Teacher Pistol-Whipped Near Southeast Elementary School

An elementary school Spanish teacher is recovering after being beaten almost to death in southeast D.C. Monday.

The 46-year-old teacher had parked about a block away from Garnet Wilkinson Elementary before 11:30 a.m. and was walking to the school when a masked man dressed all in black approached her and demanded her purse, NBC Washington's Craig Melvin reported. When she refused, the man pulled out a pistol and began pistol-whipping her.

The attacker took her purse and car and left her for dead with injuries including a cracked skull that caused her brain to bleed, Melvin reported.

The car was recovered in Northeast Tuesday. Police are processing it in hopes of finding evidence that will lead them to the culprit.

The teacher is at Howard University Hospital, where she's had at least two surgeries, Melvin reported.

GO HERE to read more.

Salisbury Police Officer Down

Thirty minutes ago an undercover Salisbury Police Officer was assaulted by two individuals. The officer was assisting in a drug raid when the assault happened. The two individuals are in police custody and are being processed as we speak. The officer was transported to the hospital his condition is unknown at this time.

Update to follow.....

Police Officials are now saying that officer in question fell while making the arrest.

Statement From RNC Chairman Michael Steele On The Democrat Leadership Elections

INSTEAD OF LISTENING TO THE AMERICAN PEOPLE, CONGRESSIONAL DEMOCRATS HAND THE KEYS BACK TO NANCY PELOSI AND HARRY REID

WASHINGTON – Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman Michael Steele released the following statement today:

“Just two weeks after a resounding call for a change in direction all across the country, Congressional Democrats chose to ignore the elections and reelect Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid as their leaders for the 112^th Congress, continuing the same reckless, job-killing agenda that was just overwhelmingly rejected. If this year’s historic elections taught us anything, it is that the American people understand the difference between campaigning on changing Washington and actually doing it. This vote for leadership is an unfortunate reminder that Democrats will do and say whatever it takes to get elected, but when it comes to governing, their allegiance is to a far left agenda of bigger government, higher taxes, and more spending.

“Without any regard for the will of the American people, Pelosi and Reid rammed through President Obama’s $2.5 trillion health care takeover and failed stimulus bill, while saddling future generations with trillions of dollars in crushing debt. They did so while failing to address the nation’s unemployment crisis and needlessly delaying action on $3.9 trillion in looming tax hikes that have kept job creators on the sidelines. Congressional Democrats’ stunning disregard for the public’s admonishment of their failed policies shows that they are more interested in furthering President Obama’s liberal agenda than representing the best interests of the American people.”

Shots Fired At Mall

Detectives Investigate Shooting at Christiana Mall

 

Location:  South parking lot of the Christiana Mall, Newark, DE

 

Date of Occurrence:   Wednesday, November 17, 2010 at 12:00 p.m.

 

Resume:   The Delaware State Police are currently investigating a report of a shot being fired after a shoplifting had occurred at the Christiana Mall in Newark, DE.

 

Preliminary information is that two male suspects had been inside of the Macy’s Department Store and had been observed shoplifting. The suspects were followed from the store by a Macy’s security guard, into the mall, and then outside of the mall into the parking lot. At this point a Christiana Mall security guard confronted one of the suspects in the parking lot at which time the suspect fired a single shot at him from a handgun, missing the guard. Both suspects then fled the area on foot and were apprehended a short time later on DE. Route 7 at Edgebrook Way in Christiana.

 

This information is preliminary. The investigation is continuing. More detailed information will be released as it is received.

Republicans Select John Boehner Voted Speaker Of The House

Congressman Elect Andy Harris just confirmed the Republican Conference just voted John Boehner as Speaker of the House.

American Education Week

I apologize for all the delays in moderating comments today but if you knew my schedule you'd completely understand.

One of the major things on my calendar today was a visit to Delmar Elementary School for American Education Week.

The question to all of you is, did you take the time, (or do you have plans) to visit your children's school this week?

Another Letter To The Editor

What gets me about these firehouse and fire boat ripoffs is, the new fire chief isn't even sworn in yet. What is he doing advancing anything before he takes the oath of his position? He shouldn't be buying a thing or making any personnel changes until he's got the lay of the land and got sworn in!

I don't know this new fire chief and I'm willing to give him the benefit of the doubt, but come on. What kind of leader makes sweeping deals like this right out of the gate? And when I asked myself that question, it hit me!!!!

It's not the new fire chief, it's the mayor! Why does Ireton want to shove all this through so fast? Did he make a deal with Gary Comegys? Does he simply not know what's going on with his own fire department, so Gordy and Hoppes can get their last goodies in before the new chief finds out? Did Ireton order the unsworn new fire chief to present all this? I know the guy will be sworn in by the time this comes for official vote, but you have to admit, this stinks like a full litter box in July. I know the firehouse giveaway is really out of that department's hands, so that's on the mayor and council's head. But I can't believe somebody brand new in the job wouldn't assert his authority to put a hold on the fire boat mess until he was fully sworn and comfortable in the seat.

Unless of course he doesn't have the authority and this rape of the taxpayers is being forced from higher up.

Housing Starts Drop To Lowest Since 2009

Construction of new homes and apartments sank 11.7 percent last month

Construction of new homes fell in October, fresh evidence that the housing industry remains under duress.

Construction of new homes and apartments sank 11.7 percent last month to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 519,000 units, the Commerce Department said Wednesday. But that was mainly because apartment construction, which represents less than 20 percent of the housing market, fell by more than 40 percent. The much larger single-family home category fell 1.1 percent.

Story: Foreclosure mess could wreak havoc - report

The overall drop marked the poorest showing since April 2009, when construction dropped to 477,000 units — the lowest level on records dating back to 1959. Construction of new homes and apartments is 77 percent below its peak during the housing boom of 2.27 million units in January 2006.

The weakness last month reflected a small decline in construction of single-family homes and big decrease in construction of apartments and other multifamily units.

GO HERE to read more.

