WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The head of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Craig Fugate, announced today that federal disaster aid has been made available for Maryland to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the area struck by severe winter storms and snowstorms during the period of February 5-11, 2010.
Federal funding is available to the state and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the severe winter storms and snowstorms in Allegany, Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Calvert, Caroline, Carroll, Cecil, Charles, Dorchester, Frederick, Garrett, Harford, Howard, Kent, Montgomery, Prince George’s, Queen Anne’s, Saint Mary’s, Talbot, Washington, and Wicomico Counties and the Independent City of Baltimore.
In addition, assistance is available to the state and eligible local governments on a cost-sharing basis for emergency protective measures, including snow assistance, for a continuous 48-hour period during or proximate to the incident period in Allegany, Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Calvert, Caroline, Carroll, Charles, Dorchester, Frederick, Garrett, Harford, Montgomery, Prince George’s, Queen Anne’s, Saint Mary’s, Washington, and Wicomico Counties and the Independent City of Baltimore, and for a continuous 72-hour period during or proximate to the incident period in Cecil, Howard, Kent, and Talbot Counties.
Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures for all counties within the state.
Regis Leo Phelan has been named the federal coordinating officer for federal recovery operations in the affected area. Phelan said that additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the State and warranted by the results of further damage assessments.
FEMA's mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.
DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Thursday, May 06, 2010
Pedestrian Killed After Crash
Location: Northbound SR 1 Coastal Hwy, north of SR 24, Rehoboth Beach, Sussex County, DE
Date of Occurrence: Wednesday May 5, 2010 at 11:40 p.m.
Persons Involved/ Vehicle Involved:
Victim - Alan Hedlund, 70, Lewes, DE (pedestrian)
Operator 1 – Anthony J. Mueller, 74, Bel Air, MD
Vehicle 1 – 1998 Ford Explorer
Resume:
Delaware State Police are investigating a fatal crash that killed a pedestrian.
The crash happened last evening before midnight when Hedlund was walking in the northbound lanes in an unknown direction in the bus lane of SR 1. Mueller was traveling northbound on SR 1 in his Ford Explorer in the right lane when he began to change lanes into the northbound bus land and struck Hedlund.
Hedlund was pronounced dead at the scene.
The roadway was closed for approximately 2 hours. Alcohol and drug involvement is pending the result of an autopsy.
Hedlund was wearing dark clothing and was not carrying a light at the time of the crash. The investigation is still on going.
Release Thursday May 6, 2010 at 1600 hours.
Date of Occurrence: Wednesday May 5, 2010 at 11:40 p.m.
Persons Involved/ Vehicle Involved:
Victim - Alan Hedlund, 70, Lewes, DE (pedestrian)
Operator 1 – Anthony J. Mueller, 74, Bel Air, MD
Vehicle 1 – 1998 Ford Explorer
Resume:
Delaware State Police are investigating a fatal crash that killed a pedestrian.
The crash happened last evening before midnight when Hedlund was walking in the northbound lanes in an unknown direction in the bus lane of SR 1. Mueller was traveling northbound on SR 1 in his Ford Explorer in the right lane when he began to change lanes into the northbound bus land and struck Hedlund.
Hedlund was pronounced dead at the scene.
The roadway was closed for approximately 2 hours. Alcohol and drug involvement is pending the result of an autopsy.
Hedlund was wearing dark clothing and was not carrying a light at the time of the crash. The investigation is still on going.
Release Thursday May 6, 2010 at 1600 hours.
MARYLAND'S NUMBER ONE RANKING FOR IMPLEMENTING CLEAN WATER RECOVERY FUNDING
GOVERNOR O'MALLEY STATEMENT ON MARYLAND'S NUMBER ONE
RANKING FOR IMPLEMENTING CLEAN WATER RECOVERY FUNDING
ANNAPOLIS, MD (May 6, 2010) – The Congressional Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure has ranked Maryland 1st out of 50 States and the District of Columbia for implementing American Recovery and Reinvestment Act clean water infrastructure funding. The ranking is based on monthly State progress reports. Governor O'Malley issued this statement:
“Maryland has tremendous water infrastructure needs, even as we increase our efforts to clean up the Chesapeake Bay and local waterways. Together, we’ve put American Recovery and Reinvestment Act dollars to work quickly and efficiently to reduce pollution, protect drinking water, and create jobs across Maryland.
“Each one of these 82 projects, and each job they create, will have tangible benefits for the people of our State. These funds will implement Enhanced Nutrient Removal at the Patapsco wastewater plant in Baltimore City, a new drinking water system on Smith Island, new sewer mains in Prince George's County and emergency dam repairs in Allegany County.
“As we continue to strategically invest, delivering results for the people of Maryland, I want to thank President Obama and Maryland's Congressional delegation for working so hard to secure these critical Recovery and Reinvestment funds.”
Under President Barack Obama's American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, in June 2009 the Maryland Department of the Environment received $121.6 million for Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Loan Fund projects. MDE received an unprecedented $3.7 billion in requests for this funding from across the State. Funds were allocated based on readiness to proceed, as well as maximum environmental and health benefits. A list of each project's status can be found here.
For the past two years, Maryland has been ranked #1-in-the-nation for American Recovery and Reinvestment Act monitoring and reporting by Good Jobs First, a non-profit research center based in Washington, DC. Maryland’s nationally recognized Recovery website tracks every dollar received and spent in an interactive, GIS-driven map for visitors to browse.
RANKING FOR IMPLEMENTING CLEAN WATER RECOVERY FUNDING
ANNAPOLIS, MD (May 6, 2010) – The Congressional Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure has ranked Maryland 1st out of 50 States and the District of Columbia for implementing American Recovery and Reinvestment Act clean water infrastructure funding. The ranking is based on monthly State progress reports. Governor O'Malley issued this statement:
“Maryland has tremendous water infrastructure needs, even as we increase our efforts to clean up the Chesapeake Bay and local waterways. Together, we’ve put American Recovery and Reinvestment Act dollars to work quickly and efficiently to reduce pollution, protect drinking water, and create jobs across Maryland.
“Each one of these 82 projects, and each job they create, will have tangible benefits for the people of our State. These funds will implement Enhanced Nutrient Removal at the Patapsco wastewater plant in Baltimore City, a new drinking water system on Smith Island, new sewer mains in Prince George's County and emergency dam repairs in Allegany County.
“As we continue to strategically invest, delivering results for the people of Maryland, I want to thank President Obama and Maryland's Congressional delegation for working so hard to secure these critical Recovery and Reinvestment funds.”
Under President Barack Obama's American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, in June 2009 the Maryland Department of the Environment received $121.6 million for Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Loan Fund projects. MDE received an unprecedented $3.7 billion in requests for this funding from across the State. Funds were allocated based on readiness to proceed, as well as maximum environmental and health benefits. A list of each project's status can be found here.
For the past two years, Maryland has been ranked #1-in-the-nation for American Recovery and Reinvestment Act monitoring and reporting by Good Jobs First, a non-profit research center based in Washington, DC. Maryland’s nationally recognized Recovery website tracks every dollar received and spent in an interactive, GIS-driven map for visitors to browse.
Kratovil Introduces SCREEN Act; Prevents Release Of Violent Federal Sex Offenders Deemed To Still Pose A Threat
Washington, DC – Today, Rep. Frank Kratovil introduced HR 5232, The Sex Crime Re-Entry EvaluatioN (SCREEN) Act of 2010. Rep. Kratovil’s bill would require the most violent federal sex offenders to undergo a mandatory evaluation prior to their release from federal custody to determine if they are sexually dangerous and remain a threat to society, and would prevent their release if they cannot present clear and convincing evidence that they no longer pose a threat.
“Both scientific and anecdotal evidence have shown that the high rate of recidivism among sexual offenders can present a dangerous threat to our communities upon their release,” said Rep. Frank Kratovil. “My legislation will reform the system so that an offender would not be released into the community if the individual still poses a threat.”
Essentially, the SCREEN Act would authorize, in addition to fines, imprisonment and probation, a fourth category of federal punishment that consists of a sentence to a “term of special confinement for the prevention of sexual predation.” This punishment would be applicable in the case of certain sexual offenses, including Aggravated Sexual Abuse, Sexual Abuse, Sexual Offense Resulting in Death, and Sexual Exploitation of Children.
If this legislation is passed, when an individual is convicted under any of the crimes listed above then following any term of imprisonment the individual would be required to serve a term of special confinement for the prevention of sexual predation for life, unless a court finds by clear and convincing evidence that the offender is no longer a sexually dangerous person. A mandatory hearing to make this determination would occur no earlier than 180 days before such a prisoner is scheduled to be released.
If a court finds by clear and convincing evidence that the defendant remains a sexually dangerous person, the defendant would not be released at the end if his or her sentence, and would instead be placed in suitable and secure facility for treatment until such time that a court determines they are no longer a sexually dangerous person. This “period of special confinement” could extend for the duration of the offender’s life.
“The horrific nature of these crimes demands a prison sentence that not only punishes the individual, but ensures they are not released back into society If they still pose a threat at the end of their term,” said Rep. Kratovil.
Rep. Kratovil, a former prosecutor, has made the prosecution and incarceration of sexual predators a priority his entire career. On January 13th Kratovil sent a letter to Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley and General Assembly leaders urging legislative action and offering his assistance to bring Maryland’s sex offender registration and notification laws into compliance with revised federal standards.
Kratovil’s letter asked the leaders to make implementation of the revised federal sex offender registry standards a top priority for the new legislative session, and offered to work closely with state leaders in the effort to meet these federal standards. He also submitted written testimony supporting this state legislation to committees of jurisdiction in both the General Assembly and Senate.
Click here to view a copy of the letter.
“Both scientific and anecdotal evidence have shown that the high rate of recidivism among sexual offenders can present a dangerous threat to our communities upon their release,” said Rep. Frank Kratovil. “My legislation will reform the system so that an offender would not be released into the community if the individual still poses a threat.”
Essentially, the SCREEN Act would authorize, in addition to fines, imprisonment and probation, a fourth category of federal punishment that consists of a sentence to a “term of special confinement for the prevention of sexual predation.” This punishment would be applicable in the case of certain sexual offenses, including Aggravated Sexual Abuse, Sexual Abuse, Sexual Offense Resulting in Death, and Sexual Exploitation of Children.
