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Thursday, December 09, 2010

The Gas Prices That Stole Christmas


Three bucks a gallon? Yikes!
When you drive up to the pump during holiday travel, don’t be surprised if you turn into a Grinch.
With the holidays around the corner, travelers this year may have to spend extra cash to fill up. Just yesterday, gas reached $3 per gallon across the Washington metro area, and people aren’t too happy.
“Never before have motorists been faced with the prospect of paying $3 for gas on Christmas Day and that possibility looms this year,” said John B. Townsend II, AAA Mid-Atlantic’s manager of public and government affairs. “This is an unusual occurrence, where things are inverted. Typically, after Labor Day and especially well into November and December, pump prices usually drop with the temperatures, as consumer demand reaches a low point for the year. Each time they pull up to the pump, consumers are feeling the impact of the exception to the rule.”
The increase in gas is a holiday downer, but there are some ways to save on gas.
GO HERE to read more & tips.

3 Officers Convicted In Post-Katrina Death


2 others acquitted in man's shooting, cover-up in aftermath of hurricane

A federal jury on Thursday convicted three current or former New Orleans police officers but acquitted two others in the death of a man during Hurricane Katrina's chaotic aftermath.
The jury of seven women and five men on convicted former officer David Warren of manslaughter in the shooting death of 31-year-old Henry Glover outside a strip mall on Sept. 2, 2005.
The jury also convicted Officer Gregory McRae of burning Glover's body in a car. Lt. Dwayne Scheuermann was acquitted of that charge.
Lt. Travis McCabe was convicted of writing a false report on the shooting. Former Lt. Robert Italiano was cleared of that charge.
A total of 20 current or former New Orleans police officers have been charged this year in a series of Justice Department civil rights investigations. The probe of Glover's death was the first of those cases to be tried.
GO HERE to read more.

Fatal Accident

There's been a fatal accident at Rockawalkin Rd. & Nanticoke Road. More to come...

UPDATE: Rockawalkin Road is completely closed down from Crooked Oak to Nanticoke Rd. The vehicle is a silver Ford Windstar. The fatality is confirmed. You can expect the road to be closed for a couple of hours.

UPDATE: The scene is clear and the road is re opened. 9:56 PM.

Fernando Guerrero To Fight In Salisbury On ESPN

At 5:00 PM tonight Team Guerrero, the Main Street Gym and Prize Fight Promotions announced Fernando Guerrero will defend his Championship Belt in February at the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center.

Tickets go on sale tomorrow morning. One thing I can tell you is, his opponent is the toughest he's ever faced and Guerrero will be the Main Event.

Also, ESPN has chosen Salisbury to be the first ever in history to deliver the very first professional boxing match in 3-D.

More to come......

Bone Drug Zometa Flops In Breast Cancer Study

SAN ANTONIO – One of the most promising new approaches for fighting breast cancer took a stunning setback Thursday when a major study showed that a bone-building drug did not stop cancer from returning or extend life for most women fighting the disease.
However, the drug Zometa did seem to help certain post-menopausal women. Its maker, Novartis AG, is considering further study, but will suspend plans to expand it beyond its current use as a treatment for patients whose cancer has spread to the bone.
"Ten years of work and to have essentially a negative study is disappointing, particularly on a tremendous wave of enthusiasm for this based on some positive trials in the past," said the study's leader, Dr. Robert Coleman of the University of Sheffield in England. He presented results at a cancer conference in San Antonio.
Bone drugs called bisphosphonates, sold as Fosamax, Boniva and Actonel, have long been sold for treating osteoporosis. Those are daily pills; Zometa, sold as Reclast for osteoporosis, is given as an infusion twice a year.
Hopes that these drugs could also prevent cancer soared after a study two years ago found Zometa cut the risk of cancer recurrence by 30 percent in younger women forced into early menopause by hormone treatments they received.
GO HERE to read more.

Fraudulent Postal Money Orders

FAKE   FAKE   FAKE   Postal Money Orders


These money orders are $933 exactly. Sent via FEDEX with bogus instructions to compete a survey.


These money orders are counterfeit and the US Postal Inspector will take over the case. Contact Police and DO NOT CASH! You will NOT recover your money.


If YOU receive one in the mail and or via FedEx, contact the Police or the US Postal Inspector in your neighborhood immediately.

