Cat Found

Joe,

I hope you can help find this cat’s owner.  We live on Oxbridge Drive in Willow Creek off of Nanticoke Road in Salisbury and this cat has been wondering around for about a month.  We’re not sure where he/she belongs but when the nights became cold and snow started we decided to at least feed it and keep it warm in our garage.  She/he seems to be in good shape except a bit skinny and but is very friendly.  We’d take her but already have two cats of our own.

If anyone is missing this pretty cat please contact me via e-mail with a phone # at buzzed@comcast.net or any suggestion for a cat shelter that will not euthanize.

Thanks

Jay

Wicomico County States Attorney Matt Maciarello Swearing In

The Wicomico County Bar Association cordially invites the public to attend the swearing in of Wicomico County’s newly elected State’s Attorney, Matthew Maciarello, at 3:00 P.M. on January 3, 2011 in Courtroom #5 of the Wicomico County Circuit Court.

While electronic devices and equipment (to include cameras, recording devices, etc.) are generally prohibited in the courthouse, given the nature of the occasion, permission to bring such devices may be obtained prior to the event by contacting Wendy Riley, the Court Administrator for the Wicomico County Circuit Court, at 410-546-4822.

The Wicomico County Bar Association is pleased to welcome our new State’s Attorney, and encourages the public to attend this most auspicious occasion.

STATEMENT FROM GOVERNOR MARTIN O’MALLEY ON CHESAPEAKE BAY IMPROVEMENT PLAN

ANNAPOLIS, MD (December 29, 2010) - Governor Martin O'Malley issued this statement today following the Environmental Protection Agency's issuance of their final Chesapeake Bay Total Maximum Daily Load: 

“Today the Environmental Protection Agency confirmed that Maryland has a very strong plan to clean up the Chesapeake Bay.  

“Never before has our state developed such a detailed, specific plan for Bay restoration with this level of commitment from all stakeholders, including our federal partners.  I want to thank all Marylanders who attended public meetings across the State and provided hundreds of valuable comments that helped shape such a comprehensive plan.

“In September, the EPA reported that Maryland's draft Watershed Implementation Plan was the strongest of all the Bay watershed states, and today, the EPA reaffirmed that our state is a leader in this effort.  Our final Plan noted key improvements in reducing pollution from all major sources.

“Bay restoration is within reach. This Plan provides the road map to get us there. A healthy Bay will benefit Maryland's tourism, recreation, agriculture, and fisheries industries; it will improve the value of our homes, farms, and businesses; and it will create green jobs -- all while protecting our drinking water and improving waterways across the State.   

“While Maryland has long been a leader in Bay restoration, it is now critical that all jurisdictions in the Bay watershed contribute equally to this effort. We greatly appreciate EPA's efforts in helping to clean up the Chesapeake Bay and are counting on continuing federal financial and technical support.”

The Environmental Protection Agency is establishing a nutrient and sediment pollution budget for the Chesapeake Bay, consistent with Clean Water Act requirements known as the Chesapeake Bay Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL). Concurrent with the development of the Bay TMDL, EPA charged the Bay watershed states and the District of Columbia with developing watershed implementation plans that will provide "reasonable assurance" that the jurisdictions can and will achieve the nutrient and sediment reductions necessary to implement the TMDL within their respective boundaries. Maryland's draft Plan was coordinated through the Maryland Departments of the Environment, Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Planning, using Governor O'Malley's BayStat process.

Chesapeake Bay Pollution Diet Announcement

Today the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency released a revised pollution diet for the Chesapeake Bay. The pollution diet is a collaborative effort between the EPA, Maryland, the District of Columbia, and every state in the Chesapeake Bay region. The goal is to put in place by 2025 all the cleanup practices that will be necessary to restore the bay and all the waterways that feed it. Each state was tasked with submitting plans to meet the diet’s pollution reduction goals; Maryland submitted its final plan in early December 2010. After an initial review of the revised pollution diet, Environment Maryland Policy Advocate Tommy Landers issued this statement:

“The EPA deserves praise for leading the charge on this historic effort. Years from now, when we look back on this moment, I hope we will be able to say that this was when we buckled down and got serious about clean water for our children and for future generations.

“It’s hard to imagine a better New Year’s resolution than providing clean water to our families and communities. People throughout the bay region should be excited about this opportunity not only for a vibrant Chesapeake Bay but also for healthy streams and rivers for our children to drink from and swim in.

“While this pollution diet is a tremendous opportunity, the real test will be whether the EPA and states follow through on their commitments in the coming years. Even though the EPA used few so-called ‘backstops’ in this revised pollution diet—the backstops are meant to correct inadequacies in state plans—the EPA nevertheless describes continuing shortcomings in some of the states’ blueprints. The states should make whatever improvements are necessary, and the EPA should confidently hold states accountable. It is this model of regional leadership and accountability that has been sorely lacking for the past 27 years of cleanup efforts.

