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Attention
Friday, September 03, 2010
Salisbury News Shatters Record Friday
Today we delivered more than 73 Posts in one day, breaking yet another record day.
We hope you're enjoying what we deliver every day and we truly appreciate everyone for visiting and commenting. It makes it all worth while, thank you.
Alex's Father Sends This Message To The Public
My life and that of my wife and family changed suddenly on Saturday, August 28, 2010.
Alex Xavier Arroyo-Flores, beloved son, brother, grandchild, nephew, cousin, friend, did not return home from what was supposed to be a routine trip from his home to his work site.
It got worse by the minute, as we found first that his phone appeared to be off, and then that he never made it to work around 5:00 PM the evening before (Friday August 27, 2010).
For a week we have had no firm leads, but lots of hope. We tried a few things, as far-fetched as these may have been, with no positive results.
To this date, we still do not know why Alex is not home with his family.
We have had numerous calls, e-mails, and visitors. Friends and family called to check on Alex’s whereabouts, to let us know how much they are praying for his safe return, to let us know that he is indeed safe. Some visited to pickup flyers. Some brought food for the family. Some visited to comfort us. There is no way to thank everyone for the extraordinary support that pours into our lives daily.
We wish that we had more clues as to the whereabouts of Alex…but know that if we did…we would be out searching for him…and we know that you would be there with us.
The suffering of this week is beyond comprehension…we really hope that Alex is fine wherever he is.
We are certain that one day we are going to find Alex, and when that day comes that we are going to have a big hug…and after that we are going to try to figure out what happened and how to make sure that it never happens again.
If someone knows where Alex is, we hope that you find it in your heart to allow us to find him.
Alex, if you are watching this, please take a good look at your family and know that above all we love you, we wish you the best…and we would love to hear from you. Our lives will never be the same until we see you or hear from you again.
May God Bless Alex always.
Felipe Arroyo on behalf of the Arroyo-Flores family and relatives
Remember Folks, Alex was in an accident after this photo was taken and there is no pin stripe along this side of the car.
What We Do Know About Alex
Folks, the most important thing we can all do right now is start checking our own properties in search for Alex.
Because so much time has passed, the chances of him being in good health is not very positive. He could be passed out in his vehicle and Sheriff Lewis agrees with me, we have a better chance finding the car right now than we do Alex.
Again, this vehicle is missing the pin striping along the left side of the vehicle. Many of us will be traveling all over the Eastern Shore this weekend. Please click on the image above, allow it to open up into a different window, then click print. Keep this flier with you this weekend and keep an eye out for this vehicle.
Contact numbers are available on it as well, if you'd like to contact the Family and see where they stand on any search efforts. Again, find the car and more than likely we'll find Alex.
PNC Bank Robbery Update
INCIDENT: Armed Robbery
DATE: September 3, 2010
LOCATION: PNC Bank, Pittsville Branch, 34554 Railroad Ave, Pittsville, Maryland
NARRATIVE: On September 3, 2010 at approximately 1100 hours, the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office responded to the above address for a report of a bank robbery. Detectives from Wicomico Bureau of Investigation also responded. Detectives learned that two black males entered the bank, one displayed a handgun and demanded and received cash. The second suspect stood watch near the door. The suspects fled in a small dark colored – probably black - car believed to be a Nissan Altima with Delaware registration. A third suspect was probably driving. Several customers and employees were present during the robbery. One suspect apparently kicked or stepped on one customer during the robbery. EMS personnel treated her at the scene.
Investigation continues. 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. We are especially interested in anyone who may have seen this vehicle operating at high speed in the Pittsville/Rt. 50 area at approximately 1100 hours. SUSPECTS: Unknown
Suspect #1, Black Male, 5’8” to 5’10”, med build, wearing black knit cap, black bandana covering face, black T-shirt, dark color jeans, light colored gloves, black semi-automatic handgun
Suspect #2, Black Male, medium build, dark blue hoodie, black and white mask.
Feds vs Sheriff Joe
But Arpaio called the lawsuit "a ruse" and said the federal government is just trying to score a win against the state, which has found itself at the center of the nation's argument over illegal immigration since passing a law that mirrors many of the policies Arpaio has put into place in the greater Phoenix area.
"I think they know we have not been racial profiling, so what's the next step — camouflage the situation, go the courts, and make it look like I'm not cooperating," Arpaio said Thursday.
Arpaio said he provided "hundreds of thousands" of reports but hasn't turned over others because the department's request was too broad.
Kevin Ryan, former U.S. attorney for the Northern District of California and a law professor at the University of San Francisco, said he thought the department's characterization of Arpaio's behavior as unprecedented was overstating it.
He said the contentious relationship between the sheriff and the department is no secret.
"You really can't hold it against the sheriff and assume he's guilty because he's not rolling over for the Justice Department," he said.
But Rory Little, a law professor at the University of California Hastings College of the Law who formerly worked at the Justice Department, disagreed, called Arpaio's actions "pretty unusual" because the lawsuit says Arpaio's office signed agreements promising to cooperate with civil-rights investigations and other reviews when it accepted federal law enforcement grants.
Last year, the nearly $113 million that Maricopa County received from the federal government accounted for about 5 percent of the county's $2 billion budget. The lawsuit listed $16.5 million of funding provided Arpaio's office through several programs.
"Normally when you receive $113 million in grants you're going to cooperate and send over whatever they want to see," Little said. Otherwise, "it raises the level of suspicion pretty significantly."
Thursday's lawsuit is the latest action in a slew against Arizona by the federal government.
More
MISSING
Alex Arroyo-Flores
2007 Toyota Corolla Silver
MD 2ER E21
Alex X. Arroyo-Flores, left his family's home around 5:00 PM on Friday 8/27/2010 to go to work at the Fruitland McDonald's. He did not make it to work or back home.
He is 21 years old, about 5' 9'', 140 lbs, Puerto Rican, dark brown hair and eyes. He probably has stubble in his beard and mustache area. He speaks both English and Spanish.
He was last seen wearing the red polo McDonald's uniform. Normally wears a hand-made anklet around his left ankle, rubber bands around his right wrist, a black watch, and various necklaces that say Puerto Rico, one that has his name and 'Diabetic' engraved on the back, we believe.
Alex is a Type 1 Diabetic, using insulin pump
.