More U.S. Billionaires Pledge To Give Away Wealth

NEW YORK (Reuters) – Another 17 U.S. billionaires, including Facebook co-founders Mark Zuckerberg and Dustin Moskovitz, have pledged to give away at least half their fortunes in a philanthropic campaign led by Warren Buffett and Bill Gates.
A total of 57 billionaires now have joined The Giving Pledge, which was launched by Microsoft founder Gates and investor Buffett in June. The campaign announced the new pledges in a statement late on Wednesday.
Gates, his wife Melinda, and Buffett have asked U.S. billionaires to give away at least half their wealth during their lifetime or after their death, and to publicly state their intention with a letter explaining their decision.
The Giving Pledge does not accept money or tell people how to donate their money but asks billionaires to make a moral commitment to give their fortunes to charity.
"People wait until late in their career to give back. But why wait when there is so much to be done?" Zuckerberg, who gave $100 million in September to the beleaguered public schools of Newark, New Jersey, said in a statement.
"With a generation of younger folks who have thrived on the success of their companies, there is a big opportunity for many of us to give back earlier in our lifetime and see the impact of our philanthropic efforts," he said.
GO HERE to read more.
EDITORS NOTES: It's a flat out fact, if you DON'T give it away, the U.S. Government will TAX it anyway BEFORE it's inherited. You're better off giving it away as part of your estate than you are giving it to your own Family.  While this is an honorable gesture, believe me, these people are writing this off. It's a win/win for all of them. It's UNFORTUNATE we cannot just pass it on to our children and by our death the United States Government becomes your 50% partner without ever working for a cent of it.

House Democrats Reject Tax Plan Without Changes

WASHINGTON – House Democrats voted Thursday to reject President Barack Obama's tax deal with Republicans in its current form, but it was unclear how significantly the package might need to be changed.



By voice vote in a closed caucus meeting, Democrats passed a resolution saying the tax package should not come to the House floor for consideration as written, even though no formal House bill has been drafted. Rep. Peter DeFazio, D-Ore., introduced the resolution.
Said Rep. Lloyd Doggett, D-Texas: "If it's take it or leave it, we'll leave it."
The vote will at least temporarily stall what had seemed to be a grudging Democratic movement toward the tax package.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said in a statement that House Democrats share Obama's "commitment to providing the middle class with a tax cut to grow the economy and create jobs." She noted that a House-passed bill, which Republicans blocked in the Senate, did not include "a bonus tax cut to millionaires and billionaires."
"We will continue discussions with the president and our Democratic and Republican colleagues in the days ahead to improve the proposal before it comes to the House floor for a vote," the California Democrat said.
GO HERE to read more.

A Weekend Full Of Great Things To Do In Salisbury!

Mayor James Ireton, Jr., encourages the community to be a part of these events.

CRITTER CHRISTMAS:
The Salisbury Zoo will host a day full of fun activities this Saturday December 11, from 1-4 p.m. Decorate a gingerbread cookie, visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, make presents for backyard friends like pinecone bird feeders and popcorn garland. Call 410-548-3188 for more information.

NEWTOWN CHRISTMAS HOUSE TOUR:
Come out this Saturday, December 11 from 1-7 p.m., or Sunday, December 12th from 12-4 p.m. and enjoy the Newtown Christmas House Tour! Tickets for sale at Poplar Hill Mansion for $12 prior to event or $15 at the door. Call 410-749-1776 for more information.

SALISBURY SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA:
Enjoy the Salisbury Symphony Orchestra’s concert “A Holiday with Charlotte Paulsen,” conducted by Dr. Jeffrey Schoyen, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, December 11, in Holloway Hall Auditorium. Call 410-543-6000 for more information.

A Shout Out To North Walmart Associates

Joe,

Just wanted to share with you that the North Walmart Associates have stepped up once again and volunteered to ring a bell in front of their store from 9 to 5 on two different days.

We are very appreciative to manager Kevin Fullmer and the North Walmart Associates.

The Red Kettle Campaign

Press Conference TODAY At Brew River

At 5:00 PM TODAY many of us will gather at Brew River to receive some breaking news about Fernando Guerrero's future as a 20-0 Undefeated Champion Professional Fighter.

We encourage each and every one of you to attend this Press Conference. If you can't be there we'll certainly have the news to you soon after. What kind of sucks is, I already know a lot of what will be exposed today but I gave my word I would not say anything. That being said, you really should consider going.

So perhaps we'll see you there. If not, I'll be back later this evening to expose this exciting news.

Criminal Burglary Arrest

LOCATION: Pocomoke, Worcester County
CRIME: Burglary First Degree, Theft: $10,000 to Under $100,000         
VICTIM: Christopher Litton and Shagmar Connors
           
ACCUSED:    LeAnder Dynte Ward, Male age 18 from Pocomoke, MD.
   
