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Councilwoman Debbie Campbell was recognized by the City of Salisbury for her being selected as one of Maryland's Top 100 Women. Did I happen to mention Barrie Tilghman has never won this award?
DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Two Years Ago Today
Councilwoman Debbie Campbell was recognized by the City of Salisbury for her being selected as one of Maryland's Top 100 Women. Did I happen to mention Barrie Tilghman has never won this award?On A Personal Note
Today's Chamber of Commerce meeting was in fact enjoyable. I counted a little more than 20 people there and was informed they usually have 4 people in a normal meeting. So once again, to the naysayers, every one was quite pleased.
I was especially pleased because I felt at home and not overwhelmed with too many people and Chamber members made me feel especially comfortable. I should add, it always cracks me up when someone like the Fat Man calls out to all 5 of his readers and makes it sound like I'll be bombarded at trials and or meetings like this with a bunch of haters.
It seemed to me that one of the biggest questions being asked was confirmation on our stories. I say our, including the MSM. WBOC stated that they hold off breaking a story until they have confirmed the facts. I explained my situation with former Mayor Tilghman and Chief Webster. They refused to answer any calls from me and whenever I'd send an e-mail, (for the past 5 years) to the Mayor, it would instantly get kicked back saying it was being sent to the Chief of Police to scan for harassment. Mind you, never once did they respond to my messages.
I even explained this in Court when the Mayor's attorney asked if I had fact checked a particular story. I replied, NO. He said, so you ran a story you didn't confirm? YES. Do you do that often? YES. Why would you run a story without it being confirmed, don't you think that's reckless? NO! Why not? Because the Mayor refused to answer my calls or e-mail. Flabbergasted, her attorney had nothing more to say.
One thing is for sure. Everyone who visited that meeting this morning walked away with a whole new vision of just what Salisbury News is all about. I have received comments from many who attended. Here are a couple just as an example:
"Do you have email addresses for the organizers? I’d like to thank them for putting the meeting together this morning. Hope the clown didn't give you too much crap. I shook your hand in front of her just to show her people in ties appreciated your appearance this morning.
THANKS!"
"Just a note to let you know that I think you did well this morning at the meeting. As I was walking into the parking lot, one of the visitors noted that a major difference in the presentations was the "passion". You appear to live and breathe what you do as contrasted to the MSM representative who is merely doing his job."
"Keep up the good work. Keep bringing to the table the issues that the populace should care about.....and let both (or all) sides have their say. Remember the key issue is that BLOGs are by definition "opinions", not necessarily confirmed facts. As long as there is no libel or slander, anything can be on the table."
Greg Latshaw from the Daily Times said he felt I did a better job than WBOC. He went on to say that while he may not have agreed with everything I said, he understands why I said it. He also sympathized with my not being able to confirm certain stories and had no idea I was up against a brick wall with some people.
Getting back to the facts and other sources of MSM stating they never tell a story unless it is confirmed. Well, for what it's worth. I know for a fact that WBOC, (for example) reads Salisbury News day in and day out. We publish a story and 10 minutes later my source calls me back saying someone from WBOC just called and said we just read on Salisbury News blah, blah, blah, can you tell us about it. The next thing you know the same story that came out of nowhere is then on WBOC.
Beyond that, are they saying that ALL of them didn't cover the Salisbury Zoo animal death issue because they couldn't confirm it? I stated in this meeting that I had asked the Daily Times, WBOC & WMDT to simply go down to the Zoo and count the animals. Jim Rapp, (former Zoo Director) claimed they had 500 animals. Then 450, then for days the numbers kept dropping all the way down to somewhere around 175. I continued to tell the MSM this was a flat out lie, they only had around 125 animals. Granted, I fought like hell to get closer to the truth and I did appreciate their challenging Rapp about the numbers but not once did they go down to the Zoo and count the animals for themselves, yet they claim they fact check and do investigative reporting.
They constantly rely on what a Department Head tells them and if they're wrong, they can simply blame it on them. HOWEVER, before Salisbury News came along, NOTHING was ever wrong. Everyone just believed what the MSM fed them and that was that.
There are hundreds of these same kind of stories but I ask, if they can't confirm it, do they then NOT tell the story? The answer in most cases is, no, they do tell the story. However, they do so by stating only what they have been told. To me, this is NOT reporting. The most recent case and point is what I brought up in my speech. To this date, the Daily Times refuses to publish an article about the Wicomico BOE recent decision on taxpayers footing the bill for health insurance for retired Teachers. Again, if they don't tell you what's going on, you'll hopefully never know about it.
Here's what they don't realize. You see, since Salisbury News brought it out to every one's attention, the word is on the street that it can be seen on Salisbury News. The next thing you know, more and more people come to this Site, (this happens on many different daily topics) and Salisbury News continues to grow by word of mouth every single day.
WBOC and the Daily Times love to talk about how they get 3,000,000 "page views" every month. Hell, I'll bet you good money more people are talking about Salisbury News than WBOC or the Daily Times. A friend said to me that they don't even call it Salisbury News any more. Most of the time they'll say, did you see this or that on the Blog today?
Anyhow, clearly we're an influence on politics but we're also a major influence in every one's day to day life here in Salisbury. Mr. Creamer mentioned today that they normally have 4 people in their monthly meeting. Because many are interested, because Salisbury News is influential, more than 20 people showed up today at 7:30 AM, (which is not easy to do) to learn more about how we can help benefit the future of local politics. Mr. Creamer also stated that this was the very first time in his 20 years with the executive board that the Daily Times has ever shown up at a meeting.
Well Folks, Joe Albero, Salisbury News and our Contributors are not only influential, (like it or not) we also sell papers for the Daily Times. That's quite alright too, somebody has to keep Shanie employed.
Again, I/we appreciate the opportunity to express our thoughts on this topic. I hope we've answered many questions people might have on the Blogs and we welcome the opportunity to sit face to face with anyone on such matters as long as it is a civil environment.
I was especially pleased because I felt at home and not overwhelmed with too many people and Chamber members made me feel especially comfortable. I should add, it always cracks me up when someone like the Fat Man calls out to all 5 of his readers and makes it sound like I'll be bombarded at trials and or meetings like this with a bunch of haters.
It seemed to me that one of the biggest questions being asked was confirmation on our stories. I say our, including the MSM. WBOC stated that they hold off breaking a story until they have confirmed the facts. I explained my situation with former Mayor Tilghman and Chief Webster. They refused to answer any calls from me and whenever I'd send an e-mail, (for the past 5 years) to the Mayor, it would instantly get kicked back saying it was being sent to the Chief of Police to scan for harassment. Mind you, never once did they respond to my messages.
I even explained this in Court when the Mayor's attorney asked if I had fact checked a particular story. I replied, NO. He said, so you ran a story you didn't confirm? YES. Do you do that often? YES. Why would you run a story without it being confirmed, don't you think that's reckless? NO! Why not? Because the Mayor refused to answer my calls or e-mail. Flabbergasted, her attorney had nothing more to say.
One thing is for sure. Everyone who visited that meeting this morning walked away with a whole new vision of just what Salisbury News is all about. I have received comments from many who attended. Here are a couple just as an example:
"Do you have email addresses for the organizers? I’d like to thank them for putting the meeting together this morning. Hope the clown didn't give you too much crap. I shook your hand in front of her just to show her people in ties appreciated your appearance this morning.
THANKS!"
"Just a note to let you know that I think you did well this morning at the meeting. As I was walking into the parking lot, one of the visitors noted that a major difference in the presentations was the "passion". You appear to live and breathe what you do as contrasted to the MSM representative who is merely doing his job."
"Keep up the good work. Keep bringing to the table the issues that the populace should care about.....and let both (or all) sides have their say. Remember the key issue is that BLOGs are by definition "opinions", not necessarily confirmed facts. As long as there is no libel or slander, anything can be on the table."
Greg Latshaw from the Daily Times said he felt I did a better job than WBOC. He went on to say that while he may not have agreed with everything I said, he understands why I said it. He also sympathized with my not being able to confirm certain stories and had no idea I was up against a brick wall with some people.
Getting back to the facts and other sources of MSM stating they never tell a story unless it is confirmed. Well, for what it's worth. I know for a fact that WBOC, (for example) reads Salisbury News day in and day out. We publish a story and 10 minutes later my source calls me back saying someone from WBOC just called and said we just read on Salisbury News blah, blah, blah, can you tell us about it. The next thing you know the same story that came out of nowhere is then on WBOC.
Beyond that, are they saying that ALL of them didn't cover the Salisbury Zoo animal death issue because they couldn't confirm it? I stated in this meeting that I had asked the Daily Times, WBOC & WMDT to simply go down to the Zoo and count the animals. Jim Rapp, (former Zoo Director) claimed they had 500 animals. Then 450, then for days the numbers kept dropping all the way down to somewhere around 175. I continued to tell the MSM this was a flat out lie, they only had around 125 animals. Granted, I fought like hell to get closer to the truth and I did appreciate their challenging Rapp about the numbers but not once did they go down to the Zoo and count the animals for themselves, yet they claim they fact check and do investigative reporting.
They constantly rely on what a Department Head tells them and if they're wrong, they can simply blame it on them. HOWEVER, before Salisbury News came along, NOTHING was ever wrong. Everyone just believed what the MSM fed them and that was that.
There are hundreds of these same kind of stories but I ask, if they can't confirm it, do they then NOT tell the story? The answer in most cases is, no, they do tell the story. However, they do so by stating only what they have been told. To me, this is NOT reporting. The most recent case and point is what I brought up in my speech. To this date, the Daily Times refuses to publish an article about the Wicomico BOE recent decision on taxpayers footing the bill for health insurance for retired Teachers. Again, if they don't tell you what's going on, you'll hopefully never know about it.
Here's what they don't realize. You see, since Salisbury News brought it out to every one's attention, the word is on the street that it can be seen on Salisbury News. The next thing you know, more and more people come to this Site, (this happens on many different daily topics) and Salisbury News continues to grow by word of mouth every single day.
WBOC and the Daily Times love to talk about how they get 3,000,000 "page views" every month. Hell, I'll bet you good money more people are talking about Salisbury News than WBOC or the Daily Times. A friend said to me that they don't even call it Salisbury News any more. Most of the time they'll say, did you see this or that on the Blog today?
Anyhow, clearly we're an influence on politics but we're also a major influence in every one's day to day life here in Salisbury. Mr. Creamer mentioned today that they normally have 4 people in their monthly meeting. Because many are interested, because Salisbury News is influential, more than 20 people showed up today at 7:30 AM, (which is not easy to do) to learn more about how we can help benefit the future of local politics. Mr. Creamer also stated that this was the very first time in his 20 years with the executive board that the Daily Times has ever shown up at a meeting.
Well Folks, Joe Albero, Salisbury News and our Contributors are not only influential, (like it or not) we also sell papers for the Daily Times. That's quite alright too, somebody has to keep Shanie employed.
Again, I/we appreciate the opportunity to express our thoughts on this topic. I hope we've answered many questions people might have on the Blogs and we welcome the opportunity to sit face to face with anyone on such matters as long as it is a civil environment.
