Howard County Hot Air Balloon Operator Wins Tax Battle With State

Comptroller concedes mistake, will return $9,000 in taxes paid

Friendship Hot Air Balloon Co. owner Ron Broderick’s 18-month legal battle with the state over back taxes has finally come to a close.

And while Broderick will be refunded thousands of dollars in admissions and amusement taxes the state now admits it wrongfully collected on his West Friendship business, he remains unhappy with what he called an unfair process.

“Really, I mean it’s just been a battle,” he said. “There was so much involved in what happened. ... It’s like talking to people until you’re blue in the face.”

Broderick’s business was audited by the comptroller’s office in February 2009. At the time, the auditor determined Broderick should be paying a 7.5 percent admissions and amusement on his hot air balloon business.

Broderick disagreed and appealed his assessment, saying hot air balloons are not amusement rides but aircraft regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration, and thus exempt from state amusement taxes.

“Balloons were the first form of aviation, something that we forget about in this country,” said Broderick’s attorney Allen Dyer, who also sits on the Howard County Board of Education. “If you go flying under a hot air balloon, you come under ... federal law.”

After he lost his appeal through the informal hearing process, Broderick appealed his case to the Maryland Tax Court. The trial date was scheduled for Sept. 1, but when the pretrial memoranda were due at the end of July, the comptroller’s office withdrew the admissions and amusement tax assessment.

“Fortunately, I didn’t give up because I knew I was right,” Broderick said.

GO HERE to read more.

EDITORS NOTES: This is why Maryland is considered a tax dump. For taxing even a hot air ballon.

Armed Robbery Pocomoke City

Date & Time: August 27, 2010 @ 2:19 pm
Case #: 10-188
Location Occurred: “Duck In” 607 Lynnhaven Drive Pocomoke, MD
Crime or Violation: Armed Robbery
Victim:
Accused: Unk
Charges:

Narrative:

On August 27, 2010 at 2:19 PM an unknown black male entered the Duck In store
located in Pocomoke City, MD and displayed a black semi-automatic handgun. The suspect demanded money from the clerk and fled the area on foot with an undisclosed amount of U S currency.

No one was injured during this incident.

The Worcester County Bureau of Investigations was asked to respond and assume the investigation of this robbery.

The suspect is described as a black male having dark skin, young, tight corn row/ braided style hair, 110 to 115 lbs, thin waist, 5-05 to 5-06 Dark blue baggie blue jeans, blue colored underwear, black belt with silver diamond studs, white long sleeve t-shirt pulled over his head, white tank top, white tennis style shoes with a dark stripe.

Anyone having any information about this robbery is being asked to call Cpl. J. Johnson at 443-783-0441 (The Worcester ounty Bureau of Investigation) or the Pocomoke City Police Department at (410) 957-1300

The search for the suspect responsible for the robbery was assisted by The Worcester County Sheriff Office “K-9 unit” and Maryland State Police Troopers (Berlin Barrack)

Middletown Man Arrested For Sexually Assaulting A 9 Year-Old Five Years Ago

Location: Forest Creek Dr, Dover, Kent County, DE
Date of Occurrence: 2005
Missing Person: Ramon A. Rosado, 40, Middletown, DE
Resume:

Woodside – Troopers assigned to Troop 3 near Woodside arrested a Middletown man for sexually assaulting a 9 year-old girl five years ago.

The victim came forward in May of 2010 stating that she was sexually assaulted by Rosado on several occasions when he resided in Forest Creek Drive near Dover.

Several interviews were conducted with the victim who is now 14 years-old including a interview with the Children's Advocacy Center. The victim stated she was in fear and did not tell anyone until Rosado moved away from the area.

As the conclusion of these interviews troopers obtained warrants for Rosado and he was arrested today at his home by the Middletown Police and state troopers.

Rosado was charged with Rape 1st, 3 counts of Rape 2nd, 4 counts of Unlawful Sexual Contact 1st and Endangering the Welfare of a Child.

He was committed to the Department of Correction in Smyrna in default of $132,000 cash bail.

HISTORICAL COMMENTS BY GEORGE CHEVALLIER

Tomorrow Morning At 9:00 AM

Meet Candidates For Wicomico County Council

Stevie Prettyman


Joe Holloway


Gail Bartkovich


Bob Culver


Matt Holloway


Davis Goslee Jr.


Sharee Sampple Hughes


David MacLeod

No Jail For Man Who Shot At Deputy

A drug dealer called an Arnold man last April, got into an argument with him about his daughter and threatened to kill his family, according to prosecutors. A few minutes later, a county sheriff's deputy driving an unmarked SUV coincidentally drove up to the house, parked outside and prepared to serve a warrant on the daughter, a 21-year-old heroin addict. Few could have predicted what happened next.