CHARGES: Burglary First Degree, Burglary Third Degree, Theft: $10,000 to Under $100,000, Theft: $1,000 to Under $10,000, Malicious Destruction of Property Under $500, Conspiracy to Commit Burglary in the First Degree   

NARRATIVE: 
On Tuesday, December 7, 2010, Deputies from the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office were sent to a reported Burglary on Critcher Road, Pocomoke, Maryland. Deputies determined that the suspect(s) had gained entry into the residence by prying one of the exterior doors open. The victim determined that over $43,000 in personal property had been taken. Detectives from the Worcester County Bureau of Investigation were contacted to assist with the investigation.
                         
On Wednesday, December 8, 2010, Troopers from the Maryland State Police were dispatched to Brantley Road, Pocomoke, Maryland. The homeowner had arrived at his residence and observed three black males walking out of his house carrying his wrapped Christmas presents as well as other personal property.
                         
While the victim was on the telephone with the Police, the three suspects fled. Troopers from the Maryland State Police, assisted by Deputies from the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office and officers from the Pocomoke City Police Department searched the area for the suspects.
                           
LeAnder Ward, of Pocomoke, was subsequently located, arrested and charged with these two crimes.            
LeAnder Ward was held on $20,000 bond at the Worcester County Jail

American Red Cross To The Rescue



PRESS RELEASE

The American Red Cross Lower Shore Chapter Disaster Action Team #7 is en route to assist a family of 5 (3 adults & 2 children) displaced from a house fire on Gray Corner Rd in Worcester County.

WICOMICO COUNTY’S CORRECTIONAL OFFICER OF THE YEAR RECEIVES STATEWIDE AWARD

Wicomico County Executive Richard M. Pollitt, Jr., announced today that Wicomico County Detention Center (WCDC) Corrections Officer Brad Allen Harp received a Governor’s Crime Prevention Award at an awards ceremony in Glen Burnie on December 7th. The State of Maryland has been honoring its law enforcement professionals with this award since 1980. Recipients are cited for outstanding contributions to the furtherance of crime prevention.

Mr. Pollitt said, “Officer Harp has been on the ‘fast track’ to the top of outstanding public service in his brief career at the WCDC. He was chosen as Correctional Officer of the Year for 2009-2010 for his superior work at confiscating incoming contraband. I am always very pleased when a county employee gets recognition for his or her excellent service to our county.”

Officer Harp is a graduate of the Criminal Justice Academy. He has been employed at WCDC since May, 2008.
Brad Allen Harp

MDGOP 2010 FALL CONVENTION

ANNAPOLIS – Republicans from across Maryland will gather in Annapolis this coming Friday, December 10th and Saturday, December 11th, to elect new Party leadership to build on the many successes from 2010.
“The Maryland Republican Party has come a long way in just twelve months time,” said Maryland Republican Party Chairman Audrey Scott. “The Party has erased mountains of debt, elected a new farm team of candidates from federal to local offices, and built a strong grassroots foundation to grow on in the coming years. I’m proud to leave this organization better off than when I started, however, the work must continue if the Party is to succeed in 2012 and 2014.” 
Who:
Maryland Republican Party Fall Convention
What:
Maryland Republican Party Leadership Elections
When:
Saturday, December, 11 2010 at 9:00 A.M – 1:00 P.M.
Where:
DoubleTree Hotel - 210 Holiday Court, Annapolis, MD 21401

Edwards Funeral To Be Picketed By Controversial Church


Westboro Baptist, which is at center of Supreme Court case, also pickets military funeral

A church that pickets funerals to protest what it calls American immorality says its members will be picketing the service this Saturday for Elizabeth Edwards, who died of breast cancer on Tuesday.
Based in Topeka, Kan., the Westboro Baptist Church said it would be outside the Edenton Street United Methodist Church in Raleigh, N.C., during the funeral for the former wife of one-time vice presidential candidate John Edwards.
Westboro members, led by the Rev. Fred Phelps, have also picketed military funerals to make their point that U.S. deaths in Afghanistan and Iraq are punishment for Americans' immorality, including tolerance of homosexuality and abortion.
Signs like "Thank God for Dead Soldiers" have been raised at military funerals, and the church announced its latest action with a press release titled "God hates Elizabeth Edwards."
GO HERE to read more.

