Tanker Portion Of Tractor Trailer Turns On Its Side In Newark

Location of Incident: At the dead end on Corporate Boulevard, Pencader Corporate Center, Newark, Delaware, New Castle County

Date and Time of Occurrence: Thursday, May 21, 2009, at approximately 8:00 p.m.

Resume: At approximately 8:00 p.m. this evening, Troopers responded to a dead end on Corporate Boulevard for the report of a tractor trailer which was partially on its side.

A 2007 Mack Truck, hauling a tanker, (operated by Bill Bridgewater, 63, of Troy, New York) traveled down Corporate Boulevard to make a u-turn at the end of the street. The truck made the u-turn too fast and the tanker turned onto its side while the truck remained upright.

The tanker has not leaked its load, however, emergency personnel from various agencies are on scene as a precautionary measure and Corporate Boulevard will remain closed until the situation is resolved.

Mr. Bridgewater was cited with Unsafe Movement.

IS THIS A "SHELL GAME" FOR WICOMICO COUNTY’S BUDGET?

At today’s work session of the Wicomico County Council, the Board of Education, with the apparent approval of the County Executive, Rick Pollitt, discussed a plan for certain fund balances held by the Board to be "returned" by it to the County, which would use that money to increase the appropriation to the Board (in effect, returning the money to it) and thereby close the $2 Million funding deficit in the current budget. Last week, the County’s request that the State Board of Education grant a waiver for that deficit – in order that the County schools could receive all of the available funding by the State for next year’s budget – was denied.

The proposed plan to reduce and then replace the fund balances has not been reviewed by the County Attorney, Edgar Baker, according to Mr. Pollitt when asked by the Council. Several persons suggested that it should also be reviewed by the (Maryland) Attorney General’s office to determine if it would be satisfactory to achieve the maintenance of effort of county funding of the school system that is required to obtain the state funding.

Further information to follow – the details of the plan are not available to the public at this time.

Weeping Mary Maple at SU

Some won't believe it.

Some will believe with all their hearts.

Right here on Delmarva, a figure of the Weeping Mary, captured on a maple tree by forces unknown.

Located at the north end of Nanticoke Hall on the campus of Salisbury University, and suspected, but not yet proven to be a natural occurrence, it depicts a gowned figure with its head tilted slightly down. Around the head is a cloudlike form, perhaps on its way to being a halo. Other marks around the figure appear to be stars. Within the figure, as if in a colored x-ray, is a strange red stippling, as if the "artist" was creating a rudimentary circulatory system. At the bottom of the figure, a pool of what appears to be blood, captured by the heart shape that surrounds the figure.

As for the weeping, the stains on the tree's trunk that emanate from the figure's base look to be the color of dried tears. And the grass there seems to grow more vibrantly than elsewhere.

A miracle? A student project gone sour? You decide.

JR, "I NEED A DRINK"

I wonder why? ;-)

Salisbury News Breaks A New Record

While many Posts tend to draw attention, none have drawn more attention than THIS POST which has now brought in more than 400 COMMENTS! Unlike other Blogs where the owner of the Blog writes his own anonymous comments, clearly you can see the comments from this Post are all original, as always on Salisbury News.

County Roads Cuts

Wicomico County Executive Richard M. Pollitt, Jr. submitted a supplemental budget for the Roads Division to the Wicomico County Council today following just-announced new cuts of over $700,000 from the State’s Highway User Revenue (HUR) Fund.

Anticipated Highway User Revenue for the current Fiscal Year is $6.3 Million. The allotment for next year is $3.5 Million, including the most recent cut of slightly more than $700,000.

As a result of the funding cuts, it is proposed for Fiscal Year 2010 that 6 Roads vacant positions will remain unfilled; 6 Roads workers will be transferred to Solid Waste to fill existing vacancies; 1 position will remain vacant due to retirement and 9 seasonal workers will not be hired as planned. The cuts will reduce the Roads staff to 50 employees from its current 63.

As a result of the work-force reduction, the number of operating crews that cover 711 miles of county roads will be reduced from 5 crews to 3. Street sweeping and leaf collection services will be eliminated. Mowing will be reduced.

At the instruction of Executive Pollitt, ferry service will not be reduced.

Wicomico County Roads is slated to receive $1.8 Million in Federal Stimulus funds. This money will be used exclusively for blacktopping on 14 county roads projects. It may not be used to cover salaries or equipment.

Wicomico County Executive Richard M. Pollitt, Jr. reacted to the Roads cuts by saying, “We are in a tough economy and the Roads Division has taken the severest cut of all county divisions. Despite the cutback in services that we are able to provide to our motoring citizens and visitors, we shall make sure that our roads are safe for travel.”

We Are Asking ALL Of Our Readers Not To Patronize This Business

Is it fair trade when you're well known to be a Contributor on the Fat Man's Blog? "Cherry Cheeks" Townsend is about to feel the pain of what Salisbury News can deliver. Cherry Cheeks, aka Tri Townsend is one of the partners in this business and is other wise known as The Wizard TT on the Fat Man's Blog.