If this legislation is passed, when an individual is convicted under any of the crimes listed above then following any term of imprisonment the individual would be required to serve a term of special confinement for the prevention of sexual predation for life, unless a court finds by clear and convincing evidence that the offender is no longer a sexually dangerous person. A mandatory hearing to make this determination would occur no earlier than 180 days before such a prisoner is scheduled to be released.
If a court finds by clear and convincing evidence that the defendant remains a sexually dangerous person, the defendant would not be released at the end if his or her sentence, and would instead be placed in suitable and secure facility for treatment until such time that a court determines they are no longer a sexually dangerous person. This “period of special confinement” could extend for the duration of the offender’s life.
“The horrific nature of these crimes demands a prison sentence that not only punishes the individual, but ensures they are not released back into society If they still pose a threat at the end of their term,” said Rep. Kratovil.
Rep. Kratovil, a former prosecutor, has made the prosecution and incarceration of sexual predators a priority his entire career. On January 13th Kratovil sent a letter to Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley and General Assembly leaders urging legislative action and offering his assistance to bring Maryland’s sex offender registration and notification laws into compliance with revised federal standards.
Kratovil’s letter asked the leaders to make implementation of the revised federal sex offender registry standards a top priority for the new legislative session, and offered to work closely with state leaders in the effort to meet these federal standards. He also submitted written testimony supporting this state legislation to committees of jurisdiction in both the General Assembly and Senate.
Click here to view a copy of the letter.
Delaware Electric Cooperative "Peak Alert"
URGENT “BEAT THE PEAK”
3 P.M. to 6 P.M., Today, May 6th
Because of the warm weather forecasted in our region today, we are asking you to delay the usage of all unnecessary lights and appliances during these hours as well as turning your thermostat up 3 degrees.
While the largest consumers of electricity in the home during these hours and during this time of year are cooling costs and lighting, other large consumers of electricity include major appliances such as dishwashers, washing machines, clothes dryers, water heaters and stoves.
By delaying the use of unnecessary lighting and appliances as well as turning your thermostat up 3 degrees between 3 P.M. and 6 P.M., today, we can save energy resources, avoid high cost energy and help the environment.
For more information on our “Beat the Peak” program visit 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.
You can also follow our Beat the Peak alerts and other news by becoming a follower of Delaware Electric Coop on and/or.
If we all save a little, together we save a lot.
Major Accident On Rt. 50 West Bound UPDATE: Rt. 50 Reopened
Route 50 has been shut down from a serious accident just past Vienna. The accident is on Rt. 50 & Mill Road in Dorchester County. 2 MSP Medivac Helicopters were on the scene, one of which has already taken off towards Baltimore. The other is sitting in the middle of Rt. 50 waiting.
We'll try to keep you updated but friends tell me that they have been sitting there for 1/2 hour already and it doesn't look good.
UPDATE: Rt 50 has reopened east bound and west bound. However, some Idiot heading east bound after everything opened back up hit the rear end of a Farm Vehicle and backed traffic up once again for a mile.
You've Got Mail, But Can You Prove It?
For the past several years the Salisbury City Council debated over Debbie Campbell being able to use the telephone to conference into Work Sessions while she is on travel with business. The numerous requests were denied.
Now that Councilman Gary Comegys is ill, it seems Gary is able to conference into Work Sessions via e-mail. Now I'm not privy to his actual mental and physical condition but one does have to challenge this in several ways, with all due respect.
It would be one thing to look at your Caller ID in a teleconference call to be able to confirm it is in fact who the person claims to be. It's another to confirm their voice. However, what's to say Mike Dunn, Barrie Tilghman or even Debbie Comegys isn't sending in those e-mail messages for Gary Comegys while these Work Sessions are being conducted.
Now I don't mean to be critical here but fair is fair. If Debbie Campbell was not allowed to use the telephone, Gary Comegys should not be able to use e-mail.
The Salisbury City Council is making multi million dollar decisions and I for one want confirmation that, one, my Councilman is in the proper frame of mind to do his job and two, I want to make darned sure it's him who is at the other end of these multi million dollar decisions.
Don't come back with comments about how sick Gary is and feel sorry for him. I am concerned for his health but as a businessman, business is business and Gary would feel the very same way if he was not in the condition he is in. Since no one else will bring this topic up, I'll take the punches for now but I want these e-mail conferences stopped immediately.
STATEMENT FROM GOVERNOR MARTIN O’MALLEY
ANNAPOLIS, MD (May 6, 2010) – Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley today issued the following Statement upon learning of yesterday’s action by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) to review regulations and develop new strategies to protect menhaden:
“Menhaden is a vital species that provides food for striped bass and other fish and filters pollutants from the Chesapeake Bay. I applaud the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission unanimous action in recognizing the troubling signs of the population’s decline and calling for the development of new management strategies to protect this important fish. Here in Maryland it is our hope that the next step will be a significant reduction in coast-wide harvest.
“I want to congratulate the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Fisheries Staff, who led this coastal effort to protect menhaden and who continue to deliver exceptional results through innovative strategies to protect our aquatic resources. I also want to recognize the hard work of our recreational fishermen and environmental organization in working with us to achieve this breakthrough.
“Today we celebrate the highest blue crab population since 1997 and a bold new plan to restore our native oyster and develop an aquaculture industry in Maryland. Protection of menhaden will ultimately add to these successes and bring us closer to our ultimate goal: a restored Chesapeake Bay and healthy, self-sustaining populations of fish for today and tomorrow.”
“Menhaden is a vital species that provides food for striped bass and other fish and filters pollutants from the Chesapeake Bay. I applaud the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission unanimous action in recognizing the troubling signs of the population’s decline and calling for the development of new management strategies to protect this important fish. Here in Maryland it is our hope that the next step will be a significant reduction in coast-wide harvest.
“I want to congratulate the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Fisheries Staff, who led this coastal effort to protect menhaden and who continue to deliver exceptional results through innovative strategies to protect our aquatic resources. I also want to recognize the hard work of our recreational fishermen and environmental organization in working with us to achieve this breakthrough.
“Today we celebrate the highest blue crab population since 1997 and a bold new plan to restore our native oyster and develop an aquaculture industry in Maryland. Protection of menhaden will ultimately add to these successes and bring us closer to our ultimate goal: a restored Chesapeake Bay and healthy, self-sustaining populations of fish for today and tomorrow.”
Middle School Student Shot With Toy Gun
A student is facing an assault charge after shooting a classmate with a toy gun at Briggs Chaney Middle School in Silver Spring, school officials said.
The incident happened around 9 a.m. at the campus on Rainbow Drive.
Initial reports said the weapon was a BB gun. However, officials now say it was a gun that shoots plastic pellets.
GO HERE to read more.
The incident happened around 9 a.m. at the campus on Rainbow Drive.
Initial reports said the weapon was a BB gun. However, officials now say it was a gun that shoots plastic pellets.
GO HERE to read more.
Emirates Jet Stopped At JFK Before Takeoff
Name of passenger might match name on U.S. 'no fly' list
BREAKING NEWS
NEW YORK - Officials stopped an Emirates airline plane on a taxiway Thursday at New York's JFK airport in order to determine whether a passenger aboard is on the U.S. "no fly" list.
A senior government official told NBC News that Emirates Flight 204 was destined for Dubai.
The pilots had requested permission to taxi for takeoff when Customs and Border Protection blocked the plane from taxiing.
GO HERE to read more.
BREAKING NEWS
NEW YORK - Officials stopped an Emirates airline plane on a taxiway Thursday at New York's JFK airport in order to determine whether a passenger aboard is on the U.S. "no fly" list.
A senior government official told NBC News that Emirates Flight 204 was destined for Dubai.
The pilots had requested permission to taxi for takeoff when Customs and Border Protection blocked the plane from taxiing.
GO HERE to read more.
Robbery At M&T Bank In Salisbury
Buddy Lloyd & Sons on Eastern Shore Dr. is in lock down and we received numerous messages that the M&T Bank in the Giant Shopping Center was allegedly robbed.
On the scene, they're roping off the area around M&T Bank and have a Jeep with three white males stopped and being questioned. We're told one of them has been taken away by police.
Just confirmed, it was a Robbery.
The three white males have all been taken away in three separate Sheriff's Cars. The Sheriff's K-9 Dogs are sniffing out the Jeep as we speak.
WHY IS MAYOR IRETON PROMOTING A LOCAL ATTORNEY?
In his interview with editors and others at the Daily Times, -- now notorious because of his use of marginally foul language and most unflattering (even if true) remark about Barrie Tilghman – Mr. Ireton mentioned by name the attorney to get if you have a problem with the City. Speaking in regard to a zoning code matter, he said “and T. J. Maloney can take it and, lo and behold, you have your nonconforming use back.”
With that emphatic endorsement of his services, Mr. Maloney will no doubt enjoy a continually expanding clientele of property owners and others beset by City officials directed by the mayor. Maloney should show his gratitude for this free advertisement by donating at least half of his fees – surely an ill-gotten gain in Mr. Ireton’s view – to the City of Salisbury.
The promo occurred about 13 minutes into the hour long interview, which is available on the Daily Times’ website under “videos”. Listeners may detect a note of angst in Mr. Ireton’s remark, apparently because Maloney has stopped some of the mayor’s schemes and designs. If the City can’t beat him then maybe it should hire him to be the new “in-house” legal counsel that Ireton wants to have at his constant beck and call.
Today's Survey Question
A) Who's The Sexiest Man On The Eastern Shore?B) Who's The Sexiest Woman On The Eastern Shore?
Students Wearing American Flag Shirts Sent Home
On any other day at Live Oak High School in Morgan Hill, California, Daniel Galli and his four friends would not even be noticed for wearing t-shirts with the American flag. But Cinco de Mayo is not any typical day especially on a campus with a large Mexican American student population.
Galli says he and his friends were sitting at a table during brunch break when the Vice Principal asked two of the boys to remove American flag bandannas that they wearing on their heads and for the others to turn their American flag t-shirts inside-out. When they refused, the boys were ordered to go to the principal's office.
"They said we could wear it on any other day, but today is sensitive to Mexican Americans because it's supposed to be their holiday so we were not allowed to wear it today," Daniel Galli said.
