State Police Investing Shooting Incident - One Male Deceased

Wilmington – The Delaware State Police are currently on-scene of a fatal shooting that occurred near the Canby Park Shopping Center located at 1952 Maryland Avenue.

Police were called at approximately 3:47 pm after 911 was called reporting a shooting occurred in the parking lot of the shopping center and a male subject was apparently deceased. Emergency crews arrived on scene and did confirm a male subject had been shot and died at the scene.

Shortly afterward, authorities learned that a second male subject had walked into the emergency room at St. Francis Hospital with a gunshot wound to the chest area. That person has been transferred to Christiana Hospital. Their condition is currently unknown.

Police are investigating whether the two incidents are related.

Please be advised this investigation is in the infancy stages and when additional information is known it will be provided.

The Old Boulevard Theater

OK, so here's the deal. Salisbury News has Exclusive Photos of today's destruction of the old Boulevard Theater. Mind you, I'm sure there's some pictures out there of the building being torn down but let me assure you, I've got some shots that will knock your socks off. The question is, when would you like mt to Post them. Tomorrow, Monday? It may even take three or four Posts because I have around 250 pictures to choose from. WBOC, WMDT nor the Daily Times were there. That's OK though, they'll just buy some one's cell phone picture and make it look like they did something. ;-)

Let me know when you'd like to see them.

Cartoon Predicts The Future 50 Years Ago. This Is Amazing Insight!

Optimist Girls Softball Opening Day Ceremony

A big thanks to Mayor Jim Ireton for attending the Optimist girls softball opening day ceremony and throwing out the first ball. Mr. Ireton even helped out in a little pre-game practice.

Photo: 5/02/09 Mayor Jim Ireton tossing the ball to Lindsay Quillen of the Pittsville Panthers.

Wicomico County Sheriff's Office Press Release

Incident: Fatal Crash in Wicomico County
Date of Incident: May 2, 2009
Location: Hurley’s Neck Road Mardela Maryland

Narrative: Today (May 2, 2009), at approximately 3:10 a.m. deputies of the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office responded to a two vehicle crash on Hurley’s Neck Road at Taylor’s Trail in Mardela that resulted in one fatality.

Preliminary investigation indicates 39 – year old Christopher J. Atkinson of Mardela was operating a 1989 Dodge truck on Hurley’s Neck Road when he lost control of the vehicle. The truck rolled over and came to the rest on its’ wheels with the front of the truck in a ditch and the back of the truck partially in the roadway.
A second vehicle stopped at the crash scene and three occupants exited the vehicle to assist Christopher J. Atkinson. 21- year old Mike T. Brown of Mardela and two female juveniles were attempting to free Christopher J. Atkinson from the scene when a 2008 Honda Civic driven by 22- year old William R. Morgan of Salisbury struck the passenger side of the Dodge truck. Christopher J. Atkinson received fatal injuries in the crash and was declared deceased at the scene by the Medical Examiner’s Office.
William R. Morgan was transported by ambulance to Peninsula Regional Medical Center where he is being treated for non - life threatening injuries that he received at the crash scene.

Mike T. Brown and the two female juveniles were transported by ambulance to Peninsula Regional Medical Center where they are being treated for non life threatening injuries that they received at the crash scene.
The crash remains under investigation with the assistance of the Maryland State Police Crash Team (Sgt. Rickard). The Medical Examiner’s Office, Mardela Fire Department, Hebron Fire Department and Maryland State Police assisted deputies at the scene.

During the vehicle recovery and investigation Hurley’s Neck Road was closed for approximately 6.5 hours and traffic was diverted away from the scene.

The investigation is continuing…

Caption This Photo

2009 Delmarva Paddlesports

The 2009 Delmarva Paddlesports is being held at Schumaker Park (1019 S. Schumaker Dr.) on Sunday, May 10th from 12 – 5 PM.

Numerous kayak manufacturers will be on hand with models for test paddling on Schumaker Pond.

