Buffett Dumping Shares of GCI - Gannett Corp.

Warren Buffett is significantly reducing his interest in Gannett holding - (The Daily Times parent company).
'Wondering minds want to know'

Click here for more information.

HEBRON IS BECOMING THE POSTER-CHILD FOR DO-OVERS

Tonight the Hebron Commissioners voted unanimously to hold a new public hearing on Waller Landing (rushing to do it possibly within the next few weeks) AND file an appeal to the Court of Special Appeals from Judge Donald Davis' decision last month in the Circuit Court.

Although citizens had repeatedly asked that Hebron record the public hearing, Hebron (with two attorneys on board) refused to do so. Now they are all about recording the new public hearing to be held and complying with the requirements.

Will Hebron be able to get it right on this do-over? Uh, the developer's representative is the same Rostocki who wants the casino in Delmar--so, I wouldn't bet on it!!!!

Nightly News At 6 PM

Suspicious Death Part II

On March 3, 2010 at approximately 10:05 am, Officers of the Salisbury Police received a call to respond to the Peninsula Regional Medical Center for the report of a suspicious death. Upon arrival the officers met with emergency room physicians who advised that a subject had been transported to the emergency room after being found unresponsive this morning in a residence on Northwood Drive. The physicians attempted resuscitation efforts on the victim without success. During the examination physicians observed signs which may indicate internal trauma. There were no indications of serious injury on the exterior of the body. The deceased has been identified as 49 year old Glenn Allen Sinagra of Mardela Springs, Maryland. The body was transported to the office of the Maryland State Medical Examiner for an autopsy.

Earlier on the same date at approximately 1:18 am, Officers of the Salisbury Police received a call to respond to the same residence on Northwood Drive for the report of a domestic altercation. Upon arrival the officers met with several subjects, including the victim. The subjects refused to cooperate with the officers. The victim did not complain of any injuries and made no contact with the responding officers. During the investigation of the incident, it was learned that the below listed subject was wanted on an outstanding Maryland Division of Parole and Probation Parole Retake Warrant. The subject was arrested and released to the Maryland State Police for transport to the Eastern Correctional Institution. The subject has not been charged related to the death of Sinagra and this investigation is continuing.

ARRESTED: Troy Curtis Connors, 44 years of age
Salisbury, Maryland

CHARGES: Maryland Division of Parole and Probation –
Parole Retake Warrant

DISPOSITION: Released to the Maryland State Police
CC # 201000008572

MSP Press Release

Trooper’s arrest two suspects for C.D.S. violations.
DATE & TIME: 03/03/10 @ 1208 hours C C. CARD NUMBER: 08-54-002156

LOCATION: Richmond Street & West Road Salisbury Wicomico County, Maryland

BRIEF RESUME:

On 03-03-2010 at approximately 1208 hours, Trooper Wagner of the Salisbury Barrack stopped a vehicle at the above location for a traffic violation. The Trooper detected the odor of burning marihuana coming from the interior of the vehicle. A probable cause search was initiated and a quantity of cocaine and marihuana was recovered from both the driver and the passenger. They were placed under arrest and transported to the Wicomico County Detention Center for a hearing in front of a District Court Commissioner.

Arrested:
1. Shaun Liddle w/m age 30 of Pocomoke, Maryland
2. Roy Davis age 52 of Salisbury, Maryland

Another Lost Dog

"Peak Alert"

URGENT “BEAT THE PEAK”

6 P.M. to 9 P.M., Tonight, March 3rd

6 A.M. to 8 A.M., Tomorrow Morning, March 4th


Because of the cold weather forecast in our area, between the hours of 6 P.M. and 9 P.M., this evening, March 3rd and 6 A.M. to 8 A.M., tomorrow morning, March 4th, we are asking you to delay the usage of all unnecessary lights and appliances during these hours.

The largest users of electricity in the home during these hours are lighting and major appliances such as dishwashers, washing machines, clothes dryers, water heaters and ranges. Other important steps to take might include adjusting thermostats down 3 degrees during these “Peak” times.

By delaying the use of unnecessary lighting and appliances between the “Peak” times, we can save energy resources, avoid high cost energy and help the environment.

For more information on our “Beat the Peak” program visit http://www.beatthepeak.coop/ and be sure to signup for a free In-Home Indicator which you plug into the wall and it will alert you when a Beat the Peak event happens. Shipping of the device begins in late March but you need to sign-up on the website today.

If we all save a little, together we save a lot.