Today's Speech At The Executive Chamber Of Commerce Meeting
Thank you for having me here today. I especially want to thank Mr. Creamer and his committee for choosing to take what has obviously been perceived by some as a bold, if not reckless step by inviting someone as controversial as myself. While you may agree with what I have to say here today … or not, the chamber should be commended for its willingness to hear what, to some, are dissenting views of the current state of our local media.
INTRODUCTION
Are blogs a legitimate alternative to the local mainstream media, particularly the print media? I believe that the answer is unquestionably YES.
Why? Consumers of news WANT to know what is going on in their community. Currently our two local TV stations, WBOC and WMDT, try to do a pretty good job.
Unfortunately, the business model of television news places severe time constraints on its ability to provide in-depth coverage of local stories. In addition, both WBOC and WMDT are covering an area that stretches from Accomack County, Virginia to the upper reaches of Kent County, Delaware.
With the recent restructuring of radio station WICO, we now have approximately 20 minutes of local news coverage per day (not counting the reading of headlines from the Daily Times). WSDL, our local public radio news station provides us headlines and one hour, twice a month covering local issues.
Historically, this has provided the Times with a virtual monopoly on local news coverage. The Daily Times should be our go-to source for local news. Unfortunately, and to the detriment of its readership and itself, the management of the paper simply won’t provide hard news coverage of local events unless they are literally forced to. Their idea of accurate reporting is to take a statement from a favored politician, even a statement they know to be absolutely false, wrap it in quotes and carry on as if they have done their job as the public’s main source of truthful information.
Why not? Having had little to no competition over the years, no one could doubt the truthfulness of what was printed in the Times, and those who did had no forum to present it. They, the Daily Times, held all the cards. That is, until the advent of the web log.
ENTER SALISBURY NEWS
A few years ago I began contributing to a local blog. First I contributed photos, then began writing a few stories. As I became more involved in this new avocation I began to sense the need for an alternative to what we were receiving in our local paper. This was the motivation behind my starting Salisbury News.
Since then Salisbury News has been instrumental in breaking many stories that have had an impact on our community and its people.
Just a few are:
the illegal sludge pit at the waste water treatment plant,
the proliferation of criminal gangs – and graffiti – in Salisbury,
regular sewage spills, large and small, into our river,
serious management problems at the Salisbury Zoo,
the current problems at the WWTP that question the wisdom of spending over $80 million in the t taxpayers’ money, and ...
the Wicomico Board of Education’s recent attempt to torpedo the county’s request for a waiver of the state’s MOE rule.
These stories would have never come to light if not for people like me digging them out and putting them in the public eye. In the case of the sludge lagoon, the Barrie Tilghman administration flatly denied wrongdoing for weeks on end , then claimed that the city had permits for the multi-million gallon lagoon. Initially, the Daily Times’ coverage was a mere parroting of the Mayor’s words. Even when the state confirmed that the city did not have permits for partially treated sludge holding, our local paper simply glossed over the fact that our own local government was acting illegally, and said nothing about the mayor’s continued lying about it.
Both Mayor Tilghman and her police chief Allan Webster repeatedly told the mainstream media that there were absolutely no gangs or gang activity in Salisbury, until we proved them wrong with facts from the FBI, Federal Attorney and State’s Attorney’s Office.
The current boondoggle at the waste water treatment plant only came to light because Salisbury News reported it first, and reported it accurately. Rather than a specific denial, Mayor Tilghman hastily called a press conference and attempted to blame two members of the city council for the problem becoming public. This manufactured controversy and political deflecting comprised a major portion of what the Daily Times reported on the subject.
Forget the fact that Salisbury sewer and water rate payers are being forced to
shoulder ever increasing rate increases to pay for a system that does not work. If it wasn’t for Salisbury News and persistent and pointed questioning by a WBOC reporter the public would never have found out that Tilghman clearly intended to hide this travesty from the public until AFTER the recent Salisbury City elections. It was her obvious intention to ensure that her chosen successor, Gary Comegys, would benefit by the public’s perception that everything was just okey-dokey down at the WWTP, and that he was responsible for its success. (Since that time, has anyone heard Gary Comegys utter a word about the WWTP?)
If you have regularly read the Daily Times over the past few months you may have noticed that the paper has provided ample coverage of the Worcester County Board of Education’s refusal to work with the Worcester County Commissioners in reducing spending. It’s actually been some very decent reporting. But where have you read coverage of a similar issue in Wicomico County? Could the fact that the Wicomico Board of Ed’s public information officer is married to the Managing Editor of the Daily Times have anything to do with this missing story? These few and dozens more are newsworthy items that would never have come to the public’s attention without blogs like Salisbury News.
WHY SALISBURY NEWS?
Salisbury News is only one of many blogs currently being published locally. Why then have we been blessed with our current popularity and cursed with a certain infamy?
The answers to both questions are fairly simple. Salisbury News has become the most popular blog on Delmarva because of our willingness to work at putting out breaking news stories 7 days a week, 52 weeks of the year. Most other local blogs are primarily focused on one of two things – op-ed, … or in the case of a few local blowhards and oddities, attempting to refute what we publish in order to defend the very same individuals who have corrupted this small and precious part of the world referred to by some as “God’s Country”, and “The Land of Pleasant Living.”
The very fact that we are always looking for news and will not hesitate to publish news, no matter how it affects certain well placed individuals, is a key part of our success. That and consistent output. I have a friend who publishes other web sites and serves as a contributor to Salisbury News. One of his sites enjoys a great deal of regional popularity. However, as he has reminded me on more than one occasion, our commitment to publishing news and opinion 365 days a year will keep our readership growing while his own readership has risen and fallen due to his own inconsistency in publishing new material.
As for our infamy, I have to take the lion’s share of the blame. As a native New Yorker, I have a certain brusqueness in my writing style that offends some with more delicate sensibilities. However, I have also learned that the vast majority of those who regularly read Salisbury News like what a friend refers to as “red meat”.
A SERIOUS COMPETITOR?
Clearly the internet has proven to be a powerful medium. Gone are the days when only very wealthy families or large corporations can dictate what the public receives in the form of news. Thanks to Al Gore, the inventor of the internet and global warming, anyone can set up his or her own little newspaper for little or no money. The secret is whether or not one can build an audience. That takes time, effort and dedication to the cause.
At Salisbury News we have been fortunate to build such an audience and it is our hope to see that audience continue to grow. We will do that with our commitment to publish news as it happens. This is one important lesson that the Daily Times seems to refuse to learn. While they have access to the same information that I do, they continue to feel the need to hold off on printing a story online until AFTER the next day’s edition is printed. Because of that, many of their readers will have already read that story in Salisbury News long before their morning paper is delivered.
In addition, our readers keep coming back through any given day because we ARE always updating the site. Currently we are running about 30 – 35 posts per day. While we don’t claim that EVERY reader reads and loves EVERY story we post, they do keep coming back because they know that there will be something they may find interesting within the next hour or so. This is something that the Daily Times either cannot or will not do.
IS SALISBURY NEWS INFLUENTIAL?
Is Salisbury News influential, particularly in local politics? I’m not the best person to answer that question. Instead, let’s look at a few facts.
BlogNetNews has consistently ranked Salisbury News as the most influential political blog in Maryland throughout 2008 and into 2009. Former Salisbury mayor Barrie Tilghman (I particularly like the “former” part) chose to make Salisbury News a primary target in her last state of the city address and in several news conferences during her tenure. She also chose to sue me personally for slander and libel. The judge thought differently and she lost her case against me.
Does anyone really think that she would have gone to such trouble IF NOT for the fact that large numbers of the public viewed us as a credible source of local news? She saw that Salisbury News was not to be easily dismissed. What is also probably very disturbing to individuals like Tilghman is the fact that we are interactive. What influence Salisbury News enjoys comes not from my Pulitzer Prize-winning writing style, but from the thousands of readers who choose to participate in this social medium.
If our readership is influenced, it is by their fellow citizens, their peers. Sure, the contributors to Salisbury News, including myself have an opinion. However, for the first time in the history of Wicomico County, ordinary citizens can come together and express their points of view. They are not subject to the filter of a newspaper editor who seems to edit and publish at the beck and call of sitting government official. Nor are they told to sit down and shut up by the likes of Louise Smith or Mike Dunn.
This bolsters a sense of community. It’s impact? It encourages citizens to get involved; and particularly to get out and vote.
In the recent city election (as in years before 2009) we witnessed the
Daily Times providing an exclusive, untouchable platform for then-mayor Tilghman, councilman Gary Comegys, and their allies to savage mayoral candidate Jim Ireton and
incumbent councilwoman Debbie Campbell. Using their all too typical “bait and switch” tactics, the paper even used “endorsements” of Tilghman and Comegys to attack them further.
However, voters were able to come to Salisbury News to read what was then and has since been proven to be accurate reporting on the mayoral and council races, to read our editorial views and to express their own views in an interactive fashion.
If Salisbury News wasn’t considered credible by these citizens, why would they bother coming to our site each and every day? The Daily Times allows readers of their online
edition to comment, yet they receive only a few dozen comments per day on local stories. Why does Salisbury News receive hundreds, sometimes thousands, of comments every day?
Are blogs credible? Are they influential? Is Salisbury News?
These are decisions which each individual must make for him or herself. However, as businessmen and women you undoubtedly understand the concept of market forces. There is one undeniable fact – the audience for online media such as Salisbury News
is growing by leaps and bounds ; the audience for mainstream media like the
Daily Times is shrinking.
While you may agree with what we publish … or not.... it is inescapable that the reader market for local news does find overwhelming merit in what we publish. I want to thank you again for this wonderful opportunity.
INTRODUCTION
Are blogs a legitimate alternative to the local mainstream media, particularly the print media? I believe that the answer is unquestionably YES.
Why? Consumers of news WANT to know what is going on in their community. Currently our two local TV stations, WBOC and WMDT, try to do a pretty good job.
Unfortunately, the business model of television news places severe time constraints on its ability to provide in-depth coverage of local stories. In addition, both WBOC and WMDT are covering an area that stretches from Accomack County, Virginia to the upper reaches of Kent County, Delaware.
With the recent restructuring of radio station WICO, we now have approximately 20 minutes of local news coverage per day (not counting the reading of headlines from the Daily Times). WSDL, our local public radio news station provides us headlines and one hour, twice a month covering local issues.
Historically, this has provided the Times with a virtual monopoly on local news coverage. The Daily Times should be our go-to source for local news. Unfortunately, and to the detriment of its readership and itself, the management of the paper simply won’t provide hard news coverage of local events unless they are literally forced to. Their idea of accurate reporting is to take a statement from a favored politician, even a statement they know to be absolutely false, wrap it in quotes and carry on as if they have done their job as the public’s main source of truthful information.
Why not? Having had little to no competition over the years, no one could doubt the truthfulness of what was printed in the Times, and those who did had no forum to present it. They, the Daily Times, held all the cards. That is, until the advent of the web log.
