Salisbury News: The Most Politically Influential Blog For 2009

Maryland’s Most Politically Influential Blogs For 2009

1. Salisbury News (1)
2. Inside Charm City (17)
3. The Carroll Standard (-)
4. On The Record (13)
5. The Dagger (-)
6. Maryland Politics Watch (9)
7. Red Maryland (3)
8. Pocomoke Tattler (4)
9. Baltimore Reporter (14)
10. Monoblogue (2)
11. The Sun: Maryland Politics (-)
12. The Silver Spring Penguin (-)
13. Delusional Duck (10)
14. Annapolis Capital Punishment (19)
15. The Political Octagon (-)
16. Questing for Atlantis (-)
17. Kevin Dayhoff (-)
18. Rockville Central (-)
19. Delmarva Dealings (12)
20. Faster, Better… (-)

Delmarva's Most Politically Influential Blogs For 2009

1. Salisbury News (1)
2. Delaware Liberal (8)
3. Two Sentz (19)
4. Fix Red Clay (16)
5. Delmar DustPan (5)
6. Delaware Way (14)
7. Fingerpost (-)
8. Citizens For Greater Centreville (-)
9. Red Maryland (-)
10. Delmarva Dealings (9)
11. Pocomoke Tattler (3)
12. Monoblogue (4)
13. Tobinville (-)
14. The Pocomoke Public Eye (-)
15. Delawarepolitics.net (-)
16. Maryland Libertarians (-)
17. The Colossus of Rhodey (-)
18. Nanticoke Blues (-)
19. The Balloon Man (-)
20. Up A Creek In Lower Slower Delaware (-)

Thanks for all of your support once again Folks! Bring on 2010!

You Help Make Changes That You Don't Even Know About!

Joe,

Wanted to let you know how much of an impact you've been to my life. I sent you an email "letter to the editor" which you posted. There were many comments which helped me make the decision I knew deep down I had to make. I made the call and made a formal complaint. In November I received a call from the hospital to let me know I could return, they had fired the woman who I had complained about. I explained to them that I hadn't made the complaint to have her fired, they let me know my call wasn't the first nor was it the last about this person.

http://sbynews.blogspot.com/2009/07/letter-to-editor_28.html

Thanks from me to you!

This Just In

"Here is a picture of the paper that we are putting out with the ribbons!! We have come out of our own pockets for these ribbons and ALL the proceeds are going to Missing and Exploited Children Association!! I hope this clears it up for you!!"

Kristine Kardiasmenos

Thank You Kristine and ALL of the individuals involved. Please understand there have been several people out there wishing to raise money that would not be monitored. In the interest of Sarah Foxwell and her siblings we're simply doing our best to confirm anyone selling merchandise is doing so with the right intent. There were no names, contact information and no mention of "ALL" funds going to this organization on the Face Book message. Thanks for clearing that up. You'll have my business tomorrow night.

UPDATE:

I am happy Kristine has cleared up any misconceptions you might have had about the ribbon magnets. Just a few concerned citizens trying to raise money for Missing and Exploited Children of Maryland. Hoping maybe next time the Amber Alert or whatever they see fit to use the funds for may save another child's life. None of us personally knew Sarah but this tragedy should affect the entire community. As I was one of the first to contact Jim Mathias it is time to take a stand to help our community be a safer place. The ribbons are not just a fundraiser but a tribute that Sarah Haley Foxwell will never be forgotten. Such a senseless and tragic loss our community should never forget. Thank you for your concern. I am a small business owner and was named 2009 Ocean Pines Chamber Business of the Year. We are very dedicated to the community fundraisers we do regularly along with the work we do with DHS and Worcester County GOLD. I assure you we have nothing but honorable intentions as the money has come out of my pocket so far. We appreciate your endorsement.

Lisa Warford

THIS IS HOW YOU FIX CONGRESS!!!!!