Lost Pug

PUG - FAWN IN COLOR WITH BLACK MASK

12 YEARS OLD
CHILDREN’S PET

Lost near Foskey Lane, Bridgewood Estates,
Delmar, Maryland area

If located, please call

443-880-2106

Child Heard On Tape Directing Planes At JFK

(March 3) -- At New York's JFK airport, directing planes is mere child's play. At least, that's what some air traffic controllers must have been thinking when they allegedly allowed a child to give instructions to pilots from the control tower.

A Boston news station uncovered an audio clip of what is clearly a child's voice giving the all-clear to pilots as they take off and land commercial airplanes on some of the country's busiest runways.

"Jet Blue 171, cleared for takeoff!" the child can be heard telling one pilot.

The boy seems to have made at least five transmissions from the control tower. Adults can be heard on the tape as well, laughing with the under-aged air controller in their midst.

A pilot tells the youngster he's doing an "awesome job." From the air control tower, a male voice suggests a snow day may be to blame. "That's what you get, guys, when the kids are out of school," he says, sounding bemused.

GO HERE to read more.

Don't Miss Our 6 PM News Broadcast Tonight

Why PAC-14 Doesn’t Want Someone Representing the Taxpayers

As we predicted long ago, the Rick Pollitt / Barrie Tilghman / Jim Ireton appointed PAC-14 board, led by Phil “Mr. Tax Increase” Tilghman, doesn’t want people like Debbie Campbell and Stevie Prettyman asking questions.  Therefore, Tilghman has asked that both Campbell and Prettyman be replaced.

Of course, Salisbury Council President Louise Smith jumped all over that one; almost immediately calling Campbell and telling her that she would be replaced.  That staunch defender of the taxpayer, Shanie Shields, will be taking her place.

Fortunately for Wicomico residents, Council President Gail Bartkovich has politely told Phil Tilghman to “go to hell”.  Sadly, Tilghman deliberately schedules meetings to conflict with the schedules of both Campbell and Prettyman (must have learned that one from Louise Smith and Gary Comegys).  Needless to say, County Executive Rick Pollitt isn’t taking a stand.  If he was, PAC-14 would be missing the county’s appropriation without the resignation of Tilghman and a couple of other board members.

READ MORE …

Very Interesting!

"Guess who the woman was that the SalisburyFire Marshall almost hit??? The head of Fruitland Fire Dept's wife who just retired yesterday!!!"

Once More Unto The Breach

Posted by Congressman Tom Price
Wednesday, March 3rd at 9:25AM EST


As you read this, President Obama, Speaker Pelosi, and Senator Reid are lining up their troops to drag their government takeover of health care across the finish line. This is no easy task considering how strongly the American people have objected. Even so, they are absolutely determined to jam this through with an iron fist regardless of the electoral consequences.

Some of you may be worried by news reports that President Obama is again trying to appear bipartisan by giving lip service to ideas supported by Republicans. Don’t be. As long as the basis of his plan puts Washington in charge of Americans’ health care, there is nothing more to discuss. Don’t get me wrong. We’d love to see him support our ideas on their own merits. But the half measures he’s offered to toss on top of a trillion dollar bill are not a serious effort at bipartisanship.

While Republicans stand strong, however, the Associated Press reports that at least 10 House Democrats who voted against the Pelosi bill may be considering changing their vote if given the opportunity.

“In interviews with the AP, at least 10 of the 39 Democrats — or their spokesmen — either declined to state their positions or said they were undecided about the revised legislation, making them likely targets for intense wooing by Pelosi and Obama. Three of them — Brian Baird of Washington, Bart Gordon of Tennessee and John Tanner of Tennessee — are not seeking re-election this fall.

The others are Rick Boucher of Virginia, Suzanne Kosmas of Florida, Frank Kratovil of Maryland, Michael McMahon of New York, Walt Minnick of Idaho, Scott Murphy of New York and Glenn Nye of Virginia.”

So these are the stakes: We’re in the final throws of the battle for the future of American health care. Democrats have recognized they must get this done before they are forced to face their constituents again over the April recess. That means we have less than four weeks to engage once more in this fight. Let it be known what a terrible decision Members of Congress would be making by voting for a government takeover of health care. Let them know that you are still in this fight.

As Shakespeare wrote, “Once more into the breach, dear friends, once more.” The future of our health care, indeed the future of our country, will be decided in the next few weeks. Don’t let a day go by without making your voice heard.

Suspicious Death In Salisbury

A call came in for an ambulance to 2208 Northwood Drive in Salisbury. The ambulance was taking this patient to PRMC where he allegedly died on the way to the Hospital.

Captain Tyler stated that they are considering the death suspicious and will be contacting the Press with more details some time later today.

One Witness Explains The Salisbury Fire Department Accident This Morning

"Hi Mr. Albero...

