DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Attention
Friday, February 26, 2010
In Memory Of Some Dear & Respected Friends
Less than a week ago we lost a good friend and fellow Paramedic Davy Davis. He will be memorialized tomorrow in Sharptown. He was a laugh that everyone needed, the friend anyone would have wanted to have, not to mention a great musician.
Tonight I heard that we lost a good friend, mentor and fellow Paramedic Steve Calloway today. I wanted to ask you to post this. Many Ems and Fire personnel read your website. Steve was a paramedic instructor for many years, a lot of us myself included, got our start as a paramedic with him. We celebrated his retirement from teaching several years ago, but he never quit practicing. This was the only way I could think of to reach out to many to let them know we've lost two of our own.
Thank you for your Time,
Betty Darby-Glime NREMT-P
Pelosi Sticks With Rangel, Notes E hics Panel ‘Did Not Take Action’
Speaker Nancy Pelosi said she’s once again sticking by embattled Rep. Charles Rangel (D-N.Y.) — at least for now.
Pelosi (D-Calif.) said during a Thursday press conference that she had not yet read the full report from the ethics committee, which admonished Rangel, the chairman of the Ways and Means Committee, for improperly accepting reimbursement for two trips to the Caribbean.
“All I saw was the press release where they said he did not violate the rules of the House,” Pelosi said. “And I think that’s an important statement that they made.”
“I thank them for taking this action and I hope they will have other actions soon. But they did not take action against him, they just said he did not knowingly break the rules,” she said.
An ethical cloud has followed Rangel for more than a year, and Thursday's statement by the House ethics panel that Rangel violated House rules comes as Democrats are prepping themselves for difficult mid-term elections in November.
CDC Data: H1N1 Caused Far Fewer Deaths And Hospitalizations Than White House Projected
New Centers for Disease Control and Prevention statistics on the H1N1 flu strain show that fatalities and hospitalizations caused by the disease here in the United States over the past year never came close to the levels that the White House projected last summer could occur in the fall season of 2009 alone.
The CDC reported on Feb. 12 that an estimated 8,330 to 17,160 people have died from the virus in the U.S. since the H1N1 “swine flu” outbreak started in April 2009. In August, the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST) published a report estimating that H1N1 could "cause between 30,000 and 90,000 deaths in the United States" in the fall of 2009.
The CDC reported that through Jan. 16 there had been between 183,000 and 378,000 H1N1-related hospitalizations in the United States. The PCAST report projected that there could be "as many as 1.8 million U.S. hospital admissions" as a result of the virus.
Troopers Seek Whereabouts Of Attempted Murder Suspect
Location: A residential address in the Mobile Gardens MHP in Seaford, Delaware
Date and Time: Friday, February 26, 2010, at approximately 1:30 a.m.
Suspect(s): Maurice Antonio Handy, Jr., 20, with an unknown address. This subject is known to move between Dover, Seaford and Federalsburg, Maryland areas.
Resume: Detectives from Troop 4 in Georgetown are seeking the whereabouts of Maurice Handy who is currently wanted for Attempted Murder. The alleged incident took place today at a residence along North Parkway in the Mobile Gardens MHP in Seaford.
The case came to light after a 30-year-old female responded to Nanticoke Hospital to receive treatment after an assault.
The victim said she was lying on her couch when, unbeknownst to her, Maurice Handy apparently had unlawfully entered her residence and located her in the living room. The victim said that she looked up when she heard a noise and saw Maurice walking toward her in the hallway. She yelled for him to leave, however, he began to assault her. The suspect reportedly strangled the victim and struck her several times in the head. The victim tried to call 911, but the suspect took the phone from her.
The victim was able to start screaming again and the suspect eventually fled the residence.
The victim was released from the hospital with injuries consistent with the assault she alleged.
It is understood that the victim and the suspect have an ongoing dispute over money as Handy had stolen cash and credit cards from the victim in the past. Handy tried to call the victim last night to apologize for the theft, but the victim told him not to call her anymore and leave her alone.
It is not believed that this incident was domestic related.
A computer check revealed Handy is also currently wanted in reference to several different incidents. The charges consist of two counts of felony Burglary and Theft (misdemeanor).
Anyone who may know of Handy’s whereabouts is asked to call 911, Troop 4 at 302-856-5850 ext. 224 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333.
Female Body Recovered Near The Delaware Memorial Bridge
Breaking News: Christine Marie Sheddy's Body Has Been Found
Office of the State’s Attorney for Worcester County
The William G. Kerbin, Jr. Building
106 Franklin Street
Snow Hill, Maryland 21863
Michael W. Farlow Paul Haskell
Deputy State’s Attorney Deputy State’s Attorney
Circuit Court Division District Court Division
February 26, 2010
From: Joel J. Todd
Re: Identification of Human Remains
On February 26, 2010, the Office of the Medical Examiner for Maryland advised the Worcester County Bureau of Investigation that the human remains located in Snow Hill on February 19 were the remains of Christine Marie Sheddy.
Sheddy has been missing since November 14, 2007. Since that time, the case has been handled as a “missing person” case by the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office and the Worcester County Bureau of Investigation. Assisting in the investigation is the Maryland State Police and the Office of the State’s Attorney for Worcester County.
No cause of death has yet been determined. All involved law enforcement agencies are treating this as a suspicious death.
Because this is a pending investigation, no further details will be disclosed at this time.