It is meant as an opportunity for folks who think they might be interested in paddling to try kayaking to see if they like it. It is a Free and Open event. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

HISTORICAL COMMENTS BY GEORGE CHEVALLIER

THE LUMBER CAMPS – part 2

Another tale out of the South Carolina lumber camps is the one about the time Grandpop thought he killed a man. These were rough times and his world surrounded him with rough men. Try to imagine a boy not yet 20 years old, 5 foot 7 inches tall and about 130 pounds in that environment. I would have to think that terror filled some of his thoughts. It certainly did that night when he was hanging around the company store, trying to relax and fit in.

Apparently, he was leaning up against the counter when a large man tripped over his feet trying to get by. First, the man cursed him and then came toward him stammering something about teaching him a lesson. Grandpop backed up until he was in a corner occupied by a lard barrel. In his desperation, he grabbed the paddle out of the lard barrel and swung it at his assailant. Now, a lard paddle is about three feet long and looks something like a boat oar. He said it was a terrible sound when the paddle made contact with the side of the man’s head. The man went down, spilling all the teeth from one side of his mouth.

At that point, Grandpop made a hasty exit, thinking that he surely must have killed the man. He went to another camp that very night and only after several weeks had passed did he learn that he had not killed the man. He said that he encountered the same man on a narrow path sometime later. He just knew that he was in for a beating. But, as they approached each other, the other man stepped aside and let him pass. It seems that no one mentioned to the man that he had been hit with a lard paddle. He just assumed that he had been hit by a fist and he wanted no more of the boy that could hit like a mule’s kick. Grandpop really liked this story. I heard this story many times over a period of 25 years and he never embellished it or wavered from the same facts.

MIKULSKI, CARDIN ANNOUNCE MORE THAN $150,000 FOR SALISBURY FIRE DEPARTMENT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Barbara A. Mikulski and Benjamin L. Cardin (both D-Md.) today announced the Salisbury Fire Department in Wicomico County had been awarded $157,500 in federal funding through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFGP). Senator Mikulski is on the Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee that funds the AFGP and fights each year to increase its federal funding. Senator Cardin is a member of the Budget Committee, which each year sets priorities for funding to federal agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security.

“I know how important this funding is to Maryland communities and especially Salisbury. Often it’s the difference between life and death. First responders protect our homes and communities, and the federal government has a responsibility to protect them by providing them with the tools they need to do their jobs safer and smarter,” Senator Mikulski said. “Every day when our first responders report for duty, they don’t know what they will face. That’s why I fight every year for the equipment, training, and staffing our protectors and communities deserve.”

Senator Cardin said, “First responders have always been on the front lines, keeping our families and our neighborhoods safe from harm. I thank these brave men and women for their continuing service and sense of duty to our community. I am proud to support federal investment through local grants like this, which is essential to ensure our community heroes have the equipment and training they need to do their jobs safely and efficiently.”

The Salisbury Fire Department will use the funds to purchase a hazardous materials response trailer. This is the first award for the Department. For more information, please contact Deputy Chief Richard Hoppes at 410-548-3120.

AFGP grants fund firefighting equipment, personal protection equipment, training, firefighting vehicles, firefighter/first responder safety projects, and staffing recruitment and retention. Since 2001, Wicomico County fire departments and emergency medical services have been awarded nearly $1.2 million in AFGP funding.

Rachel MacKnight
Communications Director
Office of U.S. Senator Barbara A. Mikulski
202-228-1122

Today's Wildlife Photo

Salisbury's Next Tea Party

Saturday, July 4th

from 9AM until Noon

at 125 N. Division St.

Downtown Salisbury

Baltimore Sun Letter & Our Quesions That Follow

Bad assumptions endanger pensions
April 30, 2009

On Monday The Baltimore Sun presented us with yet another excellent analysis of an important issue facing legislators and the public, this time in the form of unfunded pension obligations in local and state government pension plans in the state ("No quick fix," April 28).

In looking at the various assumptions used regarding investment yields in the plans, it is no surprise that these plans are seriously at risk. Nowhere in my long experience working with private pensions have I seen or heard of a plan's assumptions of 7 percent to 8 percent per annum.

Where were the pension boards, where were the actuaries, where were the auditors? If current pension promises are kept for these plans, the public will likely face huge increases in taxes for a long period of time.

This is scandalous. When will our elected representatives do their jobs in a responsible way?

