“Repeal the Cap” Rally Not Exactly As Advertised

As noted in the companion piece on Delmarva Dealings, Wicomico county councilman Bill McCain hosted an excellent town hall forum last night.  Sadly for the local “tax and spend” crowd, the meeting wasn’t exactly as advertised.

Originally promoted as a forum to discuss alternatives to Wicomico County’s evil revenue cap, the OVERWHELMING majority of those in attendance wanted more spending cuts – NOT a repeal of the cap.  The only person to speak in favor of repeal and more spending was one of the local left’s usual suspects – Mike Pretl acolyte and local Bolshevik tree hugger, John Groutt.  While all there were civil towards one another, Groutt had a little hissy fit over AFP co-chair Joe Collins and called the fiscally responsible crowd “simplistic” and “a bunch of Tea Partiers”.  My feelings are still crushed.

In summary the meeting was productive, not overly long, and Mr. Groutt provide some comic relief at just the right moment.

Thanks again Bill.

READ MORE …

Crash Closes Philadelphia Pike

Location: Philadelphia Pike at Myrtle Avenue, Claymont, Delaware

Date of Occurrence: Thursday, April 01, 2010, 9:00 a.m.

Vehicle:
2008 Ford E150, operated by Frank Zardecki, 36, of Wilmington, Delaware
2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser, operated by Kevin Lawson, 25, of Media, Pennsylvania

Resume: State Troopers investigated a crash this morning on Philadelphia Pike at Myrtle Avenue that has closed the roadway.

The PT Cruiser was in the center lane of northbound Philadelphia Pike. The Ford was in the right lane adjacent to the PT Cruiser. The PT Cruiser changed lanes to the right and into the Ford. The Ford was forced off of the roadway where it struck a utility pole.

The pole snapped at the bottom and landed on top of the Ford. As a result, the pole needs to be replaced.

Repair crews responded to the scene and are currently replacing the damaged pole. Philadelphia Pike is closed in both directions and is expected to reopen by 3:00 p.m.

Mr. Lawson was cited with Unsafe Lane Change.

Isn't It Time Mayor Ireton Get Off The Pot

Ladies & Gentlemen, it has been one full year since Chief David See stepped down as the Chief of the Salisbury Fire Department.

In the first round of interviews for a new Chief, we exposed how acting Chief Hoppes was not qualified and another top runner being considered was up on alleged charges for sexual harassment.

Clearly Bill Gordy was not playing fair and Mayor Ireton saw right through the bull. However, now 1 year has passed and quite frankly with the job market being in favor for the City, how is it they have not filled the position to date.

Bill Gordy has returned after several weeks of recovering from what was reported as stress related time off. Today he was seen in uniform calling out the Hazmat Team for a simple petroleum spill. Someone probably over filled their gas tank. Gordy will do anything to keep that Hazmat Team operating, even if its not necessary. I will say this however, Firefighters are not too happy he chose to return. Looks like his days are numbered as well.

Can we get some answers Mr. Ireton?

MARYLAND HAS FOUR OF THE 25 RICHEST COUNTIES THANKS TO TAXPAYERS

In a recent ranking based on median household income from U.S. Census data for 2008, the results included:

3rd - Howard
10th - Montgomery
13th - Calvert
21st - Charles

Loudoun County, in northern Virginia, ranked first with a median household income of $110,643.

These data show the effect of the federal payroll and that of the so-called beltway bandit firms that feed at the public trough. In Charles County, over half of the work force is employed outside the County. Montgomery County has various government headquarters and agencies -- National Institutes of Health, Atomic Energy Commission, Bethesda Naval Hospital, etc., as well as "think-tanks" and consulting firms, and is the place of choice for many high ranking federal bureaucrats and elected officials to reside. Howard County shares that DC-based residential market and has become a magnet for affluent folks from Baltimore as well. And now things seems to be shifting to the southern Maryland area as the main metro counties have become more fully developed and land costs in those counties have skyrocketed. In addition, both Howard and Montgomery County now have various growth limits that apply.

For more: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/03/30/AR2010033003483_pf.html

Eastern Shore Soccer Club

U6 Coed 3v3 Soccer Training and Game Sessions
The first step in preparing for Travel/Competitive Soccer

May 8th thru June 19th (No Games Memorial Weekend)
Early registration encouraged, space is limited
$55 Per Player (Includes Uniform)
We will be following US Youth Soccer Rules and Guidelines
Must be Born Between 8/1/2003 and 7/31/2005
All Training/Games will be in Fruitland, MD.