House Dem Caucus Votes To Reject Tax Compromise


In a non-binding vote Thursday, the House Democratic Caucus voted to reject the president's tax compromise.
This is significant in the sense that it shows how many House Democrats are angry about the compromise with Republicans to temporarily extend the cuts for the highest earners, but it is not binding in regards to legislation that goes to the floor.
House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer of Maryland, who controls how legislation comes to the House floor, said on Morning Joe today that Democrats need to back the President's deal.
But sources tell NBC News that with enough GOP support, there are enough moderate Democrats and rank and file Democrats to reach 218 in the House.
UPDATE: NBC's Chuck Todd reports that House leaders still intend to bring the tax bill up for a vote as long as the Senate passes the legislation.

Is Lousy Economy Killing Us? U.S. Life Expectancy Drops


Hypertension-related deaths and suicides up, but rates for strokes and other diseases drop.


GO HERE to read more.

Naylor Mill Road Down To One Lane

Just a heads up today. Naylor Mill Road is down to one lane from Northwood Drive to Rt. 13, so plan ahead.

Crocodile Attacks Kayakers, Drags Guide Away


South African Hendrik Coetzee presumed dead; two Americans paddled to safety

An acclaimed South African outdoorsman who was leading a kayaking expedition from the source of the White Nile into Congo was dragged from his craft by a crocodile as two Americans watched, horrified. The guide is presumed dead.
The two Americans paddled to safety after the Tuesday morning attack on the Lukuga River in Congo. The International Rescue Committee helped evacuate the Americans to a nearby town after the attack, said Ciaran Donnelly, the organization's regional director in the Central African country.
The body of 35-year-old Hendrik Coetzee, who was living in Uganda, has not been recovered.
GO HERE to read more.

FORMER SHOREBIRDS SELECTED IN RULE 5 DRAFT

FORMER SHOREBIRDS SELECTED IN RULE 5 DRAFT
Egan & Beato Taken in Major League Phase

Salisbury, Md. - Four former Delmarva Shorebirds players were selected in the Rule 5 Draft on Thursday. Pat Egan was selected with the ninth overall pick by the Milwaukee Brewers, while Pedro Beato was taken 18th by the New York Mets. Dashenko Ricardo and Brent Allar were taken in the minor league phase of the Rule 5 Draft.

Pat Egan split time between Double-A Bowie and Triple-A Norfolk but remained off the Orioles 40-man roster. He posted a 1-1 mark with a 5.11 ERA in Norfolk this past season. Egan spent the Fall playing in the Arizona Fall League for the champion Scottsdale Scorpions. The right-handed pitcher logged 13 appearances for the Shorebirds in 2009. He had a 2.78 ERA.

Right-handed pitcher Pedro Beato spent the last two seasons in Double-A Bowie. In 2010, he went 4-0 with a 2.11 ERA in 43 outings. The 24-year old spent the 2007 season in Delmarva. In 27 starts, he went 7-8 with a 4.05 ERA.

Dashenko Ricardo was selected in the Triple-A phase of the Rule 5 draft by the San Francisco Giants. Ricardo played in just six games for the Shorebirds in 2009. In 2010, Ricardo split time between Bluefield and Aberdeen.

Brent Allar was taken in the Double-A phase of the Rule 5 draft by the Florida Marlins.

The Orioles selected Adrian Rosario from the Milwaukee Brewers in the Major League phase of the draft.

To view complete results of the Rule 5 Draft, click here.

Food For Thought On Crime

I had lunch with George Kaloroumakis, Director of Corrections, Tuesday.  I asked him what type of criminals he was seeing from a Department of Corrections view.  His first comment was the rise in gangs. He then mentioned the rise in inmates released from ECI that were residing in the area.  But He was most concerned about the increasing lack of respect for law and society, especially among younger people.

George commented that recently a nationally known rapper was seen on TV sporting a red bandana from his hip pocket.  He said that was a typical sign to indicate an affiliation with the Bloods gang.  His concern revolves around young adults seeing gangs as a place to belong.  Unfortunately, gangs tend to be a closed society with little or no respect for the larger Community.

When asked how to break the cycle he noted that getting a high school diploma while in jail seemed to be one of the better predictors of success for someone leaving jail.

My take on this.
His comments mirrored those of Davis Ruark.  Strong neighborhood involvement in raising children and providing them experiences other than gang activities may be the key to breaking the cycle of increasing violence. In the interim, a comprehensive law enforcement effort is needed.  I’ll ask Barbara Duncan, SPD, to speak at the January WNC meeting.

