Theft Of A Motor Vehicle

DATE & TIME: 3/30/2010 @ 2048 hrs.

LOCATION: The area of 8800 block of Lynch Dr., Delmar, Maryland 21875

CASE NUMBER: 11-54-002262

BRIEF RESUME: On the above date and time Troopers of the Maryland State Police Salisbury Barrack responded to the 8800 Block of Lynch Dr., Delmar Maryland for the complaint of a motor vehicle theft. While Troopers were on the scene at Lynch Dr. the reported stolen vehicle was located in the area of Williams Mill  Pond Rd., by the Wicomico County Sheriffs Office. The vehicle was partially submerged in the pond. The vehicle was unattended. This complaint is under continued investigation.

Going Broke: Treasury Down To $58.6B In Cash

Imagine that you had an average monthly income of about $170 balanced against average monthly expenses of about $940--and that you were more than $14,000 in debt.

Then imagine that as of today, you had only $58.60 in cash left in your bank account and $130.50 left on your line of credit.

Now multiply these numbers by 1 billion and you will have the up-to-date financial situation of the U.S. government.

CNS News

House Votes Target ObamaCare Slush Funds

House Republicans are reigniting hostile disagreements over the President’s health care law this week with a series of votes to eliminate billions of dollars tucked away in what they say are unaccountable slush funds.

Higher premiums, fewer jobs, less access, and people losing their current health care plans are also at stake, says Rep. Joseph Pitts (R.-Pa.).

“We are receiving reports almost weekly that show that the true cost of ObamaCare is worse than what any of us expected,” Pitts, chairman of the House Energy and Commerce subcommittee on health, told his panel Wednesday.

Democrats countered that the plan is financially sound and won’t saddle the deficit with billions in more spending.

If anyone is to blame for the current fiscal crisis, Democrats said, it’s former President George W. Bush.

“The deficit crisis we find ourselves in is a man-made crisis,” said Rep. Henry Waxman, (D.-Calif.).  “In fact, it is a Republican-made crisis."  Republicans countered that ObamaCare will cost 800,000 jobs, and that 2.4 million Americans are officially excused from participating in the plan, including the Service Employees International Union, because they say they can’t afford it.

“The rest of Americans, you are stuck with this thing,” said Rep. Mike Rogers (R.-Mich.).

Here's more

Loophole Means Utah Sex Offender Set To Be Freed

SALT LAKE CITY -- A convicted sex offender facing nearly two dozen charges of child sex abuse may be soon be set free because doctors says he's no danger to society even though he's not mentally competent for trial.

Lonnie Hyrum Johnson was charged in 2007 in Utah with rape, sodomy and aggravated sexual abuse of a child for alleged acts with his niece and her step-cousin between 2001 and 2006.

Each charge is a first-degree felony. If convicted at a trial, the 38-year-old Johnson would face life sentences for every count. Instead, it appears he will be freed sometime soon after a hearing Thursday afternoon.

Deemed incompetent for trial by a judge in 2008, Johnson has been institutionalized at Utah State Hospital in Provo, about 45 miles north of Salt Lake City, where doctors have been working to restore his mental capacity.

But several weeks ago, the judge found that he likely would not be made competent to face the charges, and doctors believe he wouldn't be a danger to society if freed.

"That magic language effectively kills our criminal case," county Assistant District Attorney Craig Johnson said.

Johnson sought to have the defendant civilly committed, but doctors say he doesn't meet the necessary legal standard.

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Cowards On The Prowl

To Whom It May Concern,

I am writing this email to let you be aware that there is a building consensus for people to boycott any business that chooses to advertise on Joe Albero’s SBY News. His blog has been know to post unsubstantiated and false information about people without facts to support his claims. Many times, if people try to comment on his post to clarify his inaccuracies, he will simply not post them. The reason? Because his blog is hateful and vindictive. Most of the people that view his blog no a daily basis, feed on this type of behavior. He is not responsible the have to follow normal truth in reporting laws as are other media outlets.

  

His blog has truly made life hell for certain people, without cause. It has become “anything for hits” to him.

   

If you support this type of mentality, then continue to sponsor his site. If you don’t support this behavior, please do not support his site. It is also possible, as I have found, that you may not even be aware that your business is listed as a sponsor on his blog. To find out you can check at http://www.sbynews.blogspot.com/

    

 However, I, along with many others, will not support a business that condones his behavior.

Sincerely,

A citizen concerned for the well being of our area

Editors Notes: While I have refrained from Granny's unsubstantiated and unfounded attacks recently, letters like this are going out to our advertisers attempting to stop them from being associated with Salisbury News.

First let me start off by saying this. JT, T M, Granny, JR and JB have been on the war path for years trying to bring us down. Their obsession, (some even going so far as calling me a pedophile) with me is quite mental. Nevertheless, some of these same people have gone after the Salvation Army and Pohanka, organizations who have donated back to this community by the hundreds of thousands of dollars. NONE of these same people are our ringing the bell to help our community. None of these people are donating large amounts of money back to our community. Instead, they will say and do anything to discourage someone like me who spends 16 hours a day, 7 days a week keeping this community informed as well as donating much of my time to pay it forward to our community.

Each and every Salisbury News Advertiser is a paid advertiser. Each and every Advertiser is well aware of our paying back 100% of the funds being brought in to local non profit organizations. Joe Albero is NOT lining his pockets with all this money, not that I haven't earned it or deserve it, I do. I simply choose to "Pay It Forward" because I'm in a position to do so.