Why Small Sided Training and Games?

1. Because we want our young soccer players to touch the soccer ball more often and become more skillful with it! (Individual technical development)

2. Because we want our young soccer players to make more, less-complicated decisions during the game! (Tactical development)

3. Because we want our young soccer players to be more physically efficient in the field space they are playing in! (Reduced field size)

4. Because we want our young soccer players to have more individual teaching time with the coach! Less players on the field and less players on the team will guarantee this! (Need to feel worthy and need to feel important)

5. Because we want our young soccer players to have more, involved playing time in the game! (More opportunity to solve problems that only the game presents)

6. Because we want our young soccer players to have more opportunity to play on both sides of the ball! (More exposure to attacking and defending situations)

7. Because we want our young soccer players to have more opportunities to score goals! (Pure excitement)

**Volunteer Coaches Needed : Must attend Coaches Meeting and Will be provided with US YOUTH SOCCER Training DVD for this Specific Age Group.

Contact Harry Anderson at 443-373-1743 or email ESSoccerCoach@AOL.COM for Registration or More Information.

Delaware State Fair Concert Lineup

GO HERE for this year's concert lineup for the Delaware State Fair.

Anyone going this year? To see who?

DELMAR POLICE DEPARTMENT PRESS RELEASE

Incident: Malicious Destruction of Property
Location: 100 block of N. Bi-State Blvd., Delmar, DE
Date: March 31, 2010
Arrested: Joshua James, white male, 19, Seaford, DE

On 03-31-2010 an officer of the Delmar Police Dept. responded to the 100 block of N. Bi-State Blvd., Delmar DE in reference to a white male that had caused damage to a vehicle. The officer located and stopped the suspect identified as Joshua James. James fled from the officer at which time Wicomico County Sheriffs K-9 unit responded to conduct a track. With the assistance of several residence of Delmar who saw James running, James was subsequently located and detained by Maryland State Troopers who were assisting Delmar with the search. James was also wanted on warrants from Sussex County Superior Court, and Justice of the Peace Court #4. James is being held in the Sussex County Detention Center on $10,177.00 secured bond.

Charges:
Criminal Mischief +$1000
Resisting Arrest

Militia Draws Distinctions Between Groups

Local Michigan Militia commander doesn’t regret calling State Police

ADRIAN, Mich. - The Stone family, and the fiercely militant Christian group that revolved around them at a ramshackle homestead outside of town here, were best known by their neighbors for their active use of guns and their increasingly heated talk about fighting back violently against the government.

But their biggest and most surprising adversary was practically next door: the local branch of the Michigan Militia.

From a distance, the two might seem like peas in a pod: both wear fatigues or camouflage, train in the woods with heavy weaponry and believe in threats to liberty from Washington.

GO HERE to read more.

WICOMICO RESIDENTS AGAIN ASK THAT COUNTY’S “PIO” BE TERMINATED

At last night’s “town hall” style meeting, hosted by Councilman Bill McCain, to discuss solutions for the County’s fiscal problem, there was widespread applause at the suggestion that the County should eliminate its “public information office” who reports directly to the County Executive, Rick Pollitt. One speaker even urged Mr. Pollitt (who did not attend) to take the lead in doing so.

Those who attended and spoke were mostly T-party types, including its local leaders, and former VOICE activists. Few persons under 50 years of age were present. Two other members of the County Council – John Cannon and Sheree Sample-Hughes – were there.

As this blog has reported, when Rick Pollitt held a meeting last fall to discuss how to handle the County’s budget problems – before several million dollars in available funds were suddenly “found” – citizens called for termination of the PIO position. Pollitt has responded by saying that it is essential.

This is a quick initial report about Mr. McCain’s meeting. Hopefully, G. A. Harrison, who attended, will provide a more comprehensive account.

Top Doctor Refuses Orders, Tells Obama To Show Birth Certificate – 'If You Have 1'

A top-ranking, highly decorated officer in the U.S. Army says he's now refusing all orders until President Barack Obama finally releases his long-form, hospital-generated birth certificate to prove his eligibility to serve as commander in chief.

"I feel I have no choice but the distasteful one of inviting my own court martial," said Lt. Col. Terry Lakin, an active-duty flight surgeon charged with caring for Army Chief of Staff Gen. George Casey's pilots and air crew. "The Constitution matters. The truth matters."