Palin: 'I'm Engaged In The Internal Deliberations' For 2012 Run

The inner circle of Sarah Palin’s political organization is notoriously difficult to crack, but in an over-7500-word piece in the New York Times Magazine posted online Wednesday, Robert Draper offers a rare glimpse into Palin-land – as well as buzzy quotes from an hour-long interview with the former Alaska gov.
In the key excerpt ricocheting around the media today, Palin gives a clear indication that she is seriously mulling a 2012 run:

“I am,” Sarah Palin told me the next day when I asked her if she was already weighing a run for president. “I’m engaged in the internal deliberations candidly, and having that discussion with my family, because my family is the most important consideration here.” Palin went on to say that there weren’t meaningful differences in policy among the field of G.O.P. hopefuls “but that in fact there’s more to the presidency than that” and that her decision would involve evaluating whether she could bring unique qualities to the table.

GO HERE to read more.

Today's Survey Question

Should Breast Feeding Be Allowed In Public?

Worcester County Sheriff’s Office Press Release

On November 16, 2010 at 3:00 p.m., the Worcester County Sheriff's Office Deputies were in the Pocomoke City area when a lookout was given for a wanted individual identified as, Martel Blake age 18 of Pocomoke, Maryland. The individual had been observed by Pocomoke City Police but eluded capture. A short time later, a Deputy spotted the vehicle the individual was in and the vehicle was stopped on Buck Harbor Road, Pocomoke, Maryland. As the Deputy was conducting the traffic stop, the right rear passenger, David Dewayne Dickerson   Age 18, of Pocomoke, Maryland, exited the vehicle and began to walk away. The Deputy confronted this individual and the individual was stopped. The Deputy located a loaded .357 revolver in the right front pants pocket of the individual. Also located in the vehicle was the wanted subject who had an arrest warrant for possession of a handgun. The following individuals were arrested.

1) Martel Blake   Age 18     McMichael Ave, Pocomoke, Maryland.

   Charges: Arrest Warrant for Possession of Handgun on Person

    Held on $3,000.00 Bond at the Worcester County Detention Center

2)David Dewayne Dickerson   Age 18,  Cropper Court, Pocomoke, Maryland

  Charges: Possession of Handgun and Wear Carry Deadly Weapon.

  Held on $3,000.00 Bond at the Worcester County Detention Center.

Hispanic Lawmakers Push DREAM Act Vote

Congressional Hispanic Caucus leaders huddled with President Barack Obama on Tuesday to discuss immigration issues and the lame-duck Congress, but no clear strategy emerged.

Obama and Hispanic Democrats reiterated their support for the DREAM Act, which would provide a path for citizenship for immigrant youths illegally brought into the United States before they were 16, and both called for the House and Senate to vote on the measure before Congress adjourns for the year.

“We need a clear Democratic commitment in order to persuade Republicans, who are needed to get us over the finish line, to step forward,” said Rep. Luís Gutierrez, D-Ill.

The push for immigration legislation by the Congressional Hispanic Caucus comes as Latino Democrats select new leaders this week.

The Hispanic members asked the president's help in seeking a vote on the DREAM Act before Congress adjourns.

Both Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., said they would seek a vote on the measure in their respective chambers over Republican opposition.     

More

Sarah Palin's Happiness Is What Really Irks Liberals

This past weekend, I traveled to Chicago to speak at the Conservatives4Palin meetup, where Mama Grizzlies, Palinistas and "ordinary barbarians," as she's now taken to calling her followers, gathered to hear speeches, talk about conservative issues, celebrate a hypothetical Palin 2012 campaign and generally worship at the altar of Sarah Palin.

At one point during the program, Palin made a surprise phone call to the group, patched through one of the organizer's cell phones and played over a loudspeaker. The room burst into spontaneous applause and frenzied yelping as she launched into a warm and cheery 20-minute "thanks for all your hard work" chat.
I returned to New York from the Chicago gathering to find Palin again, not in my ear but on my television screen, bouncing gleefully around Alaska on her new TLC documentary series, "Sarah Palin's Alaska." She and Todd (her "neat husband," as Phyllis Schlafly put it recently) went fishing, rock climbing and bear spotting in between appearing on Fox News and ducking from their nosy new neighbor, who moved in just to write about Alaska's former first family.

It seems everyone wants a piece of Palin these days. Some are fans, some are hostile foes. But regardless, we just can't stop talking about her. Will there ever be a time when we decide that we've figured her out and there's nothing else to say?

And then it hit me. The reason Palin has become such a lightening rod, a kingmaker and a punching bag, a celebrity and a power player, is simple. It's because she's so gosh darn happy.

GO HERE to read more.

An Interesting Letter To The Editor From Easton

HI.

I know this isn't exactly Salisbury but recently I was looking through one of those free papers that lists property  transfers and noticed that the YMCA in Easton purchased a house.  For  some reason that caught my eye and when I looked at who the seller was  it was the CEO of the YMCA.  I was curious as to why the YMCA would  purchase the home of its CEO so sent him an email.  His reply stated  that a YMCA employee was renting it who just moved here from another  area and would later purchase the home. 

At first that sounded  understandable but then I looked at the homes in the neighborhood and  maybe I am missing something but none seem to have sold for as much in  the past couple years and there is currently a larger home on the market  for the same price.  It kind of sounds fishy that a non-profit would purchase its CEO's home and then rent it to a new employee.  All this happening while right on the front page of their website they are asking for donations to complete an expansion and are expanding to St. Michaels and into neighboring counties. 

Since we don't have a news site like yours here I thought I would pass along this information hoping it might raise some questions to make sure nothing shady is happening here like taking advantage of his position to sell his home at a price of more than it would get on the market, no to mention he probably didn't have to pay an agents commission.

Here is the property record:

http://sdatcert3.resiusa.org/rp_rewrite/details.aspx?AccountNumber=01%20101102%20%20%20%20%20%20%20&County=21&SearchType=STREET


Thanks!

GOVERNOR MARTIN O’MALLEY TO TOUR STORM DAMAGE IN BALTIMORE CITY

ANNAPOLIS, MD (November 17, 2010) – Governor Martin O’Malley will tour the storm damage in Baltimore City this morning and be available for media.  He will visit the command center at McLean and Fleetwood at approximately 10:30 a.m. and be available to media following the tour.

As a result, the Governor’s originally-scheduled participation at Board of Public Works will not occur.  Lt. Governor Brown will preside in his absence.