In fact, we now have every single individual involved with the Fat Man on a list that includes e-mail addresses. So if it's fair game to attack my Wife, my Grandson, flat out lie to people by suggesting they have video of me in xxx rated videos, you're now fair game too Tri Townsend.

In fact, I'll be posting your picture as well so everyone knows exactly who you are. You guys want to pick on an 8 year old child, I'm going to do everything I can to make sure every one stays away from your place of business. If YOU don't like it, call a lawyer and lets dance.

You pansy little girls want to try to hide behind fictitious names, we're going to expose you. Tri Townsend was also known as Bully Busters. I'll bet your Dad, (who happens to be a great man) is really disappointed in you now.

So go ahead Tri Townsend, aka, Bully Buster, aka, Wizard TT, aka, Cherry Cheeks, change your name all you want on the Fat Man's Site. Whenever ANYONE Googles your name now, people are going to read about your association with a man who picks on 8 year old children and attacks women just for the heck of it.

Tri Townsend is the Treasurer of Fire Station 16 and has very close ties with former Mayor Barrie Tilghman and Gary Comegys. There will be many more Posts to come about Tri Townsend.

We at Salisbury News feel it is wrong to attack children. For that reason we are asking our viewers to not patronize Common Grounds in Salisbury. There are plenty of other locations and besides the fact that they're in a crappy location anyway, I believe the State Police & Sheriff's Department will be pleased to know just who this guy is and what he's been capable of before we exposed him.

MORE TO COME!

URBAN SALISBURY HELPS RESTORE OLD CITY HALL

Salisbury Mayor James Ireton, Jr., is pleased to announce that thanks to the hard work and dedication of Urban Salisbury, Inc., the Old City Hall will soon get a face lift.

Urban Salisbury is providing a $4,050 grant to St. Peter’s Vestry to help restore the façade of the Old City Hall, located at 110 Church Street. St. Peter’s Church purchased the former city hall and firehouse earlier this year.

“This building is one of Downtown’s landmarks. Helping to preserve it and other heritage structures generates tourist visits which mean new dollars flowing into the community,” said Allan Hope, Executive Director of Urban Salisbury. “So, not only are we protecting Salisbury’s heritage, we’re stimulating the local economy which is our prime mission.”

Renovation of the exterior of the building will begin very soon. Urban Salisbury also has façade grant applications in the works for the Charles H. Chipman Center and Poplar Hill Mansion. “Our program is funded through the Department of Housing and Community Development who works closely with the Maryland Historic Trust,” said Mr. Hope. “We’re hoping to have good news on both of these applications very soon.”
Downtown private property owners and tenants can also apply to Urban Salisbury for façade restoration assistance. Contact Allan Hope, Executive Director of Urban Salisbury, at 410-546-3205, for further details on this program.

Morning Crash Results In Jack-Knifed Tractor Trailer

Route 13 northbound at Redden Road, Bridgeville, Delaware, Sussex County

Date and Time of Occurrence: Wednesday, May 20, 2009, at approximately 10:08 a.m.

Resume: Yesterday morning, Troopers were called to the intersection of northbound Route 13 at Redden Road for the report of a vehicle crash.

A 1989 International Truck (operated by Thomas Postles, 32, of Milford, Delaware) was traveling on northbound Route 13 approaching the intersection with Redden road.

A 1990 Peterbilt tractor trailer (operated by Angelo Pettit, 38, of Princess Anne, Maryland), pulling an empty logging style trailer, was also northbound on us 13 approaching the intersection with Redden Road behind the International truck.

The light at the intersection turned from green to yellow and the operator of the International applied its brakes. The operator of the Peterbilt also applied its brakes but was unable to stop in time resulting in a rear end collision.

The Peterbilt jack knifed which resulted in a puncture in this truck’s fuel tank. Approximately 80 gallons of fuel leaked out and onto the ground. The fuel was contained by fire department personnel. DNREC responded and removed all soil which had been contaminated in the grass median. DNREC also cited Mr. Pettit with Discharge of a Pollutant. State Troopers cited Mr. Pettit with Following a Motor Vehicle Too Closely.

The left turn land and the left lane of northbound Route 13 were closed for a short period of time to contain the spill and remove the contaminated soil.

MEMORIAL DAY CONCERT DOWNTOWN

Salisbury Mayor James Ireton, Jr., would like to invite the public to downtown Salisbury this Saturday, May 23rd, to enjoy a Memorial Day Concert beginning at 1:00 pm, on the Government Office Building stage, 125 N. Division Street.
The Salisbury Community Band and the Federal City Brass Band combine their talents to present this gala concert in honor of our Armed Forces, Veterans and Those who made the Supreme Sacrifice.