Senate President Issues Statement On Passage Of SB 106
“From the beginning of the session, the Senate’s top priorities have been to manage the state’s finances responsibly and to create and protect jobs. The Job Creation and Recovery Tax Credit represents a healthy partnership between government and the business community to create jobs and expedite our State’s economic recovery. I want to thank my colleagues in the Maryland Senate for acting quickly and in a bi-partisan fashion on this important piece of legislation.”
WHAT MR. IRETON DID NOT TELL US
Today’s Salisbury newspaper has a letter from the Mayor bemoaning the recent decision of the City Council about impact fees that is very misleading. Let’s consider his statements.
He states that 26 (less than 20%) of the towns in Maryland have some form of impact fees on new development, but does not say that Salisbury is one of those. Some years ago, it imposed a “capacity fee” to fund the sewer and water systems of about $5,000 for a new home, and other amounts for apartments and for nonresidential development. This impact fee is now $8,500 for a home, and it has also increased for other types of development. Nor does he point out that there is also a County impact fee for schools of more than $5,200 for a home – that’s over $13,500 for a new home. And there are other city fees that bring the total government charges to about $20,000 or more for a typical home.
He suggests that impact fees may be used for operational costs – employees (wages) – but they cannot. He also claims that “Salisbury’s been giving services away” but provides no examples of any gratuity afforded to developers and does not point out that the “developer reimbursement” policy was dropped several years ago.
The impact fees were a reason why the proposed brew-pub at the old train station was abandoned a year or so ago. These fees have an effect on new projects of all kinds.
To his credit, Ireton admits his public record, but in very vague terms – “votes taken a decade ago” – when he was on the City Council and voted against impact fees. Face it, Mayor, after you did so, and the fees at that time ended, Salisbury had major growth and new development, its tax base increased greatly, and much public revenue accrued as a result. But since the current impact fees were imposed, that growth has dropped to nearly none. Go figure.
Israeli Ambassador Michael Oren Heckled At University Of California
I will ask you confused liberals two simple questions:
1. How many Americans have the Israelis murdered over the last thirty years?
2. Do you really believe things better in the OBAMANATION/ABOMINATION???????????? It appears the apologizing and condemnation for the United States never paid off.
The Great Dump Truck Scandal of 2010
It has all the traits of a Hollywood epic. The wicked witch and her oversized henchman attack the two heroines who are standing up for peace, justice and the American way.
After examining Salisbury councilwoman Terry Cohen’s chronology of events and her back-up documentation I concur that allowing this type of behavior to continue makes Salisbury city government more like Venezuela than the United States. However, both Ms. Cohen and councilwoman Debbie Campbell may differ with me as to who the real culprits are.VIVA BARRIE Anyone?
“READ ACROSS MARYLAND”
Honors National Education Association’s “Read Across America” Day
ANNAPOLIS, MD (February 26, 2010) – Governor Martin O’Malley, together with the Maryland State Education Association (MSEA) and the National Education Association, will honor “Read Across America” day, and will proclaim the month of March as “Read Across Maryland” month.
The celebration and statewide literacy initiative will begin on Monday, March 1st, 2010 at 12:00 p.m. at the Annapolis Public Library.
Flags promoting the program will be seen flying in downtown Annapolis, and the 14 Annapolis-area schools will designate special “Read Across Maryland” reading shelves in their libraries. The Governor and members of his cabinet will join MSEA leaders for classroom visits and reading assemblies at select schools across the state during the month of March.
“Read Across America” day is celebrated in honor of Dr. Seuss’s birthday, on March 2nd. Maryland’s public school students will be treated to readings by community leaders, elected officials, published authors and educators to celebrate the 53rd anniversary of the creation of the Cat in the Hat and what would have been Dr. Seuss’ 107th birthday. Educators, local education associations and other organizations will embrace the celebration of reading with special events and programs in classrooms, museums, restaurants, libraries, shopping centers and malls.
Officer Involved Shooting Following Robbery
Location:
Robbery- Shell Station: 7441 Lancaster Pike, Hockessin, Delaware; at approximately 6:30 a.m.
Officer Involved Shooting: Area of Telegraph Road and Old Capitol Trail, Wilmington, Delaware; at approximately 7:18 a.m.
Date and Time: see above
Suspect(s): To be announced later today
Resume: At approximately 6:30 a.m. this morning, an armed robbery occurred at the Shell Station on Lancaster Pike in Hockessin. During this incident, one of the suspects fired a handgun while inside the store.
After the robbery, the suspect vehicle, a dark colored Acura, fled southbound on Lancaster Pike. Around this same time, a State Police Dispatcher, who had just finished his shift, was on his way home and spotted the suspect vehicle on Lancaster Pike. He called back into work and provided this information to on-duty dispatchers who in turn radioed this out to patrol units.
A perimeter was established by State Police and County Police units. The suspect vehicle was spotted by a Trooper and followed to area of Telegraph Road and Old Capitol Trail. The suspect vehicle and a patrol unit came to a stop. During this interaction, a Trooper fired his divisionally issued weapon toward the suspect vehicle.
The suspect vehicle then fled westbound on Old Capitol Trail and became stuck in the snow at the entrance of Murray Manor I Mobile Home Community. Four suspects exited the vehicle and fled on foot in an easterly direction. Another perimeter was quickly established and the bandits were eventually taken into custody.
It was determined that no one was injured in this entire incident.
The suspects were transported back to Troop 2 where this investigation is ongoing.
A reverse 911 call was sent out to the residents to Murray Manor.