COUNTY CONDUCTS SUCCESSFUL BOND SALE

Wicomico County Executive Richard M. Pollitt, Jr., announced that the county sold $6,795,000 in bonds at competitive bid yesterday.  Part of these bonds ($2,590,000) will finance architectural and engineering costs for Bennett Middle School, a small sum to finish the Allied Health Building at Wor-Wic Community College, and another small amount to make capital improvements at the county-owned Perdue Stadium.  The balance ($4,205,000) is to refinance bonds sold in 2002 to take advantage of a lower interest rate. 

There were 3 bidders, with bids ranging from 3.27% to 3.88%.  The award was to Robert W. Baird & Co.,Inc., the low bidder.

The sale came after a successful trip to New York City to meet with the three leading bond rating agencies.  This year, all three rating agencies affirmed the County’s strong ratings. Mr. Pollitt said that this was “a very positive result in today’s challenging economic climate. Of particular note is the $127,000 savings realized in interest expenses by the refinancing of the 2002 bonds. It’s always good news when we can save our citizens money.”

Moody’s Investors Service assigned an Aa3 rating, citing a healthy financial position, proactive management and conservative fiscal policies and practices.  Fitch ratings assigned an AA-/stable rating, commenting on our sold fund balance levels, available financial flexibility, and low overall debt levels.  In assigning an AA-/stable rating, Standard and Poor's also noted a good financial position, strong reserves, conservative management practices, and low debt burden.

“I am very pleased with the results of our bond sale,” said County Executive Rick Pollitt.  “It was clear that the rating agencies felt Wicomico County was managing its financial affairs well, and that is reflected in our solid ratings and the market based interest rate we received on the sale.” 

A Letter To The Editor

RICK POLLITT: CALL JIM PERDUE NOW!

We may be seeing the first stage of the relocation of Perdue’s corporate headquarters from Wicomico County to Sussex County. It needs to be dealt with, pronto, and if possible cancelled. No matter how they spin it, the shift just announced is trouble for Wicomico County.

And Mr/ Pollitt should have seen this (or something similar) coming when Jim Perdue supported Joe Ollinger in the recent campaign for County Executive. But, better late than never, and he should be able to get major state support from his pal O’Malley.

Don’t delay, Rick – do it now. And don’t send Fineran or Shea to try to plug this hole, because it’s just too damn big.

HEY SALISBURY – WHERE’S YOUR MAYOR?

The recent work session approval of the new fireboat and sale of the former "headquarters" fire house has brought forth shots at the "three stooges" on the City Council. But lets not forget that these matters have the tacit approval of the City’s chief executive officer, the mayor, if not his actual approval and support behind the scenes. He has the authority to order the fire department not to seek funding for the fire boat and can put the flame to further discussion of a sweetheart deal for the old fire house.

It seems that Ireton’s campaign against SAPOA is taking all of his "after school" time and attention while other absurdities continue unabated. Look for further episodes involving "the Bricks" and "Linens of the Week" – matters originating in the mayor’s office -- before the year’s end.

Md. Pays $46m In Unemployment Benefits To Ineligible Residents

ANNAPOLIS - Maryland paid $46 million in unemployment insurance benefits to people ineligible for the assistance in fiscal 2010, state officials said Tuesday.

The payouts represent roughly 5 percent of the state's total unemployment insurance payments in fiscal 2010 -- which is a 25 percent increase from last year.

"In order to have a strong unemployment trust fund, we need to make sure that we pay benefits properly," said Julie Squire, assistant secretary of unemployment insurance for the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation.

She said DLLR identifies overpayments by scanning national and state employment databases to flag newly hired workers who are continuing to collect benefits.

"We know, anecdotally, pretty much all [ineligible recipients] are people who are going back to work and continuing to file for unemployment insurance -- that's probably 90 percent of it," Squire told the state-appointed Committee on Unemployment Insurance Oversight.

The agency is ramping up efforts to reclaim the overpayments, she added. DLLR orders paybacks by mail and in some cases will intercept tax returns to acquire the money.

"There's no way we will ever catch everyone," Squire said. She emphasized that the waste remains below the 11 percent national average in improper unemployment checks.

Last year, DLLR sent out $35 million in payments to ineligible recipients.

She told state Sen. Thomas Middleton, chairman of the committee, that the agency does not have a goal for cutting the payments to ineligible residents.

Squire also reported that Maryland employers will continue paying the highest possible contribution rates to the unemployment insurance trust fund in fiscal 2011 to meet a growing demand for benefits. The state paid out roughly $50 million more in benefits in fiscal 2010 than fiscal 2009.

