DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Sunday, December 06, 2009
DELMAR WILDCATS WIN
The Delmar Wildcats beat Hodgson Tech to take Delaware's Division II Championship. Final score, 12-7. This is Delmar's 6th state championship in the program's history.
Man Arrested After Displaying A Shotgun At A Newark Area Bar
Location: D&H Jamaican Restaurant, 748 E. Chestnut Hill Rd, Newark, DE
Date of Occurrence: Saturday December 5th, 2009 at approximately 12:18 a.m.
Defendant: Jahangyr Patterson, 28, Middletown, DE
Resume:
Delaware State Police State has arrested a Middletown man after he pulled a shotgun out of his car in the parking lot of a Newark area bar restaurant.
The incident occurred just after midnight on the Saturday morning. Patterson had been at the D&H Jamaican Restaurant and argued with the 23 year-old female employee to whom he had a prior relationship with. Patterson walked out to his car several times and would re-enter the establishment to continue to be disruptive. On his final departure from the restaurant to the parking lot he retrieved a shotgun from his car and began to work the action of the weapon as he held it in his hands.
As troopers responded to the area Patterson fled in his vehicle. Patterson turned down Augusta Drive and collided into a fence prior to turning onto West Stephen Drive and striking two cars parked in a driveway. New Castle County Police apprehended Patterson as he was trying to flee from his car. Troopers found the stock portion of the weapon in his vehicle.
He was charged with Aggravated Menacing, Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony, Failing to Stop for a Police Officer and several traffic offenses.
He was committed to the Howard Young Correctional Facility in default of $13,300.00.
No one was inured during the incident.
Date of Occurrence: Saturday December 5th, 2009 at approximately 12:18 a.m.
Defendant: Jahangyr Patterson, 28, Middletown, DE
Resume:
Delaware State Police State has arrested a Middletown man after he pulled a shotgun out of his car in the parking lot of a Newark area bar restaurant.
The incident occurred just after midnight on the Saturday morning. Patterson had been at the D&H Jamaican Restaurant and argued with the 23 year-old female employee to whom he had a prior relationship with. Patterson walked out to his car several times and would re-enter the establishment to continue to be disruptive. On his final departure from the restaurant to the parking lot he retrieved a shotgun from his car and began to work the action of the weapon as he held it in his hands.
As troopers responded to the area Patterson fled in his vehicle. Patterson turned down Augusta Drive and collided into a fence prior to turning onto West Stephen Drive and striking two cars parked in a driveway. New Castle County Police apprehended Patterson as he was trying to flee from his car. Troopers found the stock portion of the weapon in his vehicle.
He was charged with Aggravated Menacing, Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony, Failing to Stop for a Police Officer and several traffic offenses.
He was committed to the Howard Young Correctional Facility in default of $13,300.00.
No one was inured during the incident.
Tom McGuire Of Delmar Blown Away
It seems the Town of Delmar made sure that the McGuire's knew the Wildcats won in a big way by making very sure the horns and sirens from the 3 mile long parade/escort home was heard across Delmarva, especially in front of the McGuire's home.
The media ho Tom McGuire made sure WBOC came out and covered his issues with the noise factor and quite frankly they made a complete fool out of the fool. Oh well, he wanted all the attention, he got it.
Well, no matter what, the McGuire's were made to feel like they were a part of the celebration and got exactly what they deserved. Just like I hear the bells from the Salvation Army when I go to bed at night, the McGuire's will be hearing sirens and horns well into their sleep this evening and that's just too funny!
Oh, by the way Tom & Nikki, Brooke Mulford is alive and well. HONK, HONK!
The media ho Tom McGuire made sure WBOC came out and covered his issues with the noise factor and quite frankly they made a complete fool out of the fool. Oh well, he wanted all the attention, he got it.
Well, no matter what, the McGuire's were made to feel like they were a part of the celebration and got exactly what they deserved. Just like I hear the bells from the Salvation Army when I go to bed at night, the McGuire's will be hearing sirens and horns well into their sleep this evening and that's just too funny!