I witnessed this accident around 8am. The man who identified himself as a Fire Marshall later to me, was speeding very fast without lights or siren and appeared to be in the middle of a two way lane...Instead of hitting others he swerved hard to the rite and hit several trees, dirt and rocks hit my car. The truck did not move
until around 11:am, after several police and investigators worked the site.

One thing I would appreciate you mentioning is a Corp. Brown from the Fruitland Police Dept, who became very frustrated at me because I did not know the name of the road the accident happened upon but I gave him a very good description... He told me, "Theres no accident with a fire truck out here, are you sure you don't mean a car"...To which I responded that I was an adult and knew exactly what a fire truck looks like...He then hung up on me. I called him back exclaiming that people might need help and why did he hang up on me to which he responded, "I don't like the way you're speaking to me"...I asked him who he reported to to which he responded, "who do you report to mam" and he hung up AGAIN...This all pursued while I was driving back home and in 20 minutes at least I past the fire truck again and still that officer had not responded.

I was treated with zero respect or kindness, I was also not taken seriously when I called to report an accident.

Thanks for all you do Joe because it's a lot, and means a lot."

Kim.

Salisbury Fire Department Press Release

The Salisbury Fire Department was alerted to respond and assist Station 3 Fruitland and Station 15 Allen on a reported structure fire this morning at 0708 hours on Riverside Drive Extended. A Tanker response from Salisbury Station 16 was requested by Command to respond to the scene during the incident.

Tanker 16 left the scene to fill the tank at the hydrant on Shad Point Road and return to the scene of the fire. After leaving the hydrant, Tanker 16 traveled a short distance, less than five hundred feet, and the rear wheels slid off of the wet road and dug into the wet ground, striking a tree on the rear passenger side of the vehicle. This was a property damage accident only; no injuries occurred. The Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office is currently investigating this incident.

Editors Note: We continue to hear reports from all sorts of residents who live in the area of the accident. One resident recently called and said that he found it very strange that he had just seen the Fire Truck filling up with water, yet it wrecked less than 1/10th of a mile away from the hydrant.

He went on to say that at least 4 Fruitland Fire Department vehicles had traveled past his home before this accident, at least two of them being Fire Trucks. The others may have been chase vehicles. So clearly there was a lot of action going on in Fruitland and people are very confused as to who is driving what.

On a side note, we're told there was only ONE person in this vehicle at the time of the accident. Doesn't protocol require at least three people on the truck at a time? No matter what is said and done here, someone was not paying attention to the road and wrecked.

Salisbury Fire Department Wrecks Fire Truck

The Salisbury Fire Department just wrecked a Fire Truck on Riverside Drive. Folks, this one was really bad!

It turns out, Salisbury News had witnesses there when it happened and still on the scene. Photos will be coming soon.

Station 16 was driving down Riverside Drive, (while kids were waiting for the bus) at a very high rate of speed. NO LIGHTS ON, NO SIREN, this has been confirmed.

The truck was completely loaded with water and they lost control. We're told the truck wrecked in an area kids had just been standing to catch the bus but they had just been picked up and parents are PISSED!

The Fire Truck took out three trees and it has been reported that the driver has admitted to speeding to the Police.

More to come......

Originally Posted at 9:01 AM.

New Bennett Middle School

Hey Joe

Did you see the cost of the new middle school. $79,000,000. The article states that the square footage of the building is either 115,000 or 150,000 square feet. This makes the cost $687.00 or $527.00 per square foot. Both are absolutely ridiculous. No wonder we are broke.

Thanks

An Extraordinary Abuse Of Power

A string of electoral defeats and the great unpopularity of ObamaCare can't stop Democrats from their self-appointed rendezvous with liberal destiny—ramming a bill through Congress on a narrow partisan vote. What we are about to witness is an extraordinary abuse of traditional Senate rules to pass a bill merely because they think it's good for the rest of us, and because they fear their chance to build a European welfare state may never come again.

***

The vehicle is "reconciliation," a parliamentary process that fast-tracks budget measures and was created in 1974 as a deficit-reduction tool. Limited to 20 hours of debate, reconciliation bills need a mere 50 votes in the Senate, with the Vice President as tie-breaker, thus circumventing the filibuster. Both Democrats and Republicans have frequently used reconciliation on budget bills, so Democrats are now claiming that using it to pass ObamaCare is no big deal.

Yet this shortcut has never been used for anything approaching the enormity of a national health-care entitlement. Democrats are only resorting to it now because their plan is in so much political trouble—within their own party, and even more among the general public—and because they've failed to make their case through persuasion.

