS FAMILY NEED HELP WITH MEDICAL EXPENSES AND YOUR SUPPORT. TICKETS ARE CURRENTLY ARE ON SALE AT RIVERSIDE AND MILFORD STREET PHARMACIES. DONATIONS ARE ACCEPTABLE AS WELL. AT BOTH LOCATIONS AS WELL WE WILL CONTINUE TO SELL OLD TOWNE CANDLES AND BAKED GOODS. THANK YOU FOR EVERYONE WHO HAS REACHED OUT THUS FAR; KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK. COME OUT AND SHOW YOUR SUPPORT FOR JESI SIMPSON AND HIS FAMILY.

Blogging Rules Of Etiquette

OPINION Blog

Thick skin is probably the number one requirement for anyone who gets into politics. But with the blogging community bringing everyone into the daily political discussion, a lot of folks with thinner skin and easily hurt feelings are finding themselves offended by the harsh rhetoric that now passes for political banter these days. This blog is no exception. I'm shocked at how easily readers fly off the handle or launch into angry tirades, often about racial issues, when they could easily tone it down.

But it's not just here. I was accused recently of resorting to "racist journalism" because I posted an item on a Latino site in which I used the phrase "illegal immigrant." On another site, I've seen tennis players -- tennis players! -- deploy the race card because they're upset about a team from an East Dallas public court dominating a bunch of rich private clubs from the north in USTA league competition. A news story about legislation to punish people who run over pedestrians somehow prompted an angry discussion of illegal immigrants. This trend is exacerbated by politicians like John Wiley Price labeling as racists those who oppose a city-funded convention center hotel.

Continue reading:

There's gotta be a better way of communicating, especially considering the growing popularity of blogs. Should blogs start using a tighter censorship policy to enforce a more civil discourse (something short of Frontburner's all-out ban on reader comments, which Rod posted an item about last week)? If not, what's the best solution to keep blog discussions on topic, tasteful and respectful? I don't mean that we can't criticize one another, but I don't understand why it has to get so nasty.

Here's what I would suggest:

1. If a reader strays from the topic of discussion, the comment doesn't get posted.
2. If the blog topic is about race, then readers as well as blog moderators must be extra-vigilant about postings. We can all agree to disagree, and we can all accept fair criticism. But when the criticism turns offensive, crude or too broadly sweeping in its characterizations, then it's time to take the comment down.
3. Unnecessary labeling of a commenter -- "That's typical of you right-wing fascists," or "Exactly what I'd expect of a socialist liberal like you," when it's not directly related to the topic of discussion deserves to be removed from the blog.
4. Ask people to abide by a simple rule: If you wouldn't talk to your parents, children or your clergy-person this way, then it probably doesn't belong on a blog where it'll be read by total strangers. Keep it respectful.

Does this amount to censorship? Maybe so. First and foremost, I'm asking people to self-censor. Be your own editor, in other words. If we don't start to abide by some common rules of decorum, then this and other blogs are going to start driving away more readers than we attract.

Editors Notes: I like this way of thinking. Your opinion is important and I'd like to hear your thoughts on these rules.

Say Goodbye To Chief See

While I caught a glimpse of him yesterday in what may be his final meeting, Chief See's last day on the job is today. He will use up vacation time and sick leave until his formal retirement but today is the last day he'll be in his Office. I hear Gordy is right behind him after receiving pressure from his spouse.

Oh, on another note. I hear a congratulations is in order for Chief Webster. It has been reported he has finally asked his partner to get married. Congratulations Chief.

Getting back to Chief See, don't let it hit you in the A$$ too hard on your way out the door today. You won't be missed by this Blogger and the Citizens will feel an instant relief from their wallets once you're gone.

The Chief will spend his remaining days at the Delmar Fire Department as a Volunteer.

The Empire has been CRUSHED!

Today's Wildlife Photo

Hand Washing

Hand washing: An easy way to prevent infection
Hand washing is a simple habit that can help keep you healthy. Learn the benefits of good hand hygiene, when to wash your hands and how to clean them properly.

