DSU Student Murder Case Dismissed

By STACY SAKAI

The murder of a 17-year-old that rocked the campus of Delaware State University nearly two years ago may go unpunished.

A judge has dismissed the murder case against Loyer Braden citing the prosecution as withholding key witness evidence exonerating Braden.

The defense claims a witness walking with the victim Shalita Middleton when gunfire broke out told authorities the day after Braden was arrested that he was not the gunman, but that the prosecution did not disclose that information until last month.

DSU's acting President Claiborne Smith released this statement on Tuesday:

""We are disappointed that a jury may not get an opportunity to render a verdict in this case... Uppermost in our minds is Shalita Middleton, a beautiful young woman who lost her life in this incident...."

Big Post At 9:05 AM

Salisbury News will deliver yet another Big Post at 9:05 AM tomorrow morning.

Rocket Launch A Success

"NASA successfully launched a Minotaur I rocket from the Wallops Flight Facility on Virginia's Eastern Shore Tuesday night. It is the fourth launch attempt in nearly two weeks for NASA. Three other attempted launches had to be scrubbed earlier this month because of weather conditions.

I saw the smoke trail from my house in Salisbury MD Snow Hill Rd by the Pepsi plant..."

300 Comments Today And Growing

We just hit the 300 comment mark for the day and believe me, the day is nowhere near over. Thanks for the comments Folks and keeping this Site interactive. I don't care what anyone says, a Blog is only influential if people participate.

Today, more than ever, our local politicians come to Salisbury News to see what citizens are thinking and saying. The more we participate, the more pressure we place on these public officials to hear our wants and needs, again, influential.

Because you choose to voice your opinion we can and will make a difference. Just think about all the time and effort that goes into putting up 40 Posts a day. No one here is making a killing financially and we do so because we care. OK, some stuff is personal but the majority of what we produce is delivered much quicker than any other news source and the cool part is, you can voice your opinion and make a positive difference.

Remember, if you put up a comment anonymously, NO ONE will know who you are and NO ONE can give out any information. So don't be afraid to speak your mind.

LOCAL ECONOMY BEGINNING TO REBOUND?

Above is a photo of Bob Smith's GMC dealership in Easton, Maryland. All of the vehicles have now been removed and the facility is now shutdown.




Above is a photo of Bob Smith's Chevrolet dealership located adjacent to their GMC dealership building. All of the vehicles have been removed.





Above is a photo of Schaeffer & Strominger's in Cambridge, Maryland. The vehicles are now gone and the facility is now completely shutdown.

Today I had the pleasure of traveling across the Bay to the western shore of Maryland. As I made my trip I noticed that all of the above car dealerships are now empty and completely shutdown.

You answer the 6 million dollar question, does our local economy now look like its on the rebound?

There's Something Very Fishy Going On At The Court Plaza Shopping Center

Yesterday we reported an attempted burglary at Robinson's Jewelers in the Court Plaza. As information continues to come in, Mr. Robinson claims nothing was taken from his business, yet a Police Report stated different. No big deal, but the story continues to baffle the mind.

You see, AFTER the Police left, Robinson went into his other place of business and told other tenants someone cut through the roof to enter the business Personalize It. I came to learn that no one had cut through the roof and that there was a single ceiling tile out of place.

Now it's been reported that Robinson stated someone picked the lock on the business next door to him, (Salisbury Eye Evaluation) removed a ceiling tile and climbed over into his place of business. I said, no, that can't be true because there's a Fire Wall between these businesses and my source said, NO, there's not.

Building codes require in the state of Maryland that each business must be divided by a fire wall separating one business from the other in case a fire breaks out. I have been assured that there is NO Fire Wall in between these businesses.

Nevertheless, it has been reported that nothing was taken from either business but something really stinks about this whole thing. It was also reported that Mr. Robinson claims the camera system line was cut before they entered the building, yet no wires have been shown to have been cut? The other thing that makes me especially curious is the fact that at least two of Robinson's businesses were allegedly broken into, yet no others had any kind of forced entry nor did any other business owner report a break in or problem.

Mr. Robinson also claimed to me yesterday that he has TWO Alarm Companies that secure his Jewelery Store. I have never heard of any business owner having two different Alarm Companies securing a place of business and I truly don't understand why someone would do such a thing?

Oh well, they say never try to figure someone out because you'll just go crazy trying to do so in the process. All I can say is, as many comments in the previous post about Robinson said, they have heard three different stories about this break in, someone must be lying. In the mean time, John loves the attention anyway as no press is bad press.

I forgot to add, Robinson's other business has been closed since the alleged other break in through the roof that never happened. Hence the photo with the blinds closed, lights off and door locked. Not a good way to start a new business, that's for sure.

Fruitland Budget

We have had multiple requests from our readers wanting to see the Fruitland Budget. Please follow this link and it should take you right to the page you're interested in.

http://www.cityoffruitland.com/CityGovernment/Budget/tabid/319/Default.aspx

HOW ANOTHER COUNTY IS DEALING WITH "MAINTENANCE OF EFFORT"

Montgomery County Gazette -- Monday, May 18, 2009
County leaders looking to close school funding gap
Montgomery schools could be on hook for $80M
by Janel Davis Staff Writer

Montgomery County leaders met Monday for about three hours in closed session to determine how to close an $80 million budget gap created when the state school board denied the county's request for a school funding waiver last week.

With the school system set to get that amount more from the county than originally planned, county officials were considering possibly recouping the money by charging the school system $80 million to pay the debt on school construction bonds, according to sources in the meeting. Thus far, school officials seem cool to that idea.

Also unknown is whether officials will require county employees to help close the gap by taking unpaid furlough days or forgoing their incremental step increases.

Local leaders were continuing meetings Monday evening.