"For the first time in all my years of service to our great nation, and at great peril to my career and future, I am choosing to disobey what I believe are illegal orders, including an order to deploy to Afghanistan for my second tour of duty there. I will disobey my orders to deploy because I – and I believe all servicemen and women and the American people – deserve the truth about President Obama's constitutional eligibility to the office of the presidency and the commander in chief.

GO HERE to read more.

Trooper’s Arrest Suspect For DUI And CDS Violations

DATE & TIME: 4/1/2010 at 0142 hours

LOCATION: Route 13 at Arlington Street, Salisbury, MD 21801

BRIEF RESUME:

On the above date and time, a trooper stopped a 2004 Mazda for a headlight violation. During the course of the traffic stop the trooper learned the driver had been drinking and was put through field tests. The driver was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol. The trooper noticed a silver foil smoking pipe located in plain view inside the vehicle containing marijuana. He was then transported to WCDC to go before a court commissioner.

Arrested:
1. Anthony Raymond Stahl, w/m age 21 of Salisbury, Maryland

The suspect was charged with: Possession of C.D.S. paraphernalia and driving under the influence of alcohol.

Attempted Murder Suspect Arrested

Location of Arrest: Mobile Gardens MHP in Seaford, Delaware
Suspect(s): Maurice Antonio Handy, Jr., 20
Date of Occurrence: March 31, 2010

Resume:

Delaware State Police have arrested a 20 year-old Seaford man after he eluded capture for over a month.

Troopers arrested Handy this afternoon not far from the crime scene. Troopers following up on leads came upon Handy in a residence located in the Mobile Gardens MHP. He was taken into custody without incident.

During the course of the investigation troopers also linked Handy to two burglaries which occurred in Sussex County.

He was subsequently charged with Attempted Murder and 2 counts of Burglary. He was committed to the Department of Correction in default of $101,000.00

Arrests Lead To The Recovery Of Weapons And A Stolen ATV

Location: Cannon Drive, south of Bridgeville, Sussex County, DE
Date of Occurrence: Monday, March 29, 2010
Suspects:

Joshua A. Smith, 22, Wesley Church Road, Bridgeville, DE
Justin Dorey, 23, N. Porter Street, Seaford, DE
Alexander Bechtel, 21, North Oak Street, Seaford, DE

Resume:

Delaware State Police arrested a 22 year-old Bridgeville man after a month long drug investigation which resulted in the seizure of several hand guns.

Troopers conducted an investigation on Smith after he became the focus of their investigation as a large distributor of marijuana in Sussex County. During the investigation Smith was stopped as he was attempting flee from a storage space he rented on Cannon Drive. Troopers were about to execute a search warrant on the facility when Smith arrived. Troopers recovered a small amount of marijuana from the storage facility and in the car he was driving.

Troopers search Smith’s Wesley Church Road residence where they seized additional marijuana, paraphernalia and three handguns.

Smith was charged with Maintaining a Dwelling, Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Smith was committed to the Department of Correction in default of $38,000.

During the investigation involving Smith, troopers observed an ATV and a second vehicle pulling into the storage facility located on Cannon Drive. As the troopers approached the ATV and car both vehicles sped off. Troopers were able to stop the car which was operated by Dorey. The ATV eluded the troopers and fled the scene.

Troopers were able to trace the ATV back to Bechtel and later took him into custody at his residence. The ATV was recovered in the area of Bechtel’s home and it was discovered the ATV was stolen. Troopers conducted a search on Bechtel’s home and recovered a rifle and shotgun

Bechtel was charged with Possession of a Fire Arm by a Person Prohibited, Receiving Stolen Property, Resisting Arrest, Conspiracy and Reckless Driving. He was committed to the Department of Correction in default of $9,501 bail.

Dorey was charged with Conspiracy 2nd, Reckless Endangering, Resisting Arrest and Driving During Suspension. No bail information was available at the time of this release.

Obama’s Student Loan Takeover Adds $52 Billion To Deficit

The student loan overhaul legislation signed into law by President Barack Obama on Tuesday could add $52 billion to the deficit between 2010 and 2020 when the cost of the market risks and administrative expenses of the loans are taken into consideration, the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) reported.