“The EPA has committed to ‘ongoing oversight’ of Maryland’s and other states’ plans. We were encouraged to see that among the options for this oversight are enforcement actions if states fall short, like ‘expanding coverage of [point source] permits to sources that are currently unregulated,’ ‘prohibiting new or expanded pollution discharges,’ and ‘conditioning or redirecting EPA grants.’ These are among the strongest tools at the EPA’s disposal for pushing states to meet the goals necessary for clean water and a healthy Bay, so we hope to see the EPA actually use these tools if necessary.

“Maryland’s cleanup plan remains promising, though the devil will be in the details. For instance, in the plan Gov. O’Malley rightly proposes to revise the so-called ‘P-Index,’ a flawed test that too often advises farmers to apply manure to their land. After years of over-application of manure, some of Maryland’s soils have become oversaturated with phosphorus, one of the nutrients responsible for the bay’s annual dead zones. The bay would benefit the most from using a simpler test based on achieving and maintaining in soils the science-based nutrient levels that will improve water quality in the long run. Gov. O’Malley’s proposal moves us in the right direction.

“We look forward to working with the EPA and with Gov. O’Malley to ensure successful implementation and enforcement of the pollution diet and Maryland’s cleanup plan.”

Brian Shockley New Judge For Worcester County

Brian Shockley has just been appointed as a Circuit Court Judge for Worcester County by Governor OMalley.

Salisbury Salvation Army Breaks Record Year Total

The Salisbury Salvation Army totals are in $192,585.00. We just received the figures from the local branch. This breaks the record from last year, ($183,000.00) and the total will only go up from there. Thank you to all the staff and the volunteers that made this possible.

Salisbury Salvation Army Expects To Report Earnings Higher Than Last Year

While the media sits back with excitement awaiting the official report from the Salvation Army, early numbers are showing they"ll be greater than last years $183,000.00.

This is just incredible. Considering the loss of several key locations, Gander Mountain, Ollie's, Giant and 2 out of 3 Food Lion locations, then factor in the state of the economy, the Eastern Shore has proven once again that Paying It Forward and helping others in such trying times is the reason so many desire to live here.

For a second year in a row they set a goal of $200,000.00 and I'll be darned if they haven't come close. Last year was a record setting year for the past 50 years and it looks like they'll break yet another record.

Because YOU have been so giving year after year, I can't thank each and every one of you enough. A monstrous thank you goes out to ALL of those volunteers standing in the bitter cold ringing the bell making these record numbers possible. We also cannot forget those business locations kind enough to allow the Salvation Army the ability to access their business locations and ring the bell.

I can't wait to see the final numbers but if I haven't said it enough, THANK YOU for yet another record setting year.

Congressman-Elect Harris Names Senior Leadership Team

COCKEYSVILLE, MD – Today, Congressman-Elect Andy Harris announced his senior leadership team which includes the Chief of Staff, Deputy Chief of Staff, District Director and Press Secretary.

Kevin Reigrut (Chief of Staff) - Reigrut previously served as Harris’ Chief of Staff in the Maryland State Senate and as Planning and Policy Development Manager in former Governor Bob Ehrlich’s Office of Homeland Security.  Most recently, Reigrut served as an Associate with Booz Allen Hamilton. A Maryland native residing in Pasadena with his wife and two daughters, Reigrut earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the Maxwell School of Public Citizenship at Syracuse University.

Dave Schwartz (Deputy Chief of Staff/Director of Communications) – Schwartz, a former aide to Gov. Ehrlich, worked for the past 2 years as Maryland State Director of Americans for Prosperity - a grassroots, free-market organization.  He is a lifelong Marylander and lives with his wife in Bel Air.

Pat Daly (District Director) – Daly, the most recent Chief of Staff to Harris in the Maryland State Senate, also served in the Ehrlich administration.  He is a Maryland native and has a bachelor’s degree from Salisbury University.

Ryan Nawrocki (Press Secretary) – Nawrocki previously worked in the administration of former Gov. Ehrlich, and most recently served as a communications coordinator for Fortune 100 LifeBridge Health. Born and raised in Maryland, he received a bachelor’s degree from St. Mary’s (MD) College.  Ryan will be the primary contact for all media requests starting January 3rd.

 “While I don’t take office until next week, I am ready to serve the people of Maryland’s 1^st Congressional District from day one,” said Congressman-Elect Harris. “This team has a proven record of constituent service and private sector leadership skills that will help me pursue my priorities of long-term economic development, improving government efficiency and protecting Maryland’s precious waterways.”

Congressman-Elect Andy Harris will represent Maryland’s 1st Congressional District which includes: Caroline, Cecil, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s, Somerset, Talbot, Wicomico and Worcester Counties and parts of Anne Arundel, Baltimore and Harford Counties. He will be officially sworn into office at noon on January 5, 2011.