ENTER SALISBURY NEWS
A few years ago I began contributing to a local blog. First I contributed photos, then began writing a few stories. As I became more involved in this new avocation I began to sense the need for an alternative to what we were receiving in our local paper. This was the motivation behind my starting Salisbury News.
Since then Salisbury News has been instrumental in breaking many stories that have had an impact on our community and its people.
Just a few are:
the illegal sludge pit at the waste water treatment plant,
the proliferation of criminal gangs – and graffiti – in Salisbury,
regular sewage spills, large and small, into our river,
serious management problems at the Salisbury Zoo,
the current problems at the WWTP that question the wisdom of spending over $80 million in the t taxpayers’ money, and ...
the Wicomico Board of Education’s recent attempt to torpedo the county’s request for a waiver of the state’s MOE rule.
These stories would have never come to light if not for people like me digging them out and putting them in the public eye. In the case of the sludge lagoon, the Barrie Tilghman administration flatly denied wrongdoing for weeks on end , then claimed that the city had permits for the multi-million gallon lagoon. Initially, the Daily Times’ coverage was a mere parroting of the Mayor’s words. Even when the state confirmed that the city did not have permits for partially treated sludge holding, our local paper simply glossed over the fact that our own local government was acting illegally, and said nothing about the mayor’s continued lying about it.
Both Mayor Tilghman and her police chief Allan Webster repeatedly told the mainstream media that there were absolutely no gangs or gang activity in Salisbury, until we proved them wrong with facts from the FBI, Federal Attorney and State’s Attorney’s Office.
The current boondoggle at the waste water treatment plant only came to light because Salisbury News reported it first, and reported it accurately. Rather than a specific denial, Mayor Tilghman hastily called a press conference and attempted to blame two members of the city council for the problem becoming public. This manufactured controversy and political deflecting comprised a major portion of what the Daily Times reported on the subject.
Forget the fact that Salisbury sewer and water rate payers are being forced to
shoulder ever increasing rate increases to pay for a system that does not work. If it wasn’t for Salisbury News and persistent and pointed questioning by a WBOC reporter the public would never have found out that Tilghman clearly intended to hide this travesty from the public until AFTER the recent Salisbury City elections. It was her obvious intention to ensure that her chosen successor, Gary Comegys, would benefit by the public’s perception that everything was just okey-dokey down at the WWTP, and that he was responsible for its success. (Since that time, has anyone heard Gary Comegys utter a word about the WWTP?)
If you have regularly read the Daily Times over the past few months you may have noticed that the paper has provided ample coverage of the Worcester County Board of Education’s refusal to work with the Worcester County Commissioners in reducing spending. It’s actually been some very decent reporting. But where have you read coverage of a similar issue in Wicomico County? Could the fact that the Wicomico Board of Ed’s public information officer is married to the Managing Editor of the Daily Times have anything to do with this missing story? These few and dozens more are newsworthy items that would never have come to the public’s attention without blogs like Salisbury News.
WHY SALISBURY NEWS?
Salisbury News is only one of many blogs currently being published locally. Why then have we been blessed with our current popularity and cursed with a certain infamy?
The answers to both questions are fairly simple. Salisbury News has become the most popular blog on Delmarva because of our willingness to work at putting out breaking news stories 7 days a week, 52 weeks of the year. Most other local blogs are primarily focused on one of two things – op-ed, … or in the case of a few local blowhards and oddities, attempting to refute what we publish in order to defend the very same individuals who have corrupted this small and precious part of the world referred to by some as “God’s Country”, and “The Land of Pleasant Living.”
The very fact that we are always looking for news and will not hesitate to publish news, no matter how it affects certain well placed individuals, is a key part of our success. That and consistent output. I have a friend who publishes other web sites and serves as a contributor to Salisbury News. One of his sites enjoys a great deal of regional popularity. However, as he has reminded me on more than one occasion, our commitment to publishing news and opinion 365 days a year will keep our readership growing while his own readership has risen and fallen due to his own inconsistency in publishing new material.
As for our infamy, I have to take the lion’s share of the blame. As a native New Yorker, I have a certain brusqueness in my writing style that offends some with more delicate sensibilities. However, I have also learned that the vast majority of those who regularly read Salisbury News like what a friend refers to as “red meat”.
A SERIOUS COMPETITOR?
Clearly the internet has proven to be a powerful medium. Gone are the days when only very wealthy families or large corporations can dictate what the public receives in the form of news. Thanks to Al Gore, the inventor of the internet and global warming, anyone can set up his or her own little newspaper for little or no money. The secret is whether or not one can build an audience. That takes time, effort and dedication to the cause.
At Salisbury News we have been fortunate to build such an audience and it is our hope to see that audience continue to grow. We will do that with our commitment to publish news as it happens. This is one important lesson that the Daily Times seems to refuse to learn. While they have access to the same information that I do, they continue to feel the need to hold off on printing a story online until AFTER the next day’s edition is printed. Because of that, many of their readers will have already read that story in Salisbury News long before their morning paper is delivered.
In addition, our readers keep coming back through any given day because we ARE always updating the site. Currently we are running about 30 – 35 posts per day. While we don’t claim that EVERY reader reads and loves EVERY story we post, they do keep coming back because they know that there will be something they may find interesting within the next hour or so. This is something that the Daily Times either cannot or will not do.
IS SALISBURY NEWS INFLUENTIAL?
Is Salisbury News influential, particularly in local politics? I’m not the best person to answer that question. Instead, let’s look at a few facts.
BlogNetNews has consistently ranked Salisbury News as the most influential political blog in Maryland throughout 2008 and into 2009. Former Salisbury mayor Barrie Tilghman (I particularly like the “former” part) chose to make Salisbury News a primary target in her last state of the city address and in several news conferences during her tenure. She also chose to sue me personally for slander and libel. The judge thought differently and she lost her case against me.
Does anyone really think that she would have gone to such trouble IF NOT for the fact that large numbers of the public viewed us as a credible source of local news? She saw that Salisbury News was not to be easily dismissed. What is also probably very disturbing to individuals like Tilghman is the fact that we are interactive. What influence Salisbury News enjoys comes not from my Pulitzer Prize-winning writing style, but from the thousands of readers who choose to participate in this social medium.
If our readership is influenced, it is by their fellow citizens, their peers. Sure, the contributors to Salisbury News, including myself have an opinion. However, for the first time in the history of Wicomico County, ordinary citizens can come together and express their points of view. They are not subject to the filter of a newspaper editor who seems to edit and publish at the beck and call of sitting government official. Nor are they told to sit down and shut up by the likes of Louise Smith or Mike Dunn.
This bolsters a sense of community. It’s impact? It encourages citizens to get involved; and particularly to get out and vote.
In the recent city election (as in years before 2009) we witnessed the
Daily Times providing an exclusive, untouchable platform for then-mayor Tilghman, councilman Gary Comegys, and their allies to savage mayoral candidate Jim Ireton and
incumbent councilwoman Debbie Campbell. Using their all too typical “bait and switch” tactics, the paper even used “endorsements” of Tilghman and Comegys to attack them further.
However, voters were able to come to Salisbury News to read what was then and has since been proven to be accurate reporting on the mayoral and council races, to read our editorial views and to express their own views in an interactive fashion.
If Salisbury News wasn’t considered credible by these citizens, why would they bother coming to our site each and every day? The Daily Times allows readers of their online
edition to comment, yet they receive only a few dozen comments per day on local stories. Why does Salisbury News receive hundreds, sometimes thousands, of comments every day?
Are blogs credible? Are they influential? Is Salisbury News?
These are decisions which each individual must make for him or herself. However, as businessmen and women you undoubtedly understand the concept of market forces. There is one undeniable fact – the audience for online media such as Salisbury News
is growing by leaps and bounds ; the audience for mainstream media like the
Daily Times is shrinking.
While you may agree with what we publish … or not.... it is inescapable that the reader market for local news does find overwhelming merit in what we publish. I want to thank you again for this wonderful opportunity.
Deciding Votes Cast For Indian River Inlet Bridge Aesthetic Design Features
Indian River -- The Department of Transportation and Skanska USA Civil Southeast, Inc. (Skanska) announce that 1,196 votes were cast over the last two weeks for three aesthetic design features proposed for the new Indian River Inlet Bridge. There were three options for each of the respective design features. The aesthetic design feature options which received the most votes, and have therefore been selected follow:
Color of the Cable Stays: Blue (827 votes, 69.9% )
Top of the Pylons: Slanted Top With Railing (504 votes, 43.2%)
Lighting Fixture for Pedestrian Walkway: Nautical (762 votes, 64.6%)
These selections will be incorporated into the bridge design, which is currently about 60% complete.
Comments from voters and workshop attendees were generally favorable toward the overall cable stay design of the new bridge. To quote one voter, "This bridge is awesome."
Bridge Construction Update
As for onsite construction, Skanska is nearing the completion of its test pile program which began in late 2008. All but three of the 28 test piles will become part of the final bridge structure. Of the total 291 concrete piles slated to support the bridge, 142 will go on the north side, and 149 will go on the southside. To date, 75 concrete piles have been delivered to the site. Concrete pile work will continue until early July. In addition, steel sheet piles are currently being driven on the south side to support bridge excavation activities. During July and August work will be underway on the pylon tower system. Additional temporary piles will be installed onsite as part of the system that will be constructed to support portions of the bridge over land until the cable stay supports are installed. Skanska and DelDOT are happy to report that the project is on schedule and on budget.
Traffic Impacts and Updates
In preparation for the busy summer travel season, DelDOT has posted a Traffic Updates section on the Indian River Inlet Bridge Web page. Although minimal traffic impacts are expected, as material deliveries, bridge construction and visitors come to the site, information regarding potential impacts will be communicated to the public. Motorists are encouraged to visit the Web site to obtain traffic updates and view Live Traffic Cameras before heading to the vicinity of the bridge. As always, safety is paramount, therefore DelDOT and Skanska will minimize any inconvenience to the driving public.
DelDOT cautions motorists who travel in and around the existing Indian River Inlet Bridge to lower their speed to 35 mph through the construction work zone. As activity around the bridge increases, motorists should stay focused on the road and not become distracted by the construction activity.
General project information can be found online at www.irib.deldot.gov. If you have further questions about the bridge, please contact DelDOT's Office of Public Relations at 1-800-652-5600.
Color of the Cable Stays: Blue (827 votes, 69.9% )
Top of the Pylons: Slanted Top With Railing (504 votes, 43.2%)
Lighting Fixture for Pedestrian Walkway: Nautical (762 votes, 64.6%)
These selections will be incorporated into the bridge design, which is currently about 60% complete.
Comments from voters and workshop attendees were generally favorable toward the overall cable stay design of the new bridge. To quote one voter, "This bridge is awesome."
Bridge Construction Update
As for onsite construction, Skanska is nearing the completion of its test pile program which began in late 2008. All but three of the 28 test piles will become part of the final bridge structure. Of the total 291 concrete piles slated to support the bridge, 142 will go on the north side, and 149 will go on the southside. To date, 75 concrete piles have been delivered to the site. Concrete pile work will continue until early July. In addition, steel sheet piles are currently being driven on the south side to support bridge excavation activities. During July and August work will be underway on the pylon tower system. Additional temporary piles will be installed onsite as part of the system that will be constructed to support portions of the bridge over land until the cable stay supports are installed. Skanska and DelDOT are happy to report that the project is on schedule and on budget.
