Fireworks At The Salisbury City Council

It was the most mundane of meetings, approving stimulus money and grants for this and that project.

The usual cast of characters were there. I just came to observe, and as fate would have it, right before I drifted off during the public comments, I was jarred by the place erupting. A lady who was a victim of a violent crime in a home invasion, had been brutally beaten and had come in front of the council many times before to speak about her concerns about crime and gangs in Salisbury. I won't mince words here. The council knows exactly who she is.

She came to the the podium to speak about the increasing crime problems in the city of Salisbury and related issues about Chief Webster. Understandably she didn't want to give her name and address to be broadcast on the cable channel (PAC 14) So she told Louise Smith, "You know who I am and where I live."

For the record, the council requires citizens to record this information on a sign in sheet if they wish to speak during public comments.

I was astounded at Mrs. Louise Smith (R) indignation. She had complete contempt for the woman and stood up and shut the meeting down because the lady wanted some privacy. Louise admonished her and before I knew it, as the woman continued to speak, the council members started standing up and the constituent was told the meeting was over and she could no longer speak. You really need to double click on this picture up close to see what's going on. This is Mrs. Smith Standing up and closing down the meeting and Salisbury Police Officer telling the lady she has to leave.

Then Jim Ireton (D) came out from behind the desk and berated her as well, telling her she couldn't bring "that kind of drama to the council. I'll say this in front of everyone" He did later spend a few minutes talking to her about her concerns in the hallway and seemed to take a different stance from my perspective.

I really couldn't believe what was happening before my eyes. A citizen was shut down and intimidated by our paid official.

Source

Really Louise? Really?!

TEXAS HOLD-EM FUNDRAISER

Proceeds to Benefit
Eastern Shore Soccer Club
U17 Travel Boys Team

Saturday, September 26th, 2009
Satellite Games Start: 4:PM
Tournament Start Time: 6PM

$150 Buy-In, $5000 IN CHIPS
$100 Goes to the Jackpot
DEALERS PROVIDED
$15,000 in Cash Prizes*
Food Available, Cash Bar
Chinese Auction, Cash Games

Location: Fountains Main Hall
RT. 50 Salisbury, Maryland

Contact to Pre-Register:
Harry Anderson 443-373-1743
Herb Dulin 302-670-8427

* Jackpot estimated at the sale of 150 Tickets

Michael Jackson's Death Ruled A Homicide

L.A. Coroner's Finding Makes it More Likely Criminal Charges will be Filed Against King of Pop's Doctor

(CBS/ AP) A law enforcement official tells The Associated Press that the Los Angeles County coroner has ruled Michael Jackson's death a homicide.

The finding makes it more likely criminal charges will be filed against the doctor who was with the pop star when he died.

The official says the coroner determined a fatal combination of drugs was given to Jackson hours before he died in his rented Los Angeles mansion on June 25. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because the findings have not been publicly released.

Forensic tests found the powerful anesthetic propofol in Jackson's system along with two sedatives, the official says.

Dr. Conrad Murray, Jackson's personal physician, is the target of a manslaughter probe headed by Los Angeles police.

A search warrant affidavit unsealed Monday allowed officials to raid the Houston offices and storage facility of Dr. Murray last month.

It says Murray told a Los Angeles police officer he administered several drugs to Jackson the day he died, including 25 milligrams of the sedative, which he gave intravenously.

The affidavit says Murray never ordered, purchased or received any of the propofol but that the doctor found about eight bottles of it in Jackson's home along with numerous other vials and pills.

GO HERE to read more.

Two Found Dead In New Castle Co. Home

MARSHALLTON, Del. - August 24, 2009 (WPVI) -- Two people have been found dead inside a home in New Castle County.

The discovery was made in a home in the 3000 block of Orchard Road in Marshallton, Delaware.

There is no word yet on the identities of those found, or how they died.

Source.

Wicomico County Sheriff's Office Press Releases

Incident: Burglary
Date of Incident: 20 August 2009
Location: 800 block of Booth Street, Salisbury, MD
Suspect:
1. Franky N. Fontanez, 38, Salisbury, MD
2. Maria Rivera, 19, Salisbury, MD

Narrative: On 20 August 2009 at 11:37 PM, a deputy from the Wicomico Sheriff’s Office investigated a reported burglary to a vacant apartment in the 800 block of Booth Street. Upon the arrival of the deputy, an individual later identified as Franky Fontanez was discovered inside the vacant apartment. Further investigation revealed a female, Maria Rivera, in the curtilage of the property that was positively identified as being inside the apartment with Fontanez. Upon examining the lock on the door, it appeared that the mechanism had been unassembled, allowing Fontanez and Rivera unhindered access to the apartment.

The deputy arrested both Fontanez and Rivera and transported both to the Central Booking Unit where they were processed and taken in front of the District Court Commissioner. After their initial appearances, the Commissioner released both on Personal Recognizance.

Charges: Burglary 4th Degree

Incident: Endanger welfare of a child
Date of Incident: 22 August 2009
Location: 800 block of Booth Street, Salisbury, MD
Suspect: Wilkely NMN Garcia, 25, Salisbury, MD

Narrative: On 22 August 2009 at 9:14 AM, a deputy from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office responded to the 800 block of Booth St in reference to a report of a small child wandering in the street. Upon the arrival, the deputy located a three year old child that the deputy estimated had been wandering in a common area outside adjacent to the roadway for approximately 30 minutes. The mother of the child, Wilkely Garcia, was located inside her residence, unaware that her child had wandered out.

The deputy placed Garcia under arrest for Endangering the Welfare of a child and Reckless Endangerment. Garcia was transported to the Central Booking Unit where she was processed and taken in front of the District Court Commissioner. After an initial appearance, Garcia was released by the Commissioner on Personal Recognizance.

Charges:
Endangering the Welfare of a Child
Reckless Endangerment

Incident: Violation of a Protective order
Date of Incident: 19 August 2009
Location: 200 block of Pine Way, Salisbury, MD
Suspect: Janice L. Benny, 49, Salisbury, MD

Narrative: On 19 August 2009 at 9:11 AM, a deputy from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office responded to a residence in the 200 block of Pine Way in reference to a complaint of a Violation of a Protective Order. Upon arrival, the deputy met with the resident who stated that Janice Benny was inside the residence in Violation of a Protective Order served earlier in the week and that Benny refused to leave. The deputy went inside and observed Benny sitting on the sofa. Upon verifying that the Protective Order was valid and still in effect, the deputy placed Benny under arrest.

The deputy transported Benny to the Central Booking Unit where she was processed and taken in front of the District Court Commissioner. After an initial appearance, Benny was released by the Commissioner on Personal Recognizance.

Charges: Violation of a protective order

PUBLIC NOTICE

A meeting of the Benefits for Elected Officials Evaluation Committee has been scheduled for Tuesday, September 1, 2009.

The meeting will be held at 5:00 p.m. in Conference Room 306 of the Government Office Building (125 N. Division Street).

Citizens of Salisbury Still Live In Fear of Retaliation

Reading comments submitted by many in and out of city limits it is clear, the citizens and business owners are still living in fear of retaliation from the Salisbury Police Department and other offices in the city administration. Everyone wants to speak out as long as they can remain anonymous.

Since the election of Barrie Tilghman, fear and the reality of losing jobs and homes became very real. Many have been forced out of Salisbury Police Department, some were fired, some resigned, many simply moved on to get away from it. Police officers, firemen, citizens and business owners, run out of jobs, homes and business because the mayor and her administration retaliated against them. When you have the resources of the police department, code and compliance, building inspectors at your disposal you have the ability to destroy. Destruction is exactly what Barrie Tilghman and her administration accomplished over her 12 year reign of terror. This is her legacy.