Hand washing is a simple habit, something most people do without thinking. Yet hand washing, when done properly, is one of the best ways to avoid getting sick. This simple habit requires only soap and warm water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer — a cleanser that doesn't require water. Do you know the benefits of good hand hygiene and when and how to wash your hands properly?
The dangers of not washing your hands
Despite the proven health benefits of hand washing, many people don't practice this habit as often as they should — even after using the toilet. Throughout the day you accumulate germs on your hands from a variety of sources, such as direct contact with people, contaminated surfaces, foods, even animals and animal waste. If you don't wash your hands frequently enough, you can infect yourself with these germs by touching your eyes, nose or mouth. And you can spread these germs to others by touching them or by touching surfaces that they also touch, such as doorknobs.

Infectious diseases that are commonly spread through hand-to-hand contact include the common cold, flu and several gastrointestinal disorders, such as infectious diarrhea. While most people will get over a cold, the flu can be much more serious. Some people with the flu, particularly older adults and people with chronic medical problems, can develop pneumonia. The combination of the flu and pneumonia, in fact, is the eighth-leading cause of death among Americans.

Inadequate hand hygiene also contributes to food-related illnesses, such as salmonella and E. coli infection. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as many as 76 million Americans get a food-borne illness each year. Of these, about 5,000 die as a result of their illness. Others experience the annoying signs and symptoms of nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

Proper hand-washing techniques
Good hand-washing techniques include washing your hands with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Antimicrobial wipes or towelettes are just as effective as soap and water in cleaning your hands but aren't as good as alcohol-based sanitizers.

Antibacterial soaps have become increasingly popular in recent years. However, these soaps are no more effective at killing germs than is regular soap. Using antibacterial soaps may lead to the development of bacteria that are resistant to the products' antimicrobial agents — making it even harder to kill these germs in the future. In general, regular soap is fine. The combination of scrubbing your hands with soap — antibacterial or not — and rinsing them with water loosens and removes bacteria from your hands.

Proper hand washing with soap and water
Follow these instructions for washing with soap and water:

Wet your hands with warm, running water and apply liquid soap or use clean bar soap. Lather well. Rub your hands vigorously together for at least 15 to 20 seconds.
Scrub all surfaces, including the backs of your hands, wrists, between your fingers and under your fingernails.
Rinse well.
Dry your hands with a clean or disposable towel.
Use a towel to turn off the faucet.
Proper use of an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
Alcohol-based hand sanitizers — which don't require water — are an excellent alternative to hand washing, particularly when soap and water aren't available. They're actually more effective than soap and water in killing bacteria and viruses that cause disease. Commercially prepared hand sanitizers contain ingredients that help prevent skin dryness. Using these products can result in less skin dryness and irritation than hand washing.

Not all hand sanitizers are created equal, though. Some "waterless" hand sanitizers don't contain alcohol. Use only the alcohol-based products. The CDC recommends choosing products that contain at least 60 percent alcohol.

To use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer:

Apply about 1/2 teaspoon of the product to the palm of your hand.
Rub your hands together, covering all surfaces of your hands, until they're dry.
If your hands are visibly dirty, however, wash with soap and water, if available, rather than a sanitizer.

When should you wash your hands?
Although it's impossible to keep your bare hands germ-free, there are times when it's critical to wash your hands to limit the transfer of bacteria, viruses and other microbes.

Always wash your hands:

After using the toilet
After changing a diaper — wash the diaper-wearer's hands, too
After touching animals or animal waste
Before and after preparing food, especially before and immediately after handling raw meat, poultry or fish
Before eating
After blowing your nose
After coughing or sneezing into your hands
Before and after treating wounds or cuts
Before and after touching a sick or injured person
After handling garbage
Before inserting or removing contact lenses
When using public restrooms, such as those in airports, train stations, bus stations and restaurants
Kids need clean hands, too
You can help your children avoid getting sick by insisting that they wash their hands properly and frequently. To get kids into the habit, teach by example. Wash your hands with your children and supervise their hand washing. Place hand-washing reminders at children's eye level, such as a chart by the bathroom sink for children to mark every time they wash their hands. Make sure the sink is low enough for children to use, or that it has a stool underneath so that children can reach it. Tell your children to wash their hands for as long as it takes them to sing their ABCs, "Row, Row, Row Your Boat" or the "Happy Birthday" song. This works especially well with younger children, who may rush when washing their hands.

