DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Attention
Friday, July 03, 2009
North Korea Fires 7 Missiles
The missiles were fired at about 8 a.m. and the Defense Ministry was trying to confirm whether they were short or mid-range missiles. The ministry official did not give any further details and spoke on condition of anonymity as he was not authorized to speak to media.
A Yonhap news agency report said North Korea fired two short-range missiles that appeared to be Scud missiles. The agency quoted a South Korean government official it did not identify. Yonhap originally reported the missiles were mid-range.
North Korea fired four short-range missiles off the east coast on Thursday.
Speculation had been high that the communist country might launch more missiles in coming days. North Korea had warned shipping to stay away from its east coast effective through July 10.
South Korea's military said Friday it was closely monitoring North Korean military sites, believing that more missile launches were likely to be launched.
Saturday's reported launches came on July 4, or U.S. Independence Day. The North has a record of timing missile launches for the U.S. national day.
GO HERE to read more.
UPDATE: SEOUL, South Korea (July 4) - North Korea fired seven ballistic missiles off its eastern coast Saturday, South Korea said, a violation of U.N. resolutions and an apparent message of defiance to the United States on its Independence Day.
The launches, which came two days after North Korea fired four short-range cruise missiles, will likely further escalate tensions in the region as the U.S. tries to muster support for tough enforcement of the latest U.N. Security Council resolution imposed on the communist regime for its May nuclear test. GO HERE to read more.
Sarah Palin To Resign As Alaska Governor
WASILLA, Alaska Alaska Governor Sarah Palin said Friday she is resigning from office at the end of the month, raising speculation that she would focus on a run for the White House in the 2012 race.
The former Republican Vice Presidential Candidate made the surprise announcement from her home in suburban Wasilla on Friday morning. She said she would step down July 26 but didn't announce her plans.
Search Warrant Yields Drug Arrests
Location of Incident: 28565 Blueberry Lane, Frankford, Sussex, Delaware
Date and Time of Occurrence: Thursday July 2, 2009
Defendants:
Dianne Cottingham, 41, Frankford, was charged with Possession with the Intent to deliver cocaine, maintaining a dwelling, criminal nuisance, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Janice Clark, 38, of Salisbury Maryland was charged with possession of schedule IV prescription pill.
Branden Cottingham, 26, Frankford was arrested for Possession with the Intent to Deliver Cocaine and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Bertha Taylor, 51, of Blueberry Lane, Frankford, was arrested for possession of crack cocaine and possession of drug paraphernalia.
On Thursday July 2, 2009 the state police along with the Milford Police Department executed a search warrant at the residence of Dianne Cottingham at 28565 Blueberry Lane, Frankford, Delaware in connection with a drug investigation. During the search of the residence police recovered 8.9 grams of powder cocaine and1.8 grams of crack cocaine, drug paraphernalia, and $3147.00 in United States currency was seized.
Three other people were in the residence at the time of the search. See above for defendant information and charges.
Burglar Thwarted By 72-Year-Old Former Boxer
In a lopsided fight that even Don King would have had trouble promoting, a burglar in Oxford, England, got more than he bargained for when he broke into the home of Frank Corti, a 72-year-old former junior boxing champion.
Upon spotting the intruder, Gregory McCalium, in his hallway, Corti dodged a knife attack and delivered two mean right hooks that left McCalium battered and down for the count. Police arrived to find Corti subduing McCalium, who looked like he had been in "a car accident," according to one lawyer.
"I was scared when he first drew the knife but most people would have acted in the same way," Corti said. "If needed to, I would do it again."
McCalium was found guilty of aggravated burglary, but he's apparently already planning his next robbery: the home of a Russian man named Drago.
Sanford's Wife May Forgive Him
By MEG KINNARD, AP
COLUMBIA, S.C. (July 2) - South Carolina first lady Jenny Sanford says her husband's affair with an Argentine woman broke a trust that he must earn back — first from his family, then his constituents.