RICK POLLITT’S LATEST DUCK & COVER

Mr. Pollitt’s annual report – required by Wicomico County’s Charter – had already become a yearly paean to Rick before the latest one was issued this week. No doubt the PR skill of Jim Fineran is a prime factor in both its style and substance, which includes much color, graphics and platitudinous prose. This year’s version is no exception.

This year’s report recounts in glowing terms various matters that, as portrayed, make it appear that Pollitt has expertly guided and administered the County for another year. Left unsaid are aspects that make his stewardship seem somewhat less stellar. Yes, he has presented a balanced budget by reducing expenditure to match falling revenue, but no mention that he is required by law to do so. Yes, the County has good (albeit not great) bond ratings, but so too do many other counties, and some have even better ones.

The reader, if not well informed, would never imagine that Mr. Pollitt did not run well in this year’s election, in which he prevailed against a largely unknown opponent whose campaign was as poorly managed as possible. Even a mediocre candidate might well have unseated him.

Just as he did during his campaign for reelection (one of the successes mentioned in his report), Mr. Pollitt has again demonstrated that he is probably the most astute politician in local government in recent memory, Paul Martin, Norm Conway and Lewis Riley included. To be sure, having a PR consultant on his staff (at taxpayer expense) makes it easier for Pollitt. But you have to recognize in him the same ability to self-promote and avoid addressing the problems that we see in such political players as Clinton, Obama and even Martin O’Malley.

The glaring omission in the report, however, is what Rick proposes for the future – such as his recent plea to the local members of the General Assembly to allow the County to impose new fees and taxes. And what about his still secret plan to prohibit development in agricultural area? With falling property tax assessments and revenue, will he ask the Council to pass a budget that has a higher tax rate, which could be done under the tax revenue cap?

Even a professional pol like Rick Pollitt needs bit of luck, which is what he received with the recent snowstorm that gave him a reason not to “go live” to deliver his pablum for the public this year. By calling off that event, which in the past has been the occasion for his “State if the County” lecture about his plans for the coming year, he has once again managed to avoid tough questions about things. But those questions will be coming on this blog even if not in the Daily Times and the other members of what passes for the mainstream media in Wicomico County.

Today's Survey Question

What was your favorite or most memorable Post on SBYNews.com for 2010?

Snow Drifts Caused Biggest Problem In Storm

Because the winds were so high the past few days, snow plows were fighting a losing battle as the winds would bring in more snow from farm fields and cover up the road just cleared by plows. If you click on this image you can see more clearly what I'm talking about.

Overbearing Government At It Again

Ok Joe. Here's yet another example of how an illegal government agency, the ATF, can base an entire case on blatant stupidity. These are your tax dollars at work. I can only wonder how an educated adult making more than....what....$60,000 a year?....can even figure out how to drive to work in the morning being this stupid.



When we're done watching this we can go out into our garages and convert a go-cart into a space shuttle.

Progressive Groups Want To Raise Income, Gas, Corporate And Sales Taxes, And Boost Minimum Wage

Progressive groups and legislators are aiming to raise state taxes on millionaires, corporations, liquor, gasoline and a broad array of consumer services, as well as boosting the state minimum wage to $10 an hour to help protect government services and the incomes of “working families.”

The proposals came in the annual “State of Working Maryland” report from the Maryland Budget and Tax Policy Institute and the Progressive Maryland coalition of liberal groups.

“The state of Maryland families has deteriorated” in the recession, said Neil Bergsman, of the Tax Policy Institute, an arm of Maryland Nonprofits. “The benefits of the recovery are not seen by working people.”

GO HERE to read more.

Ten Most Hopeful Stories Of 2010

There was plenty of disappointment and hardship this year. But the year also brought opportunities for transformation.

It was a tough year. The economy continued its so-called jobless recovery with Wall Street anticipating another year of record bonuses while most Americans struggle to get work and hold on to their homes. The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan continued, and spilled over into Pakistan and Yemen, and more American soldiers died by suicide than fighting in Afghanistan. And it was a year of big disasters, some of them indicators of the growing climate crisis.

World leaders, under the sway of powerful corporations and banks, have been unable to confront our most pressing challenges, and one crisis follows another.

Nonetheless, events from 2010 also contain the seeds of transformation. None of the following stories is enough on its own to change the momentum. But if we the people build and strengthen social movements, each of of these stories points to a piece of the solution.

1. Climate Crisis Response Takes a New Direction. After the failure of Copenhagen, Bolivia hosted a gathering of indigenous people, climate activists, and grassroots leaders from the global South—those left out of the UN-sponsored talks. Their solution to the climate crisis is based on a new recognition of the rights of Mother Earth. Gone are notions of trading the right to pollute (which gives a whole new meaning to the term "toxic assets"). Instead, life has rights, and we can learn ways to live a good life that doesn’t require degrading our home.

The official climate agreement that came out of Cancún was weak and disappointing, although it did represent a continued commitment to work to address the challenge. But the peoples' mobilizations, and the solutions born in Cochabamba, continue to energize thousands.

