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Sunday, November 29, 2009

A Good Neighbor Aids In Burglary Apprehension

Location: An undisclosed address on Avalon Drive in the Avalon Woods development, Georgetown, Delaware, Sussex County

Date of Occurrence: Friday, November 27th, 2009, at approximately 12:00 p.m.

Suspect(s):
Brian McCabe, 18, of Harbeson, Delaware- committed to the Sussex Correctional Institute in lieu of $22,000.00 secured bond.
Cameo Bannister, 16, of Georgetown, Delaware- ordered held by juvenile detention on a $19,000 secured bond
Kristen Krauss, 17, of Georgetown, Delaware- ordered held by juvenile detention on a $20,000 secured bond
Brittney Hulmes, 17, of Georgetown, Delaware- ordered held by juvenile detention on a $20,000 secured bond

Resume: On Friday, November 27th, an alert homeowner in the Avalon Woods development in Georgetown observed some suspicious activity at a residence near her home. She observed a group of subjects leave the house and get into a blue Chevrolet.

The witness called 911 and provided a suspect vehicle description. Responding Troopers located the vehicle near the development and detained the occupants. They were identified as Brian McCabe, Cameo Bannister, Kristen Krauss and Brittney Hulmes. The odor of burnt marijuana could be smelled coming from the car. A search of the vehicle also yielded some jewelry.

Troopers responded back to the house where these subjects were seen leaving and determined that it had been burglarized and ransacked. The suspects were transported to Troop 4 and turned over to detectives who took over the case.

McCabe, Bannister, Krauss and Hulmes were all charged with the following felony offenses: Burglary (felony), Theft (felony), Criminal Mischief (felony) and Conspiracy 2nd (felony). Please see bail information above.

A mug shot is only available for Mr. McCabe:

Wanted Subject Fights With Trooper


Location: Woolford Street, Limits of Seaford, Delaware, Sussex County

Date of Occurrence: Saturday, November 28th, 2009, at approximately 3:00 p.m.

Suspect(s): Antonio Whittaker, 29, of Campbell Street in Seaford, Delaware

Resume: Yesterday afternoon, at about 3:00 p.m., a Troop 5 patrol officer stopped a suspicious person on Woolford Street near Seaford. This subject was later identified as Antonio Whittaker.

Whittaker became disorderly with the Trooper and then fled on foot. The officer gave chase and deployed his Tazer, stopping Whittaker in his tracks. The struggle, however, continued. A Seaford Police Officer arrived on the scene and Whittaker was eventually taken into custody.

A computer check revealed Whittaker was currently a wanted subject out of the Court of Common Pleas. This check also revealed he was an interstate probationer and that he had provided the officer with a false name.

Antonio Whittaker was formally charged with Criminal Impersonation, Resisting Arrest and Disorderly Conduct. Bail for these new charged was set at $1,500.00 unsecured. He was committed to the Sussex Correctional Institute in regards to his CCP capias.

ATV Accident

One patient in an ATV accident, compound fractures to both legs, trauma arrest, (not breathing). Patient is in route to PRMC priority one. The individual on the ATV was reportedly struck by a motor vehicle.

Stanton Ave, in Hebron off Rt. 50 will be closed until further notice. Wicomico County Sheriff's Office is doing an investigation.

Serious Injury Crash Turns Fatal


Sussex County: Earlier today, Mr. Brandon Morris succumbed to the injuries he sustained in the 2:00 a.m. crash.

This incident remains under investigation.

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DSP News Release: Sunday, November 29, 2009- Serious Injury Crash Closed Roadway in Sussex County

Location: Hollyville Road and Cemetery Road, Millsboro, Delaware, Sussex County

Date of Occurrence: Sunday, November 29, 2009, at approximately 2:00 a.m.

Resume: At approximately 2:00 a.m. this morning, Troopers responded to the area of Hollyville Rd. (Cr305) and Harmon Cemetery Rd. (Cr306) in reference to a serious motor vehicle crash.

This investigation revealed that a 2006 VW Passat, operated by Brandon Morris, 24, of Millsboro, Delaware, was traveling southbound on Hollyville Road. For an unknown reason, the VW exited the east edge of the roadway, struck a tree and then rolled over onto its roof.