The boys said the administrators called their t-shirts "incendiary" that would lead to fights on campus.
"They said if we tried to go back to class with our shirts not taken off, they said it was defiance and we would get suspended," Dominic Maciel, Galli's friend, said.
The boys with really no choice went home to avoid suspension. They say they're angry they were not allowed to express their American pride. Their parents are just as upset calling what happened to their children: total nonsense.
"I think it's absolutely ridiculous," Julie Fagerstrom, Maciel's mom, said. "All they were doing was displaying their patriotic nature. They're expressing their individuality."
But to many Mexican American students at Live Oak, this was a big deal. They say they were offended by the five boys and others for wearing American colors on a Mexican holiday.
Galli says he and his friends were sitting at a table during brunch break when the Vice Principal asked two of the boys to remove American flag bandannas that they wearing on their heads and for the others to turn their American flag t-shirts inside-out. When they refused, the boys were ordered to go to the principal's office.
"They said we could wear it on any other day, but today is sensitive to Mexican Americans because it's supposed to be their holiday so we were not allowed to wear it today," Daniel Galli said.
The boys said the administrators called their t-shirts "incendiary" that would lead to fights on campus.
"They said if we tried to go back to class with our shirts not taken off, they said it was defiance and we would get suspended," Dominic Maciel, Galli's friend, said.
The boys with really no choice went home to avoid suspension. They say they're angry they were not allowed to express their American pride. Their parents are just as upset calling what happened to their children: total nonsense.
"I think it's absolutely ridiculous," Julie Fagerstrom, Maciel's mom, said. "All they were doing was displaying their patriotic nature. They're expressing their individuality."
But to many Mexican American students at Live Oak, this was a big deal. They say they were offended by the five boys and others for wearing American colors on a Mexican holiday.
They're Back
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This morning we enjoyed a pleasant surprise when we saw the first of many Hummingbirds return to the Albero Ranch. Remember Folks, when you put out your feeders, do NOT put the red dye in the water. Just sugar water will do. The red dye doesn't agree with their stomach.
Better Marriage Blanket Protects Your Partner From Noxious Farts
If you are emitting such noxious gas that you require a carbon filter blanket in order to prevent divorce, you may have some kind of underlying medical condition that you should get checked out. But if you don't have health insurance, maybe you should try the Better Marriage Blanket instead.
Youth Soccer Coach Charged With Sodomy
An Arlington soccer coach has been arrested and charged with forcible sodomy, and police are concerned there may be more victims.
GO HERE to read more.
GO HERE to read more.
Looking Back: Feds Have Built Only 32 Miles Of 700 Mile Double-Border Fence Originally Mandated By Congress
(Thursday, February 12, 2009)
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has built only 32 miles of double-layer fencing along the U.S.-Mexico border out of the 700 miles originally mandated by a 2006 act of Congress, according to the Government Accountability Office (GAO).
One reason DHS has been able to do this is an amendment that Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison (R.-Texas) slipped into an omnibus appropriations bill that Congress passed on December 18, 2007. Hutchison’s amendment put a loophole in the fence law that allowed the secretary of Homeland Security not to build the fence Congress had mandated the year before.
The Secure Fence Act of 2006 specifically ordered DHS to build two layers of reinforced fencing along 700 specific miles of the nearly 2,000 mile U.S.-Mexico border.
“The Secretary of Homeland Security shall provide for at least 2 layers of reinforced fencing, the installation of additional physical barriers, roads, lighting, cameras, and sensors” along 700 miles of designated border areas, the Secure Fence Act said.
Hutchison’s 2007 amendment neutered this language. It said: “Limitation on Requirements.--Notwithstanding subparagraph (A), nothing in this paragraph shall require the Secretary of Homeland Security to install fencing, physical barriers, roads, lighting, cameras, and sensors in a particular location along an international border of the United States, if the Secretary determines that the use or placement of such resources is not the most appropriate means to achieve and maintain operational control over the international border at such location.”
More here
[The 'virtual fence' that was supposed to be used instead of the physical barriers was a dismal flop, and the program has since been cancelled.. Editor]
Cheap Tomatoes
This issue of illegal immigrants in our
country... is not just about cheap labor
or cheap tomatoes or other vegetables.
Their being here is much more costly
to us.... if we'll just think about it!
Perhaps this will help.
country... is not just about cheap labor
or cheap tomatoes or other vegetables.
Their being here is much more costly
to us.... if we'll just think about it!
Perhaps this will help.
This English teacher has phrased it the best I've seen yet... and it should make everyone think, whether we be Democrat, Republican, or Independent.
Tomatoes and Cheap Labor
From a California school teacher - - - "As you listen to the news about the student protests over illegal immigration, there are some things that you should be aware of:
I am in charge of the English-as-a-second-language department at a large southern California high school which is designated a Title 1 school, meaning that its students average lower socioeconomic and income levels
Most of the schools you are hearing about, South Gate High, Bell Gardens, Huntington Park, etc, where these students are protesting, are also Title 1 schools.
Title 1 schools are on the free breakfast and free lunch program. When I say free breakfast, I'm not talking a glass of milk and roll -- but a full breakfast and cereal bar with fruits and juices that would make a Marriott proud. The waste of this food is monumental, with trays and trays of it being dumped in the trash uneaten.
I estimate that well over 50% of these students are obese or at least moderately overweight. About 75% or more DO have cell phones. The school also provides day care centers for the unwed teenage pregnant girls (some as young as 13) so they can attend class without the inconvenience of having to arrange for babysitters or having family watch their kids.
I was ordered to spend $700,000 on my department or risk losing funding for the upcoming year even though there was little need for anything; my budget was already substantial. I ended up buying new computers for the computer learning center, half of which, one month later, have been carved with graffiti by the appreciative students who obviously feel humbled and grateful to have a free education in America.
I have had to intervene several times for young and substitute teachers whose classes consist of many illegal immigrant students, here in the country less then 3 months, who raised so much hell with the female teachers, calling them "Putas"(whores) and throwing things, that the teachers were in tears.
Free medical, free education, free food, free day care etc., etc, etc. Is it any wonder they feel entitled to not only be in this country... but to demand rights, privileges and entitlements?
To those who want to point out how much these illegal immigrants contribute to our society because they LIKE their gardener and housekeeper and they like to pay less for tomatoes: spend some time in the real world of illegal immigration and see the TRUE costs.
Higher insurance, medical facilities closing, higher medical costs, more crime, lower standards of education in our schools, overcrowding, new diseases. For me, I'll pay more for tomatoes.
Gallup Poll: 9 Out Of 10 Americans Say Secure The Border This Year
(CNSNews.com) - A USA Today/Gallup poll conducted May 1-2 shows that 9 out of 10 Americans say it is moderately to extremely important to them for the federal government to take steps this year to secure the border against illegal immigration.
Similarly, 61 percent of Americans say they are very concerned that illegal immigrants are putting an unfair burden on U.S. schools, hospitals, and government services.
Gallup asked respondents whether it was extremely important, very important, moderately important, or not that important to them that the U.S. government take steps this year to control the border to stop the flow of illegal immigrants into the country. Only 10 percent said it was not that important. Eighty-nine percent said it was moderately to extremely important, with 42 percent saying it was extremely important, 26 percent saying it was very important, and 21 percent saying it was moderately important.
Gallup also asked respondents whether it was extremely important, very important, moderately important, or not that important to them that the U.S. government develop a plan to deal with the large number of illegal immigrants who are already living in the United States. Only 10 percent said this was not that important. Ninety percent said it was moderately to extremely important, with 36 percent saying it was extremely important, 31 percent saying it was very important, and 23 percent saying it was moderately important.
GO HERE to read more.
Similarly, 61 percent of Americans say they are very concerned that illegal immigrants are putting an unfair burden on U.S. schools, hospitals, and government services.
Gallup asked respondents whether it was extremely important, very important, moderately important, or not that important to them that the U.S. government take steps this year to control the border to stop the flow of illegal immigrants into the country. Only 10 percent said it was not that important. Eighty-nine percent said it was moderately to extremely important, with 42 percent saying it was extremely important, 26 percent saying it was very important, and 21 percent saying it was moderately important.
Gallup also asked respondents whether it was extremely important, very important, moderately important, or not that important to them that the U.S. government develop a plan to deal with the large number of illegal immigrants who are already living in the United States. Only 10 percent said this was not that important. Ninety percent said it was moderately to extremely important, with 36 percent saying it was extremely important, 31 percent saying it was very important, and 23 percent saying it was moderately important.
GO HERE to read more.
Will Kratovil Support The Secure The Border Act?
Open letter to Kratovil
Will Kratovil SECURE OUR BORDERS?
Will Kratovil co-sponsor H.R. 5173?
The Honorable Frank Kratovil,Jr.
House of Representatives
314 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515-2001
Re: Our border must be secured - please support HR 5173.
To: Representative Kratovil:
The federal government has repeatedly promised Americans that it would secure our borders, but has failed to act. National surveys show that most American support the new law in Arizona. I urge you to support the Secure the Border Act.
This bill would require installation of double-reinforced fencing along the entire U.S.-Mexico border, and authorize advanced technologies along both the southern and northern borders. If that type of fencing is not possible at some locations, HR 5173 requires that Congress must approve any alternatives.
The endless flow of illegal immigrants across our border is a threat to our environment, our economy, and our national security. Americans want effective immigration enforcement at the border.
Our nation is not secure if our borders are not secure, and most Arizonans and most Americans understand that. I hope you will join as a co-sponsor of HR 5173.
Kratovil in D.C. (202) 225-5311; in Salisbury (410) 334-3072; in Centerville (443) 262-9136
Sincerely,
Citizens of Maryland
Will Kratovil SECURE OUR BORDERS?
Will Kratovil co-sponsor H.R. 5173?
The Honorable Frank Kratovil,Jr.
House of Representatives
314 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515-2001
Re: Our border must be secured - please support HR 5173.
To: Representative Kratovil:
The federal government has repeatedly promised Americans that it would secure our borders, but has failed to act. National surveys show that most American support the new law in Arizona. I urge you to support the Secure the Border Act.
This bill would require installation of double-reinforced fencing along the entire U.S.-Mexico border, and authorize advanced technologies along both the southern and northern borders. If that type of fencing is not possible at some locations, HR 5173 requires that Congress must approve any alternatives.