For these people to constantly attack Salisbury News or me personally, making false and defamatory statements is against the law. Has anyone ever wondered why a guy like Howard Stern makes $15,000,000.00 a year. While MOST people may not like him, millions of listeners go to his radio show and advertisers pay massive rates to run ads on his show. Why, because EVERYONE goes there. Advertisers don't care if people hate the man. They advertise because he gets hits!

Howard Stern doesn't donate 100% of every penny that comes in back to the community. I do. We have proven results for our advertisers. Each and every one of you following Salisbury News should be very proud of the fine line up of Advertisers we have and let me tell you why. Every time this group of people get ticked off, (which is quite often) they start sending these kind of letters and or call our advertiser and disrupt their professional business/day. You don't see advertisers dropping like dead flies on Salisbury News. These people aren't stupid! They see the good we deliver to this community and they are proud to be a part of it.

While the cowards behind the letters and phone calls always remain anonymous, there's NO credibility, NO proof behind ANYTHING they claim, just like Granny's rant the other day.

So in closing I'd like to thank each and every Advertiser on Salisbury News for not falling for such crap. Together we change many lives for the better. 

Ocean City Man Admits To Possessing Child Porn

BALTIMORE (AP) — An Ocean City man who is a registered sex offender has pleaded guilty to possession child pornography.

Forty-one-year-old Lawrence King III entered the plea Wednesday in federal court in Baltimore. He will be sentenced on June 9.

According to his plea agreement, King was convicted of sexual abuse of a child in 2002. He received a suspended sentence and was put on Maryland’s Sex Offender Registry. Last year, prosecutors say law enforcers received a complaint about King and child pornography.

A search of King’s computer in October recovered more than 600 videos and images of child pornography.

Source

TODAY IS YOUR FINAL DAY TO SAVE BIG

Waiver Of Maintenance Of Effort - Levy Of An Annual Tax

'Stay Ye Prepared'

Political unrest is assured if legislation is enacted.

http://mlis.state.md.us/2011rs/bills/sb/sb0053f.pdf

Somerset County Sheriff's Office Press Release

Leonard Horsey of Princess Anne, arrested 3-25-11 on a warrant regarding failing to appear in court. Horsey was later released on a unsecured bond.

Clarence Linnell Ward Jr. of Crisfield, arrested 3-26-11 on a warrant regarding failing to appear in court/ violation of probation. Ward was later held on a $20,000 bond.

Two juvenile male students arrested at Washington High School on 3-29-11. Deputies were called to the school regarding students smoking suspected marijuana in the mens room. Deputies arrested and charged two male students for disturbing school functions. Both juveniles were later released to their parents pending juvenile court actions

Male juvenile student arrested at Washington High School on 3-29-11. Deputies were called to the school regarding a disorderly student. Deputies arrested and charged the student with disturbing school functions. The juvenile student was later released to parents pending juvenile court actions.

Clarence Linnell Ward Jr. of Crisfield, arrested 3-28-11 on a warrant regarding failing to appear in court. Ward was later released on personal recognizance.

Matthew Christian Monroe of Crisfield, arrested 3-28-11 on a warrant regarding violation of probation. Monroe was later released after posting $10,000 bond.

Rhianna Ulaine Stokley of Marion, arrested 3-29-11 on a warrant regarding failing to appear in court. Stokley was later held on a $250.00 bond.

Stephen Lelend Alford of Princess Anne, arrested 3-29-11 on two warrants regarding failing to pay fines. Alford was later held on a $415.00 bond

House GOP Renews Push For Deeper Cuts

House Republicans on Wednesday refused to yield in their pledge to uphold a campaign promise to reduce federal spending to 2008 levels despite an impasse with Democrats over the budget that threatens to shut down the government.

Republican lawmakers essentially thumbed their noses at the Democrats Wednesday by reintroducing legislation that would cut $61 billion through September, the end of the current fiscal year. The Senate, run by Democrats, has already rejected the plan and declared the cuts too steep to support.

But Republican leaders are facing increasing pressure from their large faction of fiscal conservatives, who in turn are getting an earful from the Tea Party activists who helped elect them to Congress. Tea Party groups are planning a rally at the Capitol Thursday to pressure Republicans to hold their ground in the budget talks and refuse to settle for fewer cuts.

The GOP bill would not only reinstate their original budget-cutting legislation, but would stipulate that if the government shuts down, neither members of Congress nor the president would be paid.

"We are hopeful that this proposal will urge the Senate to act instead of play politics with a shutdown," a spokeswoman for House Majority Leader Eric Cantor, R-Va., said.

Many House Republicans have suggested they would vote against a bill that cuts less than the $61 billion, which reduces spending to the 2008 levels the GOP promised during the 2010 campaign.

"I think we need to keep our word to the American people," said Rep. Mike Pence, R-Ind., a speaker at Thursday's Tea Party rally.

Read more

Sen. Inhofe: Obama Can’t Veto Legislation Blocking EPA Regulations

As of Wednesday night, a vote may finally be in sight for an amendment that would revoke the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) authority to regulate greenhouse gas emissions under the Clean Air Act.

After days of back and forth over scheduling, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid signaled late Wednesday that a vote is tentatively set for Thursday afternoon.

The amendment, offered by Minority leader Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, is based on legislation authored by Republican Sen. James Inhofe of Oklahoma. It is part of a group of highly contentious amendments attached to a small business bill that have kept Democrats from bringing it to the floor for a vote.