The county can appeal the state board's decision in Circuit Court. County leaders also could choose not to fund its required school payment. If that happens, the county could lose between $50 million and $60 million in state education funding.

A vote on the budget is set for Thursday. The budget must be approved by June 1.

In addition to denying Montgomery County's waiver request, the state school board denied requests by officials in Wicomico and Prince George's counties. The counties had sought waivers of the maintenance-of-effort law that requires jurisdictions to maintain per-pupil spending from year to year.

In its decision Friday, the state board found that the counties had not met the burden of proof in showing that revenue losses would prevent the counties from meeting the required funding levels.

This is the first time Montgomery County has sought a maintenance-of-effort waiver from the state. Jurisdictions in the state were given a uniform school funding waiver during the recession of the early 1990s.

SFD Offers CPR Classes - FREE?

Chris Truitt, the President of the local IAFF, on audio, stating the classes are free. He and Steve Mizzel both state the training is done free of charge. Both men maintain the fact the more people trained in the community the better it is for the community. I agree wholeheartedly.

Did anyone know the Salisbury Fire Dept offered free CPR classes? I knew they held classes but had no idea they were free. I was told by others that had taken the class they were charged $48.00 and they wrote their checks out to the instructor. Have any of you taken the CPR course at the Salisbury Fire Department? Were you charged for the course? If you did take the course and did pay by check to verify it, you should take your cancelled check down to the Fire Department and demand to be reimbursed. You could also send a copy of your check to Joe for posting, if you get the run around. Of course we would expect you to black out your name, signature and account number for the sake of anonymity.

SFD CPR Classes.mp3

Subject Robs Happy Harry’s At Bat Point

Suspect(s): White male, 25-30 years old, 5’06” to 5’08”, 150 – 160 pounds, average build, with long hair in a pony tail, wearing a white t-shirt, tan pants and brown shoes

Resume: Last night, Troopers were called to the Happy Harry’s on Kennett Pike for a robbery complaint.

This investigation revealed a white male suspect entered the business and approached an 18-year-old female employee who was vacuuming in one of the isles. The suspect walked up to the young lady, poked her in the shoulder with a bat he was holding and demanded cash.

The employee complied with the robbers demands and turned over an undisclosed amount of cash. The suspect fled the scene and got into a red vehicle, possible smaller model Toyota. The suspect fled the scene in an unknown direction.

Anyone with information pertaining to this case is asked to call the Troop 2 robbery unit at 302-834-2630 ext. 6 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333.

Governor O'Malley Signs Speed Camera Law Today

Governor O'Malley signed a new Bill permitting speed cameras in Construction and within a half mile of School Zones.

Big Brother gets even bigger. I personally think the School portion is a great idea. However, I personally think the Construction Zone is a bunch of crap. What do you think?

DUI Suspect Spits In Face Of EMT Worker

Suspect(s): Maurice Wright, 39, of North Locust Street in Wilmington, Delaware

Resume: Last evening, an ambulance crew from Brandywine Hundred was traveling northbound on I-495 when a vehicle, a 2007 Honda Accord, past them at was described as a high rate of speed. The Honda lost control and struck a guardrail becoming disabled.

The crew stopped to assist the driver- Maurice Wright. Mr. Wright was seen moving from the driver’s seat to the passenger seat. When the ambulance crew contacted him, Wright became irate and spat in the face of one of the crew members.

Troopers arrived on the scene and took Wright into custody. He was transported back to Troop 1 where he was formally charged with DUI, Driving without a License, Offensive Touching of a Ambulance EMT(misdemeanor) and Disorderly Conduct (misdemeanor). Wright was released without bail and his court date is pending.

FRUITLANDERS – PLEASE SIT DOWN BEFORE READING THIS

Our self-styled "mayor" was on WICO this morning with Bill Reddish to discuss how wonderful things are there. Mr Olinde let it slip that the sewer & water rate increase this year is just the first step – the accountant has recommended a much greater increase (about $100 per quarter), but they decided to do it in steps, and the next one will be next year. Gosh, that sounds just like Salisbury.

Ain’t all that growth great in the "town that Rick built"?

It's All A Matter Of Perspective

Our Wicomico River is dying a slow death.

But we can turn it around, according to Salisbury Mayor Jim Ireton, whose recent mayoral campaign featured the health and appearance of the river as one of its central issues.

Largely politically ignored for the better part of a dozen years, the Wicomico has been the victim of million-gallon sewage spills, chemical runoff, illegal toxic discharge and a plethora of other environmental insults. Only with the forceful hand of the Maryland Department of the Environment has any slowing to these injuries been accomplished.

Some say it's a price we have to pay for our progress. Most don't agree.

Most want the river clean enough to swim in.

Most want the river to be clean enough to support the healthy aquatic plant and animal life that it did a few decades ago.

Most want the river to be the polished gem that we know it can be.

Is it too late? No. The river can be saved.

Will it be easy? No again. It's going to be a process that involves local, federal and state government, efforts of professionals who will map out the best course, and the commitment of the people to get the job done. It will take years, not months, to see nitrogen levels be reestablished to those that consistently and optimally support a living balance of native plants, fish and crustaceans.

Will it be cheap? Probably not. But taxpayers shouldn't look at any huge sums to be expended in any approach that isn't just good housekeeping and responsible stewardship of our waters and the areas surrounding them. While these may be seen as expenditure by some, others will recognize them as investments.

The process will be comparatively long. But take heart. The Wicomico will never look like this:

WORCESTER COUNTY DOES "MAINTENANCE OF EFFORT" FOR SCHOOLS

Click on image to enlarge.

WBI Press Release

INCIDENT: Murder Investigation

LOCATION: Wicomico County Landfill

NARRATIVE:

On May 7, 2009 the Wicomico Bureau of Investigation and the Maryland State Police Homicide Unit arrested the below listed for the murder of Humbird Lynn Johnson. The body of the victim was discovered by Wicomico Sheriff’s Office Deputies on Saturday May 2, 2009. Donahue was taken to WCDC where he is being held without bond.

