Salisbury News Keeps Growing

Salisbury News totaled 3,399,966 hits in the month of May. Mind you, there were 31 days in the month, so that didn't hurt us any.


I know many of you are saying, are you crazy, where's the new Website. We're working on the new Site but we have something in mind and are waiting for just the right time to push it.


We want to thank ALL of you for visiting and making all the work we all put into Salisbury News worth while. The hits are a pure sign of our strength.


Onward and upward, as they say.

Kudos to Mayor Ireton

The buzz among city employees today is, Mayor Jim Ireton heard of a recent mishap involving a city employee. The city employee received a phone call from the Mayor, for no reason, other than to inquire about his health and to wish him a speedy recovery.

While this may not seem like much to many, to the employees, especially those in public works, this random act of kindness and true concern speaks volumes. Keep up the good work, Mayor Ireton. These small acts will not be forgotten.

BREAKING NEWS!!!!!

Click on images to enlarge.

While We're On Code Violations

Did you know...

The U.S. military in Afghanistan has a Facebook page? And a Twitter page? And a YouTube channel? Check 'em out show your support.

• Click here for the Facebook page of U.S. Forces — Afghanistan.

• Click here for the Twitter page.

• Click here for the YouTube channel.

Applicants Sought For Pilot STEM

Applicants Sought for Pilot STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) Academy at Salisbury Middle

Beginning this August, Salisbury Middle School will launch a pilot Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Academy for students who attend or will be attending SMS in the coming year.

The SMS STEM Academy will offer students the opportunity to focus on science, technology, engineering and math course content with hands-on learning opportunities that integrate all core subject areas. The 6th, 7th and 8th grade academy will consist of no more than 30 students per grade level.

An application process will be used for admission. Students interested in being a part of the Academy need to complete an application and meet the stated requirements. The deadline for submitting an application is June 6th.

If a child has a love for STEM disciplines and is inquisitive and motivated, the Salisbury Middle School STEM Academy may be for them. For more information or an application please contact Gretchen Boggs at SMS, 410-677-5149, x 4634.

Code Violations?

Hey Rite Aid, time to cut your grass and clean up your site. It's looks terrible and is violating Salisbury code.

Breaking BOE News!

News from the Wicomico County Board of Education

Brian Kilgore, a member of the Wicomico County Board of Education since 2003, has resigned from the Board effective today.

In a resignation letter to the governor, who appoints Wicomico Board members, Kilgore said, "I have enjoyed being a part of this vital community board and hope that my service has been of benefit to students, staff, parents, and the community at large... It is now time for me to pursue other avenues of service within my community."

In 2008, Kilgore was reappointed to a second term. His term would have expired June 30, 2013. A new member will now be needed to serve the remaining four years of the term.

Board member Sue Hitch's term expires June 30, and she is not seeking re-appointment.

Board members serve five-year terms and are paid $3,700 annually.

Wicomico County Sheriff's Office Press Release

Incident: Trespass / Weapon Violation
Date of Incident: 31 May 2009
Location: 28700 block of Ocean Gateway, Salisbury, MD
Suspect: Blake A. Riggin, 20, Ocean Pines, MD

Narrative: On 31 May 2009 at 12:57 AM, deputies from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office responded to a reported disturbance at a residence in the 28700 block of Ocean Gateway in Salisbury. Upon arrival, the deputies met with a victim who advised he was inside the residence when three individuals arrived in his yard. The victim advised one of the individuals, Blake Riggin, began screaming obscenities and demanded that the victim come outside. The victim also advised that Blake was brandishing a baseball bat in a manner that made the victim believe Blake wanted to assault him. Upon the arrival of the deputies, they contacted the trio in the yard and located the bat that Blake possessed.
Blake was arrested for this incident and transported to the Central Booking Unit at the Wicomico County Detention Center where he was processed and taken in front of the District Court Commissioner. After an initial appearance, Blake was released by the Commissioner on Personal Recognizance.
Charges: Openly Carry a Dangerous Weapon
Trespassing
Disorderly Conduct

Incident: Malicious Destruction of Property
Date of Incident: 31 May 2009
Location: 26000 block of Porter Mill Road, Hebron, MD
Suspect: Juvenile, 17, Hebron, MD