Contact information:
Wicomico Bureau of Investigation (410) 548-4898
(Father) Felipe Arroyo (410) 430-3480
(Mother) Wilma Flores (410) 430-3090
(Home) (410) 543-9485
Welcome To Salisbury, The Town Known For "Do As I Say, Not As I Do"
It continues to baffle me to no end seeing overgrown weeds in the streets and islands, especially in the biggest money making area of Salisbury.
While a multitude of business have closed up shop. While a multitude of FOR RENT Signs litter Rt. 13 from one end of Salisbury to the other, you'd think the City would at least keep their finest jewels is the best looking condition, or at least enforce it.
Instead, I, (along with many others) get notices in the mail complaining about grass growing in the street outside my building, then I see this!
Every single Shopping Center in Salisbury should look like Las Vegas. The Mayor complains about the blight with SAPOA properties, then each and every one of us see this crap and you just have to wonder, do they realize they're the reason behind the downfall of this City.
Does Jim Ireton, Gary Comegys, Louise Smith, Shanie Shields, Tom Stevenson and others shop in Annapolis instead? Do they not see what we are seeing each and every day? They must, because I Posted this several weeks ago and we haven't had any rain since I last complained, so it must have taken that long for these weeds to grow this tall once again.
Salisbury News is a tool of convenience for the Mayor and Department Heads. We provide these images so these people rarely have to leave the Office and be subjected to what us peasants who are PAYING ALL THE TAXES IN THE CITY have to deal with. You'd think they'd keep track of all of the habitual offenders but you have to ask yourself, why are all the other lawns in that area groomed and the island areas not? Could it actually be that these areas are the City's liability?
I'd like to know if any of you know that answer. In the mean time, show some respect for this City and get this crap mowed.
Andy Harris Statement On August Jobs Report
ICYMI: THE AFRO ENDORSES O'MALLEY
The full editorial is available below.
Salisbury Police Department Press Releases
ARRESTED #1: Rikeesh Quanysian Turner, 25 years of age
Salisbury, Maryland
CHARGES: Obstructing and hindering an investigation
False statement to officers
Fraudulent identity
Resisting arrest
ARRESTED #2: Jocque Jermaine Oneal, 20 years of age
Salisbury, Maryland
CHARGES: Disorderly conduct
DISPOSITION: Both released to Central Booking
CC # 201000034832
On September 2, 2010 at approximately 5:00 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police were on routine patrol in the area of St. Albans Dr. and Mt. Hermon Road and stopped a vehicle driven by the below listed suspect for traffic violations. The officers requested a K-9 scan of the vehicle and received assistance from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office. The K-9 gave a positive indication for narcotics within the vehicle, and a check of the vehicle by the officers resulted in the recovery of several small bags of suspected heroin.
ARRESTED: Jermaine Michael Mathias, 32 years of age
Parsonsburg, Maryland
CHARGES: Possession of heroin with the intent to distribute
Possession of heroin
Possession of CDS/Paraphernalia
DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking
CC # 201000034933
On September 2, 2010 at approximately 5:30 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police were on routine patrol in the area of Parsons Road and Fairground Drive and stopped a vehicle operated by below listed suspect # 1 for traffic violations. A routine records check revealed that suspect # 1 was driving without a valid license. A check of the vehicle revealed that below listed suspect # 2 was in possession of a quantity of suspected marijuana.
ARRESTED #1: Robert Edward Bailey, 55 years of age
Salisbury, Maryland
CHARGES: Driving without a license
ARRESTED #2: Gilda Charlene Church, 54
Salisbury, Maryland
CHARGES: Possession of marijuana
Possession of CDS/Paraphernalia
DISPOSITION: Suspect # 1 released on citation
Suspect # 2 released to Central Booking
CC # 201000034541
Whatever Works! Von Siggers Leads The Pack In Interview Views
With 615 Views on her interview, Von Siggers absolutely cannot be taken lightly on her race against Rudy Cane and Dustin Mills. The image above was taken yesterday along Rt. 50 heading east bound near Vienna. It's all about grass roots Folks. You can put up all those fancy signs and spend all that campaign money but this go around we're going to see who wins what.
It should be noted, I have been told that Rudy Cane does not look well. Has anyone else out there noticed this at all?
170+ Comments Before Noon
Now, let's talk about the new rule on no cursing. This has actually worked out extremely well. Some people still try to pass off comments with curse words or *&%@* in place of them but we just aren't letting them through. We hope you're enjoying that new rule.
Louise Smith, Quit Your Whining And Do Your Job!
If you haven’t been following the story here, I’ve included links in this post to catch you up, and I suggest you do because this story is only going to get bigger and Salisbury News will continue to be the leader on it! This will seem like a long post because this new format has a narrow column, but stay with me here, it’ll be worth it.
Louise Smith writes this letter to the newspaper editor, headlined “Let’s work together to reduce city’s crime.”
Really, Louise? The real crime is Louise Smith thinks if she says “Let’s work together” enough times, you’ll think she means it. Not a chance, Louise, not while Salisbury News is around. You aren’t going to fool people any more.
Honest to God, folks, this letter is hilarious! Her third line into it, Louise says, “Closed door meetings were held for 14 months between the mayor, Councilwomen Debbie Campbell and Terry Cohen, two attorneys and a few staff members.”
Really, Louise? Now, forget whether this statement is true or not for a moment, folks. The fact is, at the last council meeting August 23, Terry Cohen said that there were complaints to this effect and Louise said she never said that.
Well, just recently Salisbury News posted GO HERE that Louise DID INDEED complain about it before. So, folks, with Louise Smith having JUST RECENTLY DENIED that she said that, even though a Salisbury News reader revealed that she did, Louise now writes a letter to the Daily Times in which she says EXACTLY that!!!
In this one quote, Louise Smith blew ALL her credibility -- IF she had ANY left. Not only does she complain about what she says she hasn’t complained about before but has indeed complained about before, she’s whining that all this lacks transparency.
Really, Louise? Transparency? You mean the transparency like this GO HERE in which you REFUSE the third vote that would allow the public input meeting on the crime legislation package Debbie Campbell and Terry Cohen are holding (that you won’t attend) to be televised on PAC14 (after you had secret meetings behind the PAC14 board’s back and got them a new board plus more money at the expense of the furloughed POLICE!)? That transparency, Louise?