On May 19, 2009, members from the Wicomico Bureau of Investigation are currently searching evidence that may have been discarded at the Wicomico County Landfill.

ACCUSED*:

Donahue, John Wilbert W/M 52 YOA
1000 Beaglin Park Drive
Salisbury, MD

Charges:

Murder First Degree
Murder Second Degree
Assault First and Second Degree
Burglary
Theft

DISPOSITION:

Held Without Bond

DUI Suspect Rams Police Car

Suspect(s): Larry E. Coleman, 29, of Castle Hills Drive in New Castle, Delaware

Resume: Last evening, Troop 2 patrol officers were at the Super Lodge on New Castle Avenue when one officer observed a white male acting suspiciously- looking into vehicles. As officers moved in to contact this subject, he jumped into a silver Honda Accord sped away. While doing so, he rammed a fully marked DSP patrol car, causing damage. The officers, who were standing outside of their patrol car when it was rammed, had to jump out of the way to avoid being hit themselves.

Officers gave chase and the Honda fled over to Route 13 and then northbound on I-495. The suspect exited onto Philadelphia Pike and was traveling southbound on Philadelphia Pike in the northbound lanes. Troopers were able to deploy a tire deflation device (stop sticks) which successfully disabled the Honda.

The Honda stopped on Philadelphia Pike and Harvey Road. The driver put up a fight and refused to surrender to officers. A New Castle County Police Officer was on scene and deployed his Taser which allowed the authorities to finally apprehend the suspect- now identified as Larry E Coleman.

Troopers believed Coleman to have consumed the dangerous drug PCP. He was transported back to Troop 1 for processing. Coleman was formally charged with DUI, Resisting Arrest (felony), Disregarding a Police Officer’s Signal (felony), Reckless Endangering (misdemeanor), Possession of PCP (misdemeanor), Consumption of PCP (misdemeanor), Aggressive Driving, Reckless Driving, Criminal Trespass (violation), Loitering (violation) and nine other traffic violations. Bail was set at $3,300.00 secured and Coleman was committed to the Howard Young Correctional Institute.


Note: The following facts concerning PCP risks were obtained from the US Department of Justice web site (http://www.usdoj.gov/ndic/pubs4/4440/index.htm#risks)-

What are the risks?
PCP is an addictive drug; its use often results in psychological dependence, craving, and compulsive behavior. PCP produces unpleasant psychological effects, and users often become violent or suicidal.

PCP poses particular risks for young people. Even moderate use of the drug can negatively affect the hormones associated with normal growth and development. PCP use also can impede the learning process in teenagers.

High doses of PCP can cause seizures, coma, and even death (often as a consequence of accidental injury or suicide while under the drug's effects). At high doses, PCP's effects may resemble the symptoms associated with schizophrenia, including delusions and paranoia.

Long-term use of PCP can lead to memory loss, difficulty with speech or thought, depression, and weight loss. These problems can persist for up to a year after an individual has stopped using PCP.

SFD Says No To Hazmat Trailer

After all the discussion about the grant funding for the Hazmat trailer and the desire to purchase an unnecessary tractor to pull it, Chris Truitt, Pres. Career Firefighters Assoc 4246 and Steve Mizzel, members of the SFD hazmat team, during their presentation to the city council stated they don't want or need it. Steve said it is very low on his list of priorities. He would rather have more personnel and medic needs filled. Finally, someone with sense is approaching the council.

Did Lore Chambers ask anyone at SFD if they wanted her to apply for the grant to purchase this trailer? Did Lore Chambers tell anyone that an additional $17,500 of the grant award would have to be added to the $85,000.00 matching funds? No, she did not. Her claim was she didn't know. How could she not know? Lore was the one that wrote the grant application, didn't she read it, BEFORE applying? Did she care? NO! Lore Chambers and Gary Comegys are like minded when it comes to grants. They both believe it to be free money. Someone needs to tell them, there is no such thing as free money. Everyone else seems to understand that grants are funded with taxpayer dollars, why don't they understand this? Again, they don't care.

A lot of money has been thrown at SFD over the past few years. New trucks, new fire palace, upgrades to Station 1, etc. Yet, no additional personnel. Pretty new trucks and matching ambulances don't fight fires or respond to emergencies without the required personnel to operate the equipment. SFD doesn't even have the number of people required by national safety standards to operate the equipment they have at present. According to Chris Truitt, the standard is 4 people on a truck to run 2 in and 2 out. SFD is running 3 people, 2 to go into a fire and 1 to stay out to replace one that is in when he/she comes out. Wasn't there a structure fire that was lost due to only 2 people being on a truck?

What service is it to the citizens having the newest and latest equipment if they have no one to operate it? How much did Gordy and See spend on paint jobs so everything would match? Does anyone really care about the color of the equipment? If your house is on fire will you even notice the color of the trucks? Does anyone care about the color, other than Gordy when he wants to parade the equipment through Ocean City?

SFD No Hazmat Trailer.mp3 Click on this link and listen for yourself as the Fire Department flat out says they don't need it.

MARYLAND STATE POLICE BOMBARD THE WICOMICO COUNTY LANDFILL

The Maryland State Police pulled into the Wicomico County Landfill with two work release prisoner vans filled with inmates this morning.

Their intent was to search the Landfill for evidence in a recent murder case. More to come....

Caption This Photo

A Letter To The Editor

"Is this another example of socialist government spending? How can the Fat Man be on disability, getting money from the government for being unable to work, yet still be able to afford to go to FLORIDA on vacation? In these difficult economic times there are people who work HARD six or seven days a week and can't go on vacation. This fat f*&k is working the system like a part time job."

