Dear Dr. Fredericksen

The reason my Grandson wasn't picked up today by his assigned School Bus was because the driver got stuck in the snow.

So to ALL of you nay sayers, even on the second day road conditions were not acceptable and my photos taken and produced yesterday proved to be 100% accurate.

Mardela Springs Volunteer Fire Company

On behalf on the Officers and Members of the Mardela Springs Volunteer Fire Company, we would like to extend our thanks and appreciation to those department that assisted us in our time of need with the snow removal from our Station. I put out a request and within minutes without hesitation we had help on the way. Those men and women that came out had already been to Delmar and Willards Fire Departments and helped them out. If it had not been for the brothers and sisters of the fire service we would have possibly lost part of the building. It took about 7 hours to get the building cleared and if not for these folks we would still be at it.

Since December there have been many good deeds done all across this County and it just shows what can be accomplished if everyone works together.

If you could please post this message I would greatly appreciate it.

Doug Jones - Chief
Mardela Springs Volunteer Fire Company

Bad Accident On Rt. 13

There has been a bad accident on Rt. 13 in front of Hardee's. They are detouring everyone off of Rt. 13 and not letting anyone through.

A BIG THANK YOU!

The Officers and Members of Willards Vol. Fire Co. would like to extend a huge THANK YOU to all those that assisted us on Thurs. Feb.11th with the snow removal from the roof of our new firehouse. At 8am 815(K. Twilley) had station 8 members alerted for an emergency service call at station 8. Members arrived and were briefed that the roof had a noticeable sag that had developed due to the weight of the ice and snow that we have received over the last 3 weeks. Personnel began to clear the rear section of the roof which had built up ice that was preventing the water from draining properly. At this time 718(G. Bratten) was at station 7 and 815 requested him to bring Truck 7 to Station 8 to provide a safer means of access to roof. 715 (M. Bratten), Deputy 11 (Owens), 617 (Tyler), 1415 (Bowden), and 7415 (Morris) all contacted station 8 and offered manpower from their respective stations to respond to and assist station 8, this was gladly accepted. Station 8 Ladies Auxiliary was alerted and responded to provide drinks and food for all the manpower working to clear the roof. Throughout the operation, command worked to rotate manpower to insure the safety of all the personnel working the incident. After over 8 hours the mission was complete and all personnel were released. Again we’d like to extend another HUGE THANK YOU to ALL that came and helped.

We would also like to thank Joe Albero and Bruce Hunter for taking the time out of their busy snow removing schedule to come and help us.

Also thanks to Kenny Twilley, Bruce Lewis, and Rayne Farms for use of heavy equipment during the recent string of winter weather.

GO HERE to see full article and photos.

ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF AMERICAN RECOVERY AND REINVESTMENT ACT

STATEMENT FROM GOVERNOR MARTIN O’MALLEY
ON ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF AMERICAN RECOVERY AND REINVESTMENT ACT

Governor Praises President Obama’s Leadership in Creating and Saving Jobs in Maryland and Across Nation

ANNAPOLIS, MD (February 17, 2010) – Governor Martin O’Malley today released the following statement regarding the one year anniversary of the passage of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, and praised the leadership of the Obama Administration to get America’s families back to work and out of this national economic downturn:

“Because of the swift action of President Obama, we are proud to report that 19,958 jobs have been created or saved in Maryland thanks to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.”

“We’ve invested in important infrastructure projects, including public school construction, water and wastewater projects, and highway improvements throughout Maryland. We’ve expanded our weatherization programs, creating green jobs in every corner of our state. And we’ve used these funds to provide our own vulnerable citizens the healthcare they need through the Medicaid program. Teachers, police officers, contractors, highway workers – literally thousands of our fellow Marylanders are employed today thanks to the Recovery Act.”

President Obama’s American Recovery and Reinvestment Act helped crate or save an estimated 2 million jobs nationwide, and helped our national economy to grow by 5.7 percent in the fourth quarter. The Recovery Act also provided over $100 billion in tax relief for American businesses and families.

The latest round of reporting required by the federal government to account for Maryland’s share of the funding through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act was recently completed. These reports detail the use of these funds that been used and invested through our state so far. A summary of report is now available, and can be found at www.recovery.maryland.gov.

Milford Man Charged With Child Abuse

Location: Residence along Colonial Lane, Milford, Delaware, Kent County

Date of Occurrence: March 2009 – December 2009

Suspect(s): Darnell D. Waples, 26, of Colonial Lane in Milford, Delaware

Resume: On Tuesday, February 16th, detectives from Troop 3 in Woodside made an arrest in a child abuse investigation which was initiated on December 11th.

This investigation revealed a then 20-month-old boy was taken to Milford Memorial Hospital on December 10th for broken leg. Based on the nature of this injury, on the following day, the child was transferred to A.I. DuPont Hospital where further examinations were completed. It was determined the little boy had, within the past several months, suffered fractured ribs as well as other injuries.

It was determined that child sustained his injuries while in the care of his mother’s boyfriend- Darnell D. Waples.

Waples surrendered to detectives yesterday and was formally charged with Assault by Abuse or Neglect (felony) and Endangering the Welfare of a Child (felony). Mr. Waples was committed to the James Vaughn Correctional Institute in lieu of a $27,000.00 cash bail and ordered to have no contact with anyone under the age of 18.

The Division of Family Services was notified of this investigation.

Good-Bye Barbara Mikulski!

Incumbent Senator Barbara Mikulski is not fit to serve another term!
"Mrs. Mikulski seriously fractured her right ankle last fall just prior to Edward M. Kennedy's death. Due to the severity of the fracture, she had to have open reduction surgery, that included the insertion of pins, as well as the use of special surgical boots, during recovery. She had tried to arrive in time for Mr. Kennedy's funeral but was turned away.