“CBO recently estimated that whereas loans issued in the direct loan program between 2010 and 2020 would reduce the deficit by a total of $68 billion under FCRA accounting, those loans would increase the deficit by $52 billion on a fair value basis,” reads the March 2010 CBO study, Policy Options for Federal Student Loan Programs.( See p. IX of the Summary.)

The CBO report further notes that it explained its calculations about the budgetary impact of the administration's plan to change the federal student loan programs and the $52-billion addition to the deficit in a March 15 letter sent to Sen. Judd Gregg (R-N.H.), the ranking member of the Senate Budget Committee.

In the study, the CBO explains how the accounting mandated through the Federal Credit Reform Act (FCRA) is the standard procedure used to record the budgetary costs of the government’s direct and guaranteed loan programs.

However, the CBO notes that FCRA cost estimates exclude the value of “market risks” and the loan programs’ “administrative expenses” while the CBO’s “fair value” estimates takes them into account.

This discrepancy between the two estimates results in the FCRA figure being a less “comprehensive” appraisal of the true cost to taxpayers of the federal government’s direct student loan program, according to the CBO report.

More

Today's Survey Question

If You Were Diagnosed With Stage III Cancer,

Would You Stay In Politics Or Step Down & Enjoy Life?

OBAMACARE At Work ALREADY

Dear Friends:

The above attachment is what I was handed at Peninsula Orthopaedic Associates, March 30th, for my appointment with Dr. Kang. Needless to say I told them I would not be back because I cannot afford to pay for Obama's Health Care. There are addresses in the attachment if you Old Folks wish to address this matter. I knew it was coming. I did not realize it would be today. This is just the beginning.

HEADS UP- They Are Mobilizing To Start Trouble On April 15th Tax Day Tea Parties

Crash the tea parties!

On April 15th thousands of right-wingers will attend rallies in cities and towns across the United States. The organizers of this nationwide day of protest call it a tea party. This tea party movement that emerged only a year ago is a coalition of conservatives, anti-Semites, fascists, libertarians, racists, constitutionalists, militia men, gun freaks, homophobes, Ron Paul supporters, Alex Jones conspiracy types and American flag wavers.

Crash the tea parties!
On April 15th thousands of right-wingers will attend rallies in cities and towns across the United States. The organizers of this nationwide day of protest call it a tea party. This tea party movement that emerged only a year ago is a coalition of conservatives, anti-Semites, fascists, libertarians, racists, constitutionalists, militia men, gun freaks, homophobes, Ron Paul supporters, Alex Jones conspiracy types and American flag wavers. If the tea party movement continues to grow in size and strength there is a big chance they will dominate this country in the near future. If the tea party movement takes over this country they will really hurt poor people by getting rid of social programs like food stamps, unemployment benefits, disability benefits, student aid, free health care, etc. The tea party movement will say these programs must be gotten rid of because hard-working taxpayers cannot afford to pay for these things especially when the economy is in a depression. There are three options we have with the tea party movement:

1. Organize counter-protests against the tea party demonstrations, same time, same place. This is probably the best option. We need to get in the streets on April 15th and show the tea party movement that there are lots of people out there who oppose their agenda.

2. Get individual tea party protesters to leave the right-wing and move to the left politically. That would involve passing out stuff like this at the tea party demonstrations: http://www.anarchist-studies.org/node/299

3. Ignore the tea party movement. This is the worst option because without anyone opposing them they could easily gain power.

Some good articles critical of the tea party movement:
http://www.anarkismo.net/article/16198
http://www.truthout.org/william-j-astore-a-very-american-coup-coming-soon-a-hometown-near-you56201

Tea party websites, so you can spy on them:
http://taxdayteaparty.com/
http://www.teapartypatriots.org/
http://www.reteaparty.com/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tea_Party_movement
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tea_Party_protests

Source

BREAKING NEWS: U.S. Navy Frigate Captures Pirate Mother Ship

5 pirates held after exchange of fire

NAIROBI, Kenya - U.S. Navy frigate exchanges fire with pirates, captures five and confiscates mother ship.

More to come.......

Obama’s Defining Lie

History will remember how often and how adamantly President Barack Obama insisted that the socialized medicine law he signed last week would reduce the federal deficit.

It will be his defining lie.

“This legislation will also lower costs for families and for businesses and for the federal government, reducing our deficit by over $1 trillion in the next two decades,” Obama said when he signed the bill on March 23. “It is paid for; it is fiscally responsible.”