FatMan and Friend Impersonate Russian Tourists in Florida

Strange but true. I can't believe he would do THIS. Shame on you FatMan. Leave those animals alone.

Heritage Days And Civil War: Memorial Weekend

Delaware – Where North & South Meet
Battles & living history encampment
Civil War era music - Wagon rides

SEAFORD, DEL. – Great cannon balls! Visiting the past has never been so much fun and enlightening! Look history right in the eye during Seaford Heritage Weekend at the Living History Area on the grounds of the historic Ross Plantation, home of Delaware Governor William Henry Harrison Ross, during Memorial Day weekend, May 22-23-24.

Sponsored by the Greater Seaford Chamber of Commerce, attendees can witness battles, cannon firing, a blacksmith, chair caning, a living history encampment and much more from Civil War life.

Mingle with Union and Confederate soldiers and sutlers, offering general store wares such as foods, clothing and other items of the era. Seek out food vendors offering local favorites.

Take a tour of historic Ross Mansion, run by the Seaford Historical Society, see period-style artisans, stop by the Historical Vintage Car Show, attend Sunday morning church services and hear period style entertainment.

Schedule (subject to change):

Friday, May 22
6 pm – 9 pm, Setting up camp and preparing for Saturday battles
6 pm – 9 pm, Little Miss Pageants with Sandy Mirchell
Grotto’s Pizza, Bubba BBQ and Mystic Flavors will be available for your dinner selections
Saturday, May 23
7 am – 9 am, Vendors/Demonstrators/Exhibitors set up
9 am – 3 pm, Historical Vintage Car Show along main road to mansion
10 am – 10:45 am, Opening Ceremonies, Main Tent
10:30 am – 12:30 pm, tours of mansion & museum [fee]
2 pm – 3 pm, skirmish with cannon
Day long activities: Blacksmith, soap making, quilting, Nanticoke River Arts, chair caning, rushing, wagon rides, Old Sutler John, Barrancus Mercantile, Eve of Bumperville, crafters, exhibitors, and food vendors.
Sunday, May 24
9 am, Civil War era church service
10 am – 12:30 pm, Gospel music - Main Tent
1:30 pm - 3:30 pm, tours mansion & museum [fee]
1 pm, Diamond State Base Ball Club vs 2nd Delaware Infantry in an 1866-style base ball game on the front lawn of the plantation

Other entertainment includes the Camptown Shakers, Paddy and the Hostages Irish music, and the Banjo Man strolling the grounds.

The Civil War Living History Area is again dedicated to the memory of John "Buck" Owings of Delmar, a re-enactor who died in 2007. The John "Buck" Owings Living History area will feature displays and demonstrations of everyday life in the 1860's. The Governor Ross Plantation is at 1101 North Pine Street Extended, Seaford, Delaware.

For more information, contact event chair, Terry Ayers at 410-829-7060 or email Terrywayers@msn.com. And a map of the grounds is available online at http://www.seafordchamber.com/ and click on events.

Noted War Photographer Dead at 67

Hugh Van Es, the Dutch photographer whose iconic picture of the fall of Saigon in 1975 became a symbol of America's failure in Vietnam has died at 67.
Van Es was one of the best of an outstanding generation of journalists who covered the war in Vietnam. His photograph of a helicopter rescuing people from an apartment building rooftop in Saigon became one of the most enduring images of the conflict.

ALMOST 100 YEARS AGO

CITY PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR RESIGNS & CITY NAMES MESSICK AS ACTING DIRECTOR

Salisbury Mayor James Ireton, Jr., regretfully announces that James Caldwell, City of Salisbury’s Director of Public Works, has submitted his resignation, effective Friday, May 22, 2009. Mr. Caldwell was hired by the City in November 2007 to fill the Director position. “It is with regret that I have notified the City Administrator of my resignation as Director of Public Works,” said Mr. Caldwell. “A recent severe case of shingles has caused me to realize that it is time for me to retire from my career as a manager of public works and utilities.”

The City is naming Newell “Chip” Messick, Deputy Director for Salisbury Public Works, as Acting Director, effective today, Tuesday, May 19, 2009. Mr. Messick, who has worked for the City since 1986, has been Acting Public Works Director twice in the past – October 1999 to May 2000, and June 2007 to November 2007.

Mr. Messick has had a long career as a civil engineer. Prior to working for the City of Salisbury, he was employed by several engineering firms including J.E. Greiner Company and Whitman Requardt & Associates, both in Baltimore; and Andrews, Miller & Associates in Cambridge. He also worked for the City of Cambridge Department of Public Works just prior to his employment with the City of Salisbury.

A Letter To The Editor 1

We've come a long way since 1732. In 227 years, Salisbury has grown from nothing into a meaningful little city. We have expanded far beyond the dreams of our founders.

Sometimes, though, in an effort to expand we overlook the core values of what made it possible -- and in addition to those values, perhaps the very center of our being.

Downtown Salisbury is our beginning. Growth emanated from the center, the core and the heart of our town.

Now there are those whose attention has been diverted to loftier things. They are ready to ignore what they see as a dying area.

Yet in a very brief time (and with limited but most-appreciated city funding), Urban Salisbury is laying the foundation for a grand resuscitation of our neglected downtown. Volunteers -- from architects to business folks, from city and county employees to shopkeepers, from doctors to homemakers -- all have worked together in the very best kind of public-private partnership.

Urban Salisbury needs funding to continue this great program. It's not a handout; it's an investment that offers a grand return on investment that can be measured in dollars, hours and results.

Many of us are involved in this partnership and many more can be. The responsibility to preserve and enhance the center of Salisbury is on all of us. It's a sensible project for current and future generations.

As often has been asked: If not us, then who? If not now, then when?