Narrative: On 31 May 2009 at 7:30 AM, a deputy from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office responded to a farm located in the 26000 block of Porter Mill Road in Hebron, for the report of intentional damage to a cultivated field. During the deputy’s investigation, it became apparent that someone drove through the field causing extensive damage to crops that had been planted there. The deputy located a second farm that received the same kind of damage, along with a residential yard. During the investigation, the trail of damaged crops was followed to a residence on Porter Mill Road where the deputy located a pickup truck that had been obviously driven off-road through a field. The operator of the truck was located by the deputy and it was determined that the operator, identified as a 17 YOA juvenile, was the one responsible for causing the damage to the fields.
The juvenile was arrested and taken to the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office. Upon completion of charging documents that will be submitted to the Department of Juvenile Services, the juvenile was released to a parent.
Charges: Malicious Destruction of Property
Off Road Vehicle on Private Property
Trespass on Cultivated Land

Incident: Burglary Investigation
Date of Incident: 31 May 2009
Location: 1000 block of Pierce Avenue, Salisbury, MD
Suspect: Pending

Narrative: On 31 May 2009 at 1:30 PM, a deputy from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office responded to a residence in the 1000 block of Pierce Avenue in reference to the burglary of an outdoor storage building. Upon arrival, it was evident that an unknown suspect (s) pried the lock off of a shed, entered the shed, and then removed property from the shed that belonged to the resident. The property stolen was all lawn and garden tools and equipment.
The investigation is continuing. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office at 410-548-4890 or Crime Solvers at 410-548-1776.
Charges: Burglary 2nd
Theft over $500.00

Incident: Assault
Date of Incident: 31 May 2009
Location: 400 block of Hearn Lane, Salisbury, MD
Suspect: Juvenile, 12 YOA, Salisbury, MD

Narrative: On 31 May 2009 at 5:14 PM, a deputy responded to a residence in the 400 block of Hearn lane for a reported altercation. Upon arrival the deputy was met by the resident who informed the deputy that the resident’s 12 YOA child attacked the resident with a broom. The altercation began when the juvenile allegedly did not want to do assigned chores. Upon the arrival of the deputy, it was discovered that the juvenile had fled from the area. The deputy managed to locate the juvenile on an adjacent street.
The juvenile was arrested and transported to the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office. Upon the completion of charging documents that will be filed with the Department of Juvenile Services, the juvenile was released to his mother.
Charges: Assault with a Weapon
Assault 2nd Degree

Incident: Assault First Degree
Date of Incident: 31 May 2009
Location: Delaware Avenue at Booth Street, Salisbury, MD
Suspect: Thomas Samuel Boston, 61, Salisbury, MD

Narrative: On 31 May 2009 at 8:52 PM, deputies from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office responded to an altercation on Delaware Avenue in the area of Booth Street. While en-route, the deputies were advised of a fight in progress between several subjects. Upon arriving at the scene it was learned that a fight had taken place, but that Thomas Boston had intervened while brandishing a handgun. Witnesses at the scene informed deputies that Boston also pointed the handgun at individuals involved in the melee. The deputies located Boston and discovered that he was in possession of a loaded .32 revolver.
Boston was placed under arrest and transported to the Central Booking Unit where he was processed and taken in front of the District Court Commissioner. After an initial appearance, Boston was detained in the Detention Center by the Commissioner in lieu of $75,000.00 bond.
Charges: Assault 1st Degree
Assault 2nd Degree
Reckless Endangerment
Wear / Carry a handgun on Person
Use of a Handgun in the Commission of a Felony

Incident: Possession of Marijuana
Date of Incident: 1 June 2009
Location: Ocean Gateway at N. Main Street, Hebron, MD
Suspect: Daniel L. Byron, 21, Takoma Park, MD

Narrative: On 1 June 2009 at 1:08 AM, a deputy stopped a vehicle on Ocean Gateway in the Hebron area for an equipment violation. During the traffic stop, the deputy became alert to the possibility of illegal activity taking place. A WCSO drug K9 team arrived and scanned the vehicle for the presence of the odor of illegal drugs. During the scan the K9 alerted positively to that odor, which led the deputy to search the vehicle. During the search, the deputy located marijuana inside the vehicle.
The owner of the marijuana, Daniel Byron, was placed under arrest and transported to the Central Booking Unit where he was processed and taken in front of the District Court Commissioner. After an initial appearance, Byron was released on Personal Recognizance.
Charges: Possession of Marijuana
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