Another news release will be provided later today with additional details, the suspects’ identities as well as the charges filed.
Bernanke Delivers Blunt Warning On U.S. Debt
With uncharacteristic bluntness, Federal Reserve Chairman Ben S. Bernanke warned Congress on Wednesday that the United States could soon face a debt crisis like the one in Greece, and declared that the central bank will not help legislators by printing money to pay for the ballooning federal debt.
Recent events in Europe, where Greece and other nations with large, unsustainable deficits like the United States are having increasing trouble selling their debt to investors, show that the U.S. is vulnerable to a sudden reversal of fortunes that would force taxpayers to pay higher interest rates on the debt, Mr. Bernanke said.
"It's not something that is 10 years away. It affects the markets currently," he told the House Financial Services Committee. "It is possible that bond markets will become worried about the sustainability [of yearly deficits over $1 trillion], and we may find ourselves facing higher interest rates even today."
Men’s Slow Pitch League, Tournament Coming This Spring
(Salisbury, MD) The Men’s Slow Pitch Softball league is getting ready for another exciting season of action at the Henry S. Parker Athletic Complex in Salisbury. Registration has begun for the 2010 season and the deadline to submit team fees and player contracts is Friday, March 19 at the Civic Center Box Office. Games are scheduled to begin in April and the season will conclude in July.
The league will likely consist of four divisions based on level of play. Teams will play 21 regular season games which will take place on weeknights during the spring and summer at the Henry S. Parker Athletic Complex. Some games may also be played at the Mason Dixon Complex in Delmar.
In addition to the men’s league, the County is also running a pre-season men’s softball tournament at the Athletic Complex on April 2-3. The Wicomico County Classic tournament is a 3 game guarantee and team fees are only $175. The deadline to register for the tournament is Friday, March 26.
For more information contact program director Steve Miller at 410-548-4900 ext. 105 or email smiller@wicomicocounty.org.
National Saltwater Angler Registry
A new federal law requires most saltwater fishermen to sign up with the National Saltwater Angler Registry. Registering is quick, easy, and FREE in 2010.
The National Saltwater Angler Registry is a new tool to help better count fishermen and their catch. Become part of a network of fishermen helping to conserve our oceans and ensure the future of recreational fishing. By registering, you help NOAA make your catch count.
https://www.countmyfish.noaa.gov/register/home.jsp
Exempt:
1) People who are not residents of the United States or U.S. territories do not need to register. However please make sure to learn about and follow the regulations where you will be fishing. You can contact the state’s department of natural resources or the National Marine Fisheries Service Regional Office for more information.
2) Anglers age 15 and under do not need to register. However please make sure to learn about and follow the regulations where you will be fishing. You can contact the state’ department of natural resources or the National Marine Fisheries Service Regional Office for more information.
3) If you already have a NMFS for-hire permit, you are not required to register your vessel.
4) A saltwater recreational fishing license or registration issued by one of the following states/territories: Alabama, Alaska, American Samoa, California, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Guam, Louisiana, Mississippi, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, South Carolina, Texas, Washington
OK people now this is my opinion:
This is a Federal Mandated Law that will cost tax payers millions of dollars for a requirement that CANNOT BE ENFORCED. Just think that everyone that has to register will be receiving an Anger Registration Card, which is water resistant, in the mail. With that how many federal employees are we paying with our tax payer money to run this worthless department. Do you want people randomly calling your house to ask you about how many fish you have caught and where? How many of the recreational fishermen are really going to register their catch? Why are non US citizens exempt from this regulation?
tedh
Simple Airport Security Solution
It would be a win-win for everyone, and there would be none of this crap about racial profiling and this method would eliminate long lines at airports & long and expensive trials. Justice would be fair and swift.
Case Closed!
So.. What, Besides A Big Fence, Actually Works?
The system Congress and the Obama administration want employers to use to help curb illegal immigration is failing to catch more than half of the unauthorized workers it checks, a research company has found.
The online tool E-Verify, now used voluntarily by employers, wrongly clears illegal workers about 54 percent of the time, according to Westat, a research company that evaluated the system for the Homeland Security Department. E-Verify missed so many illegal workers mainly because it can't detect identity fraud, Westat said."
Clearly, it means it's not doing its No. 1 job well enough," said Marc Rosenblum, a researcher at the Migration Policy Institute, a nonpartisan Washington think tank.
Media Event: Play-By-Play
President Obama pledged to "listen" at the outset of his much-ballyhooed bipartisan health care summit on Thursday. Turns out he meant he'd be listening to his own voice.
By the end of the televised event, Mr. Obama had spoken for 119 minutes - nine minutes more than the 110 minutes consumed by 17 Republicans. The 21 Democratic lawmakers used 114 minutes, giving the president and his supporters a whopping 233 minutes, according to a "talk clock" kept by GOP aides.
From the beginning, no one could agree on anything, even how much time each side had used. When a miffed Sen. Mitch McConnell, the Senate Republican leader, pointed out early on that Democrats had controlled 52 minutes to Republicans' 24, Mr. Obama jumped in to dispute even that.
"I don't think that's quite right," he said.
But then, with a twinkle in his eye, he added: "You're right, there was an imbalance on the opening statements because - I'm the president." Half the room laughed. "I didn't count my time in terms of dividing it evenly."
The two sides faced off in the Blair House's Garden Room, with members of Congress, grouped by party, sitting across from one another in a large square. Throughout the six-hour bloviating blabfest, no fences appeared to be mended and no hatchets buried.