Oh, by the way Tom & Nikki, Brooke Mulford is alive and well. HONK, HONK!
HomeSurfer.com Rates Salisbury - Old News Not Good News
HomeSurfer.com is an internet national real estate ranking site and tool for real estate professionals, business leaders interested in expanding or moving, and prospective home owners, ranks cities, towns and regions in several aspects that are meant to give property buyers information that will help bring them to a decision as to where to move. As you may have already guessed, given the crime stats that have already been published in this blog and other sites, the picture for Salisbury isn't pretty.
Crime Report for Salisbury, Maryland
The HomeSurfer crime rating for Salisbury, Maryland is 0.0 out of a possible 5 total points. Higher ratings indicate that your area is safer. The HomeSurfer crime rating is calculated depending on how the crime rate in your city compares with crime in the state and the nation. Violent crime is weighed more heavily than property crime, and the national ranking is more important than the state ranking.
Violent Crime Rate
Data comes from the FBI Uniform Crime Rate database for 2004.
Salisbury, Maryland has a violent crime rate of 1869 incidents per 100,000 people. This compares with a rate of 1502 in Maryland and a rate of 596 nationally. Lower numbers are better, indicating that fewer crimes happen per person in the population.Salisbury, Maryland is in the 100% percentile rank in the state for Violent Crime. It is in the 99% percentile rank nationally. Lower numbers are better. In this case, 100% of cities in Maryland have crime rates equal to or lower than Salisbury, or said another way, 0% of cities in Maryland have crime rates higher than Salisbury.
Property Crime Rate
Property crime includes burglary, larceny, vehicle theft, and arson. Data comes from the FBI Uniform Crime Rate database for 2004.
Salisbury, Maryland has a property crime rate of 8860.7 incidents per 100,000 people. This compares with an average rate of 5376.2 in Maryland and an average rate of 4296 incidents per 100,000 nationally. Lower numbers are better, indicating that fewer crimes happen per person in the population.
Maryland cities ranked from worst to best for crime.
Worst
18 Salisbury, MD
17 Baltimore, MD
16 Annapolis, MD
15 Frederick, MD
14 Cumberland, MD
13 Laurel, MD
12 Bel Air, MD
11 Cambridge, MD
10 Easton, MD
9 Greenbelt, MD
8 Elkton, MD
7 Havre de Grace, MD
6 Aberdeen, MD
5 Hagerstown, MD
4 Hyattsville, MD
3 Takoma Park, MD
2 Westminster, MD
1 Ocean Pines, MD
Best
For more information and other rankings, visit HomeSurfer.com.
Tomorrow, Monday the 7th of December is an important day. It marks a premier opportunity given by the Salisbury City government for open discourse on crime between government and taxpayers, discourse without the frequent sound of a gavel or the Great Disappearing Legal Pads of the Tilghman administration, where citizen complaints and suggestions were recorded and most often never again saw the light of day.
Citizens and interested parties are invited to meet at the GOB steps (125 North Division Street) for a 5:00 rally, then by Mayor Ireton at 5:30 to the 3rd floor of the GOB to air their concerns, and give their suggestions and comments.
Please, let's make this a great turnout and a constructive event!
Possible Stolen Dogs Rescued
"Dear Joe
I wanted to thank you from my heart for posting a couple of weeks ago, the picture of one of my friend's dogs that were stolen from her property in Mardela. The two dogs were spotted along the side of the road in Sharptown well over a week later and rescued because a woman saw Hope's picture posted on your website and called the contact number posted in your blog. She said your website was the reason she recognized the dog!!! We are so grateful to you and your readers!!!"
I wanted to thank you from my heart for posting a couple of weeks ago, the picture of one of my friend's dogs that were stolen from her property in Mardela. The two dogs were spotted along the side of the road in Sharptown well over a week later and rescued because a woman saw Hope's picture posted on your website and called the contact number posted in your blog. She said your website was the reason she recognized the dog!!! We are so grateful to you and your readers!!!"