Their goal is to permanently expand the American entitlement state with a vast apparatus of subsidies and regulations while the political window is still (barely) open, regardless of the consequences or the overwhelming popular condemnation. As Mr. Obama fatalistically said after his health summit, if voters don't like it, "then that's what elections are for."

In other words, he's volunteering Democrats in Congress to march into the fixed bayonets so he can claim an LBJ-level legacy like the Great Society that will be nearly impossible to repeal. This would be an unprecedented act of partisan arrogance that would further mark Democrats as the party of liberal extremism. If they think political passions are bitter now, wait until they pass ObamaCare.

More on this from the Wall Street Journal

DAILY TIMES SAYS SALISBURY SHOULD BLOW HALF A MILLION BUCKS!

In an absurd editorial today, the newspaper suggests that the temporary “fix” proposed by Jim Ireton for the Bateman Street/Onley Road and South Division Street should be done now, and then the real solution can be made after the school is opened later this year. Do those Gannett morons realize that would waste money, that the proposed design is nuts and that the City does not have the money to do the work now. See our post yesterday at http://sbynews.blogspot.com/2010/03/iretons-quick-fix-for-bateman-street-is.html.

And someone at the Board of Education should tell us why the site design for the new high school does not have the bus entrance on College Avenue and, since they decided to use South Division Street and Onley Road instead, why they don’t pay for the intersection work and stop whining. Maybe they think that because Ireton works for them he will do them a favor.

We Have Been Warning You-- Another Financial Crisis On The Way

Even as many Americans still struggle to recover from the country's worst economic downturn since the Great Depression, another crisis – one that will be even worse than the current one – is looming, according to a new report from a group of leading economists, financiers, and former federal regulators.

In the report, the panel, that includes Rob Johnson of the United Nations Commission of Experts on Finance and bailout watchdog Elizabeth Warren, warns that financial regulatory reform measures proposed by the Obama administration and Congress must be beefed up to prevent banks from continuing to engage in high risk investing that precipitated the near collapse of the U.S. economy in 2008.

The report warns that the country is now immersed in a "doomsday cycle" wherein banks use borrowed money to take massive risks in an attempt to pay big dividends to shareholders and big bonuses to management – and when the risks go wrong, the banks receive taxpayer bailouts from the government.

"Risk-taking at banks," the report cautions, "will soon be larger than ever."

Without more stringent reforms, "another crisis – a bigger crisis that weakens both our financial sector and our larger economy – is more than predictable, it is inevitable," Johnson says in the report, commissioned by the nonpartisan Roosevelt Institute.

Is that plain enough?

More here

Obama — Too Little, Too Late

The United States may very well owe a crushing $20 trillion by 2020. And thus President Obama last week named a bipartisan commission to find ways to address our national debt.

Such a Periclean response might sound sincere and worthwhile. But it comes 13 months into this administration — and only after Obama added nearly $1.5 trillion in new borrowing in 2009. And by the time the new deficit commission submits its recommendations at the end of this year, the current 2010 budget will have put us out another $1.5 trillion.

The president not that long ago ran on the theme of fiscal sobriety. During the 2008 campaign, he took advantage of the public anger over the Bush deficits that had climbed to an aggregate of $2.5 trillion over eight years. Now, though, he looks to trump Bush's eight-year record of red ink in his first two years.

Obama also just invited the Republican opposition to a summit at the White House to iron out differences over his stalled healthcare legislation. Such a "let bygones, be bygones" group discussion likewise sounds like a good idea — given the climbing cost of health insurance and the millions who cannot afford it.

But the problem again is that such outreach comes too little too late — more than a year after Obama began his unilateral effort to have the government assume much of the nation's healthcare system. A year ago — with a supermajority in the Senate and basking in the swell of the November 2008 election — Obama didn't worry much over the lack of Republican input.

GO HERE to read more.

Rebates For Greener Homes

Saying he wants the U.S. to lead the world in clean energy technology, President Obama on Tuesday proposed a new government program he said would create jobs and help the environment by giving consumers financial incentives to make their homes more energy-efficient.

Like last year's "Cash for Clunkers" rebate, Mr. Obama's $6 billion "Homestar" program would provide consumers rebates of up to $3,000 per home for upgrades that include insulation, duct sealing, water heaters, windows, roofing and doors. Separately, consumers could get a $3,000 check for performing a home energy audit and a subsequent retrofit.

Details from the Washington Times

Northwest At Risk Of Megaquake Like Chile's

Just 50 miles off the Pacific Northwest coast is an earthquake hotspot that threatens to unleash on Seattle, Portland and Vancouver the kind of damage that has shattered Chile.