Other than McConnell’s, the other two amendments, offered by Republican Sen. Tom Coburn of Oklahoma and Sen. Mike Johanns of Nebraska, would do away with a tax credit for ethanol farmers and repeal the 1099 reporting rule for small business, respectively.

Aaccording to Inhofe, the reason the EPA amendment hasn’t come up for a vote yet is because Democrats are concerned about what it could do to their re-election chances in 2012.

Even if Inhofe gets his vote, however, how President Obama would respond to an amendment stripping the EPA’s power to regulate carbon dioxide is anyone’s guess. Senior White House officials have reportedly warned of a veto, but in public, Obama has been silent on the issue.

According to Inhofe, the president is in a political bind with the provision. “It’s an amendment on a bill he would have a hard time vetoing,” he said, referring to the small business bill the amendment is attached to.

Read more

FOIA-Gate: DHS Disdain For Freedom Of Information Act

After months of investigating, the House Oversight Committee has released its report on allegations of FOIA abuse in the Department of Homeland Security.

At 150 pages (PDF), “A New Era of Openness? How and Why Political Staff at DHS Interfered with the FOIA Process” is chock-full of testimony and evidence to make your jaw drop. In order to help readers get to the juiciest parts, The Daily Caller compiled a list of the most fascinating facts from the committee’s report, including evidence of incompetence, theft, and intentional deceit.

1.) DHS attorney Reid Cox attempted to “steal” evidence from a Congressional FOIA-gate hearing

2.) Napolitano’s personal FOIA team has no idea how FOIA works

3.) Secretary Napolitano’s political staff encourage FOIA underlings to deceive their direct supervisors

Read more about this

Wal-Mart CEO Anticipates 'Serious' Inflation

U.S. consumers face "serious" inflation in the months ahead for clothing, food and other products, the head of Wal-Mart's U.S. operations warned Wednesday.

The world's largest retailer is working with suppliers to minimize the effect of cost increases and believes its low-cost business model will position it better than its competitors.

Still, inflation is "going to be serious," Wal-Mart U.S. CEO Bill Simon said during a meeting with USA TODAY's editorial board. "We're seeing cost increases starting to come through at a pretty rapid rate."

More here

Rep. Walsh: Shutdown Might Be ‘Good Thing’

Illinois Rep. Joe Walsh says a federal government shutdown might actually not be so bad, as it could be the jolt Congress needs to stop stalling and do what the American people really want — significant movement in resolving the nation’s budgetary crisis. Walsh, a tea party-backed Republican, also admonished President Barack Obama, saying he “should be ashamed of himself” for not participating in budget talks.

“We do not want a shutdown. But I've got to tell you, It’s like we’re the only game in town,” Walsh told Fox News’ Greta Van Susteren Wednesday. “The president has been AWOL in these talks — the Senate Democrats don't even have a proposal on the table.

Read more

College Students Turn To Some Interesting Methods To Pay For School

Back in my day, paying for college meant babysitting or working as a waitress, and yes, applying to every scholarship/grant in existence. But kids these days, boy, are they getting creative when it comes to saving up funds to pay for education!

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Cops Taser 400-Pound Alleged Shoplifter Riding Motorized Cart

Tangles between shoplifters and law enforcement often make for entertaining spectacles, but what went down at a Macomb County, Mich. Meijer in February is tough to top. When a 400-pound woman allegedly used a motorized cart to try to cruise away with $600 in stolen items, she got stuck at the door. She then allegedly pushed and punched a security guard, then resisted arrest until an officer subdued her with a Taser.

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Wages For Wisconsin Government Employees

With what is going on in Madison and the “poor” infringement of rights for our government employees, I thought the following facts might interest you!  Must be good to belong to a monopolistic public union or supervise people in these groups!  Great pay with no accountability for performance!  No wonder the protests are so spectacular!  Hopefully Walker and the State Senate will continue to remain firm!

AVERAGE WAGE AND BENEFITS (remember this is for nine months of work) 

·         TEACHERS: 
Milwaukee $86,297 
Elm brook $91,065 
Germantown $83,818 
Hartland Arrowhead $90,285 (highest teacher was $122,952-lowest was $64,942) 
Men Falls $81,099 
West Bend $82,153 
Waukesha $92,902 
Sussex $82,956 
Mequon $95,297 
Kettle Moraine $87,676 
Muskego $91,341

·         STAFF: 
Arrowhead - Bus Manager - Kopecky - $169,525 
Arrowhead - Principal - Wieczorek - $152,519 
Germantown- Asst Principal - Dave Towers - $123,222 
Elm Brook - Burleigh Elementary - Principal Zahn- $142,315 (for a primary school!!) 
Madison - Asst Principal - McGrath - $127,835

·         UNIVERSITY of WISCONSIN STAFF (2009) (salary alone):

Michael Knetter - Prof of Bus - $327,828

Carolyn Martin -Chancellor Madison- $437,000

Hector Deluca - Professor of Nutritional Science - $254,877 (really??) 

         (source:Madison.com -as the UofW removed salaries from being posted online in 2007- why if they are so low?)

How about some other "public servant union jobs?" What do they make?

·         Madison Garbage men (2009) (salary only): 
Garbage man, Mr. Nelson earned $159,258 in 2009, including $109,892 in overtime and other pay. 
Garbage man, Greg Tatman, who earned $125,598 
7 Madison garbage men made over $100,000 
30 Madison garbage men made over $70,000

·         MILWAUKEE CITY BUS DRIVERS (salary only): 
136 Drivers made more than $70,000 
54 Drivers made more than $80,000 
18 Drivers made more than $90,000 
8 Drivers made more than $100,000 
Top Driver made $117,000 
(Source WTMJ)

How do you feel about the protestors now?  Do you still love paying those taxes?  About time for those unions to be overhauled?