Meanwhile, Californians voted to uphold their ambitious climate law, despite millions spent by oil companies to rescind the measure in November's election. And cities—Seattle, for one—are moving ahead with their own plans to reduce, and even zero-out, their climate emissions.

2. Wikileaks Lifts the Veil. The release of secret documents by Wikileaks has lifted the veil on U.S. government actions around the world. While the insights themselves don't change anything, they do offer grist for a national dialogue on our role in the world—especially at a time when our federal budget crisis may require scaling back on our hundreds of foreign military bases, our protracted overseas wars, and our budget-busting weapons programs. Likewise, the traumas inflicted on civilian populations and on our own military are spurring fresh thinking. We now have data points for a bracing, reality-based conversation on the future of war—the kind of conversation that makes democracy a living reality.

GO HERE to read more.

Why Your Child's School Bus Has No Seat Belts

Modern fleets aim to 'compartmentalize' pupils into a protective bubble

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Ashley Brown, 16, and Alicia Bonura, 18, both of Beaumont, Texas, died March 29, 2006. They were on a bus carrying their West Brook High School soccer team when it overturned near Devers, Texas, on its way to a playoff game in Humble.

Steve Forman's daughter Allison was among 21 other team members who were injured. "Once she regained enough consciousness, to have to tell her that her two friends were dead, I think that's the hardest thing I've ever had to do in my life," Forman said.

Allison, who was 17 at the time, was ejected through the window, and she underwent four operations to reconstruct her arm, which was pinned beneath the bus for an hour.

Steve Forman and Brad Brown, Ashley's father, are convinced that things would have been very different if only the bus had been equipped with seat belts.

GO HERE to read more.

Boda, Less Taxes & Strengthened Religious Believe Will Save City Of Salisbury

Muir Boda is on the Advisory Board for the Java Hut, (ROTFLMAO) and helps manage WalMart. While I was reading today's article in the Daily Times I couldn't help but think, this guy wants to tell others how to solve crime issues as well. Let's see, if I were a betting man I'd have to say that WALMART has to be the #1 crime location in the entire City, tying up incredible man power from the Salisbury Police department. Yeah, we need to take advice from this guy.

Faith based community, eh? Let me see Muir Boda, is that a Muslim name? Many wouldn't want to get snuffed a second time. You know, Obama and all that. Do you believe in a woman's right to choose? I'd just like to know UP FRONT this time exactly what FAITH you're talking about.

Don't forget who his best buddies are as well. Jonathan Taylor, Julie Brewington, Mike Dunn, Lynn Cathcart, Gary Comegys, Shanie Shields, Louise Smith and of course old Barrie Tilghman.

Muir Boda will lose this election miserably because of his clear and obvious ties with the above names.  Nice enough guy mind you, but an agenda so clear it isn't funny. Salisbury needs real change Muir. Not the same old crap the former Tilghman administration spewed and shoved down every ones throats in the past that got the taxpayers into such a jam financially.

Flat out, Salisbury needs a majority Council that it hasn't had in many years. The direction Tilghman, Dunn, Cathcart, Comegys, Shields, Smith and yes, even Ireton is the WRONG direction. Unless the taxpayers of Salisbury are just flat out stupid, change will in fact come about and the Tilghman/Comegys/Smith days are over.

Muir Boda is NOT one of those fit to sit with the new majority Council. In fact he's the opposite of what Salisbury wants or needs. NEXT!

Will President Fight To Raise Minimum Wage?

Movement at the state level to boost the minimum wage next year could give President Obama some much-needed juice in his stalled push to raise the federal minimum and peg it once and for all to inflation.

Seven states are set to raise their minimum wage on Jan. 1 in a move estimated to benefit hundreds of thousands of workers. Despite concerns that government-mandated wages will make skittish employers even more reluctant to hire workers, supporters say the changes are not drastic enough to dent the size of the payroll, and if anything it will help the economy by putting more money in the pockets of those most likely to spend it. 

GO HERE to read more.

'Let Them Do It!': Chavez Dares U.S. To Cut Ties

Venezuelan president defiant after rejecting Washington's choice of ambassador to Caracas

CARACAS, Venezuela — Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez dared the United States to expel his ambassador or cut off diplomatic ties in retaliation for his rejection of Washington's choice for ambassador to Caracas.

Tensions have been growing over Chavez's refusal to accept American diplomat Larry Palmer and also over U.S. criticisms of a legislative offensive by the president's congressional allies. Lawmakers have granted Chavez expanded powers to enact laws by decree for the next year and a half, a change that opponents condemn as antidemocratic.

Chavez has said he will not accept Palmer to be ambassador due to comments he made earlier this year suggesting that morale is low in Venezuela's military and that he is concerned Colombian rebels are finding refuge in Venezuela.

GO HERE to read more.