The fault has been dormant for more than 300 years, but when it awakens — tomorrow or decades from now — the consequences could be devastating.

Recent computer simulations of a hypothetical magnitude-9 quake found that shaking could last 2 to 5 minutes — strong enough to potentially cause poorly constructed buildings from British Columbia to Northern California to collapse and severely damage highways and bridges.

Such a quake would also send powerful tsunami waves rushing to shore in minutes. While big cities such as Portland and Seattle would be protected from severe flooding, low-lying seaside communities may not be as lucky.

The Pacific Northwest "has a long geological history of doing exactly what happened in Chile," said Brian Atwater, a geologist with the U.S. Geological Survey and University of Washington. "It's not a matter of if but when the next one will happen."

Here's more

VA Staffers Face Discipline Over Travel, Porn

Department of Veterans Affairs investigators are calling for disciplinary action against several officials following an internal probe into the VA's special-events office in Washington.

The officials include a director who took taxpayer-funded trips to Las Vegas and San Diego that included a sailing trip and a golf outing, records show.

The same official - Diane Hartmann, director of national programs and special events - also authorized herself to receive hundreds of hours of leave to which she wasn't entitled, according to a new report by the VA Office of Inspector General.

Another employee, whose name and job title VA officials so far have withheld, was caught with thousands of pornographic images on his work computer.

The findings were made public following Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests by The Washington Times and others seeking copies of the 45-page inspector general's report.

Questions about the report sent to Ms. Hartmann's VA work e-mail account were not returned, nor were numerous telephone and e-mail messages left with an attorney Monday and Tuesday.

The report also concluded that Daniel Devine, former acting assistant secretary for congressional and legislative affairs, improperly tipped Ms. Hartmann off to the fact that she was being investigated last year.

An attorney for Mr. Devine disputed the inspector general's findings.

"Mr. Devine has an outstanding record as a public servant," lawyer Steve Levin said Monday. "The suggestion that he acted inappropriately is flat out wrong, and as the facts come to light, we are confident he will be vindicated."

A spokeswoman for the VA declined to comment on specific individuals named in the report, but said officials were weighing disciplinary action.

"The Office of Public and Intergovernmental Affairs (OPIA) takes very seriously the findings of the VA Office of Inspector General," spokeswoman Katie Roberts wrote in a statement to The Times. "OPIA has concurred with all of the OIG's findings and will pursue the appropriate administrative disciplinary actions."

Investigators who reviewed Ms. Hartmann's work computer found pictures from official trips she took to San Diego and Las Vegas in January 2009 of her on a yacht, golfing, sightseeing and touring the Hoover Dam.

Ms. Hartmann told investigators that the sailing excursion - aboard the yacht Stars and Stripes - was part of an official business meeting to look at adaptive equipment on the boat. She said the golf outing was with two representatives of a group for disabled veterans and that the Hoover Dam tour was a side trip.

More from The Washington Times HERE. Times Editorial HERE.

The Inspector General's report Summary HERE.

STREET GANGS IN HELENA, MONTANA

It's gangs like these that the people of Helena have to put up with..

A bit different from the problems in other cities...

It proves that every State has their own "unique" gang problems. They roam the streets and yards night and day.

They hang out in even the best neighborhoods!

..and you CANNOT (legally) stop them..

Arizona May Criminalize Presence Of Illegal Immigrants

Over the past several years, immigration hard-liners at the Arizona Legislature persuaded their colleagues to criminalize the presence of illegal border-crossers in the state and ban soft immigration policies in police agencies — only to be thwarted by vetoes from a Democratic governor.

This year, their prospects have improved. A proposal to draw local police deeper into the fight against illegal immigration has momentum, and even opponents expect the new Republican governor to sign off on the changes.

The proposal would make Arizona the only state to criminalize the presence of illegal immigrants through an expansion of its trespassing law. It also would require police to try to determine people's immigration status when there's reasonable suspicion they are in the country illegally.
An estimated 460,000 illegal immigrants live in the state.

"The greatest threat to our neighborhoods is the illegal alien invasion," said Republican Sen. Russell Pearce of Mesa, sponsor of the proposal, explaining that some illegal immigrants who are criminals bring violence and other crimes to the United States.

Supporters say the new rules are needed because the federal government has done a lousy job of trying seal the border and crack down on immigrants in the country's interior. Opponents say such new duties would be costly and lead to racial profiling.

The proposal passed the Senate two weeks ago, and a similar bill could come to a vote of the full House as early as this week.

More

Today's Wildlife Photo By Scott Phoebus

Obama Got The Gold

The International Olympic Committee stunned the world this morning when they awarded Barack Obama a gold medal for Men’s Skiing. When asked how this could be, considering that Obama has never skied nor competed in the Olympic games, an IOC spokesman justified the decision by stating “Barack Obama is going downhill faster than anyone this year.”