Bill Ahtes

Salisbury

Tips for Handling Telemarketers

Three Little Words That Work !!

(1)The three little words are: 'Hold On, Please...'

Saying this, while putting down your phone and walking off (instead of hanging-up immediately) would make each telemarketing call so much more time-consuming that boiler room sales would grind to a halt.

Then when you eventually hear the phone company's 'beep-beep-beep' tone, you know it's time to go back and hang up your handset, which has efficiently completed its task.

These three little words will help eliminate telephone soliciting.

(2) Do you ever get those annoying phone calls with no one on the other end?

This is a telemarketing technique where a machine makes phone calls and records the time of day when a person answers the phone.

This technique is used to determine the best time of day for a 'real' sales person to call back and get someone at home.

What you can do after answering, if you notice there is no one there, is to immediately start hitting your # button on the phone, 6 or 7 times, as quickly as possible This confuses the machine that dialed the call and it kicks your number out of their system. Gosh, what a shame not to have your name in their system any longer !!!

(3) Junk Mail Help:
When you get 'ads' enclosed with your phone or utility bill, return these 'ads' with your payment. Let the sending companies throw their own junk mail away.

When you get those 'pre-approved' letters in the mail for everything from credit cards to 2nd mortgages and similar type junk, do not throw away the return envelope.

Most of these come with postage-paid return envelopes, right? It costs them more than the regular 41 cents postage 'IF' and when they receive them back.

It costs them nothing if you throw them away! The postage was around 50 cents before the last increase and it is according to the weight. In that case, why not get rid of some of your other junk mail and put it in these cool little, postage-paid return envelopes.

One of Andy Rooney's (60 minutes) ideas.
Send an ad for your local chimney cleaner to American Express. Send a pizza coupon to Citibank. If you didn't get anything else that day, then just send them their blank application back!
If you want to remain anonymous, just make sure your name isn't on anything you send them.

You can even send the envelope back empty if you want to just to keep them guessing! It still costs them 41 cents.

The banks and credit card companies are currently getting a lot of their own junk back in the mail, but folks, we need to OVERWHELM them. Let's let them know what it's like to get lots of junk mail, and best of all they're paying for it...Twice!

Let's help keep our postal service busy since they are saying that e-mail is cutting into their business profits, and that's why they need to increase postage costs again You get the idea !

If enough people follow these tips, it will work ---- I have been doing this for years, and I get very little junk mail anymore.

Sonic Opens Their Doors TODAY

The brand new Sonic in Fruitland opened their doors this morning at 6:00 AM. I can't wait to hear the reviews. I have heard so many mixed stories about the quality of their food, this should be quite interesting.

Two Years Ago Today

Sherman wrecks his 4-wheeler at Shorebirds Stadium.

Chesapeake City Mirror Joins The Brotherhood

Chesapeake City Mirror

Monday, May 18, 2009

Calling for contributors
While checking out the Elkton blog http://someonenoticed.wordpress.com/, I took the opportunity to check out a speech by Joe Albero, the publisher of the Salisbury News, "the number one rated political blog in Maryland". http://sbynews.blogspot.com/2009/05/todays-speech-at-executive-chamber-of.html. His blog , http://sbynews.blogspot.com/ (and others) shows what a blog can be and what it can accomplish. Local news that is informative, and knowledgeable opinions from the community, is what each community must have to allow residents to remain informed of what is going on in Chesapeake City.The trend of less local news published in the local paper with very little, if any, real in-depth news is becoming more obvious every day......an alternative news source is needed.To fill this empty space, I am requesting contributors to this blog. It can be a news item or an opinion piece. This blog needs to be more than one person's crying in the wind, it needs you to become a part of the reporting of what is going on in Chesapeake City.I will need a name to allow postings(real or made-up but I will need to know who are are before I publish something. See the Salisbury News blog, contributors list, to see examples).Please help this blog grow into something the whole town can be proud of..
Posted by B.B. Bazooka at 9:26 PM

Boss Alarm

TROOPERS MAKE ARREST IN SERIES OF HOME BURGLARIES IN CARROLL COUNTY

(Manchester, MD) – Maryland State Police arrested a Carroll County man, and a second suspect is in custody in Florida, in connection with several recent residential burglaries that occurred in northern Carroll County.

Jay William Anderson, 18, of the 4600-block of Hay Drive, Manchester, Maryland, has been charged with multiple counts of burglary, theft over $500.00, and malicious destruction of property. He is currently held in the Carroll County Detention Center on $65,000 bond

Phillip Allen Cox, 26, no fixed address, was arrested on May 14, 2009 without incident in Umatilla, Florida, after troopers assigned to Maryland State Police State Apprehension Team developed leads and coordinated their efforts with the Marion County Florida Sheriff’s Office to locate him. He is currently being held at the Marion County Detention Center awaiting extradition to Maryland.

The investigation focused on burglaries that occurred at four homes on Hay Drive and one on Mars Drive in Manchester, Maryland, between April 17 and 21, 2009. In each case unknown suspects entered the residences and various items such as firearms, electronics, jewelry and prescription medications were stolen. The most significant incidents occurred on April 21, when three burglaries occurred within a twelve hour time span.

Investigators received a break in the case on April 24, 2009 when they received a telephone call from the father of Jay Anderson implicating his son and Cox in the rash of recent burglaries that had occurred in the area. The father became concerned after learning Anderson and Cox were arrested by Westminster City Police for breaking into two vehicles on the parking lot of the Westminster Walmart on April 23, 2009. Anderson’s father advised investigators that he found items that may belong to people living in the neighborhood in the bedroom of Cox who had recently moved into the home with he and his son.

Investigators executed a search and seizure warrant on the home where numerous items stolen from homes in the neighborhood were discovered in the bedrooms of Anderson and Cox. Investigators believe Cox fled to Florida upon learning of the warrant for his arrest.