Department heads didn't dare buck up against her for fear of losing their jobs. Everyone saw what happened to Coulbourne Dykes when she realized she could not control him. If she could rid herself of a man of character, such as Coulbourne Dykes, they knew it could and would, happen to them. They chose to acquiesce.

Here we are, four months after she is gone from office, the fear she left behind is still prevalent. People are still afraid to speak out, having the same fears as those that suffered her wrath.

In 2001 and 2002 police department personnel knew they could not trust the administration at SPD so they lodged their complaints with the mayor and council, people they should have been able to trust to help resolve the issues. They soon found, they could not. The message was heard loud and clear that Barrie Tilghman would do whatever it took to cover for Chief Webster, including vetoing an ordinance that would allow the council to substantiate complaints lodged against him. Rather than stand by and support those coming forth, she turned on them like a rabid dog.

I don't fault any of the road patrol officers at SPD for anything. In fact, I am rather frustrated knowing they have no recourse, to this day. Who can they confide in, with the expectation of something being done? They can't go to the third floor of SPD. They can't go to the City Council with the majority we presently have representing us. Shanie sent documents to Webster in the past, what is to stop her from doing it again? What is to stop Gary and Louise from turning against them as they have when they voted down increases for them in the budget? Who can they trust? The appearance of indecision in the mayors office has not instilled confidence in anyone. So who can anyone, whether they be city employees or citizens, trust to rectify a situation?

This city is still under siege. Now would be the time to hang your city flags upside down.

Court: Del. Sports Betting Illegal

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - August 24, 2009 -- A federal appeals court has ruled that Delaware's sports betting plan violates the law.

The court has ruled that the state's proposed sports betting lottery, which would include single-game bets, violates a 1992 federal ban on sports wagering.

The decision came after the court heard almost two hours of argument from attorneys for the state and for professional sports leagues and the NCAA.

The leagues were challenging the denial of an injunction that would have prevented the betting from beginning next month. Attorneys for Delaware argued that the leagues had not met the requirements for an injunction.

GO HERE to read more.

Grilled Coyote???

Joe Gibbs Racing driver Brad Coleman was testing a Gibbs NASCAR Sprint Cup Series car at Toyota Arizona Proving Grounds earlier this week and came onto the radio and told his crew something rather unusual.

"Guys, I hit a coyote," Coleman said.

Coleman was running close to 200 mph around the 10-mile test track when he saw the animal wander under the outside guardrail.

"I'm in the middle of the corner, and I'm doing like 190," Coleman said Friday at Nashville Superspeedway before practicing his Nationwide Series car. "I'm just cruising. You run the high line there, because that's where the most banking is. It's the high-speed lane. There's just a guardrail there like on the freeway.

"I see this thing, it must've been 100 feet in front of me, just jump out. Right when I saw it come out from under the guardrail, I was like, 'That's a coyote.'"

"It just started smoking like crazy," Coleman said. "And it smelled terrible. I didn't see anything in the mirror, so I was like, 'I wonder where it went?' I said, 'Guys, I hit a coyote. I'm going to come in because I think it screwed up the radiator. I think it clogged up the grille a little bit.'"

Salisbury Police Department Press Releases

On August 20, 2009 at approximately 11:40 am, Officers of the Salisbury Police were on routine patrol in the area of E. Church St. and Naylor St. and heard what sounded like gunshots in the same area. The officers responded to locate the source of the gunfire and observed the below listed suspect. When the suspect observed the officers the suspect fled from the area. The officers pursued the suspect and during the pursuit observed the suspect discard several items. These items were recovered and found to be a quantity of suspected “crack”/cocaine. The officers also located a firearm that had been discarded in the suspect’s flight path. Criminal charges for the recovered firearm are pending.

ARRESTED: Juvenile, 17 years of age Salisbury, Maryland

CHARGES:
Possession of cocaine with intent to distribute
Possession of cocaine
Possession of CDS/paraphernalia
Trespassing

DISPOSITION: Released to Juvenile Detention CC # 200900029360

On August 21, 2009 at approximately 5:42 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police received a call to respond to the Rugged Warehouse Store on North Salisbury Boulevard for the report of three (3) shoplifters. Upon arrival the officers met with store employees who advised that the below listed suspects had been observed taking merchandise from the store without making payment. The property was recovered and returned to the store.

ARRESTED #1: Juvenile, 16 years of age Salisbury, Maryland

ARRESTED #2: Juvenile, 17 years of age Salisbury, Maryland

ARRESTED #3: Nicole Lashe Johnson, 18 years of age Salisbury, Maryland

CHARGES (all): Theft (under $ 100)

DISPOSITION:
Suspect # 3 was released to Central Booking
Suspects # 1 and # 2 were released to parents
CC # 200900029436

On August 23, 2009 at approximately 12:58 am, Officers of the Salisbury Police Department observed the below listed suspect trespassing on posted property in the area of Railroad Avenue. The suspect was also in possession of an open container of alcohol. As the officers approached the suspect, the suspect attempted to discard an item which was recovered and found to be a quantity of suspected ”crack”/cocaine.

ARRESTED: April Nadine Powell, 33 years of age Salisbury, Maryland

CHARGES:
Possession of cocaine
Possession of CDS/paraphernalia
Trespassing
Open container of alcohol

DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking CC # 200900029604

On August 24, 2009 at approximately 2:12 am, Officers of the Salisbury Police met with the below listed suspect who reported the theft of her motor vehicle. A short time later, officers located the vehicle and an investigation revealed that the suspect had loaned the vehicle to a subject prior to reporting the vehicle stolen.

ARRESTED: Denise Carolyn Carter, 41 years of age Salisbury, Maryland

CHARGES:
False statement to a police officer
Obstructing and hindering an investigation

DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking CC # 200900029700

Republicans Have Offered Three Alternative Health Care Reform Bills

President Barack Obama and Democrats in Congress -- while pushing their own health care overhauls -- have criticized Republicans as offering only opposition and no ideas for reform, but the GOP, despite the lack of media attention, has introduced three health care bills.

The three Republican bills total almost 400 pages and have been on the table since May and June.

In May, Republicans in the House and the Senate formed a bicameral coalition to produce the 130-page “Patients Choice Act of 2009.”In June, Sen. Jim DeMint (R-S.C.) introduced the “Health Care Freedom Plan,” a 41-page proposal.

And in July, the Republican Study Committee, under the leadership of Rep. Tom Price (R-Ga.), unveiled the “Empowering Patients First Act,” a 130-page plan.

Some of the provisions included in one or more of the bills include: investing in preventive medicine, an overhaul of Medicaid, reduction of abuse and fraud in the Medicare program, supplemental health insurance for low-income families, tax credits for health insurance, and a ban on federal funds being used for abortions.

However, supporters of the Democratic plans have accused Republicans of trying to derail attempts at reforming health care without having a plan of their own.

“There is no Republican health care plan out there,” Rep. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) told Talk Radio News Service on July 31 about what he called the Republican-backed “misinformation campaign” that is slowing health care reform..

Read more here..

Child Found Wandering Along A Busy State Highway

Location: Rt 896, 2000 block of South College Ave, Newark, New Castle, DE

Date of Occurrence: August 24, 2009 at 1030 a.m.

State police are investigating how a 3 year-old boy wandered away from his daycare and ended up on a busy New Castle County highway.