Her recovery has been exceptionally slow and she is evidently still in a great deal of pain. Reportedly, she has told her physician that she does not desire to seek reelection. Additionally, friends and family have been saying in the near future she will announce her retirement. Because of the very slow recovery, she has been forced to use a wheelchair, a walker or a cane in order to get around.

One of her complaints is that the health insurance that is provided for Congress is "poor" with high deductibles and "limitations" on coverage. My contact tells me that she told an aide that she should have inserted in the ObamaCare bill an amendment to improve Congressional health insurance!

Mrs. Mikulski was first elected to the Senate in 1986, and thus is a very senior member of the Democratic caucus. Despite this seniority, she has never been offered any important chairmanships or leadership positions. Born on July 20, 1936, she is 74 years old, come July...it is perhaps fitting that she has choose this year to retire." - from the Vail Spot blog

Let's give her the send-off she deserves!!

DONATE TO DR WARGOTZ'S CAMPAIGN ON MARCH 4th AND LET'S START PLANNING MIKULSKI'S RETIREMENT TODAY!

GO HERE to see more.

A Special Message Referencing Sarah Foxwell Fundraiser

O'Malley & Mikulski Make Joint Statement On Cell Phone Jamming

JOINT STATEMENT FROM GOVERNOR MARTIN O’MALLEY AND SENATOR BARBARA MIKULSKI ON NATION’S FIRST-EVER CELL PHONE JAMMING TEST AT A PRISON HELD TODAY IN MARYLAND

ANNAPOLIS, MD (February 17, 2010) – Governor Martin O’Malley and U.S. Senator Barbara A. Mikulski (D-Md.) issued this statement today following the first-ever legal test of cell phone jamming technology at a federal prison. Last year, Governor O’Malley and Senator Mikulski formally requested approval for the test from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). Today, Governor O’Malley visited the Federal Correctional Institution in Cumberland, MD, where the Bureau of Prisons and the NTIA were conducting the first-ever sanctioned test of the jamming technology at a prison.

“Law enforcement needs every tool available to fight the violent crimes that are being orchestrated by criminals using illegal cell phones behind bars. Today’s event is an important step in understanding the technology and its impact on the areas surrounding prisons. Today’s test marks the first time the federal government has sanctioned the use of this equipment for these purposes at a prison, and we’re pleased that the NTIA chose a federal facility in Maryland, further demonstrating our national leadership on this important public safety issue.

“The enormous hurdles required simply to make this test possible should serve as evidence enough of the critical need for passage of S. 251, the Safe Prisons Communications Act of 2009. We must give law enforcement quick access to every technological tool available -- including cell phone jamming -- to combat illegal cell phone use on the inside and protect our neighbors and families on the outside.”

Wicomico Narcotic Task Force Makes HUGE Bust Last Night

The Wicomico Narcotic Task Force made an unbelievable arrest last night on Ronald Bivens.

According to the statement of charges Bivens had a back pack with just under a Kilo of cocaine, a scale, baggies and $16,000.00 cash. He was in the Mill Pond Village parking lot where he approached two vehicles, dropped the back pack on the ground and walked away. That's when the Task Force made the arrest.

Man Dies After Calling 911 10 Times in Two Days - Incredible Health - FOXNews.com

Man Dies After Calling 911 10 Times in Two Days - Incredible Health - FOXNews.com

Posted using ShareThis

And you think we can't get around in the snow?

Salisbury Police Department Calls Towing Companies

As of this moment the Salisbury Police Department made calls to all of the local Towing Companies to immediately remove ALL vehicles on west College Ave.

YOU GO Chief Barkley!

Brooklyn Boy, 4, Is Killed By School Bus

A yeshiva’s school bus struck a 4-year-old boy in Borough Park, Brooklyn, on Wednesday morning, claiming his life, the authorities said.

The boy, Amrom Altman, had just left his house for school when he was struck by the yellow bus near the intersection of 13th Avenue and 49th Street around 8 a.m., the authorities said. There were no charges immediately filed against the bus operator, who was driving for Yeshiva Bais Chaim Yoshua.

Onlookers gathered on 49th Street between 13th and 14th Avenues, where the boy’s body lay in the street in front of his family’s three-story brick row house. Police officers streamed in and out of the house, and the street remained closed.

The boy’s grandparents arrived about 10 a.m, the grandmother stopping on the icy sidewalk and doubling over, heaving with sobs. The yellow bus had been moved to the corner, where police officers had boarded it and opened the hood to examine it.

A law enforcement official said that when the bus arrived, the boy and his 13-year-old brother were not outside waiting. The bus could not block traffic as it waited for them to emerge from the house, so it went around the block. When the bus arrived a second time, the driver still did not see the boy so he took off, not realizing that the boy was running toward the bus.

The boy apparently slipped on ice, according to witnesses, and was caught between the front and rear tires on the right side of the bus, the law enforcement official said. The older brother witnessed the accident. The driver did not realize what had happened and was flagged down by onlookers. He stopped the bus by the corner of 14th Avenue.

GO HERE to read more.

Who Is The Cat In The Hat?

Child Sex Offender Arrested On New Charges

EASTON, Md.- Easton police have arrested a 75-year-old registered child sex offender accused of fondling a 9-year-old girl.

Hermione Rasin Sr. of Easton is charged with third-degree sex offense, fourth-degree sex offense and second-degree assault.

According to police, the alleged incident occurred Tuesday morning. Following his arrest, Rasin was locked up in the Talbot County Detention Center on a $25,000 bond.