In fact, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi seemed so intractable that neither looked at Sen. Lamar Alexander of Tennessee as he delivered the opening statement for the Republicans. Every time the C-SPAN 3 camera panned to the pair, they were looking straight ahead, expressionless.
Throughout the event, Mr. Obama, a former professor, looked, well, professorial. He listened attentively, his head cocked, his chin raised. He narrowed his eyes in attentiveness at a point here or there, blinking often; he jotted notes in a small book as Republicans spoke; he rested his head on his hand, giving full attention to the speaker.
But each time a Republican sought to break in to rebut a point made by the president or a fellow Democrat, Mr. Obama looked a bit frustrated and made clear who was in charge of the bipartisan discussion.
Appeals Court: We're Listening To Eligibility Case
An appeals court has indicated it is listening to arguments in a case that challenges Barack Obama's occupancy in the Oval Office with a ruling that gives special permission for an extra-long document to be filed in the case.
WND has reported on the case brought by attorney Mario Apuzzo in January 2009 on behalf of Charles F. Kerchner Jr., Lowell T. Patterson, Darrell James Lenormand and Donald H. Nelson Jr.
Named as defendants were Barack Hussein Obama II, the U.S., Congress, the Senate, House of Representatives, former Vice President Dick Cheney and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
The case alleges Congress failed to follow the Constitution, which "provides that Congress must fully qualify the candidate 'elected' by the Electoral College Electors."
The complaint also asserts "when Obama was born his father was a British subject/citizen and Obama himself was the same." The case contends the framers of the U.S. Constitution, when they adopted the requirement that a president be a "natural born citizen," excluded dual citizens.
According to a posting on Apuzzo's website, the rules of procedure for the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals provide that an appellant's opening brief is not to exceed 14,000 words.
However, Apuzzo wrote, "because of the extraordinary nature and complexity of the question of whether putative President Barack Obama is an Article II 'natural born citizen' and therefore eligible to be president, whether my clients … have standing to bring an action against Obama and Congress in which they maintain that Obama is not a 'natural born citizen' and that Congress failed to meet its constitutional duty to protect my clients by assuring them that Obama is a 'natural born Citizen…' I was compelled to file a brief which contained 20,477 words."
"By order dated February 22, 2010, the Honorable Circuit Judge Michael A. Chagares on behalf of the Motion's Panel of the 3rd Circuit Court of appeals granted plaintiffs' motion for leave to file the overlength brief."
"This is great news because the case will now continue forward as scheduled," he said. "Obama's and Congress's opposition brief was initially due on Feb. 22, 2010. The Department of Justice obtained a 14-day extension to file that brief, making the new due date March 8, 2010.
"After they file their opposition brief, I will then have 14 days within which to file a reply to that brief," he said.
More
Summit Over, Democrats Move To Ram Healthcare Into Law
Thursday's lively summit on healthcare reform won't make or break President Obama's ambitious agenda, experts say. But arm-twisting sessions in back rooms of Congress over the next 48 hours could.
Early reviews suggested neither side scored a "game-changer" Thursday that would alter the political equation.
"This was no Baltimore," commented political expert Dr. Larry J. Sabato, a reference to President Obama's strong performance at the House Republican meeting last month. "The Republicans learned from that earlier encounter. Obama was simply first among equals at today’s table."
The six-and-a-half hour meeting televised at Blair House was promoted as a way for Republicans and Democrats to find common ground. But disputes broke out over whether ObamaCare would raise the cost of insurance premiums, decrease the availability of coverage for seniors, and do further damage to the federal deficit.
One of the more pointed exchanges occurred when the president tried to interrupt his 2008 rival, Arizona GOP Sen. John McCain as he roundly criticized Democrats' proposals. McCain shot back testily, "Can I finish?"
Once McCain completed his remarks, Obama delivered a pointed gibe.
"Let me just make this point, John, because we' not campaigning anymore," Obama said. "The election is over. We can spend the remainder of the time with our respective talking points going back and forth. We were supposed to be talking about insurance."
McCain's droll riposte: "I'm reminded of that every day."
Asked during a break in the summit if he thought a bipartisan deal over healthcare was possible, House Minority Whip Eric Cantor, R-Va., replied with a terse "No."
More here
Salisbury Police Department Press Releases
On February 24, 2010 officers from the Community Action Team assisted by federal agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (I.C.E.) executed a search and seizure warrant at Mark Miller Fitness located at 905 South Salisbury Blvd. The warrant was obtained after information was received that the owner of the business was in possession of illegal steroids. During the investigation it was learned that Miller would be receiving a package of the contraband. During the search the officers did locate a package addressed to Miller containing a quantity of suspected steroids which was confiscated. Mark Eugene Miller, 30yoa, was arrested and charged with six counts of Possession of Schedule III narcotic. Miller was released to the custody of Central Booking.
201000007509
On February 25, 2010 at approximately 3:56am, officers responded to the 200 block of Pinehurst Ave for a report of malicious destruction of property. The victim advised that she observed two subjects in a white Jeep Cherokee parked in front of the residence. One of the subjects got out of the vehicle and threw eggs at the residence causing one window to break. The subjects then fled in the Jeep. An officer responding to the call observed the Jeep and stopped it in the area of Riverside Dr and Ridge Rd. During the investigation the officers were able to determine that both subjects were responsible for the damage to the residence. Darryl William Parker, 22yoa of Salisbury, MD was charged with Malicious Destruction of Property under $500. In addition, Parker was found to be wanted on an outstanding arrest warrant out of Prince Georges County, MD for Felony Theft. Brian Christopher Hokanson, 20yoa of Monrovia, MD was charged with Malicious Destruction of Property under $500. Both subjects were released to the custody of Central Booking.