Wicomico County Sheriff's Office Press Releases

Incident: Assault / Indecent Exposure

Date of Incident: 18 December 2010

Location: 7900 Royalty Way, Hebron, MD

Suspect: Jennifer Marie Riegler, 22, Accomac, VA

Narrative: On 18 December 2010 at 8:56 AM, deputies from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office responded to the Royal Farms store on Royalty way in Hebron, MD for a disorderly female inside the store. Information had been received from store employees that Jennifer Riegler had removed all of her clothing and was strolling naked through the store. Riegler allegedly was accosting both patrons and employees with sexually suggestive comments and behaviors prior to lying on the floor in front of the donut rack.

Store employees assisted her with getting dressed and she waited in the parking lot for the deputies to arrive. Upon their arrival, it was also discovered that Riegler was eating fruit taken from inside the store that she did not pay for. Based on what the store employees reported to the deputies, Riegler was placed under arrest. Upon their attempt to place her in a patrol car, she kicked a deputy in the groin and another in the hand. Riegler was subdued and placed into additional restraints.

Riegler was transported to Peninsula Regional Hospital and a warrant was obtained charging her with the offenses that occurred at the Royal Farm store. Riegler was taken into custody on 23 December 2010 and transported to the Central Booking Unit where she was processed and taken in front of the District Court Commissioner. After an initial appearance, Riegler was detained by the Commissioner in the detention Center in lieu of $25,000.00 bond.

Charges: Disorderly Conduct / Indecent exposure / Disturbance of the Peace / Assault 2^nd Degree

SBYNews originally posted this story HERE on the 18th.

Incident: Assault

Date of Incident: 27 December 2010

Location: 7400 block of Titleist Drive, Salisbury, MD

Suspect: Denise C. Carter, 42, Salisbury, MD

Narrative: On 27 December 2010 at 7:28 PM, a deputy from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office responded for a reported call for a domestic situation at a residence in the 7400 block of Titleist Drive in Salisbury. Upon arrival, the deputies were greeted at the door by Denise Carter who advised everything was fine and they needed no help from law enforcement. Carter also told the deputies that the male subject she had been arguing with had left. After Carter closed the door on the deputies, it re-opened and the male subject exited the residence. He advised that he had been involved in an altercation with Carter and that she had assaulted him. The deputies saw fresh signs of injury to the male subject’s neck that had allegedly been inflicted by Carter.

Carter was placed under arrest for assault. During transport to the Central Booking Unit, Carter remained belligerent and verbally abusive to the arresting deputy. After being processed and taken in front of the District Court Commissioner, Carter was detained in the Detention Center in lieu of $10,000.00 bond.

Charges: Assault 2^nd Degree

Incident: Assault

Date of Incident: 25 December 2010

Location: 32000 block of old Ocean City Rd., Parsonsburg, MD

Suspect: Willie J. Webb, 48, Parsonsburg, MD

Narrative: On 25 December 2010 at 12:15 AM, a deputy from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office responded to investigate an altercation that occurred inside a residence in the 32000 block of Old Ocean City Road in Parsonsburg. Upon arrival, the deputy learned that Willie J. Webb came home around midnight under the influence of alcohol and is alleged to have urinated on the floor inside the residence. This act caused an argument between Webb and his wife which escalated into a physical altercation when Webb was accused of striking his wife and their daughter. The deputy observed a sign of physical injury that corroborated the account.

The deputy placed Webb under arrest and transported him to the Central Booking Unit where he was processed and taken in front of the District Court Commissioner. After an initial appearance, the Commissioner released Webb on Personal Recognizance.

Charges: Assault 2^nd Degree

Incident: Driving While Suspended

Date of Incident: 25 December 2010

Location: Mt. Hermon Road, Salisbury, MD

Suspect: Katherine M. Love, 19, Snow Hill, MD

Narrative: On 25 December 2010 at 4:30 PM, a deputy from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office stopped a vehicle operated by Katherine Love of Snow Hill for speeding on Mt. Hermon Rd just east of Salisbury. Upon stopping the vehicle and making contact with the operator, she told the deputy that she did not have her license with her and provided her name and date of birth. While the deputy was investigating the driver’s information, the deputy began to doubt the veracity of the information provided when comparing the physical description of the individual whose name the deputy ran with the operator of the vehicle he had stopped. Upon further investigation and contact with the driver, the deputy learned that the driver had in fact provided a false name. Upon receiving the correct information, Katherine Love, the deputy learned that her driver’s license was suspended.

The deputy placed Love under arrest and transported her to the Central Booking Unit where she was processed and taken in front of the District Court Commissioner. After an initial appearance, the Commissioner released Love on Personal Recognizance.

Charges: Speeding

Driver Providing False Name to Law Enforcement

Driving While Suspended

Old Sayings...Different Twist

See if you can translate the following into the familiar sayings we've all heard? See answers below.