She says she is willing to forgive his "inexcusable" behavior and give him another chance, but that reconciliation takes time and it won't be easy. Her statement Thursday was the first since Gov. Mark Sanford told The Associated Press earlier in the week that his mistress, Maria Belen Chapur, is his soul mate but he is trying to fall back in love with his wife of 20 years.
GO HERE to read more.
What A Difference One Day Makes!
We took the Urban Assault Vehicle up to Sam's Club yesterday to top off the tank and wouldn't you know it, gas has DROPPED a nickel a gallon overnight!
So for those of you heading out for the weekend, Sam's Club, (you have to be a Member) has gas for far less.
Be safe out there this weekend Folks. The nut jobs have been coming in to Ocean City all day and Rt. 50 is a mess.
Wicomico County Sheriff's Office Press Release
Incident: Burglary
Date of Incident: 29 June 2009
Location: 26000 block of Nanticoke Road, Salisbury, MD
Suspect:
1. Brandon Justin Fletcher, 22, Princess Anne, MD
2. Kevin Royces Lemore, Jr., 20, Salisbury, MD
Narrative: On 29 June 2009 at 4:30 PM, a deputy from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office responded to investigate a reported residential burglary in the 26000 block of Nanticoke Road in Salisbury, MD. During the burglary, it was discovered that the then unknown suspect made entry into the residence through a window and stole household electronics.
During a subsequent investigation by the Sheriff’s Office with the assistance of the Wicomico County Bureau of Investigation, a potential suspect was identified. It was also during this investigation that the flat screen television stolen in this burglary was located by a deputy at a residence in Salisbury. Further investigation confirmed the individual suspected in this crime, Brandon Fletcher, was in fact the culprit responsible for the crime. On 2 July 2009 warrants for the arrest of Fletcher and a second suspect, Kevin Lemore were obtained and the pair were both located in Salisbury later that same day in Salisbury where they were both placed under arrest,
Both Fletcher and Lemore were transported to the Central Booking Unit where they were processed and taken in front of the District Court Commissioner. After an initial appearance, both were committed to the Detention Center in lieu of $100,000.00 bond and $75,000.00 bond respectively.
If anyone has any information about any other incidents possibly involving these two individuals, please contact the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office at 410-548-4890
Charges:
Burglary 1st Degree
Theft over $505
Conspiracy to Commit Burglary 1st Degree
NYC Forced To Honor Islam On Sept. 11?
Resolution backed by CAIR urges closing schools on Muslim holidays
By Aaron Klein
© 2009 WorldNetDaily
Will the New York City school system be compelled to commemorate Islam on Sept. 11?
It has been widely reported the New York City Council passed a resolution Tuesday recommending the school system shut down to commemorate two of the most important Muslim holidays, however the reports did not note the holidays fall on Sept. 11 in some years.
The council vote, which was non-binding, is at odds with the opinion of Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who has said he is opposed to adding any more days off to the school calendar. Bloomberg, however, recently relinquished control of the school system to a newly appointed board of education, which could approve the holiday plan.
The Islamic holidays being considered for commemoration are Eid al-Adha and Eid al-Fitr. The former commemorates the Islamic belief Abraham was willing to sacrifice Ishmail. The latter marks the end of the Islamic fast period of Ramadan. Jewish and Christian tradition relates Abraham was willing to sacrifice his son Isaac, not Ishmail.
GO HERE to read more.