Traffic Impacts and Updates
In preparation for the busy summer travel season, DelDOT has posted a Traffic Updates section on the Indian River Inlet Bridge Web page. Although minimal traffic impacts are expected, as material deliveries, bridge construction and visitors come to the site, information regarding potential impacts will be communicated to the public. Motorists are encouraged to visit the Web site to obtain traffic updates and view Live Traffic Cameras before heading to the vicinity of the bridge. As always, safety is paramount, therefore DelDOT and Skanska will minimize any inconvenience to the driving public.
DelDOT cautions motorists who travel in and around the existing Indian River Inlet Bridge to lower their speed to 35 mph through the construction work zone. As activity around the bridge increases, motorists should stay focused on the road and not become distracted by the construction activity.
General project information can be found online at www.irib.deldot.gov. If you have further questions about the bridge, please contact DelDOT's Office of Public Relations at 1-800-652-5600.
Why Is Salisbury Police Chief In Crisfield On 5/7/09
Is the Salisbury Chief of Police runing for Office on taxpayers dime? Choptank Electric Cooperative "Beat The Peak" Informational Message
Choptank Electric Cooperative is pleased to tell you about a new voluntary program called "Beat the Peak." Beat the Peak encourages members to conserve or limit energy usage during peak times. "Peak" times are those when the Cooperative is purchasing wholesale power at the highest prices. By cutting back on the amount of wholesale power purchased during these peak, high-priced periods, the Cooperative can reduce its total wholesale power costs. Reductions in wholesale power costs are passed through directly to the members in our power cost adjustment (PCA).
Peak periods occur when the demand for electricity is the highest, usually when it is very cold or hot outside. When you volunteer to participate, we will notify you when it is urgent to turn back the thermostat setting during the heating season and raise the thermostat in the cooling season, curtail use of major appliances and turn off all unnecessary lights in an effort to reduce peak demand on our system.
Choptank will alert our members of the need to cut back via an email message of the anticipated day and time the peak period will occur and remind members of the importance to reduce energy consumption during this critical period. You may go to www.choptankelectric.coop and click on the "Beat the Peak" icon for more information. You may also register to have alerts sent to your cell phone (please check your cell phone plan to be sure you will not be charged to receive the text message). You may unsubscribe at any time by clicking on the link at the bottom of the email titled SAFE UNSUBSCRIBE. By joining "Beat the Peak" you will assist your Cooperative to decrease the need to purchase wholesale power when prices are highest, help save energy resources and help the environment.
Education in Wicomico County - Is It Really "For the Children"?
The next time you hear a public official, any public official, claim that we need to spend more on education in Wicomico County, grab your wallet and run in the opposite direction. The Wicomico County Board of Education is worried about catering to its four unions, not about providing a quality education to our children.
Tuesday night I attended my first Wicomico County Board of Education (WCBOE) meeting. After witnessing the complete disdain in which Wicomico taxpayers are regarded by this merry little band, it won't be my last.
The reason I chose to attend the meeting was twofold:
According to the board's self-proclaimed fiscal conservative - Brian Kilgore - this proposal isn't going to cost the taxpayers any money. This is only one area where Kilgore and I differ on this subject. Approximately $357,000 (of the estimated $430,000 that this benefit will cost NEXT year) is to come from "savings" that are to come from merging the Salisbury, Wicomico County, and WCBOE plans. These "savings" are the taxpayers' money.
If the seven members of the WCBOE were truly concerned about the taxpayers of this county they would have done two things:
Some of you may think that $357,000 is just too small an amount to worry about in a budget the size the WCBOE's. You certainly have a right to your opinion. However, this amount will be growing each and every year. We were told by board members supporting this measure that IF the savings don't materialize or IF they aren't large enough to pay for this benefit increase that the benefit increase will be rescinded. Ask yourself IF you can remember the last time any government rescinded a benefit.
What is even more startling is the very fact that the WCBOE claims that it cannot perform common sense tasks on behalf of the taxpayer without the consent of their employees. Think about it for a moment; when was the last time your employer asked YOUR PERMISSION to make changes to your health benefits? Unless you work for the government the answer is probably NEVER. Yet, you are are expected to pay for this assault on your wallet.
A starting teacher in Wicomico County is paid $42,140 for NINE MONTHS of work. Annualized, that comes to over $56,000 per year! Where else is someone fresh out of college going to get that kind of pay?
An employee of the WCBOE has the most generous health benefit around. The taxpayer picks up 90% of the cost of that benefit for the employee and 73% of the extra cost if they have dependents. If you are fortunate enough to receive healthcare coverage from YOUR employer, how much do you have to pay?
Yet, the WCBOE claims that they can't implement savings on behalf of you and I unless the four employee unions agree. It's a vicous cycle that the taxpayer continues to fund because a group of appointees, wholly unaccountable to the local taxpayer, are told that they need to in order to provide a good education for the county's kids. And guess who keeps telling them that foolishness? You guessed it, the same teachers, administrators and staff that benefit from a never ending cycle of taxpayer funded wage inflation.
It's time for the members of the WCBOE to start standing up for their fellow citizens and stop caving in to the unions. It's time for County Executive Rick Pollitt and our county council to start standing up to the WCBOE.
Tuesday night I attended my first Wicomico County Board of Education (WCBOE) meeting. After witnessing the complete disdain in which Wicomico taxpayers are regarded by this merry little band, it won't be my last.
The reason I chose to attend the meeting was twofold:
- To comment on my extreme disappointment with Superintendent John Fredericksen's decision to use taxpayer dollars in opposition to County Executive Rick Pollitt's decision to request a waiver from the state's Momemtum of Effort (MOE) rule.
- To state my oppositon to the Board's proposal to increase the taxpayer share of retiree health benefits from 55% to 70%
According to the board's self-proclaimed fiscal conservative - Brian Kilgore - this proposal isn't going to cost the taxpayers any money. This is only one area where Kilgore and I differ on this subject. Approximately $357,000 (of the estimated $430,000 that this benefit will cost NEXT year) is to come from "savings" that are to come from merging the Salisbury, Wicomico County, and WCBOE plans. These "savings" are the taxpayers' money.
If the seven members of the WCBOE were truly concerned about the taxpayers of this county they would have done two things:
- Forbade Supt. Fredericksen from opposing the county's request for an MOE waiver.
- Implemented the savings in the employee health plan (along with several other available savings) WITHOUT increasing retiree healthcare benefits.
Some of you may think that $357,000 is just too small an amount to worry about in a budget the size the WCBOE's. You certainly have a right to your opinion. However, this amount will be growing each and every year. We were told by board members supporting this measure that IF the savings don't materialize or IF they aren't large enough to pay for this benefit increase that the benefit increase will be rescinded. Ask yourself IF you can remember the last time any government rescinded a benefit.
What is even more startling is the very fact that the WCBOE claims that it cannot perform common sense tasks on behalf of the taxpayer without the consent of their employees. Think about it for a moment; when was the last time your employer asked YOUR PERMISSION to make changes to your health benefits? Unless you work for the government the answer is probably NEVER. Yet, you are are expected to pay for this assault on your wallet.
A starting teacher in Wicomico County is paid $42,140 for NINE MONTHS of work. Annualized, that comes to over $56,000 per year! Where else is someone fresh out of college going to get that kind of pay?
An employee of the WCBOE has the most generous health benefit around. The taxpayer picks up 90% of the cost of that benefit for the employee and 73% of the extra cost if they have dependents. If you are fortunate enough to receive healthcare coverage from YOUR employer, how much do you have to pay?
Yet, the WCBOE claims that they can't implement savings on behalf of you and I unless the four employee unions agree. It's a vicous cycle that the taxpayer continues to fund because a group of appointees, wholly unaccountable to the local taxpayer, are told that they need to in order to provide a good education for the county's kids. And guess who keeps telling them that foolishness? You guessed it, the same teachers, administrators and staff that benefit from a never ending cycle of taxpayer funded wage inflation.
It's time for the members of the WCBOE to start standing up for their fellow citizens and stop caving in to the unions. It's time for County Executive Rick Pollitt and our county council to start standing up to the WCBOE.
Burglary Suspect Caught In The Act
Location of Incident: Always the Garden, 1215 Philadelphia Pike, Wilmington, Delaware, New Castle County
Date and Time of Occurrence: Thursday, May 14, 2009, at approximately 1:30 a.m.
Suspect(s): Christopher Toth, 36, of Garfield Avenue, Wilmington, Delaware
Resume: In the early morning hours of today’s date, detectives from the Troop 2 burglary squad were conducting surveillance on a business named Always the Garden in North Wilmington. This location was the target of several recent burglaries.
At approximately 1:30 a.m., Troopers observed Christopher Toth approach and burglarize the business. Officers then moved in and apprehended the suspect.
He was transported back to Troop 2 where he was formally charged the following offenses and cases at Always the Garden:
April 19th -Wearing a Disguise during the Commission of a Felony (felony), Burglary 3rd (felony), Theft (misdemeanor), Criminal Mischief (misdemeanor)
April 27th - Theft (misdemeanor), Wearing a Disguise during the Commission of a Felony (felony), Burglary (felony), Criminal Mischief (misdemeanor)
May 14th- Wearing a Disguise during the Commission of a Felony (felony), Possession of Burglars Tools (felony), Attempted Burglary (felony), Attempted Theft (misdemeanor)
Bail was set at $10,000.00 secured and the suspect was committed to the Howard Young Correctional Institute.
Dancing With The Stars VIP Tickets
Many people have been contacting me asking if I had any tickets available to the upcoming Dancing With The Delmarva Stars Event. Well, I DO! HOWEVER........
If you want your hands on this pair of VIP Tickets, you're going to have to BID on them. Your check will be made out to the Wellness Community but here's a great way to promote your interest personally or Corporate wise.
If YOU would like to have your name published and or your business, these tickets will start off at $100.00 for the pair. Remember now, these are VIP Tickets.
Posts will follow below this one for the next couple of days. Your bid will be a donation to the Wellness Community and like I said, each of you, (especially businesses) will have the opportunity to get recognized for your generous offer. Remember, you will be committed to your bid offer. You wouldn't want Salisbury News plastering all over the place you backed out of your offer, right?
So let's have some fun, make your bid be known in comments and we'll end the bidding on Friday at Noon. Thanks for participating and supporting the Wellness Community.
Chinese Imports Could Bring GM Political Troubles
AP -- While thousands of General Motors workers await word of more U.S. plant closures, there are reports that the company plans to import Chinese-made vehicles to the U.S. That's created a political problem for the automaker and the White House.
The automaker surviving on $15.4 billion in federal loans, largely due to the Obama administration's desire to preserve the company's 90,000 U.S. jobs.
The United Auto Workers charged last week that GM intends to almost double its imports of vehicles from Mexico, South Korea, China and Japan into the U.S. over the next five years. GM spokesman Tom Wilkinson won't comment on the reports. The White House and Treasury Department didn't immediately respond yesterday to requests for comment.