Rasin is currently a registered sex offender in the state of Maryland. According to police, he was placed on the registry in 2000 after being convicted of sexual child abuse of a minor.

A Reader Needs Help

"First as a faithful reader of Sbynews I want to thank you for all the work you do on Sbynews.

My question is do you know of any 2 or 3 bedroom houses that are for rent in the Pemberton School district?"

GOVERNOR MARTIN O’MALLEY TO TAKE LIVE CALLS, EMAILS FROM MARYLANDERS TONIGHT

ANNAPOLIS, MD (February 17, 2010) – Governor Martin O’Malley will appear tonight on Maryland Public Television’s “Ask the Governor,” a monthly broadcast where the Governor takes live phone calls and emails from viewers on issues that are important to the people of the State.

The Governor will broadcast tonight live from the Maryland Public Television studios in Owings Mills.

Viewers can email questions to askthegovernor@mpt.org or call live at 1-800-926-0629.

TONIGHT, Wednesday, February 17, 2010 at 7:00 p.m.

CNN Poll: 52% Say Obama Doesn't Deserve Reelection In 2012

52 percent of Americans said President Barack Obama doesn't deserve reelection in 2012, according to a new poll.

44 percent of all Americans said they would vote to reelect the president in two and a half years, less than the slight majority who said they would prefer to elect someone else.

Obama faces a 44-52 deficit among both all Americans and registered voters, according to a CNN/Opinion Research poll released Tuesday. Four percent had no opinion.

GO HERE to read more.

Did Your School Bus Arrive This Morning?

We waited and waited for our Grandson's School Bus to arrive and it was a no show.

Toyota And The Union-Backed Government-Led Witch Hunt

Toyota, which employs over 35,000 workers in the United States with factories in eight states, is the target of a government-led and union-supported attack due to recent recalls.

In the U.S., it is estimated that 15,000 Lexus HS250h and 133,000 Prius models will be recalled due to gas pedal issues, with another 500,000 Prius and other gasoline-electric hybrids needing anti-brake software modification. As unfortunate and inconvenient as recalls can be, this not the first, or last time an automobile will need to be brought back to the shop for a quick fix.

One might think this is the first auto recall in decades from the way government officials and Congressional Committees have pounced on Toyota. However, as recent as last month, Honda announced a recall of 646,000 Fit models (or Jazz in some markets) due to a faulty master switch that could allow water to enter the electrical components resulting in fires. Ford, less than one year ago, was forced to recall more than 4 million cars based on 550 vehicle fires. The recall concerned cruise-control deactivation switches that were installed in 16 million Fords. Part of the recall included nearly 1.1 million 1995-2003 Ford Windstar family van models.

There was no government outcry and no demand for Congressional hearings over these recent recalls. So why has Toyota suddenly become the target of a government-led witch hunt?

Toyota’s U.S. operations are extremely successful, not saturated by inefficient union monopolies, and are in direct competition with the now government-owned General Motors.

From their first U.S. factory in 1988, the Japanese company’s success in the U.S. is extraordinary. In 2003, the Camry became the best-selling car in the U.S. and still is. In 2005, Fortune magazine stated: “By nearly every measure, Toyota is the world’s best auto manufacturer. It may be the world’s best manufacturer, period.” In 2006, Toyota became the third-biggest seller of cars and trucks in the U.S. In 2007, Toyota captured second place in the U.S. market, replacing Ford, which had held the No. 2 position since 1931. In 2008, as GM declined and temporarily avoided bankruptcy, Toyota surpassed their unionized competitor becoming the largest automaker in the world.

GO HERE to read more.

Why Switzerland Has The Lowest Crime Rate In The World

This is why the Swiss have the lowest crime rate in the world. The reason the Nazis didn't invade Switzerland in WW II was succinctly expressed by Hitler himself: "Switzerland doesn't have an army -- Switzerland IS an army." This is a bit over three minutes in length and worth every second to watch.

Worth Repeating.

Today's Survey Question

Do You Think Wicomico County Roads Were Safe Enough

To Send Your Children To School Yesterday?

IT’S A “SUPER TIF” FOR THE OLD SALISBURY MALL

The special financing (“TIF”) deal that the City of Salisbury has agreed to give to the owners of the site pales in comparison to the parking lot deal they are getting from Pollitt and his four pals on the County Council – Cannon, Hughes, MacLeod and McCain. The price they have approved to buy 5 acres across Glen Avenue from the Civic Center -- about 1.5 Million Dollars ($300,000 per acre) -- is several times more than that land is worth. And their argument that they are using “free” money from the state, and that the citizens have no voice in its use unless they paid the tax funding for it is arrogance beyond belief.

This mess should be vetoed with one of those $23 pens and dumped into a $400 trash can, but that won’t happen with that group in charge.

Their action and attitude would deserve an impeachment or recall effort if their terms did not end later this year when they will have to be reelected in order to remain in power. Better to devote time and effort to making sure that does not happen, and to see that the diligent members of the Council – Bartkovich, Prettyman and Holloway -- are reelected unless one of them runs for the County Executive office instead, in which case support for that is appropriate.

Don’t be surprised if “Reelect Rick Pollitt” signs are posted on other parts of the mall site later this year, along with those for any of his pals that want to stay in office. They have announced that they want to buy even more land at the old mall with taxpayers’ funding.

TOWN OF HEBRON NEEDS A MAJOR OVERHAUL NOW

Even if the developer from Wilmington has reimbursed all of the humongous legal fees and costs that the Town has incurred to do the ill-fated rezoning for that “Waller Landing” monstrosity, the Town’s elected officials and advisors should be replaced. To imagine that the proposed project would have enhanced and not devastated the community is ridiculous. And they violated the most basic rules of procedure and fair play, as the Circuit Court found, while turning their back on local residents who opposed the project.