We Need a Clean Vote Now on Afghanistan Escalation
Under our constitutional democracy, Congress has the power and the responsibility to establish a policy on President Obama's plans to send 30,000 more U.S. troops to Afghanistan, and, if Congress opposes sending more troops, to try to block or alter this policy. The question now is whether Congress will act before the policy is implemented, and whether it will do so in a "clean" vote - an up or down vote solely on the question of sending more troops, unentangled with unrelated issues like flood relief for farmers or extending unemployment benefits.
If Congress does not act quickly, the President's proposal may become an accomplished fact. Already, President Obama has ordered Marine units to be deployed later this month. If Congress waits for months to debate the issue, most of the new troops may already be in place.
Anti-war Representatives are pressing for an early vote on funding for more troops so President Obama's policy will be judged by Congress before thousands of additional troops are sent into combat, the Politico reports. "Let us have this debate before he moves forward," Rep. Jim McGovern [D-MA] said. "I'd like it to be before we escalate one single American troop over there."
For most of the Iraq war, Congress typically waited until late May or June to approve emergency war funding. The last war supplemental was approved in mid-June. If Congress waits until May or June to render judgment on President Obama's plans, most of the troops may already be in place, making it much harder for Congress to oppose or limit their deployment. If Congress acts now - particularly the House, more influenced by public opinion - it can stop or limit funding for the President's troop increase by a simple majority vote. You can urge your Representative and Senators to support a clean vote now on military escalation in Afghanistan by clicking here.
Of course, there is no guarantee that the House would oppose funding for military escalation in a clean vote. But a clean vote would be likely to be a real contest, which would, at the very least, underscore for world opinion the depth of Democratic opposition to the indefinite continuation of the war, an act which would in itself help to speed the conclusion of the war.
Already in the summer, a majority of House Democrats, including members of the House leadership, voted for Representative McGovern's amendment requiring the Pentagon to present Congress with an exit strategy. That was before the fiasco of the Afghan election, before General McChrystal's grim assessment of the status quo and future prospects, before President Obama proposed to send 30,000 more troops without establishing a date for ending U.S. military involvement.
GO HERE to read more.
If Congress does not act quickly, the President's proposal may become an accomplished fact. Already, President Obama has ordered Marine units to be deployed later this month. If Congress waits for months to debate the issue, most of the new troops may already be in place.
Anti-war Representatives are pressing for an early vote on funding for more troops so President Obama's policy will be judged by Congress before thousands of additional troops are sent into combat, the Politico reports. "Let us have this debate before he moves forward," Rep. Jim McGovern [D-MA] said. "I'd like it to be before we escalate one single American troop over there."
For most of the Iraq war, Congress typically waited until late May or June to approve emergency war funding. The last war supplemental was approved in mid-June. If Congress waits until May or June to render judgment on President Obama's plans, most of the troops may already be in place, making it much harder for Congress to oppose or limit their deployment. If Congress acts now - particularly the House, more influenced by public opinion - it can stop or limit funding for the President's troop increase by a simple majority vote. You can urge your Representative and Senators to support a clean vote now on military escalation in Afghanistan by clicking here.
Of course, there is no guarantee that the House would oppose funding for military escalation in a clean vote. But a clean vote would be likely to be a real contest, which would, at the very least, underscore for world opinion the depth of Democratic opposition to the indefinite continuation of the war, an act which would in itself help to speed the conclusion of the war.
Already in the summer, a majority of House Democrats, including members of the House leadership, voted for Representative McGovern's amendment requiring the Pentagon to present Congress with an exit strategy. That was before the fiasco of the Afghan election, before General McChrystal's grim assessment of the status quo and future prospects, before President Obama proposed to send 30,000 more troops without establishing a date for ending U.S. military involvement.
GO HERE to read more.