Mote Stresses Importance Of State Support

House Republican Caucus proposes laying off 1,000 across university system

ANNAPOLIS – Facing proposals from Republican state delegates that would dramatically slash the university’s state-supported budget, university President Dan Mote defended state funding for higher education yesterday.

The House Republican Caucus’ proposal, unveiled last week, would result in the layoffs of more than 1,000 university system employees, return university funding to 2007 levels, cut travel budgets in half and eliminate free tuition for university employees.

At a hearing before the General Assembly’s House Appropriations subcommittee with jurisdiction over higher education, Mote countered their arguments with a version of the same pitch he has made to lawmakers for years: The university is underfunded compared to its peer institutions, and every dollar invested in it creates a huge return for the state’s economy.

In a statehouse dominated by Democrats, the Republican proposals, though unlikely to go very far, may signal some dissatisfaction with the university’s expanding number of employees during the state’s budget crunch, which has lasted most of the decade.

If approved, university system lobbyist P.J. Hogan said the recommendations would have far-reaching ramifications.

“More than likely the Board of Regents would have to consider significant tuition increases, would have to consider curtailing certain programs,” he said. “It would impact everything from causing an increase in class size to a decline in faculty.”

GO HERE to read more.

Spring, Mother’s Day Tea, Poplar Hill Mansion

Wed, May, 5th, 2010

Aleta Davis, Publicity Chair

The Friends of Poplar Hill Mansion

117 Elizabeth StreetSalisbury, MD 21801

410-749-1776www.poplarhillmansion.orgNancy Marasco,

Curatorwww.curator@poplarhillmansion.org The Friends of Poplar Hill Mansion is pleased to invite you to join us at the Mansion for our Spring, Mother’s Day Tea, Wed., May 5th, 2010, at 11:30 am. Menu includes fruit cup, homemade seasonal soup, assorted tea sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jams, assorted sweets and tea. Bring your favorite lady and let her know how special she is, or pamper yourself! Gentlemen, this is the perfect gift for your special lady, the gift of time with you! Special guest is Anne Riley, Calligrapher. She will create a beautiful note card for each guest who reserves for the tea. Reservations are required as our teas are sellouts. Cost is $20.00 per person. See how our historic interior paint project is coming and ask how you can be a part of faux marbling our great arch in the front hall. Donations for our food bank of non perishable goods are greatly appreciated.

The Friends of Poplar Hill Mansion is a 501 (c) (3) dedicated to the preservation of this fine Federal home, the oldest in Salisbury. Funds raised go toward historic restoration and upkeep. Want to be a part of it all? Please consider joining the Friends of Poplar Hill Mansion. Membership begins at the $25.00 giving level and includes many benefits. Free tours are the first and third Sundays of the month from 1-4, with private, candlelight, and children’s tours by reservation for a small fee. Please call Nancy Marasco at 410-1776 for information or check our website, www.poplarhillmansion.org

Ocean City Police Department Press Release

This past week the Ocean City Police Animal Control Unit has responded to several reports of stranded marine mammals, either on the beach or in the bay waterways. In most cases the animals were harbor seals that are in their annual migration passing through or near Ocean City. This will most likely continue through the month of April. In almost every case the animals involved were not in distress and were not in need of assistance.

The OCPD Animal Control unit is advising citizens that the “Marine Mammal Protection Act” states that humans and their pets maintain a distance of 150 feet from stranded marine animals. Live and deceased marine animals carry diseases that can be transferred to humans and their pets. Marine animals can bite or otherwise cause serious injuries. It is illegal to harass any living marine mammal, which includes trying to pet a seal. It is also illegal to disturb or remove any part of a living or dead marine mammal or sea turtle.

To report deceased or stranded marine mammals, please call the Ocean City Police Department at 410-723-6600.

EXECUTIVE POLLITT ANNOUNCES GOVERNOR O’MALLEY’S MAJOR CAPITAL PROJECTS PLAN FOR WICOMICO

Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley has informed Wicomico County Executive Richard M. Pollitt, Jr. of his capital project plan for Fiscal Year 2011. Included in the plan are $37 Million in capital projects for Wicomico County.