UPPER 90 SOCCER ACADEMY WINS NORTHEAST REGIONALS
The Upper 90 Soccer Academy U13 Team recently captured the championship of the US Club Soccer Northeast Regional Finals held in New Jersey. The team now moves on to the National Finals in Virginia Beach the end of July. They are one of only ten teams to qualify for Nationals, and the only team from Maryland. This marks the first time an Eastern Shore soccer team has advanced to a National Final. The team consists primarily of players from the Eastern Shore and is based in Salisbury, MD. The team is coached by Steve McGee and trained by Donovan Howard. Team members include: BACK (L-R): Nick White, Abbey Shobe, Seth Cabecerias, Conor Donohoe, Coach McGee, Hannah Olds, Conner Truitt, Christian Juarez, Sunny Aroh, FRONT (L-R): Remy Haynes, Tyler Angelo, Nathan Harding, Jamie Lum-Warner, Bridget Townsend, Liam Baker, SEATED (L-R): Jared King, Paul Ambrose, Luis Cruz
SAINT FRANCIS DESALES CHURCH TO DEDICATE NEW $3 MILLION PARISH CENTER ON JULY 14TH
The Reverend Edward M. Aigner, pastor of St. Francis DeSales Roman Catholic Church in Salisbury, MD, announced today that the new Philip & Barbara Long Parish Center dedication ceremony is set for Tuesday, July 14th, at 6:00 P.M. The bishop of the Diocese of Wilmington, the Most Reverend W. Francis Malooly will preside.
The Long Parish Center has a large multi-purpose area that can be used for religious, social or recreational events. The building also houses a large, modern kitchen and many rooms dedicated to serve the needs of the parish’s members.
Primary funding for the construction of the Center came from the late Philip and Barbara Long and hundreds of parishioners who donated to the “Bringing the Vision to Life” capital campaign.
The dedication of the Center is the highlight of the parish’s centennial celebration as a Roman Catholic parish in Salisbury, MD.
The ceremony will start with a prayer service in Saint Francis DeSales Church followed by a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Parish Center. Fr. Aigner has asked all participants to “bring their own scissors” so all may join in the ribbon cutting. The ceremony will be followed by an old-fashioned picnic.
4th Of July Weekend At Station 7 Restaurant!
This Weekend at Station 7 Restaurant!
7456 Gumboro Road - Pittsville, Maryland 21850 (410)835-3577 www.station7restaurant.com
Friday, July 3rd
Avoid the crowds at the beach, but still enjoy outdoor dining on the patio for lunch or dinner!
DJ Scully - 9:30pm Upstairs
Saturday, July 4th
Hungry for Station 7? Join us at the restaurant for lunch or dinner OR visit Station 7's mobile kitchen at the Willards 4th of July festival!
DJ Scully's 4th of July Party - 9:30pm, Upstairs
Looking for a great place to watch fireworks this weekend?
Willards Elementary School is the place to be!! Great Food! Family Activities! Live Music! Events start at 12 noon, Fireworks at dusk!
Get directions from Google Maps
36161 Richland Rd
Willards, MD 21874
Sunday, July 5th
Sunday Brunch - 9am to 2pm
Full menu - 2pm to 9pm
Smyrna Man Arrested For A Sexual Assault Against An 11 Year Old Girl
Location of Incident: Holly Hill Road, Holly Hill Estates MHP Smyrna, Kent County, DE
Date and Time of Occurrence: May 2009 to June 27, 2009
Defendant: Daniel Webber, 26, Holly Hill Road, Holly Hill Estates, Smyrna , Kent County, DE
Resume:
State troopers have arrested a 26 year-old Smyrna man for the sexual assault against a child after police received a complaint from the Division of Family Services.
Troopers arrested Webber last evening after evidence was obtained that implicated him in the sexual assault of an 11 year-old girl. The investigation began when the Division of Family Services received a complaint that the 11 year-old victim told a school counselor that she didn’t want to be around Webber because he hurt her. DFS officials interviewed the victim and mother of the victim and Webber, however it did not provide any credible evidence to any misconduct. The mother of the victim told DFS that Webber is a close friend of the family and he cares for the victim after school.
On June 27, 2009 DFS received a report of an older male was kissing a young girl on the lips while the pair was at the beach. In addition the report indicated another couple was with the man and the young girl. The eyewitness was able to provide a registration number to a car that the four drove off in. DFS began a join investigation with the state police and it was learned that the vehicle belonged to Webber.