[Your tax dollars at work in O'Malleyland--  Editor]More here

An Agenda for the NEW Wicomico County Council

While it won’t be official until next week, it appears that Republicans have managed to win 6 seats on the Wicomico County Council.  With such a large, veto proof majority there is little excuse for this council to not accomplish quite a bit over the next four years.  Here are some things for our next council to start thinking about:
A REAL HOMESTEAD TAX CREDIT
While we won’t know for certain until next week whether “Landslide Bob” Caldwell has won the District 4 seat, the keystone of Caldwell’s campaign should be acted on regardless.  Wicomico homeowners deserve a REAL homestead tax credit.  Unlike the current scheme, where the assessed value of a home must rise 10% in one year for a homeowner to receive any relief, Caldwell’s proposed 0-base tax credit will prevent homeowners from being priced out of their own homes due to rising assessments.
Yes, I can hear the screams of Rick Pollitt and others already.  The claims of stripping the county treasury dry are almost deafening.  They are also fallacious.  Caldwell’s argument is simple – the county isn’t “giving up” any money;  they simply won’t be getting as much from homeowners as Pollitt and his allies would like.  We can also expect to hear claims that this proposal is somehow “anti-business”.  Again, with the revenue cap in place, I seriously doubt that businesses will be complaining that their property tax rates only go down a bit less that they otherwise would have.  Since commercial properties and non-owner occupied homes aren’t eligible for a homestead tax credit anyway, such arguments are merely a backdoor means of putting the county’s mitts deeper into homeowner’s pockets.
This item should be attacked early in 2011 (January or February).  If passed, it couldn’t take affect until FY 2013.  This allows Pollitt and his staff more than ample time to plan ahead.
THE WICOMICO DEPARTMENT OF LIQUOR CONTROL
It’s not a very big secret.  I believe that the county dispensary system is corrupt, steals from the taxpayers, and is no better than Barack Obama taking over GM and Chrysler.  The government should not be in the wholesale or retail liquor business.
That said, I also recognize that the Wicomico County Liquor Control Board has bamboozled a large portion of the citizenry into thinking that having the county in the liquor business is somehow good for them.  Fair enough.  If the county is going to stay in the liquor business, then it (meaning us, the taxpayers) should realize ALL of the profits.  This can be easily accomplished by establishing a Department of Liquor Control.
Currently, Wicomico, Worcester, and Somerset counties still have liquor control boards.  These boards are appointed by the governor and claim that they have ZERO responsibility to our counties’ elected governments.  In the past several years we have seen the Wicomico LCB waste thousands and thousands of dollars on employee junkets and gifts to various groups on the Lower Shore.
Montgomery County has a Department of Liquor Control (MCDLC).  They operate retail stores.  The Board of License Commissioners are still appointed by the governor, but their budget and staff fall under the the MCDLC.
Why would we want a Department of Liquor Control (DLC) instead of the current system?  It’s simple.  I may criticize Rick Pollitt on occasion, but I believe him to be an honest man.  In addition, Pollitt has to run for re-election every four years.  Under a DLC, I’m not too worried about employees going on junkets.  We also wouldn’t have to worry about county money going to fund a group so that Pollitt can be their “Man of the Year”.
However, to accomplish this requires approval of the legislature.  The council needs to act fast to request this.  Again, because of the veto proof majority, the executive can’t veto a resolution requesting this action by our delegation.  If Rudy Cane wants to block this action so his pal Cecilia Dennis can keep doling out the goodies, we can always go Jim Mathias and Rich Colburn as well as the other members of the county’s House delegation.
MORE CONTROL OVER THE BUDGET
Personally, I have no axe to grind with County Public Information Officer Jim Fineran.  I have no desire to see the man loose his job.  However, I have a far greater concern that Pollitt and County Attorney Ed Baker argue that the legislative arm of our county’s government cannot exercise adequate control over the county budget.
The charter is pretty clear.  The Executive submits a budget.  The council may cut, but it cannot add more money EXCEPT for education.  Yet, Baker now claims that the council cannot excise line items from the budget.  Without more than Mr. Baker’s opinion, the council should refuse to accept any budget that is not a line item budget (note that Pollitt has always delivered a line item budget to council) AND should feel free to cut any amount from a line item OR cut an entire line item.
IF the council cuts a line item from the budget, Pollitt lacks the authority to spend funds on that item.  This is how it should be.  Without adequate budget authority, there is no real need for a county council.  We elected Pollitt to County Executive, not County Despot.
RESTRUCTURING THE COUNTY GOVERNMENT
One of the complaints most often heard about Pollitt’s stewardship of the county government is his refusal to restructure it in the face of the revenue cap.  It has become apparent that Pollitt is simply keeping the current structure in the hope that we’ll all “come to our senses” and vote the revenue cap out.  Perhaps Rick believes in Santa and the Easter Bunny as well!
Restructuring the county government is needed … and needed ASAP!  However, this is a long term process that will require some long term planning.  Waiting until an election year and then putting forth myriad initiatives and proposals is simply unacceptable.  If the Executive’s office won’t do it, the council needs to.
How?  Through the budget process.  Departments can be downsized.  If Pollitt refuses to sit down with the council and negotiate how to re-structure them, the worse thing that will happen is that the county will run on a surplus.  Pollitt still can’t spend those surplus funds without county council approval.
Pollitt is always bragging about the county’s bond rating.  More surpluses sure won’t hurt it.
KICKING THE “LAND GRAB” TO THE CURB
We can expect Pollitt to push forward with another attempt to down-zone county ag lands.  We can expect that there will be some kind of “compensation” scheme that will steal farmers’ property rights today with the “promise” to compensate them down the road.
It’s called “BETTING ON THE COME”.
A majority of the new council has pledged not to support any down-zoning without compensation.  That means REAL compensation, not some pie-in-the-sky promise.
The way to handle this is simple.  Any proposal for down-zoning that does not include REAL compensation should never be allowed to see the light of day.  IF the council president chooses to put it on the ballot, a majority can simply move, second, and vote to remove that item from the agenda.

=================================

These are just a few suggestions.  For full disclosure, these are not my ideas; I just happen to agree with them.  Each and every one of these proposals has come from a current or elected council member.  It is just my sincere hope that these folks will push for these very good ideas.
It is also my hope that there will be plenty more to come.

Found Beagle

Joe,

Found a beagle in my yard last evening. No collar or ID. Shy but friendly. Was really hungry and slept all night. Located on Northumberland Drive, Essex Ridge, off Downing Rd.

Tel: 410-742-7688

Teen Kills Mom Of 11, 61-Year-Old Woman

Store clerks were shot so they would not call authorities, affidavit says

DES MOINES, Iowa — Authorities on Tuesday charged a Minnesota teenager with murdering two convenience store clerks at separate stores in northern Iowa.

Michael Richard Swanson, a 17-year-old from St. Louis Park, Minn., was charged as an adult with two counts each of first-degree murder and first-degree robbery in slayings in Kossuth and Humboldt counties.

Swanson appeared in a Kossuth County courtroom and was ordered held on $1 million cash bond. He was assigned an attorney from the state Public Defender's office in Fort Dodge, but officials from the office declined to comment.

GO HERE to read more.

Parker: Race And The 2010 Elections

Will the NAACP be celebrating the arrival of two new black faces to the U.S. House of Representatives?

Don’t hold your breath. They certainly will not. These two new black congressmen are Republicans.

There’s a powerful message here that should and must be digested.

We have arrived in post-racial America but establishment blacks – lodged in the political left – refuse to accept it and are doing all they can to get black citizens to refuse to accept it.

The sobering reality is that the black political establishment doesn’t want Dr. King’s dream. They don’t want an America where people are judged by the content of their character. They want an America that is Democrat and left wing and this is what they promote today under the banner of civil rights.

The campaign by the NAACP and leading black journalists – all liberals – to paint the Tea Party movement, the push back against government growth and intrusiveness over the last two years, as motivated by racism is shameful.

Shortly before the elections, the NAACP produced a tome called “Tea Party Nationalism,” alleging racist connections to the Tea Party movement.

The day before the elections, Washington Post columnist Eugene Robinson wrote a column suggesting that the Tea Party movement was a well funded racist pushback against President Obama which started the day of his inauguration.