Fearing the man outside was the same man who had just threatened him, Rodney Divine, 61, of 987 Shore Acres Road, walked outside with a loaded .45-caliber semiautomatic handgun, crossed his front yard and opened fire on the deputy. (Hometown Annapolis)

Nike Patents Plan For Self-Lacing Shoes

Company working on technology that includes automatic ankle cinching system

Nike has filed a patent for a self-lacing shoe that resembles the sneakers from "Back to the Future 2" so closely, one has to wonder whether a hover-board and flux capacitor could be far behind.

There is currently no timetable for when these shoes may hit the market, but the patent shoes indicate that Nike is definitely working on the technology.

According to the patent, "the automatic lacing system provides a set of straps that can be automatically opened and closed to switch between a loosened and tightened position of the upper. The article further includes an automatic ankle cinching system that is configured to automatically adjust an ankle portion of the upper."

GO HERE to read more.

American Imprisoned In N. Korea Returns To U.S.

Former President Carter escorts released prisoner to Boston

BOSTON — An American held captive for seven months in North Korea stepped off a plane in his hometown Friday, looking thin but joyful as he hugged the former president who had helped win his release and family and friends surrounded him in a group embrace.

Aijalon Gomes was accompanied by former President Jimmy Carter, who had flown to Pyongyang to negotiate his freedom. Gomes, who had been teaching English in South Korea, was imprisoned and sentenced to eight years' hard labor for crossing into the North from China on Jan. 25 for unknown reasons.

North Korea's state-run news agency reported last month that Gomes had attempted suicide, leading his family to ask for his release on humanitarian grounds. North Korea said this week it would release Gomes to Carter if the former president came to get him.

GO HERE to see images and read more.

Update On Millsboro Crash- Ocean City Woman Dies As A Result Of Injuries Sustained In Crash

Location:
Millsboro Road and Carey’s Camp Road W/O Millsboro

DATE and TIME:
Wednesday August 18, 2010 5:17 a.m.

Operator and Vehicle(s):
Peter E. Brown-57 Georgetown, De
1992 GMC 10 wheel Log Truck (Red)
Leslie A. Mayhew-33 Ocean City, MD
2005 Kia Sedan (Silver)

Resume:

Lewes – Ocean City MD woman dies as a result of injuries she sustained from an August 18th crash.

Leslie Mayhew died on August 25th, 2010 as a result of injuries she sustained from a crash that occurred near Millsboro. She passed away at 2 a.m. at the University of Maryland Hospital.

Don't Miss Our 6 PM News Broadcast Tonight

Checkpoint Strikeforce

Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office and Allied Agencies
Launch Intensive Crackdown on Impaired Driving
Police Vow to Arrest Everyone Found Driving ‘Over the Limit’


Wicomico County MD – The problem of impaired-driving is a serious one. While America witnessed a decline in the number of impaired-driving fatalities from 2007-2008, the numbers are still too high. That’s why the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office today announced it will join other law enforcement agencies throughout the country in support of an intensive crackdown on impaired driving this August 20–September 6, known by its tagline, Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest.

In 2008 alone, nearly 12,000 people died in crashes in which a driver or motorcycle rider was at or above the legal limit, according to the latest statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The age group with the highest percentage of alcohol impaired drivers in fatal crashes is young people age 21-24.

“All too often, innocent, law-abiding people suffer tragic consequences and the loss of loved ones due to this careless disregard for human life. Because we’re committed to ending the carnage, we’re intensifying enforcement during the crackdown. We’ll be especially vigilant during high-risk nighttime hours when impaired drivers are most likely to be on our roads,” said Sheriff Mike Lewis.

In every State as well as the District of Columbia it is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 grams per deciliter or higher. Approximately 10,000 police agencies will participate in this year’s mid-August through Labor Day crackdown, including law enforcement officers representing every State, the District of Columbia and many U.S. cities and towns.

According to the latest data, 32 percent of fatalities in motor vehicle traffic crashes involved a driver or motorcycle rider with a BAC of .08 g/dL or above — an average of one fatality every 45 minutes.

The Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office said its deputies will be aggressively looking for all impaired drivers during the crackdown and will arrest anyone they find driving while impaired — regardless of age, vehicle type, or time of day.

“Our message is simple and unwavering. If we find you driving impaired, we will arrest you. No exceptions,” said Sheriff Lewis. “Even if you beat the odds and walk away from an impaired-driving crash alive, motorists should be aware that the consequences of driving while impaired can still virtually destroy your life."

According to the Sheriff’s Office, violators often face jail time, loss of their driver licenses, or being sentenced to use ignition interlocks. Their insurance rates go up. Other financial hits include attorney fees, court costs, lost time at work, and the potential loss of job or job prospects. When family, friends and co-workers find out, violators can also face tremendous personal embarrassment and humiliation.