1. Scintillate, Scintillate, asteroid exiguous.

2. Members of an avian species of identical plumage congregate.

3. Surveillance should precede salutations

4. Pulchritude poses possesses solely cutaneous profundity

5. It is fruitless to become lachrymose over precipitately departed lacteal fluid.

6. Freedom from incrustations of grime is contiguous to rectitude.

7. The stylus is more potent then the claymore.

8. It is fruitless to attempt to indoctrinate a superannuated canine with innovative maneuvers.

9. Eschew the implement of correction of vitiate the scion.

10. The temperature of the aqueous content of an unremittingly ogled saucepan does not does reach 212 F'.

11. All articles that coruscate with resplendence are not truly auriferous.

12. Where there are visible vapors in ignited carbonaceous material, there is conflagration.

Answers:

1. Twinkle, twinkle, little star.

2. Birds of a feather, flock together.

3. Think before you speak.

4. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

5. Don't cry over spilled milk.

6. Cleanliness is next to godliness.

7. The pen is mightier than the sword.

8. You can't teach an old dog new tricks.

9. Spare the rod and spoil the child.

10. A watched pot doesn't boil.

11. All that glitters is not gold.

12. Where there's smoke, there's fire.

AAA: One In 10 Admits To Driving Drunk

When it comes to accidents involving drunk drivers, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day are more than two and a half times more dangerous than the average day.

WASHINGTON - Have you ever driven drunk? One out of 10 drivers admits to doing so in the past year.
 
That sobering statistic comes from a new survey from AAA Mid-Atlantic.
 
The same survey indicates that 87 percent of drivers surveyed consider drunk drivers a serious threat.
 
Calling it a "confession from the soul," AAA Mid-Atlantic spokesman John B. Townsend II says drivers are hypocrites about drinking and driving.
 
"We know what's right, but we still do what's wrong," Townsend says.
 
Townsend says New Year's Eve and New Year's Day are more than two and a half times more dangerous than the average day.
 
"We buy more wine and liquor for the holidays than most cities in this country, and it's a serious problem," he says.

GO HERE to read more.

Ohio Supreme Court: State Sales Tax OK For Satellite, But Not Cable

Giving an odd boost to cable providers, the Ohio Supreme Court ruled the state could slap a sales tax on satellite TV services even though cable companies don't need to tack the tax on to their packages.

More »

A Letter To The Editor

"as the top of your website states.. sometimes i agree.. sometimes i dont.. but i must admit.. you come through when it counts.. i am a single mother with a very long driveway who lives out in the "sticks"... your plow contacts made it possible for me to get my car out and going again.. thank you and Andy (plow company) for keeping me and my daughter mobile.. and i must say.. i live on a road that seldom sees a plow prior to 2-3 days after every snow.. but this year.. whitesville road in parsonsburg/pittsville was plowed clear by 6:15am Monday morning and was continued to be plowed due to drifting all day monday and tuesday.. good work to those gentlemen as well!!!" back on the road again Michelle Gondal

NYC Sanitation Dept. Doesn't Care About Destroying Your Car

I don't think we've ever had a municipal service division make it into the Worst Company In America tournament, but New York City's Sanitation Department seems to be gunning for a wild card slot this year. First, they tried to fine someone thousands of dollars for picking up a discarded air-conditioner from the curb, then there was the to-do over the woman ticketed $100 for throwing out a small bag of garbage in a public trash can. Now, as millions of New Yorkers attempt to dig out from one of the biggest blizzards to ever hit the city, the Sanitation folks have been caught on camera destroying a snowbound car.

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Calculate How Much Of A Raise You'll Get On January 1

As part of the extension of the Bush tax cuts, Social Security payroll tax will drop from 6.2 percent to 4.2 percent. That means you'll be taking home more money each paycheck, even if your stingy employer has frozen your wages.

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Government To Change Way It Counts Long-Term Unemployed

If you've been unemployed 100 weeks or longer, you're in luck. No, you're not about to get a new job. But for the first time, the Bureau of Labor Statistics will accurately track the length of time you've been unemployed when calculating long-term unemployment. Previously, the agency had to check off "99 weeks or over" for anyone unemployed longer than two years. See, the recession isn't all bad, is it?

More »

Liberal Voices Dominating Debate In U.S. Supreme Court

Multisource political news, world news, and entertainment news analysis by Newsy.com

Led by Justices Sonia Sotomayor and Elena Kagan, the power of the left is growing in the U.S. Supreme Court.

Eagles And Vikings Play In 'Wuss Bowl'

Multisource political news, world news, and entertainment news analysis by Newsy.com

The Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell says we've become a nation of "wusses" after the NFL reschedules Sunday's game between Philly and Minnesota.

RIDES

Joe,

I have a 4 wheel drive jeep. If there is anyone who needs rides to dialysis or important doctor’s appointments, whatever I am here to help. I will be working from home tomorrow so I should be around most of the day. Let me know if I can be of service.

Anthony Darby

President

Office:  410-546-4340

Cell: 410-703-5519

Editors Notes: This message was sent to me yesterday, meaning Anthony is available today for those in need.