In addition, the Town officials are disregarding the local and State concern about its sewage treatment capacity and discharge into the waterway as well as the County’s comprehensive plan for growth and development. The ship is rapidly running onto the rocks without competent control and guidance.

There is only one solution – by cleaning the house. Let’s hope the citizens of Hebron proceed ASAP.

Just How Dumb Are Americans?

Day after day I continue to see the Main Stream Media pouncing on Toyota with one flaw after the other and it's everywhere.

Again, I ask YOU, have YOU ever experienced any of the problems the MSM has brought forth? The answer is, NO!

However, we live in a society where our government knows the one thing that works on Americans is fear. If you fear there might be a problem, Americans run scared.

Since we were hit with two major storms I have yet to be able to plow out enough of an area to get the vehicle I'm trading in, out. Once I do, believe me, I'm heading to a Toyota Dealership and I'm buying a new vehicle.

That being said, I do not consider myself as being dumb but I am an American. You?

By the way, if the MSM actually did stories on ALL of the American made vehicles with their recalls and flaws there'd be no room for any other news.

Biden: U.S. Got ‘Money's Worth’ From Stimulus

Separately, Romer says nation should expect positive job growth by spring

WASHINGTON - Vice President Joe Biden asserted in an interview Wednesday that taxpayers have "gotten their money's worth" out of the $787 billion stimulus program that Congress passed during the depths of the recession.

In an interview broadcast on CBS's "The Early Show," Biden defended the program against accusations by Republicans critics that it hasn't been the job-manufacturing machine the administration promised to the American people.

He argued that money invested in both private and public-sector initiatives has saved as many as 2 million jobs, and said, "I don't think they realize it." Biden said the program, now a year old, was designed to be implemented in two stages, saying "we've only been halfway through the act."

GO HERE to read more.

Pooch Pulled From Sewer In Maryland

Rescuers took a dog to an animal shelter after pulling him from the sewer in Laurel, Md., Tuesday afternoon.

Prince George's County Fire and EMS went to the area near Holly and Clark streets at about 2 p.m. after residents reported hearing a dog barking in the sewer, fire spokesman Mark Brady said. After about 40 minutes, the county collapse rescue team managed to get the dog out of the sewer.

Apparently a manhole cover accidentally was removed by a snowplow and the dog dropped through the hole, falling about 20 feet into the drain.

GO HERE to read more.

Watch The Ball

WY&CC Is Crucial To Our Quality Of Life

WY&CC is crucial to our quality of life
By James V. Fineran

Bill Cosby, Bob Dylan, The Harlem Globetrotters, "Cats," The Moody Blues -- these are just a few of the truly big-name acts that have entertained at the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center. Add large events such as rodeos, professional boxing and wrestling, tractor pulls, dog shows and high school sports tournaments, and one begins to get a picture of how crucial the Civic Center is to the quality of life
here. It wasn't always this way, and it was a fire that changed things.

Those of us of a certain age clearly recall a time when the only way to see big-name acts or attractions was to travel to a metropolitan area. In 1977, the old Civic Center burned. Its replacement arena was large enough for promoters to book nationally known shows here. Since then, Director Gary Mackes and the Civic Center staff have continuously brought top flight entertainment and events to Salisbury.

Over the past 10 years, the Civic Center has functioned as an "enterprise" operation. In brief, Mackes was instructed to make the Civic Center self-sufficient. In addition to adding more profitable events to the Civic Center schedule, he created an in-house catering and banquet service. Said Mackes, "While the Civic Center is not completely a stand-alone operation, it only costs residents $3 each per year to support. That's less than a Happy Meal."

But the Civic Center means much more to Wicomico County. Many of the events have a direct and positive effect on the local economy. Michael E. Getzey, president of Marshall Hotels & Resorts Inc., said, "As a result of Civic Center activities, it is a fact that area restaurants, hotels and shops receive income of at least $11 million per year. We are in a down economy and I hate to think where the local
hospitality industry would be without a thriving Civic Center."

Mackes added, "Our Broadway series alone has attracted more than 25,000 theater-goers. It's a safe bet that many of them started or topped off the evening in an area restaurant. The International Poodle Show brings in $1.5 million in collateral business."

County Executive Rick Pollitt's blue-ribbon Civic Center Commission concluded that the preservation, improvement and expansion of the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center is absolutely essential to maintaining the cultural and economic quality of life our citizens have come to appreciate over the years.

In the coming months, Pollitt intends to discuss the commission's report on the future of the Civic Center through regional "town meetings" throughout the county.

Pollitt wants each and every citizen to weigh in on this matter, which is so crucial to the quality of life we enjoy in Wicomico County. Stay tuned.

Caption This Photo

From Cowboyz To The Crabcake Factory, They're Back

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ocean-City-MD/Crabcake-Factory-USA/269213885294?v=photos#!

The Crabcake Factory Facebook site is up and running....

GO HERE to see an article by the Daily Times yesterday.

This Is War

The nation's top conservative leaders will gather Wednesday at Collingwood in Alexandria, Va.—a property that was once the site of George Washington’s River Farm—to sign a document organizers are calling the Mount Vernon Statement. It is designed to signal that a united and resurgent conservative movement is declaring philosophical war against the big government and moral relativism advanced by the nation’s liberal cultural, academic and political establishments.

The statement emphatically says no to the type of "change" pushed by political leaders who ignore the Constitution's limits on government power.

“In recent decades, America’s principles have been undermined and redefined in our culture, our universities and our politics,” says an excerpt from the statement. “The self-evident truths of 1776 have been supplanted by the notion that no such truths exist. The federal government today ignores the limits of the Constitution, which is increasingly dismissed as obsolete and irrelevant.