Troopers were called to the area of Rt 896 near Four Seasons Parkway this morning when passing motorists found a child walking along the highway. Troopers were able to determine that the child had wandered away from a daycare located in the area.

The child was unharmed and was returned to the facility.

State police are continuing the investigation.

Cherrystone Campground Just Isn't What It Used To Be

Back in the mid 1980's when I purchased my first Motor Home, Campgrounds with full hook up used to cost $10.00 to $15.00 a night. It encourages people to invest into Motor Homes, Trailer Campers, Pop Up Tents and good clean Family fun.

Today, times have changed quite a bit, especially in the past year. Campgrounds are increasing their rates aren't really doing a whole lot to offer more for the money. Take Cherrystone Campground for instance. Cherrystone seems to be one of the most popular retreats locally and for years we have enjoyed staying there.

However, their rates are now $75.00 per night and God Forbid you have friends stop in, they now charge $15.00 per person to visit and $5.00 for their car. While this seems outrageous, they also advertise their new Lazy River, (pictured in the third photo) and I don't care who you are, that's a river??? It was closed this past weekend and everyone was complaining.

Their rates to rent a Golf Cart are also outrageous. It seems as if Campgrounds are becoming a place only the rich can afford. For many, just getting there cost a small fortune in gas and by the time you get finished and head home you've blown hundreds of dollars on games, 3 wheel bicycles, golf carts, the list goes on and on.

To charge what a Hotel would charge per night just doesn't sit very well with many of the people I spoke with and every single one of them stated they wouldn't be returning next year.

Two years ago we drove to Disney World and spent six nights in Fort Wilderness, one of the finest Campgrounds I have ever experienced. If you're not aware, Fort Wilderness is its own Theme Park in Disney World, offering all kinds of entertainment for children.

While we stayed there, the entire five day adventure in Disney World cost us a whole $1,200.00 for three. It even included cable TV, one meal per day and passes to all of the Disney Parks. I believe the charge to actually stay in Fort Wilderness was only $55.00 per night. Perhaps now you can see the irony of a place like Cherrystone charging $75.00 per night. Granted, it's local but there are hundreds of Campgrounds within a days drive that are much less.

As you can see from the first picture, Cherrystone wasn't hurting for business but like I said earlier, many stated they wouldn't be returning. All that being said, what other Campgrounds, (should you enjoy camping) do you enjoy? What amenities do you enjoy when you go camping. Fishing, crabbing, clamming, hiking, biking, scenery, lakes, bays, ocean, shopping, theme parks and other activities.

Golf Course Groundskeeper Unearths 10-Pound Mammoth's Tooth

SARANAC -- Patrick Walker, a groundskeeper at Morrison Lake Country Club, says he's glad he paid attention in high school science classes.

That's how he knew he was probably looking at the tooth of a 10,000-year-old mammoth while grooming the course last week.

"Mr. (Douglas) Schmuck always told us to keep your eyes open, you never know what you'll find," said Walker, a 2009 graduate of Lakewood High School. "He's into archaeology and taught us about that kind of good stuff."

GO HERE to read more and view pictures.

Is Salisbury Police Chief Allan Webster Teflon Coated?

For the second time since the hiring of Salisbury police chief, Allan Webster, complaints have been lodged against him, potentially serious enough to request his resignation or terminate his service with the city. For the second time since his employment, under two very different mayors, he escapes termination. Both times complaints were filed with the expectation of anonymity, for fear of retaliation, for which the city has become known. Both times anonymity has been breached.

Comparing the events of 2002 to the most recent events of 2009 it would appear Chief Webster has an established modus operandi. Upon reading all the information gathered you will see a pattern develop. If I had the time I would research further to see if Chief threatened his former employers with the same senseless, baseless lawsuits, which he never wins.

My intention was to put this out with complete articles from the various media outlets and official city documents. Rather than post extensive documentation I’m going to keep it as short and sweet as possible. There is enough here for anyone to come to a rational conclusion. The chief of police must be replaced, it’s that simple.

July 2002 after receiving complaints from city police department employees and citizens, the city council made a formal request to fire Allan Webster. Later in the fall of the same year more complaints were filed against the chief of police. The council hired an attorney, Steve Bers, because Paul Wilber could not represent the city while investigating one of its department heads. Probably the only time a conflict of interest was realized. The council spent a considerable amount of money investigating the complaints filed.

Ordinance 1862 was passed on October 28, 2002 by a 4-1 vote with Michael Day abstaining. This ordinance could force Chief Webster to hand over personnel records to the council. Chief Webster wasn’t having any of that, he enlisted the aid of the FOP to file suit against the city to prevent the council from having access to personnel files. Specific information in these files would have provided answers to the questions councilmember’s had regarding the complaints filed by police department employees. Of course, Barrie Tilghman maintained Webster had done nothing wrong and the council had no reason to suspect he had. Tilghman also vetoed the ordinance.

Chief Webster and Barrie Tilghman are not very good at the “I didn’t know” game; it just doesn’t work for them. Proof the “I don’t know anything” doesn’t work for them. …“the complaints were not new to Administration since conversations were held with Mayor Tilghman and Chief Webster well over a year ago. When the investigation began, every attempt the Council made to secure information was blocked. There were specific files the attorney needed to review to substantiate information and a few police officers to interview, but this did not occur” City Council Meeting dated October 28, 2002 Special Session
Oops, pesky things like official records tend to get in the way.

Next thing you know, sometime in November 2002, heres Chief Webster, doing what he always does, threatening the City Council with a lawsuit if they don’t turn over tapes from a July 8th closed session meeting. Chief Webster filed a formal request for these tapes and wouldn’t you know it, the one page letter just happened to be obtained by the Tilghman Times.

January 2003 after much media manipulation and the usual Barrie temper tantrums thrown around town C.T. Webster caves in, as does Joe Scott. In the presence of the city solicitor, Mayor Barrie Tilghman, and three of the council members, Michael Day, Joe Scott and C.T. Webster sign an agreement with Chief Webster. Rachel Polk and Von Siggers refused to sign due to unresolved issues. The agreement called for the city to pay the chief's legal bills and it allows Webster to become a city employee when his contract expires in July 2003. In return, Webster has agreed not to sue the city for any action taken against him prior to January 10, 2003. Webster sued the city for $400,000 but settled for $9,999.00 which came out of the city budget.

January 24, 2003 Chief Webster files a civil suit against Rachel Polk for defamation. Chief Webster claimed that Rachel Polk distributed an anonymous letter that contained defamatory statements she knew to be false. His case was thrown out of court. Dismissed with prejudice.

The anonymous letter he claims as defamatory is the same anonymous letter sent to the council with complaints about Chief Webster and some issues with the Weed and Seed Fund. Shanie Shields was the West Side coordinator for the program at the time. Shanie was asked to investigate when the first round of complaints came in. Later more complaints were sent to the council, in an anonymous letter from a police officer. Shanie was contacted again, to see if she had uncovered anything, she was also sent a copy of the letter. Instead of replying to the council with her findings, Shanie sent the anonymous letter to Chief Webster. This was the basis of his lawsuit against Rachel Polk.

Fast Forward to 2007

Webster files a civil suit against Joe Albero for defamation. Once again, he sues and loses. He sued Albero for $9,999.00. He never made it to court with Albero. In the final hours before they were to appear in court Webster’s attorney, Jesse Hammock was pleading with Albero’s attorney, Bruce Bright to come to an agreement. Joe told his lawyer there would be no monetary settlement, none whatsoever. Not a dime, not a penny, zip, zilch, nada. Had Webster pushed for money he would have had his day in court with Albero and ended up, once again losing. Whatever the agreement was, it must be embarrassing for the chief because he had it stipulated the terms of the agreement were to be kept quiet. Joe would have told it all if he were able, we all know this to be true.