Invitation

Geography Stupidities

A DC 'airport ticket agent' offers some examples of 'WHY' our country is in trouble!

1. I had a New Hampshire Congresswoman (Carol Shea-Porter) ask for an aisle seat so that her hair wouldn't get messed up by being near the window. (On an airplane!)

2. I got a call from a Kansas Congressman's (Moore) staffer (Howard Bauleke), who wanted to go to Cape Town . I started to explain the length of the flight and the passport information, and then he interrupted me with, ''I'm not trying to make you look stupid, but Cape Town is in Massachusetts ..''

Without trying to make him look stupid, I calmly explained, ''Cape Cod is in Massachusetts , Cape Town is in South Africa .''
His response -- click..

3. A senior Vermont Congressman (Bernie Sanders) called, furious about a Florida package we did. I asked what was wrong with the vacation in Orlando . He said he was expecting an ocean-view room. I tried to explain that's not possible, since Orlando is in the middle of the state.

He replied, 'Don't lie to me!, I looked on the map, and Florida is a very THIN state!!'' (OMG)

4. I got a call from a lawmaker's wife (Landra Reid) who asked, ''Is it possible to see England from Canada ?''

I said, ''No.''

She said, ''But they look so close on the map'' (OMG, again!)

5. An aide for a cabinet member (Janet Napolitano) once called and asked if he could rent a car in Dallas .. I pulled up the reservation and noticed he had only a 1-hour layover in Dallas ... When I asked him why he wanted to rent a car, he said, ''I heard Dallas was a big airport, and we will need a car to drive between gates to save time.'' (Aghhhh)

6. An Illinois Congresswoman (Jan Schakowsky) called last week. She needed to know how it was possible that her flight from Detroit left at 8:30 a.m., and got to Chicago at 8:33 a.m.

I explained that Michigan was an hour ahead of Illinois , but she couldn't understand the concept of time zones. Finally, I told her the plane went fast, and she bought that.

7. A New York lawmaker, (Jerrold Nadler) called and asked, ''Do airlines put your physical description on your bag so they know whose luggage belongs to whom?'' I said, 'No, why do you ask?'

He replied, ''Well, when I checked in with the airline, they put a tag on my luggage that said (FAT), and I'm overweight. I think that's very rude!''

After putting him on hold for a minute, while I looked into it. (I was dying laughing). I came back and explained the city code for Fresno , Ca. is (FAT - Fresno Air Terminal), and the airline was just putting a destination tag on his luggage..

8. A Senator John Kerry aide (Lindsay Ross) called to inquire about a trip package to Hawaii . After going over all the cost info, she asked, ''Would it be cheaper to fly to California and then take the train to Hawaii ?''

9. I just got off the phone with a freshman Congressman, Bobby Bright from Ala who asked, ''How do I know which plane to get on?''

I asked him what exactly he meant, to which he replied, ''I was told my flight number is 823, but none of these planes have numbers on them.''

10 Senator Dianne Feinstein called and said, ''I need to fly to Pepsi-Cola , Florida . Do I have to get on one of those little computer planes?''

I asked if she meant fly to Pensacola , FL on a commuter plane.

She said, ''Yeah, whatever, smarty!''

11 Mary Landrieu, La. Senator, called and had a question about the documents she needed in order to fly to China . After a lengthy discussion about passports, I reminded her that she needed a visa. "Oh, no I don't. I've been to China many times and never had to have one of those.''

I double checked and sure enough, her stay required a visa. When I told her this she said, ''Look, I've been to China four times and every time they have accepted my American Express!''

12 A New Jersey Congressman (John Adler) called to make reservations, ''I want to go from Chicago to Rhino, New York .''

I was at a loss for words. Finally, I said, ''Are you sure that's the name of the town?''
'Yes, what flights do you have?'' replied the man.
After some searching, I came back with, ''I'm sorry, sir, I've looked up every airport code in the country and can't find a rhino anywhere."

''The man retorted, ''Oh, don't be silly! Everyone knows where it is. Check your map!''

So I scoured a map of the state of New York and finally offered, ''You don't mean Buffalo , do you?''

The reply? ''Whatever! I knew it was a big animal.''

Now you know why the Government is in the shape it's in!

Drug Companies Pushing Up Prices In Patent-Ending Panic

Get it while you can, big drug companies! Pharmaceutical giants like Pfizer Inc, AstraZeneca and Bristol Meyers Squibb are feeling a little panicky as the deadlines loom on patents for some of their best-selling drugs, so what do they do? Up the prices now, before those pesky generic versions arrive to drive consumer costs down.

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RadioShack Not Exactly Thrilled With Free Gun Giveaway At Montana Store

Earlier this week, a Montana electronics store identified as a RadioShack made national headlines by offering customers the option of getting a free gun if they signed up for Dish Network installation and service. But the folks at RadioShack HQ are quick to point out to Consumerist that, while the store may use the company name, its owner is acting on his own.

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Use Up Your Blockbuster Gift Cards Before April 7, 2011

Do you have any Blockbuster Video gift cards lying around the house? Better find them and use them up soon, assuming that you can find a Blockbuster outlet. Multiple sources inside the company have let us know that those gift cards won't be accepted after April 6, 2011 due to the company's bankruptcy.