Tim Scott and Allen West, our new black Republican congressmen, are both aggressive and unapologetic voices for everything the Tea Party movement stands for.

They were just elected in districts that are overwhelmingly white. Both also defeated white Republican opponents in their primaries.

Scott’s district is Republican. But West’s is not.

Florida’s 22nd district that just elected West voted for Barack Obama in 2008, John Kerry in 2004, and Al Gore in 2000.

I guess these white Democrats and Independents didn’t get the racism memo.

The political tsunami, washing in a wave of new Republicans to Washington, was caused by a major shift in the vote of political independents, overwhelmingly white, and who largely voted for Barack Obama in 2008.

Who turned on the light after the presidential election that caused these white voters to discover that the man they voted for, to their horror according to the NAACP and Eugene Robinson, is black?

Read the rest here >>

Md. Liquor Store Owners Held Without Bond In Corruption Case

A Howard County, Md., couple was ordered held without bond in Prince George's County in a case that led to the arrests of Prince George's County police officers.

Amrik and Ravinder Melhi own more than a dozen liquor stores. According to the indictment, the Melhis -- as well as Amir Milijkovic, a 39-year-old auto glass store owner from Bowie, Md.; Chun "Eddy" Chen, 34, of Bowie; and Jose Moreno, 49, of Alexandria, Va. -- would pay police officers in exchange for them using their official authority to ensure the safe transport and distribution of untaxed cigarettes and alcohol in Maryland and Virginia.

In court Tuesday, prosecutors made reference to bribes of county officials involving favorable acts for their businesses, NBC Washington's Darcy Spencer reported.

GO HERE to read more.

Amid Airport Anger, GOP Takes Aim At Screening

Did you know that the nation's airports are not required to have Transportation Security Administration screeners checking passengers at security checkpoints? The 2001 law creating the TSA gave airports the right to opt out of the TSA program in favor of private screeners after a two-year period. Now, with the TSA engulfed in controversy and hated by millions of weary and sometimes humiliated travelers, Rep. John Mica, the Republican who will soon be chairman of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, is reminding airports that they have a choice.

Mica, one of the authors of the original TSA bill, has recently written to the heads of more than 150 airports nationwide suggesting they opt out of TSA screening. "When the TSA was established, it was never envisioned that it would become a huge, unwieldy bureaucracy which was soon to grow to 67,000 employees," Mica writes. "As TSA has grown larger, more impersonal, and administratively top-heavy, I believe it is important that airports across the country consider utilizing the opt-out provision provided by law."

In addition to being large, impersonal, and top-heavy, what really worries critics is that the TSA has become dangerously ineffective. Its specialty is what those critics call "security theater" -- that is, a show of what appear to be stringent security measures designed to make passengers feel more secure without providing real security. "That's exactly what it is," says Mica. "It's a big Kabuki dance."     More here

6 GOP Hispanics Loosen Dems' Grip On Hill

As the newly elected Republican class of the 112th Congress gathers at the Capitol this week for freshmen orientation, the group boasts a record six Hispanics - loosening the Democratic Party's long held grip on the nation's fastest-growing minority group.

But whether the surge is a one-year anomaly or portends a future of Hispanic GOP pickups in the 2012 election remains to be seen.

"We're watching this with interest to see whether it is the beginning of a trend," said Norm Ornstein of the American Enterprise Institute, a conservative-leaning Washington think tank. "We know that out there there are a significant number of conservative Hispanics willing and eager to move up in the political world, so it's not at all out of the question to me that we could see an upsurge."

The midterm results don't necessarily represent a sudden shift within the Hispanic community to the political right but rather a growing willingness by the general public to consider Hispanic candidates, said Patricia Guadalupe of the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO) Educational Fund.

"Like every other American, Latinos represent all political ideologies and can run as candidates of different ideologies," she said. "There is no such thing as a cookie-cutter Latino candidate."      More here

End of 'Blackout In A Can? Cafine Dumped

Maker of popular alcoholic energy drink Four Loko say it is removing the caffeine from its products, pulling it off the market just as the FDA is poised to ban it.

GO HERE to read more.

Angry Liberals Turn On Obama

It’s not just Republicans who are upset with the policies of President Barack Obama. His liberal base is angry too, viewing his talk of compromise with the newly resurgent GOP as an abandonment of his liberal values, The Hill reports.

Adam Green, co-founder of the Progressive Change Campaign Committee (PCCC) and an outspoken critic of the White House, said liberal anger has less to do with fears of a Clintonian move to the middle by Obama and more with a misreading of the election results by the administration.

“It’s less ‘Oh no, they’re triangulating,’ and more ‘Boy, their political instincts are really stupid,’ ” said Green, who along with other liberals has blasted the White House for suggesting it would compromise with Republicans on expiring tax cuts.

The White House “fundamentally” doesn’t get that “the only way to get Republicans to deal in good faith is to fight them, crush them and teach a lesson that if Republicans are on the wrong side of an issue there will be consequences ... so it makes sense to negotiate,” Green said.

“Right now, every time Republicans are on the opposite side of an issue from the public, it’s the Democrats who cave and talk about ‘compromise.’ It’s ridiculous.”

Pat-Down Techniques Would Have Caught Christmas Bomber, TSA Chief Says

Pat-down techniques are so thorough that they would have thwarted the suspected Christmas Day bomber, who allegedly hid an explosive device in his underwear, the head of the TSA told senators on Tuesday.

In response to a growing rash of public ire about new pat-downs and in anticipation of the large amount of airline travel expected on Thanksgiving next week, John Pistole, the head of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), told the Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee that the new search methods were an essential component to ensuring airport security.

Pistole also said that had Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab been successful in his attempt to blow up a Detroit-bound flight last year with a bomb sewn into his underwear, Congress and American public would be much more accepting of the pat-down technique.

He added that the technique was being employed as a way to stay ahead of potential terrorist plots.

[That's what this is really about.. they got caught with their pants down, so now we're supposed to endure their hands in our pants-- more 'reactive' security from the oh-so-competent TSA. But I'm sure it's better to let them fondle our wives, children, and the occasional nun so they won't have to resort to profiling. Right? --Editor]
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Study: PW Policy Cut Number Of Illegals

A new study finds Prince William County's immigration policy has cut the number of illegal immigrants. And the authors say the rates of some crime have fallen since the policy was implemented.