Now here we are in 2009

Chief Webster does as always, runs to the Tilghman Times and spins out a story claiming to know nothing about what is in the documents. Once again, documents of a confidential nature are leaked to the Daily Times. Once again, Chief Webster asks the council to pay his legal fees.

Are you seeing the pattern yet? This is Chief Webster’s M.O.; he gets caught then uses the Daily Times to spin the truth into something that doesn’t even remotely resemble the truth, in an effort to make it look like everyone is out to get him. Somehow the Daily Times always manages to obtain documents.

If he had handled his business in a professional manner, if he was performing his duties as a department head should, if he would answer truthfully to the council, he wouldn’t be on the carpet.

Sources: WMDT, WBOC, Daily Times, Salisbury City Council Meeting Minutes

Originally Posted on 8-23-09 at 9:05 AM.

State Troopers Present Newly Acquired Motor Cycles To Levy Court Commissioners

On August 25, 2009 the troop commander of Troop 3 will make a formal presentation to the commissioners of Kent County Levy Court of two new motorcycles that were obtained from a grant sponsored by the court.

The grant not only covered the purchase of the motorcycles but the equipment used by the troopers to effectively enforce the traffic laws in Kent County.

At 6 p.m. Capt Robert Hawkins will present the motorcycles to the Court Commissioners for inspection. Capt Hawkins will also introduce the three troopers who will be assigned to the unit. Two of the troopers have recently completed a rigorous training course in Maryland and are now certified to operate the cycles under hazardous conditions.

During the Levy Court meeting the Commissioners will also present Mr. Corey Berry of Woodland Manor Trailer Park with a Valor Award for his heroic efforts while assisting state troopers in apprehending a combative felon earlier this year.

CDC Set To Urge Circumcision For All Baby Boys?

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

NBC’s chief medical editor, Dr. Nancy Snyderman, discusses a potential recommendation that all baby boys born in the U.S. be circumcised.

Marine Veteran Takes On Congressman At Town Hall Meeting

I put this back up top because I really think ALL of you should see it for yourself.

Healthcare Insurers Get Upper Hand

Obama's overhaul fight is being won by the industry, experts say. The end result may be a financial 'bonanza.'

Reporting from Washington - Lashed by liberals and threatened with more government regulation, the insurance industry nevertheless rallied its lobbying and grass-roots resources so successfully in the early stages of the healthcare overhaul deliberations that it is poised to reap a financial windfall.

The half-dozen leading overhaul proposals circulating in Congress would require all citizens to have health insurance, which would guarantee insurers tens of millions of new customers -- many of whom would get government subsidies to help pay the companies' premiums.

"It's a bonanza," said Robert Laszewski, a health insurance executive for 20 years who now tracks reform legislation as president of the consulting firm Health Policy and Strategy Associates Inc.

Some insurance company leaders continue to profess concern about the unpredictable course of President Obama's massive healthcare initiative, and they vigorously oppose elements of his agenda. But Laszewski said the industry's reaction to early negotiations boiled down to a single word: "Hallelujah!"

GO HERE to read more from the Los Angeles Times.

It Just Doesn't Make Sense?

Along Business Rt. 50 there are two gas stations almost side by side, (one business separates the two). Gordy Tiger Mart and 7-11 across the street from them was selling gas for $2.43 per gallon, (regular unleaded). However, the former Citgo, now a no name brand was selling gas for $2.64 a gallon, $ .21 cents per gallon more?

Another gas station near the new Fire Station was also selling gas for around the same price as the old Citgo.

For $ .21 cents per gallon difference, even I would have been filling up at a Gordy Tiger Mart. Well, maybe not but I'd think twice about it.

Last year at this time gas was selling for $3.36 a gallon.

One Year Ago Today

Democrats gathered for their Annual Crab Feast in Salisbury.

Bernie Tells Inmates, "I'm Dying"

Madoff, 71, Claims He Has Cancer; Befriends Native American, Homosexual Inmates, New York Post Reports

(CBS) Just a couple months into his lifetime prison sentence, Bernie Madoff is apparently making friends, and confessions.

The New York Post reports that the disgraced investor who duped clients out of billions with his Ponzi scheme claims he is dying of cancer.

"He's been taking about 20 pills a day for his cancer," one inmate tells the Post. "He talks about it all the time. He's not doing very well."

Madoff has also participated in sweat lodge ceremonies with Native American inmates, the Post reports, in an effort to detoxify his body. He has also forged bonds with homosexual inmates, the newspaper reports.

GO HERE to read more.

Storm's Waves Sweep Girl To Her Death Off Maine

Coast Guard saves others after crowds gathered to watch crashing waves

PORTLAND, Maine - Waves from Hurricane Bill killed a 7-year-old girl in Maine after she, her father and a 12-year-old girl were among those swept into the water Sunday off Acadia National Park's Thunder Hole, where tourists often gather to watch waves crash into a crevasse and make a thundering sound while splashing high in the air.

The U.S. Coast Guard reported that the waves swept over 20 people. Chief Ranger Stuart West said 11 people were taken to the hospital, mainly for broken bones after being slammed onto the rocks.

"The case presented many risks which were mitigated with expert training of our crews, state of the art equipment, and time proven practices. While we saved two lives, we are heartbroken that the life of a young girl was lost," said Captain James McPherson, Sector Commander of Sector Northern New England.

GO HERE to read more.

YES

To my 'selected' strange-minded friends:

Only great minds can read this

This is weird, but interesting!

fi yuo cna raed tihs, yuo hvae a sgtrane mnid too

Cna yuo raed tihs? Olny 55 plepoe out of 100 can.

i cdnuolt blveiee taht I cluod aulaclty uesdnatnrd waht I was rdanieg. The phaonmneal pweor of the hmuan mnid, aoccdrnig to a rscheearch at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it dseno't mtaetr in waht oerdr the ltteres in a wrod are, the olny iproamtnt tihng is taht the frsit and lsat ltteer be in the rghit pclae. The rset can be a taotl mses and you can sitll raed it whotuit a pboerlm. Tihs is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef, but the wrod as a wlohe. Azanmig huh? yaeh and I awlyas tghuhot slpeling was ipmorantt!

Meeting Notice:

Tuesday August 25, 2009

6:30 PM

Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore

Belmont Avenue, Salisbury

Kara's Wish Comes True

One little girl battling bone cancer was able to leave her troubles behind and experience the magic of Disney. Kara Adams went to the "Happiest Place on Earth" for one week.

"It was everybody's first trip there. First time flying for the kids, but it was just an awesome experience," said Kara's mother Crystal Lee.

For Kara's mom, her recent to trip to Walt Disney World was one of a lifetime. Crystal and her little girl spent seven days in complete paradise thanks to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

"She got all her pictures taken with the characters . . . She was actually able to go swimming. Kara has not been able to swim all summer due to her treatments and her lines that she has," said Crystal. "Nobody wanted to come home. It went by fast when you were there. You didn't even think about anything. Just out there to have fun and then when you come home, reality hits."

And the reality is, this little girl is battling cancer at the tender age of 11. She was diagnosed with osteosarcoma and has been undergoing numerous chemotherapy treatments. Her mom says leaving behind doctor's phone calls and escaping medical worries truly did make Disney World the "Happiest Place on Earth" - a place where her only concern was making memories for years to come.

