Fruitland Police Department Press Release

TYPE OF INCIDENT: Sex Offense

LOCATION OF INCIDENT: Hampton Inn, Fruitland, MD

1. NAME OF PERSON CHARGED: Roberto Junior Romero

AGE OF PERSON CHARGED: 29

ADDRESS OF PERSON CHARGED: 1913 Lebanon Street, Hyattsville, MD 20781

Charges:

Sex Offense 3rd Degree

Sex Offense 4th Degree

Prostitution- Under 16

Perverted Practice

Disposition: Remanded to the custody of Wicomico County Detention Center central booking.

DATE & TIME OF ARREST: 7/10/2009

On July 10, 2009, the third suspect involved in the crime, Roberto Junior Romero, was located and apprehended in Prince George’s County by the Maryland State Police Fugitive Apprehension Unit. Romero will be transported back to Wicomico County Detention Center where the warrant will be served.

Boston Zoo May Have To Close

More than 1,000 animals may need new homes, and some may have to be euthanized, after the governor cut funding to a Boston Zoo, The Boston Globe reported.

The Franklin Park Zoo and the smaller Stone Zoo, in nearby Stoneham, saw more than 550,000 visitors last year.

An expected $6.5 million approved by the state legislature -- accounting for more than half of the zoos' budget -- was chopped to $2.5 million by Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick.

Slashing the budget could end up costing the state even more, Zoo Officials told the Globe. They said if the zoos run out of money, they become the responsibility of the state and it would cost at least $9 million to shutter the Zoo's.

The stand-off has both sides citing the economic downturn as a reason to cut the Zoo, or save it.

The Governor's Office said the money is needed to help families.

But Boston's Mayor said the cuts remove a community resource that offers a cheap day out for those who are struggling during the downturn.

The Zoo opened in 1913, and is home to Zebras, Gorillas, Kangaroos, Butterflies and others, according to the Zoo's Web site.

Read the full story in The Boston Globe.

Not something the City of Salisbury would consider, but should. Closing the Salisbury Zoo could save Taxpayers more than $3,000,000.00 a year. With the infrastructure falling apart and heavy demands from the AZA, Salisbury may have to consider this same option in the near future, like it or not. With the WWTP expecting to cost taxpayers several more million dollars to get it up and running properly, luxuries of a FREE Zoo have pretty much exhausted itself.

What do you think. Do you think the Salisbury Zoo should remain open in this economy. Keep in mind, you have yet to see what it's going to cost taxpayers for new paving, curbing, upgrades to city owned structures and more importantly the water and sewer lines that are so old they continue to fall apart weekly. If you thought the WWTP was expensive, wait till you see the future bills just to catch up to what Barrie Tilghman let fall apart and let go for way too many years.

I personally feel the Zoo, (should they remain open) needs to start charging visitors. If you're a Salisbury Resident, you get in FREE. If you cannot produce a Salisbury Drivers License, there should be a charge to get in the doors, period.

Daily Times Still Can’t Get It “Write”!

What happens when you have little to no command of the English language, are lazy, opinionated, and unable to admit that you’re wrong?  You go to work for the Delmarva Media Group, the Gannett unit which publishes Salisbury’s Daily Times.

Case in point – yesterday’s fiasco over the non-existent “report” authored by Salisbury councilwomen Debbie Campbell and Terry Cohen.  As we pointed out yesterday, Daily Times managing editor Erick Sahler claims that the article is credible because Salisbury PD chief Allan Webster is credible.  Let’s review what reporter Laura D’Alessandro and Webster had to say:

… a six-page document listing complaints against the city's top law official has reportedly been crafted by Councilwomen Debbie Campbell and Terry Cohen.

"I have seen the document, but I can't comment its contents," Webster said late Thursday. "I will be
responding in the near future."

As we noted, there was no report, six pages or otherwise.  However, the Daily Times simply can’t admit that they were wrong.  Instead, they are attempting to “clarify” their own poor journalism by running another biased piece on Saturday, better known as “Take out the trash day” in newspaper and political circles.

In today’s piece Webster attempts to hold the party line:

Webster reiterated Friday that he has both documents in his possession.

"Both documents were authored and signed by Debbie Campbell and Terry Cohen and dated for June; I got copies of them sent to me late Thursday," Webster said. "But I still can't discuss the contents yet because of personnel restrictions. I will be responding to them in the near future, though."