Dr. Charles Smith, conductor of the Salisbury Community Band, will lead his talented musicians in program of traditional and contemporary favorites. Always a hit with audiences, the stirring music of the Community Band is sure to put a smile on everyone’s face this holiday weekend.

In honor of the bicentennial of Abraham Lincoln’s birth, the Federal City Brass Band will present a special program featuring favorite music of Lincoln and the Civil War. This program includes songs from Lincoln’s presidential campaigns, hymns, sentimental ballads, operatic selections, music written especially for his inaugurations and funeral, patriotic airs and popular wartime tunes. Many of the pieces selected for this special program are those which Lincoln is known to have particularly loved and requested on several occasions. The Federal City Brass Band has performed their Music of Lincoln program at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History in January and at Ford's Theatre on Lincoln's 200th birthday.
The concert is sponsored by Urban Salisbury and is free to the public. Just bring a chair and enjoy a wonderful afternoon of music that pays special tribute to those who have served this great nation.

If you have questions about this event, please contact Allan Hope, Executive Director of Urban Salisbury, at 410-546-3205.

Is John Robinson Completely Off His Rocker?

The infamous John Robinson has completely lost his mind. Today it has been reported that John claims his alleged witness that saw police vehicles behind his store at the time of the alleged break in is now in the Maryland State Police protective custody.

It has been reported that Robinson is now claiming Sheriff Mike Lewis is being investigated by the State Police for his involvement in these break ins and that Sheriff Lewis has it out for Robinson because of his friendship with Joe Albero, (me).

Robinson went on to say that he signed a contract last night to put his home on the market, (For Sale) and that he was in Baltimore applying for a job at a college to teach a course in business ethics. ROTFLMAO! He then went on to claim that he was visiting with his attorney there to file a lawsuit against me for what I said in my Post yesterday about him. Funny thing is, my Post went up DAYS after Robinson was actually in Baltimore.

Robinson then claimed they are moving to Ocean City, yet he's allegedly taking that job in Baltimore teaching business ethics? When he was asked what he was going to do with Robinson Clock & Jewelers and his other new business he said, I'm just going to let them run by themselves and if they survive, they survive. My wife retires in two years from the BOE and we're moving away from the area. Sorry John, your Wife can't retire from the BOE after only 10 years, nice try again.

Robinson then claimed one of the Sheriff's Deputies told him on the sly that Sheriff Lewis really has it out for him and he's going to get him. Not for nothing John but one thing I can assure you is Sheriff Lewis is way too busy a man to be dealing with someone like you. Let me clarify one other thing for you John, you're also not important to me either, even though you like to think you are.

I think it's hilarious all the times you get yourself in the middle of so much BS, of course I'm going to produce the information. I want everyone to realize just how many lies you'll tell in the attempt to bring someone like myself down.

John also admitted that he has been involved with the Fat Man and stated several times that John Robinson, (I) will be putting up posts about other people today on that site today.

It seems paranoia has set in deep and Robinson is squirming in all sorts of directions. Guilt can sometimes do that to people.

Wicomico County Sheriff's Office Press Release

Incident: Burglary Investigation
Date of Incident: 20 May 2009
Location: 800 Block of State Street, Sharptown, MD
Suspect: Pending

Narrative: On 20 May 2009 at 12:21 PM, a deputy from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office began an investigation into a residential burglary that occurred in the 800 block of State Street in Sharptown, MD. Upon arrival, the deputy discovered an unknown suspect entered the victim’s residence and took hunting equipment. This burglary is being actively investigated and the WCSO asks anyone with information to contact the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office at 410-548-4890 or Crime Solvers at 410-548-1776.

Charges: Burglary 1st degree

Community Members Recognized By The Tourism Advisory Board

Anne Webster with John T. Cannon, President of Wicomico County Council

Award Recipients: Lindsay Manuel, Renee Perkins, LORA Representatives

(Salisbury, MD) Wicomico County Tourism recognized its supporters during a reception and awards ceremony on Tuesday, May 19. The recipients of the 2009 Tourism Awards were announced during the event, which took place at the Wicomico County Visitor’s Center.

Awards were presented to the Restaurant of the Year as well as the Hotelier and Hospitality Person of the Year. The Betty K. Gardner Tourism Person of the Year was also revealed. This award, named in honor of the late Betty K. Gardner, honors an individual who has proven him/herself instrumental in the promotion of tourism in Wicomico County. Recipients were selected by the Tourism Advisory Board.