“Driving impaired is simply not worth all the consequences. So don’t take the chance. Remember, if you are over the limit, you’re under arrest,” said Sheriff Lewis.

The national Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest. crackdown is led by NHTSA and combines high-visibility enforcement with heightened public awareness through advertising and publicity.

For more information on the crackdown, visit the High-Visibility Enforcement Campaign Headquarters at www.StopImpairedDriving.org

COUNTY BURNING BAN MODIFIED

At the suggestion of County Executive Richard M. Pollitt, Jr., the Wicomico County Council concurred today on a modification of the county-wide burning ban that has been in effect since July 7, 2010. Effective immediately, recreational campfires on private property and public campgrounds are permitted. The campfires are limited to 2 feet in width and 3 feet in height.

In a memorandum to the County Council, Pollitt said, “I have no plan to recommend stopping the overall burning ban. However, noting the quickly approaching end of summer and the start of school, I would like to accommodate the requests we have received for backyard campfires in order to allow families to mark the end of the season.”

Pollitt stated that his recommendations concerning the imposition, lifting or modifying of a burn ban are made following consultation with the Forestry Service, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, the Wicomico County Health Department, Planning & Zoning, Emergency Management and the County Fire Chief’s Association.

Pollitt noted that the ban remains in effect for all other types of burning. The only exceptions are the building and lighting of campfires as noted above, the use of charcoal and gas grills and the staging of professional fireworks displays. Violations carry a fine of $500 per incident. Enforcement is administered by the County Planning and Zoning Code Official. Citizens are advised to report violations by calling 410-548-4860 during regular business hours and 410-548-4827 (Sheriff’s Department) at all other times.

Frank Kratovil Refuses To Talk With Constituents

First District Rep. Frank Kratovil (D-MD) really holds his constituents in high regard.  He has refused to hold a public town hall meeting with voters for the last year.  His so called meetings with constituents are tightly controlled affairs more akin to campaign events than actually working with constituents.

Now he has gone so far as to REFUSE to talk to a constituent!  Evidently, Frank’s handlers have convinced him that if it isn’t a photo op or it’s not someone handing him a check, then they just aren’t worth Kratovil’s time!

It’s 67 days until the election Frank.  You’re going to have to come out sometime.  The Obama machine won’t be able to put you over the top this year.  You’ll actually have to talk to people.

In the meantime, all we can do is ask:

WHERE’s FRANK?

from Delmarva Dealings

Despite Pending Layoffs, Milwaukee Teachers Want Their Viagra Coverage

With the district in a financial crisis and hundreds of its members facing layoffs, the Milwaukee teachers union is taking a peculiar stand: fighting to get its taxpayer-funded Viagra back.

The union has asked a judge to order the school board to again include Pfizer Inc.'s erectile dysfunction drug and similar pills in its health insurance plans.

The filing is the latest in a two-year legal campaign in which the union has argued, so far unsuccessfully, that the board's policy of excluding erectile dysfunction drugs discriminates against male employees. The union says Viagra, Cialis, Levitra and others are necessary treatment for "an exclusively gender-related condition."

But lawyers for the school board say the drugs were excluded in 2005 to save money, and there is no discrimination because they are used primarily for recreational sex and not out of medical necessity.

The filing last month comes as the union, the Milwaukee Teachers' Education Association, is also protesting hundreds of layoff notices issued to teachers for the coming school year. Citing a "financial crisis" caused by exploding benefit costs and revenue shortfalls, the district's outgoing superintendent proposed laying off 682 employees in April.

The district gave layoff notices to 482 teachers in June, but recalled 89 of them last month. Additional teachers may be called back, but these are still the first layoffs of Milwaukee teachers in decades.

At least one lawmaker questioned why the union is fighting for Viagra while teachers are losing their jobs. A consultant for the school board has estimated that reinstating the drug benefit would cost $786,000 per year — the cost to keep perhaps a dozen first-year teachers employed.

Here is more

John Cannon Hosts Fantastic Fundraiser At Bordeleau Winery In Eden

Candidate for State Delegate John Cannon hosted a fundraiser last night that was by far one of the classiest gatherings I have ever attended on the Eastern Shore. The facility was just unbelievable, (if you've never been, go) and the Cannon Supporters enjoyed every second of it.

John expressed his concerns about government being too deep into the Farmer's business and how we need someone in Annapolis to protect our Eastern Shore treasures and livelihood.

You can learn more about John Cannon's Campaign by going HERE.

26-Year-Old Sentenced To Life For Child Sex

Anthony Briggs Not Eligible For Parole

SPARTANBURG COUNTY, S.C. -- Prosecutors said a young child who was able to give a detailed account of sexual assaults help lead to the conviction and life sentence for her abuser.
A jury found Anthony Briggs, 26, of Chesnee guilty of first-degree criminal sexual conduct with a minor and lewd act on a minor.