While Webster now admits that there are TWO documents (instead of his previously stated ONE report), he still implies that both documents were authored by Campbell and Cohen.  While I realize that Webster, his defenders, and the Daily Times (I apologize for the redundancy) will argue that there is no difference, they would be mistaken as usual.  IDEAS HAVE CONSEQUENCES and WORDS HAVE MEANING.  If Webster’s grasp of basic grammar is so poor, it merely lends more credence to the argument that he is not fit to formulate policy or give orders.  Since Salisbury’s new mayor, Jim Ireton, is a grade school reading teacher, perhaps he can offer Webster and his defenders a little one-on-one tutoring if he decides to keep the man who has overseen Salisbury sinking to its current crime ridden reputation.

Despite the complete lack of credibility of their “credible source”, the Daily Times insists on continuing to smear the character of Campbell and Cohen while defending Webster – a relic of an administration which was run out of town on a rail (given former mayor Barrie Tilghman’s inability to seek re-election and Ireton large victory against her anointed successor).  Why else would D’Alessandro choose to question whether or not Cohen was truthful in her response:

Cohen reportedly submitted a five-page document to Ireton relaying “constituent concerns” …

Beyond attempting to cover their past mistakes with more innuendo, the Daily Times did manage to include one bit of news in their report:

“I’ve requested a copy of any documents or allegations against Chief Webster,” (Salisbury councilman Gary) Comegys said.  “I feel the entire council is entitled because these documents were sent by council members and the information should be shared.  I’m getting quite a few constituents asking questions about something I have been given no information on.  …”

IF council members are permitted to review the personnel files of department heads (or city employees) then he is absolutely correct that he should be given access AND that he should review them, given that Webster has chosen to make this a news story.  This is not only a prudent action, it is the right one.  However, if council members are not routinely permitted access to personnel files of department heads (or city employees), then Ireton would be foolish to grant access.

If this is important enough to Comegys, he should then introduce legislation requiring such access.  This would firmly set policy rather than making it personal whim.  However, Comegys will have a tough time making a case because of his past claims of the almost dictatorial supremacy of the city’s executive.  Perhaps he should ask Campbell or Cohen to introduce the legislation for him since they have always advocated a more mainstream role for the city’s legislative branch, including a vigorous oversight role.

I’m waiting to see what the next attempt at smearing Campbell and Cohen will be.  I’m also waiting to see how many times it will take them to get an attack right without appearing so obviously biased.

Delaware State Police Press Release

State Troopers Intervene with Suicidal Man

Location of Incident: US 13 Southbound, St. Georges Bridge, New Castle County

Date and Time of Occurrence: Friday, July 10, 2009 at approximately 8:15 p.m.

Suspect: Steven P. Barry Jr., 22, Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Resume: An alert Trooper patrolling southbound on US 13 on the St. Georges bridge, observed an abandoned car on the southbound side of the road and a male walking toward the top of the bridge. As the Trooper activated his lights and used his siren in an attempt to get the man's attention, the man ignored the Trooper and continued walking up the bridge. When asked if he was alright, the man stated he wasn't and then informed the Trooper he was going to jump of the bridge. The two held a conversation until an additional patrol unit could arrive. Steven Barry was then taken into custody without incident placed in the patrol car. Further investigation revealed Barry was in possession of 1.3 grams of Marijuana and was subsequently transported to Troop 9 where he was charged with Possession of a Non-Narcotic Schedule I Controlled Substance (Marijuana) and later committed to Gander Hill Prison in default of bail. His mental health status was evaluated while in custody and he was placed on suicide watch.

Fight Crime, Not Opinion

In today's Daily Times, Salisbury police chief Allan Webster is whining that Salisbury councilwoman Debbie Campbell and Terry Cohen are out to get him. After multiple readings and a little bit of research we are unable to find little in the article which is true. However, the intent was clear - to intimidate those that are critical of Webster and other Barrie Tilghman lackeys who have helped quicken the decline of a once great city.

"I did not write by myself or with anyone else a six page document" said councilwoman Debbie Campbell. Debbie went on to say, "I did not write a complaint with Terry Cohen."

When asked why the Daily Times would print a page one article based on nothing more than rumor, Managing Editor Erick Sahler hangs his hat on Webster's statement:

"I have seen the document, but I can't comment its contents," Webster said late Thursday. "I will be responding in the near future."