Or the transparency where you tried to shut down discussion at the last meeting about putting the mayor’s legislation package on a work session? That transparency, Louise?
In her letter, Louise says she wants a task force to study the issue and answer a lot of questions. Well, Louise, I can tell you that there are TWO task forces, right now – the Mayor’s Crime Task Force and the Safe Streets Coalition – that have been going on for a couple of years and that I have probably been to more of these meetings than you have!!!
Are you saying that out of a crowd of people like Sheriff Mike Lewis, State’s Attorney Davis Ruark, MSP Salisbury Barracks Commander Ernie Leatherbury, even your council ally Shanie Shields, you couldn’t find ANYBODY with whom to “Let’s work together”??? Maybe, just MAYBE, Louise, if you had gone to some of these meetings, you might have the answers to all those SAPOA questions you asked.
Or you might get the answers if you just put this anti-crime legislation package on a work session, which your own Council Rules of Order or whatever they are say you SHALL do!!! “Rules? Rules? We don’t need no stinkin’ rules,” as my friend G.A. Harrison would say, huh, Louise?
If you people want to catch up on this circus (and I mean no disrespect to Jim Ireton or the elephant he was riding this week), click on the links I’ve supplied so far, plus these GO HERE, GO HERE, GO HERE and GO HERE, read these posts and click on the links to the videos.
Then get yourselves to the public input meeting on this anti-crime package, details if you GO HERE, on Sept. 15 (no excuses!) and let the absent Louise know how you feel about all this whining and anything but “Let’s work together” she’s doing. Thanks to Salisbury News exposing all this, plenty of people are volunteering to record the meeting so Louise can watch or listen later.
And just to be clear, folks, I’m not saying I’m all for or all against any of this legislation. As a matter of fact, I’d like to hear what the public has to say about it, too. Jim Ireton may want it all voted on, up or down, but let’s face facts, that’s just not realistic.
What I AM saying is, it’s WAY past time for Louise Smith to STOP WHINING and playing a victim like Barrie Tilghman. QUIT WHINING, Louise, and JUST DO YOUR JOB!
Yes, Louise Smith, YOU’VE BEEN BLOGGED – AGAIN!!
60 Articles Before Noon!
Today is packed with news and information and there's lots more to come. Have a great day Folks!
Designers, Pundits Rate Oval Office Redo
D.C., Baltimore Have Nation's Worst Drivers
According to the latest annual Best Drivers Report by Allstate, wheeled Washingtonians get into a collision on average of once every 5.1 years, and have a 95.5 percent higher chance of being in an accident than the average American motorist.
The second-worst city on the list: Baltimore, with drivers, on average, experiencing a crash every 5.6 years, 79.4 percent higher than the national average.
GO HERE to read more.
U.S. Court Backs 'Ladies Night' Promotions
NEW YORK — A federal court has ruled that “Ladies Night” is all right.
The Manhattan-based Second Court of Appeals rejected a claim by Den Hollander, a self-proclaimed "Men's Rights" lawyer, who insisted that “Ladies Night” promotions such as half-price drinks and cheaper admission were unconstitutional, a result of “40 years of lobbying and intimidation, [by] the special interest group called ‘Feminism.’ "
Hollander insisted that because nightclubs are licensed by the state, the special deals required them to adhere to the equal protection clause of the Constitution. Without court intervention, Hollander claimed “none other than what’s left of the Wall Street moguls” will be able to afford to attend nightclubs.
The court wasn’t impressed by Hollander's lawsuit against a handful of New York clubs. It said nightclubs weren’t “state actors,” and dismissed the action.
GO HERE to read more.
PNC Bank In Pittsville Robbed
EXECUTIVE POLLITT TO DEDICATE PHASE 1 OF WEST SIDE COLLECTOR, CUT RIBBON FOR PHASE 2
The completion cost for Phase 1 was $2.8 Million. Funding came from Wicomico County bonds. The 0.6 mile-long Phase 2 will run from Brick Kiln Road to Levin Dashiell Road. The anticipated cost is $1 Million and the Department of Public Works expects an opening date of Fall, 2011. All financing and rights-of-way are in place for Phase 2. Phase 3 of the total 2.7 mile project will run from Levin Dashiell Road to Crooked Oak Lane.
In extending an invitation to all, Mr. Pollitt said, “It is indeed a pleasure to formally open the first part of our beautiful new road and mark its continuing progress. We anticipate that the West Side Collector will relieve some of the traffic pressure that has built up on the county’s growing west side.”
Update On Wicomico Humane Society
Lewes Man Arrested For A String Of Attempted Burglaries
Date of Occurrence: Wednesday September 1, 2010
Suspect:
Steven McDonald, 18, Lewes, DE
Resume:
Lewes - Delaware State Police have arrested a Lewes man and have charged him with a string of attempted residential burglaries in the Lewes area.
Troopers arrested McDonald yesterday in the Village of Five Points of state police received a complaint of a suspicious person. When troopers stopped him he had property in his possession that was not his.
While speaking with McDonald troopers were aware of several attempted burglaries that occurred during the day. They were able to trace the stolen property that McDonald on him back to a home that was victimized.
McDonald was charged with three counts of attempted burglary, breaking into a car, possession of burglary tools and other offenses. He was committed to the Department of Correction in default of $5,000.00 bail.
The $64,000.00 Follow Up Question, Attn. All States Attorney Candidates
On Wednesday night I asked the following question below:
Citizens want accountability from their local officials. We hear about officials violating their charters. We read confidential personnel records leaked to the newspaper by some paid or elected official. We hear about officials signing contracts committing taxpayer assets to multimillion dollar projects with the state without legislative votes to do so. Now we hear about tax-funded agencies cutting off services who haven't shared financials with paid or elected officials. The landfill scandal got exposed, but punishments weren't as much as the public expected or deserved.
Mr. Davis, what are you doing to make sure our public officials, hired or elected, do their jobs by the rules and face consequences if they don't?
Mr. Mitchell and Mr. Maccierello, what will you do as our new state's attorney to make sure our public officials, hired or elected, do their jobs by the rules and face consequences if they don't?
Unfortunately, the beef of the question, (in red) was never really answered by any of the candidates, so I'll kindly ask at this time if each Candidate will kindly, (through comments) answer the above question, minus the Landfill portion. Oh, trust me, they all read Salisbury News.