Troopers executed a search warrant of Webber’s home and collected evidence linking him to the sexual assault against the child. Troopers also learned the victim’s mother was one of the individuals present on the day Webber and the victim were spotted on the beach.
Troopers charged Webber with 3 counts of rape 1st, 4 counts of rape 2nd along with numerous counts of endangering the welfare of a child.
The victim’s mother was also charged with endangering the welfare of a child for not disclosing the inappropriate activity.
No bail information was available at the time of this release for Webber and the mother.
Public Service Announcement
Editor,
I was hoping that you would allow me to take the time to make a Public Service Announcement on behalf of the Wicomico Eastside Chamber of Commerce.
As you may know, last year we sponsored the first annual Wicomico Eastside Chamber of Commerce Independence Day Celebration. In keeping with what we hope will be a long standing tradition, we will again be sponsoring our 2nd Annual Wicomico Eastside Chamber of Commerce Independence Day Celebration. Due to the success of last years event, this years celebration promises to be even better. The event will be held at the Willards Elementary School on Richland Rd. in Willards, Maryland on Saturday, July 4th. It will begin at 12:00 noon this year and there will be games such as three legged races and buffalo chip tossing contests. Station 7 Restaurant and Whitey's Barbecue will be present with excellent food as always. Alex's Lemonade will be there again raising money to help find a cure for childhood cancer. At about 9:00 p.m. Bay Fireworks will present a fireworks display that promises to be outstanding. Last years event captured the spirit of Independence Day Celebrations of times gone by. This year come be a part of it.
Editors Note: Salisbury News will be at this event with a surprise for all kids. Salisbury News & Bruce's Billiards are teaming up to give away FREE HOT DOGS for all the kids. Sorry Adults, you're on your own. Just keep your eyes open for the big Motor Coach and the Hot Dog Cart. We'll serve them until we run out. See You There!
NOW HERE'S A DEAL: Laser Tag 4th Of July!
Cruiser Rear Ended, Trooper Sent To Hospital After Late Night Crash
Location of Incident: I-95 Southbound, approximately 1 mile south of Naamans Road, Wilmington, Delaware, New Castle County
Date of Occurrence: July 3rd, 2009, at approximately 4:00 a.m.
Resume: A Troop 1, Penny Hill, patrol officer was working an extra duty assignment, on I-95, overnight in his 2008 Ford Crown Victoria. His patrol car was stopped inside a construction zone, just south of Naamans Road, in the closed left lane. This officer’s emergency equipment was activated and there was a line of construction barrels to his right separating the closed left lane and the open right lane.
At about 4:00 a.m., a 1973 Volkswagen Beetle, operated by a 69-year-old Philadelphia man, was traveling I-95 northbound in the left lane approaching the construction zone ahead. As his lane closed and tapered off, this operator successfully merged into the right lane. The Volkswagen was then closing quickly upon a pick up truck ahead. The operator swerved back to the left to avoid the pick up and struck a series of construction barrels. The VW traveled approximately 420 feet in the closed left lane where it ultimately rear ended the Trooper’s car causing significant damage.
The Trooper and the operator of the VW were transported from the scene to Wilmington Hospital. The Trooper and the operator of the VW were treated and released with non-life threatening injuries.
The operator of the VW was cited with Failure to Obey a Traffic Control Device.
As a matter of protocol, the name of the Trooper, won’t be released for 24-hours. The same will hold true for the driver of the Volkswagen.
Thursday's Comments Soared Over 400
I have to tell you Folks, moderating that kind of volume of comments, having to read every word and then publish or reject each and every one of them is quite a challenge.
On top of that you have to produce articles throughout the day and even travel to get new news. Because of the volume yesterday I had to step in most of the day and take care of comments as well. So it was a tough day yesterday, that's for sure.
Nevertheless, I tried keeping an eye on the comments for the Daily Times yesterday and quite frankly I didn't even see them go over 15 comments for the entire day. Another key reason they're failing. It's important to get your readers involved.