Incident: Theft Investigation
Date of Incident: 30 May 2009
Location: 34600 block of Old Ocean City Road, Pittsville, MD
Suspect: Pending

Narrative: On 30 May 2009 at 7:58 AM, a deputy responded to Pittsville Ford in Pittsville, MD for the reported theft of tires and rims off of vehicles left on the lot. Upon the arrival of the deputy, it was discovered that an unknown suspect(s) took all four wheels off of three vehicles. All three vehicles were discovered propped up on bricks in place of the wheels.
The investigation is continuing. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office at 410-548-4890 or Crime Solvers at 410-548-1776.
Charges: Theft over $500.00

Are You Kidding Me?

Former terror detainee stars in Gitmo Xbox game called "Rendition: Guantanamo"

A former Guantanamo “terrorism” detainee who walked away a free man in 2005 will shoot his way out of the U.S. prison in a new Xbox 360 video game based on the camp. Moazzam Begg, who spent nearly two years in the U.S. detention camp without charges, will play himself in the game, which could rake in £3 million ($5 million).

Rendition: Guantanamo lets players control a detainee trying to shoot his way out, meaning the game's creators needed to know the layout of the prison.

Begg has been consulting on the project, under development for more than a year and already drawing fierce criticim.

"We have had a lot of hate mail about this, mainly from America, saying things like, 'Don't dare put out a game that shows them killing our soldiers," Zarrar Chishti, director of Scottish software company T-Enterprise, told the U.K.'s Daily Mail." But no U.S. or British soldiers get killed in it. The only ones being killed are mercenaries.

“We are expecting an extreme reaction to the game in the US. But we think it will sell well in the Middle East,” said Chishti.

You just gotta love the capitalist free market. Anything goes!

Full Article

Cross-Posted at Two Sentz

The Calm After The Storm?

Last weekend we experienced one heck of a storm on the Eastern Shore. Above is just some of the damage caused by the heavy winds. It's also clear why many of the roads became flooded. When you have the volume of storm water hitting an area so quickly, litter and even door mats covered storm drains blocking the expected normal flow of water into the sewer system and sadly, directly into the river. I guess you could day without the grates on the streets filtering some of the floatables the River could have looked worse than it did?

HAVE YOUR CAKE AND EAT IT TO!!!!!

Note: Make sure to read the Fiscal Note at the Bottom of the Proposed Legislative House Bill. And they want our citizenry to do away with the Revenue Cap?

2005 Regular Session bill information current as of December 15, 2005 - 10:48 p.m.
Sponsors

HOUSE BILL 965
File Code: Taxes - Property
Sponsored By:
Delegates Healey, Cryor, C. Davis, Gilleland, Goodwin, Gordon, Hixson, Howard, King, Marriott, McIntosh, and Patterson
Entitled:
Property Tax - Public School Teachers
Synopsis:

Exempting from the State property tax a dwelling owned by a public school classroom teacher, if the teacher lives in the county where the teacher is employed; authorizing the Mayor and City Council of Baltimore City and the governing body of a county to grant, by law, a property tax credit against the county property tax imposed on a dwelling owned by a public school classroom teacher if the teacher lives in the county where the teacher is employed; applying the Act to tax years beginning after June 30, 2006; etc.
History by Legislative Date
House Action
2/10
First Reading Ways and Means
2/16
Hearing 3/8 at 1:00 p.m.
3/21
Unfavorable Report by Ways and Means
Senate Action
No Action
Sponsored by:
Delegate Anne Healey, District 22
Delegate Jean B. Cryor, District 15
Delegate Clarence Davis, District 45
Delegate Terry R. Gilleland, Jr., District 32
Delegate Marshall T. Goodwin, District 40
Delegate Michael R. Gordon, District 17
Delegate Sheila E. Hixson, District 20
Delegate Carolyn J. B. Howard, District 24
Delegate Nancy J. King, District 39
Delegate Salima Siler Marriott, District 40
Delegate Maggie McIntosh, District 43
Delegate Obie Patterson, District 26
Bill indexed under the following Subjects:
COUNTIES -see also- CHARTERED COUNTIES; CODE COUNTIES
EXEMPTIONS
PROPERTY TAX
PUBLIC SCHOOLS
TAX CREDITS -see also- CIRCUIT BREAKER
TEACHERS
Bill affects the following Statutes:
Tax - Property
( 7-306 , 9-243 )
Documents:
Bill Text (Displayed in PDF Format): First Reading, Third Reading, Enrolled
Fiscal Note (Displayed in PDF Format): Available
Amendments: None offered
Top
Sponsors
Title
Synopsis
History
Sponsor List
Subjects
Statutes
Documents
Another Session
Another Bill