Panda Flies To China As Part Of Loan Program
A young giant panda who became a major draw after his birth at the National Zoo will leave Washington for China early next year for breeding.Zoo officials announced Friday that Tai Shan will be leaving the Smithsonian Institution park as soon as January or February.
Panda mother Mei Xiang and father Tian Tian are on a 10-year, $10 million loan to the zoo until December 2010.
Under the Smithsonian's panda loan agreement, any cub born at the zoo must be returned to China for breeding. Tai Shan was born in 2005 and was granted a two-year extension in 2007.
Panda cubs are also slated to leave the zoos in Atlanta and San Diego.
There are a total of 14 pandas on loan from China in U.S. zoos in Atlanta, Washington, San Diego and Memphis, Tenn. Under its agreements with the zoos, China loans panda pairs for breeding and conservation research. Any cubs those pandas produce are also the property of China and must become part of the country's breeding program.
The National Zoo asked to keep Tai Shan until the loan agreement for his parents' stay expires, but a panda conservation group decided he should become part of their breeding program, according to Acting Zoo Director Steve Monfort.
The zoo hopes it can translate the attention Tai Shan generated into action to sustain the panda population, Mr. Monfort said. Giant pandas are endangered in the wild.
"While we're very, very sad Tai Shan is leaving, we take enormous pride that he is a normal, healthy cub," Mr. Monfort said.
"He is an ambassador," Mr. Monfort said. "He provides hope for the conservation … of an iconic species."
Wang Baodong, a spokesman for the Chinese Embassy, said he has often visited the zoo with his 4-year-old son to see Tai Shan, and he'll have to explain why the panda is leaving.
"It's not an easy thing for the Chinese side," he said. "Parting is a sad thing."
Mr. Wang said China wants to assure the American people that Tai Shan will be given very good care. He said China will continue its partnerships with U.S. zoos on breeding programs.
The Smithsonian is expected to begin negotiations next year on whether to extend the agreement for Tai Shan's parents' stay. Mr. Monfort said they would agree to whatever is best for the panda breeding program.
"I'm very optimistic that pandas will be at the National Zoo for as long as the eye can see," he said.
Tai Shan represents the plight of the endangered species around the world, said Lisa Stevens, the panda curator.
"As zookeepers we're very attached to him. We've watched his every move," she said. "Now it's time to say goodbye."
Ms. Stevens said Tai Shan is very confident and more flexible than his parents when it comes to change, and she doesn't think the change in language from his handlers will be a problem. His training records and documents will be translated into Chinese for his departure, she said.
Giant pandas at the National Zoo date back to President Richard M. Nixon's historic visit to China. The first panda couple, Ling-Ling and Hsing-Hsing, arrived in 1972 as a gift to the American people. They produced five cubs, but none of them survived.
(AP)
Phone Call
George Bush, Queen Elizabeth, and Vladimir Putin all die and go to hell. While there, they spy a red phone and ask what the phone is for. The devil tells them it is for calling back to Earth. Putin asks to call Russia and talks for 5 minutes. When he was finished the devil informs him that the cost is a million dollars, so Putin writes him a check.
Next, Queen Elizabeth calls England and talks for 30 minutes. When she was finished the devil informs her that cost is 6 million dollars, so Queen Elizabeth writes him a check.
Finally George Bush gets his turn and talks for 4 hours. When he was finished the devil informed him that there would be no charge for the call and feel free to call the USA anytime.
When Putin hears this he goes ballistic and asks the devil why Bush got to call the USA free. The devil replied, "Since Obama became president of the USA, the country has gone to hell, so naturally it's a local call."
Next, Queen Elizabeth calls England and talks for 30 minutes. When she was finished the devil informs her that cost is 6 million dollars, so Queen Elizabeth writes him a check.
Finally George Bush gets his turn and talks for 4 hours. When he was finished the devil informed him that there would be no charge for the call and feel free to call the USA anytime.