The endless flow of illegal immigrants across our border is a threat to our environment, our economy, and our national security. Americans want effective immigration enforcement at the border.
Our nation is not secure if our borders are not secure, and most Arizonans and most Americans understand that. I hope you will join as a co-sponsor of HR 5173.
Kratovil in D.C. (202) 225-5311; in Salisbury (410) 334-3072; in Centerville (443) 262-9136
Sincerely,
Citizens of Maryland
Barely Transparent
Obama administration only scratches surface
I’ve never thought it was fun, or even very productive to file request after request after request for records under the federal Freedom of Information Act. I don’t have the patience to wait month after month, or even year after year, for the feds to get me what I want. Yet I know there is no other law on the books that is as important to self-governance as FOIA.
Reporters who master the art of requesting and using public records are national treasures. We hear from many of them every year, usually when they’ve been told they can’t have information that clearly would benefit the public interest if it was released.
We heard from hundreds of reporters during the administration of George W. Bush. For eight years, they went through the motions of filing FOIA requests knowing that their chances of getting usable information were slim. The 2008 election was an opportunity for a new president to demonstrate that the public could be trusted with information collected and maintained by its government.
On his first day in office, President Barack Obama signed an executive order and two presidential memoranda that seemed to indicate that he values “transparency” — a government buzzword that, to me, means giving citizens the right to get information that demonstrates what public officials are doing in their name with their tax dollars.
It seemed the meetings with transition team members and federal officials charged with implementing FOIA might actually pay off. But the results have been disappointing.
GO HERE to read more.
I’ve never thought it was fun, or even very productive to file request after request after request for records under the federal Freedom of Information Act. I don’t have the patience to wait month after month, or even year after year, for the feds to get me what I want. Yet I know there is no other law on the books that is as important to self-governance as FOIA.
Reporters who master the art of requesting and using public records are national treasures. We hear from many of them every year, usually when they’ve been told they can’t have information that clearly would benefit the public interest if it was released.
We heard from hundreds of reporters during the administration of George W. Bush. For eight years, they went through the motions of filing FOIA requests knowing that their chances of getting usable information were slim. The 2008 election was an opportunity for a new president to demonstrate that the public could be trusted with information collected and maintained by its government.
On his first day in office, President Barack Obama signed an executive order and two presidential memoranda that seemed to indicate that he values “transparency” — a government buzzword that, to me, means giving citizens the right to get information that demonstrates what public officials are doing in their name with their tax dollars.
It seemed the meetings with transition team members and federal officials charged with implementing FOIA might actually pay off. But the results have been disappointing.
GO HERE to read more.
Hellman's Mayonnaise
Hellmann's Mayonnaise - a bit of history. Most people don't know that back in 1912, Hellmann's mayonnaise was manufactured in England. In fact, the Titanic was carrying 12,000 jars of the condiment scheduled for delivery in Vera Cruz, Mexico, which was to be the next port of call for the great ship after its stop in New York.
This would have been the largest single shipment of mayonnaise ever delivered to Mexico. But as we know, the great ship did not make it to New York. The ship hit an iceberg and sank, and the cargo was forever lost. The people of Mexico, who were crazy about mayonnaise, and were eagerly awaiting its delivery, were disconsolate at the loss.
Their anguish was so great, that they declared a National Day of Mourning, which they still observe to this day. The National Day of Mourning occurs each year on May 5th and is known, of course, as - Sinko De Mayo.
This would have been the largest single shipment of mayonnaise ever delivered to Mexico. But as we know, the great ship did not make it to New York. The ship hit an iceberg and sank, and the cargo was forever lost. The people of Mexico, who were crazy about mayonnaise, and were eagerly awaiting its delivery, were disconsolate at the loss.
Their anguish was so great, that they declared a National Day of Mourning, which they still observe to this day. The National Day of Mourning occurs each year on May 5th and is known, of course, as - Sinko De Mayo.
Nation Police Week May 9, 2010 - May 15, 2010
FLY THE BLUE
First National Peace Officers' Memorial Day Service was held in Washington, DC, on May 15, 1982, on Capitol Hill in the small, beautiful "Senate Park". Only 125 people attended.
In 1989, the first annual Candlelight Vigil was held at the site of the soon-to-be constructed National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Judiciary Square in Washington, DC.
In October, 1991, the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial was dedicated by President George Bush.
Today that Memorial Wall carries the names of over 16,000 law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty, 33 from the Eastern Shore area.
Congress passed legislation that allows the U.S. flag to be flown at half staff on May 15; numerous police organizations hold memorial services locally, regionally, and on a statewide level during that week;
For the past several years, Concerns of Police Survivors and my family have been encouraging citizens to fly blue ribbons from their car antennas during National Police Week. This year from May 9 through May 15, seeing thousands of blue ribbons flying from cars would be a tremendous show of support for our fallen officers and those still working the streets. The ribbons should be tied to personal cars and/or police cruisers to show support for law enforcement.
FLY the Blue
Thank You
Mother of D.F.C. Brian K Heller E.O.W. June 14,2000
County Service
Joe,
Hello there , I wanted to write to see if you had an answer for a little problem my parents are having they had a new well put in at their home.since the day after the well was put in the water has been running day and night nonstop. They contacted the county the day after the well was put it to inform them of this. they told them they would have someone out to their home on Monday, well Monday has come and gone and we haven't heard a word.we called today and they said yes someone will be out there very soon. I have talked to several people whom have had the same issue, it seems that there is only one person who does this job and they will get to you when they want is what I'm hearing. So my question to you is do you have any suggestion, or does anyone on our blog site? The water has been running seven days now.
Thanks for your time.
Hello there , I wanted to write to see if you had an answer for a little problem my parents are having they had a new well put in at their home.since the day after the well was put in the water has been running day and night nonstop. They contacted the county the day after the well was put it to inform them of this. they told them they would have someone out to their home on Monday, well Monday has come and gone and we haven't heard a word.we called today and they said yes someone will be out there very soon. I have talked to several people whom have had the same issue, it seems that there is only one person who does this job and they will get to you when they want is what I'm hearing. So my question to you is do you have any suggestion, or does anyone on our blog site? The water has been running seven days now.
Thanks for your time.
Wicomico County School Busses
Joe, this is just an observation but I was wondering what you and your readers think about this.
I have been a resident of the county for ten years now and I don't think I have ever seen more aggressive school bus drivers than we have here. My commute daily takes me right through various school districts and I'm amazed at the chances these drivers take with our children on board. I think daily they pull out in front of drivers. The will pull forward into intersections and simply wait for the light to turn green. It’s almost like how the tractor trailers drive. It’s as if they think to themselves that they are going to pull out or take the right of way and the others cars are just going to have to stop. It doesn't matter if the entire back end of the school bus is stuck out in the intersection blocking traffic from proceeding which should be able to move forward. They simply don't care. So much for yellow lights too. I had one the other day blow right through it forcing me to brake. Again, I think they feel like they are bigger and the traffic will just have to stop. I can't be the only one that sees this or has this happen to them can I?
Another favorite of mine is when they simply just pull over cutting you off because they need that lane. I apologize to the drivers this does not pertain to but there are quite a few that it does pertain to. Just observe their driving closely the next time you are in site of one. Some of it is shocking.
Thanks Joe.....
I have been a resident of the county for ten years now and I don't think I have ever seen more aggressive school bus drivers than we have here. My commute daily takes me right through various school districts and I'm amazed at the chances these drivers take with our children on board. I think daily they pull out in front of drivers. The will pull forward into intersections and simply wait for the light to turn green. It’s almost like how the tractor trailers drive. It’s as if they think to themselves that they are going to pull out or take the right of way and the others cars are just going to have to stop. It doesn't matter if the entire back end of the school bus is stuck out in the intersection blocking traffic from proceeding which should be able to move forward. They simply don't care. So much for yellow lights too. I had one the other day blow right through it forcing me to brake. Again, I think they feel like they are bigger and the traffic will just have to stop. I can't be the only one that sees this or has this happen to them can I?
Another favorite of mine is when they simply just pull over cutting you off because they need that lane. I apologize to the drivers this does not pertain to but there are quite a few that it does pertain to. Just observe their driving closely the next time you are in site of one. Some of it is shocking.
Thanks Joe.....
KIDS IN CHURCH
3-year-old Reese :
'Our Father, Who does art in heaven,
Harold is His name.
Amen.'
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A little boy was overheard praying:
'Lord, if you can't make me a better boy, don't worry about it.
I'm having a real good time like I am.'
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
After the christening of his baby brother in church,
Jason sobbed all the way home in the back seat of the car.
His father asked him three times what was wrong.
Finally, the boy replied,
'That preacher said he wanted us brought up in a Christian home,
and I wanted to stay with you guys.'
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
One particular four-year-old prayed,
'And forgive us our trash baskets
as we forgive those who put trash in our baskets.'
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A Sunday school teacher asked her children as they
were on the way to church service,
'And why is it necessary to be quiet in church?'
One bright little girl replied,
'Because people are sleeping.'
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A mother was preparing pancakes for her sons, Kevin 5, and Ryan 3
The boys began to argue over who would get the first pancake.
Their mother saw the opportunity for a moral lesson.
'If Jesus were sitting here, He would say,
'Let my brother have the first pancake, I can wait.'
Kevin turned to his younger brother and said,
' Ryan , you be Jesus !'
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A father was at the beach with his children
when the four-year-old son ran up to him,
grabbed his hand, and led him to the shore
where a seagull lay dead in the sand..
'Daddy, what happened to him?' the son asked.
'He died and went to Heaven,' the Dad replied.
The boy thought a moment and then said,
'Did God throw him back down?'
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A wife invited some people to dinner.
At the table, she turned to their six-year-old daughter and said,
'Would you like to say the blessing?'
'I wouldn't know what to say,' the girl replied.
'Just say what you hear Mommy say,' the wife answered.
The daughter bowed her head and said,
'Lord, why on earth did I invite all these people to dinner?'
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
'Our Father, Who does art in heaven,
Harold is His name.
Amen.'
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A little boy was overheard praying:
'Lord, if you can't make me a better boy, don't worry about it.
I'm having a real good time like I am.'
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
After the christening of his baby brother in church,
Jason sobbed all the way home in the back seat of the car.