Citizens Gather To Learn More About T. Humphrey's Lake

On the 100th Anniversary of the Dam breaking on T. Humphrey's Lake, quite a few citizens gathered to hear more about how things changed forever in Salisbury 100 years ago.

Grilling Tip

Grilling tip

As every Southerner knows, come next spring it will time to get ready for that all-important cooking technique of the South --- outdoor grilling!


I have just found out there are many stores (not just in the South) where you can get a FREE Bar-B-Q grill! In these tough times free useful items are very welcome. You can get a free BBQ grill from any of the following stores:

A&P
Albertsons
Costco
Dan's
Food Lion
Fry's
Giant
Home Depot
Big Lots
Brookshire's
Lowes
Publix
Safeway
Sam's Club
Tesco
Target
Vons
Trader Joe's
Wal-Mart
Winn-Dixie

I especially like the higher rack -- which can be used for keeping things warm! Just make sure to get a metal one... the plastic ones don't do so well.
Ya'll enjoy now!

Our New Mayor Proudly Shows Urban Salisbury's New Master Plan

Today at 4:30 YOU will have the opportunity to see the new Master Plan created by Urban Salisbury. Fortunately, I have seen the new plan and am eager to hear more details but if there's one meeting you truly don't want to miss, it's the Work session today at 4:30 PM.

Remember Folks, this is the Plan former Mayor Barrie Tilghman didn't want any of you to see. Why, perhaps because she wanted to personally try to pick up on some Downtown Real Estate real cheap and or her friends before they actually did something special to bring back the heart of the City?

We'll see you there at 4:30 PM.

Only In The South

Click on image to enlarge to see the fine print.

WHY DOESN’T WICOMICO COUNTY FUND MORE OF ITS SCHOOL SYSTEM”S BUDGET?

[unless otherwise stated this information is for the current school year and dollar amounts are “per student”]

Data compiled by the State of Maryland from the budgets of the 24 local school systems are interesting. The portion of the total budget of the systems that is “self-funded” by money appropriated for schools by the local jurisdictions (23 counties and Baltimore City) averages about 47% ($6,600) throughout the State. Wicomico County self funds only 28.6% ($3,447) of the budget for its school system, which depends on funding by the State and Federal governments for the rest – primarily the State, which funded 66.2% ($8,300).

In self-funding Wicomico ranks in the lowest quartile; only Allegheny, Caroline and Somerset Counties and Baltimore City provide lesser funding (in both the share and amount per pupil). The state funded share in Wicomico, which is the 5th highest in the State is sufficient to put Wicomico near the middle (15th) in total funds per pupil ($12,394 – about $1,400 below the statewide average of $13,785).

It appears that Wicomico County’s “cap” on its property tax revenue has limited the amount of self funding. Since FY 2002 school funding by the County has increased by 15%, whereas the statewide increase during that period has been 41%. Other nearby counties, except Somerset, have increased self funding for their schools as much or more than Wicomico: Caroline – 16%, Dorchester 24%, Worcester 65%. The contrast between Wicomico County and Worcester County is astounding: in FY 2002 each self-funded its school system at about $44 Million – in FY 2009 those amounts are: Wicomico – $50.2 Million; Worcester $72.6 Million.