According to Sahler, Webster is a credible source. Ironically, Laura D'Alessandro's article refers to an attempt to dismiss Webster in 2002. Two members of that city council were Von Siggers and Rachel Polk. It should be noted that Webster's statements to the Daily Times regarding the now infamous Rachel Polk - Casey Tilghman "rumble in the parking lot" were contradicted by multiple eye witnesses. In addition, Webster made false statements in his lawsuit against SbyNEWS publisher Joe Albero. We should also remember that Webster believes that his reputation is worth only $9,999. Doesn't sound very credible to me.

According to Sahler:

We print what people tell us. We print the truth.

Where did Sahler go to school? While certainly not mutually exclusive, what people say and the truth are not NECESSARILY the same thing. Ten years of Mayor Barrie Tilghman provides ample evidence of this fact. Of course, the Daily Times treated almost every word emanating from Tilghman as if it were a nugget from heaven. As for the Daily Times printing the truth, one need only review countless "Media Monday" posts at Delmarva Dealings.

The people of Salisbury deserve better. They deserve a better police chief. They deserve a better newspaper.

READ MORE

This article was posted under the name of G. A. Harrison but was co-authored by G. A. Harrison and SbyNEWS publisher Joe Albero.

City Of Fruitland Newsletter

NEWSLETTER
7/10/2009


CITY HALL

The Fruitland City Council will meet in regular session on Tuesday, July 14, 2009 at 7:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers. The usual staff meeting will be held in the conference room at 7:00 p.m. to review the agenda with Council members. A draft copy of the agenda is enclosed for Council members review. The minutes of the June 9 meeting will be distributed when available.

The next meeting of the Lower Eastern Shore Mayors’ Association will be hosted by the Town of Berlin on Thursday, July 16, 2009 on Thursday, July 16, 2009 at the Hotel Atlantic. Any City Council member wishing to attend should let me know by Monday, July 13.

RECREATION COMMISSION

There will be no Recreation Commission meeting this month.

PUBLIC UTILITIES

Major construction work has been completed on the Salisbury-Fruitland water distribution system inter connect project.

Field service staff repaired a defective water service line beneath 103 Williams Ave.

Staff completed exterior painting of the “Texas Roadhouse” pump station and ground clearing of the Clyde Ave - Covered Bridge Lane utility right of way.

Congratulations to Dominic Dilegge at the WWTP for his successful completion of the Class 5 MDE.

The bid opening for the Infiltration and Inflow Reduction project for our sanitary sewer collection system took place on Tuesday, July 7. This project is fueled by grant funds and is the second phase of this infiltration and inflow work. Bid details and award recommendation shall be presented at the Tuesday, July 14 City Council meeting.

OTHER

Birthday wishes are extended to City Clerk Diane Nelson (July 16). May you have many more.

ON THIS DAY IN HISTORY

The year was 1925. In Dayton, Tennessee the so-called “Monkey Trial” begins with John Thomas Scopes, a high school science teacher teaching evolution in violation of Tennessee law. The law made it a misdemeanor to teach any theory that denies the story of Devine Creation. Scopes was found guilty.

Family Tree Of Vincent Van Gogh:

His dizzy aunt ----------------------------------------------- Verti Gogh
The brother who ate prunes------------------------------- Gotta Gogh
The brother who worked at a convenience store ------ Stop N Gogh
The grandfather from Yugoslavia ----------------------------- U Gogh
His magician uncle -------------------------------- Where-diddy Gogh
His Mexican cousin ---------------------------------------- A Mee Gogh
The Mexican cousin's American half-brother ------------ Gring Gogh
The nephew who drove a stage coach --------------- Wells-far Gogh
The constipated uncle ------------------------------------- Can't Gogh
The ballroom dancing aunt -------------------------------- Tang Gogh
The bird lover uncle -------------------------------------- Flamin Gogh
The fruit-loving cousin -------------------------------------- Man Gogh
An aunt who taught positive thinking ------------------ Way-to-Gogh
The little bouncy nephew ----------------------------------- Poe Gogh
A sister who loved disco -------------------------------------- Go Gogh
And his niece who travels the country in an RV --- Winnie Bay Gogh

I saw you smiling . . . there ya Gogh!