Sam Davis
Towson

The writer is a former manager for Black and Decker who worked with the company's pension plan.

I wonder what the long term pension plan and retirement health care obligations are for Government Officials in Wicomico County, City of Salisbury, the Board of Ed, and for safety officials like Detention Center Employees, Sheriff's Office employees and City Police.

Elected officials . .. are you looking at these future promises that our children will have to pay? Are the benefits reasonable? Are they increasing or decreasing? Aren't these overly generous benefits what brought down the automakers?

Salisbury Police Department Press Releases

The Salisbury Police Department would like to announce that the 2008 Yearly Report is now available on the Salisbury Police website. The website address is http://www.salisburypd.com/.

On April 30, 2009 at approximately 1:15 am, Officers of the Salisbury Police Department conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle operated by below suspect # 1 for traffic violations on Baker St. Suspect # 2 was a passenger in the vehicle. During the traffic stop a routine records check revealed that both suspects were wanted in the State of Delaware. Both suspects were arrested and a search of the vehicle, incident to arrest, revealed a quantity of suspected “crack”/cocaine.

ARRESTED #1: Winston Franklin Bruce, 51 years of age Salisbury, Maryland

CHARGES:

Possession of cocaine
Possession of CDS/paraphernalia
Fugitive – Delaware
Burglary

ARRESTED #2: Bryant Tyrone Deal, 47 years of age Salisbury, Maryland

CHARGES:

Possession of cocaine
Possession of CDS/paraphernalia
Fugitive - Delaware
Violation of Probation

DISPOSITION: Both released to Central Booking
CC # 200900014465, 200900014468, 200900014474

On April 30, 2009 at approximately 3:05 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police received a call to respond to the Cherry St. Laundromat for a report of a subject breaking into vending machines. Upon arrival the officers apprehended the below listed suspect who was breaking into vending machines and game machines to take U.S. Currency. A subsequent investigation revealed that the same suspect was responsible for two (2) earlier vending machine break ins at the same business.

ARRESTED: Juvenile, 16 years of age Salisbury, Maryland

CHARGES:

Breaking and Entering (2 counts)
Theft (over $ 500) (3 counts)
Theft (under $ 500) (3 counts)
Theft (under $ 100) (3 counts)

DISPOSITION: Released to parent
CC # 200900013873, 200900014002

On April 30, 2009 at approximately 5:55 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police Department received information that a wanted subject was located at a residence on Washington St. The officers responded and found the below listed suspect on the porch of the residence consuming suspected marijuana. The suspect was arrested and found to be in possession of a larger amount of suspected marijuana.

ARRESTED: Martinez O’Brien Dale, 19 years of age Salisbury, Maryland

CHARGES:

Possession of marijuana
Possession of CDS/paraphernalia (2 counts)

DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking CC # 200900014561

On April 30, 2009 at approximately 7:35 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police were on routine patrol in the area of Baker and Barclay St. and observed several subjects acting in a disorderly manner. The officers made contact with the suspects and charged below listed suspect # 1 for consuming alcohol in public. During the contact with suspect # 1, suspect # 2 became disorderly and began to yell in the street. Efforts to calm suspect #2 were unsuccessful, and the subject was taken into custody.

ARRESTED #1: Corey Jamar Robins, 21 years of age Salisbury, Maryland

CHARGES: Open container of alcohol in public

ARRESTED #2: Terrance Lopez Arrington, 23 years of age Salisbury, Maryland

CHARGES: Disorderly conduct

DISPOSITION: Both released to Central Booking CC # 200900014567

Kids of Honor & Macy's Thank You

Kids of Honor would like to say thank you to our Kids of Honor, friends and family by passing along the attached savings coupon.
No strings attached… it’s free!
We don’t make money off of your purchases.
So if there’s something you have been wanting or needing, Macys and Kids of Honor want to say thank you for all you do to support our community.
This could be that perfect opportunity to buy a graduation gift! We’re celebrating graduation this year with over 25 of our Kids of Honor and their families!


Kristi Richardson
Executive Director

Kids of Honor, Inc.
PO Box 1131
Salisbury, MD 21802

Pepsi Italian Style

I LOVE IT!