Congressional Reform Act of 2010

1. Term Limits: 12 years only, one of the possible options below.

A. Two Six year Senate terms
B. Six Two year House terms
C. One Six year Senate term and three Two Year House terms

Serving in Congress is an honor, not a career. The Founding Fathers envisioned citizen legislators, serve your term(s), then go home and back to work.

2. No Tenure / No Pension:

A congressman collects a salary while in office and receives no pay when they are out of office.

Serving in Congress is an honor, not a career. The Founding Fathers envisioned citizen legislators, serve your term(s), then go home and back to work.

3. Congress (past, present & future) participates in Social Security:

All funds in the Congressional retirement fund moves to the Social Security system immediately. All future funds flow into the Social Security system, Congress participates with the American people.

Serving in Congress is an honor, not a career. The Founding Fathers envisioned citizen legislators, server your term(s), then go home and back to work.

4. Congress can purchase their own retirement plan just as all Americans.

Serving in Congress is an honor, not a career. The Founding Fathers envisioned citizen legislators, serve your term(s), then go home and back to work.

5. Congress will no longer vote themselves a pay raise. Congressional pay will rise by the lower of CPI or 3%.

Serving in Congress is an honor, not a career. The Founding Fathers envisioned citizen legislators, serve your term(s), then go home and back to work.

6. Congress looses their current health care system and participates in the same health care system as the American people.

Serving in Congress is an honor, not a career. The Founding Fathers envisioned citizen legislators, serve your term(s), then go home and back to work.

7. Congress must equally abide in all laws they impose on the American people.

Serving in Congress is an honor, not a career. The Founding Fathers envisioned citizen legislators, serve your term(s), then go home and back to work.

8. All contracts with past and present congressmen are void effective 1/1/11.

The American people did not make this contract with congressmen, congressmen made all these contracts for themselves.

Serving in Congress is an honor, not a career. The Founding Fathers envisioned citizen legislators, serve your term(s), then go home and back to work.

The Sarah Foxwell Memorial

God Bless All of You for caring.

I Have Some Questions About This

"Ribbon Magnets will be for sale before the candle light vigil on Jan 1st at the Salisbury Park. Proceeds will be going to Missing & Exploited Children's Association of Maryland."

First of all, why doesn't it say ALL Proceeds? Folks, this came from a message on Face Book and I'd like one of their representatives to e-mail me confirming ALL proceeds go to this association or I will put the word out that someone is trying to make a profit off the sale of these ribbons. I just want it made very clear.

I believe the vigil will start at 6:00 PM. Salisbury News will be present.

"Yesterday" A Special Song Written For Sarah Foxwell

Hello Delmarva, Top Notch Entertainment Is a local entertainment company that wrote a beautiful song the title is "Yesterday" A Song For Sarah. Thomas Clemmons And Will Walker wrote the songs on Christmas Day. Will had an idea for the song and it went from there Travis Waters another artist from Top Notch was more then willing to do the song. Will got ahold of a very good friend of his Preston Gross who played the keys and strings. We then needed a recording studio on short notice, Steven J.Cirile Owner of Park Recording Studio In Ocean City Maryland opened his doors and gave us free studio time and wasn't gonna rest until the song was complete Steve was the missing link we was looking for the whole time. We are truly grateful because he allowed us to share this song with the community and family.

Will And Travis Along With Preston worked hard and countless hours on the song to get it just right. This tragic hit so close to us being we all have kids. This is our way of showing our support and love for Sarah this music is from our hearts.

Myself (Robert Anderson) Along with my partner (Thomas Clemmons) are working on putting this out to the community we are bring this song to the light and trying to raise money for the siblings of Sarah's so Delmarva please come out and show support Friday Night at 6pm at Salisbury Park where will have the song being played and copy's of the song on a CD for sale. The cd will be $3.00. Like i said all the funds are going to Sarah's siblings we are raising this just for them. We DO NOT want NOTHING in return but the support of the community and family. Please don't let this go unnoticed She may be gone but never forgotten.

My Number Is 302-604-8106 Robert Anderson You can contact me for details for the song or the proceeds anytime anyday.