Two days later, he repeated the claim at the University of Iowa. “Costs will come down for families and businesses and the federal government, reducing our deficit by more than $1 trillion over the next two decades,” he said.

Americans wisely do not believe him. A Gallup poll released on Tuesday asked people whether the federal budget deficit would “get better, not change or get worse” as a result of Obamacare.

Sixty-one percent said it would get worse, and 14 percent said it would not change.

An honest look at the Congressional Budget Office analysis of the total health care package backs the commonsense conclusion of the average American.

On March 19, two days before the House voted to enact the Senate health care bill and a companion reconciliation bill to make alterations in the Senate bill, the CBO sent a letter to Rep. Paul Ryan of Wisconsin, the ranking Republican on the House Budget Committee, responding to his question about the combined budgetary impact of these two bills plus an associated bill to adjust the Medicare payment rates for doctors that House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has vowed to enact.

The bill to adjust the Medicare payment rates for doctors is needed because, under current law, those rates are set to suddenly plunge by 21 percent in April. After that, they are set to decline by about 2 percent per year for the next decade.

These dramatic cuts are the result of a gimmick members of Congress wrote into earlier budgets: They mandated that doctors’ fees suddenly drop by one-fifth as a way of making the deficit spending they were voting for seem less than it was. They always knew they would repeal the dramatic fee cuts before they actually hit.

Like Obama’s claim that the health care bill will reduce the deficit by $1 trillion, these phantom fee cuts were a lie.

So, what is the impact on the deficit when the Senate health care bill, the reconciliation bill to fix the Senate health care bill and the bill to fix the phantom reductions in doctors’ fees are all considered together?

“You asked about the total budgetary impact of enacting the reconciliation proposal (the amendment to H.R. 4872), the Senate-passed health bill (H.R. 3590) and the Medicare Physicians Payment Reform Act of 2009 (H.R. 3961),” CBO said in its letter to Ryan. “CBO estimates that enacting all three pieces of legislation would add $59 billion to budget deficits over the 2010-2019 period.”

Read the rest here

O'Reilly Pays Legal Bill For Fallen Marine's Father

No. 1 cable news host Bill O'Reilly said Tuesday that he will personally write a check to cover $16,500 in legal costs for the father of a fallen U.S. Marine who sued the members of a church who picketed his son's funeral.

According to news reports, the members of the Westboro Baptist Church, located in Topeka, Kan., believe that God is punishing the United States because of its acceptance of gay people. The church garners attention for its views by protesting high-profile funerals.

On March 3, 2006, Marine Lance Cpl. Matthew A. Snyder died in a non-combat related vehicle accident in Al Anbar province in Iraq.

"He was a hero and he was the love of my life," said Albert Snyder, Matthew's grieving father.

During the wake that was held after his son's funeral, family members turned on the television to view coverage of the massive procession involving over 1,500 persons. They saw the church members waving signs and protesting the funeral.

Albert Snyder filed a federal lawsuit against the church, and a jury awarded him nearly $11 million dollars for invasion of privacy and intentional infliction of emotional distress. But the U.S. Court of Appeals overturned the verdict on the grounds that the church's First Amendment right to free expression must be protected.

Adding insult to injury, the court also ruled that Snyder would have to pay $16,500 to church members, to defray what they spent to defend themselves in court.

It was a tough blow for the father, who was already trying to raise the funds needed to appeal the Court of Appeals verdict to the U.S. Supreme Court.

On Tuesday's The O'Reilly Factor, however, the host stepped forward.

"That is an outrage," he said. "I will pay Mr. Snyder's obligation. I am not going to let this injustice stand."

O'Reilly added, "It's obvious they were disturbing the peace by disrupting the funeral. They should have been arrested, but our system is so screwed up, so screwed up, that loons are allowed to run wild. Snyder is fighting the good fight, and he is taking his case to the Supreme Court as he should. We are behind him 100 percent."

Snyder's attorney, Sean Summers, says people can contribute to a legal fund established at MatthewSnyder.org. The Supreme Court has agreed to hear Snyder's appeal during its October term, with a verdict likely to be announced in mid-2011.

Source

7 Blacks Run As GOP Candidates

At least seven African Americans are running for congress as Republicans in the South this year, according to the Southern Political Report.

The trend might provide the GOP a welcomed opportunity to expand its base.

Some of the emerging black Republican candidates have excellent resumes:

--State Rep. Tim Scott (R-SC) spent 13 years on the Charleston County Council.