“Some insist that America must change, cast off the old and put on the new,” says the statement. “But where would this lead--forward or backward, up or down? Isn’t this idea of change an empty promise or even a dangerous deception?”

“The change we urgently need, a change consistent with the American ideal, is not movement away from but toward our founding principles,” it says.

The full document will be posted online at www.themountvernonstatement.com after 3 p.m. Wednesday.

The statement was drafted under the auspices of the Conservative Action Project, a coalition led by Edwin Meese, who served as a top White House adviser and then attorney general to President Ronald Reagan.

“It’s a document that we hope is going to serve as a compass for the movement so that when we have a debate such as, for example, on socialized health care, there should not be a degree to which government participates in national health care but whether government has the authority, the right to interfere in this issue,” Media Research President Brent Bozell told CNSNews.com. “If it doesn’t have the specifically enumerated right and responsibility spelled out in the Constitution, then the federal government should not be involved period.”

Lots more here..

Census 2010: Up To 800 Canvassers With Criminal Records

by Bob McCarty

Despite reports last fall that the Census Bureau had severed ties with community-organizing group known as ACORN, Americans might want to think twice before opening their doors to canvassers for the 2010 Census after reading what I discovered this morning.

According to a report issued by the Government Accountability Office Oct. 7, approximately 785 employees with disqualifying criminal records could still end up working for the Census Bureau this year. Excerpts (below) show the exact wording of the agency’s frightening information about the people who go door to door conducting interviews and collecting information for the 2010 Census:

The Bureau’s efforts to fingerprint employees, which was required as part of a criminal background check, did not proceed smoothly, in part because of training issues. As a result, over 35,000 temporary census workers — over a fifth of the address canvassing workforce — were hired despite the fact that their fingerprints could not be processed and they were not fully screened for employment eligibility.

…of the prints that could be processed, fingerprint results identified 1,800 temporary workers (1.1 percent of total hires) with criminal records that name check alone failed to identify. Of the 1,800 workers with criminal records, approximately 750 (42 percent) were terminated or were further reviewed because the Bureau determined their criminal records — which included crimes such as rape, manslaughter, and child abuse — disqualified them from census employment.

…we estimate that approximately 785 employees with unclassifiable prints could have disqualifying criminal records but still end up working for the Bureau

GOVERNOR MARTIN O’MALLEY TO VISIT WESTERN MARYLAND

GOVERNOR MARTIN O’MALLEY TO VISIT WESTERN MARYLAND,
ATTEND NATION’S FIRST CELL PHONE JAMMING TEST AT FEDERAL PRISON
Governor will also Tour Local Business to promote Job Creation Tax Credit

ANNAPOLIS, MD – Governor Martin O’Malley will visit Western Maryland today, where he will attend the nation’s first-ever federally sanctioned test of cell phone jamming technology at a federal prison. Last year, Governor O’Malley and Senator Mikulski formally requested approval for the test from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). Tomorrow, Governor O’Malley will visit the Federal Correctional Institution in Cumberland, MD, where the Bureau of Prisons and the NTIA will conduct the first-ever sanctioned test of the jamming technology at a prison. Governor O’Malley and Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services Secretary Gary Maynard will address media at the prison’s training facility following the visit.

Cell phone jamming technology will allow prisons to interrupt the signal of illegal cell phones that are potentially being used to orchestrate crimes from within the walls of the prison.

Later, Governor O’Malley will visit American Woodmark, a cabinet manufacturer in Cumberland that is expanding and adding jobs. The Governor will highlight the Job Creation and Recovery tax credit, part of the O’Malley-Brown Administration’s jobs agenda to fuel innovation and drive economic progress throughout Maryland.

Today's Wildlife Photo By Scott Phoebus

Heaven Awaits

Abu al-Zarqawi died and George Washington met him at the Pearly Gates. He slapped him across the face and yelled, "How dare you try to destroy the nation I helped conceive!"

Patrick Henry approached, punched him in the nose and shouted, "You wanted to end our liberties but you failed!"

James Madison followed, kicked him in the groin and said, "This is why I allowed our government to provide for the common defense!"

Thomas Jefferson was next, beat al-Zarqawi with a long cane and snarled "It was Evil men like you who inspired me to write the Declaration of Independence ."

The beatings and thrashings continued as George Mason, James Monroe and 66 other early Americans unleashed their anger on the terrorist Leader.

As al-Zarqawi lay bleeding and in pain, an Angel appeared. Al- Zarqawi wept and said, "This is not what you promised me."

The Angel replied, "I told you there would be 72 Virginians waiting for you in Heaven. What did you think I said?"

If I Didn't Have A Dog

If I Didn't Have a Dog I could walk around the yard barefoot in safety.

My house could be carpeted instead of tiled and laminated.

All flat surfaces, clothing, furniture, and cars would be free of hair.

When the doorbell rings, it wouldn't sound like a kennel.

When the doorbell rings, I could get to the door without wading through fuzzy bodies who beat me there.

I could sit on the couch and my bed the way I wanted, without taking into consideration how much space several fur bodies would need to get comfortable.

I would have money and no guilt to go on a real vacation.

I would not be on a first-name basis with 6 veterinarians, as I put their yet unborn grandkids through college.

The most used words in my vocabulary would not be: out, sit, down, come, no, stay, and leave him/her/it ALONE.

My house would not be cordoned off into zones with baby gates or barriers.

I would not talk 'baby talk'. 'Eat your din din'. 'Yummy yummy for the tummy'..

My house would not look like a day care centre, toys everywhere.