The operator was trapped and had to be extricated by mechanical means. He was flown from the scene to initially to Beebe Hospital and then to Christiana Hospital. His injuries are considered life threatening.

This investigation, which is ongoing, has been turned over to the DSP Collision Reconstruction Unit.

The roadway was shut down for approximately two hours.

MD State Police Trooper Hit in Ocean City, Md


MD News Trooper Struck by Car While Making Arrest – ABC2 News: WEST OCEAN CITY, Md. (AP) -- A Maryland State Trooper
http://bit.ly/8SS7Lf

The Joe Albero Show

A Great Experience

As many of you can tell we have taken somewhat of a breather from Posting so many articles over the Thanksgiving Holiday.

The key reason for my doing so has been to spend quality time with my Family, just as many of you have done. However, there's been another side as well. I have been out ringing the bell for the Salvation Army and I have truly enjoyed meeting so many of you while doing so.

It cracks me up when someone walks up and says, "Are you that guy?" I would simply reply, I sure am. Then they'd say, let me shake your hand. I've met hundreds of people already and believe me Folks, it's MY pleasure.

One gentleman in particular shared a story with me that I'd like to share with all of you. He was telling me about World War II and how the Salvation Army gave away free coffee and donuts to the GI's but the Red Cross always charged for their coffee and donuts.

He went on to say how every single year he writes a check to the local Salvation Army but he went on to say that every single year he would write a letter to the Red Cross telling them of this story and how his money always went to the Salvation Army instead.

Mind you, both of these organizations have done fine work over the years but after today's Red Cross story it makes standing in the cold ringing a bell that much more worth it.

This week will be a difficult one for me as I will be filling in ALL of the empty slots at Sam's Club. So far, from what I can see, I'll be out there pretty much all day Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, unless some of you are interested in volunteering some of your time.

That being said, even if you'd like to come out and join me while I do so I'd be happy to discuss issues with you as you'll have my undivided attention, unless a child comes along. You see, I personally enjoy giving out free candy canes to the little ones and get more out of their little smiles than anything else I do out there.

Anyhow, (like last year) we'll provide Posts in the morning but moderation during the days I'm out there will be slower. Fortunately we have plenty of Contributors who know what I'm doing and are willing to help out whenever anything new pops up and needs to get Posted.

In the mean time, try looking at your schedule and see if you can free up some spare time to volunteer to ring the bell. It's an experience like none other.

The images below will show how full the schedule is inside the Salisbury Mall. These slots were filled quite some time ago as they are indoors and are usually the ones that get filled the fastest. However, look at the company names that have stepped up to the plate to help the Salvation Army. Perdue, Courtesy Chevrolet, The Optimist Club with Bob Caldwell, PRMC, Rotary, Bank of Delmarva, Hebron Savings Bank, WORWIC, Pepsi, the list just goes on and on. THANK YOU, ALL of you and please forgive me for not going through all of the names listed in the photos below. Please Folks, click on each image and see who is out there truly serving your community and making a difference.

There will come a time when we list ALL of these fine people and businesses as all of them deserve to be recognized. Inside or out, ringing the bell will help serve some 7,000+ Families a Christmas Dinner, toys under the tree and real HOPE knowing that others are willing to take their time, (that's all it takes) to recognize those in need while many of have the opportunity to give back.

Is it cold outside, you better believe it is. But this is so worth it. If you have children, bring them along with you as so many do. It's a great learning experience for them. Again, I can't thank you enough for your generosity of time. Together we're making a huge difference in the lives of so many that are down and out this time of year.





The Red Cross Bans Christmas

Christmas has been banned by the Red Cross from its 430 fund-raising shops.
Staff have been ordered to take down decorations and to remove any other signs of the Christian festival because they could offend Moslems.

The charity's politically-correct move triggered an avalanche of criticism and mockery last night - from Christians and Moslems.

Christine Banks, a volunteer at a Red Cross shop in New Romney, Kent, said: 'We put up a nativity scene in the window and were told to take it out. It seems we can't have anything that means Christmas. We're allowed to have some tinsel but that's it.
'When we send cards they have to say season's greetings or best wishes. They must not be linked directly to Christmas.