Just wanted to give a special thanks to a few people that has helped us along the way

Top Notch Entertainment Family
Thomas Clemmons (Ceo & Founder)
Robert Anderson (Management)
Travis Water (Artist)
Will Walker (Artist)
Keojha Palmer (9 Years Old Wrote A Poem For Sarah/Girls Voice In Song)
Preston Gross (Keys & Strings)
Kim Moore
Des & Gene Hill
Jack Hill
Joe Albero (Salisbury News)

New Years Eve Survey

What Is Your New Years Resolution?

Suspect Arrested for Attempted Burglary

Location: Elm Road, Sandy Brae Development, Lewes, DE

Date of Occurrence: 12/31/2009, at approximately 12:15 am

Defendants: Justin T. Pecco, 21 years old, of Lewes, DE


Resume: In the early morning of 12/31/09, Troopers from Troop 7 responded to a complaint of a subject trespassing on Elm Road, Lewes, DE. A concerned neighbor heard noises coming from their neighbor’s yard. When they looked out their window they observed an unknown subject attempting to cut the screen window on their neighbor’s porch. They immediately contacted the police and kept an eye on the subject.

Prior to the arrival of Troopers the subject fled the area in a light colored vehicle. When Troopers arrived they interviewed the witness and were able to obtain a good description of the suspect and fleeing vehicle. Troopers diligently canvassed the area for the suspect vehicle involved in the incident. A short time later Troopers observed the described suspect vehicle in a nearby apartment complex parking lot. Troopers made contact with the owner of the vehicle, Justin T. Pecco, 21, of Lewes, DE. While being interviewed by Troopers it was discovered that Justin T. Pecco was in possession of marijuana. Justin T. Pecco was placed in custody without incident for possession of marijuana. Though continued investigation Troopers were able to determine that Justin T. Pecco was in the area of Elm Road, Lewes DE, during the time of the original incident.

Justin T. Pecco was transported to Troop 7 and charged with, Attempted Burglary 2nd (f), Possession of Burglary Tools (f), Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (m), Possession of Marijuana (m), 2 Counts of Criminal Mischief (m), and Criminal Trespass 3rd (m). Justin Pecco was arraigned on his charges and committed to Sussex Correction Institute in lieu of $7,500.00 Secured Bail.

Shocking FEMA Training Video Founding Fathers Were TERRORISTS

Shocking video of a FEMA instructor teaching officers that George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and others are all terrorists.

Joe,

Don't let anyone tell you that our government isn't trying to take us somewhere we don't need to go. They are interpreting history to make our founding fathers look like terrorists and here is the proof.

This video had 55 views when we posted it.

A Comment Worthy Of A Post

x684867 has left a new comment on your post "Proposed Legislation For Sexual Offenders":

Many people say sex offenders cannot be rehabilitated. However, the Texas State Auditor in 2007 released a report showing that sex offenders who completed the Texas Sex Offender Treatment Program (SOTP) were 61% LESS LIKELY to commit a new crime. That seems to show promise.

After all, in 2002, the US Dept. of Justice reported that only 5% of sex offenders released in 1994 returned to prison for a new sex crime.

Yet we spend millions on registration of more than 650,000 sex offenders in the US based on information available in the early 1990’s when research on sex offenders was poorly funded–if it was even considered.

Treatment works. The research shows this.

See–

“An Audit Report on Selected Rehabilitation Programs at the Department of Criminal Justice.” Texas State Auditor. March 2007. Report No. 07-026. Retrieved Oct 20, 2009. http://www.sao.state.tx.us/reports/main/07-026.html.

US Dept of Justice Report on Sex Offender Recidivism http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/bjs/pub/pdf/rsorp94.pdf

Editors Note: What do you think Folks?

Your Contract

After serious & cautious consideration... Your contract with Salisbury News has been renewed for the New Year 2010!

Thanks for all your support in 2009!

Dr. Bradley's World Just Took A Massive Turn For The Worst

Dr. Bradley has a whole lot more to worry about these days as additional charges are forthcoming that are far more serious than even the previous sexual abuse charges he has faced recently.