TRAFFIC ALERT

Surface Treatment Will Require Daytime Lane Restrictions for Ten Sussex County Roads

Georgetown -- The Department of Transportation (DelDOT) announces that DelDOT's maintenance crews will do surface treatment repairs, commonly known as "tar and chip", for the following roads throughout Sussex County:

* Downs Road from Wilson Road to East Redden Road
* Savannah Road from Wilson Road to Downs Road
* Neptune Road from Gravel Hill Road to Sand Hill Road
* Josephs Road from Route 9 to Log Cabin Hill Road
* Round Pole Bridge Road from Cave Neck Road to Hudson Road
* Oyster Rocks Road from Route 1 to east end
* Hudson Road from Route 1 to end
* Williams Farm Road from Union Street Extension to Reynolds Road
* Holly Tree Road from Route 16 to Reynolds Pond Road
* Holly Tree Road from Hummingbird Road to Flea Town Road

The surface work operations will begin on Monday, July 13 and will end on Friday, July 24, weather permitting. The lane restrictions will be from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Hollywood Squares

These great questions and answers are from the days when ' Hollywood Squares' game show responses were spontaneous, not scripted, as they are now. Peter Marshall was the host asking the questions, of course..

Q.. Paul, what is a good reason for pounding meat?

A. Paul Lynde: Loneliness!

Q. Do female frogs croak?

A. Paul Lynde: If you hold their little heads under water long enough.

Q. If you're going to make a parachute jump, at least how high should you be?

A. Charley Weaver: Three days of steady drinking should do it.

Q. True or False, a pea can last as long as 5,000 years.

A. George Gobel: Boy, it sure seems that way sometimes.

Q. You've been having trouble going to sleep. Are you probably a man or a woman?

A. Don Knotts: That's what's been keeping me awake.

Q. According to Cosmopolitan, if you meet a stranger at a party and you think that he is attractive, is it okay to come out and ask him if he's married?

A.. Rose Marie: No wait until morning.

Q. Which of your five senses tends to diminish as you get older?

A. Charley Weaver: My sense of decency..

Q. In Hawaiian, does it take more than three words to say 'I Love You'?

A. Vincent Price: No, you can say it with a pineapple and a twenty..

Q. What are 'Do It,' 'I Can Help,' and 'I Can't Get Enough'?

A. George Gobel: I don't know, but it's coming from the next apartment.

Q. As you grow older, do you tend to gesture more or less with your hands while talking?

A. Rose Marie: You ask me one more growing old question Peter, and I'll give you a gesture you'll never forget.

Q. Paul, why do Hell's Angels wear leather?

A. Paul Lynde: Because chiffon wrinkles too easily.

Q. Charley, you've just decided to grow strawberries. Are you going to get any during the first year?

A. Charley Weaver: Of course not, I'm too busy growing strawberries.

Q. In bowling, what's a perfect score?

A. Rose Marie: Ralph, the pin boy.

Q. It is considered in bad taste to discuss two subjects at nudist camps. One is politics, what is the other?

A. Paul Lynde: Tape measures.

Q. During a tornado, are you safer in the bedroom or in the closet?

A. Rose Marie: Unfortunately Peter, I'm always safe in the bedroom.

Q. Can boys join the Camp Fire Girls?

A. Marty Allen: Only after lights out.

Q. When you pat a dog on its head he will wag his tail. What will a goose do?

A. Paul Lynde: Make him bark?

Q. If you were pregnant for two years, what would you give birth to?

A. Paul Lynde: Whatever it is, it would never be afraid of the dark.

Q. According to Ann Landers, is there anything wrong with getting into the habit of kissing a lot of people?

A. Charley Weaver: It got me out of the army.

Q. It is the most abused and neglected part of your body, what is it?

A. Paul Lynde: Mine may be abused, but it certainly isn't neglected.

Q. Back in the old days, when Great Grandpa put horseradish on his head, what was he trying to do?

A. George Gobel: Get it in his mouth.

Q. Who stays pregnant for a longer period of time, your wife or your elephant?

A. Paul Lynde: Who told you about my elephant?

Q. When a couple have a baby, who is responsible for its sex?

A. Charley Weaver: I'll lend him the car, the rest is up to him

Q. Jackie Gleason recently revealed that he firmly believes in them and has actually seen them on at least two occasions. What are they?

A. Charley Weaver: His feet.

Q. According to Ann Landers, what are two things you should never do in bed?

A. Paul Lynde: Point and laugh