His father asked him three times what was wrong.
Finally, the boy replied,
'That preacher said he wanted us brought up in a Christian home,
and I wanted to stay with you guys.'
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
One particular four-year-old prayed,
'And forgive us our trash baskets
as we forgive those who put trash in our baskets.'
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A Sunday school teacher asked her children as they
were on the way to church service,
'And why is it necessary to be quiet in church?'
One bright little girl replied,
'Because people are sleeping.'
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A mother was preparing pancakes for her sons, Kevin 5, and Ryan 3
The boys began to argue over who would get the first pancake.
Their mother saw the opportunity for a moral lesson.
'If Jesus were sitting here, He would say,
'Let my brother have the first pancake, I can wait.'
Kevin turned to his younger brother and said,
' Ryan , you be Jesus !'
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A father was at the beach with his children
when the four-year-old son ran up to him,
grabbed his hand, and led him to the shore
where a seagull lay dead in the sand..
'Daddy, what happened to him?' the son asked.
'He died and went to Heaven,' the Dad replied.
The boy thought a moment and then said,
'Did God throw him back down?'
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A wife invited some people to dinner.
At the table, she turned to their six-year-old daughter and said,
'Would you like to say the blessing?'
'I wouldn't know what to say,' the girl replied.
'Just say what you hear Mommy say,' the wife answered.
The daughter bowed her head and said,
'Lord, why on earth did I invite all these people to dinner?'
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Alternative Energy Workshop
I attended the Alternative Energy Workshop hosted by the Wicomico Environmental Trust on April 24, 20010. Present were representatives from Delmarva Power, a company that installs wind turbines, two solar photovoltaic system companies and a representative from an engineering firm.
The laws have changed and now utility companies are required to allow residential and commercial entities to have “Net Metering.” Net metering is where excess power generated by wind or solar at a commercial or residential site is credited to the consumers account. It does require permission from the utility and compliance with building and installation codes. The credits are limited to a one year period so it is important to properly size the system. The key point is that this means that you don’t have to buy batteries to store the energy which results in a much lower cost system.
The other important point to note is that there are currently several tax credits and other credits to promote the building of alternate energy systems. These credits are described at http://www.dsireusa.org/.
The notes that I took indicate that a typical residential solar photovoltaic system would cost about $30,000 with a payback period of about 5 years. Solar Cells are currently warranted for 25 years and the other key component, inverters, for about 10 to 15 years. Solar cells cost about $2 per watt.
Wind turbines need to be at least 50 feet above the nearby obstructions and have a payback period of 9 to 12 years with the incentives or 40 years without incentives. I heard that a typical wind turbine system will cost in the neighborhood of $60,000. There are still several zoning issues to keep in mind. Most areas require the height of the highest blade plus 10 feet setback from the property line. Wicomico County is in the final phase of their zoning requirements. This does not address any restrictions that may be a part of the Home Owners Association requirements.
The other possible way to reduce utility costs is to use geothermal heat pumps. The credits also apply to these systems. The engineer making the presentation noted that with the credits a geothermal heat pump can be installed for about the same cost as an ordinary heat pump. A geothermal system will use about ½ the energy of an ordinary heat pump. There are also attachments which allow the system to heat water at a much lower costs than conventional hot water heaters.
The other interesting note is that Delmarva Power considers itself as a transmission company and an electrical provider of last resort. Sometime in the next year, homeowners may be able to contract with power generators instead of having Delmarva Power buy it for them. It may be possible for groups to band together and get better rates. I haven’t researched how this applies to Choptank.
Terry Potterton
The laws have changed and now utility companies are required to allow residential and commercial entities to have “Net Metering.” Net metering is where excess power generated by wind or solar at a commercial or residential site is credited to the consumers account. It does require permission from the utility and compliance with building and installation codes. The credits are limited to a one year period so it is important to properly size the system. The key point is that this means that you don’t have to buy batteries to store the energy which results in a much lower cost system.
The other important point to note is that there are currently several tax credits and other credits to promote the building of alternate energy systems. These credits are described at http://www.dsireusa.org/.
The notes that I took indicate that a typical residential solar photovoltaic system would cost about $30,000 with a payback period of about 5 years. Solar Cells are currently warranted for 25 years and the other key component, inverters, for about 10 to 15 years. Solar cells cost about $2 per watt.
Wind turbines need to be at least 50 feet above the nearby obstructions and have a payback period of 9 to 12 years with the incentives or 40 years without incentives. I heard that a typical wind turbine system will cost in the neighborhood of $60,000. There are still several zoning issues to keep in mind. Most areas require the height of the highest blade plus 10 feet setback from the property line. Wicomico County is in the final phase of their zoning requirements. This does not address any restrictions that may be a part of the Home Owners Association requirements.
The other possible way to reduce utility costs is to use geothermal heat pumps. The credits also apply to these systems. The engineer making the presentation noted that with the credits a geothermal heat pump can be installed for about the same cost as an ordinary heat pump. A geothermal system will use about ½ the energy of an ordinary heat pump. There are also attachments which allow the system to heat water at a much lower costs than conventional hot water heaters.
The other interesting note is that Delmarva Power considers itself as a transmission company and an electrical provider of last resort. Sometime in the next year, homeowners may be able to contract with power generators instead of having Delmarva Power buy it for them. It may be possible for groups to band together and get better rates. I haven’t researched how this applies to Choptank.
Terry Potterton
Two Important Articles - Media Bias/State Budget Cuts
Pardon me, I don't mean to be a bother, but it just happened again.
On Thursday, April 22, Rasmussen Reports released its most recent poll results on the Maryland governor's race. The voter survey was highly enlightening in two respects. First, for its content and second, for its treatment by The Washington Post and The Baltimore Sun.
First, the content. Rasmussen's survey of 500 likely voters conducted on April 20 showed former Gov. Bob Ehrlich closing to within three points of incumbent Gov. Martin O'Malley (47 percent to 44 percent). This was a significant change from Rasmussen's Feb. 23 poll when the gap was six points (49 percent to 43 percent).
Second, the suppression. When neither The Post nor The Sun wrote about the Rasmussen Poll in their Thursday editions, I figured the poll was released after Thursday's deadline but would surely appear Friday. However, when I opened Friday's newspapers, no poll. Instead, The Sun ran a feel-good account of O'Malley installing solar panels atop a Howard County home in tribute to Earth Day. The Post was silent.
I guessed that maybe the political reporters were saving the poll results for their weekend updates of the governor's race. But on both Saturday and Sunday, nothing.
Finally, on Monday, The Post's John Wagner wrote a long piece on Ehrlich spiked with the usual anti-Ehrlich barbs and Democratic talking points. Wagner's theme: Ehrlich looks and sounds the same as four years ago, so how can he expect to win? In support of his theme, Wagner trotted out the usual "experts," liberal academics and Democrats whose quotes confirmed Wagner. Then Wagner cited "murmurs in Maryland political circles" that Ehrlich doesn't have "the fire in the belly needed to win."
In other words, it was just another Washington Post hit job by a political partisan posing as a news reporter. But surely, even someone as biased as Wagner couldn't ignore the Rasmussen Poll as a balancer? Alas, Monday's article never mentioned the poll. I guess it wasn't a Democratic talking point.
Then, on Tuesday, the same thing happened in The Sun. Michael Dresser wrote a long preview of O'Malley's campaign kickoff while also ignoring the Rasmussen Poll.
Well, is it possible that the newspaper reporters somehow overlooked the Rasmussen Poll? Unlikely, since most Baltimore and Washington TV stations aired the poll as a news story as did radio (WBAL, WTOP), talk radio and a host of political blogs ("New Rasmussen Poll: O'Malley and Ehrlich In Dead Heat" reported Maryland Politics Watch).
Unless the newspaper reporters went temporarily deaf, dumb and blind, they were fully aware of the poll. They and their editors simply chose to suppress it.
Conversely, both newspapers print every anti-Ehrlich salvo, no matter how baseless, fired by the State Democratic Party. On the day before The Rasmussen Poll, The Sun ran, "Democrats Say Ehrlich Show Amounts to Campaign Gift," confronting the burning question of Ehrlich's talk radio show. Poll results aren't important, but this crap is?
Media bias is an art form, the skillful use of nuances, code words and distortions so that a supposedly objective "news story" reflects the reporter's personal views — manipulating the "facts" to help the favored and hurt the unfavored.
Here's a small example: When asked by reporters if he'd vow not to raise taxes next year, O'Malley tap-danced, "It's my intent to not. It's my great hope not to. I think it's probably irresponsible, especially in time of war, to make that pledge."
Great example of political evasion. But here's how The Post reported it: "O'Malley has said he has no intention of raising taxes next year." Great example of dishonest reporting.
Or compare the difference in how Post reporters treated Ehrlich and O'Malley's campaign kickoffs.
Writing about Ehrlich's kickoff, The Post went into "truth squad" mode. Every Ehrlich statement was rebutted by an O'Malley comment undercutting Ehrlich and leaving O'Malley with the final word. Then, as a sidebar, The Post "truth squad" printed a "Tale of Two Administrations" favoring O'Malley by using Democratic talking points as criteria to compare the two administrations.
However, at O'Malley's kickoff, The Post's truth squad didn't show up. Instead, the reporters dutifully printed O'Malley's claims with no rebuttals, no GOP talking points and no sidebar comparisons.
No Post reporter questioned O'Malley's "tuition freeze" — his claim that after Ehrlich raised college tuitions 42 percent, O'Malley froze them for four years. No Post reporter pointed out that, to do so, O'Malley slashed community college and non-public college funding (resulting in big tuition increases), increased taxes $1.4 billion a year and gave the state universities an extra $25 million annually until, this year, when the Democratic legislature finally put an end to his political grandstanding. This month, O'Malley's tuition freeze thawed under a 3 percent increase, but neither O'Malley nor The Post mentioned it.
Last week's Rasmussen Poll is a fascinating snapshot of Maryland voter's mood, full of interesting data about Obama, the health care bill, offshore drilling and anti-incumbent anger.
Too bad The Post and The Sun decided that you shouldn't see it. Maybe you can get a copy from an objective, unbiased blog.
Blair Lee is CEO of the Lee Development Group in Silver Spring and a regular commentator for WBAL radio. His column appears Fridays in The Gazette. His e-mail address is blair@leedg.com.