--Deon Long made law review at the University of Michigan Law School before practicing law in Winter Park, Florida.

--Les Phillip in Huntsville, Alabama, is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy.

--Angela McGlowan in Oxford, Mississippi, was a Fox News analyst before launching her congressional bid.

--Lou Huddleston in Fayetteville, North Carolina, retired from the Army as a full colonel in 2003 and has since been both a civic and business leader in the district.

Read the full Southern Political Report story

Here.

Today's Wildlife Photo By Scott Phoebus

N.Y. Times Columnist: Death Panels Will Save 'A Lot Of Money'

Paul Krugman tells 'Roundtable' economists agree it's 'going to be major'

Left-leaning New York Times economic columnist Paul Krugman says the so-called "death panels" established by President Obama's trillion-dollar nationalized health-care plan will end up saving "a lot of money" for the government.

The comments from Krugman, who also writes on the New York Times blogs, came during a discussion of "Obamacare" on the ABC News Sunday program "This Week."

GO HERE to read more.

Is That Really Obama?

GOP’S HAYES: COASTAL DRILLING LONG WELCOMED NEWS

CHICAGO: The following statement was released today by Isaac Hayes, GOP Nominee for Congress in Illinois' 2nd district, in response to President Obama's announcement to open American coastlines to oil and natural gas drilling.

"The President’s announcement to allow drilling along America’s coastline is long welcomed news. The off shore drilling ban has been an unwanted and unneeded moratorium on energy exploration. For years, Republicans have pushed for energy independence by utilizing the vast resources God has blessed our nation with. While I am pleased that America’s plea for freedom from dependence on sponsors of terror is finally being heard, I am cautiously optimistic that this is not a smoke screen for a soon to come cap-and-trade bill jammed down our throats."

Link For Weekly Crime Prevention Newsletter

http://www.salisburypd.com/Crime_Prevention/Newsletters/032810.pdf

Jim Rutledge Responds To Eric Wargotz Liberal Voting Record

FORREST Hill, Maryland- Republican U.S. Senate Candidate Jim Rutledge believes Maryland Republicans have the right and the responsibility to know where the candidates stand on the issues. Jim Rutledge stated, “Eric Wargotz claims to be a conservative but yet his voting record contradicts conservative values.”

Jim Rutledge points out that Wargotz voted for a zoning ordinance that diminished the property rights of farmers and potentially decreased the value of their land. (Queen Anne’s Co. Ordinance 8-25) Jim Rutledge thinks the Republican nominee for U.S. Senate should have a track record that reflects conservative beliefs and platforms. The Rutledge Campaign believes cutting government should be the first consideration not raising taxes. The Wargotz record reflects his willingness to raise taxes as opposed to cutting government. (Ordinance 8-17)

Jim Rutledge feels strongly that being the Republican Party Nominee is a privilege that carries with it an obligation to the voters. Each candidate should demonstrate to the voters their position on issues like taxes and government spending. Every candidate should explain their vision for America and discuss the beliefs and values they hold. Candidates have the responsibility to show up, be willing to debate, and be accessible to the voters.

The Rutledge Campaign encourages Eric Wargotz to quit hiding from the voters and start having an honest debate about who best represents the conservative values of the Republican Party. Jim Rutledge said, “I have concerns about what Eric Wargotz really believes and what his positions are from day to day.” Jim Rutledge is proud to claim the conservative values that provided the strength and prosperity of the Reagan Presidency. The Rutledge Campaign continues to share the message of limited government and lower taxes while encouraging Eric Wargotz to defend his record of larger government and more taxes.

There was a fire in Hebron on Church St. Lasst evening. Station 5 , 9 and 74 where on the scene. While they got the fire out fairly quickly, the inside of the home took a serious beating. No injuries reported.

Broadband Map Announcement

Hi Joe,

We’ve got a new project we’re working on that your readers would probably find interesting. Plus, we need their help! Salisbury University is part of a team that’s building a map of high-speed Internet service in Maryland. We’re trying to find out where the fast Internet is, where the slow Internet is, and where can’t you get broadband service at all.

We’ve developed a tool that allows people to take a Internet speed test, then put in their address. We’ll use that info to validate what the broadband service providers (like Verizon and Comcast) are telling us about their network speeds. It’s really important that we get good test coverage on the Eastern Shore, as we’d like to make the business case for the BBSPs to expand service here.