I’ve attached the Notes that Cindy took from Davis Ruark’s Presentation in November.  Please keep the SPD staffing information to trusted folks.  We don’t want the bad guys to know how many police are actually on the street.  Davis concurred with the notes and the caveat on the release.

Terry Potterton
Chair, WNC
410-546-3997

Wicomico County States Attorney Davis Ruark was born and raised in Wicomico County and has lived here all of his life with the exception of when he was attending college.  He has been actively involved with the Wicomico States Attorney’s office since 1983.

Serving as the Wicomico States Attorney has been a trying and demanding job. He has seen ups and downs in crime over the last 27 years. Two factors have been most notable.  The age of the violent offender has dropped dramatically and the rise in gang activity.

Twenty seven years ago it would have been rare to see a 15 year old with a hand gun.  Over the last 12 years that has changed dramatically.  There is a lack of lawlessness and lack of respect for law and human life.  Particularly for the 15 and 16 year old kids who don’t expect to live – it’s easy for them to take another person’s life.  There has been a rise in hand gun violations by juveniles.  Within the last 8 months, the State’s Attorney’s office has seen 20 cases, and this is indicative of what we are seeing on the streets.  The most recent group who were convicted of murder; 3 received life sentences and 1 received 20 years.  Two weekends ago, the Salisbury PD removed 5 guns off of Church Street. 

There has also been a rise in gang activity.  A gang is defined as two or more young people who spend time together for social reasons and may engage in delinquent behavior.  The two gangs Salisbury is currently dealing with are TTP (Tree Top Piru) and 9 TRE.  Both are sects of “The Bloods.”  They are engaged in our area and they just don’t like each other.  They do have what is known as “Trade Memberships” which is unusual.  This is when friendship overrules gang membership. That said, there is a lot of gang on gang violence.

ECI inmates are also a concern.  They are released and many return or relocate into our community.  They befriend people who are residents while at ECI.  When they go in to ECI they may not be affiliated with any gang, but when they come out many are full-fledged gang members.  They receive an education in crime while serving out their term.  ECI is like the finishing school for the criminal.

Any individual, 16 years old and over charged with a handgun violation is tried as an adult.  Prior criminal history generally does not enter into the trial (propensity evidence).  It is considered in the sentencing phase. Sentencing of violent offenders with three convictions = 25 year sentence without parole which may be reduced to 18 years with time off for good behavior.

The current downside of fighting crime is that all governments are hit with extreme fiscal problems.  The City of Salisbury, in Davis’s opinion, needs 35 additional police officers to fight crime.  Currently Salisbury has 92 officers.  With the shifts in the City we’re lucky to have 5 police officers on the road.  Friday and Saturday there are 8 police officers on the road.   He has grave concerns for the citizens and police officers.  The city has a high rate of turnover in police officers.  Just recently, the city had two officers complete the academy and two weeks later they left the force.  Another concern is that the police officers run from call to call and never get to know the community, which he feels is very important.

Our newly elected Wicomico States Attorney Matthew Maciarello will continue to function well with all law enforcement heads and the leadership. The new police chief has ideas to assist which includes utilizing civilians.  This would be a short term answer. Besides addition of police officers, addressing gangs is a big step.  There is a gang task force in place.

The newspaper court briefs often provide a distorted view of the results of the criminal justice process.  For example a case in District Court may be listed as NOLLE PROSE when the case is moved to a higher court.

Davis feels the community must be involved.  The health of a community depends attracting businesses and jobs.  For people who are looking to relocate to an area, the first things they look at are the schools, quality of life and crime, which dominates the headlines What can we do?  What are the solutions?  Develop relationships with the residents, develop a rapport.  Develop neighborhood relationships and watch out for one another.  Know who belongs in your neighborhood and who doesn’t belong.  When someone doesn’t belong, call the police.

The WNC as a group can provide some input to try to alleviate some of these problems by increasing public knowledge and neighborhood watch programs.  It’s an old concept but we need to revitalize and watch out for our neighbors.  Political decisions rest with the leadership of the City of Salisbury and Wicomico County. Primary responsibility of government is to protect its citizens.  Make is known to city and county government!!  Police officers are being furloughed.  This should not be.  Involve the citizens of Wicomico County.  Know the leadership of the neighborhoods.  Establish mobilizations.  Inform everyone…information is everything.

Davis stated it is important for all of us to get into the neighborhoods.  See how others live.  Ride along with the police officers on a Friday or Saturday night.  Involve our institutions and churches.  Commitment is needed for the long term.