Restaurant of the Year:
Local Owner Restaurant Association (LORA)

Hotelier of the Year:
Anne Webster, Country Inn & Suites General Manager

Hospitality Person of the Year:
Renee Perkins, Birth Doula and founder of The Baby Rest Stop

Betty K. Gardner Tourism Person of the Year:
Lindsay Manuel, Hampton Inn North Director of Sales

Motor Vehicle Accident Update

Photos courtesy of Glen in OC

DATE & TIME: 05/21/09 & 0821 hrs CC. CARD NUMBER: 09-54-004844
LOCATION: W/B US Rt 50 at ramp to US Rt 13 N, Salisbury, Wicomico Co. MD

BRIEF RESUME:
On above date and time Troopers with the Maryland State Police Salisbury Barrack responded to the above location for a reported motor vehicle collision. The collision occurred when the driver of Veh #1 attempted to take the ramp to the Northbound Salisbury Bypass and failed to yield right-of-way, entering the path of Veh #2 which was traveling W/B on US Rt. 50. As a result of the collision, W/B Rt 50 was temporarily closed at the ramp to aide in the assistance of EMS personnel who transported both drivers to PRMC where they were treated for minor injuries. The driver of Veh #1 was charged with failing to yield right-of-way.

Driver #1: Philip Glen Massey, age 52, of Berlin MD.
Veh #1: 2002 GMC Pickup

Driver #2: Pamela Taylor Miller, age 49, of Bethel DE.
Veh #2: 2003 Honda SUV

Subject Pushes Trooper in Assault Investigation… Father Hinders Arrest

Location of Incident: 300 block of Pebble Road in Rehoboth, Delaware, Sussex County

Date and Time of Occurrence: Thursday, May 21, 2009, at approximately 2:11 a.m.

Suspect(s):
Chad Tylecki, 29, of 15000 block of Coastal Highway in Milton
Gregory Tylecki, 57, of 15000 block of Coastal Highway in Milton

Resume: Just after 2:00 a.m. this morning, Troopers were called to the 300 block of Pebble Road in Rehoboth Beach in reference to an assault investigation.

When officers arrived on the scene, they contacted the alleged victim, Chad Tylecki. Chad appeared intoxicated and was belligerent with Troopers. He continually raised his arms at officers and became aggressive. He then pushed one of the Troopers who in turn attempted to arrest him. Chad refused to go quietly and resisted arrest.

Chad’s father, Gregory Tylecki, who was already at the Pebble Road address, began to pull his son away from officers, hindering the officers’ attempt at an arrest. Finally, Chad and his father were arrested. They were both transported back to Troop 7 for processing.

Chad was formally charged with Resisting Arrest, Offensive Touching of a Law Enforcement Officer and Disorderly Conduct. He was ordered held at the Sussex Correctional Institute in lieu of $2,250.00 secured bail.

Gregory was charged with Hindering Prosecution. He was released on a $500.00 unsecured bail.

Wicomico Board of Ed and Daily Times Attempt to Scam the Taxpayers ... AGAIN

Never fear.  The government is here to help you.  In today's case, it is the good folk at the Wicomico Board of Education (WCBOE) who are colluding with our own local version of Pravda to pick the pocket of the average, hard working citizen of Wicomico County.

The folks over at the WCBOE are going to scrimp and save to help fix a problem of their own making - a $2 million shortfall in the county budget which the board and Supt. John Fredericksen exacerbated by fighting the county's request of a waiver of the state momentum of effort (MOE) rules.  The Daily Times wants us to somehow believe that the WCBOE are the champions of our children.

It's interesting.  Just last week the WCBOE voted to increase the taxpayer paid portion of retiree healthcare benefits from 55% to 70%.  Only board president Robin Holloway dissented.  Yet, the $357,000 of taxpayer money to be spent on yet another juicy benefit for government workers and retirees would amount to almost 18% of the $2 million budget hole.  The county's budget will have been adopted before the public even gets a chance to find out whether Wicomico County teachers and staff will receive a pay increase next year, and how much.

Where does Fredericksen plan on realizing savings?  By deferring needed maintenance on school buildings, reducing school supplies and cutting school programs the WCBOE proves two things:

Public education in Wicomico County is about a lot of things, but it ISN'T For The Children

.

Public education in Wicomico County IS about keeping the board's four employee unions happy

.

I'm sure that Fredericksen and company will argue that we have to remain competetive in order to attract and retain teachers.  Maybe.  However, in a down economy this argument is specious to the point of being laughable.  A few miles north, in Delaware, school district after school district has announced PAY CUTS, EMPLOYEE FURLOUGHS, and even EMPLOYEE LAYOFFS.  In neighboring and nearby states, teachers are paid less than what teachers earn here, yet we are told that our teachers and staff are grossly underpaid.  The wage inflation spiral caused by this sad argument has finally caught up to us in tough economic times.  It may actually come down to an ambulance not reaching its destination in time to save a life so that artificially high wages can be maintained at the WCBOE.