Don't Miss Today's Classified Ads

Use the Link on the right hand side of the Blog and take a look at this week's Classified Ads.

Two Years Ago Today

Ironically enough, Rick Hoppes was promoted to Assistant Fire Chief two years ago today.

Chick-fil-A

Two Years Ago Today

Two years ago today there was a massive sewage spill that came from a Lift Station and ran right into the sewer drains and directly into the Wicomico River. Par for the course in Salisbury.

WICOMICO COUNTY TIRE AMNESTY DAY SET FOR SATURDAY, MAY 9TH

Wicomico County residents can dispose of old tires at no charge on Saturday, May 9th at the county landfill, Newland Park. The drop-off hours are 7:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. “Tire Amnesty Day” is an annual event and is sponsored by the Maryland Department of the Environment and Maryland Environmental Service.

Landfill officials said that citizens are normally charged $2.00 for car tire disposal and $5.00 for truck tire disposal. Scrap tires do not go into the landfill. They are hauled to a disposal company in Baltimore.

Wicomico County Executive Richard M. Pollitt, Jr. stated, “We have many environmentally-friendly events around Earth Day. This scrap tire removal incentive program is one of them and it’s a program in which I heartily encourage our citizens to participate. We have a beautiful county and the removal of old tires only serves to enhance that.”

The landfill is located at 6948 Brick Kiln Road in Salisbury. Citizens may call
410-548-4935 for more information.

Chicken BBQ

When: Saturday, May 2, 2009

Where: Red Men Lodge Clyde Ave & Rt 13 Fruitland (map)

Description: 1/2 chicken, baked beans, and a roll $7.00

Things To Do

What Is National Train Day?
On May 10, 1869, in Promontory Summit, Utah, the "golden spike" was driven into the final tie that joined 1,776 miles of the Central Pacific and Union Pacific railways, ceremonially creating the nation′s first transcontinental railroad. And America was transformed.
Suddenly, the country was united in a way it never had been, and train travel sparked imaginations in small towns and big cities, among folk who desired adventure and businessmen who saw fortunes to be made. The sound of a train whistle was the soundtrack of happy reunions and tearful farewells. It heralded the arrival of mail, supplies and change.
The train became more than the go-to mode of transport for people and goods. It was a proud achievement of engineering vision, technical ingenuity and sweat. It was a cultural force that sparked the creative imaginations of storytellers in songs, movies and novels. Railways provided jobs for thousands of Americans. The train station became a focal point of every community, from New York City′s Pennsylvania Station to the tiny stations that dotted rural America.
Now, 140 years after the “golden spike” connected east and west, there’s never been a better time to take the train. Huge crowds and the frustrations that go with them burden our highways and airports. And at a time when we all share the same pressing concerns about environment and energy conservation, trains are a more energy-efficient mode of travel than either autos or airplanes. Riding the rails is not only a great way to reduce your carbon footprint, but also a great way to meet interesting people and see breathtaking scenery.
That′s why, in commemoration of the anniversary of the day the "golden spike" was driven, we celebrated the first-ever National Train Day on May 10, 2008. Thousands enjoyed live entertainment, train displays, raffles, prizes and surprises for big and small across the nation.
This year the event will be even better. So mark Saturday, May 9th on your calendar for a coast-to-coast celebration of the way trains connect people and places. There will be major events in Washington, DC, Philadelphia, Chicago, and Los Angeles, while other events will occur in smaller markets nationwide. Join us and Discover the Rail Way during any of the National Train Day festivities that are sure to be a treat for all ages.
For more information, go Here.

Delaware Marks The Start Of American Recovery & Reinvestment Act Projects

Dover -- Traffic signal improvements mark the start of the first Delaware projects to be funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). Governor Jack Markell, Transportation Secretary Carolann Wicks, Senator Tom Carper, and a representative of Senator Kaufman's Office were on hand for the occasion.

DelDOT has moved quickly to get people working by starting on several traffic signal improvements throughout the state. Overall, the various traffic signal improvement projects are valued at $1.5 million. These projects will improve traffic flow, vehicle safety, pedestrian safety, and the reliability of the system. Each intersection project has a different scope of work, variously involving new signal installations, reconstruction of aging infrastructure, pedestrian signal enhancements, upgrade of curb ramps to current ADA standards, modification of left-turn phasing, and lengthening of left-turn lanes.