The automaker surviving on $15.4 billion in federal loans, largely due to the Obama administration's desire to preserve the company's 90,000 U.S. jobs.
The United Auto Workers charged last week that GM intends to almost double its imports of vehicles from Mexico, South Korea, China and Japan into the U.S. over the next five years. GM spokesman Tom Wilkinson won't comment on the reports. The White House and Treasury Department didn't immediately respond yesterday to requests for comment.
Cancer Update From Johns Hopkins
With summer coming, just a reminder from someone who cares.
Bottled water in your car is very dangerous!
On the Ellen show, Sheryl Crow said this is what caused her breast cancer. It has been identified as the most common cause of the high levels of dioxin in breast cancer tissue.
Sheryl Crow's oncologist told her: women should not drink bottled water that has been left in a car. The heat reacts with the chemicals in the plastic of the bottle which releases dioxin into the water. Dioxin is a toxin increasingly found in breast cancer tissue.
So please be careful and do not drink bottled water that has been left in a car.
Pass this on to all the women in your life.
This information is the kind we need to know that just might save us! Use a stainless steel canteen or a glass bottle instead of plastic!
This information is also being circulated at Walter Reed
Army Medical Center
No plastic containers in microwave.
No water bottles in freezer.
No plastic wrap in microwave.
A dioxin chemical causes cancer, especially breast cancer.
Dioxins are highly poisonous to the cells of our bodies. Don't freeze your plastic bottles with water in them as this releases dioxins from the plastic.
Recently, Edward Fujimoto, Wellness Program Manager at Castle Hospital , was on a TV program to explain this health hazard.
He talked about dioxins and how bad they are for us.
He said that we should not be heating our food in the microwave using plastic containers.
This especially applies to foods that contain fat.
He said that the combination of fat, high heat and plastic releases dioxin into the food and ultimately into the cells of the body.
Instead, he recommends using glass, such as Corning Ware, Pyrex or ceramic containers for heating food. You get the same results, only without the dioxin.
So such things as TV dinners, instant ramen and soups, etc., should be removed from the container and heated in something else.
Paper isn't bad but you don't know what is in the paper.
It's just safer to use tempered glass, Corning Ware, etc.
He reminded us that a while ago some of the fast food restaurants moved away from the foam containers to paper. The dioxin problem is one of the reasons.
Also, he pointed out that plastic wrap, such as Saran wrap, is just as dangerous when placed over foods to be cooked in the microwave. As the food is nuked, the high heat causes poisonous toxins to actually melt out of the plastic wrap and drip into the food. Cover food with a paper towel instead.
This is an article that should be sent to anyone important in your life!
Editors Note: This message was passed on to me in an e-mail. While I have extensive knowledge in the plastic industry, some plastics are more dangerous than others. I cannot confirm if this information is exact and this message simply serves as a warning to others the possibility of a problem.
Bottled water in your car is very dangerous!
On the Ellen show, Sheryl Crow said this is what caused her breast cancer. It has been identified as the most common cause of the high levels of dioxin in breast cancer tissue.
Sheryl Crow's oncologist told her: women should not drink bottled water that has been left in a car. The heat reacts with the chemicals in the plastic of the bottle which releases dioxin into the water. Dioxin is a toxin increasingly found in breast cancer tissue.
So please be careful and do not drink bottled water that has been left in a car.
Pass this on to all the women in your life.
This information is the kind we need to know that just might save us! Use a stainless steel canteen or a glass bottle instead of plastic!
This information is also being circulated at Walter Reed
Army Medical Center
No plastic containers in microwave.
No water bottles in freezer.
No plastic wrap in microwave.
A dioxin chemical causes cancer, especially breast cancer.
Dioxins are highly poisonous to the cells of our bodies. Don't freeze your plastic bottles with water in them as this releases dioxins from the plastic.
Recently, Edward Fujimoto, Wellness Program Manager at Castle Hospital , was on a TV program to explain this health hazard.
He talked about dioxins and how bad they are for us.
He said that we should not be heating our food in the microwave using plastic containers.
This especially applies to foods that contain fat.
He said that the combination of fat, high heat and plastic releases dioxin into the food and ultimately into the cells of the body.
Instead, he recommends using glass, such as Corning Ware, Pyrex or ceramic containers for heating food. You get the same results, only without the dioxin.
So such things as TV dinners, instant ramen and soups, etc., should be removed from the container and heated in something else.
Paper isn't bad but you don't know what is in the paper.
It's just safer to use tempered glass, Corning Ware, etc.
He reminded us that a while ago some of the fast food restaurants moved away from the foam containers to paper. The dioxin problem is one of the reasons.
Also, he pointed out that plastic wrap, such as Saran wrap, is just as dangerous when placed over foods to be cooked in the microwave. As the food is nuked, the high heat causes poisonous toxins to actually melt out of the plastic wrap and drip into the food. Cover food with a paper towel instead.
This is an article that should be sent to anyone important in your life!
Editors Note: This message was passed on to me in an e-mail. While I have extensive knowledge in the plastic industry, some plastics are more dangerous than others. I cannot confirm if this information is exact and this message simply serves as a warning to others the possibility of a problem.
2nd Congressman: Prove Eligibility
Virginia representative signs onto plan to demand evidence
By Bob Unruh© 2009 WorldNetDaily
Now there are two.
A Virginia congressman, very quietly, has signed onto a measure in Congress that would require presidential candidates to verify their eligibility to hold the highest elected office in the United States.
WND earlier reported when freshman Rep. Bill Posey, R-Fla., filed H.R. 1503, an amendment to the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971.
According to the Library of Congress' bill-tracking website, H.R. 1503 would "require the principal campaign committee of a candidate for election to the office of president to include with the committee's statement of organization a copy of the candidate's birth certificate, together with such other documentation as may be necessary to establish that the candidate meets the qualifications for eligibility to the Office of President under the Constitution."
GO HERE to read more.
By Bob Unruh© 2009 WorldNetDaily
Now there are two.
A Virginia congressman, very quietly, has signed onto a measure in Congress that would require presidential candidates to verify their eligibility to hold the highest elected office in the United States.
WND earlier reported when freshman Rep. Bill Posey, R-Fla., filed H.R. 1503, an amendment to the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971.
According to the Library of Congress' bill-tracking website, H.R. 1503 would "require the principal campaign committee of a candidate for election to the office of president to include with the committee's statement of organization a copy of the candidate's birth certificate, together with such other documentation as may be necessary to establish that the candidate meets the qualifications for eligibility to the Office of President under the Constitution."
GO HERE to read more.
Attempted Murder Suspect In Custody
INCIDENT: Attempted Murder
DATE: May 13, 2009
LOCATION: Booth Street Apartments
NARRATIVE: On May 13, 2009 at 9:30 PM the Wicomico Sheriff’s Office received a call indicating there was a gun shot victim in the Booth Street Apartments. Deputies responded and found the victim. They confirmed he was a gun shot victim. He was transported to PRMC. WBI was contacted and detectives responded to take over the investigation. The Maryland State Police Homicide responded and assisted with the investigation.
Investigation revealed the suspect and victim had involved in a verbal argument when gunshots were fired. The victim was discovered injured by friends. Investigation indicated the listed suspect was responsible for the shooting. He was arrested without incident and charged as listed.
The Victim is Lawrence, Ryan AA/M 27 YOA of Salisbury, MD. He is listed in critical condition.
Anyone with additional information is asked to contact the Wicomico Bureau of Investigation at 410-548-4898 or Crime Solvers at 410-548-1776 ACCUSED*: Collins, Dejesus H. AA/M 29 YOA
Fruitland, MD *include first/middle/last names, age, race, city or town of residence CHARGES: Attempted Murder First
Attempted Murder Second
Assault First and Second
DISPOSITION: Held at WCDC
INVESTIGATING DETECTIVE DFC Workman
RELEASTING AUTHORITY Sergeant David Owens
MSP Wicomico Bureau of Investigation
DATE: May 13, 2009 TIME: 0830 Hours
Wicomico
Bureau of Investigation
Five Baltimore Residents Arrested In Significant Shoplifting Ring At Rehoboth Outlets
Rehoboth Beach – The Delaware State Police have arrested five Baltimore residents for felony Shoplifting and felony Conspiracy charges after they were located by police and found to be in possession of hundreds of stolen clothing items.
The investigation began yesterday at approximately 6:07 pm when DSP troopers were called to the Polo/Ralph Lauren Outlet in the Midway Outlets after it was reported two black females were observed removing anti-theft devices from various items of clothing and fleeing the store. These persons were witnessed committing the act by patrons and employees.
An employee from the Carter’s Outlet had reported to police that they observed the fleeing suspects enter silver Buick Century with Maryland registration. Additionally, they informed police that this vehicle was occupied with several other persons.
A trooper on patrol had heard the description of the suspect vehicle and shortly afterward located the vehicle in the parking lot of the McDonalds on Coastal Hwy and John J Williams Hwy. Several occupants were inside and when the trooper contacted them they immediately observed numerous items of clothing inside the vehicle.
All persons were detained and as a result of further investigative techniques they were found to have shoplifted items from Gymboree, J Crew, Old Navy, Vans, Polo, Osh Kosh, Children’s Place, Carters and Pac Sun. The amount of stolen property is estimated to be several thousand dollars.
The following persons were arrested:
Kendall A. Glover, 29 of Baltimore
Sakiesha S. McKeever, 21 of Baltimore
Erica S. Wheeler, 20 of Baltimore
Shanell S. McKeever, 19 of Baltimore
Chantia A. West, 23 of Baltimore
All were committed to the Sussex Correctional Institute in lieu of secured bail. Any media who wished to view the stolen items can contact Sgt. Bushweller prior to 11:20 am this morning. They items are currently at Troop 7 in Lewes. No mug shots are available.
33rd Annual Delmarva's Day in the Park Festival
Sat. June 6 10a - 6p
State Street Park - Delmar, DE
Food, crafts, raffles, 50/50, attractions, live entertainment and more!
A fun-filled day for the entire family.
Adult volunteers are also needed!
Sponsored by The Greater Delmar Chamber of Commerce
Call the Chamber voicemail at 302-846-3336 to sign up as volunteer or as vendor.
State Street Park - Delmar, DE
Food, crafts, raffles, 50/50, attractions, live entertainment and more!
A fun-filled day for the entire family.
Adult volunteers are also needed!
Sponsored by The Greater Delmar Chamber of Commerce
Call the Chamber voicemail at 302-846-3336 to sign up as volunteer or as vendor.
Yard Sales Anyone
Please have your Yard Sale email to me by 3pm for tomorrow's post.
Email to SunnyInOC at atlanticjw@aol.com. Please type "yard sale" in the subject of your email.
Many Thanks.
Email to SunnyInOC at atlanticjw@aol.com. Please type "yard sale" in the subject of your email.
Many Thanks.
A Letter To The Editor
To the Editor:
Were you living on the Peninsula 15 years ago? If so, where were you on May 14, 1996?
Do you remember what you were doing on that day?
I remember it quite well.