I know.  Supt. Fredericksen and his faithful acolytes will claim that this argument is ridiculous.  Really?  I recall a conversation with some members of the Salisbury Career Firefighters a couple of years ago where they shared some comparative salary data with a group of ordinary citizens who were (and still are) fighting to get these people well deserved pay increases.  Firefighters in Ocean City are paid 40%+ more than their counterparts in Salisbury.  Yet, Salisbury is still able to hire personnel.  Sure, their retention rate could be higher, but that is a consequence that must be endured until Salisbury can find the money to pay its public safety personnel better.  Additionally, the good men and women at the SFD aren't staging "work actions" like the teachers in Delmar, DE who are upset at a small pay cut.

Back to the Daily Worker on the Wicomico.  Reading today's piece we are to believe that Fredericken and company are heroes.  However, we need to remember that this coverage is literally in a vacuum.  Where was reporter Candice Evans last week when a majority of the WCBOE essentially gave county taxpayers the finger?  She sure wasn't at the board of ed meeting.

While we have all read about the problems between the Worcester Board of Ed and Worcester's County Commissioners, the Daily Times has been mute.  While we have read coverage of the Indian River school district and pay raises for their teachers.  Did any of you read about the retiree healthcare windfall in Wicomico?  Now I know that Daily Times managing editor Erick Sahler SWEARS that coverage, or lack thereof, of the WCBOE has NOTHING to do with the fact that his wife is the board's public information officer.

Unfortunately, I consider myself a rational human being.  I believe that coincidence is rare.  Given the fair amount of coverage given to neighboring boards of ed, particularly in the past few months, I am more than skeptical about the Daily Times' relationship with our local school board.  I'm reminded of piece I wrote almost two years ago where I criticized Sahler and his boss for continually failing to disclose their relationships to people or entities that they cover (at the time Executive Editor Greg Bassett's wife was Communications Director for then-Rep. Wayne Gilchrest).  Sahler's response was essentially that if he had disclose his relationship with his wife he would also have to disclose that Op-Ed editor Susan Parker is in the symphony everytime the paper mentioned a concert.  Sophistry at its worst.

We need fair, balanced, coverage of our county's third largest employer.  Instead, we receive none ... or the lopsided pablum we enjoyed under the Barrie Tilghman administration (and seem to keep getting under the reign of the pretenders - Barrie Comegys and Princess Louise).

cross posted at Delmarva Dealings

Prisoner At ECI Hangs Himself, Prison Calls Wrong Family About Death

On Monday night two cell mates were on recreation break. One prisoner chose to go take a shower while the other chose to go back to his cell.

Johnnie Hughes was the inmate that went to take a shower and William Beatty went back to his cell.

William proceeded to hang himself in his cell while his cell mate showered and when he returned they found William unresponsive.

In the mean time, a Lieutenant sent over a photo of the alleged deceased person and the word went out that Johnnie Hughes had killed himself. They even went so far as calling Johnnie's Grandmother to inform her that he had just killed himself, yet they had the wrong person!

When they came in to interview the cell mate they said, did you know Johnnie was going to do such a thing? He replied, I'm Johnnie. UH OH!

They had to call back the Grandmother and allow Johnnie to speak to her and let her know he was alive and that it was his cell mate who had hung himself.

ECI has some serious issues. Nothing has made it out to the Press about this issue, as usual. This should be all over the news tonight, since we've now broken the story.

NBC Considers Another Farrah Fawcett Special

The New York Times reports that "NBC executives said Tuesday that they are considering another special on the condition of Farrah Fawcett after a strong reaction to the special the network broadcast last Friday night.
Paul Telegdy, who is in charge of non-scripted entertainment programs for NBC, said the network is discussing the possibility of another special about Ms. Fawcett. The New York Post reported on Tuesday that her partner, Ryan O’Neal, said there was enough material to put together another special.
The two-hour show gave NBC its highest-rated Friday night in more than a year, with almost 9 million viewers. It was also the highest-rated show on television that night among viewers between the ages of 18 and 49 and 25 and 54, the two most important advertising categories."

Death sells.

3 Years Ago Today

It was 3 years ago today our Country was burying two fallen Soldiers from Iraq, Corey Palmer & Rick James from Delaware.

This was one of our biggest stories back in the day as I was right smack dab in the middle of the riot that broke out where Citizens/Americans broke police lines and went after these Kansas a-holes protesting against the War and our Fallen Soldiers.

It was one heck of a day. All of the MSM was over at the Church when the riot broke out and I had chosen to stick around the protesters because I just knew something was about to happen.

In the end, all of the local television stations were asking if they could use my photos because none of them were anywhere near the action.

How many of you were following Salisbury News back then. Do you all remember this?

R.I.P. Corey Palmer & Rick James, you have NOT been forgotten.

Two Years Ago Today

Pedestrian Struck In Late Night Crash

Last evening, Troopers responded to Route 13 southbound, just south of the Route 13 / 40 split for a pedestrian crash.

This investigation revealed Earl L. Dunne had left Pockets Liquors and attempted to cross the roadway in a non-designated crossing area. He was subsequently struck by an unknown vehicle traveling southbound on Route 13. Mr. Dunne was up and walking around after the crash and actually tried to confront the driver of the vehicle that struck him as this vehicle made a u-turn and came back through the crash scene.