PROPANE

"Hello my name is gaby I work in salisbury and live in laurel Are you aware that United propane is charching unknown to there customers $6.41 per gallon of propane INSANE My bill is for 37.1 gallon for 224.42 plus 5.84 admin fee plus 7.46 fuel charge

they lost my bussines"

                                          thank you
                                          Gaby

Removal Of Barge #2

Continuing removal of Barge #2 from the North Prong as of Dec. 28th.

MARYLAND'S ILLEGAL ALIEN CRIMINALS ARE RUNNING OUT OF PLACES TO HIDE

Anne Arundel County to benefit from ICE strategy to use biometrics to identify and remove aliens convicted of a crime

GLEN BURNIE, Md. -

On Tuesday, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) began using a federal information sharing capability in Anne Arundel County that helps federal immigration officials use biometrics to identify aliens, both lawfully and unlawfully present in the United States, who are booked into local law enforcement's custody for a crime. This capability is part of Secure Communities-ICE's comprehensive strategy to improve and modernize the identification and removal of aliens convicted of a crime from the United States.

Previously, biometrics-fingerprints-taken of individuals charged with a crime and booked into custody were checked for criminal history information against the Department of Justice's (DOJ) Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System (IAFIS). Now, through enhanced information sharing between DOJ and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), biometrics submitted through the state to the FBI will be automatically checked against both the FBI criminal history records in IAFIS and the biometrics-based immigration records in DHS's Automated Biometric Identification System (IDENT).

If fingerprints match those of someone in DHS' biometric system, the new automated process notifies ICE. ICE evaluates each case to determine the individual's immigration status and takes appropriate enforcement action. This includes aliens who are in lawful status and those who are present without lawful authority. Once identified through fingerprint matching, ICE will respond with a priority placed on aliens convicted of the most serious crimes first-such as those with convictions for major drug offenses, murder, rape and kidnapping.

"The Secure Communities strategy provides ICE with an effective tool to identify criminal aliens in local custody," said Secure Communities Assistant Director David Venturella. "Enhancing public safety is at the core of ICE's mission. Our goal is to use biometric information sharing to remove criminal aliens, preventing them from being released back into the community, with little or no additional burden on our law enforcement partners."

With the expansion of the biometric information sharing capability to Anne Arundel County, ICE is using this capability in seven Maryland jurisdictions, including Baltimore County, Carroll, Frederick, Prince George's, Queen Anne and Saint Mary's counties. Across the country, ICE is using this capability in 891 jurisdictions in 35 states. By 2013, ICE plans to be able to respond nationwide to all fingerprint matches generated through IDENT/IAFIS interoperability.

"A fingerprint does not lie," said Anne Arundel County Executive John R. Leopold. "Secure Communities is another way local governments can partner with federal law enforcement to identify those who are in this country illegally. This is a valuable tool that eliminates the possibility of racial profiling in identifying illegal immigrants at the point of arrest. Anne Arundel County is proud to be a strong partner with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement."

Since ICE began using this enhanced information sharing capability in October 2008, immigration officers have removed from the United States more than 54,500 aliens convicted of a crime. ICE does not regard aliens charged with, but not yet convicted of crimes, as "criminal aliens." Instead, a "criminal alien" is an alien convicted of a crime. In accordance with the Immigration and Nationality Act, ICE continues to take action on aliens subject to removal as resources permit.

The IDENT system is maintained by DHS's US-VISIT program and IAFIS is maintained by the FBI's Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS).

"US VISIT is proud to support ICE, helping provide decision makers with comprehensive, reliable information when and where they need it," said US-VISIT Director Robert Mocny. "By enhancing the interoperability of DHS's and the FBI's biometric systems, we are able to give federal, state and local decision makers information that helps them better protect our communities and our nation."

"Under this plan, ICE will be utilizing FBI system enhancements that allow improved information sharing at the state and local law enforcement level based on positive identification of incarcerated criminal aliens," said Daniel D. Roberts, assistant director of the FBI's CJIS Division. "Additionally, ICE and the FBI are working together to take advantage of the strong relationships already forged between the FBI and state and local law enforcement necessary to assist ICE in achieving its goals."

For more information about how ICE is using biometrics to identify aliens convicted of a crime, visit

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Results From Yesterdays Governor's Challenge

Game	Result	Top Scorer
Delmar	52	Keandre Whaley - 14
Kent Island	30	Cedric McKethan - 8
Kent County	61	MJ Montgomery - 20
Laurel	60	C. Jones - 20
Polytech	71	E. Lastor - 13
Queen Anne	55	Damonte Dodd - 20
CH Flowers	52	Donte Holloway - 18
Dover	53	Zachary Walker - 15
Crisfield	70	Josh Scarborough - 21
Sussex Tech	69	LaVaar Showell - 24
Washington	62	Tavon White - 29
Fairmont	80	Lamont Adair - 29
Wicomico	44	Tre Morris - 10
Concord	61	Justin Swift - 16
Thomas Stone	65	Michael Briscoe - 22
North Caroline	35	Aaron Moore - 7
Seaford	81	J. Owens - 28
Bennett	65	Josh Strand - 30
Stephen Decatur	50	Matt Swistak - 14
Woodbridge	47	Parker - 16

STATE POLICE MAKE TWO ARRESTS IN CECIL COUNTY HOMICIDE

(Earleville, MD) – Maryland State Police homicide investigators have charged two people in connection with the murder of a 71-year old Cecil County man.