Circuit Judge Derham Cole issued the life sentence -- the maximum penalty allowed under state law for the criminal sexual conduct conviction. He also received a concurrent 15-year prison sentence for the lewd act conviction.

Court records showed Briggs’ prior criminal record dated back to 2001 and included convictions for driving under the influence, disturbing schools, grand larceny, criminal domestic violence, fraudulent checks and simple assault and battery.

GO HERE to read more.

Thank God Its Friday

What Will You Be Doing This Weekend?

A Reader Catches Louise Smith In Her Own Web Of Spin

Hi, Joe,

I'm a reader of your blog. I just want to say thanks for posting all the candidate interviews. I haven't got through them all yet, but I'm working on it.

I also want to thank you and G.A. Harrison for the articles you have done on Louise Smith and this crime package of the mayor's. Since I don't work until tonight, I got to watch all 5 of the videos G.A. posted. (I'm glad he and his kid are all right after that bad accident.)

Anyway, I could not believe my eyes and ears on those videos. You and G.A. did a great job of covering the idiotics and hippocracy (sp?) of Smith and Shields. There was one thing I picked up on that you didn't cover. Smith went off on a rant about "misstatements" as though Cohen was stupid or a liar. Well, we'll see who is stupid or a liar. The big one dealed with "14 months being too long" for the legislation to come. Smith said she heard that for the first time that night.

No it wasn't! There was a lady in public comment at the last meeting who said Smith had complained about the 14 months. The lady said that wasn't bad for 7 laws (I agree). Since this meeting Smith said this was all news to her and I thought about that lady and wondered where the lady got it from, I googled it. Found it!

The Daily Times did an article on August 3rd and here's what they said:

After 14 months of drafting and $10,000 spent in legal fees, Ireton on Monday revealed seven legislative changes he promises will make the city's code work in favor of its residents.

Okay, so it was the Daily Times that said 14 months, and it turns out the 7th change isn't a new law, so I guess you could call that a "misstatement."

But as you and Billy Mays like to say, "But Wait! There's More!"

Here's what was in the same article:

"I am perplexed by the mayor's ultimatum since it took him more than a year to create this package," Smith said. "My question is, is it going to be equitable, and that is going to take some extensive discussion and debate."

Okay, she said "more than a year" instead of "14 months." But sure sounds like a complaint about it taking too long to me! Doesn't it to you, Joe? Between this article and the lady last meeting (did Smith even listen to her?), Smith should have known this came up before.

I think Smith is either senile and forgot she said this or she has lost track of her own spin. She had the nerve to talk about discussion and debate but your videos show she is doing everything in her power to shut down discussion and debate! "Lip service" is what you called it in another article and you are so right!

I know this is a little thing, but it burns me up when someone falsely blames other people and won't take responsibility for their own words and acts. This woman campaigned on "accountability" and I haven't seen any of it from her. Just blame games and personal attacks.

You are absolutely right that Smith ought to "cut the crap and do your job". I think that should be the voters' campaign slogan to boot her out of office. Good job, Joe!

A Loyal Reader

A Letter To The Editor

POLLITT’S NOMINEE FOR PLANNING COMMISSION PLAYS IT BOTH WAYS

A month or so ago this blog put the spotlight on Dwayne Lockman, who Rick Pollitt nominated to be a member of the Planning Commission. Before the nomination was cancelled, we looked into his claim that he was a big time developer in the Lumberton (Robeson County) area of North Carolina. What we found was very relevant and revealing – and it was revealed right here on SBYNEWS. We understand that our effort angered some, including a member of the County Council now seeking to be reelected, Sheree Sample-Hughes.

Recently we learned that in his “development” business in North Carolina, Mr. Lockman has tried to present himself as a mega-developer right here on Delmarva with the aid of a high-powered PR firm in the Tar Heel state. Below is part of its press release from early 2008 and a news report later that year from the Lumberton area newspaper, the Robesonian.

It seems that not all the rubes live down there. But for Google and this blog, Lockman, who also claimed that he was involved in the Clinton Administration, might be on Wicomico County’s Planning Commission now.


Developer signs on with Hodges Associates
2.15.08 | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FAYETTEVILLE, NC – Hodges Associates, a full-service marketing, advertising and public relations agency, has been retained by Rajun Cajun Homes, LLC for the branding and marketing of Linkhaw Farms. Hodges will act as a marketing partner to launch this unique gated community and see it through all stages of development and sales. The agency’s services will include research, brand development, advertising, website design, collateral materials, event planning and more.

Linkhaw Farms – under development in Robeson County, N.C., by Rajun Cajun Homes’ North Carolina division – is a mixed community with residential, commercial and professional properties. Residential properties will include single-family homes, patio homes and town homes, as well as homes for retirement community living. A host of recreational amenities will be anchored by the golf course, built by Mike Gleason (designer of Bayonet at Puppy Creek) and Don Williams. Linkhaw Farms will also include an inn with banquet facilities that can accommodate 500 people.