Dunne, who was unable to provide details concerning the fleeing car, was transported to Christiana Hospital with a sore neck and back. He was cited with the following traffic violations: Drunk on the Highway, Not Crossing at Crosswalk & Walking on the Roadway at Night without a Flashlight.

Anyone with information pertaining to the fleeing vehicle is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333.

VERY, VERY DISTURBING AND INACCURATE DATA ON WICOMICO COUNTY'S PROJECTED STUDENT POPULATION

According to the Maryland Office of Planning, in 2002-03 they made a Projection that Wicomico's Student Population to be 15,065 for FY 2008 - 2009 - (see above data sheet).

However, just last week they indicated that the student population for Wicomico to be 13,854 as of September 20, 2008. In other words we now have 1,211 students less than they had originally projected.

http://marylandpublicschools.org/MSDE/stateboard/decisions_moewr.htm

Bottom line - the inaccuracies in data that is currently being disseminated by the BOE leads one to believe that the entire system to be fraught with errors. That being said, how in the world can one expect our elected officials to make intelligent decisions when the facts and figures are being bent to appease special interest.

Maybe the time has now come for our society to take up the debate as to instituting a voucher system that would allow the parents to choose the school of their choice. It may be private and/or public but the choice should exist in light of the current debacle.

Something New For Salisbury News: OPEN THREAD

This Post is designed to let everyone discuss whatever is on their mind. Hot Topics Locally, Nationally, beefs with someone, whatever you so choose. You just get started with whatever is on your mind and watch it fly from there.

I'll start it off with, I think John Robinson, The Fat Man, Mike Dunn, Gary Comegys, Lynn Cathcart, Muir Boda, Barrie Tilghman and Chief Webster are all tied together and are controlling City Government even though most of them are no longer in Office.

VERY DISTURBING DATA ON WICOMICO COUNTY’S SCHOOL FUNDING

The accompanying data tabulations by the General Assembly’s research and analysis staff indicate very clearly that Wicomico County is now among the lowest in the State in terms of local funding of its schools, and depends heavily, compared to most counties, on state funding. The tables that cover the last 8 years also show that the increase in the local funding for the schools in Wicomico County has been among the lowest and well below the State average in each budget.

For example, Talbot County provides over twice much per student in local funds in its budget, and the only ones on the Eastern Shore that provide less are Somerset (just barely) and Caroline. Worcester provides over 3 times as much in it’s budget. This is truly shocking.

Why Things Are So Slow This Morning

Folks, I got hit with the flu these past two days and quite frankly it has knocked me on my rear end. Today I'm starting to feel a little better but it dragged me down so much over the past two days that I wasn't able to get out and about to do the normal things that I do, hence the lack in Posts today.

I also have a seminar I will be attending tomorrow morning that will last throughout most of the day. It's not often we slack like this but it is what it is and we're doing our best with what we have.

SPD Strikes Young Girl Getting Off Bus?

It is on good authority that a young girl was stuck by a Salisbury Police car yesterday afternoon (around 4:00pm) on or near Delaware Avenue and Route 50. The girl was exiting a school bus and apparently a combination of the girl's and the officer's careless actions cause the incident; however, it is a fact that the Bus' flashing lights were on at the time. It seems like our officer could be a little more cautious during school traffic hours! I'd like to know the incident if you have the time today!

This Just In

There's been another bad accident on Rt. 50 West and Hobbs Road, tractor trailer vs car. Rt. 50 West is at a dead stop, no one is moving anywhere. Just a heads up Folks.

Classified Ads

The Classified Ads are rolling in. If you have any items you'd like to sell, a house for sale or rent, you know the drill. Send me an e-mail at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com and we'll get it posted right away. All items much be in by Friday night.

Wicomico Farm & Home CAR SHOW

Accident

Huge accident on Route 50 at crossover for 13 Bypass North. No other details. Was phoned by someone who is sitting in traffic for 20 min.

Salisbury Police Department Press Release

On May 18, 2009 at approximately 8:09 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police Department received a call to respond to the Universal Citgo Station on Cypress St. for the report of an armed robbery. Upon arrival the officers met with an employee of the business who advised that a single suspect had entered the business and produced a handgun. The suspect forced the employee to leave the area of the cash register then removed the U.S. Currency from the register before fleeing on foot from the business. There were no injuries. This investigation is continuing.

The suspect was described as:

1. Black male, 18 to 25 years of age, 6’00” tall, 150 lbs., thin build, wearing a black shirt, a black “skull cap”, and black bandanna.