When Putin hears this he goes ballistic and asks the devil why Bush got to call the USA free. The devil replied, "Since Obama became president of the USA, the country has gone to hell, so naturally it's a local call."
Union Troubled By Eagle Scout Project In Allentown
After layoffs, SEIU president complains about city's use of volunteers, contractors
In pursuit of an Eagle Scout badge, Kevin Anderson, 17, has toiled for more than 200 hours hours over several weeks to clear a walking path in an east Allentown park.
Little did the do-gooder know that his altruistic act would put him in the cross hairs of the city's largest municipal union.
Nick Balzano, president of the local Service Employees International Union, told Allentown City Council Tuesday that the union is considering filing a grievance against the city for allowing Anderson to clear a 1,000-foot walking and biking path at Kimmets Lock Park.
"We'll be looking into the Cub Scout or Boy Scout who did the trails," Balzano told the council.
Balzano said Saturday he isn't targeting Boy Scouts. But given the city's decision in July to lay off 39 SEIU members, Balzano said "there's to be no volunteers." No one except union members may pick up a hoe or shovel, plant a flower or clear a walking path.
"We would hope that the well-intentioned efforts of an Eagle Scout candidate would not be challenged by the union," said Mayor Ed Pawlowski in an e-mail Friday. "This young man is performing a great service to the community. His efforts should be recognized as such."
Balzano said Saturday the union is still looking into the matter and might cut the city a break.
"We are probably going to let this one go," Balzano said .
GO HERE to read more.
In pursuit of an Eagle Scout badge, Kevin Anderson, 17, has toiled for more than 200 hours hours over several weeks to clear a walking path in an east Allentown park.
Little did the do-gooder know that his altruistic act would put him in the cross hairs of the city's largest municipal union.
Nick Balzano, president of the local Service Employees International Union, told Allentown City Council Tuesday that the union is considering filing a grievance against the city for allowing Anderson to clear a 1,000-foot walking and biking path at Kimmets Lock Park.
"We'll be looking into the Cub Scout or Boy Scout who did the trails," Balzano told the council.
Balzano said Saturday he isn't targeting Boy Scouts. But given the city's decision in July to lay off 39 SEIU members, Balzano said "there's to be no volunteers." No one except union members may pick up a hoe or shovel, plant a flower or clear a walking path.
"We would hope that the well-intentioned efforts of an Eagle Scout candidate would not be challenged by the union," said Mayor Ed Pawlowski in an e-mail Friday. "This young man is performing a great service to the community. His efforts should be recognized as such."
Balzano said Saturday the union is still looking into the matter and might cut the city a break.
"We are probably going to let this one go," Balzano said .
GO HERE to read more.
Delmar Christmas Parade - Yet Another New Date
Hi again Joe,
It's been a really long couple of days.
The Delmar Christmas Parade has been moved again. We know this will create confusion for some but we really do not see that we have a choice.
Since there was a conflict with many of our entrants with the Salisbury Parade AND the Delmar Wildcats Championship game has been moved to tomorrow (Sun) at 4pm, the parade was looking pretty small.
We have decided to move the Delmar Christmas Parade to SUNDAY, DEC. 13th at 2pm.
If it should rain us out again like it did for today, it will NOT be rescheduled.
Anyone who has not already submitted their entry form and would like to be in the parade, they can call the Parade Coordinator, Roger Martinson at 410-430-6566 or they can call the Chamber voicemail at 302-846-3336.
There will also be parade applications available at Delmar Town Hall next week. There is NO FEE to participate in our parade and trophies will be awarded in several categories.
We appreciate your support in allowing our organization to get the word out. We are hoping this date will be good for everyone concerned.
Thank you,
Diane Johnson
Secretary/Parade Committee
Greater Delmar
Chamber of Commerce
It's been a really long couple of days.
The Delmar Christmas Parade has been moved again. We know this will create confusion for some but we really do not see that we have a choice.