The Salisbury Skatepark Committee

In addition to raising a little over $1000 for the future Salisbury Skatepark, the fundraiser held at Emmanuel Wesleyan Church on the 16th raised something more important....awareness.

It also raised a smile on the face of everyone in attendance.

We as a committee hope that the number of young (and old!) skateboarders in attendance on the 16th will impact the public opinion in regard to the need for a public skateboard park.

Surely, if even a fraction of the skateboarders in attendance were using a public skatepark on a Saturday afternoon, one would have to consider said skatepark an unqualified success.

One problem facing skateboarders is the fact that they are marginalized by much of society. The time will soon come when that is a thing of the past. The number of skateboard enthusiasts around the world, and here in Salisbury, grows daily.

Skateboarding is a healthy activity. Some would say a healthy LIFESTYLE. This lifestyle celebrates and nurtures a sense of self worth, self reliance, and individuality. We feel as a committee that it is in everyone's best interest to help, not fight, the pursuit of skateboarding by so many of our youth.

We would like to think the fundraiser on May 16th went a long way towards exposing the need for a skatepark here in Salisbury.

The skateboarders of Salisbury would like to thank Emmanuel Wesleyan Church for the use of their property. Without their generosity this event would have not been the success it was.

Thanks must also go to the Robinson family for their help and continued support. Our new Mayor should get some credit too, for attending and actually LISTENING to what we as skateboarders have to say. The members of the media, especially Joe Albero, really stepped up to the plate on a busy, event filled Saturday to make sure we received the exposure our event deserved.

For donating prizes The Connection Surf Shop and Chauncey’s Surf Shop also deserve thanks. Special praise is reserved for Josh at Suicide Skates. Josh not only owns an independent local skateboard company, but is also and active skater and participant at all of our fundraisers.

Most importantly we would like to thank the parents who deemed the event important enough to bring their children to.

Ask any of these parents what a public skatepark would mean to their children and we think the answer will give you an indication of what we are trying to achieve with these fundraisers.

Thank you,
The Salisbury Skatepark Committee

Update On Laurel Crash – Man Dies of Injuries Sustained

Laurel – The Delaware State Police have confirmed that Matthew Palmer, 19 of Laurel died early this morning at Christiana Hospital as a result of injuries sustained in the crash.

The DSP Collision Reconstruction Unit is continuing the investigation. When additional information becomes available it will be provided.

Original article last night HERE.

Today's Wildlife Photo

Accident On Rt 50 Yesterday

Car vs tractor trailer 50 west of hobbs road.

Has Anyone Seen The New Ladder Truck?

Let's see, there's a sign on the ground, no real signs of a vehicle wrecking into the median strip, what's left? One look at the rear bumper and I think you'll find who/what trashed this sign.

Wicomico County Sheriff's Office Press Release

Incident: False Statement / Obstruct and Hinder
Date of Incident: 15 May 2009
Location: 7100 block of Friendship Road, Pittsville, MD
Suspect: Stephen W. Heater, 22, Seaford, DE

Narrative: On 15 May 2009 at 2150hrs, a deputy from the WCSO responded to the Shore Stop on Friendship Road in Pittsville for a report of a possible altercation inside the store. Upon the arrival of the deputy, no problem appeared evident but the deputy began an investigation into the alleged problem. During this investigation, one of the individuals allegedly involved provided an identity to the deputy that was later determined to be false. Once the individuals true identity was uncovered, Stephen W. Heater, it was discovered that Heater was the subject of an arrest warrant that charged him with participation in a theft scheme over $500.00.

Heater was arrested and transported to the Central Booking Unit where he was processed, charged and taken in front to the District Court Commissioner. After an initial appearance on the charges of False Statement and Obstruct and Hinder, Heater was detained by the Commissioner in the Detention Center in lieu of $5,000.00.

Additionally, Heater was held on $12,500.00 on the outstanding arrest warrant.

Incident: DUI / Drive Suspended
Date of Incident: 16 May 2009
Location: Rockawalkin Road at Crooked Oak Lane, Hebron, MD
Suspect: Christopher Allen Minter, 44, Gettysburg, PA

Narrative: On 16 May 2009 at 0015hrs, a deputy observed a Ford Van that was towing a boat on a trailer travelling northbound on Rockawalkin Road, heading towards Hebron. The deputy observed that the taillights of the boat trailer were inoperable and that it appeared the boat was not properly secured or placed on the trailer. Upon stopping the vehicle, the deputy discovered that the operator, Christopher Minter had been consuming alcohol and appeared to be under the influence of alcohol. At the conclusion of roadside sobriety tests, Minter was placed under arrest. It was also discovered that Minter was also driving the vehicle while Minter’s Pennsylvania driver’s license was suspended.

After processing on the DUI charge, Minter was taken to the Wicomico County Central Booking Unit where he was processed there and taken in front of the District Court Commissioner. After an initial appearance, Minter was released by the Commissioner on Personal Recognizance.

Charges: Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol
Driving On a Suspended Out of State License
Operating without Adequate Tail Lamps

Incident: Assault / Disorderly Conduct
Date of Incident: 16 May 2009
Location: 11300 block of San Domingo Road, Mardela Springs, MD
Suspect: 1. 15 YOA juvenile, Mardela Springs, MD
2. 16 YOA juvenile, Mardela Springs, MD

Narrative: On 16 May 2009 at 8:00 PM, deputies responded to a residential youth facility in the 11300 block of San Domingo Road in Mardela Springs, MD. Upon their arrival it was discovered that two female juvenile residents had been out of control inside the facility. Investigation revealed that these two juvenile residents had been prohibited from leaving the facility due to infractions of facility policy and they became enraged. The two juveniles kicked in a closed door before grabbing a picture off the wall and smashing it on the floor. While on their rampage, the juveniles were loudly screaming threats and obscenities towards the facility’s staff.
Both of the juveniles then picked up shards of broken glass from the picture frame and threatened to stab the staff. Upon the arrival of the deputies, both subjects were taken into custody but one resisted arrest and had to be physically restrained. Both of the juveniles were transported to the Sheriff’s Office where they were met by representatives from the Department of Juvenile Services. While at the Sheriff’s Office, both juveniles continued their hostility, spitting on security cameras in the holding cells, screaming and being otherwise disorderly. The Department of Juvenile Services detained both juveniles in the Lower Shore Children’s Center pending court action.