GO HERE to read more.

Put A Lid On Shipping & Handling Charges

The price of a clock radio we found at Target.com: $9.99. The cost of shipping and handling said clock: $6.13. That's reasonable, based on what UPS or the post office would have charged, but who wants to pay two-thirds of a product's price to have it sent? Especially at holiday time, you'll want to avoid S&H gotchas. Here's how:

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Watch A Man Subject Himself To Four Loko In The Name Of Journalism

There's been a lot of talk lately about Four Loko and whether or not the mix of energy drink and alcohol is dangerous or irresponsible. There's also some concern about whether or not the beverage is marketed to kids. One brave soul decided to subject himself to several cans of the potent potable, then tested his ability to recite Shakespeare, play Call of Duty, and flirt with a lady. Let's watch.

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Guy Gets $273 Worth Of Free Stuff From Various Companies Just By Asking

A blogger decided to stage an experiment, buying $39 worth of stamps to send letters to random companies asking them for free stuff. His haul justified the up-front expense several times over, netting him $273 worth of freebies.

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Poll: Americans Deeply In Love With Full Body Scanners

CBS says the have a poll that shows Americans overwhelmingly support full body "naked" scanners at airports, despite what some "civil rights groups" have to say about them.

More »

P.G. County Police Arrested In Corruption Sting, Part II - Is There A Part III?

The shadow of corruption over Prince George's County government widened Monday with indictments against three county police officers and others on charges of trafficking bootleg cigarettes, alcohol and cocaine, just days after County Executive Jack B. Johnson's arrest on charges of trying to conceal tens thousands of dollars payoffs from a developer.
The latest round of charges accuse Amrik Singh Melhi, 51, who owns several liquor stores in the area, of paying police officers to help ship untaxed alcohol and cigarettes in Maryland and Virginia. Among those charged in that case were Prince George's Police Sergeant Richard Delabrer and Corporal Chong Chin Kim, officials said.
The indictment seeks the forfeiture of $3.5 million, 25 properties, 13 vehicles and money from 84 bank accounts that authorities say they traced to the crimes.
In a separate indictment made public Monday, authorties charged Prince George's police officer Sinisa Simic of cocaine trafficking.
On Friday, Mr. Johnson was charged with witness tampering and destruction of evidence in an long-running federal investigation into bribes paid by real estate developers to county officials. Mr. Johnson, who has said he's innocent of the charges, were released pending trial, with Mr. Johnson under electronic monitoring.
There's no indication that the cases involving the police officers and Mr. Johnson are related, but the latest indictments come just days after U.S. Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein in Maryland said following Mr. Johnson's arrest to expect more charges.
Mr. Johnson, nabbed by the FBI taking $15,000 from an unnamed developer Friday, later told his wife by phone to hide tens of thousands of dollars at his home in her underwear as FBI agents arrived.
Leslie Johnson, who was elected but not yet sworn into a seat on the Prince George's Council, was also charged Friday. The FBI recovered $79.600 in cash from her underwear, authorities said in charging documents.
The county executive, a Democrat who previously was the county's top prosecutor, also told his wife to tear up a $100,000 check from the developer and stash tens of thousands of dollars in cash in her bra, authorities said.
"Tear it up! That is the only thing you have to do," Mr. Johnson told his wife, referring to the check, according to prosecutors.

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True

Best Card Trick Ever

BofA Blames Investors For Lack Of Loan Modifications, But Evidence Points Elsewhere

Bank of America’s top mortgage official plans to testify today that investors are stopping the bank from making more loan mods. It’s not true.

In prepared Congressional testimony coming today, Bank of America’s top mortgage official, Barbara Desoer, says it’s Wall Street investors, not the bank, that are making it hard to help homeowners. “Bank of America is constrained by our duties to investors,” she says [1]. “Many investors limit Bank of America’s discretion to take certain actions.”

(You can read [1] her prepared testimony and watch [2] the live webcast once the hearing starts later this afternoon. And definitely watch to see if she uses that line, and how she explains it.)

GO HERE to read more.

TROOPERS INVESTIGATING APPARENT HOMICIDE AFTER BODY FOUND OFF OF I-70

(Frederick, MD) Maryland State Police homicide investigators are investigating a body found inside a box off of a highway in Frederick County.

The victim can only be described as an adult at this time. No identification has been found. The body has been taken to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Baltimore for an autopsy and to continue efforts to identify the victim.

The preliminary investigation indicates that at approximately 9:45 a.m. today, a State Highway Administration maintenance crew was working roadside along westbound I-70, at mile marker 48 near Braddock Mountain, when they discovered a box. The box was barely visible off the shoulder of the highway in a wooded, roadside embankment. The contents of the box appeared to be that of a deceased human body. The workers immediately called state police.

Due to this being a possible homicide, members of the State Police Homicide Unit responded to conduct the investigation. They were assisted by sheriff’s deputies and state troopers from the Frederick County Bureau of Investigation, crime scene technicians from the State Police Forensic Sciences Division and forensic experts from the Office of the State Medical Examiner.

At this time, the cause of death has not yet been determined. Investigators are awaiting autopsy results. It is unknown, at this time, how long the body has been in the wooded, roadside embankment.

Police are asking anyone with information that may be relevant to this case to please contact the Frederick County Law Enforcement Center at 301-600-4151.

This investigation is active and ongoing.

Unauthorized Dam!!

This is an actual letter sent to a man named Ryan DeVries regarding a pond on his property. It was sent by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Quality, State of Pennsylvania . This guy's response is hilarious, but read State's letter before you get to the response letter.

SUBJECT: DEQ File No.97-59-0023; T11N; R10W, Sec. 20; Lycoming County

Dear Mr. DeVries:

It has come to the attention of the Department of Environmental Quality that there has been recent unauthorized activity on the above referenced parcel of property. You have been certified as the legal landowner and/or contractor who did the following unauthorized activity:

Construction and maintenance of two wood debris dams across the outlet stream of Spring Pond

A permit must be issued prior to the start of this type of activity. A review of the Department's files shows that no permits have been issued. Therefore, the Department has determined that this activity is in violation of Part 301, Inland Lakes and Streams, of the Natural Resource and Environmental Protection Act, Act 451 of the Public Acts of 1994, being sections 324.30101 to 324.30113 of the Pennsylvania Compiled Laws, annotated.