Goodbye, stimulus. Hello, state budget cuts
CNN News
Tami Luhby
May 5, 2010: 4:10 AM ET
http://money.cnn.com/2010/05/05/news/economy/state_budget_cuts/index.htm
NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- Think states have made deep spending cuts? You ain't seen nothing yet.
States have been struggling with huge budget gaps since 2008, but this year could be worse as federal stimulus funds wind down.
Until now, stimulus money spared governors and state lawmakers from making some of the most brutal budget cuts. But with this lifeline running out, officials are looking at making significant cutbacks to public services, particularly schools and health programs.
"The stimulus funds have staved off what could have been even deeper cuts," said Todd Haggerty, policy associate at the National Conference of State Legislatures. "You're seeing states now are coming to that point where they will have to make additional cuts or find new sources of revenue for fiscal 2011 and that will continue in fiscal 2012."
Stimulus safety net
As of mid-April, states and localities have received nearly $109 billion since the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act was passed in February 2009, according to the U.S. Government Accountability Office. The vast majority of that money went to help states maintain their Medicaid services and education funding in the face of steep drops in tax revenues due to the recession.
In all, the stimulus funds helped plug between 30% and 40% of the $291 billion in budget gaps that states have faced over the past two years, experts said. But Recovery Act money will only be sufficient to plug 20% or less of the coming fiscal year's shortfalls, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. By fiscal 2012, most of the money will be gone.
Already, many states will have used up much of their education allotments by the start of fiscal 2011, which begins on July 1 in 46 states. And the Medicaid assistance will dry up by the end of the year, unless Congress extends it.
What'll they tax next?
Compounding the problem is that many states have already slashed services and raided their rainy day funds to balance their budgets, as they are required to do. And a recent analysis by the Rockefeller Institute shows that the all-important personal income tax revenue for April is likely to decline steeply.
All this means that state officials are being forced to make some of the tough decisions they've been able to put off for the past 18 months.
"States had this one-time money that helped them bridge a difficult period in state finances," Haggerty said. "Now they have to face the absence of those funds and a whole new set of difficult issues."
Cuts on the horizon
Meanwhile, states are looking to Capitol Hill to renew some of the stimulus provisions, particularly the increased federal funding for Medicaid. Both the Senate and House have passed a six-month, $25 billion Medicaid extension, but they have to find a way to pay for it before sending it to President Obama for his signature.
At least 21 states, in fact, have already included the extension in their fiscal 2011 budgets, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. If the measure doesn't become law, these states would be in big trouble and would have to make even deeper cuts, said Nick Johnson, director of the center's state fiscal project.
In Pennsylvania, for instance, that extension translates into $850 million. Without it, the state would have to slash half its funding for domestic violence and rape crisis services and chop 25% off the budget for child welfare services, Gov. Ed Rendell wrote in a letter last month to his state's congressional delegation. In addition, state payments to hospitals, doctors and nursing homes would be reduced.
"If the extension of federal fiscal relief is not enacted, most states will have to lay off thousands of workers and make wrenching cuts to public and private sector services," he said.
School districts, meanwhile, are also feeling the pain. Some 275,000 education jobs could be eliminated in the coming school year due to budget cuts, according to a new survey by the American Association of School Administrators. This would nearly wipe out the estimated 300,000 jobs saved by stimulus funds.
"Faced with continued budgetary constraints, school leaders across the nation are forced to consider an unprecedented level of layoffs that would negatively impact economic recovery and deal a devastating blow to public education," said Dan Domenech, executive director of the association, which is pushing Congress to give states additional funds for education.
Take New York as an example. Some 14,800 teachers -- 8,500 of them in New York City -- could lose their jobs if Gov. David Paterson's proposed $1.4 billion cut in state education aid is enacted, according to a survey by the New York State Council of School Superintendents and the New York State School Boards Association. That represents 10% of the city's teachers and 4.1% of educators elsewhere in the state.
Another 2,600 non-teaching staff, including student support staff, administrators, and other employees, such as custodians, kitchen workers and bus drivers, would also be laid off.
Stimulus funds had staved off some of these harsh cuts. But New York only has $700 million left of the $2.7 billion it received to prop up education aid, said David Albert, spokesman for the school boards association.
"This is the largest state aid cut we've seen in the last two decades," he said. "If you think this year is bad, next year is going to be worse because stimulus will run out."
On Thursday, April 22, Rasmussen Reports released its most recent poll results on the Maryland governor's race. The voter survey was highly enlightening in two respects. First, for its content and second, for its treatment by The Washington Post and The Baltimore Sun.
First, the content. Rasmussen's survey of 500 likely voters conducted on April 20 showed former Gov. Bob Ehrlich closing to within three points of incumbent Gov. Martin O'Malley (47 percent to 44 percent). This was a significant change from Rasmussen's Feb. 23 poll when the gap was six points (49 percent to 43 percent).
Second, the suppression. When neither The Post nor The Sun wrote about the Rasmussen Poll in their Thursday editions, I figured the poll was released after Thursday's deadline but would surely appear Friday. However, when I opened Friday's newspapers, no poll. Instead, The Sun ran a feel-good account of O'Malley installing solar panels atop a Howard County home in tribute to Earth Day. The Post was silent.
I guessed that maybe the political reporters were saving the poll results for their weekend updates of the governor's race. But on both Saturday and Sunday, nothing.
Finally, on Monday, The Post's John Wagner wrote a long piece on Ehrlich spiked with the usual anti-Ehrlich barbs and Democratic talking points. Wagner's theme: Ehrlich looks and sounds the same as four years ago, so how can he expect to win? In support of his theme, Wagner trotted out the usual "experts," liberal academics and Democrats whose quotes confirmed Wagner. Then Wagner cited "murmurs in Maryland political circles" that Ehrlich doesn't have "the fire in the belly needed to win."
In other words, it was just another Washington Post hit job by a political partisan posing as a news reporter. But surely, even someone as biased as Wagner couldn't ignore the Rasmussen Poll as a balancer? Alas, Monday's article never mentioned the poll. I guess it wasn't a Democratic talking point.
Then, on Tuesday, the same thing happened in The Sun. Michael Dresser wrote a long preview of O'Malley's campaign kickoff while also ignoring the Rasmussen Poll.
Well, is it possible that the newspaper reporters somehow overlooked the Rasmussen Poll? Unlikely, since most Baltimore and Washington TV stations aired the poll as a news story as did radio (WBAL, WTOP), talk radio and a host of political blogs ("New Rasmussen Poll: O'Malley and Ehrlich In Dead Heat" reported Maryland Politics Watch).
Unless the newspaper reporters went temporarily deaf, dumb and blind, they were fully aware of the poll. They and their editors simply chose to suppress it.
Conversely, both newspapers print every anti-Ehrlich salvo, no matter how baseless, fired by the State Democratic Party. On the day before The Rasmussen Poll, The Sun ran, "Democrats Say Ehrlich Show Amounts to Campaign Gift," confronting the burning question of Ehrlich's talk radio show. Poll results aren't important, but this crap is?
Media bias is an art form, the skillful use of nuances, code words and distortions so that a supposedly objective "news story" reflects the reporter's personal views — manipulating the "facts" to help the favored and hurt the unfavored.
Here's a small example: When asked by reporters if he'd vow not to raise taxes next year, O'Malley tap-danced, "It's my intent to not. It's my great hope not to. I think it's probably irresponsible, especially in time of war, to make that pledge."
Great example of political evasion. But here's how The Post reported it: "O'Malley has said he has no intention of raising taxes next year." Great example of dishonest reporting.
Or compare the difference in how Post reporters treated Ehrlich and O'Malley's campaign kickoffs.
Writing about Ehrlich's kickoff, The Post went into "truth squad" mode. Every Ehrlich statement was rebutted by an O'Malley comment undercutting Ehrlich and leaving O'Malley with the final word. Then, as a sidebar, The Post "truth squad" printed a "Tale of Two Administrations" favoring O'Malley by using Democratic talking points as criteria to compare the two administrations.
However, at O'Malley's kickoff, The Post's truth squad didn't show up. Instead, the reporters dutifully printed O'Malley's claims with no rebuttals, no GOP talking points and no sidebar comparisons.
No Post reporter questioned O'Malley's "tuition freeze" — his claim that after Ehrlich raised college tuitions 42 percent, O'Malley froze them for four years. No Post reporter pointed out that, to do so, O'Malley slashed community college and non-public college funding (resulting in big tuition increases), increased taxes $1.4 billion a year and gave the state universities an extra $25 million annually until, this year, when the Democratic legislature finally put an end to his political grandstanding. This month, O'Malley's tuition freeze thawed under a 3 percent increase, but neither O'Malley nor The Post mentioned it.
Last week's Rasmussen Poll is a fascinating snapshot of Maryland voter's mood, full of interesting data about Obama, the health care bill, offshore drilling and anti-incumbent anger.
Too bad The Post and The Sun decided that you shouldn't see it. Maybe you can get a copy from an objective, unbiased blog.
Blair Lee is CEO of the Lee Development Group in Silver Spring and a regular commentator for WBAL radio. His column appears Fridays in The Gazette. His e-mail address is blair@leedg.com.
Goodbye, stimulus. Hello, state budget cuts
CNN News
Tami Luhby
May 5, 2010: 4:10 AM ET
http://money.cnn.com/2010/05/05/news/economy/state_budget_cuts/index.htm
NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- Think states have made deep spending cuts? You ain't seen nothing yet.
States have been struggling with huge budget gaps since 2008, but this year could be worse as federal stimulus funds wind down.
Until now, stimulus money spared governors and state lawmakers from making some of the most brutal budget cuts. But with this lifeline running out, officials are looking at making significant cutbacks to public services, particularly schools and health programs.
"The stimulus funds have staved off what could have been even deeper cuts," said Todd Haggerty, policy associate at the National Conference of State Legislatures. "You're seeing states now are coming to that point where they will have to make additional cuts or find new sources of revenue for fiscal 2011 and that will continue in fiscal 2012."
Stimulus safety net
As of mid-April, states and localities have received nearly $109 billion since the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act was passed in February 2009, according to the U.S. Government Accountability Office. The vast majority of that money went to help states maintain their Medicaid services and education funding in the face of steep drops in tax revenues due to the recession.