'When we asked we were told it is because we must not upset Moslems.'

Mrs Banks added: ' We have been instructed that we can't say anything about Christmas and we certainly can't have a Christmas tree.

' I think the policy is offensive to Moslems as well as to us. No reasonable person can object to Christians celebrating Christmas. But we are not supposed to show any sign of Christianity at all.'

Labour peer Lord Ahmed, one of the country's most prominent Moslem politicians, said: 'It is stupid to think Moslems would be offended.

'The Moslem community has been talking to Christians for the past 1,400 years. The teachings from Islam are that you should respect other faiths.'

He added: 'In my business all my staff celebrate Christmas and I celebrate with them. It is absolutely not the case that Christmas could damage the Red Cross reputation for neutrality - I think their people have gone a little bit over the top.'

The furore is a fresh blow to the image of what was once one of Britain's most respected charities.

The British Red Cross lost friends this year over its support for the French illegal immigrant camp at Sangatte and its insistence on concentrating large efforts on helping asylum seekers.

Yesterday officials at the charity's London HQ confirmed that Christmas is barred from the 430 shops which contributed more than £20million to its income last year.
'The Red Cross is a neutral organisation and we don't want to be aligned with any political party or particular philosophy,' a spokesman said.

'We don't want to be seen as a Christian or Islamic or Jewish organisation because that might compromise our ability to work in conflict situations around the world.'
He added: 'In shops people can put up decorations like tinsel or snow which are seasonal. But the guidance is that things representative of Christmas cannot be shown.'

Volunteers, however, said they believed the Christmas ban was a product of political correctness of the kind that led Birmingham's leaders to order their city to celebrate 'Winterval'.

Rod Thomas, a Plymouth vicar and spokesman for the Reform evangelical grouping in the Church of England, said: 'People who hold seriously to their faith are respected by people of other faiths. They should start calling themselves the Red Splodge. All their efforts will only succeed in alienating most people.'

Major Charles Heyman, editor of Jane's World Armies, said: 'There is really nothing to hurt the Red Cross in Christmas, is there? Would the Red Crescent stop its staff observing Ramadan?
'In practice, the role of the Red Cross is to run prisoner- of-war programmes and relief efforts for civilians. Those activities require the agreement of both sides in a conflict in the first place. Celebrating Christmas in a shop in England could hardly upset that.'

Major Heyman added: 'Moslems are just as sensible about these things as Christians. The Red Cross is just engaging in a bit of political correctness.'

British Red Cross leaders have, however, not extended the ban to their own profitable products. Items currently on sale include Christmas cards featuring angels and wise men and Advent calendars with nativity scenes.

The spokesman said: 'The Red Cross is trying to be inclusive and we recognise there are lots of people who want to buy Christmas cards which they know will benefit us.'
The charity's umbrella body, the Swiss-based International Red Cross, has also had politically-correct doubts about its famous symbol. But efforts to find an alternative were abandoned in the face of protest and ridicule five years ago.


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-152361/The-Red-Cross-bans-Christmas.html#ixzz0YGIuUeOP

LARGE CROWD Of 400 At Castaways In OC MD


Time: 11/29/2009 @ 0126 hours
Case #: 0996-008076
Location: Castaways 64th Street Ocean City Maryland
Crime: Assist Ocean City Police Department with large disorderly crowd
Victim: State of Maryland
Accused: N/A


Narrative:
On the above date and time, MSP Berlin Barracks received a call from the Ocean City Police Department requesting assistance with a large crowd of approximately 400 people at the Castaways Bar on 64th St and Coastal Hwy. Along with Troopers responding, the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office and other allied agencies also responded to include the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office and the MSP Aviation Division.

Upon Troopers arrival several fights were occurring inside Castaways. There was also a large disorderly crowd on the outside of the property. Officers subsequently disbursed the crowd and the Ocean City Police Department arrested 4 suspects for assault and disorderly conduct.

Sources advised that this event was a promoted event and the location of the events change weekly.