I'm not at liberty to discuss these additional charges at this time but let me assure you, this man will easily see a 1,000 year sentence and he will never ever see the outside of a prison again. In fact, he'll be extremely lucky if he survives any real time in a real prison once the inmates learn what this man did.

More to come.......

SALISBURY—BAD DECADE ENDS ON A GOOD NOTE

If the recent abduction and murder of Sarah Foxwell is a random aberration, as seems the case, the first decade of the current century can be seen as a downward spiral for Salisbury under the tenure of Barrie Tilghman that has taken a turn for the better in the past year. The end of her grip on the City’s government was the turning point, albeit negated in part by the continued allegiance of the “three stooges” on the City Council who remain allied despite the fact that Mr. Comegys was defeated in the mayoral election and Ms. Campbell was reelected to the Council by a huge majority. No doubt the trio led by Louise Smith, view the victory of Shanie Shields by a narrow margin as more meaningful.

But lately the will of the people is beginning to prevail. The police chief is being replaced; Mayor Ireton has rejected the initial “short list” for fire chief, and will consider other candidates for that position. It’s taken longer than we thought this Spring, but the tide has turned.

Of course there are serious problems ahead for the City, many caused or compounded by Tilghman. But imagine how much worse it would be, and surely become, if she or Comegys were the Mayor.

Not Knowing This About Your Car Tires Could Kill You Or Your Loved Ones UPDATED

ABC News went undercover and found retailers selling aged tires as brand new. This can be incredibly dangerous. Your "new" tires could be six years old and ready to disintegrate on the highway!

UPDATE FROM POHANKA:

After seeing your report this morning on tire aging, our Parts Director has gone through every tire we have in stock and checked the manufactured dates. We found the 2 sets of tires we have in stock are 2 years old and we verified they have a shelf life up to 6 years old. The rest of our inventory was manufactured in 2009. We have been aware of the manufactures dates on tires and have trained our parts employees to keep stock revolving.

Anyone purchasing tires at any Pohanka dealership is welcomed to have the date code verified.

What’s your baby riding on?

Salisbury Police Arrest A Man For Child Sex Abuse

Apolinar Ramirez Riano, 53yoa of Mexico was arrested for Child Sex Abuse, 3rd Degree Sex Offense, and 2nd Degree Assault. On 12/28/2009 a detective assigned to the Child Advocacy Center responded to PRMC-ER for a report of child sexual abuse. It was learned that the victim, who is 7yoa, was left in the custody of Ramirez along with the victim’s siblings. Ramirez is a distant relative of the victim. Ramirez is accused of taking the victim to his bedroom, binding her hands with a shoelace, and then touching the victim in her private area. Ramirez then performed a sexual act on himself. Ramirez was arrested and released to the custody of Central Booking.

To Sarah Foxwell's Family & The Volunteers

United we stood and we walked side by side

Family and strangers with just hope as our guide.

　

A community together on that Christmas Day

Our heart's swelled 3 times or more as the cartoon would say.

　

You became OUR family on that very sad day

She became OUR child in her own special way.

　

Not a piece of grass was over looked or unturned

In hopes that Sarah would soon be returned.



No one would give up and some didn't go home.

Around local fields, they continued to roam.

　

The search did continue until Little Sarah was found

And again we rallied and all came around.



With teddy bears and flowers we placed to remember

She was in our heart's on this sad day of December.



As we went to sleep that night with a prayer in our head

We hugged our children as we tucked them in bed.



May Sarah Rest in Peace

May the family have peace too

My thought's and prayers

Will always be with you.



Special thoughts and prayers to the Aunt who took Sarah into her heart and her home.

Cindy Whetzel

Open Letter To President Obama And Congress Of United States

It is time to accept the fact that the United States of America is at WAR. Our country has been under attack by radical Islam since the first World Trade Center bombing in 1993. Ignoring the attacks will not end the jihadists desire to kill all non-muslims, it will only enbolden their efforts and convince them of America's weakness. Radical muslims will not unclench their fists. How will you protect America, Mr. President? How will Congress protect America?