In all, the stimulus funds helped plug between 30% and 40% of the $291 billion in budget gaps that states have faced over the past two years, experts said. But Recovery Act money will only be sufficient to plug 20% or less of the coming fiscal year's shortfalls, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. By fiscal 2012, most of the money will be gone.
Already, many states will have used up much of their education allotments by the start of fiscal 2011, which begins on July 1 in 46 states. And the Medicaid assistance will dry up by the end of the year, unless Congress extends it.
What'll they tax next?
Compounding the problem is that many states have already slashed services and raided their rainy day funds to balance their budgets, as they are required to do. And a recent analysis by the Rockefeller Institute shows that the all-important personal income tax revenue for April is likely to decline steeply.
All this means that state officials are being forced to make some of the tough decisions they've been able to put off for the past 18 months.
"States had this one-time money that helped them bridge a difficult period in state finances," Haggerty said. "Now they have to face the absence of those funds and a whole new set of difficult issues."
Cuts on the horizon
Meanwhile, states are looking to Capitol Hill to renew some of the stimulus provisions, particularly the increased federal funding for Medicaid. Both the Senate and House have passed a six-month, $25 billion Medicaid extension, but they have to find a way to pay for it before sending it to President Obama for his signature.
At least 21 states, in fact, have already included the extension in their fiscal 2011 budgets, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. If the measure doesn't become law, these states would be in big trouble and would have to make even deeper cuts, said Nick Johnson, director of the center's state fiscal project.
In Pennsylvania, for instance, that extension translates into $850 million. Without it, the state would have to slash half its funding for domestic violence and rape crisis services and chop 25% off the budget for child welfare services, Gov. Ed Rendell wrote in a letter last month to his state's congressional delegation. In addition, state payments to hospitals, doctors and nursing homes would be reduced.
"If the extension of federal fiscal relief is not enacted, most states will have to lay off thousands of workers and make wrenching cuts to public and private sector services," he said.
School districts, meanwhile, are also feeling the pain. Some 275,000 education jobs could be eliminated in the coming school year due to budget cuts, according to a new survey by the American Association of School Administrators. This would nearly wipe out the estimated 300,000 jobs saved by stimulus funds.
"Faced with continued budgetary constraints, school leaders across the nation are forced to consider an unprecedented level of layoffs that would negatively impact economic recovery and deal a devastating blow to public education," said Dan Domenech, executive director of the association, which is pushing Congress to give states additional funds for education.
Take New York as an example. Some 14,800 teachers -- 8,500 of them in New York City -- could lose their jobs if Gov. David Paterson's proposed $1.4 billion cut in state education aid is enacted, according to a survey by the New York State Council of School Superintendents and the New York State School Boards Association. That represents 10% of the city's teachers and 4.1% of educators elsewhere in the state.
Another 2,600 non-teaching staff, including student support staff, administrators, and other employees, such as custodians, kitchen workers and bus drivers, would also be laid off.
Stimulus funds had staved off some of these harsh cuts. But New York only has $700 million left of the $2.7 billion it received to prop up education aid, said David Albert, spokesman for the school boards association.
"This is the largest state aid cut we've seen in the last two decades," he said. "If you think this year is bad, next year is going to be worse because stimulus will run out."
Older Women Now Giving Birth More Than Teens
‘It’s clear that young adult transitions are being postponed,’ expert says
More children are born to women older than 35 than to teenagers, a change born of medical science, later marriages and evolving attitudes about motherhood, according to a new study released Thursday.
The Pew Research Center, citing census and government health statistics, said the trend toward mothers who are older and better educated cuts across all ethnicities in the United States.
Between 1990 and 2008, the number of births to mothers older than 35 leapt from 368,000 to 603,000. One in seven babies — or 14 percent of a total of about 4 million births — were born to older mothers in 2008. Almost one in four were first-time mothers. The vast majority, 71 percent, had at least some college education before giving birth.
GO HERE to read more.
More children are born to women older than 35 than to teenagers, a change born of medical science, later marriages and evolving attitudes about motherhood, according to a new study released Thursday.
The Pew Research Center, citing census and government health statistics, said the trend toward mothers who are older and better educated cuts across all ethnicities in the United States.
Between 1990 and 2008, the number of births to mothers older than 35 leapt from 368,000 to 603,000. One in seven babies — or 14 percent of a total of about 4 million births — were born to older mothers in 2008. Almost one in four were first-time mothers. The vast majority, 71 percent, had at least some college education before giving birth.
GO HERE to read more.
Public Forum - The future Of Maryland
The Maryland Department of Planning will hold a public forum about the future of Maryland on May 6th at SU . For information about the forum, please visit http://plan.maryland.gov/PDF/GetInvolved/flyers/PMD%20SU%20050610%20Flyer.pdf
Registration starts at 6 PM.
Registration starts at 6 PM.
CITY OF SALISBURY CITY COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA
Meeting #8 May 10, 2010 6:00 p.m.
City/County Government Office Building Room 301
Times shown for agenda items are estimates only.
6:00 p.m. CONVENE – LORD’S PRAYER – PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
6:04 p.m. ADOPTION OF AGENDA
6:07 p.m. CERTIFICATES/PROCLAMATIONS – Mayor James Ireton, Jr.
Urban Salisbury Newsletter
Proclaiming "Public Works Week"
Proclaiming "EMS Week"
6:15 p.m. APPROVAL OF MINUTES April 26, 2010
6:17 p.m. AWARD OF BIDS – Internal Services Director Pam Oland
6:25 p.m. PUBLIC HEARING - FY11 BUDGET – Mayor James Ireton, Jr.
Ordinance No. 2107 - proposed FY11 Budget
Resolution No. 1911 - proposed water and sewer rates
6:50 p.m. ORDINANCES – City Attorney Paul Wilber
Ordinance No. 2101 - 2nd reading - repealing and reenacting Chapter 13.28, Stormwater Management, of the Salisbury Municipal Code in order to comply with the requirements of the Maryland Department of Environment Water Management Administration
Ordinance No. 2105 - 2nd reading - amending Chapter 15.24 of the Salisbury Municipal Code to provide for the removal of graffiti from private and public property
Ordinance No. 2106 - 2nd reading - adding Chapter 12.36 to the Salisbury Municipal Code to allow businesses that are designated as public eating establishments to obtain a sidewalk café permit to operate a sidewalk café
Ordinance No. 2109 - 1st reading - approving a Service and Equipment Lease Agreement between the City of Salisbury and the Wicomico County Board of Elections
7:30 p.m. RESOLUTIONS – City Administrator John Pick
Resolution No. 1912 - accepting donation to be used to build a dog park in the City Park and naming the park the "Frances J. Tilghman Memorial Dog Park"
Resolution No. 1913 – approving the City’s Action Plan for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds for CDBG Program Year 2010 and to authorize the mayor to submit the same to HUD for review
Resolution No. 1914 - declaring that Matice Interactive is eligible to receive Enterprise Zone benefits for property located at 212 W. Main Street, Suite 308
Resolution No. 1915 - approving an exemption from real property taxes for East Side Men’s Club for FY09 and FY10 real property taxes and all outstanding interest and penalties
Resolution No. 1916 - adopting fee schedule for a sidewalk café permit and to establish a yearly sidewalk café permit renewal fee
Resolution No. 1917 - approving License Agreement for parking on a 30 foot easement by the Tabernacle of Prayer for All People of the Eastern Shore
Resolution No. 1918 - authorizing temporary lane closures of Naylor Mill Road and the temporary road closures of Northwood Drive and Northgate Drive
8:15 p.m. PUBLIC COMMENTS
8:30 p.m. ADJOURN
City/County Government Office Building Room 301
Times shown for agenda items are estimates only.
6:00 p.m. CONVENE – LORD’S PRAYER – PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
6:04 p.m. ADOPTION OF AGENDA
6:07 p.m. CERTIFICATES/PROCLAMATIONS – Mayor James Ireton, Jr.
Urban Salisbury Newsletter
Proclaiming "Public Works Week"
Proclaiming "EMS Week"
6:15 p.m. APPROVAL OF MINUTES April 26, 2010
6:17 p.m. AWARD OF BIDS – Internal Services Director Pam Oland
6:25 p.m. PUBLIC HEARING - FY11 BUDGET – Mayor James Ireton, Jr.
Ordinance No. 2107 - proposed FY11 Budget
Resolution No. 1911 - proposed water and sewer rates
6:50 p.m. ORDINANCES – City Attorney Paul Wilber
Ordinance No. 2101 - 2nd reading - repealing and reenacting Chapter 13.28, Stormwater Management, of the Salisbury Municipal Code in order to comply with the requirements of the Maryland Department of Environment Water Management Administration
Ordinance No. 2105 - 2nd reading - amending Chapter 15.24 of the Salisbury Municipal Code to provide for the removal of graffiti from private and public property
Ordinance No. 2106 - 2nd reading - adding Chapter 12.36 to the Salisbury Municipal Code to allow businesses that are designated as public eating establishments to obtain a sidewalk café permit to operate a sidewalk café
Ordinance No. 2109 - 1st reading - approving a Service and Equipment Lease Agreement between the City of Salisbury and the Wicomico County Board of Elections
7:30 p.m. RESOLUTIONS – City Administrator John Pick
Resolution No. 1912 - accepting donation to be used to build a dog park in the City Park and naming the park the "Frances J. Tilghman Memorial Dog Park"
Resolution No. 1913 – approving the City’s Action Plan for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds for CDBG Program Year 2010 and to authorize the mayor to submit the same to HUD for review
Resolution No. 1914 - declaring that Matice Interactive is eligible to receive Enterprise Zone benefits for property located at 212 W. Main Street, Suite 308
Resolution No. 1915 - approving an exemption from real property taxes for East Side Men’s Club for FY09 and FY10 real property taxes and all outstanding interest and penalties
Resolution No. 1916 - adopting fee schedule for a sidewalk café permit and to establish a yearly sidewalk café permit renewal fee
Resolution No. 1917 - approving License Agreement for parking on a 30 foot easement by the Tabernacle of Prayer for All People of the Eastern Shore
Resolution No. 1918 - authorizing temporary lane closures of Naylor Mill Road and the temporary road closures of Northwood Drive and Northgate Drive
8:15 p.m. PUBLIC COMMENTS
8:30 p.m. ADJOURN
SKATE PARTY
Where: Mitchell’s Martial Arts
1305 S. Division Street
Salisbury, MD 21804
410-341-3333
Date: May 7, 2010
Time: 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm
Cost: $5.00 includes skates
Contact: Carla Bailey
443-235-4527
This fundraiser is to support the March of Dimes. Please come and enjoy a skating party with all students, family and friends. Door prizes will be given at this event. Food will be sold.