Salisbury News Meet The Candidate Interviews Exceeds 8,100 Views So Far
John Cannon 491 Views
Mike Mcready 280 Views
Michael James 281 Views
John Phoebus 461 Views
Mike McDermott 261 Views
Dustin Mills 231 Views
Bob Culver 241 Views
Jim Mathias 209 Views
Dave MacLeod 106 Views
Gail Bartkovich 281 Views
Brian Murphy 253 Views
Norm Conway 127 Views
Addie Eckardt 147 Views
Rick Pollitt 206 Views
Rich Colburn 86 Views
Stevie Prettyman 291 Views
Beau Oglesby 268 Views
Matt Holloway 153 Views
Eric Wargotz 212 Views
Builders Of N.Y. Mosque Face Financial Hurdles
NEW YORK — The developers planning to build a $100 million Islamic center near the World Trade Center site still have financial hurdles to clear: They haven't finished buying all the property they want for the project and are nearly a quarter-million dollars behind on real estate taxes and late fees.
How serious those problems might be depends on who is backing the project — and that's still a big unknown.
The real estate partnership that controls the site of the planned cultural center, health club and mosque insists it has the financial wherewithal to put the project together, and that its failure to pay its first two quarterly property tax payments this year is not evidence of fiscal ill health.
GO HERE to read more.
Somerset County Sheriff's Office Reports Most Recent Arrests
8-27-10 Dontez Vonell Gerald of Crisfield, arrested for driving on a suspended drivers license. Deputies conducted a traffic stop in the area of the Somers Cove Apartments, and found Gerald to be driving on a suspended license. Gerald was later released after signing citations.
8-30-10 Howard Reuben Greenhawk of Hebron, arrested for driving on a suspended drivers license. Deputies conducted a traffic stop in the area of Ocean Highway in Westover for speeding and found Greenhawk to be driving on a suspended drivers license. Greenhawk was later released after signing citations.
8-30-10 Lashonda Amise Price of Salisbury, arrested on a warrant regarding failure to appear in court. Price was later released on a $250.00 bond.
8-31-10 Audrey Lee Banks of Crisfield, arrested on a warrant regarding failure to appear in court. Banks was later held on a $2,500 bond.
8-31-10 Ronald Jerome White of Crisfield, arrested on warrants regarding cds intent to distribute narcotics, and cds distribute within 1000 ft. of a school. The arrest was a result of a 2009 drug conviction in Circuit Court. White won a circuit court appeal, and will stand trial again in Somerset County.
9-1-10 Terrance Richard Justice Sr. of Temperanceville Virginia, arrested for fleeing and eluding police, driving on a suspended drivers license, and reckless driving. The arrest was a result of Justice fleeing from deputies on Ocean Highway in the Westover area. Justice was observed speeding on Ocean Highway, and refused to stop for deputies. Justice later lost control of his vehicle near Camp Rd, and was taken into custody without injury. Justice was later released after processing.
9-1-10 Victoria Ashley White of Crisfield, arrested on a warrant regarding trespassing. White was later released on personal recognizance.
9-2-10 Ivan Miquel Miles of Princess Anne, arrested on three warrants regarding failure to appear in court. Miles was later held on a $1,500 bond.
BREAKING NEWS: TWO SERIOUS VEHICLE ACCIDENTS
In Delmar there's been an emergency call with a person trapped underneath a vehicle.
More to come....
Yard Sales
If you have a yard sale you would like to post, please email me, SunnyInOC, at atlanticjw@aol.com. (A few have said their mail was returned, but I received it. AOL is weird sometimes.) Please type "yard sale" in the subject of your email, as some go to spam.
Country Music And BBQ At Bordeleau This Sunday!
Hard Times For Wall Street's "Sell Night" Recruits
In late July, Goldman Sachs (GS) hosted an exclusive dinner for recent college graduates at a Ruth's Chris restaurant in midtown Manhattan. While the chain steakhouse might have seemed déclassé for veteran Wall Street traders accustomed to 21 or Delmonico's, it was a big draw for bright-eyed recruits who may never know such grandeur. Some even checked the menu online in anticipation.
Once upon a pre-TARP age, late summer on Wall Street meant that top recruits were filling their schedules with company-underwritten evenings at New York's top restaurants. "They would take us to Yankees games, and we thought that was huge," says Allison Levine, a former Goldman Sachs trainee and founder of leadership consultancy Daredevil Strategies. Other firms hired buses equipped with leather sofas, strobe lights, disco balls, and karaoke machines to shuttle invitees to the VIP lounges of exclusive downtown nightclubs. Lincoln Town Cars would take others to the champagne rooms of adult entertainment emporiums Scores and The Penthouse Club. Some could even enjoy a relaxing "booze cruise" on the Hudson or East River. Amid such settings, free-spending senior bankers would pitch the recruits on the benefits of their firm over another.
This time-honored ritual, known as "sell night," provided megabanks and boutiques alike with the perfect backdrop for tendering their professional compact. Senior bankers would offer their firm's prestige and hefty starting salaries—and the implicit promise of future extravagances—in exchange for two to three years of uninterrupted work.
GO HERE to read more.
Man Catches 8-Foot Shark In The Potomac
Willy Dean set out on a fishing trip on the Potomac River in St. Mary's County on Monday hoping to catch cow-nosed rays.
He put out a net near Point Lookout, and when he returned to the spot on Tuesday, he made a quite a discovery: There was an 8-foot, 1-inch shark caught in the net.
"We had an interesting morning bringing it in," Dean told Channel 4. "It was quite a fight."
GO HERE to read more.
SHOULD YOU VOTE “EARLY” IN WICOMICO COUNTY?
This allows more convenience than having to vote on only one specific day or by an absentee ballot, but should you be an early bird, especially if you are not yet familiar with the candidates and their positions?
For example, do you know which of the Democrat candidates for the at-large seats on the Wicomico County Council are in favor of “changing” the County’s revenue cap on property taxes? [hint: at least two of them]. You can try to guess who they are, unless you believe that ignorance truly is bliss.
And remember, your vote can’t be undone if you later learn something that makes you change your mind. But, if you must vote early or just want to, be sure to listen to the candidate interviews on this blog at least once before casting your ballot.
Does Walmart Segregate Its Books By Race?