Founded in 2002 by Dwayne Lockman, Sr., Rajun Cajun Homes specializes in custom, upscale development. In addition to Linkhaw Farms, the company is currently developing multi-million dollar projects in Delaware and Maryland.

County Planning Board : Mobile home park plan dropped
by Bob Shiles
23 months ago 

LUMBERTON — A developer on Monday withdrew his application for a conditional-use permit for a subdivision with a mobile home park overlay shortly before the Robeson County Planning Board was to consider the application.

Johnny Powers, a local land surveyor, and attorney Eric West, told board members and a large crowd of opponents of the trailer park that their client, Lumberton Land Company Inc., was withdrawing its application. If the overlay had been approved, the developer would have had the option of putting in as many as 90 single-wide and double-wide mobile homes on a 47-acre vacant tract on N.C. 41 across from Sibley Road in East Howellsville.

Powers gave no reason for the application’s withdrawal, and told the board that the developer would just seek approval for a subdivision, which would include 47 lots of at least 20,000 square feet. Although Powers said he could not be certain, he said the developer probably intends to develop the site with modular or stick-built homes.

Some of the more than 50 residents present to oppose the establishment of another trailer park in the county quickly took aim at the proposed subdivision. They raised concerns that much of the property being considered for development is in wetlands; traffic would increase; there would be an additional burden on the schools; and there could very well be an upswing in crime.

They also complained that Dwayne Lockman, who signed the application requesting the subdivision and conditional-use permit, has not followed through with his other nearby projects — including East Winds and Fox Meadows. Lockman is the chief executive officer of Rajun Cajun Homes, the Maryland firm developing the proposed Linklaw Farms retirement community in Lumberton.

“My client is not Mr. Lockman,” West shot back at the crowd when complaints were raised about the developer’s failure to finish projects. ‘‘Yes, it is true they know each other, but my client — the owner of the property — is Edward Wilgus.”

Gayla Biggs, a Sibley Road resident, charged that Lockman and his company have not completed homes that they already have started building in the community. She said that until a couple of weeks ago she has been picking up debris in her yard from construction that began two or three years ago.

“They have not completed one single home,” she said. “They don’t live here. They are from Maryland, and they don’t care. They have not sold what they have here so they want to put in trailers to make a quick buck. This company has not seen through with what it has promised.”

RE: "Dems hope to reclaim District 38," Aug. 22

A recent article that appeared in The Daily Times covering the District 38 Maryland Senate race between Michael James and Jim Mathias was unbalanced and, I believe, a disservice to readers unfamiliar with the candidates.

The article outlined and highlighted the image Delegate Mathias desires to obtain during election time, but excluded information on his repeated votes for Gov. Martin O'Malley's budgets, which included increases in the state income tax and increases in the state corporate tax as which did disproportionate harm to the Shore.

The article also failed to note not only how little was accomplished by Mathias during his four years, but also that he was part of the Annapolis gang that was against farmers, watermen and small businessmen on the Lower Shore.

Fundraising is mentioned, but nothing about the advantage incumbents typically have. These omissions are noteworthy, given the fact that James has proved formidable and those who know and may like both men could easily view James as the stronger, more effective representative for our district.

James is a proven job creator who has been consistent with his fiscally conservative message. He has worked as hard as any candidate to deliver that message while meeting residents throughout the entire district.

James knows firsthand the importance of promoting policies that encourage long-term economic development on the Shore. This should have been part of the story. Balanced coverage of this race and others will be welcomed and possibly useful to readers in the future.

Scott Gregory

Bishopville

Model Clearance Sale TODAY!!!!

IRS Under Obama Zooms In On Pro-Israel Groups

The administration of President Barack Obama oversees a unit that is examining non-profit groups that support Israel.

A lawsuit filed in U.S. federal district court has disclosed that the Internal Revenue Service was operating a unit assigned to examine the positions and board members of pro-Israeli non-profit groups. The unit was said to have denied tax-exempt status to at least one organization, called Z Street, on grounds that it opposed Obama's policy toward Israel.

"Z Street was informed explicitly by an IRS Agent on July 19, 2010, that approval of Z Street's application for tax-exempt status has been at least delayed, and may be denied because of a special IRS policy in place regarding organizations in any way connected with Israel," the suit, filed in U.S. district court in Philadelphia, said. "And further that the applications of many such Israel-related organizations have been assigned to 'a special unit in the D.C. office to determine whether the organization's activities contradict the administration's public policies.' "

More here

Death Threats Force FreedomWorks To Move

The grass-roots conservative FreedomWorks organization has received so many death threats in the run-up to the midterm elections that the organization is moving its headquarters.

"Yes, it's constant, and we are going to have to move up to Capitol Hill," FreedomWorks spokesman Adam Brandon tells Newsmax.