Mr. Pollitt announced that the plan includes the following Wicomico County projects:

Salisbury University – New Perdue School of Business Building - $9,869,000

WOR-WIC Community College – Allied Health Building - $9,375,000

James M. Bennett Senior High School - $7,000,000

City of Fruitland – Wastewater Treatment Plant Expansion - $3,931,800

City of Fruitland – Enhanced Nutrient Removal - $2,800,000

Salisbury Water Distribution System – Milford Street Elevated Storage - $3,182,000

PRMC – Post-Partum and Nursery Renovation - $240,000

Program Open Space Grants - $175,350

Aging Schools Program - $106,627

Port of Salisbury Public Marina – General Maintenance and Improvements - $99,000

Wicomico County Public Boating Facilities – General Maintenance and Improvements - $50,000

Wicomico River and Port of Salisbury – New Marine Fire/Rescue Boat and

Equipment - $50,000

CONFIRMATION OF TRANSPORTATION SECRETARY BEVERLEY SWAIM-STALEY

STATEMENT FROM GOVERNOR MARTIN O’MALLEY ON THE CONFIRMATION OF TRANSPORTATION SECRETARY BEVERLEY SWAIM-STALEY

ANNAPOLIS, MD – Governor Martin O’Malley issued this statement following the unanimous Senate confirmation of Maryland Transportation Secretary Beverley Swaim-Staley:

“The challenges and opportunities before us to improve Maryland’s transportation system are vast and formidable, but not insurmountable. The recent unprecedented winter storms demonstrated for all Marylanders that our Transportation system can withstand even the most daunting challenges, and I am pleased that the Maryland Senate affirmed today that Beverley Swaim-Staley is the right person to lead those efforts.

“With nearly 12 years of experience as Deputy Transportation Secretary and Chief Financial Officer for MDOT, Beverley Swaim-Staley has the deep knowledge of transportation, along with the management and financial expertise that are necessary for us to move forward. Our transportation program remains in excellent hands under her leadership.”

GOVERNOR MARTIN O’MALLEY LAUNCHES MAJOR WORKFORCE INITIATIVE TO MEET DEMAND FOR MIDDLE-SKILLS JOBS

Skills2Compete –Maryland aims to increase skills 20 percent by 2012, grow middle class

LARGO, MD – Governor Martin O’Malley and Lieutenant Governor Anthony Brown joined with education and community leaders, state and federal officials at Prince George’s Community College to launch Skills2Compete – Maryland, a major initiative aimed at increasing the skills and competitiveness of Maryland’s workforce. The Governor was joined today by representatives of the National Skills Coalition and the Governor’s Workforce Investment Board, Labor, Licensing and Regulation Secretary Alexander M. Sanchez, and other leaders to focus attention and resources on community college certificate and degree programs, apprenticeship opportunities, private career schools and community-based training programs.

“In this economy, we must do everything we can to build the middle-skill and high-skill workforce that is so critical to economic recovery and long-term economic success,” said Governor O’Malley. “Economic recovery takes more that just attracting business and creating jobs, it also means equipping those businesses and filling those jobs with a world-class Maryland workforce. Skills2Compete – Maryland will help build that middle and high-skill workforce.”

Governor O’Malley also announced Tuesday that Maryland has joined with Complete College America, a national nonprofit organization working to dramatically increase the number of young adults with a college degree or credential, to set degree goals and develop and implement aggressive state and campus-level action plans to meet those goals. Maryland, along with 15 other states, form the Complete College Alliance of states, a select group of leading states committed to significantly increasing the number of students who successfully complete college, closing attainment gaps for traditionally underserved populations.

Skills2Compete – Maryland is an initiative to align the O’Malley-Brown Administration’s workforce creation efforts and to focus state agencies, community colleges, local Workforce Investment Boards, apprenticeship programs and other stakeholders on preparing more Marylanders for middle-skill jobs – those that require some training past high school but not necessarily a four-year degree.

“When Governor O’Malley and I took office, we envisioned a Maryland in which all residents had access to greater opportunity. With this new workforce development initiative, we are closer than ever to making this goal a reality,” said Lt. Governor Brown. “The Skills2Compete initiative will increase post-secondary success in Maryland and allow us to capitalize on our diverse economy, brainpower and talent pool. We are strengthening our workforce and making the necessary investments to remain a top competitor nationwide. I am honored that Governor O’Malley has asked me to lead this effort and look forward to working with all the participating agencies, the private sector and our neighbors, friends and family members who will develop the necessary skills to compete in our increasingly technological economy.”

Governor O’Malley is calling on the workforce development community to increase the skills of Maryland’s workforce by 20 percent by 2012. Skills2Compete – Maryland will ensure that every working Marylander has access to the equivalent of at least two years of education or training past high school – leading to a career or technical credential, industry certification, or two years of college – to be pursued at whatever point and pace makes sense for individual workers and industries.