Since there was a conflict with many of our entrants with the Salisbury Parade AND the Delmar Wildcats Championship game has been moved to tomorrow (Sun) at 4pm, the parade was looking pretty small.
We have decided to move the Delmar Christmas Parade to SUNDAY, DEC. 13th at 2pm.
If it should rain us out again like it did for today, it will NOT be rescheduled.
Anyone who has not already submitted their entry form and would like to be in the parade, they can call the Parade Coordinator, Roger Martinson at 410-430-6566 or they can call the Chamber voicemail at 302-846-3336.
There will also be parade applications available at Delmar Town Hall next week. There is NO FEE to participate in our parade and trophies will be awarded in several categories.
We appreciate your support in allowing our organization to get the word out. We are hoping this date will be good for everyone concerned.
Thank you,
Diane Johnson
Secretary/Parade Committee
Greater Delmar
Chamber of Commerce
Berlin MSP Press Release
DATE & TIME: 12/05/09 @ 0930 hrs.
CC CARD NUMBER: 09-96-008217
LOCATION: 10000 block of Friendship Road (MD Rte. 452) nearest Cathell Road, Berlin Worcester County Maryland.
BRIEF RESUME: On 12/5/2009 at approximately 0830 hrs, a 911 call was received from a motorist concerning a vehicle off the roadway, overturned and underwater at the above location. The vehicle was said to be a SUV and it was unknown whether or not there was anyone inside the vehicle. Responding officers immediately plunged into the icy water in an attempt to gain access to the vehicle. Unable to breach the doors or windows officers awaited Fire/Rescue from Berlin. The vehicle was righted at which time the roof of the vehicle was noted as collapsed. Using Hurst tools and other rescue gear, the vehicle was accessed with no one located inside. Utilizing police and fire personnel, the immediate area surrounding the collision site was searched. Divers from the Natural Resources Police as well as the Maryland State Police searched the water in which the vehicle was found. No one was located. Troopers responded to the address of the registered owner, Timothy Dean Cooper (W/M 41 yoa). Upon their initial approach to the residence no one was located. Due to the investigation and potential of serious injury having been incurred by the occupant(s), access to the residence was gained. Upon entry, Troopers located Cooper unconscious and lying in his bed with severe injuries including head and chest trauma. With the State Police’s arrival Cooper awoke. Cooper was transported by Berlin EMS to Peninsula Regional Medical Center, Salisbury MD for evaluation. During the investigation, it was learned Cooper was picked up by a passing motorist and taken to Cooper’s residence. The Maryland State Police – Berlin Barrack is seeking information into who assisted in getting Cooper home from the collision. Those with information concerning this investigation are asked to contact the State Police in Berlin – (410) 641-3101.
CHARGES: PENDING
INVESTIGATING TROOPER: Tfc. Phillip Fort – MSP BERLIN
ASSISTING: Maryland Natural Resources Police, Berlin Police Department, Berlin Fire and Rescue
Salisbury MSP Press Release
DATE & TIME: 12/05/2009 @ 0007 hrs. C C. CARD NUMBER: 0954011924
LOCATION: Head of Creek Rd. and White Haven Road, Quantico Md
INCIDENT: Rash of Malicious Destruction of Property
BRIEF RESUME:
On the above date and time Troopers from the MSP Salisbury Barrack were dispatched to investigate property destruction to mailboxes on Head of Creek Rd., in Quantico, MD. Upon arrival Troopers identified that numerous mail boxes had been destroyed all along Head of Creek Rd. According to local residents numerous four wheeler type vehicles had been heard driving around the area. While investigating the property destructions two to three males wearing all camouflage shot a vehicle traveling down Whitehaven Rd. with paint ball guns. Wicomico County Sheriff’s office then responded to the area to assist with a K-9 track. Suspects were able to elude all efforts fleeing into the wooded areas on their ATVs. Anyone with additional information in these cases are requested to notify the Maryland State Police Salisbury Barrack, 410-749-3101.