The threats are coming in via phone and e-mail, and have escalated to the point that the organization has decided it must move into a high-security building near the U.S. Capitol building.

Many of the threats are said to involve high-profile FreedomWorks chairman and former Rep. Dick Armey, who has become a de facto spokesperson for the tea party movement.

Here's more

A No-Show For 12 Years, Worker In Norfolk Still Paid

A Community Services Board employee collected a salary with benefits for 12 years and never showed up for work, several City Council members said Wednesday.

The head of the agency refused to identify the employee but acknowledged in response to inquiries from The Virginian-Pilot that an employee was "on the board's payroll who had not reported to work in years."

Maureen Womack, the agency's executive director, said she fired the employee, informed the board that governs her agency and asked City Attorney Bernard A. Pishko to investigate the matter earlier this summer. Pishko's investigation is nearly complete and will soon be turned over to the Norfolk police, she said.

Womack also refused to divulge the employee's salary.

The council also was told in a recent closed meeting that at least one other staffer, a Community Services Board supervisor, is being investigated for alleged complicity.

Council members described the investigation as unbelievable and unprecedented.

"It's so astounding to me, I don't know what to say," Councilman Barclay C. Winn said. "I'm embarrassed."

The Community Services Board is an independent agency that receives funding from the city, state and federal governments. Its governing board, which hired Womack, is appointed by the council.

With a budget of nearly $24 million, the agency provides about 6,000 of Norfolk's poorest residents annually with medication, counseling and other psychiatric services.

[If you do the math, that's about $40,000/yr per person helped. --Editor]

More here

UPD Unveils Armored Truck, Second One Could Be Coming

UTICA —
The police department’s “armadillo” made an auspicious debut Thursday, rumbling down Grant Street to the applause of roughly 70 local officials and residents.

And as soon as the event was over, the heavily armored former Brink’s truck was immediately parked on the 600 block of Plant Street, the first of what Police Chief Mark Williams hopes are many successful missions.

“We hope, with this vehicle, to restore peace in neighborhoods where we’re having problems,” Williams said.If it works, the police department could be getting a second one, said city Councilman James Zecca, D-2. The city is awaiting word from the Brink’s company on whether another truck will be available.

The truck will be used mainly for surveillance at identified drug houses and nuisance areas around the city, but it could also be used in emergencies for situations involving small arms fire or surveillance at large events, Williams said. It has 10 infrared cameras, bullet-proof glass and a number of other protective features.

It cost $11,000, with much of the extensive restoration job – from the painted armadillos to the tires injected with protective foam – donated by local businesses. The original budget was $15,000.

GO HERE to read more.

Rotten To The Core

Click on image to enlarge.

Small Arms Treaty

Clinton working With U.N. to Pass New "Small Arms Treaty"

Confiscate All Civilian Firearms

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton just announced the Obama Administration would be working hand in glove with the U.N. to pass a new “Small Arms Treaty."

Disguised as legislation to help in the fight against “terrorism,” “insurgency” and “international crime syndicates,” the U.N.’s Small Arms Treaty is nothing more than a massive, GLOBAL gun control scheme.

If passed by the U.N. and ratified by the U.S. Senate, the U.N.’s Small Arms Treaty would almost certainly FORCE national governments to:

Enact tougher licensing requirements, making law-abiding citizens cut through even more bureaucratic red tape just to own a firearm legally;

CONFISCATE and DESTROY ALL “unauthorized” civilian firearms (all firearms owned by the government are excluded, of course);

BAN the trade, sale and private ownership of ALL semi-automatic weapons;

Create an INTERNATIONAL gun registry, setting the stage for full-scale gun CONFISCATION.

Contact the National Association for Gun Rights for additional information on your gun rights and the defeat the U.N. Small Arm's Treaty.

EPA Now Accepting Public Comment on Petition To Ban Lead In Ammunition And Fishing Tackle

(CNSNews.com) – Environmental activists are pressing the Obama administration to ban the manufacture, processing and distribution lead shot, bullets, and fishing sinkers under the Toxic Substances Control Act of 1976, but hunting and Second Amendment groups say the EPA lacks the authority to do so, for starters.

A petition submitted to the Environmental Protection Agency on Aug. 3 says ammunition and tackle manufacturers are now marketing a wide variety of non-lead, nontoxic bullets, shotgun pellets and fishing tackle, which can and should be used instead of lead projectiles and weights.

“There is no technological or commercial reason why nontoxic ammunition and fishing tackle with comparable effectiveness should not be substituted for their lead counterparts,” the petition says.

Petition signatories include the Center for Biological Diversity, American Bird Conservancy, Association of Avian Veterinarians, Project Gutpile, and Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility.