Investigating Trooper(s): MSP BERLIN BARRACK

Fatal Vehicle Crash In Fruitland

DATE & TIME OF INCIDENT: 11/28/2009, approximately 2324 hours
TYPE OF INCIDENT: Fatal Vehicle Crash
LOCATION OF INCIDENT: S. Fruitland Blvd near Crown Road, Fruitland, MD
CASE NO.: 2009-9907

VEHICLE #1:
NAME OF DRIVER: Damian Kinte Thornton Sr.
AGE: 31 years old
ADDRESS: Mardela Springs, MD

VEHICLE #2:
NAME OF DRIVER: William Gardner
AGE: 57
ADDRESS: Princess Anne, MD

NAME OF PASSENGER: Jeanette Gardner
AGE: 51
ADDRESS: Princess Anne, MD

DETAILS
: On 11/28/09 at approximately 2324 hours, Fruitland officers were dispatched to the area of Route 13 and Main Street in reference to a hit and run accident that had just occurred. Upon arrival to the area, officers did not see any signs of a vehicular accident. Officers were then dispatched to the area of Route 13 near Crown Road for a report of another accident. Upon arrival, officers located Vehicle #1 on the north bound side of Route 13, between the road and the railroad tracks. Vehicle #2 then arrived on the scene, and the occupants of Vehicle#2 advised officers that it was the same vehicle that had struck them on Route 13 at Main Street. The preliminary investigation showed that Vehicle #1 had been traveling southbound on Route 13, when the driver lost control of the vehicle and slid across the median and the northbound lane and struck a telephone pole near the railroad tracks. The driver of Vehicle #1 was pronounced dead at the scene. Both of the occupants of Vehicle #2 were transported to PRMC for treatment of minor injuries and shock.

If additional information is requested, please contact: CPT Bradley at FPD, Mon - Fri between 8:30am & 4:30pm.

Red Kettle Campaign - UPDATE







If you'd like to volunteer for a slot at any of the above locations please, send your request to ringabell4tsa@verizon.net or call Kettle Campaign Headquarters 410-749-RING (7464).

THANK YOU, to all that have so generously volunteered their time to this worthwhile campaign.

Tax Cap Verses Revenue Cap. . . .You Decide

Several years ago - (1978) - Talbot County instituted a Tax Cap after a hugely unacceptable tax increase - similar to Wicomico County - incensed the voters to action. From 1978 until 1995 ballot questions were put before the voters to remove the Tax Cap. Finally, in January of 1995 a Coalition of Special Interest Groups - Board of Education, Chamber of Commerce, PTA, NAACP, League of Women Voters, and other individuals sued to overturn the Tax Cap - and they won! The Tax Cap was ruled unconstitutional.

Do you think VOICE should have gone for a Tax Cap? That certainly would have been an easy 'kneejerk' thing to do in light of the Court's decision.

After the Tax Cap was ruled unconstitutional in January 1995, the Talbot County Council in May raised the property tax by 46%. That's right they raised the property taxes by almost 50 percent! But they - SPECIAL INTEREST - didn't have enough! The next year, 1996, they raised it another 46.3%! And we - Wicomico residents - think 23.7% was bad. Now let's try and add this up . . . what's 46.1% and 46.3% over two years. Let's hold the math until the end of this lesson.

The Talbot voters were so incensed they searched for a way to stop these run-a-way politicos and came up with the Revenue Cap concept. The voters rallied to get it on the ballot and it was passed in 1996 by 72.21% of the voters. It stands as law today in that County. Even after many attempts to have it removed . . . VOICE used the EXACT wording in their petition as was used in Talbot County. It's exactly the same language that is law in Talbot now.

So what have we learned today. Hopefully we've learned that from the time a Tax Cap was ruled unconstitutional and was replaced by a Revenue Cap in Talbot County (1995 - 1996) - property taxes went up 92.4%. Actually that would not be entirely accurate as I'm told that before the Revenue Cap could become law the actual true tax increase was 113.8%

The next question is a bit more subjective - after this current events history lesson - is the Daily Times staunch reason for objecting to the Revenue Cap . . . do you now feel the VOICE proposals are obviously not well thought out?

If your property tax increased by 113.8% - would the difference be greater or less than your recent pay raise?

"THOSE WHO IGNORE HISTORY ARE DESTINED TO REPEAT IT"