The Salisbury Police are asking anyone with information regarding this robbery to call the Salisbury Police at 410-548-3165 or to contact Crime Solvers at 410-548-1776. Information provided to Crime Solvers can be done anonymously.
CC # 200900016962

On May 18, 2009 at approximately 4:00 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police received a call to respond to the Walmart Department Store in reference to a shoplifter. Upon arrival, the officers met with store security who advised the officers that the below listed suspect had been observed by store employees taking shoes and jewelry from the store without attempting to make payment. The suspect was stopped as she left the store and the merchandise was recovered and returned to the store.

ARRESTED: Bernadette Kim Pilgrim, 41 years of age Salisbury, Maryland

CHARGES: Theft (under $ 100)

DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking CC # 200900016939

On May 18, 2009 at approximately 4:07 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police arrested the below listed suspect on an outstanding arrest warrant for a robbery that occurred on May 14, 2009. On that date the suspect was involved in the robbery of a victim that knew the suspect.

ARRESTED: Kenneth Darnell Ramcharan, 23 years of age Salisbury, Maryland

CHARGES:

Robbery
Second degree assault
Attempted theft (under $ 500)

DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking CC # 200900016393

On May 18, 2009 at approximately 4:50 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police arrested the below listed juvenile on an outstanding Juvenile Pick-Up order received from the Maryland Department of Juvenile Justice. The juvenile was taken into custody without incident.

ARRESTED: Juvenile, 15 years of age Salisbury, Maryland

CHARGES: Juvenile Pick-up order – Violation of electronic monitoring agreement

DISPOSITION: Released to Juvenile Services CC # 200900016944

Lower Shore Young Republicans Cookout This Weekend

Just a reminder, the Lower Shore Young Republicans will be hosting a fundraising cookout on Saturday, May 23. All money received will benefit toward the club, helping with growth and future costs. Several local elected officials will be on hand including State Senator Andy Harris, who will be on hand as the keynote speaker. “We are extremely excited to have such a wonderful response from our officials,” said YR President Mark Biehl, “It is events like this, with significant public support, that helps our club gain new members.”

The event will feature live entertainment from the local band, The Occasionals, including a member who performed for Mike Huckabee. Along with the entertainment, there will be an all you can eat arrangement of roasted pig and fried chicken, as well as an assorted of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. While the club is for ages 18-40, the event is open to all ages. “We would encourage everyone to attend, whether they are club members or not, Republicans or not. We are big supporters of non-partisan recreation,” quipped Biehl.

The event will be held at 26144 Nanticoke Road in Salisbury . Ticket prices are merely $15 dollars and are available from any club member, children 12 and under are free. Limited tickets are available, so please purchase them in advance. Questions and ticket inquiries can be directed to lowershoreyoungrepublicans@gmail.com.

State Police Charge Newark Man With Felony Drug Offenses

Suspect(s): Joseph Walling, 32, of Godwin Drive in Newark

Resume: Early this morning, Troopers from the Special Investigation Unit at Troop 2 responded to the home of Mr. Joseph Walling of Godwin Drive in Newark.

Mr. Walling was the target of a long term narcotics investigation and officers had a valid search warrant for his home. Just prior to officers entering the residence in question, a male subject exited the front door and drove away in a silver Honda Accord. Troopers attempted to stop this vehicle on Route 40, however, the Honda fled into Maryland. Officers stopped the pursuit as the Honda was driving recklessly. They then returned to the Godwin Drive home to begin the search.

Officers entered Walling’s home and found him in the front living room. At the sight of officers, he ran into the bathroom where he was attempting to flush suspected narcotics down the toilet when detectives apprehended him.

At this same time, one of Walling’s two pit bulls attacked a Trooper. The officer fired a single round at the dog, striking it. The dog ran away momentarily, but it then returned to attack the Trooper a second time. The Trooper fired two additional rounds, striking the dog again. The animal was immediately rushed to a local veterinarian where it was still receiving treatment at the time of this release. The second dog was initially secured in a bathroom and has since been seized by Animal Control.

Mr. Walling was transported back to Troop 2 where warrants are being completed at this time for felony drug offenses. He has already been charged by Animal Control with No Dog License and Failure to Inoculate a Dog. An additional release will be forthcoming with Walling exact charges from DSP.

Note: The subject in the Honda who fled from Troopers has not been identified.

State Receives "Best Plate Of The Year" Award

State Receives "Best Plate of the Year" Award Honors For Limited Edition Centennial Plate

National Recognition for the First Plate to Ever Honor the History of License Plates

Dover -- Today, on the steps of the Old State House on The Green in Dover, Governor Jack Markell, Secretary of Transportation Carolann Wicks, and Jennifer Cohan, Director of the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV), proudly accepted the award for Best Plate of the Year from the Automobile License Plate Collectors Association (ALPCA) President, Jeff Francis.

Governor Markell announced, "The Centennial Plate is a great tribute to Delaware's license plate history. Being chosen as the best plate in the country proves it. I hope Delaware drivers will take advantage of this unique opportunity to get a plate for themselves, and keep the special history alive for another 100 years."