201000007597 & 201000007599
Juvenile, 14yoa of Salisbury, MD was arrested for 2nd Degree Assault. On February 24, 2010 at approximately 7:27am, officers responded to a reported fight occurring on a Wicomico County School Bus in the 100 block of Delaware Ave. Officers determined through the investigation that a physical altercation broke out after one juvenile looked at another juvenile in a “funny manner.” The juvenile was charged on a youth report and released to his mother.
201000007607
Juvenile, 16yoa of Salisbury, MD was arrested for Disorderly Conduct, Obstruction & Hindering, and Resisting Arrest. On February 24, 2010 at approximately 10:21am, Officers responded to the 300 block of Maryland Ave for a reported Missing Person (juvenile). As the officers were conducting their investigation the missing juvenile returned home with another female juvenile. The female juvenile became involved in a verbal argument with the missing juvenile’s mother. The female juvenile was told several times to quiet down which she did not and continued to be disorderly. The juvenile was charged on a youth report and released to a guardian.
201000007620
On February 24, 2010 at approximately 2:35 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police received a call to respond to a residence on the two hundred (200) block of West Main Street for the report of a domestic fight. Upon arrival the officers made contact with an adult female victim that had been assaulted by the below listed suspect. The victim advised that while walking together, the victim and the suspect became involved in a verbal argument that resulted in the suspect striking and choking the victim. The victim was transported to the Peninsula Regional Medical Center by Salisbury Emergency Medical Services for treatment.
ARRESTED: Jamar Ashon Goins, 25 years of age
Salisbury, Maryland
CHARGES: Second degree assault
DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking
CC # 201000007646
On February 25, 2010 at approximately 7:58 am, Officers of the Salisbury Police arrested the below listed suspect on an open arrest warrant obtained for an incident that occurred earlier in February.
On February 16, 2010, Officers of the Salisbury Police met with a juvenile female that reported being sexually solicited by an adult male suspect. The investigation of the incident identified the below listed suspect as the adult male that solicited the minor.
ARRESTED: Richard Aaron Phillips, 36 years of age
Snow Hill, Maryland
CHARGES: Sexual solicitation of a minor
DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking
CC # 20100006510
On February 25, 2010 at approximately 12:50 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police arrested the below listed suspect on an outstanding Wicomico Co. District Court Bench Warrant. The bench warrant was issued for the suspect for failing to appear in court.
ARRESTED: Crystal Gayle Klempke, 30 years of age
Salisbury, Maryland
CHARGES: Wicomico Co. District Court Bench Warrant-
Failing to appear in court
DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking
CC # 200900039270
3 Homeland Security Computers Lost Every Day
Federal documents obtained under a Freedom of Information Act request reveal that two divisions of the Department of Homeland Security – charged with assuring the integrity of U.S. borders and the safety of residents – lost nearly three computers every day for a year.
But an official statement assures citizens that no "sensitive" data was lost.
A report on the computers, which were designated as "lost" or "not found during physical inventory," was issued by the Independence Institute in Golden, Colo., after it obtained the federal paperwork.
Federal agencies also "lost" several computer switches valued at some $90,000 apiece and a multitude of vehicles, including a truck worth about $116,000.
But Jon Caldara, president of the institute, said the absence of documentation about the information on the missing computers is what is most alarming.
"You can't lose thousands upon thousands of computers and make a blanket statement there was nothing of value on any of them. The fact that they're gone means you can't make that statement," he told WND.
Training Center
http://delmarvastargazers.org/MeetingNotes/2009/Presentations/Foreign%20Affairs%20Security%20Training%20Center97.pps
WCBOE
Just went to a PTA meeting last night and nothing was mentioned about the end of
Year Round Education at Delmar Elementary. I've heard nothing on this and I'm
concerned. Are they just going to vote on this without the parents or kids having a say? Is there a session coming up where parents can speak out about this? My kids love being in this program, and I'd hate to see it just get swept under the carpet without a fight. Please let me know so I can at least say something about it, or get some of the YOE parents involved. I also learned that the teachers were not allowed to send anything home with the children informing parents of the impending end of the program. This is being done very quietly and I don't like it. there is supposed to be a vote on this proposal on March 9th. I also don't agree with sending the 5th graders over to the high school because Delmar Elementary is overcrowded. I just found out about that this week as well. We are supposed to invest in our children's education, not take it away.
Thanks
Ken
Delmar, MD
A Particularly Good Issue Of The Patriot Post
The First Statement of Conservative Principles
By Mark Alexander · Thursday, February 25, 2010
"The Constitution, which at any time exists 'till changed by an explicit and authentic act of the whole People, is sacredly obligatory upon all." --George Washington
It took the election of a "community organizer" and ideological Socialist "professor" Barack Hussein Obama1 to launch a popular resurgence of interest in constitutional Rule of Law2 and the First Principles2 upon which our nation was founded.
And not a moment too soon.
Over the last two years, the ranks of politically active Patriots have swelled through conservative recruiting channels such as the Tea Party movement, whose growth has been entirely from the grassroots, despite the best (or worst?) efforts of some Beltway Republican establishment types to co-opt and put their brand upon the movement. Happily, Patriots have shown remarkable resilience against those golden-tongued powers of persuasion.