More »

Men In Women's Bathrooms In MD?

Help protect your family! Contact your legislator today!

The Maryland Senate has recently received a bill from the House that would create special protections for sexual orientation and gender identity in everything from hiring procedures to public restroom usage.

HB235 defines gender identity as “a gender-related identity, appearance, expression or behavior regardless of the individual’s assigned sex at birth.” This opens the door for individuals to express whatever gender they consider themselves to be at any particular moment.

If the bill passes, men including sexual offenders or predators would be allowed into women’s restrooms, potentially putting your family at risk.TAKE ACTION
Fortunately, you can help protect your family by calling your state senator and asking him or her to oppose HB235. Visit CitizenLink’s Action Center. Thank you in advance for making your voice heard on this important issue!

Salisbury Kennel Club Dog Walk

The first Salisbury Maryland Kennel Club Charitable Trust Dog Walk will be held Saturday at 31663 Winterplace Park. Registration 8:00 - 9:30 with the walk starting at 9:30. Cost $20.00 to walk with your dog and your second dog is $5.00. All the proceeds will be for the purchase of a Bullet and Stab Proof vest for the dog that the Fruitland Police Dept will be getting very shortly. In case of rain, it will be held "indoors' with lots of fun activities for everyone. A great opportunity to come and support our canine friends as well as a great morning out with your family, your dog and friends. Games, refreshments and more.

Salisbury Police Department Press Releases

On March 30, 2011 at approximately 10:15 am, Officers of the Salisbury Police were on routine patrol in the area of Waverly Drive and Maryland Avenue and made contact with the below listed suspect. A routine records check revealed that the suspect was currently wanted in Dover, Delaware for failure to appear in court. The suspect was taken into custody without incident.

ARRESTED: Tiffany Latrece Lockett, 40 years of age Dover, Delaware

CHARGES:
Fugitive from Dover, Delaware- Failure to appear in court

DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking
CC # 201100011719

On March 30, 2011 at approximately 11:34 am, Officers of the Salisbury Police arrested the below listed suspect for a theft that was reported in February of 2011. On February 16 of 2011 Officers of the Salisbury Police responded to the K-Mart Department Store on Tilghman Road for the report of a shoplifter. The officers met with store security and were advised that a female suspect had been observed taking video games from the store without making payment. The suspect had fled from the store prior to officer response. An investigation identified the female suspect as the suspect listed below and the officers obtained the arrest warrant.

ARRESTED: Gina Grace Outten, 26 years of age Parsonsburg, Maryland

CHARGES: Theft (under $ 100)

DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking CC # 201100005908

On March 30, 2011 at approximately 4:39 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police arrested the below listed suspect for a shooting that occurred on February 28 of 2011. On that date, Officers of the Salisbury Police responded to the area of the Village At Mitchell Pond Apartments for the report of a shooting. Upon arrival the officers met with a victim that advised three (3) suspects had fired a handgun at him and his vehicle. The victim was not injured. An investigation by Salisbury Detectives identified the below listed suspect as the suspect that fired the handgun at the victim.

ARRESTED: Wendell (nmn) Burke, 32 years of age Princess Anne, Delaware

CHARGES:
First degree assault
Second degree assault
Handgun on person
Handgun in vehicle
Reckless endangerment

DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking CC # 201100007434

SALISBURY CITY COUNCIL AGENDA

APRIL 4, 2011

4:30 P.M.

CONFERENCE ROOM 306

GOVERNMENT OFFICE BUILDING

4:30 p.m. Adding Chapter 15.23, Vacant Structure/Lot Receivership, to the Salisbury Municipal Code – Paul Wilber

5:15 p.m. Follow-up discussion - Onley Road/Bateman Street/S. Division Street project – Teresa Gardner

6:00 p.m. Further discussion of donation of property - Harbor Pointe – John Pick

6:30 p.m. General discussion/upcoming agendas

PUBLIC NOTICE

The Central City District Commission (CCDC) has scheduled a meeting for Wednesday, April 6, 2011 at 12:00 noon.

The meeting will be held in Room 306 of the City/County Government Building (125 N. Division Street).

STATEMENT FROM GOVERNOR MARTIN O’MALLEY ON RETIREMENT OF DR. NANCY GRASMICK

ANNAPOLIS, MD – Governor Martin O’Malley issued this statement today following the announcement that Dr. Nancy Grasmick will retire as Superintendent of Maryland Public Schools:

“This morning, Dr. Nancy Grasmick, Superintendent of Maryland Public Schools since 1991, notified me of her intent to retire effective June 30, 2011.

“I want to thank Dr. Grasmick for her service to the children, parents, and educators of our state as she steps down from her role as State Superintendent.  From her days teaching deaf children in Baltimore City, to now serving as the head of America’s number one public school system, Dr. Grasmick has been long-regarded as a champion for many of the progressive reforms we’ve implemented in Maryland.  These same reforms have helped build the foundation for the nation’s top-ranked schools.

“I want to wish Dr. Grasmick the very best in her future endeavors, and thank her for her years of service to the people of our State.”

ARC Eastern Shore Press Release

Deal Island Elementary School

Japan Disaster Relief Fund Donation

30 March 2011

The American Red Cross Lower Shore Chapter would like to thank Miss Leiser’s 4 th grade class at Deal Island Elementary School, Somerset County, MD who raised $760.48 for the Japan Disaster Relief Fund. 100% of the money is sent to American Red Cross National Headquarters to forward to the Japanese Red Cross Society.