Charges: Assault 2nd Degree
MDOP
Reckless Endangerment
Resisting Arrest

Incident: Burglary Investigation
Date of Incident: 16 May 2009
Location: 6100 block of Quantico Road, Quantico, MD
Suspect: Pending

Narrative: On 16 May 2009 at 9:11 PM, a deputy from the WCSO responded to a church in the 6100 block of Quantico Road for an alarm activation. Upon the arrival of the deputy, it was discovered that one of the building’s windows had been broken out and the screen cut out. Anyone with information about this crime is asked to contact the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office at 410-548-4890 or Crime Solvers at 410-548-1776.

Charges: Burglary 2nd degree

Incident: Child Abuse
Date of Incident: 17 May 2009
Location: 900 block of Mohawk Avenue, Salisbury, MD
Suspect: Jennie Orelein, 24, Salisbury, MD

Narrative: On 17 May 2009 at 10:33 PM, deputies from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office responded to a reported altercation inside a residence. Upon the arrival of the deputies, they were met by the resident, Jennie Orelein, who was screaming loudly. Upon being contacted, Orelein stated everything was fine and demanded that the deputies leave. Orelein refused requests to calm down and her behavior began to create a disturbance on the street.
While the deputies were inside the residence, they located a four year old child who had a large lump and an abrasion on his head. Investigation revealed that the injury was inflicted by his mother, Jennie Orelein.

Orelein was arrested and taken to the Central Booking Unit at the Wicomico County Detention Center where she was processed and taken in front of the District Court Commissioner. After an initial appearance, Orelein was detained by the Commissioner in lieu of $50,000.00 bond.

Charges: Child Abuse by Parent
Assault 2nd degree
Disorderly Conduct

Incident: Driving Under the Influence
Date of Incident: 17 May 2009
Location: Camden Avenue at Allen Road, Fruitland, MD
Suspect: Joshua Patrick Lockwood, Elkton, MD

Narrative: On 17 May 2009 at 3:01 AM, a deputy was on patrol travelling s/b on Camden Avenue when the deputy observed a vehicle sitting in the middle of the intersection of Camden Avenue and Allen Road. The deputy observed that the vehicles brake lights were activated but it appeared the operator had passed out. Upon waking the operator, the deputy discovered that the operator, now identified as Joshua Lockwood, appeared visibly under the influence of alcohol. Lockwood was placed under arrest after failing the roadside sobriety tests. Lockwood was taken to the Sheriff’s Office where he was processed and released upon signing citations.

Charges: Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol
Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol Per Se
Obstructing Free Passage of Vehicle on the Roadway

Events In Wicomico Schools This Week:

Budget Input Session Wednesday, Math 24 Game Tournament Thursday, and More
Budget Input Session
5:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 20
Board of Education Office

The Wicomico County Board of Education will hold its second Budget Input Session for the fiscal 2010 budget at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 20, at the Board of Education Office, Mt. Hermon Road and Long Avenue, Salisbury. This will be the final opportunity for public input as the Board prepares to adopt a final budget for the budget year that begins July 1. For information please call 410-677-4561.

3rd Annual Wicomico County Math 24 Game Tournament
6 p.m. Thursday, May 21
Salisbury University Commons

Mathletes will be in the spotlight at the school system's 3rd Annual Wicomico County Math 24 Game Tournament at The Commons at Salisbury University. The event begins at 6 p.m. and it is free and open to the public. Each elementary school will send one champion per grade level (grades 1-5) for a total of 55 contestants, and middle schools will send two student winners per grade level (grades 6-8) for a total of 30 contestants. These grade-level champions from throughout Wicomico County will compete for the county champion. Wicomico will also host a very special math celebrity that day: Robert Sun, president of Suntex International and inventor of the 24 Game and First in Math, will visit three Wicomico schools (Northwestern Elementary at noon, East Salisbury Elementary at 1 p.m., Glen Avenue Elementary at 2 p.m.) and will attend the tournament. M&T Bank donated $4,500 to the school system for this year's Math 24 Game program, and the Wicomico Public Library provided support.

These additional important events are also going on in Wicomico Schools this week:

Monday, May 18-Thursday, May 21: High School Assessment (HSA) Testing

Monday, May 18: NAACP Perfect Attendance Day. The elementary, middle and high school with the highest attendance percentage on this day will receive a $50 award, courtesy of the NAACP. The motto of Perfect Attendance Day nationwide is “Reaching Educational Achievement by Completing High School.” NAACP Perfect Attendance Day is held each May to remember the May 17 anniversary of the Supreme Court’s Brown vs. the Board of Education of Topeka, Kansas, decision on racial discrimination in schools. This year is the 55th anniversary of that landmark decision.

Tuesday, May 19: Wicomico Adult Learning Center "Celebration of Adult Education," 7 p.m., at Immanuel Baptist Church, 1514 Old Ocean City Road, Salisbury. This annual celebration recognizes the efforts and successes of GED and External Diploma Program adult learners. Awards will be given out in the following categories: Participation in the Adult Education Program, Outstanding Attendance, Life Skills Testing (Advancing Levels in Reading and Math), Outstanding Students and Recognition of our Volunteers. There will also be motivational speeches from graduates from the GED and External Diploma Programs. 410-749-3217

May 20-23: Destination ImagiNation - Global Finals at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. Two teams each from Salisbury Middle and Westside Intermediate and one team from Bennett Middle have qualified to participate in Global Finals by finishing first or second in the state.