The Department has been informed that one or both of the dams partially failed during a recent rain event, causing debris and flooding at downstream locations. We find that dams of this nature are inherently hazardous and cannot be permitted. The Department therefore orders you to cease and desist all activities at this location, and to restore the stream to a free-flow condition by removing all wood and brush forming the dams from the stream channel. All restoration work shall be completed no later than January 31, 2010.

Please notify this office when the restoration has been completed so that a follow-up site inspection may be scheduled by our staff. Failure to comply with this request or any further unauthorized activity on the site may result in this case being referred for elevated enforcement action. We anticipate and would appreciate your full cooperation in this matter. Please feel free to contact me at this office if you have any questions.

Sincerely,

David L. Price

District Representative and Water Management Division.

Here is the actual response sent back by Mr. DeVries:

Re: DEQ File No. 97-59-0023; T11N; R10W, Sec. 20; Lycoming County

Dear Mr. Price,

Your certified letter dated 12/17/09 has been handed to me to respond to. I am the legal landowner but not the Contractor at 2088 Dagget Lane, Trout Run, Pennsylvania.

A couple of beavers are in the (State unauthorized) process of constructing and maintaining two wood 'debris' dams across the outlet stream of my Spring Pond. While I did not pay for, authorize, nor supervise their dam project, I think they would be highly offended that you call their skilful use of natures building materials 'debris.'

I would like to challenge your department to attempt to emulate their dam project any time and/or any place you choose. I believe I can safely state there is no way you could ever match their dam skills, their dam resourcefulness, their dam ingenuity, their dam persistence, their dam determination and/or their dam work ethic.

These are the beavers/contractors you are seeking. As to your request, I do not think the beavers are aware that they must first fill out a dam permit prior to the start of this type of dam activity.

My first dam question to you is:

(1) Are you trying to discriminate against my Spring Pond Beavers, or

(2) do you require all beavers throughout this State to conform to said dam request?

If you are not discriminating against these particular beavers, through the Freedom of Information Act, I request completed copies of all those other applicable beaver dam permits that have been issued.

(Perhaps we will see if there really is a dam violation of Part 301, Inland Lakes and Streams, of the Natural Resource and Environmental Protection Act, Act 451 of the Public Acts of 1994, being sections 324.30101 to 324.30113 of the Pennsylvania Compiled Laws, annotated.).

I have several concerns. My first concern is, aren't the beavers entitled to legal representation?

The Spring Pond Beavers are financially destitute and are unable to pay for said representation -- so the State will have to provide them with a dam lawyer. The Department's dam concern that either one or both of the dams failed during a recent rain event, causing flooding, is proof that this is a natural occurrence, which the Department is required to protect. In other words, we should leave the Spring Pond Beavers alone rather than harassing them and calling them dam names.

If you want the stream 'restored' to a dam free-flow condition please contact the beavers -- but if you are going to arrest them, they obviously did not pay any attention to your dam letter, they being unable to read English.

In my humble opinion, the Spring Pond Beavers have a right to build their unauthorized dams as long as the sky is blue, the grass is green and water flows downstream. They have more dam rights than I do to live and enjoy Spring Pond. If the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection lives up to its name, it should protect the natural resources (Beavers) and the environment (Beavers' Dams).

So, as far as the beavers and I are concerned, this dam case can be referred for more elevated enforcement action right now. Why wait until 1/31/2010? The Spring Pond Beavers may be under the dam ice then and there will be no way for you or your dam staff to contact/harass them.

In conclusion, I would like to bring to your attention to a real environmental quality, health, problem in the area. It is the bears! Bears are actually defecating in our woods. I definitely believe you should be persecuting the defecating bears and leave the beavers alone. If you are going to investigate the beaver dam, watch your step! The bears are not careful where they dump!

Being unable to comply with your dam request, and being unable to contact you on your dam answering machine, I am sending this response to your dam office.

THANK YOU,

RYAN DEVRIES

& THE DAM BEAVERS

Newspaper Guidelines

Here's how to keep all that political 'news' in perspective. 

1.  The Wall Street Journal is read by the people who run the country.

2.  The  Washington  Post is read by people who think they run the country.

3.  The New York Times is read by people who think they should run the country and who are very good at crossword puzzles.

4.  USA  Today is read by people who think they ought to run the country but don't really understand The New York Times. They do, however, like their statistics shown in pie charts.

5.  The Los Angeles Times is read by people who wouldn't mind running the country, if they could find the time -- and if they didn't have to leave  Southern California  to do it.

6.  The  Boston  Globe is read by people whose parents used to run the country and did a poor job of it, thank you very much.

7.  The  New York  Daily News is read by people who aren't too sure who's running the country and don't really care as long as they can get a seat on the train.

8.  The  New York  Post is read by people who don't care who is running the country as long as they do something really scandalous, preferably while intoxicated.

9.  The  Miami  Herald is read by people who are running another country, but need the baseball scores.

10.  The  San Francisco  Chronicle is read by people who aren't sure if there is a country or that anyone is running it; but if so, they oppose all that they stand for.  There are occasional exceptions if the leaders are handicapped, minority,  feminist, atheist dwarfs who also happen to be illegal aliens from any other country or galaxy, provided of course, that they are not Republicans.

11.  The National Enquirer is read by people trapped in line at the grocery store.

12.  The  Seattle Times is read by people who have recently caught a fish and need something to wrap it in.

Salisbury Police Department Press Releases

On November 15, 2010 at approximately 1:20 pm, Detectives of the Salisbury Police arrested the below listed suspect following the report of a sexual assault of a 14 year old female. The female contacted the Salisbury Police on November 9 and advised that several subjects, some who were known to her, had forced her into a shed behind a residence on Queen Anne Street where they attempted to sexually assault her. The victim was able to escape without injury. The below listed suspect is the second suspect arrested in this case, and the investigation is continuing as to the involvement and positive identity of the additional suspects.

ARRESTED: Richard Kerwin Washington, Jr., 16 yoa
Salisbury, Maryland
CHARGES: Kidnapping
False Imprisonment
Attempted second degree sex offense
Second degree assault

DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking
CC # 201000044556


On November 15, 2010 at approximately 2:16 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police received a call to respond to the Walmart Department Store on North Salisbury Boulevard for the report of a shoplifter. Upon arrival the officers met with store security who advised the officers that store employees had observed the below listed suspect attempt to take food from the store without making payment. The suspect was stopped and the property was recovered.