Older children and adolescents also can use alcohol-based hand sanitizers. Younger children can use them, too — with an adult's help. Just make sure the sanitizer has completely dried before your child touches anything. This will avoid ingestion of alcohol from hand-to-mouth contact. Store the container safely away after use.

Hand washing is especially important for children who attend child care. Children younger than 3 years in child care are at greater risk of respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases, which can easily spread to family members and others in the community.

To protect your child's health, be sure your child care provider promotes sound hygiene, including frequent hand washing or use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers. Ask whether the children are required to wash their hands several times a day — not just before meals. Note, too, whether diapering areas are cleaned after each use and whether eating and diapering areas are well separated.

A simple way to stay healthy
Hand washing doesn't take much time or effort, but it offers great rewards in terms of preventing illness. Adopting this simple habit can play a major role in protecting your health.

Computer Science Fundraiser

My name is Jordan Wharton. I am studying computer science at Wor-Wic Community College. I am a member of Phi Beta Lambda which is the college’s business club. I have competed in my field of study at the state level and the national level. In the past I have placed ninth in the nation two years in a row. I have placed first in Maryland and this year we are scheduled to attend the national competition in Anaheim, CA. Due to the lack of funds we have be forced to find money from other sources. This money can be tax deductible because it will be donated to a local college fund for PBL. We need to raise approximately $2,500.00 to cover registration, lodging and air fare. We have raised only a fraction of what is needed. Your donation would be greatly appreciated. If you have questions, please contact me for more information.


Jordan Wharton
jwharton@zoobiesoft.com

State Police Probe Wednesday Bank Robbery

Location of Incident: Artisan’s Bank, 4901 Kirkwood Highway, Wilmington, Delaware, New Castle County

Date and Time of Occurrence: Wednesday, April 29, 2009, at approximately 2:41 p.m.

Suspect(s): White male, 20-25 years old, 5-4 to 5-8, average build, red facial hair, wearing a tan colored sweatshirt, white t-shirt underneath, dark pants and black baseball cap.

Resume: Yesterday afternoon, Troopers were dispatched to the Artisan’s Bank on Kirkwood Highway for the report of a robbery. This location is just west of Limestone Road.

This investigation revealed that at approximately 2:41 p.m., a white male suspect entered the bank and approached a teller. He produced a demand note and the teller complied by turning over an undisclosed amount of cash.

After the heist, the robber fled the bank on foot and into the development of Limestone Acres.

The following surveillance pictures were obtained late last evening and are now available for dissemination. Anyone who may recognize this subject is asked to call investigators at 302-834-2630 ext. 6 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333.

Chrysler Appears Headed for Bankruptcy

DETROIT (AP) -- Talks between Chrysler LLC's lenders and the Treasury Department to reduce the automaker's $6.9 billion in secured debt and keep it out of bankruptcy protection have disintegrated, a person familiar with the talks said early Thursday.
The company's fate was in the hands of about 40 hedge funds that hold about 30 percent of its debt. Although four banks holding 70 percent of the debt had agreed to erase it for $2 billion, the hedge funds were holding out for a better deal.
After allowing talks to continue late into the night Wednesday, Treasury finally ended negotiations after the hedge funds were unable to come to an agreement, the person said, asking not to be identified because the talks were private.
The deal's failure means Chrysler will seek bankruptcy protection unless something can be worked out before the government's 11:59 p.m. EDT deadline.

(From The Washinton Times)

Incredible Images Of Waves

These incredible images of waves were taken by the #1 photographer of surf: Clark Little.? He has dedicated his life to photographing the waves and has published a selection of the the best images of his career.? He captures magical moments inside the "tube", as surfers say.

REMINDER: 5th Annual Crab Feast

REMINDER:
This Sunday is the 5th Annual Crab Feast!
Honoring Delegate Jeannie Haddaway-Riccio, Delegate Addie Eckardt and Senator Richard Colburn!


Sunday, May 3, 2009
1:30 pm - 3:30 pm
American Legion Post #91
Cambridge, Maryland

FOOD!
In honor of the two oldest and greatest economies in Maryland (seafood and agriculture), we invite you to enjoy all-you-can-eat steamed crabs, chicken
and more!