1305 S. Division Street
Salisbury, MD 21804
410-341-3333
Date: May 7, 2010
Time: 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm
Cost: $5.00 includes skates
Contact: Carla Bailey
443-235-4527
This fundraiser is to support the March of Dimes. Please come and enjoy a skating party with all students, family and friends. Door prizes will be given at this event. Food will be sold.
Troopers Identify Homicide Victim
Location: Rodney Village Bowling Alley parking lot, U.S. 13 south of Dover, Kent County, DE
Date of Occurrence: Tuesday May 4, 2010 at 8:08 p.m.
Resume:
Delaware State Police have identified the victim of Tuesday’s homicide as James Jeffrey Munford, 30, of Salisbury, MD.
The autopsy conducted by the State Medical Examiner determined the victim died as a result of a gunshot wound to the upper torso.
The investigation is continuing and no one is in custody at this hour.
Released May 5, 2010 at 2255 hours
Date of Occurrence: Tuesday May 4, 2010 at 8:08 p.m.
Resume:
Delaware State Police have identified the victim of Tuesday’s homicide as James Jeffrey Munford, 30, of Salisbury, MD.
The autopsy conducted by the State Medical Examiner determined the victim died as a result of a gunshot wound to the upper torso.
The investigation is continuing and no one is in custody at this hour.
Released May 5, 2010 at 2255 hours
SHOREBIRDS FALL IN EXTRA INNINGS, 1-0
Berry Fans Career High 10 Batters
Salisbury, Md. – The Savannah Sand Gnats plated the lone run of the game in the 12th inning to defeat the Delmarva Shorebirds 1-0 on Wednesday night at Perdue Stadium.
Ryan Berry was fantastic again for the Shorebirds. In seven shutout frames, he allowed just three hits while striking out a career best 10 batters. He has allowed only one run in his last 27 innings on the hill.
Savannah starter Mark Cohoon matched Berry inning for inning and went through the ninth for Savannah. He held the Shorebirds to just four hits and no runs.
After two scoreless extra innings, the Sand Gnats plated the go ahead run in the 12th. Dock Doyle grounded to second and Jefry Marte scored from third.
John Church earned the win, while Michael Powers picked up the save. Josh Dowdy was pinned with his first loss of the season.
The Shorebirds play the Savannah Sand Gnats in the finale on Thursday night at 7:05 p.m
Salisbury, Md. – The Savannah Sand Gnats plated the lone run of the game in the 12th inning to defeat the Delmarva Shorebirds 1-0 on Wednesday night at Perdue Stadium.
Ryan Berry was fantastic again for the Shorebirds. In seven shutout frames, he allowed just three hits while striking out a career best 10 batters. He has allowed only one run in his last 27 innings on the hill.
Savannah starter Mark Cohoon matched Berry inning for inning and went through the ninth for Savannah. He held the Shorebirds to just four hits and no runs.
After two scoreless extra innings, the Sand Gnats plated the go ahead run in the 12th. Dock Doyle grounded to second and Jefry Marte scored from third.
John Church earned the win, while Michael Powers picked up the save. Josh Dowdy was pinned with his first loss of the season.
The Shorebirds play the Savannah Sand Gnats in the finale on Thursday night at 7:05 p.m
Li’l Sluggers Girls Instructional Softball
2010 Wicomico County Li’l Sluggers Girls Instructional Softball
Registration is still open for the 2009 Li’l Sluggers program
(Salisbury, MD) Registration is still open for the 2010 Li’l Sluggers Girls Instructional Softball Program. Girls 5 – 8 years of age, interested in learning the fundamental skills of softball should register for this seven week long program. Li’l Sluggers is broken into four age divisions (5 year olds, 6 year olds, 6 & 7 year olds, and 7 & 8 year olds) and meets once a week May through June. Girls will learn the basic skills of throwing, catching, fielding, and batting from a tee.
Registration is being accepted at the Box Office located at the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center, or online at www.wicomicorecandparks.org. ; The registration fee for residents is $40 and for non-residents is $45.
For more information contact program director Kelly Rados at 410-548-4900 ext. 108 or email krados@wicomicocounty.org.
If you would like to learn about other upcoming programs offered by Wicomico County Recreation, Parks and Tourism sign up for email announcements at www.wicomicorecandparks.org.
Registration is still open for the 2009 Li’l Sluggers program
(Salisbury, MD) Registration is still open for the 2010 Li’l Sluggers Girls Instructional Softball Program. Girls 5 – 8 years of age, interested in learning the fundamental skills of softball should register for this seven week long program. Li’l Sluggers is broken into four age divisions (5 year olds, 6 year olds, 6 & 7 year olds, and 7 & 8 year olds) and meets once a week May through June. Girls will learn the basic skills of throwing, catching, fielding, and batting from a tee.
Registration is being accepted at the Box Office located at the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center, or online at www.wicomicorecandparks.org. ; The registration fee for residents is $40 and for non-residents is $45.
For more information contact program director Kelly Rados at 410-548-4900 ext. 108 or email krados@wicomicocounty.org.
If you would like to learn about other upcoming programs offered by Wicomico County Recreation, Parks and Tourism sign up for email announcements at www.wicomicorecandparks.org.
Home Ownership Financing
I hosted an affordable housing forum a couple of weeks ago with a panel of experts from the State of Maryland Dept. of Housing and Community Development. There was some really exciting information as we try to stabilize the housing market in Salisbury. Barbara Schmidt discussed the mortgage programs offered by the state. They will be great tools, if we can get the word out. There are a number of opportunities and we can engage Realtors, neighborhoods, employers, etc. to match homes for sale with qualified buyers and bring families back. They have fixed rate mortgage products that are very attractive – including 5.25% with no points (30-year fixed). There is also an employer-assisted program that can leverage around $18,000 in match for closing and downpayment. Please encourage all who might be interested to listen to the audio file on the city’s web site. It is labeled below since the link may not work on everyone’s computer. The pertinent discussion begins about 15 minutes into the meeting.
Audio-MDHCD 4-23-10 Session
Audio-MDHCD 4-23-10 Session
Crossroads of Delmarva
The History Press is pleased to introduce the new title:Salisbury, Maryland
Picturing the Crossroads of Delmarva
Dr. Gianni DeVincenti Hayes & Andy Nunez
At the head of the Wicomico River, among seemingly endless fields, is Salisbury, Maryland, the crossroads of Delmarva. Its teeming port, university and inventive residents have transformed this once rural town into the commercial and cultural hub of the region. With a fascinating collection of vintage images, Dr. Gianni DeVincenti Hayes and Andy Nunez create a nostalgic portrait of Salisbury while celebrating its evolution. From scenes of residents pulling together in fire and flood to images of the Chicken Festival and long-ago summer days spent on the baseball diamond, Salisbury, Maryland: Picturing the Crossroads of Delmarva visually chronicles the history of a city while honoring its distinctive spirit.
Media review copies, high-resolution photographs and interviews available upon request.
Dr. Gianni DeVincenti Hayes has been writing and speaking professionally for twenty-five years. She earned her PhD summa cum laude in English, writing and comparative literature, as well as two master’s degrees. She’s a former college department chair and professor, author of seventeen published books and hundreds of stories for national magazines. The University of Maryland system set up an archive in her name for the collection of her writings. She has appeared on A&E Biography and Pennsylvania cable network TV comprising 145 stations statewide.
Andy Nunez has spent his entire life on the Eastern Shore of Maryland and is the author of several books on local life and folklore. Currently he is the vice-president of the Writers Bloc, Inc., of the Eastern Shore. This is his sixth book. He is also a local TV and radio host for public access television.
If you would like to schedule an interview with the author, please contact Katie Parry at 843.577.5971, ext 113 or katie.parry@historypress.net
ISBN: 978-1-59629-784-5 • Paperback • 160 pages • $19.99 • April 2010
FIRST LADY KATIE O’MALLEY TO APPEAR LIVE ON FOX45 MORNING NEWS
First Lady to Discuss Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week – May 2 through 8
ANNAPOLIS, MD – First Lady Katie O’Malley today will appear LIVE on the Fox 45 morning show to talk about Children’s Mental Health Awareness week, which is May 2 through 8, 2010. First Lady O’Malley serves as a spokesperson for the campaign, sponsored by Children’s Mental Health Matters! and cosponsored by the Mental Health Association of Maryland and the Maryland Coalition of Families for Children’s Mental Health. National Children’s Mental Health Awareness is held on May 6, 2010.
Children’s Mental Health Matters is a statewide outreach campaign targeting parents and other caregivers of children. One in five children may experience a mental, emotional or behavioral health problem before age 18. No one is immune, and these problems affect children of all demographic groups, regardless of education, income, race or culture. Parents, educators and others who care for children can get more information on the signs and symptoms of mental health problems as well as where to go for help on our campaign website: www.ChildrensMentalHealthMatters.org.
Today @ 7:15 AM
ANNAPOLIS, MD – First Lady Katie O’Malley today will appear LIVE on the Fox 45 morning show to talk about Children’s Mental Health Awareness week, which is May 2 through 8, 2010. First Lady O’Malley serves as a spokesperson for the campaign, sponsored by Children’s Mental Health Matters! and cosponsored by the Mental Health Association of Maryland and the Maryland Coalition of Families for Children’s Mental Health. National Children’s Mental Health Awareness is held on May 6, 2010.
Children’s Mental Health Matters is a statewide outreach campaign targeting parents and other caregivers of children. One in five children may experience a mental, emotional or behavioral health problem before age 18. No one is immune, and these problems affect children of all demographic groups, regardless of education, income, race or culture. Parents, educators and others who care for children can get more information on the signs and symptoms of mental health problems as well as where to go for help on our campaign website: www.ChildrensMentalHealthMatters.org.
Today @ 7:15 AM