My pockets would not contain things like poop bags, treats and an extra leash.

I would no longer have to spell the words B-A-L-L, F-R-I-S-B-E- E, W-A-L-K, T-R-E-A-T, B-I-K-E, G-O, R-I-D-E

I would not have as many leaves INSIDE my house as outside.

I would not look strangely at people who think having ONE dog/cat ties them down too much.

I'd look forward to spring and the rainy season instead of dreading 'mud' season.

I would not have to answer the question 'Why do you have so many animals?' from people who will never have the joy in their lives of knowing they are loved unconditionally by someone as close to an angel as they will ever get.
How EMPTY my life would be!

WHEN I SAY I'M BROKE - I'M BROKE...

A little old lady answered a knock on the door one day, only to be confronted by a well-dressed young man carrying a vacuum cleaner..

"Good morning," said the young man. "If I could take a couple minutes of your time, I would like to demonstrate the very latest in high-powered vacuum cleaners."

"Go away!" said the old lady. ''I'm broke and haven't got any money!'' and she proceeded to try to close the door.
Quick as a flash, the young man wedged his foot in the door and pushed it wide open. ''Don't be too hasty!'' he said. ''Not until you have at least seen my demonstration.''

And with that, he emptied a bucket of horse manure onto her hallway carpet.

"Now, if this vacuum cleaner does not remove a ll traces of this horse manure from your carpet, Madam, I will personally eat the remainder.

The old lady stepped back and said:''Well let me get you a fork, cause they cut off my electricity this morning."

Andy Harris On Pension Reform

State Senator Andy Harris Introduces Legislation to End Special Pensions for Elected Officials, Deny Pensions to Convicted Legislators

Legislation would aid state's long-term fiscal health by moving to a defined benefit system

ANNAPOLIS—State Senator Andy Harris today introduced legislation that would overhaul the public pension plans for elected officials in the General Assembly, which is separate and more generous than the state public employees' plan, by moving from a "defined benefit" to a "defined contribution" plan. The legislation is projected to save the state taxpayers approximately $750,000 a year. It would bring legislators' pensions in line with what the majority of Marylanders receive from private employers. Maryland's current public pension system is actuarially unsound to the tune of $32 billion, with a current deficit of $2 billion.

Elected officials' pensions have received significant attention in recent months with public outcries on the pension benefits (which are defined benefit plans) that Baltimore County Councilman Vincent Gardina will receive after five terms as a part-time county councilmember and the $83,000 a year pension that disgraced former Baltimore City Mayor Sheila Dixon will receive following her guilty judgment in court by a city jury on embezzlement charges.

The legislation would set up a pension plan for legislators similar to what most private employers offer through 401k plans. It will be offered as an amendment to the Compensation Commission legislation for pay raises for public officials. A second amendment would deny pension benefits to any legislator convicted of a crime of misconduct in office committed during their term in office.

"Marylanders have been disgusted lately with what they rightfully see as golden parachutes for elected officials, even when they've been convicted of a crime," Harris said. "This legislation would begin to treat elected officials just like the constituents they serve and provide significant cost-savings for taxpayers in the process. One need only look to our own underfunded state employee pension system, or to the American auto industry to see that 'defined benefit' plans have a disastrous effect on long-term viability and fiscal health. Changing to a defined contribution plan is the right thing to do and will provide pensions for elected officials that are no more generous than what most hard-working Marylander taxpayers receive when they retire. I urge my colleagues to get behind this legislation that will help the Maryland General Assembly start getting Maryland's fiscal house in order by getting its own pension plan in order. As elected officials, we need to provide good leadership in a time when the public's trust in their public officials is at an all time low."

February 16, 2010
The Baltimore Sun
Andy Harris is right about something

It’s early yet, but 2010 is shaping up to be one for the record books. Baltimore gets four feet of snow. The New Orleans Saints win the Super Bowl. And perhaps the biggest surprise of all -- Sen. Andy Harris is offering a floor amendment that we might just support.

The stick-it-to-the-Democrats amendment the state senator is expected to offer Wednesday would reduce legislative pensions and prohibit state lawmakers who commit a felony while in office from collecting pension benefits. It’s patterned after a proposal that went down in flames last week in the House on a party-line procedural vote.

That Maryland Republicans would like to rub Democratic noses in pensions right now is no surprise. The Baltimore County Council brought the issue to the forefront with recent revelations over pensions so generous that members could retire at full salary after a mere 20 years on the job. Former Baltimore Mayor Sheila Dixon’s $83,000 pension, a sweet benefit she gets to keep despite her legal woes, was the icing on the political cake.

But setting political motives aside, there’s merit to taking action on pensions. Certainly, it’s hard to argue that politicians who commit crimes should remain eligible for their full pensions. It’s also apparent that Maryland needs to do something about retiree benefits -- governments at every level are struggling to fully fund pensions these days.

The senator’s proposal won’t exactly close the state’s multi-billion-dollar projected budget deficits. Delegate Bill Frank, the Baltimore County Republican who tried the same tactic in the House, estimates a savings of only about $750,000 a year. But such a self-sacrifice would be at least a symbolic indication that lawmakers are serious about badly needed benefit reforms.

The next target should be state retiree health insurance benefits -- a $15 billion liability that there is no way Maryland can possibly afford. Switching more state employees to defined contribution programs (the public sector equivalent of the 401(k)) and away from defined benefit or pensions is also a worthwhile target.

Add the state’s total pension deficit with the retiree health benefit shortfall, and Maryland’s unfunded retiree obligation is now as big as the entire $30 billion state government budget.

Democrats can grouse that Senator Harris, a candidate for Congress, is more interested in milking the issue than working on it. Certainly, the press release he issued Monday reads more like talk radio fulminations than a thoughtful discourse on the pros and cons of public employee retirement options.