"Just to see her smile and have a good time with the family was great. If I could do it all over again I would," said Crystal.
Kara's mother has quit her job, so she can care for her daughter around the clock. Kara's next treatment is scheduled for Wednesday. She will head to Johns Hopkins Hospital for blood work.

Kara's mother had to quit her job so she could care for her daughter around the clock. To help with the family's medical and travel expenses, the Fraternal Order of Eagles held a spaghetti dinner fundraiser Saturday. They raised more than $3,500. If you would like to help, you can make a donation to the Kara Adams Fund.

Just send a check to:
The Bank of Willards.
7484 Market Street
Willards, MD 21874

WMDT

MUNICIPAL PARKING LOT BECOMES A PAY-BY-SPACE LOT

The City of Salisbury Municipal Lot 35 (next to Port of Salisbury Marina) has transitioned to a Pay-By-Space lot. Two Pay-By-Space machines are located in the lot. Directions for usage are posted on each machine. MasterCard, Visa, Discover, quarters and $1 dollar bills are all modes of payment for the Pay-By-Space machines. The cost per hour is $0.75, and these machines do not offer change. If using a credit card, the minimum charge is $0.75. Enforcement is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., except holidays.

Currently, the City is educating parkers on the new Pay-By-Space system. Citations will be issued beginning Monday, August 31, 2009.
Questions can be directed to the City Parking Office at 410-548-3190.

Delaware Sports Betting In Court Today

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - August 24, 2009 -- A federal appeals court in Philadelphia will decide whether sports betting in Delaware should be put on hold until a legal challenge by professional sports leagues and the NCAA is decided.

The court will hear arguments Monday over a judge's denial of an injunction that would have stopped betting from beginning next month.

Attorneys for Delaware say the leagues have not met the requirements for an injunction. A trial on whether the betting would violate federal law or the state constitution is to begin in December.

GO HERE to read more.

Reader's Digest Files Prearranged Ch. 11 Papers

Reader's Digest Association Inc. said Monday that it has filed for prearranged Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection as part of its restructuring plan.

The privately held publisher of the popular monthly magazine and dozens of other titles said the filing only affects its U.S. operations.

"We look forward to emerging with a restructured balance sheet and as a financially stronger organization that is positioned to pursue growth and transformational initiatives," President and CEO Mary Berner said in a statement.

The move by the Pleasantville-based company comes after it announced earlier this month that it would file for bankruptcy protection within 30 days and got more than 80 percent of its senior secured lenders on board with the planned Chapter 11 reorganization.

GO HERE to read more.

What LBJ Would Do

Editor's note: President Lyndon B. Johnson secured passage of Medicare, the Voting Rights Act and other milestone legislation. Tom Johnson, who served as one of LBJ's White House press secretaries, is former chief executive of CNN News Group and former publisher of the Los Angeles Times.

(CNN) -- LBJ would:

Have a list of every member of Congress on his desk.

He would be on the telephone with members (and their key staffers) constantly: "Your president really needs your vote on this bill."

He would have a list of every special request every member wanted -- from White House tours to appointments to federal jobs and commissions.

He would make a phone call or have a personal visit with every member -- individually or in a group. Charts, graphs, coffee. They would get the "Johnson Treatment" as nobody else could give it.

He would have a willingness to horse-trade with every member.

He would keep a list of people who support each member financially. A call to each to tell them to get the vote of that representative.

He would have Billy Graham calling Baptists, Cardinal Cushing calling Catholics, Dr. Martin Luther King calling blacks, Henry Gonzales calling Hispanics, Henry Ford and David Rockefeller calling Republicans.

GO HERE to read more.

Phila. Newspaper Bankruptcy Battle Continues Monday

by KYW's Steve Tawa

After backing up the truck last week and filing hefty reorganization plan documents to bring the company that owns the Philadelphia Inquirer and Daily News out of bankruptcy, lawyers in the case will be doing more heavy-lifting this week (see related story).

Newspaper chief executive Brian Tierney is using his www.philly.com web site to launch a "keep it local" campaign, a clear swipe at the out of town creditors he's fighting in court.

The company's reorganization plan -- with a scheduled take-hold date of November 2nd -- would retain local ownership:

"It's an ownership group that would put up enought money that the company would be debt-free."

GO HERE to read more.

Social Security Checks Shrink For Millions

No Cost of Living Adjustment for Next 2 Years, Trustees Say; First Time in Generation Payments Would Decrease

(AP) Millions of older people will face shrinking Social Security checks next year, the first time in a generation that payments would not rise.

The trustees who oversee Social Security are projecting there won't be a cost of living adjustment (COLA) for the next two years. That hasn't happened since automatic increases were adopted in 1975.

By law, Social Security benefits cannot go down. Nevertheless, monthly payments would drop for millions of people in the Medicare prescription drug program because the premiums, which often are deducted from Social Security payments, are scheduled to go up slightly.

"I will promise you, they count on that COLA," said Barbara Kennelly, a former Democratic congresswoman from Connecticut who now heads the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare. "To some people, it might not be a big deal. But to seniors, especially with their health care costs, it is a big deal."

GO HERE to read more.

Without Prospects, They’re Prospectors

COLUMBIA, Calif. - Maybe it was the nail in Ray's head. Maybe it was the economy. His wife said one as much as the other drove the decision to auction off everything that wouldn't fit in the trailer and leave Vermont for the mother lode.

"Thought we'd try to make a living at it," Kim Lague said, standing in a mining camp that was busier during the Great Depression than it was in the Gold Rush of 1849, and is busy once again.

And so, 18 months after a co-worker's pneumatic hammer drove a 2 1/2 -inch stainless-steel nail into Ray Lague's skull -- "the plunger of the gun brushed my hat and discharged" -- the once-thriving contractor took his place among the prospectors lining the steep banks of the South Fork of the Stanislaus River, 40 miles west of Yosemite National Park. The bearded man helping him drag the mining gear into the water was a jobless logger who lost his home to foreclosure.

GO HERE to read more.

Universal Health Care

How will it work? The state of Massachusetts has provided us with the most recent American Experiment with this issue. Read the article from the link below:

http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/08/20/pho.doctor.shortage/index.html?iref=mpstoryview

For universal health care to work, the country needs thousands of more doctors. Before the projected shortage can be corrected, Obama and the liberal democrats have to stop making it too risky to become a doctor. Also, Obama personally has to stop portraying doctors as con artists.

“Daily Times” Endorses Evening Meetings for Wicomico Council

Lo and Behold!  The editorial board of Salisbury’s Daily Times has actually taken a firm stance on an issue.  Usually straddling the fence with a skill usually seen only in Wicomico County Executive Rick Pollitt, the Daily Times has decided to endorse the idea of the Wicomico County Council holding at least 50% of its meetings in  the evening.

The Daily Times has now joined Americans for Prosperity, the NAACP, Delmarva Dealings, and SbyNEWS in calling for the Wicomico County Council to allow more participation in our local government.  We’ll have to see if our council members begin to get the hint.

Councilman Joe Holloway (R-5) has been the people’s champion on this issue since he was sworn in to office.  Bill McCain, council’s chief advocate of the teachers’ union, has been the council’s most vocal opponent.

Take one minute and email Holloway and McCain to show your support for evening meetings.

Simply CLICK HERE and you can email McCain (with a copy going to Holloway).