This year, under your watch Mr. Obama, three muslim terrorist attacks struck America - in Little Rock, Fort Hood, and the Detroit bound flight on Christmas Day. Your actions show America as weak when missiles are pulled from Eastern Europe to appease Putin, when radical muslim terrorist terminology is banned, when you delay a response and that lagging response is tepid. Enemies respect strength and actions. Words must be followed by actions, strong actions. As president, your main task is to keep us safe. Nothing else matters if you fail at that. Your duty is to keep America safe from attack.

Why have you, Mr. President, not enacted all the recomendations of the 9-11 Committee?

Congress, why have you stood silent in not seeing the 9-11 Recomendations fulfilled?

Enacting other leglislation is meaningless if Congress can not pass laws that protect its citizens.
.
We, the people, expect all 9-11 Recomendations enacted promptly.

Furthermore,

Gitmo must remain open.
No more Gitmo prisoners should be released to any country.
Jihadsts must be sent to Gitmo and interrogated.
Jihadsts are not a law enforcement matter.
Jihadists are non-uniformed combatants and eligible to be held indefinitely.
NO Gitmo detainees to be tried in lower Manhattan.
All trials at Gitmo and those trials to be military tribunals.
Gitmo detainees not to receive civilian trials.
End probe of CIA operatives from past administrations.
Politcal correctness must end.
Profile the groups that are blowing up aircraft:Young Muslim men paying cash for tickets and without baggage.

Mr. President and Congress,

These actions have sadly been neglected on your part and this dereliction of duty must end immediately. You were elected to protect and represent the people.
We expect and DEMAND that you fulfill these law-based requisites.

WE, THE PEOPLE DEMAND ACTION.

Sarah Foxwell Memorial Update

Proposed Legislation For Sexual Offenders

Recently, there has been a lot in the news about child sex offenders and their victims.

Dr. Earl Bradley at BayBees in Lewes may have molested up to 100 children in a 10 year period.
http://www.delawareonline.com/article/20091230/NEWS01/91230020/0/NEWS/Dover-sex-offender-charged-with-molesting-child-7"
Dover sex offender charged with molesting a 7 year old.

http://www.news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091228/ap_on_re_us/us_maryland_girl_slain Sarah Foxwell’s body was found Christmas Day not far from the Delaware border

These stories are very tragic, and as a State Representative, I want to ensure that all children in Delaware are safe from sex offenders.

Ultimately, I would like Delaware to be the toughest state in the nation on high-risk, repeat sex offenders.

I am currently drafting several pieces of legislation that will affect high-risk, repeat sex offenders and will make Delaware a safer place for all of us.

Proposed Legislation

All high-risk, repeat sex offenders should receive truth in sentencing when serving time for a sexual offense.

If a sexual offender is giving 20 years for molesting a child, that person should serve 20 years of jail time, not 8 or 9.

Any sexual offender who is convicted of a second sexual offense will be served a mandatory life sentence.

We need zero-tolerance sentencing for child molesters and other sex offenders.

For all high-risk, repeat sex offenders, their driver’s license (or state ID) will be stamped with the words “sex offender.”

This tool will allow law enforcement officers to better protect the public from repeat offenders.
For example, a police officer in a routine traffic stop will remember a license stamped with “sex offender” and that memory may come in handy if a child is hurt or kidnapped from the area.

Also, in places with large crowds like the state fair or a busy park, law enforcement officers do not have access to a computer. A stamped driver’s license will alert the officer to the presence of a high-risk, repeat sex offender.

For all high-risk, repeat sex offenders, a special license plate to be designed by the Department of Motor Vehicle that must be registered and displayed on the offender’s vehicle.

For too long child sex predators have been stalking our children, it’s now time we know where they are.

An easy identifiable license plate will not only be a red flag for parents, but we can teach young children to avoid these vehicles and drivers at all cost.