But Senator Harris wouldn’t be in a position to embarrass General Assembly leadership if their record on controlling the costs of state employee benefits was something about which they might be proud. It isn’t, and so he can.

EASTERN SHORE IDOL

EASTERN SHORE IDOL Sponsored by Miller Lite & Cat Country!

8 WEEK COMPETITION FOR BEST VOCAL PERFORMANCE

Top Prize Gets $1,000 in Cash!!!

Starts February 23rd to April 20th

Details:

Contact us and register to enter competition - each week 3 judges will decide the top vocal performance winner will advance to the finals. If you should not make it you are allowed to re-enter for the next week and so on. The Competition will take place Every Tuesday Night starting at 9pm until April 20th Finals Competition. Judges will decide with a point system 1-10 and top in score will move on. Contestants are encouraged to bring friends and fans.
Hosted By Rusty Dog Entertainment

DO YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES?

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To Register please contact BrewRiver.com or call Rusty Dog Productions at 302. 542. 9964 We will then inform you of all the rules and regulations

Snow Emergency Plan Is STILL In Effect

On this date, the Salisbury Police Department would like to remind the citizens of Salisbury that the Snow Emergency plan is still in effect for the roadways designated as Snow Emergency Routes. This is due to the amount of icing that still exists on these roadways. As this plan remains in effect, the public is still prohibited from parking on the designated routes to allow for Salisbury City Public Works to continue to plow and remove this ice.
There will be a notification when this plan is terminated.

Daddy Ate My Fingers

This one is for everyone who...
a) has kids
b) had kids
c) was a kid
d) knows a kid
e) is going to have kids.


I guess that means all of us!!

DADDY'S GONNA EAT YOUR FINGERS

I was packing for a business trip and my three year old daughter was having a wonderful time playing on the bed. At one point she said, 'Daddy, look at this' , and stuck out two of her fingers.

Trying to keep her entertained, I reached out and stuck her tiny fingers in my mouth and said , 'Daddy's gonna eat your fingers,' pretending to eat them.

I went back to packing, looked up again and my daughter was standing on the bed staring at her fingers with a devastated look on her face.

I said, 'What's wrong, honey?'

She replied,
'What happened to my booger?'

Welcome Home SPC. Jason Lewis

Hi Joe, my name Bobby Lewis and my brother SPC. Jason Lewis just got back home last week from Iraq. We are very proud of him and wanted to thank everyone for all their prayers when he was gone.

Wicomico County Sheriff's Office Press Releases

Incident: Attempt to Flee and Elude
Date of Incident: 15 February 2010
Location: 500 block of Overbrook Drive, Salisbury, MD
Suspect: Male Juvenile, 17 YOA, Salisbury, MD

Narrative: On 15 February 2010 at 8:56 PM, a deputy from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office attempted to stop a vehicle travelling on Jersey Road without any headlights on at night. Instead of stopping, the operator turned onto Overbrook Drive and increased speed. The deputy continued behind the minivan with lights and siren activated while the operator passed up numerous opportunities to stop for the deputy. The minivan eventually pulled into a driveway in the 500 block of Overbrook Drive and the operator immediately exited the vehicle and turned away from the deputy in what appeared to be an attempt by the driver to flee on foot. The deputy managed to apprehend the driver before he had a chance to run away and then learned the 17 YOA operator lived at the residence where he pulled into and also had no driver’s license.
The deputy charged the Juvenile on a referral for attempting to Flee and Elude and Driving Without a License. The deputy then released the juvenile to a family member pending formal court action by the Department of Juvenile Services.

Charges: Driving without a License
Attempt to Flee and Elude Police by Failing to Stop

Incident: Possession of Marijuana
Date of Incident: 16 February 2010
Location: 1000 block of Parsons Road, Salisbury, MD
Suspect: Lamont J. Cooper, 24, Salisbury, MD

Narrative: On 15 February 2010 at 11:04 PM, a deputy from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office stopped a vehicle for a traffic violation the deputy witnessed on Second Street in Salisbury. Upon making contact with the occupants, the deputy requested the assistance of a WCSO Drug K9 team to scan the vehicle for the presence of the odor of illegal drugs. During the scan the K9 alerted positively to that odor which led the deputy to search the vehicle and its occupants. During the search, the deputy recovered two baggies of marijuana from a passenger, Lamont J. Cooper. Base on the amount seized, along with the absence of any smoking devices, the deputy ascertained Cooper intended to distribute the marijuana in his possession. The deputy subsequently placed Cooper under arrest.

The deputy transported Cooper to the Central Booking Unit where he was processed and taken in front of the District Court Commissioner. After an initial appearance, the Commissioner detained Cooper in the Detention Center in lieu of $25,000.00 bond.

Charges: Possession of Marijuana
Possession of Marijuana with the Intent to Distribute

The Following individuals were arrested by the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office on Arrest Warrants 8 February- 14 February 2010

Arrest Warrants
Aaron Devin Jones, 25, Salisbury, MD; Assault 2nd degree, held $20,000.00 bond
Richard Lee Clary, Jr., 25, Mardela Springs, MD; Escape 2nd degree, held without bond.
Joseph Nathaniel Blue, 43, Cambridge, MD; CDS Distribution, held $75,000.00 bond.
Sean Kelly Corpier, 29, Fruitland, MD; Assault 2nd degree / Sex Offense 4th degree, held $75,000.00 bond.
Tyrone Levon Cherry, 30, Salisbury, MD; Sex Offender Failure to Change Address, held $15,000.00 bond.
Wilbur Earl Parker, 56, Salisbury, MD; Failure to Register as Sex Offender, Disposition Unavailable.