Blogger Who Trashed Model Is Angry At Google

Says search giant failed to protect right to privacy as source of comments

NEW YORK - A blogger who called a magazine cover model offensive names on a Web site says Google failed to protect her right to privacy.

Rosemary Port tells the New York Daily News in Sunday editions that she's angry that Google unmasked her after a Manhattan judge forced the company to reveal her identity.

Port was identified as the author of a site on Google's Blogger.com that had published anonymous remarks about Vogue cover model Liskula Cohen's hygiene and sexual habits.

GO HERE to read more.

New Beer Commercial

Brooke's Transplant Update

Hi everyone, it’s Amy again. Ok so here is my 4th attempt since last night to post an update! Everything went well with the transplant yesterday. Brooke cried while Dr. Teachey was “pushing” the stem cells through her “tubies” but stopped crying as soon as the staff pulled out a gift for her! Brooke started feeling a little better yesterday afternoon and had fun playing with her new transplant day gifts (toys, stickers & stamps) with Grammy and enjoyed spending the day with Daddy. This morning she is resting quietly and watching Playhouse Disney. She is about to get a platelet transfusion because her counts were only 14,000 (a healthy child should have a count around 150,000 - 450,000). Dr. Horwitz was just in and is pleased with how she is doing. Thank you all so much for your prayers…please keep them coming she still has a long way to go.

Schedule Of Open Houses For Wicomico County Public Schools

Wicomico County Schools will hold open houses Aug. 25-28 in preparation for the opening of the 2009-10 school year on Monday, Aug. 31. A complete schedule of open houses for Wicomico Schools is below.

Students in grades 1-6 and grade 9 will attend school on Aug. 31. (Exceptions are that all grades will attend at Pittsville Elementary and Middle, and only grade 6 will attend at Mardela Middle and High.) All students in grades 1-12 will be in school Tuesday, Sept. 1. Kindergarten and prekindergarten students will report as scheduled by the assigned school.

Beaver Run Elementary: Aug. 27 1-4 p.m.

Charles H. Chipman Elementary: Aug. 27. Open House at school 2-3 p.m., followed by a picnic from 3-4:30 p.m. at Lake Street Park with Chipman’s partner school, Glen Avenue Elementary.

Delmar Elementary: Aug. 28 1:30-3 p.m.

East Salisbury Elementary: Open House/Picnic Aug. 28 from 1:30-4 p.m.

Fruitland Primary: Aug. 28 1:30-2:30 p.m.

Fruitland Intermediate: Open House Aug. 28, 2-3 p.m.

Glen Avenue Elementary: Aug. 27 1-2 p.m., with a community picnic with partner school Charles H. Chipman Elementary from 3-4:30 p.m. at the Lake Street Park.

North Salisbury Elementary: Aug. 28 2-4 p.m. with Buster the Bus as official greeter, free school supplies to all students who attend, and school partners Barnes & Noble, Sonic, Olive Garden, and Texas Roadhouse on hand to show their support of the school. The Boy Scout Recruitment Team and PTA Officers will also be there.

Northwestern Elementary: Aug. 28, 3-4 p.m.

Pemberton Elementary: Aug. 27, 1:30-3:30 p.m.

Pinehurst Elementary: Aug. 27 3-4 p.m.

Pittsville Elementary and Middle: Aug. 25 for Middle School 7-8:30 p.m., Aug. 26 7-8:30 p.m. for Elementary

Westside Intermediate: Aug. 28 from 2:30-3:30 p.m. WIS staff will be visiting school families in the areas of Bivalve, Tyaskin, Nanticoke, Whitehaven, and Waterview at the Westside Community Center in Bivalve on Aug. 26 from 6-7 p.m. Light refreshments will be served and Westside Primary staff will be joining WIS staff.

Westside Primary: Aug. 28, 1-2 p.m. Joining WIS staff to visit school families in the areas of Bivalve, Tyaskin, Nanticoke, Whitehaven, and Waterview at the Westside Community Center in Bivalve on Aug. 26 from 6-7 p.m. Light refreshments will be served.

West Salisbury Elementary: Aug. 28, 2-4 p.m.

Willards Elementary: PTA Open House Night Aug. 27, 6:30-8 p.m.

Wicomico Early Learning Center: Aug. 27 1-3 p.m.

Bennett Middle School: PTSA Back-to-School Night/Open House Aug. 27 5-7 p.m.

Salisbury Middle: 6th-grade Open House Aug. 27, 7 p.m.

Wicomico Middle: Aug. 27, 1-4 p.m., parents may acquire student schedules

Mardela Middle and High: Back-to-School BBQ Aug. 27, 4:30-6:30 p.m.

James M. Bennett High School: Open House/Back-to-School Night for freshman and parents/guardians, 6:30 p.m.

Parkside High: Back-to-School Night Aug. 26. From 5:30-6:30 p.m., schedules handed out. From 6:30-7 p.m., PTA business meeting. From 7-8:30 p.m., teacher visitation.

Wicomico High: Freshmen Back-to-School Night Aug. 27, 5-7 p.m.

Wicomico County Evening High School: Registration for fall term begins Aug. 31, 4-7 p.m., continues Mon-Thur through Sept. 10. Classes begin Sept. 8.

Choices: Aug. 27, 4-6 p.m.

The Gathering Storm

Church Misprints

They're Back! Those wonderful Church Bulletins! Thank God for church ladies with typewriters. These sentences (with all the BLOOPERS) actually appeared in church bulletins or were announced in church services:
--------------------------
The Fasting &Prayer Conference includes meals.
----------------------------
The sermon this morning: 'Jesus Walks on the Water.' The sermon tonight: 'Searching for Jesus.'
--------------------------
Ladies, don't forget the rummage sale. It's a chance to get rid of those things not worth keeping around the house. Bring your husbands.
--------------------------
Remember in prayer the many who are sick of our community. Smile at someone who is hard to love. Say 'Hell' to someone who doesn't care much about you.
--------------------------
Don't let worry kill you off - let the Church help.
--------------------------
Miss Charlene Mason sang 'I will not pass this way again,' giving obvious pleasure to the congregation.
--------------------------
For those of you who have children and don't know it, we have a nursery downstairs.
--------------------------
Next Thursday there will be tryouts for the choir. They need all the help they can get.
--------------------------
Irving Benson and Jessie Carter were married on October 24 in the church. So ends a friendship that began in their school days.
--------------------------
A bean supper will be held on Tuesday evening in the church hall. Music will follow.
--------------------------
At the evening service tonight, the sermon topic will be 'What Is Hell?' Come early and listen to our choir practice.
--------------------------
Eight new choir robes are currently needed due to the addition of several new members and to the deterioration o f some older ones.
--------------------------
Scouts are saving aluminum cans, bottles and other items to be recycled. Proceeds will be used to cripple children.
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Please place your donation in the envelope along with the deceased person you want remembered.
--------------------------
The church will host an evening of fine dining, super entertainment and gracious hostility.
--------------------------
Potluck supper Sunday at 5:00 PM - prayer and medication to f ollow.
--------------------------
The ladies of the Church have cast off clothing of every kind. They may be seen in the basement on Friday afternoon.
--------------------------
This evening at 7 PM there will be a hymn singing in the park across from the Church. Bring a blanket and come prepared to sin.
--------------------------
Ladies Bible Study will be held Thursday morning at 10 AM. All ladies are invited to lunch in the Fellowship Hall after the B. S. Is done.
--------------------------
The pastor would appreciate it if the ladies of the Congregation would lend him their electric girdles for the pancake breakfast next Sunday.
--------------------------
Low Self Esteem Support Group will meet Thursday at 7 PM. Please use the back door.
--------------------------
The eighth-graders will be presenting Shakespeare's Hamlet in the Church basement Friday at 7 PM. The congregation is invited to attend this tragedy.
--------------------------
Weight Watchers will meet at 7 PM at the First Presbyterian Church.. Please use large double door at the side entrance..
--------------------------
The Associate Minister unveiled the church's new campaign slogan last Sunday: 'I Upped My Pledge - Up Yours.'