It was a cool spring day, bright sunshine no clouds, little wind, and temperatures in the low 50's.
At approx. 10:12 AM, the power flickered and died. All across the peninsula, the power was out. And it stayed out for 7 hours, longer in some areas.
Investigations later revealed that a switch in a DP&L power substation was improperly installed or handled.
Imagine a doofy character walking into the DP&L control room: "Duh, what's this switch for? .... (BUZZ) .......oops..." While that may not be exactly how it happened, I've been told that there is more truth than fiction to such a scenario.
Many businesses, agencies, hospitals, etc. discovered just how good their emergency and standby power systems were. Many failed. It was a real test of how well prepared we were, with no advance warning. Many stores lost their refrigerated and frozen goods, due to spoilage.
Fortunately, there were no storms, extreme weather, or other factors that could have made this event into a real disaster. It was not hot, nor too cold, so folks really did not need any heating or A/C systems that day.
Standing outside during the outage, the ambient noise was gone. Nearby the Perdue feed mills were silent. It was an eerie silence, almost surreal. Its funny how you get used to all the noise around, and it is unnerving when its gone.
WBOC-16 was on the air using their own generators. I can remember Jackie Lanza doing the noon report that day. I had an inverter that was in my work van. I turned it on, and ran an extension cord into the house to watch the news on a small TV. At least those rabbit ears worked in those days.
Now 15 years have passed. Many folks have forgotten those events. Many others were not even living here to experience it.
I wonder how prepared those same businesses, agencies, hospitals, emergency centers are today, compared to 15 years ago.
Have you become complacent? Or are you prepared?
Respectfully submitted,
-A regular reader
Were you living on the Peninsula 15 years ago? If so, where were you on May 14, 1996?
Do you remember what you were doing on that day?
I remember it quite well.
It was a cool spring day, bright sunshine no clouds, little wind, and temperatures in the low 50's.
At approx. 10:12 AM, the power flickered and died. All across the peninsula, the power was out. And it stayed out for 7 hours, longer in some areas.
Investigations later revealed that a switch in a DP&L power substation was improperly installed or handled.
Imagine a doofy character walking into the DP&L control room: "Duh, what's this switch for? .... (BUZZ) .......oops..." While that may not be exactly how it happened, I've been told that there is more truth than fiction to such a scenario.
Many businesses, agencies, hospitals, etc. discovered just how good their emergency and standby power systems were. Many failed. It was a real test of how well prepared we were, with no advance warning. Many stores lost their refrigerated and frozen goods, due to spoilage.
Fortunately, there were no storms, extreme weather, or other factors that could have made this event into a real disaster. It was not hot, nor too cold, so folks really did not need any heating or A/C systems that day.
Standing outside during the outage, the ambient noise was gone. Nearby the Perdue feed mills were silent. It was an eerie silence, almost surreal. Its funny how you get used to all the noise around, and it is unnerving when its gone.
WBOC-16 was on the air using their own generators. I can remember Jackie Lanza doing the noon report that day. I had an inverter that was in my work van. I turned it on, and ran an extension cord into the house to watch the news on a small TV. At least those rabbit ears worked in those days.
Now 15 years have passed. Many folks have forgotten those events. Many others were not even living here to experience it.
I wonder how prepared those same businesses, agencies, hospitals, emergency centers are today, compared to 15 years ago.
Have you become complacent? Or are you prepared?
Respectfully submitted,
-A regular reader
I Am Not One That Normally Ask To Donate To Causes... But This Is DIFFERENT!
Some of my closest friends and my Godson's little sister, Maddalene was born at 23 weeks of gestation, 4 months premature, weighing only 1 lb 3 oz on December 21st, 2006. Our beautiful little miracle spent the first four months of her life at Anne Arundel Medical Center in Annapolis in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) being cared for by wonderful doctors and nurses. Maddalene was an incredible fighter during the most trying times in our lives and with the wonderful care and hundreds of amazing people praying for her all over the country Maddalene pulled through against all odds.Now, we ALL have an opportunity to give back to the NICU and the wonderful doctors and nurses. Maddalene was recently photographed for their "Angels" 2010 calendar amongst 84 other children. We would love to have Maddalene featured in this calendar since only 13 children will be selected, one for the cover and 12 for each month but it will require VOTES from all of you. Each vote is $1 and is tax deductible. The more votes the more Maddalene has a chance to be featured in the calendar. All monies raised from the voting and the sale of the calendar will ALL be denoted to the NICU to help premature baby families in need.
To vote, click on the link below, and then go to "Sessions". The session ID # is littleangel_vote and then click "go to proofs." Maddalene is #69. Even if you care not to vote, please take a moment to check out the picture. It took me the longest time to prepare myself to go meet her for the first time, and when I did... I was a new man! As a Father, I am blessed to have two very beautiful daughters. As a parent and a friend, I am humbled to know this incredible, beautiful little girl.
You will be able to pay by Visa or Mastercard and you will receive a tax deductible receipt at the end of your transaction.
Thank you all for your consideration and your support!
UPDATE:
I have received a few requests for an update on how Maddalene is doing.
Maddalene turned two this past December 21st and she is doing outstanding. The traditional milestones in Child Development will come a little later than most but that is to be expected. We are currently working aggressively in language development and working to compensate for the tips of her toes on her right foot that were lost due to poor circulation during her first few days. You really can not tell other than she does not have toe nails on her right foot (half price pedicures in her future)
Maddalene is definitely a very independent child and tough as nails. There are times when she has the usual toddler accidents and I cringe and wait for the scream and she just looks at me and smiles (and then I melt). I am reminded every day the value of life and how the small, superficial things mean nothing.
Also if you look at the screen where you place your vote it’s broken into increments of $1-$5-$25-$50-$100. The question came up that someone wanted to vote a different amount. If you click the $1 you can put in any amount.
Thank you for your continued interest.
Warmest regards,
Michael
Online Readers Should Tone Down The Invective
By Courtland Milloy
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Who are you people?
You get invited to make comments about my work on The Washington Post Web site, and you turn my online message post into a dart board. You swagger into cyberspace under assumed names and start hurling invectives like drunks in a barroom brawl.
Sorry, but I must ask some of you to go elsewhere.
I wrote a column recently about alleged racial discrimination in the D.C. fire
department, then went to see what I hoped would be your enlightened responses. What I found was uva2manassas and ged0368 at each others' throats. And now I've had enough. I'm used to getting impassioned feedback, but this was out of hand.
UVA2: "Instead of stupidly reponding 'racism' to every critism, prove blacks aren't lazy morons by bettering yourself."
GED: "you are a racist white reneck. White ppl did the slaving on every race."
Look at that, using broken English like shards of a whiskey bottle to attack each other.
Such uncouth behavior not only discourages thoughtful guests from expressing their views, but it also diminishes my online reader profile. As my colleague David Ignatius noted in his op-ed column Sunday about the future of the newspaper business, newspaper Web sites need to become more profitable if we are to survive. And the more we know about our online readers, the more precisely we can sell their demographics to advertisers.
Sure, I get some intelligent comment, but lately I'm wondering what to make of the growth of an increasingly noxious demographic.
UNOJKLHH1: "far left wingers like [Attorney General Eric] holder and [President
Barack] obama's version of a "discussion" on race is one where they talk and everyone else shuts up and bows down to the lord and savior al sharpton . . . its white people's fault for bringing em over here -- take up a collection and give em a boat ride back home."
INTERACTIDIOMAS: "Well, your kith and kin killed most of the original inhabitants here, captured africans to build a nation here- sounds like YOUR work is done- guess we should send you back to Ireland, Scotland or some other place that your kind is descended from; don't let the elections hit you in the azz, as you leave!"
People, please. What advertiser is going to be attracted by stuff like that?
So who are you, really? Do you smile at your black and white co-workers by day, then sit in the glow of a computer screen at night posting odious screeds? (I'm not necessarily alleging racism here; you could be suffering from irritable bowel syndrome for all I know -- a malady of interest to pharmaceutical advertisers, perhaps?)
I could report literary miscreants to The Post's online word police, but what good would that do? Categories of prohibited expression include "obscenity/vulgarity," "hate speech" and "personal attack." Otherwise, according to Post rules, you must be at least 13 years old to submit a comment. Nothing says you can't be ignorant.
It's no less disheartening, though, to watch newspaper Web sites count even those who write racist, sexist, anti-Semitic and homophobic comments as "unique visitors" in a desperate appeal to advertisers.
On the upside, it's probably better that some of us have a chance to fight over conflicting views online and behind screen names, lest we take to the streets
wearing sheets, pointy hoods and bandito scarves. Write on, if you must.
But why, with billions of other destinations along the information superhighway,
do some of you even bother to get off at my exit? Your fan mail is not always
convincing.
IOWEIOWEOFF2WORKIGO: "I take great delight in reading your editorials. I am
continuously amused by your race baiting drivel. Keep up the good work."
I actually like that screen name, especially the "off to work I go" part, which was sung by the Seven Dwarfs. I wonder which one wrote the letter.
According to Ignatius, The Post Web site had 9.4 million visitors in March. "And
before long, we should also be able to create specialized content for users based on what we know about their interests and habits," he wrote.
And what do we know so far?
BLKCHINADOLL_69: "Anyone who spends that much time on the Internet saturating the WAPO with pejorative comments about another ethnicity, is obviously over compensating for something they indeed lack -- a position of authority and a sense of self assuredness."
Advertisers of hair restoration treatments, get-buff-quick schemes, Thorazine and ED pills: you getting any of this?
E-mail: milloyc@washpost.com
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Who are you people?
You get invited to make comments about my work on The Washington Post Web site, and you turn my online message post into a dart board. You swagger into cyberspace under assumed names and start hurling invectives like drunks in a barroom brawl.
Sorry, but I must ask some of you to go elsewhere.
I wrote a column recently about alleged racial discrimination in the D.C. fire
department, then went to see what I hoped would be your enlightened responses. What I found was uva2manassas and ged0368 at each others' throats. And now I've had enough. I'm used to getting impassioned feedback, but this was out of hand.
UVA2: "Instead of stupidly reponding 'racism' to every critism, prove blacks aren't lazy morons by bettering yourself."
GED: "you are a racist white reneck. White ppl did the slaving on every race."
Look at that, using broken English like shards of a whiskey bottle to attack each other.
Such uncouth behavior not only discourages thoughtful guests from expressing their views, but it also diminishes my online reader profile. As my colleague David Ignatius noted in his op-ed column Sunday about the future of the newspaper business, newspaper Web sites need to become more profitable if we are to survive. And the more we know about our online readers, the more precisely we can sell their demographics to advertisers.
Sure, I get some intelligent comment, but lately I'm wondering what to make of the growth of an increasingly noxious demographic.
UNOJKLHH1: "far left wingers like [Attorney General Eric] holder and [President
Barack] obama's version of a "discussion" on race is one where they talk and everyone else shuts up and bows down to the lord and savior al sharpton . . . its white people's fault for bringing em over here -- take up a collection and give em a boat ride back home."