Failure to Appear Bench Warrant
Connie Sue Schuyler, 30, Delmar, MD; FTA- Theft Scheme over $500, held $150,000.00 bond.
Robert Morris Singletary, 29, Salisbury, MD; FTA – Theft under $500, held $25,000.00 bond.
Bonnie Irene Bradshaw, 49, Westover, MD; FTA – Theft under $100, held $10,000.00 bond.
Jeffrey Jackson Boone, 23, Delmar, MD; FTA – Burglary 4th degree, held $10,000.00 bond.
Kevin Lee Marqess, 20, Salisbury, MD; FTA – Driving Under the Influence, held $5,000.00 bond.

Violation of Probation Bench Warrant
Rodney Lewis Ward., Jr, 25, Delmar, MD, VOP – CDS Possession, held $5,000.00 bond.
Brandon D. Royster, 23, Baltimore, MD; VOP – Burglary 2nd degree, held without bond.
Circuit Court Indictment
Victor Lee Disharoon, 2nd, 33, Salisbury, MD; Sexual Solicitation of a Minor, held $50,000.00 bond.
Rodney Lewis Ward, Jr., 25, Delmar, MD; Assault 1st Degree, held $75,000.00 bond.
William Joseph Jenkins, Jr., 43, Mardela Springs, MD; Distribution CDS, held $75,000.00 bond.
Tiera Shanae Crockett, 18, Salisbury, MD; Assault 1st Degree, held $100,000.00 bond.
Antoinette T. Williams, 20, Salisbury, MD; Assault 1st Degree, held $100,000.00 bond.

Bench Warrant
Manuel Casas, Jr., 29, Philadelphia, PA; Failure to Pay Fine, held $130.00 bond.
Brandon Lee Davis, 24, Salisbury, MD; Attachment for Contempt, No Disposition Available

Discover Wicomico: Savor the Flavor Of Locally Owned Restaurants

February is always a flurry of activity here in Wicomico County. Although it's still cold outside, we are already preparing for exciting spring events! One of which is the annual Pork in the Park BBQ Festival, which is slated for April 16-18, 2010. Be sure to mark your calendars and follow your nose to this family friendly event! The festival has grown in leaps and bounds and last year hosted over 90 BBQ competitor teams and over 35,000 attendees. It is anticipated that over 100 teams will compete this year.

The festival surrounding the competition is three days of events with entertainment for the whole family for only $2 per person and kids under the age of 12 free. Taking part in the largest KCBS Festival on the East coast, attendees enjoy live entertainment including Blues, Country and Southern rock, on our Festival stage. Friday night will offer a Country Showdown and Saturday night welcomes the return of the Battle of the Bands competition. All entertainment is included with admission and attendees are encouraged to bring a chair or a blanket to grab a great seat. Many regional craftsmen and artists will also take part in the festivities offering their jewelry, pottery, photography and artwork. Sunday afternoon will feature a Classic Car Competition and the Backyard BBQ Amateur competition. All weekend, kids will have a special area of their own- the Piglet's Corner, an area with free crafts and entertainment as well as the Amusement ride area with kid rides, slides and games.

Many different types of food including pulled pork sandwiches, ribs and beef BBQ sandwiches will be available. This scrumptious barbecue-some of it cooked by competitor teams themselves-and other festival style food will tempt your taste buds. Fresh squeezed lemonade is a festival favorite as are a wide selection of beers including domestics and imports for sale.

IMPORTANT FACTS:
Dates: April 16-18, 2010
Hours: Friday 4-10pm; Saturday 10am-10pm; Sunday 11am-5pm
Admission: Only $2 for Adults each day, Kids under 12 Free
Location: Winterplace Park (6737 Blue Ribbon Road) Salisbury, MD 21804
www.porkinthepark.org or www.wicomicotourism.org

Fruitland Little League Registration

Could you please post on your site that Fruitland Little League is having to postpone registration for tonight because the parking lot is too icy? Registration will continue on Thursday evening from 6-8 at the field house. Saturdays registration has time has been extended an hour due to all of the inclement weather and will be from 9 a.m. until 12 p.m. Registration forms and information can be downloaded on our website at fruitlandlittleleague.com.

Thank you!!

I Just Wanted To Say Thank You

Hi Joe,

I want to thank the nurses and the EMT at Ruby Tuesday's last night for their calm and quick help when my 15 month old granddaughter had a seizure during dinner. Thank you also to the Ruby's staff for being professional and helpful in a stressful situation. My granddaughter is okay and my family is so grateful for the help. We also apologize for interrupting dinner for some of the other guests. Thanks again,

Liz Adams

The Eastern Shore’s Largest Bingo Event Returns To The Wicomico Youth & Civic Center

Salisbury, MD – Be the first to shout bingo at Bingomania, which returns to the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center this Saturday, February 20. Doors open at 5:00pm for early bird games and regular games begin at 7:30pm.

Admission to Bingomania includes all regular and special games, including the Jumbo Jackpot Game. Regular games offer a $500 prize while special games pay out $1000. The Jumbo Jackpot Game pays a maximum of $10,000. Increase your chances of winning and help a local food bank at the same time by bringing three non-perishable food items to the game. Those that do will receive 3 additional cards for the first early bird game, which has a payout of $500.

Tickets are $45 per person in advance and $55 per person at the door. Tickets are on sale now at the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center Box Office (500 Glen Ave. Salisbury, MD), online at www.WicomicoCivicCenter.org and by phone at 410-548-4911. All proceeds benefit the Mardela Junior/Senior High School Band. For more information contact the Mardela Band-Aides at 410-677-5170.