Delaware Officials Squash Citizens' Hoop Dreams

This weekend we learned which 4 teams will meet in the finals of the NCAA College Basketball Tournament. For many players, coaches and fans, this weekend was the culmination of life-long dreams. This weekend, however, we also learned that Delaware state officials thought it was prudent to dispatch resources and manpower to remove a number of curbside basketball hops from a local cul de sac.

So much for their dreams.

The Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) deployed heavy equipment and over a dozen staff to tackle the scourge of curbside basketball. When a local resident complained about the heavy-handedness of the state’s response, they even brought in law enforcement.

Behold, your Republic, 2011 Edition:

Well.

Look…I admit, I don’t know the particulars of this situation. Perhaps these basketball hoops were “illegal. Perhaps, as one government official states, DelDOT does own the “rights of way” in this cul de sac (let’s set aside that weirdness for a moment) and somehow it really felt the need to flex its sovereign muscle and better police its curbs.

But, is this really the best use of government resources? Delaware faces a budget shortfall equal to over 6% of its budget. The tiny state is #12 in the NATION in its level of debt. And yet, it feels it is vital to dispatch a bunch of fully-pensioned and health benefited state employees to remove basketball hoops. Really? When we hear from state employees that they can’t possibly accept any more cuts in funding, is it because we’ll lose the basketball-hoop-removal-sqauds. Cause, I might be willing to stomach that cut.

And yes, I really think this is a big deal.

First, it appears the state marshalled its resources to remove the hoops based on a complaint from one resident. It doesn’t appear that there were any hearings or reviews. A lone crank–and who hasn’t lived down the street from that person–made some kind of complaint and the full wheels of the state enforcement mechanisms were set in motion.

Second, the female state official clearly lies to the resident in the video. She says he can keep his basketball hoop and they will place it in his driveway. And, then, of course, they don’t. (And, did I mention they actually brought in state troopers?)

But, those observations aren’t why this is a big deal. Those merely speak to the mediocrity of bureaucracy. Boxes weren’t checked…forms weren’t filed…the hoops have to go. Rules…laws…blah, blah, blah.

No, this is a big deal because, out of almost a dozen basketball hoops being confiscated, only one resident resisted or complained in any way. The rest, presumably, just shrugged their shoulders and went along with the state.

This goes to the heart of our problem as a nation.

Fights over ObamaCare, Wall Street Bailouts, tax hikes, sweetheart deals or earmarks get all the headlines. Many of us spend our energies on those fights, because they seem like they are critical to the future direction of the country. No doubt, they are important and big issues, but I fear we’ve already ceded so much of our liberty that it is almost immaterial whether or not we win those ‘big’ fights.

We dutifully take off our shoes and throw away water bottles when going through an airport. We submit to physical pat-downs at the whim of security personnel. We follow government mandates to wear seat-belts, separate plastic from glass and prepare to part with the incandescent light bulb. We no longer smoke in bars–or in outdoor spaces. On and on…and on. And now we watch–again dutifully–as our basketball hoops are taken away.

Liberty is not ala carte. Give up enough of it-even on the small things-and liberty won’t be there when you need it.

This weekend, 4 colleges won the right to compete to be America’s collegiate champion. I wonder why they bother.

Source

GOVERNOR O’MALLEY AND LT. GOVERNOR BROWN TO CLOSE OUT “READ ACROSS MARYLAND” MONTH

ANNAPOLIS, MD – TODAY, Governor O’Malley and Lt. Governor Brown will close out “Read Across Maryland” month this year by visiting schools in Prince George’s County and Baltimore City.

The Governor will join Prince George’s County Schools Superintendent Dr. William Hite, Maryland State Educators Association (MSEA) President Clara Floyd, the Maryland Library Association, and the Maryland Association of School Librarians to close out “Read Across Maryland” month by visiting a “radical readers” program at Greenbelt Middle School. The school was chosen by MSEA as the pilot location for this program, which challenges the whole school to read 30 minutes for 30 days.

The Lt. Governor will read to 5^th grade students at Garrett Heights Elementary/Middle School. Garrett Heights’ mission is to provide a positive environment that is child-centered and developmentally appropriate by using an invitational approach to learning that will enable students to achieve their maximum potential.

This year marks the third “Read Across Maryland” month. For the second year in a row, the O’Malley-Brown Administration is partnering with MSEA, the Maryland Library Association and the Maryland Association of School Librarians to encourage educators, parents and children to read 30 minutes for 30 days as part of a “30 for 30” theme.

Maryland’s public schools serve as a national model for quality public education. For the third year in a row, the state’s public schools were ranked number one in the nation by Education Week Magazine. And according to the College Board, Maryland high school students rank number one in AP success for the third consecutive year. Throughout the month of March, Governor O’Malley, Lt. Governor Brown, First Lady Katie O’Malley, and members of the Executive Cabinet joined community leaders, elected officials and educators to participate in events across the state to promote the importance of reading and education.

For more information on “Read Across Maryland” month, please visit http://www.readacrossmaryland.org/.

Bennett Middle School Project Removed From Fiscal Year 2012 Capital Improvement Program Request To State

The Wicomico County Board of Education voted Tuesday, March 29 to amend its fiscal year 2012 Capital Improvement Program request to the state, withdrawing the request for $13 million in state funding for the replacement Bennett Middle School project as a result of the March 1, 2011 action by the County Council to defer funding for the project

Acting on the recommendation of Superintendent of Schools Dr. John E. Fredericksen and staff, the Board voted to amend its current Capital Budget and withdraw its request for $13 million in state funding for Bennett Middle in fiscal year 2012. Dr. David Lever, Executive Director of the Interagency Committee (IAC) on Public School Construction, had requested notification by April 1 if the school system would not be able to use the anticipated $5.2 million allocation from the state to begin construction of Bennett Middle in fiscal year 2012.