I, for one, welcome every American to the front lines in defense of our Constitution, but I also know that there will be many efforts to assign these Patriots into one political camp or the other.
One of the strengths of the Tea Party movement, its lack of central organization, can also be one of its greatest weaknesses. If the movement fails to unite ideologically behind the restoration of constitutional integrity and the Rule of Law, it risks devolving into a plethora of special interest constituencies which will be easily defeated or have no more power than the para-political organizations that vie for their sentiments.
As Benjamin Franklin said famously when signing the Declaration of Independence, "We must, indeed, all hang together, or most assuredly we will all hang separately."
And we derive great strength and unity in forming this front to defend our Constitution as the primary objective of the growing Patriot movement. I know from our nation's history, and from personal experience, that the only guiding authority that Patriots need is the plain language of the Constitution itself.
Back in 1996, a small group of Patriots deeply devoted to our Constitution, which we had pledged "to support and defend3," endeavored to challenge the Leftmedia's stranglehold on public opinion, particularly as it pertained to the role of government and promotion of Leftist policies.
To provide sustenance for those endeavoring to restore our Constitution's rightful standing as the Supreme Rule of Law of the United States, we established The Federalist, an online grassroots journal providing constitutionally conservative analysis of news, policy and opinion, with the express mission of "advocating Essential Liberty, the restoration of constitutional limits on government and the judiciary, and the promotion of free enterprise, national defense and traditional American values."
Our objective was, and remains, "to provide Patriots across our nation with a touchstone of First Principles."
Demand for The Federalist grew rapidly, to put it mildly. A few years later, we adopted the name The Patriot Post4 in keeping with the growing constituency we serve.
Now, I certainly do not suggest that we were the only folks back in '96 advocating for the restoration of constitutional Rule of Law. We took our inspiration from, and owe our success to, President Ronald Reagan5 and his Patriot team, many of whom were our earliest promoters and supporters. They sparked the flame to revitalize our Constitution's legal standing some two decades earlier, at the juncture of our nation's bicentennial.
We also owe a great debt to conservative protagonists such as National Review founder William F. Buckley Jr., and the Heritage Foundation's Edwin J. Feulner, both of whom provided meaningful guidance and assistance to get us under way.
Of course, I'd be remiss if I failed also to credit Albert Arnold Gore, who "took the initiative in creating the Internet" for us, and then galvanized those of us interested in national sovereignty in opposition to his utopian scheme to socialize the world economy, ostensibly to thwart "global warming."
I believe the most important factor in our success has been our steadfast commitment to the Rule of Law, the supremacy of our national Constitution in all matters pertaining to the role and authority of our central government, and our analysis of the same.
We have endeavored to keep our eye on the prize, and we've thus avoided being co-opted by any political party or organization.
That will be the challenge for the independent Tea Party Patriots and other conservative movements -- to keep their eyes firmly affixed on the task of restoring our Constitution and its prescription for Rule of Law, and to avoid the risk of being swallowed up by large, centralized poli-wonks.
Last week, my friend Ed Feulner, and many other colleagues, released "The Mount Vernon Statement6," a document similar in substance to the "Sharon Statement7" released in 1960 by a group of conservative intellectuals including Bill Buckley, M. Stanton Evans and Annette Kirk (widow of influential American conservative Russell Kirk).
Feulner and his staff at the Heritage Foundation have been uniformly resolute in their support for constitutional Rule of Law.
Ten years ago, I met with key staff members of the Heritage Foundation and encouraged them to adopt the practice of posting, in the introductory abstract of their papers, the specific constitutional authority for every policy position they advocate. Two years ago, Heritage launched their massive First Principles initiative, with the objective of asserting constitutional authority as the centerpiece of their mission.
While I applaud the entire Heritage team for their First Principles endeavor, I note that some of the principal signatories of the Mount Vernon Statement, though "conservative" by label, do not meet The Patriot standard of reliance upon the plain language of our Constitution, nor are many of those signatories representative of the "grassroots" movement they seek to unify around this statement.
With that in mind, I reiterate that any real movement to restore the integrity of our Constitution must be bottom-up, not top-down. Patriots need only subscribe to one mission statement, the first statement of conservative principles, our Constitution.
The GOP establishment squandered its opportunity to reassert First Principles when it held majorities under George W. Bush, and the party will have to demonstrate an authentic commitment to those principles if it is to gain the trust of a single American Patriot.
Real constitutional reform will come about only when Patriots across the nation demand the restoration of Essential Liberty8 as "endowed by their Creator," and they widely articulate the difference between Rule of Law and rule of men.
If you have taken an oath to support and defend our Constitution, I invite you to revisit that venerable document9 and ask you to reaffirm your oath10.
If you have not affirmed that commitment, I invite you to gain a full understanding of our Constitution9 and then take your oath11 -- and abide by it to your last breath, just as our Founding Fathers mutually pledged their lives, their fortunes and their sacred honor.
In the words of George Washington, "Let it simply be asked where is the security for property, for reputation, for life, if the sense of religious obligation deserts the oaths...?"
Wicomico Sheriff Press Release Bomb Threat At Wor Wic College
Date of Incident: 24 February 2010
Location: 32000 Campus Drive, Salisbury, MD
Suspect: Pending
Narrative: On 24 February 2010 at 5:30 PM, the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office was called to Wor- Wic Community College for a reported bomb threat. A member of the cleaning crew found a hand written note inside a women’s lavatory on the campus that stated a bomb was set to go off later that evening in a campus building.