ARRESTED: Craig Donnell Gibson, 50 years of age
Mardela Springs, Maryland
CHARGES: Theft (under $ 100)

DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking
CC # 201000045220

On November 15, 2010 approximately 6:55 pm, Detectives of the Salisbury Police arrested the below listed suspect on an outstanding arrest warrant for a theft that was reported on August 31, 2010. Detectives received the arrest warrant for the suspect following her identification as the suspect responsible for taking several credit cards from a victim while cleaning his residence. The suspect then used the credit cards in the Salisbury area for over $ 7,000.00 in purchases.

ARRESTED: Mildred Ethel Hardy, 32 years of age
Willards, Maryland
CHARGES: Credit card theft
Use of another’s credit card (6 counts)
Use of another’s credit card (over $500) (7 cts)
Impersonating another with credit card
Credit card fraud – information theft
DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking
CC # 201000038703

Worcester County Sheriff’s Office Press Release

On November 15, 2010 at 1200 hours Worcester County Sheriff’s Office Deputies responded to a residence in Glen Riddle for an assault in progress.

 Upon arrival Deputies made contact with the suspect, later identified as Terra Nicole Rygh 30 years of age from Berlin Md. Ms. Rygh was arrested for assaulting her former boyfriend with a pair of scissors. While in transport Rygh became very agitated and attempted to release herself from her seatbelt.

 

Ms. Rygh was secured in a car with a prisoner shield and transported to the Sheriff’s Office for processing.

 

Rygh was charged with 1^st Degree Assault, 2^nd Degree Assault, 2 counts of Disorderly Conduct, and 4 counts of Reckless Endangerment.  Rygh was placed into the Worcester County Detention Center under a $25,000 bond.

Congressional Leaders Ignore Election; Set To Pass Amnesty

Congressional Leadership Pushing Massive Amnesty, Despite Election Defeats

Departing House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is joining forces with Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid to enact the D.R.E.A.M. Act, an amnesty for millions of illegal aliens up to 35 years old. Amnesty supporters have lost the majority in Congress, but they plan to enact the amnesty during the "lame duck" session, before the new Congress arrives. The outgoing leadership recognizes that this may be their last, best chance to advance a policy that has failed numerous times in Congress.

The decision by Pelosi and Reid to continue to shove an unpopular policy on the American public, shows how uncommitted they are to the millions of unemployed Americans struggling to find work.

AUTUMN FESTIVALS ARE SUCCESSFUL

The Wicomico County Recreation & Parks recently continued an autumn tradition as it staged the 7^th Annual Wine festival and started a new one with the first Good Beer Festival. Rec & Parks officials said that both events were very successful.

2010 Good Beer Festival

This new event took place on October 9 & 10 at Pemberton Historical Park. Though only in its first year, it is the largest craft beer festival on the Lower Shore. Paid attendance was 2,378 with 1,628 attending on Saturday and 750 on Sunday. Admission was $20 in advance and $25 day-of. A ‘designated driver” and youth admission was offered at $5.

Total revenue for the Good Beer Festival was $51,000 versus expenses for the event of $53,000. The events organizers, Rec& Parks Tourism Recreation Division, said they were “ecstatic” about the event’s future.

2010 Autumn Wine Festival

The 7^th incarnation of this popular event took place on October 16 & 17 at Pemberton Historical Park. According to officials, the event is now more than twice its original size. The event is sanctioned by the Maryland Wine Association and there were 18 wineries participating. This year’s attendance was 4,651. The cost of tickets was the same as those for the Good Beer Festival. Ticket revenue was $75,955 and revenue from vendors was $18,780 bringing the total revenue to $94,735. Expenses totaled $70,944. The event made a profit of $23,791. Organizers said that the Wine Festival will be back for its 8^th time in 2011.

2012 Presidential Debates

Ms. Giller,

It was nice to speak with you this morning. I look forward to participating in this springs 2012 Presidential debates at the Reagan Foundation and Library. Enclosed are my registration credentials issued by the Federal Election Commission and my campaign website information.

At this point of American history, we the people are counting on the Reagan Foundation to support candidates like myself who are not being recognized by the National political parties. I look forward to showing the American people that there are still common citizens who are willing to stand up and take a National leadership role in defending the morals, values and principles that made us Exceptional.

Thank you very much and I look forward to working with you and the members of 2012 debate team, 

Thomas J. Miller

Registered Candidate R., President of the United States of America 2012

Federal Election Commission ID: P20001947

Principal Campaign Committee: Reduce Government Miller for President

ID: C00462010

media@reducegovernment.com

http://www.reducegovernment.com/

Eastern Shore Coffee & Water Goes Solar

Work began today at Eastern Shore Coffee & Water’s distribution facility located in Salisbury, MD to install an approximately 20KW solar generation system. It is believed to be one of the largest solar projects to date in Wicomico County. At a cost of over $100,000, Eastern Shore Coffee & Water is banking on the long range benefits and income such a system can generate. Approximately 40% of the total cost will be paid for through a combination of federal and state grants. The system is expected to cover approximately 90% of the electrical needs for Eastern Shore Coffee & Water and its sister company Eastern Shore Self-Storage. In addition to the electrical savings, Eastern Shore Coffee & Water plans to take advantage of current laws governing Solar Renewable Energy Credits that will generate approximately $7,500/year in revenue. The expected payback on the system is approximately 5.5 years.

Brian Kilgore, ESC&W President said, "We saw this as an opportunity to be socially responsible while at the same time making a financially sound business decision for our company."

If you would like more information about the project or to see it as it is installed, feel free to visit us at 31404 Old Ocean City Road, Salisbury, MD or call us at 410-749-4494.

Holiday Hours On Wednesday, November 24 For The Division Of Motor Vehicle Offices

Dover -- In observation of the Thanksgiving holiday, the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) hours of operation for Wednesday, November 24 will be 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

In addition, the DMV offices will be closed on Thursday, November 25 and Friday, November 26. The DMV services will resume regular hours of operation on Monday, November 29.

We would encourage all customers to come to the DMV for services, prior to these dates due to the shortened days of operations.