The environmental activist groups note that the EPA is specifically prohibited from regulating ammunition or firearms under the Toxic Substances Control Act. But, the groups argue, “toxic components of ammunition can be regulated if nontoxic alternatives are commercially available.”

GO HERE to read more

Congressman Kratovil To Choose Principle?

Congressman Kratovil,

Anything less than a full repeal is an unstated endorsement of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.

I look forward to your thoughtful response and seeing you listed as a signatory on the Discharge Petition for H.R.4972, a bill to repeal the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.

170 Members of Congress have signed the petition to repeal Obamacare. Frank Kratovil voted against Obamacare, but refuses to sign the petition to repeal it.

Tell Congressman Kratovil to choose principle over Nancy Pelosi and sign the Discharge Petition.

CLICK HERE to SEND KRATOVIL A MESSAGE

Friday Specials

A Letter To The Editor

Hi Joe,

I came across some interesting stuff at work I wanted to make you aware of, since your site usually gets the word out when the government tries keeping things quiet. The Wicomico County Corrections Department runs the former work release annex, which has been abandoned for over a year now. They are still pending $7,000 PER MONTH on electricity and utilities out there. The place is empty, and our tax dollars are being wasted keeping this place air conditioned during the summer. I find it outrageous that people get laid off, jobs are cut, furloughs are given, and the our government throws away $84,000 A YEAR keeping an abandoned complex cold in the summer and hot in the winter. I can understand if there was stuff being stored there, but there isn't. It is a huge waste.

Thanks,

Frank

A Letter To The Editor

Joe,

This morning, I witnessed another accident at the intersection of Foskey Lane and Bi-State. As I sat at the stop sign attempting to cross Bi-State, the car in front of me pulled out and smashed into the side of an oncoming vehicle traveling along Bi-State sending it into a spin and stopping about 40 yards away at the treeline. I've lived in the Wood Creek community for about 2 years and this is the 4th accident at that location that I have witnessed first-hand. Now that school is back in session, this intersection gets backed up with school buses trying to merge onto Bi-State after leaving Delmar Elementary. I'm sure that the bus drivers, along with other concerned residents, would agree that this has become an increasingly dangerous intersection warranting, at least, a study of whether a traffic light would be beneficial. The last thing I want to witness is an accident involving a bus full of children, which seems inevitable with the slower accelerating buses and fast-moving traffic on Bi-State. Thanks for your attention.

Bill Rhodes

WBI Press Release

INCIDENT: Burglary/Theft
DATE: August 27, 2010
LOCATION: 1700 Block of Crestwood Circle, Salisbury

NARRATIVE: Pursuant to ongoing investigations by the Wicomico Bureau of Investigation, a third arrest warrant was issued for the below listed suspect. On 08/26/2010 Investigators from WBI, arrested the suspect at Wicomico County Detention Center and released him to the custody of the Wicomico County Detention Center. Anyone with additional information pertaining to this or any other investigation is asked to contact the Wicomico Bureau of Investigation at 410-548-4898 or Crime Solvers at 410-548-1776 SUSPECTS: Willard Hope Croswell
White Male, 44 years of age
Bob Smith Road, Parsonsburg, MD.

CHARGES: Burglary 1st, 3rd, 4th and 4th degree/theft.
Theft, and Theft –Scheme (2 counts each)
DISPOSITION: Released to Wicomico County Detention Center, Central Booking

Willard Hope "Pete" Croswell

Willard Hope Croswell has always gone by "Pete Croswell".

More charges and an additional $40,000.

If you have a way of searching Delaware....you may find something there as well.

FIRST LADY KATIE O’MALLEY, MDE TO ANNOUNCE RESULTS OF LEAD POISONING REPORT

ANNAPOLIS, MD – First Lady Katie O’Malley will join the Maryland Department of the Environment, Baltimore City Health officials, and representatives from the Coalition to End Childhood Lead Poisoning and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to release the annual lead poisoning report. More Maryland children were tested last year for lead poisoning and fewer were poisoned by lead than in any year since figures have been collected, the report shows.

According to MDE’s annual statewide Childhood Lead Registry, the percentage of tested children with elevated blood levels dropped to one half of one percent statewide. The statistics show a decrease of nearly 98 percent in the percentage of children reported to have blood poisoning since 1993, the year before Maryland’s Reduction of Lead Risk in Housing Law went into effect.

The full report will be released at the event tomorrow, which will be held at the home of Deirdre Young Randall, who resides in a 1936 row home in Baltimore City. The home is part of the Coalition to End Childhood Lead Poisoning’s Green and Healthy Housing initiative and has received a full energy audit and weatherization. Through the LEAP program the home received 11 new windows and paint stabilization throughout the house. The Coalition’s contractors are all EPA-certified.