This year’s budget seems to prove that point. With additional revenue basically “zero” the County Executive proposed a reduction in school funding, and also sought a waiver from the State’s “maintenance of effort” rule for obtaining a significant part of the State’s funding. After the State Board of Education denied Mr. Pollitt’s request, he has proposed obtaining the additional $2 Million in funds needed to satisfy the State by having the school system “refund” to the County amounts it has in reserve accounts and unexpended funds in the current budget, which would become part of the appropriation for the schools in the FY 2010 budget, thus restoring the reserve accounts. At present, this circular movement of money is being reviewed by the State to determine if it passes muster under that rule.

Each of the three Counties that asked for a waiver by the State, which was denied in every case, has some form of tax “cap”. Even if Wicomico County obtains full finding from the State this year, the future prospects look grim.

Fernando & Brian Talk Smack In Press Conference

Guerrero's Opponent Speaks Out
By KATHERINE AMENTA
(SALISBURY, MD -- WMDT) 5/31/2009

Photographer: Joe Albero







Pro boxer Fernando Guerrero is the main event in his next bout on June 19th.

On Sunday, his opponent, Brian "The Assassin" Norman was in town and had some "big talk" about being a part of a main event. He said, "I'm always the main event, i've been the main event a lot... yeah, a lot."

Norman was in town from Georgia for a press conference.

Norman is 17-8. Meanwhile, Guerrero still holding on to his perfect 13-0.

There is a lot of hype building for this next showdown and Guerrero says he's ready.

Guerrero said, "I'm confident, he's confident, and that's good for me because I don't want to fight a loser, I want to fight a winner, you know? That's what makes it a good fight, entertaining. It's going to be entertaining for the crowd."

As for being in Guerrero's hometown, Norman said, "They love Fernando, and I can appreciate that. This is his community, this is his town, his city. And I respect that."

The event is at the Civic Center on June 19th.
For tickets, click on 47 Weblinks.
All emergency and first responders will receive a 20% discount.

700 YEAR OLD HOUSES IN IRAN - CAN YOU BELIEVE IT?

Pohanka Drive Thru?

Last week a woman made the turn off rt. 13, well, sort of, hopped the curb, went in between a telephone pole and the wires that support it, under the chain link fence, hit a brand new car, only after running into and over a meter box with live wires, under the other chain link fence, only to come to rest on the curb outside the Dealership.

The cause is unknown as to just why she managed to do the things that she did but we were there to capture the event and bring it to you. This Lady gets the Dee, Dee, Deeee Award of the Week.

Dancing With A Man

Petition To Close Down Super Pet

close down super petTarget:super petsSponsored by: lesley young and citizens for animals

"Dear readers:

This is a petition to try to close down super pets in salisbury md. Recently a string of posts have been posted on craiglist about the condition of the animals in their care. Many of us have been inside this store and seen many animals with dirty and nasty cages little to no food and little or no water. Most of the time the animals are shoved in cages with many other animals. They never get a vets care and it seems they have no regaurd to ahve well they are taken care of. There have been many horror stories of many pet lovers buying animals from there only to have them die in a few short hours or days. Then upon returning to the store you get a lousy explination on to why they might of died and a new pet or a store credit. If you get a new pet and it dies then you get only get partial store credit. They sell most of the cats on a buy so much of cat merchandise then you get a cat free. Many people believe that super pets should be closed down or have some kind of investigation . Their store maybe mostly tidy but their animals are not in very good shape. Please help me and others like me to close this store or make them take every pet to a vet before they can be adopted out. Then provide proof when they get adopted out. If you're with me then please sign this petition and pass it on."

GO HERE to see the official Website and petition.

QUESTION OF THE DAY:

If you had a choice, would you buy a share of GM stock today?



So if you and I wouldn't buy their stock today, why are we as Americans gettiug GM shoved up our rear ends?

Sherwood Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep Says Goodbye To Salisbury

The Dealership Lot is just about empty, a For Sale Sign is posted on the property and the few vehicles left on the front lot have the notice above stating you can come across the street and talk, for whatever that's worth. I wonder how many more jobs have been lots here in Salisbury because of this Dealership closing down? Then again, where do you take your vehicle to be serviced now? Seems like almost every Dodge Dealership locally is closing their doors. You wouldn't catch me buying anything American other than Ford at this point.