In addition, DelDOT is gearing up for more construction to begin soon for the ARRA projects. Specifically, three projects are underway, ten projects have been put out to bid, and more are scheduled.

Said Governor Jack Markell, "The only way we are going to solve the historic challenges facing Delaware in the long term is by growing the economy. These projects will help get our economy and our neighbors moving again, and will create hundreds of much-needed jobs to help get Delawareans back to work."

DelDOT Secretary Carolann Wicks said, "We worked hard to get to this point, looking at numerous projects, making sure they met a variety of rules and regulations. The traffic improvement projects were among the easiest to start and will provide economic stimulus while enhancing the safety of our transportation system. President Obama signed the ARRA on February 17, and we were able to produce before the end of April."

Delaware's U.S. Senators Tom Carper and Ted Kaufman said the transportation projects will meet a variety of transportation needs while creating and sustaining jobs. Both Senators voted for the ARRA, knowing it would help Delaware in everything from schools to healthcare to transportation infrastructure. The Senators said the transportation projects identified are creating and sustaining jobs, and that Delaware Governor Jack Markell and Secretary Carolann Wicks are to be commended for finding projects that support a wide range of transportation needs including road construction, congestion relief, economic development, public transportation and bicycle and pedestrian paths.

The Delaware projects approved for ARRA funding range from big-ticket items such as high-speed E-ZPass lanes to safety projects such as traffic signal projects. The Traffic Signal Improvement Project consists of nine locations throughout the state, with two locations currently under construction. Highway safety improvements are underway at the intersection of Kirkwood Highway and Albertson Boulevard in New Castle County. In Sussex County, the intersection of SR 1 and West Way Drive will focus on pedestrian safety, to include current pedestrian signal upgrades to new countdown signals. In addition to these locations, the following are scheduled for New Castle County: U.S. 13 & Boulden Boulevard; U.S. 13 & Memorial Drive; U.S. 202 & Righter Parkway; and Mill Creek Road & McKennans Church Road. In Kent County: U.S. 13 & Lepore Road; U.S. 13 & SR 42; and the Frederica Fire Signal.

Details on all the proposed projects can be found on DelDOT's Web site at www.deldot.gov, under the "Recovery Projects" tab. Governor Markell is committed to keeping the public as up to date as possible regarding project progress, how funding is being spent, the number of jobs generated and the contractors who win the bids. The DelDOT Web site, www.deldot.gov, and the state Web site, www.recovery.delaware.gov will continue to be the focal point for this and more information.

State Police Investigating Early Morning Fatal Crash

Millsboro – The Delaware State Police are currently investigating an overnight fatal crash that claimed the life of a 35 year old Millsboro man. Police were called to the crash at approximately 3:02 am on John J. Williams Hwy (SR 24) west of Gull Point Road.

Investigators discovered a 2004 Saturn Vue, operated by Patrick D. Cunnane, 35 of Millsboro was travailing westbound on SR 24when it failed to negotiate a left curve in the roadway. As a result, the Saturn exited the roadway and struck two large trees. Mr. Cunnane was not wearing a seatbelt and was ejected from the vehicle. He died at the scene form injuries sustained.

A witness to the crash informed investigators that just prior to the incident; the Saturn passed their vehicle on SR 24 at a high rate of speed - indicating speed was possibly a factor. Alcohol use is currently unknown.

Because of the crash the roadway was closed for a couple of hours. It has since been reopened. The crash remains under investigation.

Special Olympics

Hi Joe,

Holly Community, Inc. in partnership with Special Olympics Lower Shore will be hosting the Seventh Annual Eastern Shore Spring Games on Saturday, May 2nd at Wicomico High School, we will be having the following activities: Softball, Track & Field, Bocce, Olympic and Softball Skills.

Could you please post this on your site? It is a wonderful event that I wish more people knew about. The athlete’s look forward to this day all year and it would be great if we could fill the stands for them.

Thanks so much for all you do.