“It’s frustrating, because a day of delay is a day of service denied to our children,” Dr. Fredericksen said.

One month ago, the Wicomico County Council voted to defer the Bennett Middle project from its fiscal year 2012 capital plan into next year, thereby eliminating the possibility of including the project as part of its capital bond funding plan for FY2012. This means another potentially costly delay in a project that was originally scheduled to begin construction in January 2011. That planned start date was delayed when the county did not issue bonds for the $5 million approved in FY2010. More recently, the project schedule had been adjusted again to break ground in January 2012.

The Board also voted Tuesday to stop the development of construction documents on the Bennett Middle project until further notice, now that it is not known when the project will be funded and bid. Site development for the project will continue as needed.

Following the March 1 County Council vote, Superintendent and County Executive Rick Pollitt had extensive consultation and discussion with staff members and representatives of the finance industry, in hopes of quickly finding a way to keep the project on track for fiscal year 2012. They determined, however, that it would not be possible to secure alternative solutions for funding for the project in time to meet the IAC’s April 1 deadline. They will continue to explore alternative solutions for the project in the coming months.

County Executive Pollitt has announced the formation of a special Bennett Middle Task Force to tackle the funding challenges presented in planning the construction of the new Bennett Middle School, saying the project is “too important to the quality of our children’s education and the health of the Bennett Middle School population to allow undue delay.”

The Board of Education vote to withdraw its state FY2012 funding request for Bennett Middle was not a unanimous one. The Board passed the motion on a 4-3 vote. Board member Ronald O. Willey said he was concerned the Board was rushing to meet the IAC’s April 1 deadline to withdraw without knowing that the school system could be assured of securing funding again next year. It would be a shame if the Board gave up state funding, only to find a way to fund the project later this year, he said.

Brian Foret, Director of Facility Services for the school system, said the school system and Board have a long and beneficial relationship with the IAC, a relationship that the school system will seek to continue by communicating clearly about its construction plans and the status of local funding. The school system cannot in good faith afford to accept state funding for construction in FY2012 when it has no other funding source for construction.

“I think if we took the state’s money, we would be committing that we would start construction around the first of the year for this project, and I don’t think we can make that commitment,” he said.

The letter from Dr. Lever indicated that the school system would be able to withdraw its FY2012 request and reapply for FY2013 funding without prejudice, and that the school system’s forthrightness in this difficult situation would be remembered and acknowledged. The IAC’s funding recommendations on school projects are made each year, so funding for FY2013 cannot be guaranteed for this or any other project.

With Wicomico unable to use the $5.2 million that had been earmarked for Bennett Middle construction, the IAC will recommend to the Maryland Board of Public Works that the money be spent on other projects. That could mean funding for projects in other school systems, or additional funding for systemic renovation projects in Wicomico County. The IAC has already recommended full state funding for the roof project at Fruitland Intermediate School and a portion of the requested state funding for the roof project at Charles H. Chipman Elementary School.

The delay on the Bennett Middle project may well result in higher construction cost, although that will not be known until the project is actually bid. What is known is that the delay will further push back the full completion of the new James M. Bennett High School, Phase 3, which cannot be finished until Bennett Middle opens in its new location in Fruitland. The delay continues to push out two large and critically important projects in the Board’s capital plan, behind which many other school capital projects wait to be addressed.

On the other hand, the delay will give the school system the opportunity to continue its review of the design of the new Bennett Middle School, to determine if additional cost savings can be realized The plan for the new Bennett Middle School was developed over several years in a comprehensive planning process that involved teachers, parents, school system staff and representatives from the community. Throughout the process, the School Building Commission has played an important role in reviewing the designs and advising the Board of Education with its recommendations. The School Building Commission, appointed by the County, will continue to be a key part of the project team.

Fortunately, the delay will make it possible for the school system to take advantage of the recently approved revisions for state construction funding on approved public school projects at a higher percentage rate beginning next year – 96% of eligible construction costs for the next three years rather than 87% from fiscal years 2010-2012, Foret said. This is due to a variety of factors in the calculation formula, one of which takes into consideration the system’s rising percentage of students qualifying for Free and Reduced Meals. The higher state share could help cover some of the increases expected to occur as a result in the escalation of construction costs due to the delay.

Salisbury News Surpasses 280,000 Comments

Salisbury News has published 281,466 comments as of this moment and date. Mind you, this number does not include those comments in which we have rejected and trust me, there's a LOT!

Keep those comments flying in Folks and don't miss the 6:00 news broadcast tonight on WBOC. Lisa Bryant came to my home today to discuss Blogs. I think you'll find what I had to say very interesting.

The Character Of A "Good" Man...

To whom this may concern,

         

It has been a minute since I have written on this site, but after watching the news this evening, I felt compelled to add my "2cents". First off, I am "nobody", and my 2cents might not matter to "anybody", but I want to talk about "somebody", who tried to help "everybody" during the tragic situation that happened to  Lil 11 yr old Sarah Foxwell. That somebody is Joe Albero. I heard the comments (and read them) made today by Sarah's grandmother concerning Joe. About him "trying" to make money from the situation.