More »
Add Discover To The List Of Credit Cards That Allow Minimum Purchase Requirements
Yesterday, we told you how Visa and AMEX now allow merchants to require customers up to a $10 minimum for credit card payments and how MasterCard will soon be changing their policy to allow for the same. We'd naively hoped that Discover -- who hadn't yet replied to our query -- would be the lone holdout, but... not so much.
Arizona Now Has ‘Whopping 30’ National Guard Troops And 15 Billboards Warning Citizens About Drug Cartels Operating On Public Lands
Pinal County Sheriff Paul Babeu said requests by Arizona law enforcement personnel and Sens. John McCain (R-Ariz.) and Jon Kyl (R-Ariz.) for 3,000 National Guard troops along the state’s border with Mexico have been answered so far with 1 percent of that number deployed there this week.
“We have a whopping 30 [National Guard troops] this week that are showing up,” Babeu told CNSNews.com. “It’s less than a half-hearted measure designed to fail.”
But the federal Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has placed 15 signs along a 60-mile stretch of Interstate 8 that links San Diego with Phoenix and Tucson warning travelers of drug cartels and human trafficking operations.
“I think the American people are outraged that we can fight wars half-way around the world, send our nation’s treasury and our most precious resources – our American heroes that serve in the military -- and yet here in our own country somehow they believe it’s okay for us not to have a secure border,” Said Sheriff Babeu.
“And that it’s okay to put up signs in my county and parts of America to surrender parts of our country to foreign born criminals,” Babeu added, “warning our own American citizens to stay out.”
Jim Rutledge Encourages Early Voting And Questions The Judgment Of Eric Wargotz For Starring In A Farcical Skit
Republicans in Maryland can start tomorrow by voting for Jim Rutledge as their candidate to face off against Senator Barbara Mikulski, who has been in DC for 34 years."
"Kim and I will be casting our ballots early by going to the Bel Air Library and voting tomorrow," said Jim Rutledge. "I urge everyone to take advantage of early voting. Many are critical of early voting, but I ask, why take a chance on missing the vote due to some unexpected family emergency or crisis at work? As patriots, we should be the first in line to vote," declared Rutledge.
Rutledge's Republican primary opponent Eric Wargotz has released a farcical skit depicting Mikulski as a bizarre dinosaur and Wargotz as an explorer in a safari helmet. Jim Rutledge knows that the race to unseat Barbara Mikulski is serious business, and questions the judgment of Eric Wargotz. "For the past 17 months, I have been meeting Marylanders who are in no mood to laugh about what the liberals and socialists are doing to our nation. In fact, far too many are crying. With so many out of work, I suggest this is the time to turn to serious leadership. Our next United States Senator must be prepared to lead boldly in the battle for personal freedom against the largest expansion of federal power in our lives."
The Rutledge Campaign believes Maryland Republicans deserve more than a funny doctor who spent the last 6 months avoiding public forums and debates in an attempt to dodge his liberal past. Jim Rutledge has sought to provide an honest and open citizen-driven campaign that has not been bought and paid for by the ruling class that dominates the Washington landscape. Jim Rutledge has earned widespread support with his clear message of lower taxes, limited government, and strong national security. Endorsed by Maryland Right to Life, Jim Rutledge has the moral fiber to defend the unborn. A defender of the Constitution, Jim Rutledge has received numerous endorsements because of what he stands for and not for what he promises.
Survey Charts Sharp Decline In Illegals
The report covered illegal immigration numbers only through March 2009, or the first two months of the Obama administration, but the Homeland Security Department said it shows that stepped-up enforcement along the border and in the interior can be effective.
The first significant reduction in illegal immigration in two decades coincides with a slowing economy and stepped-up enforcement under President George W. Bush and the early months of Mr. Obama's administration, though the report's authors said there is no way to tell from the numbers whether the economy or the enforcement was the bigger factor.
"At this point, both of those broad factors seem to be working in the same direction," said Jeffrey Passel, the Pew Center's senior demographer.
A Letter To The Editor: Sears Sucks!
They pulled the other refrigerator off the truck in doing this they dropped the refrigerator as witnessed by Mrs.Davis's son and repairman. The delivery team apologized and told her son that they had to be at Nithsdale at a certain time and could not be late since that stainless steel refrigerator was for an important customer it was a special order they stated.
Mrs. Davis's son called the manager at the time Mrs. Inga Almond-Hogue and let her know about this she said they would take care of anything that went wrong with the refrigerator the refrigerator had several problems that could not be fixed Sears finally after a great deal complaining agreed to take the refrigerator back and reimburse her money.
By this Mrs. Davis had become ill and was getting ready to go away for treatments in fact she had left the day after the refrigerator was picked up she was told that a check was being mailed from the home office in Hoffman Estates, Illinois. Mrs Davis was away for a while luckily Mrs. Davis made a recovery.
When she settled back home after reviewing records she realized her check never came she contacted Sears , new manager Mr. Ralph Saylor knew nothing about this and contacted his superior regional manager out of Pennsylvania Mr.Manny Blackwell. Mr.Blackwell contacted Mrs. Davis from a conference in California and told Mrs. Davis very rudely, if you think Sears is going to give you money back for a refrigerator think again missy.
This issue got complained to the customer service center then forwarded to The Blue Ribbon Group( higher level customer service) rep Ellis Boris he told Mrs. Davis that there was nothing she could do about this since she was gone away for a while, records may have been misplaced by sears and she would not be getting her money back, it was one of those unfortunate events of life she said. This is not right, I'll get hold of the Ceo .
He later called up and left a message clearly stating Mrs. Davis you should have not come back from your treatment center and none of this would be happening. Lance Frankie a rep from Sears called Mrs. Davis and informed her he would be handling this matter which the only thing he did was call the Blue Ribbon Group and have a Quinton Pearson offer her a $100 gift card which she refused.
Mrs Davis later contacted accidentally Dean Schwartz VP for Sears lawn and garden, not brand central and he said she should contact Shirley Bicknell, she could help resolve her issue once and for all. After several messages she finally contacted Mr Schwartz back he said the reason Mrs Bicknell could not call her was it was noted on Sears record that Mrs. Davis had an attorney, (which is false) she found out that Lance Frankie had wrote this so she could not speak to the powers that be to get this resolved. She attempted today to get hold of Mr. Frankie and spoke to his boss Mr.Cary Mergele who said if she pursued this anymore he would have charges of harassment brought against her.