INTERACTIDIOMAS: "Well, your kith and kin killed most of the original inhabitants here, captured africans to build a nation here- sounds like YOUR work is done- guess we should send you back to Ireland, Scotland or some other place that your kind is descended from; don't let the elections hit you in the azz, as you leave!"
People, please. What advertiser is going to be attracted by stuff like that?
So who are you, really? Do you smile at your black and white co-workers by day, then sit in the glow of a computer screen at night posting odious screeds? (I'm not necessarily alleging racism here; you could be suffering from irritable bowel syndrome for all I know -- a malady of interest to pharmaceutical advertisers, perhaps?)
I could report literary miscreants to The Post's online word police, but what good would that do? Categories of prohibited expression include "obscenity/vulgarity," "hate speech" and "personal attack." Otherwise, according to Post rules, you must be at least 13 years old to submit a comment. Nothing says you can't be ignorant.
It's no less disheartening, though, to watch newspaper Web sites count even those who write racist, sexist, anti-Semitic and homophobic comments as "unique visitors" in a desperate appeal to advertisers.
On the upside, it's probably better that some of us have a chance to fight over conflicting views online and behind screen names, lest we take to the streets
wearing sheets, pointy hoods and bandito scarves. Write on, if you must.
But why, with billions of other destinations along the information superhighway,
do some of you even bother to get off at my exit? Your fan mail is not always
convincing.
IOWEIOWEOFF2WORKIGO: "I take great delight in reading your editorials. I am
continuously amused by your race baiting drivel. Keep up the good work."
I actually like that screen name, especially the "off to work I go" part, which was sung by the Seven Dwarfs. I wonder which one wrote the letter.
According to Ignatius, The Post Web site had 9.4 million visitors in March. "And
before long, we should also be able to create specialized content for users based on what we know about their interests and habits," he wrote.
And what do we know so far?
BLKCHINADOLL_69: "Anyone who spends that much time on the Internet saturating the WAPO with pejorative comments about another ethnicity, is obviously over compensating for something they indeed lack -- a position of authority and a sense of self assuredness."
Advertisers of hair restoration treatments, get-buff-quick schemes, Thorazine and ED pills: you getting any of this?
E-mail: milloyc@washpost.com
Breast Cancer - Click To Give
The Breast Cancer site is having trouble getting enough people to click on their site daily to meet their quota of donating at least one free mammogram a day to an underprivileged woman.
It takes less than a minute to go to their site and click on 'donating a mammogram' -- for free (pink window in the middle). This does not cost you a thing. Their corporate sponsors/advertisers use the number of daily visits to donate a mammogram in exchange for advertising.
Here's the web site! Please pass it along to people you know.
www.thebreastcancersite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=2 or you can click to give now.
Click To Give
It takes less than a minute to go to their site and click on 'donating a mammogram' -- for free (pink window in the middle). This does not cost you a thing. Their corporate sponsors/advertisers use the number of daily visits to donate a mammogram in exchange for advertising.
Here's the web site! Please pass it along to people you know.
www.thebreastcancersite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=2 or you can click to give now.
Click To Give
WAITING FOR THE BENNETT SOCCER SEASON
VINNY’S LAROMA
934 SOUTH SALISBURY BLVD,
SALISBURY, MD 21801
SATURDAY, MAY 16, 2009
SEATINGS AT 4:30PM, 6:00PM &, 7:30PM
RESERVATIONS SUGGESTED / PLEASE CALL: 410-742-2380
CELEBRITY WAITERS AND WAITRESSES
SKIP RUARK – HEAD COACH, BENNETT SOCCER (PLAYING VINNY)
SKIP CORNBROOKS – ASSISTANT COACH
FRAN KANE – ASSISTANT COACH
TIM PERUNKO – ASSISTANT COACH
DONNA MALONE – TEAM MOM
LORI BATTS – PRINCIPAL, JAMES M. BENNETT HIGH
KIM PINHEY – VICE PRINCIPAL, JAMES M. BENNETT HIGH
HEATHER MARTIN – TRAINER, BENNETT SOCCER
ALL TIPS AND DONATIONS WILL BENEFIT: JAMES M. BENNETT BOYS SOCCER
COME SUPPORT THE 2008 MARYLAND STATE CHAMPIONS
934 SOUTH SALISBURY BLVD,
SALISBURY, MD 21801
SATURDAY, MAY 16, 2009
SEATINGS AT 4:30PM, 6:00PM &, 7:30PM
RESERVATIONS SUGGESTED / PLEASE CALL: 410-742-2380
CELEBRITY WAITERS AND WAITRESSES
SKIP RUARK – HEAD COACH, BENNETT SOCCER (PLAYING VINNY)
SKIP CORNBROOKS – ASSISTANT COACH
FRAN KANE – ASSISTANT COACH
TIM PERUNKO – ASSISTANT COACH
DONNA MALONE – TEAM MOM
LORI BATTS – PRINCIPAL, JAMES M. BENNETT HIGH
KIM PINHEY – VICE PRINCIPAL, JAMES M. BENNETT HIGH
HEATHER MARTIN – TRAINER, BENNETT SOCCER
ALL TIPS AND DONATIONS WILL BENEFIT: JAMES M. BENNETT BOYS SOCCER
COME SUPPORT THE 2008 MARYLAND STATE CHAMPIONS
TEN BEST CADDY REPLIES......................
#10 Golfer: "I think I am going to drown myself in the lake."
Caddy: "Think you can keep your head down that long?"
#9 Golfer: "I'd move heaven and earth to break 100 on this course.
Caddy: "Try heaven, you've already moved most of the earth."
#8 Golfer: "Do you think that my game is improving?"
Caddy: "Yes sir, you miss the ball much closer now"
#7 Golfer: "Do you think I can get there with a 5 iron?"
Caddy: "Eventually!"
#6 Golfer: "You got to be the worst caddy in the world."
Caddy: "I don't think so sir. That would be too much of a coincidence."
#5 Golfer: "Please stop checking your watch all the time."
Caddy: "It's not a watch, it is a compass."
#4 Golfer: "How do you like my game?"
Caddy: "Very good sir, but personally I prefer golf."
#3 Golfer: "Do you think it is a sin to play on Sunday?"
Caddy: "The way you play, sir, it is a sin on any day."
#2 Golfer: "This is the worst course I've ever played on."
Caddy: "This isn't the golf course. We left that an hour ago."
AND THE #1 BEST CADDY COMMENT...
#1 Golfer: "That can't be my ball, it is too old.."
Caddy: "It's been a long time since we teed off, sir."
Caddy: "Think you can keep your head down that long?"
#9 Golfer: "I'd move heaven and earth to break 100 on this course.
Caddy: "Try heaven, you've already moved most of the earth."
#8 Golfer: "Do you think that my game is improving?"
Caddy: "Yes sir, you miss the ball much closer now"
#7 Golfer: "Do you think I can get there with a 5 iron?"
Caddy: "Eventually!"
#6 Golfer: "You got to be the worst caddy in the world."
Caddy: "I don't think so sir. That would be too much of a coincidence."
#5 Golfer: "Please stop checking your watch all the time."
Caddy: "It's not a watch, it is a compass."
#4 Golfer: "How do you like my game?"
Caddy: "Very good sir, but personally I prefer golf."
#3 Golfer: "Do you think it is a sin to play on Sunday?"
Caddy: "The way you play, sir, it is a sin on any day."
#2 Golfer: "This is the worst course I've ever played on."
Caddy: "This isn't the golf course. We left that an hour ago."
AND THE #1 BEST CADDY COMMENT...
#1 Golfer: "That can't be my ball, it is too old.."
Caddy: "It's been a long time since we teed off, sir."
ADDITIONAL CHARGES ARE FILED AGAINST MAN WHO ASSAULTED HIS NEIGHBOR WITH A HAMMER
(Westminster, MD) – Maryland State Police have filed additional felony charges against the Carroll County man accused of assaulting his neighbor with a hammer earlier this week.
The accused is identified as Paul D. Scott, 51, of the 1100-block of Muller Road, Westminster, Md. Last night, criminal investigators from the State Police Westminster Barracks served charges on Scott, who is being held at the Carroll County Detention Center. After consultation with the Carroll County State’s Attorney’s Office, State Police investigators charged Scott with first and second degree rape, and first degree sex offense, based on evidence developed during the ongoing investigation.
These charges are in addition to the charges filed against Scott when he was arrested on May 10, 2009. Those charges included attempted murder, first and second degree assault, and reckless endangerment. Following a bail review today, Scott remains incarcerated on $750,000 bond.
Scott is charged with assaulting his 56-year-old neighbor, after he volunteered to bring her the newspaper on the morning of May 10. State Police investigators believe Scott used a hammer to repeatedly hit the victim in the head and face during the assault. He is believed to also have used a knife to threaten the victim.
Wicomico County Sheriff's Office Press Release
The Following individuals were arrested by the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office on
Arrest Warrants 4 May – 10 April 2009
Arrest Warrants
Rahymeen Jamel Barber, 28, Salisbury, MD; Assault 2nd Degree, held $15,000.00
Michael Jerome Lewis, 37, Salisbury, MD; MDOP, released on Personal recognizance
Charlotta Lynn Barkley, 39, Salisbury, MD; harassment/ Stalking, released on
Personal recognizance
Kevin James Corbin, 41, Salisbury, MD; Burglary 1st Degree, held on $10,000.00 bond
Failure to Appear Bench Warrant
Desmond D. Hollis-Brown, 20, Mardela Springs, MD; FTA Drive Uninsured, held $1,000.00
Edwin Lee Cottman, 30, Princess Anne, MD; FTA - Drive Suspended, held $300.00 bond
Shamar Smitty Williams, 26, Salisbury, MD; FTA – CDS Possession with the Intent to Distribute, held $5,000.00 bond
Jason Bryan Eskridge, 27, Seaford, DE; FTA – Theft less than $100, held $5,000.00 bond
William Omar Burnette, 49, Salisbury, MD; FTA – Drive Suspended, held $4,500.00 bond
Violation of Probation Bench Warrant
Mallori Lyn Mann, 23, Hebron, MD; VOP- Theft under $500, held $2,000.00 bond
Mallori Lyn Mann, 23, Hebron, MD; VOP – Attempted Theft, held $5,000.00 bond
Gary Lionel Simpson, 20, Salisbury, MD; VOP – Theft over $500, held $25,000.00 bond
Gary Lionel Simpson, 20, Salisbury, MD; VOP – Illegal Possession of Regulated Firearm / Possession of Marijuana, held $25,000.00
Circuit Court Juvenile Attachment
Juvenile, 17, Salisbury, MD; Failure to Appear, Held at LESCC
Juvenile, 17, Salisbury, MD; failure to Appear, Held at LESCC
Juvenile, 14, Salisbury, MD, Failure to Appear, Held at LESCC
Fugitive from Another State
David Michael Arvey, 49, Georgetown, DE; Fugitive from DE, Theft Charges, held without bond pending extradition
Jason Scott Smith, 25, Delmar, MD; Fugitive from DE, Theft Charges, held without bond pending extradition
Child Support Body Attachment
Charles Thomas Swyers, 42, Mardela Springs, MD; Child Support Non Compliance, held $1,000.00 bond
Harlington Dewey Joynes, 55, Salisbury, MD; Child Support non Compliance, held $500.00
Salisbury Police Department Press Releases
On May 5, 2009 an officer of the Salisbury Police Department arrested the below listed suspect following a traffic stop for possession of a controlled dangerous substance. The investigation revealed that the suspect was in possession of a schedule III narcotic and smoking device.