The way the MSM does things is, they want to produce stories that tell their side of things and their hope is that you do say nothing at all. Therefore they kind of brain wash you into believing whatever they say is the entire story. With Americans being as busy as we are, many simply rely on what they're being told and move on.
Here at Salisbury News, we want your input. If you think we're wrong, that's OK. The more we get you involved the more educated we all become. This is Our Country, NOT the MSM!
Allow me to share one example of a story recently in which shows the difference between the MSM & Salisbury News. When the County Executives Office put out the story the other day about praising the Warden for his great performance settling problems with the Department of Justice, the letter, (Press Release) said absolutely nothing about it taking them 8 years to comply.
If we would have simply produced the article, (Press Release) without mentioning that it took 8 years to comply, you would have been sold on the fact that what we shared with you was a simple matter and resolved, move on to the next article.
We try to bring you as much information as possible and allow the story to take even more shape through your comments and that's what's so important, (IMHO) with Blogs.
We certainly have our fair share of critics out there but quite frankly, they have no clue what we're doing. We're so far ahead of their ability to think in advance, they simply believe we're out to attack any one and every one. We're here to tell you what every one else doesn't.
That being said, we appreciate your visiting and we truly appreciate your comments as it makes Salisbury News that much more credible.
Where Are All Of The Jack Willing Nay Sayers Now?
Planning director found dead
Willing, also Somerset school board chairman, was under investigation
By Liz Holland • Staff Writer • July 3, 2009
PRINCESS ANNE -- Jack Willing Jr., chairman of the Somerset County Board of Education and the county's planning director, was found dead Wednesday night of a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to Maryland State Police.
Willing, 41, was found in his pickup truck in the parking lot of a former general store on Deal Island, according to Lt. Krah Plunkert, commander of the Princess Anne barrack.
Earlier in the day, searches of Willing's office in Princess Anne and his home in Chance were conducted by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement -- agencies that conduct probes into child pornography and Internet crimes, according to the Somerset County Sheriff's Office.
The U.S. Attorney's Office said agents executed search warrants in connection with an ongoing federal criminal investigation.
Agents contacted Willing on Wednesday and informed him about the search warrants and the nature of the investigation.
GO HERE to read more.
A Letter To The Editor
As I read each comment I did understand the two sides of the readers. Those who know the family don't want the details getting out. I'm sorry but those details will be out no matter who they come from. There are also those readers who want to protect the innocent children. Wouldn't it be a wonderful world if we didn't have to protect children from this type of crime?
When I was a child I was never told to stay away from any of the men in our family. Joe, if you were to look at photo albums from my childhood you would think I had lived a wonderful childhood. It was. No one will ever convince me that I wasn't loved by my family.
A few women in the family knew of a deep dark secret. One that no one spoke of. Back then you didn't dare mention things that are discussed openly today. Maybe if things had been different things would of turned out differently. I always looked forward to weekends. I got to spend at least one night with my grandparents. The morning after was always spent at English's for breakfast. For a kid back then that was a big deal.
My grandfather one evening stole my innocence and trust. That was the last time I ever spent the night alone. I was scared to tell my parents fearing they wouldn't believe me. The only one I opened up to was my brother who became my shadow if we stayed overnight with the grandparents. He would even stand outside the bathroom door not wanting to leave me alone.
A few years passed before what happened exploded. I overheard my Mother talking to someone about a similar thing happening to her when she was a child. I confided in Mom's friend that it had also happened to me. I'll never forget hearing the moan that came out of Mom's body when she was told the news. That noise soon turned into rage. I remember her asking me over and over about it wanting details. I thought it was because she didn't believe it but that wasn't the case. She sat me down and told me what her childhood was like and how she knew I was telling the truth. Then it happened. She warned me not to talk to anyone about it because no one would believe it. When it happened to her she went to her Mother about it she called a liar, beat, etc. She also told me that we weren't the only women in the family this had happened to and the others had gotten the same treatment Mom had received. Mom explained how pop-pop had a sickness. She knew how much he loved me which is why she thought he never would of touched me. This is why she had never warned me.