I want to personally say to Sears, SHAME ON YOU to treat a 72 year old woman with such cruel behavior, have you ever heard respect your elders. Do the the right thing Sears refund this lady her money back and apologize to her for the abuse you have made her endure.
To the readers out there, if you want appliances go to Lowes were they stand behind their merchandise and treat seniors and all their customers with respect .
Thank you SBY.news and Mr.Albero for giving the people a voice and allowing it to be heard. God Bless you Mrs Davis for being a tough cookie don't give up.
Delaware GOP Afraid To Let The People Choose
The fierce attack underscores GOP fears of the tea party-backed candidate knocking off their hand-picked choice, Rep. Mike Castle and winning the nomination.
The state holds its primary Sept. 14 and the GOP sees Castle as the best candidate for the seat long held by Vice President Joe Biden. Castle has been the state's lone congressman since 1993.
State Party Chairman Tom Ross said in an interview that O'Donnell is not a viable candidate for any office in Delaware.
Obama Records 'Critical' To 'Our Republic'
The vehement statements came in an affidavit from retired Lt. Gen. Thomas G. McInerney, a Fox News military analyst, that was disclosed by an organization generating support for Lt. Col. Terrence Lakin.
Lakin had invited his own court-martial because he is unable to follow orders under the chain of command with Obama at its head unless the president's eligibility is documented.
The general, who retired in 1994 after serving as vice commander in chief of USAF forces in Europe, commander of the 3rd Tactical Fighter Wing and assistant vice chief of staff of the U.S. Air Force, among other positions, said the chain of command issue is critical, since officers are obligated both to follow orders and to disobey illegal orders.
"Officers in the United States military service are – and must be – trained that they owe their highest allegiance to the United States Constitution," he said in the affidavit.
"There can be no question that it is absolutely essential to good order and discipline in the military that there be no break in the unified chain of command, from the lowliest E-1 up to and including the commander in chief who is under the Constitution, the president of the United States. As military officers, we owe our ultimate loyalty not to superior officers or even to the president, but rather, to the Constitution."
He continued, explaining, "good order and discipline requires not blind obedience to all orders but instead requires officers to judge – sometimes under great adversity – whether an order is illegal."
A career officer in the U.S. Army acting as a judge in the prosecution of Lt. Col. Terrence Lakin ruled Thursday, however, that the military is not the place for Barak Obama's presidential eligibility to be evaluated.
Army Col. Denise R. Lind ruled in a hearing regarding the evidence to be allowed in the scheduled October court-martial of Lakin that he will be denied access to any of Obama's records as well as any testimony from those who may have access to the records.
With her decision, Lind mirrored a number of federal judges who have ruled on civil lawsuits over Obama's eligibility. They have without exception denied the plaintiffs' access to any requested documentation regarding the president's eligibility.
Lind ruled that it was "not relevant" for the military to be considering such claims, that the laws allegedly violated by Lakin were legitimate on their face and that the chain of command led up to the Pentagon, and that should have been sufficient for Lakin.
She said opening up such evidence could be an "embarrassment" to the president, and it's up to Congress to call for impeachment of a sitting president.
More here and here
Tea Party Seeks Another Upset In Delaware's Senate Primary
Castle has been a Delaware favorite for decades. A former governor and, more recently, a veteran congressman, his common-sense, independent approach to politics was expected to give him an easy path to nomination and perhaps victory this fall for the Senate seat held for 36 years by Vice President Joe Biden .
Instead, the tea party, which shocked the political establishment last week with the defeat of a Republican incumbent — Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski — and earlier successes in Nevada , Utah and Kentucky , has turned its attention to Delaware .
GO HERE to read more.
High School Test 'Slams' Christianity, Lauds Islam
Teachers complain that the reading selections from the Regents exam in global history and geography given last week featured glowing passages pertaining to Muslim society but much more critical essay excerpts on the subject of Christianity.
"There should have been a little balance in there," said one Brooklyn teacher who administered the exam but did not want to be identified.
GO HERE to read more.
Reject Birthright Citizenship
Here is what ran in USA Today on Tuesday, Aug. 31, 2010:
OPPOSING VIEW ON 'ANCHOR BABIES': REJECT BIRTHRIGHT CITIZENSHIP
By Roy Beck
Birthright citizenship is a powerful anchor for keeping illegal workers in a country — and for keeping the jobs they fill out of reach of unemployed legal residents. It is incompatible with a modern age of easy transportation and organized people smuggling. Every developed nation in the world, — except the USA and Canada, — has rejected citizenship for births to tourists and unlawful foreign residents.
An estimated 4 million current U.S. residents have received this type of citizenship. Who’s hurt by this? Millions of poor American children live in families suffering from unemployment or depressed wages because an estimated 7 million illegal foreign workers are holding construction, manufacturing, service and transportation jobs.
GO HERE to read more.
FLEMING HEALTH CARE REPEAL UPDATE
The enormous health care bill signed into law will be largely paid for by cuts to services many seniors depend on. Here is just a sampling of the Medicare cuts, totaling more than $500 billion, to come:
In 2010:
Medicare will cut reimbursements to inpatient psychiatric hospitals.
In 2011:
Medicare cuts to home health agencies begin.
Wealthier seniors ($85K/$170K) begin paying higher Part D premiums.
Medicare cuts begin to ambulance services, ambulatory surgery centers, diagnostic labs, and durable medical equipment.
Seniors are prohibited from purchasing power wheelchairs unless they first rent for 13 months.
New Medicare cuts to long term care hospitals begin.
New Medicare cuts to hospitals and cuts to nursing homes begin (FY12)
Medicare Advantage cuts begin. Participating seniors will face premium increases, benefit cuts, or both.
In 2012:
Medicare reimbursements for dialysis treatments are cut.
Medicare cuts to hospice begin.
In 2013:
Medicare reimbursements to hospitals that serve low-income seniors will be cut.
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: When providers get paid less by Medicare for services seniors depend on, many may be forced to decrease their services or close some of their locations just to make ends meet. This means that seniors may experience a decrease in their access to essential care, which is already a problem for many in rural districts. The cuts to Medicare Advantage may cause many of these insurance providers to stop offering plans to seniors, forcing seniors back into traditional Medicare.