Obama's Caskets For Clunkers Program

Market Assault Injures Several Bystanders

Location: RT 13 Outlet Market Laurel, Delaware

DATE and TIME: Saturday August 22, 2009, 4:23 P.M.

Victim(s):
28 year old male of Frankford, Delaware
32 year old female of Denton, Maryland
16 year old female of Denton, Maryland
6 year old female of Denton, Maryland
2 year old male of Frankford, Delaware

Suspect/Defendant(s):
Def-Joseph D. Snead-17 of the 30000 block of Power Plant Rd., Dagsboro
Sus-Bisheri Jacobs-31 of 28000 block of Bunting Rd., Dagsboro

Charge(s):
Attempted Assault 2nd degree
Reckless Endangering 2nd degree 4 Counts
Assault 3rd degree 4 counts
Conspiracy 3rd degree
Menacing
Criminal Mischief
Disorderly Conduct
Bail Information:
Joseph D. Snead was released after posting $175000 secured bond
Sus-Bisheri Jacobs has not been located

Resume:

Saturday Afternoon around 4:23 P.M. Delaware State Police responded to the RT 13 Outlet Market in Laurel Delaware. Troopers were responding to a fight between several men. Troopers upon arrival learned a 28 year old victim was in a food line with his girlfriend while the suspects were behind him. The 28 year old was confronted by the suspects for allegedly looking at them in a manner that displeased the suspects. Thereafter a physical confrontation ensued as Snead and Jacobs began to assault the 28 year old victim. The 28 year old victim’s 2 year old son was in close proximately of the fight while his father was being assaulted however was not injured. The 28 year old victim sustained a scratch on his chest and a torn shirt.

Three other victim’s/ patrons were attempting to get out of the way of the melee when they were pushed to the ground and also into a nearby wall. The three bystander victims ages 32, 16 and 6 all from Denton Maryland obtained minor bruises and contusions. The three female victims were transported to Nanticoke Hospital treated and released.

Delaware State Police are still looking for the second assailant Bisheri D. Jacobs of the 28000 block of Bunting road Dagsboro, Delaware. Jacobs is facing the charges listed above.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Bisheri D. Jacobs is asked to call Troop 5 at 302-337-1090 or 1-800-TIPS-3333

St. Francis de Sales Church Carnival

Old Fashioned Parish Carnival
St. Francis de Sales Church
535 Riverside Drive
Salisbury, MD

Wed, Aug 26 through Sat, Aug 29

6 to 11 pm each night

Free Admission

Adult and Children's rides.

Lots of food and fun.

Advance tickets for rides on sale now for $12/person at the parish office at 514 Camden Ave

Ride tickets will be $18/person at the door.

(410) 742-6443 for more information

This Sign Says It All

LESSON IN WRITING LAW

When writing a law, the best example of clear, concise, easily understood law is the ten commandments of God. Each law is one sentence and are the foundation of the moral code and legal system of justice for western civilization.

Why then does the house health care proposal consist of 1,018 pages that we find ourselves, trying to establish its meaning? Those in opposition to this legislation give the page and the lines that concern them. I have yet to see any of the proponents do anything but claim it doesn't mean what it says. Just trust us to make it right. The Kool Aid drinkers have not yet eliminated "In God We Trust." I have not noticed anything that says, In Congress We Trust.

Could the answer be, God is not devious, nor does he accept payoffs? How much did Goldman Sachs, Trial Lawyers or Unions contribute to God? I think two of the commandments should be read to every politician. "THOU SHALL NOT STEAL" and "THOU SHALL NOT COVET." A third one is in order, but will offend some of them, "THOU SHALL NOT COMMIT ADULTERY."
Joel Brandes

The Strange Case Of The Obama Meltdown

by Victor Davis Hanson
Pajamas Media

The Obama Meltdown — Symptoms/Diagnosis/Prognosis

Strange things are happening to the Obama administration and quickly so. His polls are diving and may not stop at 50/50, the most precipitous drop in approval of a first-year President since Bill Clinton in 1993 (cf. Hillary care).

What follows are some of the problems the President faces.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

1) Healthcare. Healthcare take-overs and socialized medicine have terrified not just the right and conservatives, but the elderly of all persuasions who fear their shaky Medicare funds will be diverted to Obama’s new plans. In short, they believe their care will be rationed and given to all sorts of new recipients. And they fear age will be a basis for meriting treatment; as if the gang banger with a long felony record of mayhem at 22 would be more deserving before a federal health panel than would someone at 90 who scrimped and saved for insurance in case of some future need for a hip replacement (and was still active and productive; cf. great octogenarians from Sophocles to Barzun who did their best work in their late lives).

It was an insane political move to demonize these town-hallers, when streaming video showed the participants scared and angry, but not violent, trying to get answers from smug politicos who either cell phoned away, ridiculed questioners in the manner of Barney Frank, or mocked their interrogators. These were for the most part not Code Pink/Cindy Sheehan type protestors. (And by the way, what happened to Code Pink, given we are still in Iraq and Afghanistan?)

2) The Spell is Broken. Cap-and-trade, the mega-deficits, the apology tours, and the sleaze of some appointments and congressional grandees (cf. Rangel, Dodd, Murtha, etc.) were stimulants, but not in themselves enough to awaken the somnolent American people from their collective trance. Yet healthcare was like a shot of adrenaline that jolted the patient out of his slumber. Suddenly hope and change no longer worked like the swinging watch and “you’re getting sleepy” lingo. Voters are feeling they’ve been “had” and were mesmerized into being used for an extremist agenda.

Who made the following decisions? 1) to propose a 1,000 page bill that no one had read, much less could explain?; 2) to ram down the greatest change in the U.S. economy in fifty years by the August recess?; 3) to talk loosely of the “uninsured” without knowing why they were not insured, how much it would cost to insure them, or whether they currently in fact find some sort of care?; 4) to reference Rahm Emanuel’s doctor brother as a source of wisdom? 5) to demonize the healthcare industry as greedy?

GO HERE to read more.

TRAFFIC ALERT

Nighttime Temporary Road Closures and Delays in Sussex County for an Oversized Load

Wednesday, August 26

Millsboro -- The Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) announces that temporary road closures and delays for a short period of time beginning at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, August 26 and ending at 5 a.m. on Thursday, August 27 will be in effect to move an oversized load from Millsboro to Georgetown.

The following roadways will experience temporary road closures and delays:

* Delaware Avenue
* Route 113
* Wilson Road
* Savannah Road

Delaware State Police will accompany the oversized load to help alert motorists of the closure and provide intersection control along the route.

Motorists are advised to be aware of lane shifts and expect delays.

TWO DIFFERENT DOCTORS' OFFICES

Two patients limp into two different medical clinics with the same complaint. Both have trouble walking and appear to require a hip replacement.

The FIRST patient is examined within the hour, is x-rayed the same day and has a time booked for surgery the following week.

The SECOND sees his family doctor after waiting 3 weeks for an appointment, then waits 8 weeks to see a specialist, then gets an x-ray, which isn't reviewed for another week and finally has his surgery scheduled for 6 months from then.