The accused are identified as Lillian Jacobs, 24 and John Wayne Davis, 31, both of no fixed addresses in Cecil County, Maryland. Both are charged with first and second degree murder. Jacobs is being held at the Cecil County Detention Center without bond. Davis is awaiting an initial appearance before the Cecil County District Court Commissioner.

Both Jacobs and Davis are charged in connection with the death of John R. Fleming, 71, of the unit block of New Jersey Avenue in Earleville, Maryland. Fleming’s body was found on the living room floor inside his home on Monday morning, December 27, 2010. Fleming appeared to have suffered multiple stab wounds.

Police received information that Jacobs and Davis were seen pushing a wrecked pickup truck to the side of Crystal Beach Road around 3:30 p.m. on the day of Fleming’s murder. This location where they were seen is approximately one mile from Fleming’s development. It was reported that Jacobs and Davis were given a ride to Fleming’s home on New Jersey Avenue that same day.

Police learned that Davis was a wanted fugitive for violating his probation on previous theft charges. Subsequent to police learning the wrecked pickup truck was stolen, an arrest warrant was obtained for Jacobs. The stolen pickup did not belong to Fleming.

Information received led police to a mobile home park in Earleville where Jacobs and Davis were arrested without incident at around 6:00 a.m. this morning. While taking both suspects into custody, police observed bloodstains on their clothing.

Investigators from the Maryland State Police Homicide Unit, the State Apprehension Team, state troopers from the North East Barrack, crime scene analysts from the Maryland State Police Forensic Sciences Division and sheriff’s deputies from the Cecil County Sheriff’s Office worked in cooperation after Fleming’s body was found.

The cause of death has not yet been determined. A motive for the murder remains unclear at this time. The investigation is continuing…

Battling against stubborn drifts, and minor roads

DelDOT Secretary Thanks Motorists and Road Workers

Dover -- With the last major snow storm of 2010 behind us, Delaware Secretary of Transportation Carolann Wicks said today, "We can all be proud of the way Delawareans responded to the severe weather that settled over the state Christmas weekend. Our citizens heeded the Governor's request to refrain from driving during the worst of the storm, DelDOT's Traffic Management Center did a terrific job assembling and sharing the information we needed to combat the storm, and DelDOT's Maintenance and Operations teams worked many long hours - and are in fact still working - to clear stubborn snow and ice from our roads and bridges."

Statewide, crews from the Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) are continuing to clear roadways of the snow received over the weekend, and are applying salt to those roads that are wet, but are in danger of freezing overnight. Driving restrictions imposed over the weekend have been lifted, but many roads - especially in hardest-hit Sussex County - remain treacherous and extremely cautious driving remains a necessity.

Caution Points:
* As temperatures remained above freezing all day today, the sun is melting much of the hard-packed snow and ice that remains on many of the back roads, however, slushy roads can still be slippery.
* As temperatures are expected to fall to the 20s overnight, crews are applying salt to areas that are wet and are vulnerable to re-freezing overnight. Bridges, intersections and the usual problem areas will receive the most salt.
* Crews and trucks normally stationed in Kent and New Castle counties have been moved to Sussex County to help with snow removal today, so drivers should be on the lookout for snow removal equipment.

Sussex County:
* Crews have moved from the primary routes to the secondary roads and minor roads. Some and roads within subdivisions have been addressed.
* Crews from the other counties are helping clear and treat many of the roads.

Kent County:
* Crews are working on secondary, minor and subdivision roads.
* The primary roads are wet, but clear of snow and ice.
* Approximately 95 percent of all minor roads and subdivision roads are completed. Those roads could have areas of slush and are wet, but the roads are passable.

New Castle County:
* Crews continue to salt and plow as necessary.
* All roads are passable.
* Some minor or subdivision roads might have patches of ice and slush, but all roads are passable.

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DelDOT Snow Facts
Equipment: Statewide, there are 446 pieces of equipment available for snow operations.
* Heavy-duty snow plows of various types and sizes attached to six and 10-wheeled dump trucks.
* Other equipment includes snow blowers, road graders and front-end loaders

Materials: DelDOT primarily uses salt, along with salt/brine and salt/sand mixtures.
* Approximately 65,000 tons of salt are stockpiled in more than 20 locations throughout the state.
* Due to constant replenishment, the stockpiles are currently full.

People: Up to 500 employees are available for snow removal operations:
* Equipment operators
* Mechanics
* Dispatchers
* Administrators and other office personnel

DelDOT maintains approximately 12,900 total lane miles, or 89 percent of the roads in Delaware.