Anyway, I’ve attached the email we’ve been using to get the word out. Have a look at the sites… http://broadband.maryland.gov (that’s the Governor’s site) and http://www.mdbroadbandmap.org (that’s the project site). Take the speed test…see what you think.

Thanks!

Ringling Bros. And Barnum & Bailey® Proudly Announces Wicomico County’s Barnum Award Winners

(Salisbury, MD) In 2010, Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey launched The Barnum Award which honors the spirit of P.T. Barnum, creator of The Greatest Show On Earth, and his contributions to society by identifying and celebrating children who give back to their own communities in creative and innovative ways.

The Wicomico Youth & Civic Center was pleased to announce that Salisbury, MD was one of more than 75 cities throughout the United States selected to participate in the program. Nominations for children from Salisbury and the surrounding area were accepted online through March 19, 2010 and were reviewed by a local panel of judges. The panel included Wicomico County Executive Richard M. Pollitt, Jr., WMDT-47 News Anchor Katherine Amenta, and George Whitehead Professor of Psychology at Salisbury University and co-author of the newly released book A Glorious Revolution for Youth and Communities: Service-Learning and Model Communities.

After reviewing all nominations, the judges were asked to select the top three nominations for a Gold, Silver and Bronze Barnum Award. This proved a very difficult task, as County Executive Pollitt explained, “These are remarkable children.” The Gold and Silver Barnum Award Recipients are*:

Gold Barnum Award Recipient: Sarah Bell of Sussex County, Delaware
Bell grew fresh vegetables to benefit the Seaford Community Food Closet, which benefits local low income clients through donations. She grew over 100 pounds of vegetables and also launched a campaign at local farmers markets to encourage others to donate.
Silver Barnum Award Anita Grace Stevenson of Wicomico County, Maryland
Stevenson has helped raise over $50,000 for Relay for Life. She has baked cookies, participated in walks and also donated her hair to Locks of Love.
Along with a Barnum Award medal, each recipient will receive a cash award to help them in their future community service efforts ranging from $1000 to $500. Additionally, all three recipients will be honored at 7:30pm on the opening night performance of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey presents Illuscination at the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center on Thursday, April 1. They and their families will also be invited to stay and enjoy the show.

Additional performances of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey presents Illuscination will take place at the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center on:

Friday, April 2 at 10:30am and 7:30pm
Saturday, April 3 at 11am, 3:30pm and 7:30pm
Sunday, April 4 at 3pm

Tickets for all performances are still available. Opening night tickets begin at just $12 while seats to all other shows start at $14 (additional taxes/fees may apply) Please visit www.WicomicoCivicCenter.org, call 410-548-4911 or stop by the Box Office to purchase tickets.

SALISBURY CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION AGENDA

APRIL 5, 2010
4:30 P.M.
CONFERENCE ROOM 306
GOVERNMENT OFFICE BUILDING

Special Meeting – 4:30 p.m.
Ordinance No. 2104 – 1st reading – Jane E. Lawton Conservation Program loan

Work Session – following conclusion of Special Meeting

Follow-up on donation of Anderson property (Linens of the Week) – John Pick/Paul Wilber

Zoning text amendment amending Sections 17.04.120 and 17.156.030 of the Salisbury Municipal Code to add a definition and to permit a Veterans Training Center by special exception in the R-5 Residential District – Jack Lenox/Paul Wilber

Zoning text amendment amending Section 17.76.020.B of the Salisbury Municipal Code to add a church as a use permitted by special exception – Jack Lenox

Follow-up on fire station proposals

Ordinance to allow elected officials to participate in elective employee benefits programs offered by the City subject to certain restrictions – John Pick

General discussion/upcoming agendas

GOVERNOR MARTIN O’MALLEY TO HONOR BLACK SAGA COMPETITION WINNERS TODAY

ANNAPOLIS, MD – Governor Martin O’Malley will honor the winners of the 2010 Black Saga Competition at a recognition ceremony for the contestants and their supporters. The Governor will present citations to academic teams from elementary and middle schools around the state.

The Black Saga Competition is a learning activity that tests students’ knowledge of the African American experience as a part of American history. The Competition is based upon Black Saga – The African American Experience: A Chronology written by Dr. Charles M. Christian. The book documents the African American experience in the United States from colonial times to the present in brief entries arranged in chronological order.