Wisconsin, Ohio, and Alabama have considered legislation requiring sexual offenders to have special license plates on their car denoting their sexual offender status.

All high-risk, repeat sex offenders must register all Internet domain and chat room names with the authorities.

Law enforcement officers can then monitor those domain and chat room names to ensure that the sex offender is not committing another crime through the Internet.

Failure to register domain and chat room names would result in [fine? imprisonment?]
Before leaving prison, all male, high-risk, repeat sex offenders that are older than 21 and have targeted a child younger than 12 would be chemically castrated.

Castration may prevent these sex offenders from harming more children.

For the liberal groups that will claim that this is cruel and unusual punishment; I say so is the rape and victimization of our young children. It is my job to see that children have a safe environment.

Ten states have enacted or are considering enacting similar legislation. Louisiana enacted this legislation in June of 2008 and Europe is also debating this concept.

It will be an additional penalty for a sexual offender to provide a cell phone to his or hers victim without the victim’s parental consent.

Sexual offenders that target pre-teen and teenage girls often hook their victim by giving the girl a cell phone.

There is no reason why a child should have a cell phone given to them by a non-family member that the child’s parents know nothing about.

Miscellaneous

Sexual offenders, especially those involved in child molestation, often have a high recidivism rate, and are never rehabilitated. Their sex crimes often escalate to include murder.

Sex offenders often target children under 2 years of age because they can’t talk very well, making it less likely for the offender to be caught.

Lawmakers must stand up for kids who are victims of sexual offences because we have the power to protect them.

Representative John C. Atkins
41st District – Delaware House of Representatives

John Adkins is the Representative that had been in contact with States Attorney Davis Ruark and Sheriff Mike Lewis offering any and all Delaware resources the entire time they were searching for Sarah Foxwell. My hat is tipped to this Gentleman for having the STONES to finally stand up to these sex offender and deliver possible legislation that will make these SOB's think twice before they ever attempt to touch another child ever again.

OK Maryland Legislators, what are YOU going to do. Remember Folks, you only get this kind of stuff from Salisbury News.

1-13 MARCH ON ANNAPOLIS

1-13 MARCH ON ANNAPOLIS

Enough is Enough: No More Deficits, No More Tax Hikes,
Bring Back Our Jobs!
Wednesday, January 13th
7pm
State House – Annapolis

(Be sure to wear cold weather clothing)

Come to Annapolis and send a message to your elected officials: ENOUGH IS ENOUGH! Even after the largest tax increase in Maryland history (2007) and nearly $4 billion in federal “stimulus” dollars (2008), we still have a projected $2 billion budget deficit. Gov. O'Malley's fiscal mismanagement is astounding. With no plan to fill the hole in the budget, more tax increases are on the table. Now is the time for us to fight for prosperity!

REGISTER FOR THE MARCH AND BUSES HERE

Confirmed speakers include: Grover Norquist (Americans for Tax Reform) and Tim Phillips (Americans for Prosperity). Hand warmers and flashlights to be handed out!

$$$Help Wanted$$$ F&I Manager Position Available

Pohanka Automotive Group of Salisbury is growing and looking for an experienced F&I Manager to join our winning team. Applicant must have 2+ years experience. Must be able to self-motivate and manage their own time in a fast paced environment. Attention to detail is critical.

Very lucrative pay plan, medical, dental and vision coverage. 401k, comfortable, professional environment. Must be a team player.

Work with the best in the industry.
Send resume' to lbrooke@pohankaofsalisbury.com

Caption This Photo

Today's Survey Question

Do You Think Governor O'Malley Should Reconsider The Death Penalty Laws In Maryland?

"The Joe Albero Show" Moves To 9:00 AM On Saturdays

"The Joe Albero Show" will now air at 9:00 AM on Saturday mornings.

That's WRDE, Channel 9 on Comcast

Channel 99 on Mediacom

Due to technical difficulties last week

we will re air last weeks show.