2010 Girls Fall Field Hockey

Registration is still Open for Fall Field Hockey

(Salisbury, MD) The Girls Fall Field Hockey Instructional Program is open to ages 6 to 13 of all skill levels. The program runs on Friday evenings, September 3 to October 22. Girls ages 6 – 9 will go from 6:00 – 7:00pm and girls ages 10 – 13 will go from 7:15 – 8:15pm. Sessions are supervised by Wicomico County Physical Education teacher Grace Lamboni, with help from other local teachers, high school and Salisbury University players. The fee is $60 and participants must register in advance. Players will need shin guards and a mouth guard in order to participate.

Registration is being accepted at the Box Office located at the Youth & Civic Center, or on line at www.wicomicorecandpark.org. ; 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 alerts at www.wicomicorecandparks.org.

SEVEN-RUN FIFTH LIFTS SHOREBIRDS TO 11-6 WIN

‘Birds Win Third Straight Game

Hagerstown, Md. – The Delmarva Shorebirds used a seven-run fifth inning, their largest single-inning output of the season, to cruise past the Hagerstown Suns 11-6 at Municipal Stadium on Thursday night. The Shorebirds have won three straight games for the first time since mid-July when they beat the West Virginia Power between July 15th and 17th. Omar Casamayor and Gary Helmick led the 13-hit attack with three hits each. The Shorebirds have notched 40 hits over the last three games.

The 11 runs scored by the Shorebirds are tied for the most in a single game this season. The Shorebirds also plated 11 runs on April 12 against Greensboro.

The Suns were first to strike in the third. Eury Perez hit a one out double. Then, he stole third and popped up to score on a low throw by Austin Rauch that skipped away from Ty Kelly.

The Shorebirds exploded for seven runs in the fifth inning to build a commanding 7-1 lead. With the bases loaded and nobody out, Garabez Rosa hit a two-run double to give the ‘Birds a 2-1 edge. Then, Mikey Planeta hit a roller towards short to plate Casamayor to stretch to the lead to 3-1. Later in the inning, Ty Kelly singled home Rosa. Two bases later, Rauch rifled a double to right-center field to plate three and balloon the lead to 7-1.

The Suns plated a run in the fifth inning to cut the deficit to 7-2.

In the seventh, the Shorebirds tacked on two more runs. Casamayor hit a two-run double to build a 9-2 lead.

Hagerstown added one in the bottom of the seventh and three in the eighth to trim the deficit to 9-6.

The Shorebirds responded by adding two more in the ninth inning. Casamayor recorded his third RBI of the night to stretch the lead to 10-6. Levi Carolus scored on a Gary Helmick groundout.

Nick Haughian pitched very well to earn his sixth win of the season and his first win since July 3rd. In six innings, he allowed six hits and two unearned runs.

T.R. Keating tossed a perfect ninth inning to finish off the Suns.

The Shorebirds and Suns play game three of the series on Friday night at 7:05 p.m. RHP Patrick Kantakevich makes the start for Delmarva.

SHOREBIRDS GAME NOTES: 8/26 @ Hagerstown

STAT OF THE DAY: In four games at Municipal Stadium this year between Delmarva and Hagerstown, there has only been one home run hit (Ty Kelly – 4/25).
BONUS: T.J. Baxter has 23 hits in 18 games played against the Suns this season.


PREVIEW: The Shorebirds bullpen tossed four scoreless frames from the sixth inning forward to wrap up a 4-3 win. The Shorebirds won back-to-back games for the first time since August 7th and 8th. The Shorebirds have not won three games in a row since July 15th through 17th. Delmarva has recorded 27 hits over their last two games. Shorebirds pitching did not walk a batter for the first time since August 16 when Bobby Bundy threw a complete game. There have been only 12 games this season where the Shorebirds have not issued a single walk. Last night also marked the first time this season where the Shorebirds played in a game with no walks.

EIGHT STRAIGHT FOR BRANDHORST: Reliever James Brandhorst has not allowed a run to cross in eight consecutive outings. He has gone 11.1 consecutive scoreless innings. His ERA has dropped from 4.09 to 3.25.

FIRST POSITIVE RESULT: The Shorebirds earned a positive result in the Hickory series (split) for the first time since the West Virginia series in mid-July. The ‘Birds are 0-7-1 in the last eight series.

SEVEN-GAMER: Mike Flacco takes a seven-game hit streak into game two against Hagerstown. He is 11-for-30 during the stretch. Flacco has hit safely in 22 of the 29 games he has appeared in this season. Last night was his third three-hit game this year.

Did You Miss Me?

Not to worry Folks. Posts will be coming in one after the other momentarily.

Yard Sales

CLICK HERE for upcoming yard sales in the area.

If you have a yard sale that you would like to post, please do so here. It's free! Please email me, SunnyInOC, at atlanticjw@aol.com. Please type "yard sale" in the subject of your email, as some get sent to spam. Please have all requests in by Thursday for Friday's posting.

Have a nice weekend.