"I am thrilled to announce that Delaware has the nation's best license plate design this year," said ALPCA President Jeff Francis. "With so many states opting for elaborate graphics," said Mr. Francis, "it's refreshing to see a distinctive design that is still easy to read by law enforcement."

The black onyx & heritage gold colored plate - which honors the 100th anniversary of the license plate in Delaware - was selected for its combination of attractiveness and legibility of design. Other finalists for the award were Alaska, Minnesota, Oklahoma, South Carolina and Wyoming. Prior to winning this year, Delaware had never been selected a winner in the Best Plate of the Year contest, which has been sponsored annually by ALPCA since 1970.

The award winning Centennial Plate can only be purchased through December 31, 2009. Orders can be placed with a credit card online at www.dmv.de.gov. Customers may also visit any DMV location to get an application; they can download the form off the website, or call (302) 744-2503 for details. In addition to the plate application there are a number of interesting facts and pictures available on the website that chronicle the unique history of license plates in Delaware. Centennial Plates may be displayed on all vehicles except motorcycles, mopeds, and IRP apportioned vehicles. Centennial Plate numbering matches the number currently assigned to the registered vehicle. All numerical plates and those with prefixes PC, RV, FT, C, CL, T, and D, as well as all vanity plates are permitted. Proceeds from the plate sales will be used to supplement the Transportation Trust Fund and enhance DMV customer service via online services and technology enhancements

Wicomico County Math 24 Game Tournament

Thursday Events: 3rd Annual Wicomico County Math 24 Game Tournament, Author Visit to Salisbury Middle, and More for This Week 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.

This year's event will be even more special because the inventor of the Math 24 Game, Robert Sun, will attend and will visit several schools. 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. At Northwestern and East Salisbury schools, he will present certificates to students who scored in the top 100 in the state on First in Math.

For Thursday night's tournament, each elementary school has sent 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: 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

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.

Thursday, May 21: Bryan Collier will be at Salisbury Middle School for presentations to our grade 6 students and also to our Grade 7 and 8 art enrichment students. Sessions will take place from 8:30-10:40 a.m. and 1:30-2:55 p.m. He will be speaking at the Eastern Shore Reading Council dinner that evening at Holy Savior Catholic Church, 17th Street, Ocean City, at 5 p.m.

Friday, May 22:

Red, White and Blue Day at Charles H. Chipman Elementary, 10:30 a.m. in the cafeteria. The students will be singing patriotic songs, presenting readings, poems, and other extra songs. Students will honor visiting veterans during the program.

Evening High School Commencement, 7 p.m., at Beaver Run Elementary School

The British Are Coming! The British Are Coming!

The British are Coming! The British are Coming!
Registration is Now Open for British Soccer Camp for Players Ages 3-14

(Salisbury, MD) Challenger Sports British Soccer Camp is coming to Salisbury! British Soccer Camp, hosted by the Wicomico Department of Recreation, Parks, & Tourism, features qualified and talented coaches from Britain who are specifically trained for these camps. Coaches focus on teaching key soccer techniques within a framework of character development. Most of all, the kids will have fun. Sign up is recommended at www.challengersports.com.

There will be two different sessions offered for British Soccer Camp: July 6-10 and August 10-14. Camp times and costs are as follows:

Ages 3-4 years 9-10 am $74
Ages 4-5 years 10:15-11:45 am $92
Ages 6-14 years 9am-12pm OR 1-4pm $123
Ages 10-14 years Full day (9 am – 4 pm) $177

For more information contact Steve Miller at 410-548-4900 ext. 105 or email smiller@wicomicocounty.org.

If you would like to learn about other upcoming programs offered by Wicomico County Recreation, Parks and Tourism visit www.WicomicoRecandParks.org.

REALLY STRAIGHT TALK ABOUT WICOMICO BOARD OF EDUCATION BUDGET

Above is the student population data for Wicomico County from the Fall of 1976 to the Fall of 1986. As you can tell the student population went down rather dramatically throughout this period. During this period the County's lowest level was reached during 1983 whereby the student population diminished to 11,300 students or down 3,358 students from its record high set in 1970. This represents a decline in student enrollment of 22.9% when comparing FY 1970 to FY 1983.

Above is a the student population data for Wicomico County from the Fall of 1966 to Fall of 1976. If you click onto the data sheet you will see that the student population for Wicomico reached its peak during 1969 and 1970. The student population 30 years ago reached its peak at 14,457 and 14,487 respectively.

As of the writing of this commentary I have accumulated student enrollment data through FY 2007 -2008. The last student population data I presently have on-hand shows the student enrollment for Wicomico to be 13,854 students. . . down 480 students from FY 2004 - 2005 of 14,334 students.

Bottom line - analytically one cannot accurately compare apples to oranges of the County's Educational budget as a percentage to the overall County's Gross Revenues. The statistical argument just doesn't 'cut the mustard'.