The Administration of Wor-Wic Community College initiated an evacuation of the campus and buildings were screened using explosive detection dogs from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office, Ocean City Police, Pocomoke Police and the Dorchester Sheriff’s Office. The Maryland State Fire Marshall’s Office also assisted in this investigation.
After an extensive search, no evidence of any explosive devices was found. At this time the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office is investigating this as a hoax and is asking anyone with information to please call the Sheriff’s Office at 410-548-4891 or Crime Solvers at 410-548-1776.
Miracle-Herb Brooks" Pre-Game Speech
For a change of pace, I'm offering this morning the speech by 4-year-old Josh Sacco who recites the Kurt Russell movie version of the 1980 U.S. Olympcs hockey coach's talk to his team on the even of upsetting the dominant Soviet hockey team. Jim Sacco says his son, Josh, has watched the movie, "Miracle," about 150 times. He knows the Kurt Russell speech by heart, and here it is. Russell played coach Herb Brooks in the movie. This YouTube video is an Internet sensation.
It sort of fits in with our recent Olympics discussion. OK, it's a stretch, but this is a fun video.
Troopers Conduct Cold Weather Outreach Project
Location: 3rd and Walnut Street in the City of Wilmington, Delaware
Date of Occurrence: Thursday, February 25, 2010, at approximately 12:00 noon
Resume: At about 12:00 noon, Troopers conducted a cold weather community outreach project in the City of Wilmington.
For the past several weeks, various individuals from our communities, Troopers and members of the DSP Citizens Police Academy had donated dozens of winter coats to the Troop 2 barracks in Glasgow. With a grim forecast ahead, Troopers took these garments into Wilmington and located individuals on the city streets that desperately needed them.
Some of the individuals receiving coats were homeless, some down on their luck and others simply very cold because they are unable to dress appropriately for the weather.
Colonel Robert M. Coupe said, “It’s programs like this that allows Troopers and citizens alike to partner together and make a difference in the lives of those in need; also in a way that does not involve traditional police work. Today, we saw the look of relief on some of the faces of the people who received a coat because they knew that maybe for once in quite some time; they would not be cold tonight.”
Senior Cpl. Jeff Whitmarsh advised, “The coat closet is empty now as all of the donated garments we received this winter have been passed out. I hope that next year the generosity of the citizens and Troopers who make yearly donations will allow DSP to conduct this outreach project again. This is one of the most gratifying initiatives we are a part of.”
The Delaware State Police conducts this initiative every year and donates coats to several area shelters, community organizations, and, as in today’s program, directly to those in need on the street.
Irish Priest
He walked to the window of his bedroom to get a deep breath of the beautiful day outside.
He then noticed there was a jackass lying dead in the middle of his front lawn.
He promptly called the local police station......The conversation went like this:
''Good morning, This is Sergeant Jones, How might I help you?''
''And the best of the day te yerself. This is Father O'Malley at St. Ann 's Catholic Church. There's a jackass lying dead in me front lawn.
Sergeant Jones, considering himself to be quite a wit, replied with a smirk,
''Well now Father, it was always my impression that you people took care of the last rites!''
There was dead silence on the line for a long moment..........................................
Father O'Malley then replied: ''Aye, 'tis certainly true; but we are also obliged to notify the next of kin.''
You have to get up pretty early to out wit an Irish priest.
National Volunteer Week 2010
1324 Belmont Avenue, Suite 401, Salisbury, Maryland 21804
National Volunteer Week 2010 Technical Assistance Program
National Volunteer Week (NVW) is April 18-24, 2010 and the Community Foundation and ShoreCAN Volunteer Center are encouraging local nonprofit, faith-based, and community programs to promote service and volunteerism by offering opportunities to get involved in Community Clean Up and Neighborhood Improvement activities during NVW.
The purpose of the program is to provide grants of up $500 for the purchase of supplies and materials to support these projects. Grants are given to individual organizations but collaborative projects are encouraged. Generally, grants will range in the $100-$500 range.
Applications received after the deadline, regardless of postmark, will not be considered.
Eligibility Criteria.
To be eligible, an organization must be located in and providing services for residents of the lower three counties of the Eastern Shore: Worcester, Wicomico, and Somerset and must be implementing a volunteer activity during National Volunteer Week (April 18-24, 2010).
Primary Considerations. When evaluating applications, careful consideration is given by the Foundation to the following factors:
The potential impact of the request on the proposed volunteer opportunity
The degree to which the proposed project reflects the theme (Community Clean Up and Neighborhood Improvement)
The extent of volunteer involvement and support for the organization
The organization’s fiscal responsibility and management qualifications
Projects that encourage intergenerational efforts (adults and youth working together)
*Requests eligible for consideration may include, but are not limited to, garbage bags, gloves, paint, landscaping materials, and refreshments for volunteers, etc.
*Particularly creative projects involving multiple generations of volunteers may be recognized with additional monetary awards after the completion of National Volunteer Week activities. All projects are encouraged to promote their opportunities at www.shorecan.org and projects do not have to receive a Technical Assistance Grant to receive an award for their intergenerational efforts!