       

First off, I find that hard to believe? Why, or how, you ask??? Well it is during this time I met Joe. I am a young smart African American with a street-smart type of appeal about myself. I consider myself a beautiful person, inside and out, but this is America. With this said, I got in contact with Joe about a song that I had created (with Will Walker and my team) about Sarah (called Yesterday- A song for Sarah) to try to raise money for the family, trying to help out in any way, shape or form. Joe has the #1 blog site on the Eastern Shore (in my opinion). I wanted to know if he could put the song on his site to gather some type of push to get the song heard by the masses. Joe told me straight up, "I will not take part if this is YOUR way of trying to gain money for the song. I will only do it, if it's a real cause for the family (which it was), and finally if it was a good true heartfelt song (which it is).

           

He liked the song, what it stood for and helped me/us, and put it on his site. At this point, my team didn't have money to reproduce the song for sale ( I was unemployed) I still am...can you help me?-smile). Well Joe was willing to pay fo the reproduction of the song...out of his own pocket! He even went as far as to put us on his show to gain the edge we needed. Not once did he take ANYTHING. He only wanted to add to it. That a good man if I have ever seen one.

    

So in closing, I just wanted to say, Thank You Joe. Thank you for trying to help out, for trying to continue to keep the community informed of everything that was happening at that terrible time...and your still champing the cause as far as keeping us "updated". I don't know whats going on between you and the family...but I only saw goodness in you. God Bless you. Thanks again for EVERYTHING.

    

In closing, If there is anyone who would like a copy of the song, you can email me at:  topnotchent.mgmt@gmail.com . And its, NOT FOR SALE! We are GIVING THEM AWAY!. Its a weird way of us all celebrating Sarah. She can rest in peace and the family and have some type of closure. REST WELL SARAH... He won't hurt anyone else...

You Have 2 Days To Make A Deal

Now is the time to buy!

FACT CHECK: How Obama's Libya Claims Fit The Facts

There may be less than meets the eye to President Barack Obama's statements Monday night that NATO is taking over from the U.S. in Libya and that U.S. action is limited to defending people under attack there by Moammar Gadhafi's forces.

In transferring command and control to NATO, the U.S. is turning the reins over to an organization dominated by the U.S., both militarily and politically.

In essence, the U.S. runs the show that is taking over running the show.

And the rapid advance of rebels in recent days strongly suggests they are not merely benefiting from military aid in a defensive crouch, but rather using the multinational force in some fashion — coordinated or not — to advance an offensive.

Here is a look at some of Obama's assertions in his address to the nation Monday, and how they compare with the facts:

Newsmax/Zogby Poll: Christie Leads GOP Pack

An exclusive Newsmax/IBOPE Zogby International poll shows New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie so dominates the GOP field for 2012 that he garners more than twice as many votes as his nearest Republican competitor.

The new poll reflects growing momentum for Christie, despite his repeated insistence that he’s not ready to be president and has no intention of running.

Christie’s strong showing is likely to further encourage those Republicans who are actively engaged in mustering support for a campaign to draft him to run. Supporters launched a DraftChristie2012 website last October.

The Newsmax/IBOPE Zogby survey shows Christie to be the choice of 23.6 percent of likely GOP primary voters. That dwarfs the 10.3 percent for second-place finisher Sarah Palin.

“Conservative voters like Chris Christie,” pollster John Zogby tells Newsmax, “because he offers an actual governing model that’s consistent with his and their philosophy.

“Essentially, he has been fearless in terms of tackling unions, tackling budget cuts, and so on,” Zogby says. “But they also know that he’s an affable personality, that he does not come off as this angry radical, but as a credible fellow.

“And at the same time,” says Zogby, “he’s portly, he’s real, he’s not out of central casting. And in many ways, for Republicans, he’s the un-Obama.”

Zogby says the results are consistent with other polls that show Christie dominating the field when he’s among the choices pollsters offer voters.

Read more

Indiana GOP Pushes Ahead With Big Voucher Program

Indiana's Republican leadership is pushing ahead with a proposal that would be the nation's broadest use of school vouchers, allowing even middle-class families to use taxpayer money to send their kids to private schools.

Unlike other systems that are limited to lower-income households, children with special needs or those in failing schools, this one would be open to a much larger pool of students, including those whose parents earn up to $60,000 a year. And within three years, there would be no limit on the number of children who could enroll.

Newsmax

2011 Atlantic Hurricane Season: Active, More US Landfalls

AccuWeather.com Hurricane Center meteorologists, led by Meteorologist and Hurricane Forecaster Paul Pastelok, are predicting an active season for 2011 with more impact on the U.S. coastline than last year.

The team is forecasting a total of 15 named tropical storms, eight of which will attain hurricane status and three of which will attain major hurricane status (Category 3 or higher).

In a normal year, there are 10 tropical storms, six of which become hurricanes and two of which become major hurricanes, or attain winds that exceed 110 mph.

2010's historic season had a total of 19 named storms and ranks as the third most active season on record, but there was little impact on the United States coastline. Twelve of these storms became hurricanes, five of which were major hurricanes. Two names from the 2010 season were retired on March 16.

"It looks like we're going to have more impact on the mainland of the U.S. coming up this year compared to last year," Pastelok said. "We had a lot of storms last year, but not a lot of impact [on the U.S.]."

In order to project the number of storms and impacts, the team looks at past years that have similar weather variables and patterns that closely resemble the most recent fall, winter and early spring months.

More from AccuWeather