Why the different treatment for the two patients?



The FIRST is a Golden Retriever.

The SECOND is a Senior Citizen.

The World's Shortest Books:

THINGS I LOVE ABOUT MY COUNTRY
by Jane Fonda & Cindy Sheehan.
Illustrated by Michael Moore
________________________________________
MY CHRISTIAN ACCOMPLISHMENTS &
HOW I HELPED AFTER KATRINA
by Rev Jesse Jackson & Rev Al Sharpton
_______________________________________

THINGS I LOVE ABOUT BILL
by Hillary Clinton
________________________________
Sequel:
THINGS I LOVE ABOUT HILLARY
By Bill Clinton
___________________________________
MY LITTLE BOOK OF PERSONAL HYGIENE
by Osama Bin Laden
___________________________________
THINGS I CANNOT AFFORD
by Bill Gates
____________________________________
THINGS I WOULD NOT DO FOR MONEY
by Dennis Rodman
_________________________________
THINGS I KNOW TO BE TRUE
by Al Gore & John Kerry
_____________________________________
AMELIA EARHART'S GUIDE TO THE PACIFIC
___________________________________
A COLLECTION of MOTIVATIONAL SPEECHES
by Dr. J.. Kevorkian
__________________________________
ALL THE MEN I HAVE LOVED BEFORE
by Ellen de Generes & Rosie O'Donnel
____________________________________
GUIDE TO DATING ETIQUETTE
by Mike Tyson
__________________________________
THE AMISH PHONE DIRECTORY
_______________________________________
MY PLAN TO FIND THE REAL KILLERS
by O. J. Simpson
_________________________________________
HOW TO DRINK & DRIVE OVER BRIDGES
by Ted Kennedy
___________________________________
MY BOOK OF MORALS
by Bill Clinton with introduction
by the Rev. Jesse Jackson
*******************************************************
AND, JUST ADDED:
Complete Knowledge of Military Strategy!
By Nancy Pelosi

Today's Wildlife Photo

Submitted By: Dave Esh

HIT AND RUN DRIVER WHO STRUCK INTERSTATE SIGN IDENTIFIED AND CHARGED BY STATE POLICE

(Woodlawn, MD) – The persistence of a Maryland State Police criminal investigator led to the identification of a truck driver who hit an overhead sign on I-70 last weekend and fled the scene after causing $100,000 in damage.

The driver is identified as Alvin J. Hall 3rd, 49, of Glen Burnie, Md. He is charged on traffic citations with failing to stop after a property damage collision, failing to locate and notify the owner of damaged property after a collision, and failing to provide written identification on unattended property after a property damage collision. All three charges are ‘must appear’ offenses and require the person charged to appear before a judge who will set the fine if the person is found guilty. Each charge also carries a penalty of eight points.

Just before 9:00 a.m. on August 15, 2009, Maryland State Police at the Golden Ring Barracks received dozens of phone calls from motorists saying a truck struck an overhead highway sign on eastbound I-70, just prior to I-695. The collision had structurally weakened the sign and it was hanging precariously over vehicles on the interstate.

Responding troopers and officials from the State Highway Administration determined the hanging structure was a hazard to motorists and closed the eastbound lanes of the interstate for about four hours. The entire structure had to be removed with a large crane that was called to the scene. The costs associated with the crane removal and replacing the sign are estimated by the State Highway Administration at $100,000.

Although dozens of calls were received at the barracks, callers provided little information about the truck that was responsible for the damage to the sign. Troopers were told a possible name on the truck contained the letters C-M-L.

A criminal investigator from the Golden Ring Barracks began checking scale houses, local hauling companies, landfills, and quarries, looking for information about dump trucks working in the region last Saturday. On Wednesday, the investigator learned from a Timonium quarry that several dump trucks from CM Laios loaded at the quarry Saturday morning.

State Police investigators contacted the company, which has locations in Hanover and Mitchellville, Md. It was learned that one of the trucks had struck ‘something’ last Saturday, but had already been repaired. Troopers went to the repair company and found the front piece of the dump truck bed that had come from the truck involved.

The individual driving the truck last Saturday was identified as Hall. He was charged on traffic citations at his home today by State Police investigators.

The investigation indicates the dump bed of the truck was raised as it approached the sign. The dump truck load cover rack and ultimately the front of the dump bed struck the sign, causing damage to the truck and significant damage to the sign.

Salisbury Police Department Press Releases

On August 20, 2009 at approximately 2:53 am, Officers of the Salisbury Police responded to a residence on the four hundred (400) block of E. Church St. for the report of a domestic assault. Upon arrival the officers met with a female victim who advised that she had been assaulted during a domestic type argument. The victim advised that during an argument the below listed suspect began to strike her in the facial area and choke her. The victim did not require medical treatment.

ARRESTED: Thomas Albert Austin, 44 years of age Fruitland, Maryland

CHARGES: Second degree assault

DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking CC # 200900029246

On August 20, 2009 at approximately 6:35 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police arrested the below listed suspect for the malicious destruction of property at the Rite Aid Pharmacy located on Mount Herman Road in May of 2009. At that time the suspect became involved in an argument with a member of the Rite Aid staff and destroyed some property of the business.

ARRESTED: Alicia Liquinda Thomas, 36 years of age Salisbury, Maryland

CHARGES: Malicious destruction of property (under $ 500)

DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking CC # 200900015427

On August 20, 2009 at approximately 6:36 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police Community Action Team were conducting a visual surveillance for drug violations at a business in Salisbury and observed the below listed suspects involved in a suspected drug transaction. The suspects were stopped and found to be in possession of suspected “crack”/cocaine and related paraphernalia.

ARRESTED #1: Richard David Taylor, 42 years of age Salisbury, Maryland

CHARGES:
Distribution of cocaine
Possession of cocaine with int. to distribute
Possession of cocaine
Possession of CDS/paraphernalia

ARRESTED #2: Calvin Dean Dellenger, 45 years of age Salisbury, Maryland

CHARGES:
Possession of cocaine
Possessio of CDS/paraphernalia

DISPOSITION: Both released to Central Booking CC # 200900029335

Schools Opening On Delmarva- Drive Safely

The Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office offers the following tips:

Schools open August 31 in Wicomico County.
Drivers, need to plan ahead to allow for the extra school bus traffic that will be on the road.

Leave a few minutes early for work so that you are not frustrated by delays.

Do not tailgate school buses. Remember they are carrying precious cargo. Do not pass a school bus with its red lights flashing. Not only do you risk a fine of up to $500 you risk hitting a child.

Slow down in school zones and watch for children crossing the street. Obey the crossing guard when he or she signals for you to stop. Maryland Law states that you must stop for a pedestrian who has entered a crosswalk.

Students should get up in plenty of time to get to the bus stop safely.
They should wear bright clothes or jackets so you can be seen by the bus driver and other drivers on the road.

You need to stay a safe distance from the road while waiting for the bus and not play around near cars.
Young children should have an adult wait at the bus stop with them.

Remember to wait until the school bus has come to a complete stop before you get on or off.

Students who walk and ride bikes to school should be sure to use crosswalks.
Bike riders need to wear bike helmets to prevent head injury. Maryland law states that children up to age 16 are required to wear helmets.

The Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office will be conducting School Bus Enforcement and be watching for drivers who pass and tailgate School Buses. They will also be patrolling School Zones to ensure the safety of Wicomico County’s children.

For more information about getting Back to School Safely, Contact Karen Waggoner kwaggoner@wicomicocounty.org or 410-548-4892