TROOPERS ARREST MAN ON CDS CHARGES
On February 25, 2010 at 10:55 am, Troopers from the Salisbury Barrack of the Maryland State Police stopped a vehicle for a traffic violation on Rt. 13 at South Blvd. in Salisbury. During the Traffic stop, a subject approached Troopers on foot and advised he knew the driver of the vehicle. The subject, identified as Charles Edward Lewis, 41, of Salisbury was checked for warrants and was found to have an open warrant for theft. Lewis was arrested and a search of his person incident to his arrest revealed several needles, a baggie of crack cocaine and a metal smoking device. Lewis was taken to WCDC where he was awaiting a hearing with a commissioner.
WBAL Radio Wants To Keep The Ehrlichs On The Air
Ed Kiernan, General Manager of Baltimore's WBAL, said he would like to keep the Ehrlichs on the air as long as possible. One way he hopes to do so is to offer O'Malley and other individuals running for Governor the same opportunity to Host their own Show.
'My goal would be to try to keep the show on the air, because they're doing a great job,' Kiernan said."
Conflict Of Interest
ON AS SCHEDULED: HIGH PERFORMING LEARNERS COMMITTEE MEETING TONIGHT
The Superintendent's Advisory Committee on High Performing Learners will meet as scheduled from 6-8 tonight at the Board of Education. Given the changes in family schedules due to school being closed earlier in the day, it's understandable if some committee members are not able to attend, but it was important to keep the committee moving forward in its work.
Wicomico County Sheriff's Office Press Releases
Incident: Possession of Marijuana
Date of Incident: 22 February 2010
Location: 27000 block of Ocean Gateway, Hebron, MD
Suspect: 1. Kristine M. Adkins, 28, Bivalve, MD
2. David T. Messick, 25, Parsonsburg, MD
Narrative: On 22 February 2010 at 6:15 AM, a deputy from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office encountered David Messick and Kristine Adkins in the parking lot of the Royal Farms Store in Hebron, MD. During the encounter, the deputy began to suspect that the pair was in possession of illegal drugs. A WCSO Drug K9 team arrived at the scene and scanned Messick’s vehicle, during which the K9 alerted positively to the odor of illegal drugs. Based on the alert, the deputy searched Messick’s vehicle and located both marijuana and a smoking device. Further search of Adkins revealed that she was also in possession of both marijuana and a smoking device.
Both Adkins and Messick were placed under arrest and transported to the Central Booking Unit where they were processed and taken in front of the District Court Commissioner. After an initial appearance, both Adkins and Messick were released on Personal Recognizance by the Commissioner.
Charges: Possession of Marijuana
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Incident: Assault
Date of Incident: 24 February 2010
Location: 100 block of Heartwood Drive, Salisbury, MD
Suspect: Male Juvenile, 15, Salisbury, MD
Male Juvenile, 13, Salisbury, MD
Narrative: On 24 February 2010 at 3:24 PM, deputies from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office responded for a reported fight occurring between two students on a school bus. During the investigation, the deputies learned that the school bus driver attempted to intervene and stop the fight when he was punched in the face by one of the juveniles.
Both juveniles were placed under arrest and transported to the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office where they were charged through the Department of Juvenile Services on a Juvenile Referral. Both students were released to parents pending formal court action.
Charges: Assault 2nd degree
Disorderly Conduct.
Incident: Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol
Date of Incident: 25 February 2010
Location: Jersey Road at Waller Road, Delmar, MD
Suspect: Chance W. Sexton, 19, Mardela Springs, MD
Narrative: On 25 February 2010 at 2:10 AM, a deputy on patrol responded to a report of a disabled vehicle in a ditch on Jersey Road in the area of Waller Road. Upon arrival, the deputy located the driver of the vehicle, Chance W. Sexton of Mardela Springs. The deputy determined that Sexton appeared visibly under the influence of alcohol and identified him as the driver who put the car into the ditch. After the Administration of Field Sobriety Tests, the deputy placed Sexton under arrest for Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol.
Sexton was processed back at the Sheriff’s Office and released upon signing citations.
Charges: Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol
Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol Per Se
Driving While Impaired by Alcohol
Violating a License Restriction
Incident: Possession of Crack Cocaine / Resisting Arrest
Date of Incident: 25 February 2010
Location: 1000 block of Mineola Avenue, Salisbury, MD
Suspect: Orlando T. Bowen, 19, Salisbury, MD
Narrative: On 25 February 2010 at 3:22 AM, a deputy on patrol on Mohawk Avenue in Salisbury observed a vehicle stopped in the middle of the street. As the deputy pulled up behind the vehicle, the vehicle quickly drove off without any headlights on, even running a stop sign in an effort to get away from the deputy. The deputy managed to locate the vehicle again on Mineola Avenue as the operator, later identified as Orlando Bowen, was in the process of parking the vehicle in front of a house. After determining that Bowen was the same individual who drove off and tried to hide from the deputy, the deputy began to investigate Bowen’s activities.
During the deputy’s encounter with Bowen, the deputy observed that Bowen attempted to discard a baggie containing what the deputy recognized a crack cocaine. The deputy attempted to place Bowen under arrest but Bowen tried to pull away from the deputy. Bowen was taken into custody and transported to the Sheriff’s Office for processing prior to going to Central Booking. While at the Sheriff’s Office, Bowen proceeded to make threats against the arresting deputy.
Upon reaching Central Booking, Bowen was processed and taken in front of the District Court Commissioner. After an initial appearance, the Commissioner held Bowen on $10,000.00 bond.
Charges: Possession of Crack Cocaine
Resisting Arrest
Turning off Lights to Avoid Identification
Driving on a Learner’s Permit Without Required Supervision