MUSIC!
Boogie down to live music by
"Bird Dog and the Road Kings"!

RSVP TODAY!
This is a popular event, so rsvp today! The cost is $50/person.

Directions to the American Legion

From Points West: Head East on Route 50 toward Cambridge. Make a left-hand u-turn at the first light after crossing the Choptank River Bridge. The American Legion will be on the right-hand side.

From Points East: Head West on Route 50 toward Cambridge. The American Legion will be on the right-hand side just before you cross the Choptank River Bridge.

RSVP by Email: jeannie_haddaway@hotmail.com
RSVP by Phone: Call Barbara at (410) 745-2513

Maryland River Named 4th Most Endangered in the Nation

Jim Long photo

Mattawoman Creek, one of the most productive tributaries to the Chesapeake Bay is in danger. Charles County officials have requested permits to construct a four lane, 6.5 mile highway, the Cross County Connector - extension, that would plow across the full width of the sensitive Mattawoman Creek watershed.
Where do things stand?
Before the highway can be built, Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) must decide by June 1st whether or not to issue a permit. According to the Southern Maryland Newspaper, MDE has "indicated that they are prepared to deny the permit." (http://www.somdnews.com/stories/04222009/indytop94347_32253.shtml)
Mattawoman Creek is so threatened by this road, that it has been recognized by American Rivers as the FOURTH MOST ENDANGERED RIVER IN THE COUNTRY!
WE as a state can stand up for Mattawoman Creek and urge MDE to deny a permit to build the Cross County Connector. If Maryland is for cleaning up the Chesapeake Bay, let's be sure not to pollute one of the remaining healthy tributaries.
ACT NOW: Please, email Secretary Shari Wilson today at stwilson@mde.state.md.us (or call 410-537-3084) and share this message (in your own words is best):
Subject: Deny wetland permits for the Cross County Connector extension. Save Mattawoman Creek.
"Please deny permits for the proposed Cross County Connector extension in Charles County which threatens the Mattawoman Creek. The Mattawoman Creek is the healthiest fish nursery in the Chesapeake Bay because it is protected by surrounding forests and wetlands. This highway proposal would destroy the Mattawoman Creek by increasing traffic, development, and pavement in its watershed. Finally, if transportation is really needed, let's build smarter, with public transportation like a light rail link to Waldorf."
Your nameYour address (especially town and zip code!)
Be sure to give your town and zip code when writing! The Secretary needs to understand both the breadth of concern (if you are nonlocal) and the depth of local opposition (if you are local).
So that we can keep track of the amount of pressure MDE is getting on this issue, PLEASE LET US KNOW WHEN YOU CALL OR EMAIL MDE. Hopefully, come June 1st we'll all have something to celebrate! Please see below opportunities to join us at Mattawoman Creek for a canoe trip, hike, or invasive plant removal to see with your own eyes just how wonderful a place it is.
Hope to see you at the creek!
Alana Wase

Conservation Program Coordinator

Sierra Club, Maryland Chapter

Visit this site: http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/bal-te.md.mattawoman07apr07,0,3072403.story, print out the newspaper article and mail in a copy to Governor O'Malley (Office of the Governor, State House, 100 State Circle, Annapolis, MD 21401) with the same message, urging that Maryland deliver its promise on cleaning up the Bay and therefore, DENYING a permit to destroy non-tidal wetlands.
***Want to see the Mattawoman Creek for yourself? Join us at one of these upcoming outings:
Mattawoman Creek Canoe/Kayak Trip Saturday May 2nd at 9am to attend, you MUST RSVP for more details visit: http://www.maryland.sierraclub.org/events/e103.asp
Chapman Forest Invasive Removal Sunday May 3rd at 10am http://maryland.sierraclub.org/action/p0005.asp#Calender
Mattawoman Wildland Family Walk Saturday May 16th at 1pm, you MUST RSVP for more details visit: http://www.maryland.sierraclub.org/events/e100.asp
***For more information about the Mattawoman Watershed: http://mattawomanwatershedsociety.org

More on Mattawoman Creek's status and importance Here, here.