Friday, May 22: Evening High School Commencement, 7 p.m., at Beaver Run Elementary School

DelDOT's Traffic Update for Memorial Day Weekend

Dover -- In response to the always heavy traffic associated with the Memorial Day weekend, the Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) will suspend road construction projects beginning at noon on Friday, May 22, to ease travel to area beaches and Memorial Day events around the state. Construction will not resume until after 6 a.m. on Tuesday, May 26.

During the traditional start of the summer season, DelDOT's Transportation Management Center (TMC) will provide continuous monitoring of traffic flow and operations across the state. DelDOT's radio station, WTMC-1380AM offers motorists with real-time traffic information in New Castle, Kent, and Sussex counties.

All EZ-Pass lanes and cash toll lanes will be in service for the holiday. Tolls are collected at the I-95 plaza in Newark, and the two plaza sites on Route 1 in Dover and at Biddle's Corner.

DelDOT will have twenty-four Summer Traffic Patrol units on alert throughout the state this weekend during peak travel times monitoring road conditions and assisting motorists where necessary. These units assist travelers with accidents, vehicle breakdowns, and have radio capabilities to keep in constant contact with DelDOT's 24-hour TMC regarding traffic delays due to signal timing or congested traffic.

DART First State will operate seven transit routes in the resort area serving Rehoboth, Dewey, Bethany, Fenwick, Lewes, Georgetown, Long Neck and Ocean City, Maryland. Transit service, which will begin on Thursday, May 21, operates 7 days a week through Sunday, September 20. Early season hours of operation are reduced until peak season begins on Wednesday, July 1. A daily pass is available for $2.10, or park at the Rehoboth Park & Ride for $7.00 and everyone in the vehicle gets a free daily pass. The Route 305 Beach Connection linking Wilmington/Dover to Rehoboth Beach will operate on Friday evenings, Saturdays, Sundays and holidays from Friday, May 22 through Monday, September 7. Bus stops include Rodney Square, Wilmington Amtrak Station, Christiana Mall, Smyrna Rest Stop, Scarborough Road Park & Ride in Dover, Super Wal-Mart in Milford, and the Rehoboth Park & Ride.

DART is coordinating with the Delaware River Bay Authority (DRBA) Cape May-Lewes Ferry Shuttle Service in Lewes to connect at the Rehoboth Park & Ride allowing ferry passengers to travel via bus around the resort area, and to Ocean City, MD. For more information on DART's Resort Transit, visit www.DARTFirstState.com.

Motorists should check the Travel Advisory section of the DelDOT website for updated travel related information and live video of traffic conditions at www.deldot.gov as well at DelDOT's radio station WTMC-1380 AM. They can also check the DART First State resort transit service website at www.dartfirststate.com for information regarding fares, bus schedules, all-day passes, etc. DelDOT asks all motorists to travel during off peak hours, allow extra time to reach your destination, slow down at toll plazas, and obey traffic laws.

MEMORIAL DAY 2008 TRAFFIC COUNTS
(Totals reflect the amount of vehicles in a 24-hour period)

TOLL PLAZAS:
Route 1 - Dover Plaza
Friday 5/23 - 55,031
Saturday 5/24 - 36,426
Sunday 5/25 - 32,280
Monday 5/26 - 50,489

Route 1 - Biddle's Corner Plaza
Friday 5/23 - 71,812
Saturday 5/24 - 43,983
Sunday 5/25 - 39,446
Monday 5/26 - 55,870

I-95 Newark Plaza
Friday 5/23 - 104,813
Saturday 5/24 - 98,494
Sunday 5/25 - 87,477
Monday 5/26 - 99,862

NEW CASTLE COUNTY:
I-495
Friday 5/23 - 79,600
Saturday 5/24 - 62,849
Sunday 5/25 - 56,086
Monday 5/26 - 57,358

C & D Canal
Friday 5/23 - 36,881
Saturday 5/24 - 67,286
Sunday 5/25 - 58,421
Monday 5/26 - 72,727

KENT COUNTY:
Route 113, North of Milford
Friday 5/23 - 30,195
Saturday 5/24 - 20,974
Sunday 5/25 - 16,538
Monday 5/26 - 18,396

Route 113, Barratts Chapel
Friday 5/23 - 58,330
Saturday 5/24 - 41,856
Sunday 5/25 - 37,927
Monday 5/26 - 43,444

SUSSEX COUNTY:
Route 9, Laurel
Friday 5/23 - 6626
Saturday 5/24 - 5274
Sunday 5/25 - 4068
Monday 5/26 - 3404

Route 1, Fenwick Island
Friday 5/23 - 33,801
Saturday 5/24 - 43,557
Sunday 5/25 - 45,957
Monday 5/26 - 34,747

Dig 'Em Up And Hope They Don't Come Back To Haunt

Shoe boxes, footlockers and fiberglass caskets holding the remains of turtles, dogs even a pony will be disinterred from a property north of Richmond to make room for commercial development.

A New York-based company intends to build a hotel and restaurants over the Evergreen Pet Cemetery on Route 1 in Hanover County, Va. And it has every right to proceed.

Helen T. White, who established the cemetery in the 1960s when she began burying her show dogs on family property, didn't leave records and obtained no licenses to operate.

Similar pet cemeteries existed around the state until the General Assembly enacted regulations in 1996. Evergreen Pet Cemetery, site of as many as 800 graves packed onto one-third of an acre, closed in 1995 after Mrs. White's death. More from the Washington Times.