Arrested: Jamie Lawrence Ruark, 23 years of age Salisbury, Maryland
Charges:
Possession of Controlled Dangerous Substance
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Disposition: Released to Central Booking Case # 200900015204
On May 5, 2009 an officer of the Salisbury Police Department arrested the below listed suspect on two outstanding arrest warrant.
Arrested: Deangelo Devonte Booker, 20 years of age Salisbury, Maryland
Charges:
Theft less than $100
Malicious Destruction of Property
Disposition: Released to Central Booking
On May 6, 2009 an officer of the Salisbury Police Department arrested the below listed suspect on an outstanding arrest warrant.
Arrested: Steven Andrew McCready, 54 years of age Delmar, Maryland
Charges: Assault 2nd Degree
Disposition: Released to Central Booking
On May 6, 2009 an officer of the Salisbury Police Department arrested the below listed suspect following an investigation into a disorderly subject inside Market Street Inn. The investigation revealed that the suspect was intoxicated and refused to leave the business when asked by a member of management. During the incident the subject began yelling obscenities causing a disturbance. When the officers attempted to get the subject to leave the property, the subject assaulted the officer by attempted to strike the officer with his arm. The subject was then taken into custody.
Arrested: James Michael Loden, 59 years of age Salisbury, Maryland
Charges:
Assault Second Degree
Disorderly Conduct
Failure to Obey a Lawful Order
Trespassing
Disposition: Released to Central Booking Case # 200900015783
On May 7, 2009 an officer of the Salisbury Police Department arrested the below listed suspects following an investigation into the theft of a motor vehicle. The investigation revealed that the victim left her car running outside the Centre City Exxon while inside the business. The suspects entered the vehicle and fled the area in the vehicle. The vehicle was located by an officer of the Fruitland Police Department at the Wal-Mart in Fruitland. This officer conducted surveillance on the vehicle parked in the parking lot and observed the juvenile subject entering the vehicle. This officer detained the juvenile and during the investigation identified the adult subject loitering at the front of the store. During the investigation the juvenile provided a false name to conceal his identity. The juvenile was finally identified and determined to be wanted on an outstanding arrest warrant through the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office. Both subjects were taken into custody.
Arrested: Melvin Thomas Jones, 21 years of age Salisbury, Maryland
Charges:
Theft of Motor Vehicle
Theft over $500
Theft less $500
Disposition: Released to Central Booking
Arrested: Juvenile Male, 17 years of age Brooklyn, NY
Charges:
Theft of Motor Vehicle
Theft over $500
Theft less $500
False Statement
Obstructing and Hindering
Disposition:
Released to Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office
Case # 200900015367
On May 7, 2009 an officer of the Salisbury Police Department arrested the below listed suspect following an investigation into forgery and uttering of checks. The investigation revealed that the suspect removed numerous checks from a residence, forged, the name of the account holder and obtained currency.
Arrested: Jennifer Dawn Elliott, 21 years of age Laurel, Delaware
Charges:
Forgery
Issue False Document
Theft over $500
Theft Scheme $500 Plus
Disposition: Released to Central Booking Case # 200900003289
LATEST ISSUE OF SALISBURY NEWSLETTER, CROSSROADS CHRONICLE, NOW POSTED ON CITY WEBSITE
Salisbury Mayor James Ireton, Jr., is pleased to announce that the Spring 2009 issue of the City newsletter, Crossroads Chronicle, is complete and posted on the City website at www.ci.salisbury.md.us.
Some of the articles in this issue include: Salisbury named a finalist for All-America City Award, Maryland Municipal League’s Geocache Trail, the City Park Committee, the Salisbury Zoo’s Red Wolf heads south, sewer back-up information (part I), Salisbury Fire Department Medals Day, and Salisbury water wins best water award again. Crossroads Chronicle is published four times a year. You can find all past issues of the newsletter on the City website. Look for the next issue in July 2009.
Thanks to the entire Editorial Board of the Crossroads Chronicle for their hard work and commitment to putting together a quality publication: Gina Boobar, Editor-in-Chief, Mayor’s Office Robin Ayele, Planning & Zoning FF/PM Melissa Brown, Fire Department Melissa Davis, Internal Services Wendy Erdie, Public Works Henry Eure, Building Permits & Inspections Susan Phillips, Neighborhood Services & Code Compliance Sgt. Steve Schweikert, Police Department Susan Wood, Community Development
This newsletter was created for the citizens of Salisbury. If you have any comments or suggestions related to the newsletter, contact Gina Boobar at 410-548-3100 or gboobar@ci.salisbury.md.us.
Some of the articles in this issue include: Salisbury named a finalist for All-America City Award, Maryland Municipal League’s Geocache Trail, the City Park Committee, the Salisbury Zoo’s Red Wolf heads south, sewer back-up information (part I), Salisbury Fire Department Medals Day, and Salisbury water wins best water award again. Crossroads Chronicle is published four times a year. You can find all past issues of the newsletter on the City website. Look for the next issue in July 2009.
Thanks to the entire Editorial Board of the Crossroads Chronicle for their hard work and commitment to putting together a quality publication: Gina Boobar, Editor-in-Chief, Mayor’s Office Robin Ayele, Planning & Zoning FF/PM Melissa Brown, Fire Department Melissa Davis, Internal Services Wendy Erdie, Public Works Henry Eure, Building Permits & Inspections Susan Phillips, Neighborhood Services & Code Compliance Sgt. Steve Schweikert, Police Department Susan Wood, Community Development
This newsletter was created for the citizens of Salisbury. If you have any comments or suggestions related to the newsletter, contact Gina Boobar at 410-548-3100 or gboobar@ci.salisbury.md.us.
P.R.I.D.E. Celebration At Prince Street Elementary Thursday
Prince Street Elementary's monthly celebration of P.R.I.D.E. (Prepared, Respectful, Integrity, Demonstrates Self-Control, and Eager to Learn are Prince Street's PBIS themes) will be a step show with five local schools. Step teams will be coming from Glen Avenue Elementary, Wicomico Middle, Bennett Middle, James M. Bennett High and Prince Street. Prince Street administrators challenged students to read 10,000 books in order to get Mr. Fowler and Mrs. Snyder to step. The children have read the books and the administrators will be stepping too. The show is Thursday from 1:15-2:30 p.m., with the administrators stepping as the last act.
Expect Some Delays Early This Morning
As many of you know, I'll be out early this morning with the Chamber of Commerce discussing the influence Blogs have over local politics.
I'm sure when I return everyone will be interested in hearing who attended. I've been told it will be quite the crowd. For once the shoe will be on the other foot in which I will be doing the talking and people like Barrie Tilghman, Mike Dunn & Gary Comegys will be sitting back listening.
Perhaps at some point this morning I'll post the actual speech I gave at the event, for those who couldn't attend. The event starts at 7:30 AM and should wrap up no later than 9:00 AM.
I have to stop off at the SPD to pick up a bullet proof vest from Chiefy. Bob Caldwell offered me his Superman Outfit but I told him right now he needs it more than me. You're in my thoughts and prayers old man, don't let us down.
I'm sure when I return everyone will be interested in hearing who attended. I've been told it will be quite the crowd. For once the shoe will be on the other foot in which I will be doing the talking and people like Barrie Tilghman, Mike Dunn & Gary Comegys will be sitting back listening.
Perhaps at some point this morning I'll post the actual speech I gave at the event, for those who couldn't attend. The event starts at 7:30 AM and should wrap up no later than 9:00 AM.
I have to stop off at the SPD to pick up a bullet proof vest from Chiefy. Bob Caldwell offered me his Superman Outfit but I told him right now he needs it more than me. You're in my thoughts and prayers old man, don't let us down.
Another Shooting Last Night In Salisbury
I do not have all the details as of yet but I'm told there was a shooting on Booth Street last night and it doesn't look good for the victim. I'm busy this morning so I'll have to get back with everyone later with more details.
Heartbreaking Story
Joe,
While waiting at the vets office today, I was informed of heartbreaking details of a local animal lover and her family who are desparately in need of local support. She and her 2 teenage daughters were recently displaced from their Rehobtoh Beach home yesterday. The fire, which was intentionally set, destroyed two rooms and all of the contents. The worst part is her five dogs and her cat were all killed. These animals met the world to the family. Their beloved Chinhuahua had survived 15 years before perishing in this fire. The dogs were in their crates in separate rooms -- these were the only rooms torched. The cause of the fire is actively under investigation (the coward who set the fire is apparetnly known by any individual who knows the victim.)
The Red Cross has agreed to provide a hotel for two nights and then the family is left without a place to live. Any types of donations, including clothing (she is a size 6 ) are needed. The victim is employed at Four Paws Animal Hospital in Seaford, DE. Any donations can be sent there or to the Red Cross of the Delmarva Peninsula. Coworkers of the victim said they are arranging a fundraiser, however details have not been settled yet.
The victim's estranged boyfriend who had allegedly & repeatedly threatened to kill her, her children, and her dogs is the main suspect, but he allegedly has an alliby (his name is Greg Miles from Delmar). Apparently he posted pictures of her dogs on his facebook page. I tried to find him to verify this but I don't know enough about facebook.
Below is the online article -- I haven't seen the story yet on local news.
http://www.delawareonline.com/article/20090513/NEWS/90513040/Fire+officials+investigate+Rehoboth+arson
While waiting at the vets office today, I was informed of heartbreaking details of a local animal lover and her family who are desparately in need of local support. She and her 2 teenage daughters were recently displaced from their Rehobtoh Beach home yesterday. The fire, which was intentionally set, destroyed two rooms and all of the contents. The worst part is her five dogs and her cat were all killed. These animals met the world to the family. Their beloved Chinhuahua had survived 15 years before perishing in this fire. The dogs were in their crates in separate rooms -- these were the only rooms torched. The cause of the fire is actively under investigation (the coward who set the fire is apparetnly known by any individual who knows the victim.)
The Red Cross has agreed to provide a hotel for two nights and then the family is left without a place to live. Any types of donations, including clothing (she is a size 6 ) are needed. The victim is employed at Four Paws Animal Hospital in Seaford, DE. Any donations can be sent there or to the Red Cross of the Delmarva Peninsula. Coworkers of the victim said they are arranging a fundraiser, however details have not been settled yet.
The victim's estranged boyfriend who had allegedly & repeatedly threatened to kill her, her children, and her dogs is the main suspect, but he allegedly has an alliby (his name is Greg Miles from Delmar). Apparently he posted pictures of her dogs on his facebook page. I tried to find him to verify this but I don't know enough about facebook.
Below is the online article -- I haven't seen the story yet on local news.
http://www.delawareonline.com/article/20090513/NEWS/90513040/Fire+officials+investigate+Rehoboth+arson