THE DOCTOR'S DIAGNOSIS: Senior should not have to bear the cost of health care reform. Instead, we need common-sense health reform that will lead to quality, affordable health care, without breaking the bank, or cutting services to seniors. We need to repeal the bill.
As this process unfolds, I will continue to work to represent you, bring common-sense to this debate, and work to repeal this unpopular law.
Sincerely,
JOHN FLEMING, M.D.
Member of Congress
SHOULD WICOMICO COUNTY ALLOW POLITICAL SIGNS AT THE CIVIC CENTER?
Should the County allow candidates to have signs posted there during that period? What about when the polling place is closed?
Today Is Loaded With Posts & Updates On Salisbury News
News and information you probably won't get anywhere else on the Shore. It's Friday Folks!
From our Blogger Weather Radar Satellite we predict this will be a Holiday Weekend and most will have the day off on Monday. This is Bloggeroligist, Chief Mid Shore, Special Agent Joe Albero coming to you LIVE.
Stay tuned for breaking weather updates and additional closings. By the way, no swimming in Ocean City through Saturday. Unless you have a surf board or body board, (say public officials) then you're considered a professional?
Wicomico County Sheriff's Office Press Releases
Incident: Trespassing
Date of Incident: 1 September 2010
Location: 7800 block of Jersey Road, Salisbury, MD
Suspect: Nathan C. Ackison, 25, Fayetteville, WV
Narrative: On 1 Sep 2010 at 1:47 hrs, deputies from the WCSO responded to a report of a suspicious subject on the property of the Islamic Center in the 7800 block of Jersey Road. Upon arrival, the deputies located Nathan Ackison, formerly of West Virginia, sitting in a vehicle in the parking lot. An administrator of the Center told the deputies that he had asked Ackison to leave and that Ackison refused. Additionally, the property was also posted No Trespassing.
The deputy placed Ackison under arrest and subsequently located a two foot long club under the seat of Ackison’s vehicle. The deputy observed that the club was outfitted with spikes on the end making it clearly capable of inflicting serious injury or death.
Ackison was transported to the Central Booking Unit where he was processed and taken in front of the District Court Commissioner. After an initial appearance, Ackison was detained in the Detention Center in lieu of $10,000 bond.
Charges: Trespass
Possession of a Dangerous Weapon
Incident: Assault
Date of Incident: 1 September 2010
Location: 6400 block of Friendship Road, Pittsville, MD
Suspect: 1. Lindsey E. Henderson, 22, Pittsville, MD
2. Samantha E. Butts, 22, Pittsville, MD
Narrative: On 1 Sep 2010 at 3:28 a deputy from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office investigated an altercation that occurred inside a residence in the 6400 block of Friendship Road in Pittsville, MD. Investigation revealed that two roommates, Lindsey Henderson and Samantha Butts became involved in a verbal altercation that turned physical. Both women accused the other of an assault and both had corroborating signs of physical injury.
Based on the mutual complaints and the signs of injury, the deputy placed both Henderson and Butts under arrest. Both were transported to the Central Booking Unit where they were processed and taken in front of the District Court Commissioner. After an initial appearance, both were released by the Commissioner on Personal Recognizance.
Charges: Assault 2nd Degree
MSP Press Releases
TROOPERS CHARGE MAN WITH CDS POSSESSION
On September 2, 2010 at 2359 hours, A Trooper from the Salisbury Barrack of the Maryland State Police stopped a vehicle for a traffic violation on Powellville Road near Burbage Crossing Road in Powellville. During the stop, the Trooper requested a K-9 unit to respond to the traffic stop for a drug scan. Prior to the arrival of the K-9 unit, the rear seat passenger spoke up and advised the Trooper that he was in possession of MARIHUANA. Robert Joseph Roppelt, 22, of Berlin, was transported to WCDC and was charged with possession of MARIHUANA and paraphernalia. Roppelt is awaiting a hearing with the District Court Commissioner.
TROOPERS CHARGE MAN WITH CDS POSSESSION
On September 1, 2010 at 2359 hours, A Trooper from the Salisbury Barrack of the Maryland State Police stopped a vehicle for a traffic violation on Powell School Road near Mt. Herman Road in Pittsville. During the stop, the Trooper could detect a strong odor of burning MARIHUANA within the vehicle. During a probable cause search of the vehicle, Troopers located a marihuana joint, a baggie containing several grams of cocaine and a digital scale. Joshua Todd Hennessey, 19, or Powellville, was transported to WCDC and was charged with Possession of cocaine with the intent to distribute, possession of CDS manufacturing equipment, and possession of MARIHUANA and paraphernalia.
TROOPERS CHARGE PAIR WITH CDS POSSESSION
On September 3, 2010 at 0012 hours, A Trooper from the Salisbury Barrack of the Maryland State Police stopped a vehicle for a traffic violation on Rt. 13 at South Blvd. in Salisbury. During the stop, the Trooper requested a K-9 for a drug scan. Due to a positive alert for CDS, Troopers searched the vehicle and located several smoking devices containing trace amounts of crack cocaine. Nichole Lee Baker, 26, and Jeffery McKinley Stuart, 47 both of Salisbury, were transported to WCDC and charged with Possession of cocaine and paraphernalia. They are awaiting a hearing with the District Court Commissioner.
Annual Fall Walk @ Lunch Event Coming to Downtown Salisbury
The event is organized by the Wellness Information on Nutrition and Physical Activity Coalition (WINPAC). Fall Walk @ Lunch is supported financially by Avery Hall Insurance, Inc., CFS Retirement and Tax Solutions, Market Street Inn, PNC Bank, Peninsula Insurance, PRMC, and the Wicomico County Health Department.
Tattoo Barbie, My Cleaning Trolley And More Of The Worst Ever Toys For Girls
Parents, what do you think of these toys? Would you buy any of these for your little girls? What are some of the more disturbing toys you’ve seen?
Source
MARYLAND DEMOCRATIC PARTY AND MARYLAND REPUBLICAN PARTY JOIN FORCES
Party Chairs Susan W. Turnbull and Audrey E. Scott Work Together to Educate Voters about Early Voting
Annapolis, MD - The Maryland Democratic Party and the Maryland Republican Party held a joint press conference on Early Voting.