In a new report by the National Skills Coalition titled Maryland’s Forgotten Middle-Skill Jobs, four in ten job openings projected for the State by 2016 are in the middle-skill category, accounting for more than 434,000 openings. In Maryland, these include jobs not only in traditional middle-skill fields such as construction, but also high-paying positions in information technology, healthcare services, and jobs related to the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) effort and the green economy. Among the fastest-growing occupations highlighted in the report are police officers, carpenters and licensed practical nurses.

Many Marylanders lack the necessary basic education, skills and credentials to compete and succeed in these jobs. For example, more than 730,000 Maryland residents do not have a high school diploma or have limited English speaking ability. Despite the State’s strong record of providing post-secondary training, many of the State’s employers continue to report trouble filling middle-skill positions from the local talent pool.

Skills2Compete – Maryland is founded on the principle that a high school education is no longer adequate for most jobs in today’s economy, or to provide the skills needed by businesses to innovate and grow. This is particularly true for thousands of recently laid-off workers who need new skills to compete for the opportunities that exist now and will exist in the future.

Skills2Compete – Maryland supports the Governor’s job creation efforts by assuring there are skilled workers at all levels of the labor market to meet job growth expectations, and also supports President Obama’s call for all Americans to obtain some form of postsecondary education or job training to prepare for a 21st-century global economy.

Governor O’Malley has designated Lieutenant Governor Anthony Brown to serve as lead for the initiative, and to work with the Governor’s Workforce Investment Board (GWIB) as the state Skills2Compete advisory board to ensure system alignment, promote interagency coordination and collaboration and conduct outreach. Among other things, state agencies and other partners involved in the campaign will assist customers in navigating the appropriate resources and services that provide pathways to skills attainment, such as One-Stop Career Centers, community colleges, apprenticeships and private career schools.

“We look forward to developing and implementing this education and training strategy that would allow state residents to be better prepared to meet the demands of Maryland’s employers and seek better, more plentiful middle- and high-skill jobs and careers,” said William G. “Bill” Robertson, President and CEO of Adventist Healthcare, Inc., and GWIB Chairman.

Skills2Compete is a non-partisan campaign to ensure the U.S. workforce has the skills needed to meet business demand, foster innovation, and grow broadly shared prosperity. The campaign’s diverse and growing list of endorsers include national and local leaders from business, labor, education and training, community and civil rights groups, and the public sector. Skills2Compete campaigns have been launched or are being developed in California, Connecticut, Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Mississippi, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington and Wisconsin.

The Delmar High School Play

Delmar High School presents…

“Into the Woods”, a musical by Stephen Sondheim

Thursday, March 18 at 7 pm

Friday, March 19 at 7 pm

Saturday, March 20 at 7 pm

Sunday, March 21 at 2 pm

The Delmar High School Theater

Tickets at $8 each

Available at the Delmar High School office

Sportsman’s Liquidation (next to Food Lion)

Or call 443-359-5222 and leave message

Vovak Congratulates Bruce Stern On Race Against Van Hollen

BETHESDA, MARYLAND – In the race against Rep. Chris van Hollen (MD-08), a Republican candidate has officially entered the contest. Bruce Stern a lawyer specializing in family and real estate law, has filed papers with the Maryland State Board of Elections to run for Congress.

Daniel "The Whig Man" Vovak has made a series of phone calls encouraging candidates to compete with Van Hollen. Yesterday he spoke with Bruce Stern, and congratulated him for filing his papers. Vovak also spoke with Gus Alzona, a Republican Committee member in District 16, who is considering entering the Republican primary.

Vovak says, "It's too early to decide whom I would endorse, though I invited both candidates to a party at my home on March 25 (Maryland Day) when I am hosting the campaign launch for Meyer Marks, who is running for State Senator in District 16. Currently, Democrats have a monopoly in Montgomery County, holding every elected seat. I am doing everything I can to revive the county's Republican Party and lead them to victory."

Vovak has been in consistent communication with Steve Hudson, the 2008 winner of the Republican Primary for Maryland's Eighth District. Hudson has since moved to Virginia where he practices medicine.

TROOPERS ARREST WOMAN ON CDS CHARGES

On March 2, 2010 at 9:40 pm, Troopers from the Salisbury Barrack of the Maryland State Police responded to a residence on Old Ocean City Road in Pittsville regarding an alleged assault. During the investigation, Troopers observed evidence of CDS use in the residence. Troopers recovered a small amount of heroin and other related paraphernalia along with prescription medication. Troopers arrested Diana Elaine Griffin, 27, of Pittsville and charged her with possession of heroin and drug paraphernalia, and also possession of a schedule IV narcotic. Griffin was taken to WCDC where she was awaiting a hearing with a commissioner.