Motivational Posters

Today's Nature Photo By Scott Phoebus

Centennial License Plate Sales Will End Dec. 31

Final Give-Away Drawing Winner Announced

Dover -- The Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is reminding Delawareans that their opportunity to purchase the limited edition Centennial License Plate is almost at an end. The popular, award-winning license plate can still be purchased for $100 with a credit card online at www.dmv.de.gov through midnight December 31, or in person at any DMV lane through 4:30 pm.

Since sales began October 1, 2008, nearly 8,000 of the black onyx and heritage gold colored plates have been sold. The plate design proved to be popular with license plate enthusiasts, and received the award for "Best Plate of the Year" from the Automobile License Plate Collectors Association (ALPCA) in May 2009.

The DMV conducted promotional drawings during the course of the sales period and awarded new low-digit license plates to winners of the contests. The final four-digit plate winner was Justin Rathmanner of Wilmington, who was picked at random from state-wide entries on December 16, at the Wilmington DMV lanes.

The unique plate design is a celebration of 100 years since the first state-issued license plate was produced in 1909. Delaware is the first state ever to produce a commemorative license plate of this kind. Several other "firsts" for the awarding winning plate include being the first fully embossed license plate with raised letters and numbers in Delaware since 1941, as well as being the first optional license plate in the world where the validation sticker colors were designed to match the colors of the plate itself.

Centennial Plate numbering matches the plate number currently assigned to the registered vehicle, and may be displayed on all registered Delaware vehicles except motorcycles, mopeds, and IRP apportioned vehicles.

TONYTANK POND DRAIN-DOWN SET FOR JANUARY 4TH

At the request of the Tonytank Homeowner’s Association, the Wicomico County Roads Division will conduct a partial drain-drown of Tonytank Pond starting on January 4th. According to a Roads official, the residents requested the drain-down so they could perform shoreline maintenance. There will be “No Fishing” signs posted during the drain-down which will conclude on February 12th.

2009-2010 School Year To End Tuesday, June 15, With Makeup Days

Closings due to inclement weather and poor road conditions on Monday, Dec. 21, and Tuesday, Dec. 22, will be made up on Monday, June 14, and Tuesday, June 15, in accordance with the approved school calendar for 2009-2010. The approved school calendar designates five days at the end of the school year as makeup days in case of school closings. The calendar for this school year is still subject to change by weather closings and other factors.

Hillbilly Birth

Deep in the back woods, of Letcher County, Kentucky a hillbilly's wife went into labor in the middle of the night, and the doctor was called out to assist in the delivery. Since there was no electricity, the doctor handed the father-to-be a lantern and said, 'Here. You hold this high so I can see what I am doing!'

Soon, a baby boy was brought into the world. 'Whoa there', said the doctor, 'Don't be in such a rush to put that lantern down I think there's another one coming.'

Sure enough, within minutes he had delivered a baby girl. 'Hold that lantern up, don't set it down there's another one!' Said the doctor.

Within a few minutes he had delivered a third baby 'No, don't be in a hurry to put down that lantern, it seems there's yet another one coming!' cried the doctor.

The redneck scratched his head in bewilderment, and asked the doctor, . . . . ..


'You reckon it might be the light that's attractin' 'em?'

Wicomico County Board Of Education Reviews Proposed Budget Reductions For Fiscal 2011

The Wicomico County Board of Education will continue to review and discuss proposed budget reductions in anticipation of having substantially less funding for fiscal 2011. The Board received the proposed reductions at a work session Tuesday, Dec. 22.

Among the proposed reductions discussed at the work session are a redesign of the Magnet program, elimination of Adult Education, Beyond the Limits and the Year Round Education Program at Delmar Elementary School, and many staffing changes. All of the proposed budget reductions would be difficult, the Board said, and all will be discussed in the coming weeks and months as the Board prepares to adopt a fiscal 2011 budget to send to the Wicomico County Council by March 15.

The Board and Superintendent of Schools Dr. John Fredericksen said that the focus will be on preserving a high-quality education for all students and keeping the effect of cuts away from the classroom, while at the same time not eliminating personnel the school system needs to carry out its mission of providing “all students an educational foundation and a set of skills which will enable them to become responsible and productive citizens in our society.”