Party Chairs Susan W. Turnbull and Audrey E. Scott both gave remarks and answered questions about Early Voting for this year's Primary and General Elections.
The Party Chairs had this to say in a joint statement:
"As the Chairs of our respective State Parties, we feel strongly that we have a responsibility to educate voters in Maryland about Early Voting. For the first time in Maryland, voters will have more control over when and where they vote. As State Party Chairs, we will work with the State Board of Elections to ensure early voting is safe and secure, giving Marylanders the benefit of choosing when and where they cast their ballots. Early Voting will make it easier for all Marylanders to get to the polls, regardless of their hectic schedules - increasing voter turnout, and giving all registered voters in this state an opportunity for their voices to be heard. This election year, the first decision that voters will make is when and where to vote."
For the Primary Election, Early Voting will take place from September 3, 2010 until September 9, 2010 (excluding Sunday, September 5, 2010). For the General Election, Early Voting will take place from October 22, 2010 until October 28, 2010 (Except Sunday, October 24, 2010). For more information on Early Voting including polling locations visit:
www.mdearlyvote.com
www.mdgop.org/earlyvoting
www.mddems.org/earlyvoting
Sen. Colburn And Del. Haddaway-Riccio Announce September 19th Fundraiser At The Red Roost
Delegate Haddaway-Riccio is anticipating a fun afternoon of casual conversation and great food. She stated “It is an honor and a privilege to serve the citizens of District 37B with Senator Richard Colburn and Delegate Addie Eckardt. This event is a great opportunity for us to talk with those constituents, discuss current events and enjoy local food and fare."
A popular eatery in Wicomico County, The Red Roost’s history dates back to the 1940’s when it originated as a chicken house constructed of cinder block and oak. Once abandoned, it was reclaimed during the 1970’s when it became The Red Roost Restaurant. Residents of the area flocked to the eatery to sample delicious steamed crabs, fresh corn on the cob and mouth watering fried chicken. Many of the traditions of the original Red Roost can still be found today!
Tickets for the event are $50 per person. They may be obtained in advance by calling (410) 924-0098. Checks can be made payable to Citizens for Colburn Committee and mailed to 5210 Heron Road, Cambridge, MD 21613
Statement From Bob Ehrlich Regarding Revenue Collections
“The Comptroller of Maryland this week released Maryland’s revenue collections for Fiscal Year 2010, including the news that Maryland endured its third worst revenue collection in more than forty years. Governor O’Malley considered the Comptroller’s announcement ‘great.’ I expect better, and so should Marylanders.
“With $8 billion in deficits looming on the horizon, the best way to fix Maryland’s structural budget deficit is to create new private sector jobs, lower the tax burden on families and entrepreneurs so they can invest and innovate, and eliminate wasteful spending in government.”
72 Percent Of Adults Are Text-Messaging Now
Among adult cell phone users, 72 percent of them now send and receive text messages, up from 65 percent in September 2009, and 58 percent in December 2007, according to "Cell Phones and American Adults," a report from the Pew Research Center’s Internet & American Life Project.
GO HERE to read more.
Adult Volleyball Programs Serve Up Full Menu Of Action This Fall & Winter
(Salisbury, MD) The Wicomico County Department of Recreation, Parks & Tourism will offer four different adult volleyball leagues for the 2010-2011 volleyball season: coed volleyball, women’s 3-hit, women’s 6-hit, and men’s 4 v 4. In addition to league play, the County will also offer a drop-in program on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, which is open to the public.
The coed volleyball league will take place on Sunday afternoons during the fall and winter months at the Bennett Middle School gymnasium. The league will consist of 3 different levels of play: Power A, Power B, and Power C. The Power C division is part of the County’s initiative to develop adult social recreation and will be open to recreational players and teams. Social recreation is a great way to meet new people, bond with co-workers and have fun with friends! The registration deadline for coed volleyball is Friday, October 1 and games are slated to begin Sunday, October 17.
The women’s 3-Hit program plays on Monday and Wednesday evenings during the winter months at various locations within Salisbury. The deadline to register is Friday, November 5 and the first regular season match will take place on Monday, November 15. A pre-season informational meeting will be held on Tuesday, September 14 at 7 pm at the Civic Center in Flanders Room 2.
The women’s 6-Hit program will take place on Tuesday and Thursday evenings at various locations in the County. The deadline to register is Friday, November 5 and the first regular season match will take place on Tuesday, November 23. A pre-season informational meeting will be held on Tuesday, September 14 at 6 pm at the Civic Center in Flanders Room 2.
The men’s 4 v 4 volleyball league is back for the 2nd straight year and will take place on Wednesday nights at Bennett Middle School. The deadline to register is Friday, November 5 and the first match will take place on Wednesday, November 17. The men’s volleyball pre-season meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, September 22 at 6:30 pm at the Civic Center in Danang Room 1.
For those looking for extra gym time, the County will also offer a coed drop-in program on Tuesday and Thursday evenings beginning Tuesday, October 12. The drop-in program is open to players ages 15 & older and is $5 per night for 2 hours of action. Most drop-in sessions will take place from 7-9 pm but times may vary based on the youth volleyball schedule.
Additional information regarding these programs will be available at the pre-season meetings listed above. For more information contact Steve Miller at 410-548-4900 ext. 105 or email smiller@wicomicocounty.org.
GOVERNOR MARTIN O’MALLEY ANNOUNCES APPOINTMENTS TO MARYLAND SUSTAINABLE GROWTH COMMISSION
ANNAPOLIS, MD - Governor Martin O’Malley announced appointments to the Maryland Sustainable Growth Commission, and joined Senate President Thomas V. “Mike” Miller and Speaker of the House Michael Busch in announcing appointments to the Public Employees’ and Retirees’ Benefit Sustainability Commission. The Governor appoints the Commission chair. Created and enacted earlier this year by the Maryland General Assembly, the Maryland Sustainable Growth Commission is charged with assessing and advising on the progress of State, regional and local planning in Maryland in achieving the goals of the State economic growth, resource protection, and planning policy.
“I am proud to announce the appointments to the Maryland Sustainable Growth Commission,” said Governor O’Malley. “I am confident that the appointees announced to the Sustainable Growth Commission will help leverage Maryland’s position as a national leader in environmental initiatives, while helping Maryland create a sustainable approach to development throughout our State, and building a more sustainable environment for future generations of Marylanders.”