Years passed before mom-mom found out. I'll never forget her excuse for that night. She said that she asked him about it and that he didn't deny it but his excuse was that he had had too much to drink and thought he was in bed with her. If that had been the case he never would of told me not to make a noise because it would wake her up. Her and I only spoke of it once. Him and I never talked about it. After his death I discovered one of them had talked about it to other family members. Once he died they turned on me. In Wicomico County, I am surrounded by family due to how large our family is and how spread out they are. In Wicomico County I'm also alone because nothing will ever convince them that I was telling the truth.
I love children with all my heart. I don't understand this sort of sickness in both men and women. Actually I'm more against it when it is a woman. Is there a drug out there to cure this, I don't think there ever will be one. I do believe with all my heart that if my family had never kept this a secret I never would of been a victim or shunned by my own family.
I know there will people who will read this and won't believe it. Trust me, I've heard it before and will hear it again. I don't keep it a secret any more. He was my pop-pop, I know he did love me before that night ever happened and I'm sure he continued to love me afterwards. For anyone who may know of someone with this illness please protect those who can't protect themselves. If there is a way of helping this person seek out that help. If a child or even a teen opens up, listen before judging.
Fatal Motorcycle Crash
Date and Time of Occurrence: Thursday July 2, 2009 at 2120 hours
Victim: Michael N.Papillo, 51, Dover
Delaware State Police are investigating a single vehicle crash involving a motorcycle that took the life of a Dover man.
Papillo was driving his 1997 Harley Davidson motorcycle west bound on W. Denney’s Road West of Kenton Road when he approached a right curve in the roadway. Papillo crossed over the center line into the east bound lane and drove off the south edge of the roadway. The motorcycle crossed a grass verge and traveled westbound parallel to the roadway. The motorcycle sideswiped a utility pole with the left side and continued forward and struck a fence post. Papillo was ejected over the front handlebars into the grass. Papillo was pronounced dead at the scene. He was not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.
The roadway was shut down for approximately two hours.
Delmar Police Department Press Release
Location: 12 E. Chestnut St., Delmar, MD Apt. B
July 2, 2009
Suspect/Arrested: Katelyn M. Briddell, W/F, Age 20, Delmar, MD
On July 2, 2009 at 6:15 AM officers of the Delmar Police Department executed a Search and Seizure Warrant for the premises located at 12 E. Chestnut St., Apt. B, Delmar, MD. Upon execution of warrant officer located quantities of suspected cocaine, and marijuana, along with paraphernalia and U.S. Currency. Katelyn Briddell along with a juvenile was located within the apartment at the time of service. Both individuals were arrested and charged.
Charges: Katelyn Briddell
Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute
Possession of Marijuana
Possession of Cocaine
Manufacturing a controlled Dangerous Substance
Maintain a Common Nuisance
Juvenile was charged with Possession of Marijuana
Calling Out All Republicans & Democrats
It should also be noted that a Democratic seat will also open up, so to be fair I thought I'd announce that as well.
In the mean time, for any Republican interested in Brian's seat on the WCBOE please contact Mr. John Bartkovich at 410-742-5399.
City Of Fruitland Newsletter
7/2/2009
CITY HALL
City offices will be closed on Friday, July 3, in observance of the Independence Day holiday.
PLANNING COMMISSION
The regular monthly meeting (Tuesday, July 7) of the Planning Commission has been cancelled due to lack of an agenda. The Commission will resume its regular monthly meetings on Tuesday, August 4.
POLICE
Congratulations John and Mandy Herbert for the birth of their daughter, Aliza Leigh Herbert, on June 30 at 2:16 a.m. Little Aliza was 7lbs, 7 oz and 19 inches long. Best wishes to the entire family.
Sara Ford, a Parkside High School Criminal Justice student, will be joining us on July 6 as she begins her Youth Employment Program. This program provides an opportunity for students interested in pursuing a career in law enforcement firsthand knowledge of the various aspects of the field. Sara will work with FPD through August 14.