The Board of Education will hold its first public input meeting of the fiscal 2011 budget year on Thursday, Jan. 14, at 5:30 p.m. in the Board of Education auditorium. Please call 410-677-4561 for information.

The Board has already been informed by County Executive Richard M. Pollitt Jr. that it will receive approximately $5 million less from the county in next year’s budget, and that the county would not therefore meet the Maintenance of Effort requirement for the school system to receive new state aid. Pollitt has also informed the school system that, based on projected county revenues, the county anticipates reducing funding for Wicomico County Public Schools over the next several years. The school system may also see reduced state funding next year. State aid is based upon a school system’s full-time equivalent (FTE) enrollment as of Sept. 30 each year. As of Sept. 30, 2009, the school system’s FTE enrollment for state aid purposes declined by 51 students, even though overall enrollment actually increased by 29 students with prekindergarten students included. Current state aid formulas exclude prekindergarten students from the Sept. 30 FTE calculation.

At the work session, Dr. Fredericksen presented the Board with two tiers of budget reductions totaling nearly $6.5 million for fiscal 2011; these Tier I and Tier II proposed budget reductions will be posted on the Board’s web site at www.wcboe.org.

The Tier I reductions of $5.9 million will almost certainly be needed to prepare a balanced budget, though there could still be changes to some of the items listed in Tier I, Dr. Fredericksen said. Tier II reductions of almost $588,000 have also been identified, to be used if needed. The superintendent and his staff have prepared additional tiers of reductions in case they are needed.

Tier I of the proposed budget reductions includes four major program changes. Approximately $344,000 could be saved by serving Magnet-eligible students with accelerated programs in their home schools instead of at regional centers. Another $296,000 will be saved by the elimination of the Adult Education program, which is moving to another provider in accordance with state funding. The Board would save about $180,000 by eliminating the Beyond the Limits ropes course program. Finally, approximately $75,000 would be saved by ending the Year Round Education program at Delmar Elementary and serving those students in the traditional program at Delmar Elementary.

The proposed change in Magnet would result in students no longer being transported to one of two Magnet centers, but instead being served with Magnet-level instruction at the home school. This would increase the opportunity for high-achieving students to receive accelerated instruction, since right now many Magnet-eligible students do not attend Magnet at North Salisbury or Pemberton elementary schools due to concerns about transportation time or due to a desire to remain in the home school. Changing the way Magnet instruction is delivered would expand the opportunity to more eligible students, reduce transportation issues, and save money on staffing and transportation, Dr. Fredericksen said.

“We are not taking away the Magnet program,” Board President Mark S. Thompson said. “We’re looking at expanding it, and not just expanding it, but offering it in more elementary schools.”

“It’s an expansion of the program, not doing away with it,” Board member Ronald Willey said. “I would very much oppose doing away with that program. We need that program,” Willey said, to challenge highly able students who are performing well beyond grade level. Dr. Fredericksen has a team working to develop that same rigor in all home schools with intermediate grades.

A decision on proposed changes to the Magnet program must be made in time to correspond with changes made as a result of redistricting. The Redistricting Task Force is currently gathering information and will make recommendations to the superintendent in a few weeks.

At the end of this fiscal year, June 30, 81 employees will retire through the school system’s Early Notification Program. “It is our hope to save significant budget dollars by not filling 25-30 vacancies left by ENP retirements,” Dr. Fredericksen said.

In addition to positions cut through the alteration or elimination of the programs described above, other position reductions in Tier I (totaling 30 positions) include reducing three elementary math and four elementary reading professional development coaches, converting four in-school suspension teaching positions to instructional assistants, converting some psychologist positions to 10-month positions, eliminating a vacant project manager position from Facility Services, realigning Central Office staff to eliminate at least one position, eliminating four secondary teaching positions due to realignments, and replacing staff positions for the Instructional Resource Center and a new teacher mentor with contractual help.

OUCH!