Recruit Chris McIntyre will begin the Eastern Shore Criminal Justice Academy on July 6; training will continue through December 17.
PUBLIC WORKS
Routine park maintenance, grass cutting, roadside maintenance, trash removal and disposal of tree limbs have kept the department busy this week.
OTHER
Happy Birthday to Dan Holland on Sunday, July 5. Best wishes from all of us! Newsletter – 7/2/2009 2
OTHER (cont)
The Fruitland Volunteer Fire Company officially began operation of its own paramedics service on Wednesday, July 1, 2009. We wish the department much success in their new endeavor.
ON THIS DAY IN HISTORY
1995 - "Forbes" magazine reported that Microsoft's chairman, Bill Gates, was the worth $12.9 billion, making him the world's richest man. In 1999, he was worth about $77 billion.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
“A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort.”
http://www.quotationspage.com/quotes/Herm_Albright (1876 - 1944)
Happy 4th of July!!!
Be safe!!
Contract Awarded for Boyds Corner Intersection Improvements
The project consists of the reconstruction and improvements to approximately one mile of Route 13 in New Castle County, from Greylag Road to the Augustine Creek Bridge. Approximately 1/2 mile of Boyds Corner Road will also be reconstructed. Improvements will include an additional lane in each direction on Route 13 and additional turning lanes at the Boyds Corner and Greylag intersections. Signing, striping and traffic signal upgrades are also to be included. The project is necessary to increase safety and efficiency at this busy intersection.
Construction is scheduled to begin in August. Construction is scheduled for completion within 426 calendar days, pending weather.
TRAFFIC ALERT
Newark -- The Department of Transportation (DelDOT) announces that needed safety improvements will begin Monday, July 13, on Route 4/Chestnut Hill Road in Newark between Route 72/Library Avenue and the railroad tracks. The work will require a full closure of Route 4 to through-traffic between Route 72 and Route 896/South College Avenue for one-week.
The closure will allow crews to raise the tracks and smooth out the road surface. Route 4 in the immediate area of the tracks would then be repaved to level the roadway. Local traffic will have access to Route 4 but there will be no through-traffic during the full closure.
The recommended detour route for the closure of Route 4 from Route 72 to the railroad tracks is as follows:
Eastbound traffic that would normally use Route 4 should turn left at Route 72, turn right on U.S. Route 40, right again on Route 896, then back to Route 4.
Westbound traffic that would normally use Route 4 should turn right at Route 896, turn left at U.S. Route 40, left again on Route 72, then back to Route 4.
Motorists who choose to utilize Old Baltimore Pike should be aware that they may encounter long delays caused by increased vehicle volumes. DelDOT's Traffic Management Center will monitor traffic conditions and make adjustments to traffic signals along the detour routes.
The closure of Chestnut Hill Road will also impact some DART routes.
Routes 33 and 39 will temporarily end at the Newark Transit Hub during the closure.
The section of missed bus stops will be served by a free shuttle bus.
The free shuttle service will run July 13-19, serving the Newark Transit Hub, Newark Municipal Building, and the Route 896/Route 4 Park & Ride lot. The free shuttle will operate 5:20 A.M. until 11:45 P.M. Monday through Friday, and 6:45A.M. until 8:40 P.M. on Saturday.
Connections from the Routes 33 and 39 to the shuttle service are free.
Route 55 will serve downtown Newark during the closure. Route 59 will not be affected.
For more information on bus stop impacts, visit DartFirstState.com or call 1-800-652-DART.
The work to be done at the railroad tracks is part of DelDOT's railroad safety crossing program, and will be performed by Norfolk Southern Corporation. In addition to the paving and crossing repairs, automatic crossing gates and lights will be installed. The project has received some federal funding, and the contract cost is $800,000.
July 4th TEA Party: Roll Call
Who's going? Let's see how many people we can get on here first. 100? 200? More?