STATEMENT FROM GOVERNOR MARTIN O’MALLEY ON THE RESTORATION OF DISTINGUISHED SCHOLARS AWARD

ANNAPOLIS, MD (May 11, 2011) – Governor Martin O’Malley issued this statement following his order to restore funding for Maryland’s Distinguished Scholars:

“Earlier today, I ordered the Maryland Higher Education Commission to restore funding to the 350 Maryland seniors who were counting on the $3,000 Distinguished Scholars award they earned to attend a Maryland college or university. 

“While this year’s budget deficit presented unique challenges, and we worked together to address the revenue shortfall with tough choices and deep cuts to existing programs, it was never our intention to impact prior awards.  Clearly, our commitment to honor existing awards was not fulfilled and I’ve directed MHEC to immediately correct the error and restore the four-year scholarships to all seniors who were expecting their award.”

Fruitland Police Department Press Releases

DATE & TIME: May 9, 2011 @ 1:41 a.m.

INCIDENT: Possession of CDS

LOCATION: S. Fruitland Blvd. and S. Division Street

Fruitland, Maryland

CASE NO.: 2011-500

PERSON CHARGED: SYLVIA DANYELLE HOUGH W/F

AGE: 20

ADDRESS: Stouty Sterling Road

Crisfield, Maryland

CHARGES: Possession of CDS

Numerouse Traffic Violations

DISPOSITION: Released to custody of WCDC

Resume’

While on routine patrol officers observed a blue 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac traveling southbound at a speed greater than the posted speed limit. Upon stopping the vehicle the operator was identified as the above subject. A routine license check revealed that the subject’s operating priviledge was suspended. Subsequent investigation revealed the presence of CDS. The subject was charged and transported to Central Booking, WCDC.

DATE & TIME: May 9, 2011 @ 8:30 p.m.

INCIDENT: Attempted Armed Robbery

LOCATION: 203 Poplar Street

Fruitland, Maryland

CASE NO.: 2011-505

PERSON CHARGED: CARLTON EDWIN CARTER B/M

AGE: 48

Address: 203 Poplar Street

Fruitland, Maryland

CHARGES: Attempted Robbery

Attempt to rob with a dangerous weapon w/ intent to steal

Reckless endangerment

DISPOSITION: Released to custody of WCDC

Resume’:

On the above date and time officers were dispatched to the above location reference a report of someone having been threatened with a knife. Upon arrival it was learned from the victim that the above named suspect, who was the victim’s room mate, had placed a knife to the victim’s neck and demanded that he hand over his food stamps. A neighbor arrived to borrow something from the victim subsequently interupting the robbery and the victim left with the neighbor and called the police.The suspect was located at the scene and arrested. He was transported to Central Booking at WCDC.

DATE & TIME: May 9, 2011 @ 11:18 p.m.

INCIDENT: Possession of CDS

LOCATION: S. Fruitland Blvd. and W. Main Steet

Fruitland, Maryland

CASE NO. 2011-506

PERSON CHARGED: ANTHONY WAYNE ALLEN COVEY 2^ND M/W

AGE: 18

ADDRESS: Mt. Hermon Road

Salisbury, Maryland

CHARGES: Possession of CDS

Possession of CDS Paraphernalia

Numerous traffic violations

DISPOSITION: Released to custody of WCDC

Resume’

While on routine patrol officers observed a red Jeep Cherokee traveling westbound on W. Main Street, Fruitland, Md. The vehicle’s drivers’ side head lamp was inoperative. The vehicle was stopped at west Main Street and S. Fruitland Blvd, The operator was identified as the above named subject. Subsequent contact with the subject resulted in the discovery of CDS. The subject was arrested and transported to Central Booking at WCDC.

BREAKING NEWS: Billionaire Hedge-Fund Manager Rajaratnam Found Guilty Of Insider Trading

Raj Rajaratnam, the founder of hedge fund Galleon Group, was found guilty on Wednesday of insider trading in one of the most high-profile insider trading cases in history. He was arrested and charged in October 2009 and was the central figure in the government’s multiyear investigation of insider trading.

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Will The Salisbury Fire Department Ever SHUT UP?

In a recession, do we complain about no cost of living increases or are we thankful we have a job at all?

It seems in the City of Salisbury and Wicomico County employees just can't seem to keep their mouths shut and be thankful they have a job.

Let me assure you of one thing, (on the record). If I were County Executive or the Mayor of Salisbury, JOBS WOULD BE CUT. Jobs would have been cut at least 4 years ago. However, both the City and County are run by Democrats and Bureaucrats who actually believe we're NOT in a depression. Some are now calling it "The Great Recession" because they're too afraid to admit this country is in a depression. I'll not get long winded about $4.00 a gallon gas and $5.00 a gallon for milk.

What I will spend time on is the Salisbury Fire Department feeding us yet another line of crap that they so desperately need medical technicians. I have listened to this BS for the past 7 years and quite frankly I'm tired of hearing about it. They propose these positions and then never fill them, allowing for these additional funds to sit idle year after year just in case they need the extra money.

They claim calls are up 8 percent. OK Folks, have YOU seen an 8% increase in FIRES over the past year, NO! However, take the fire in Delmar last week. Every damn fire truck on God's Green Earth was there to put out a fire in which the structure was already gone, burned to the ground. The 8% increase includes ALL of the automobile accidents these Idiots use to take out multi million dollars worth of Fire Trucks, JUST IN CASE THERE IS A FIRE.

All too often we see these departments making such claims and then they wonder why they get furloughed. Look at your own Department Heads, fools! If they'd STOP asking for such BS items there would be more money to pay your salaries. What cracks me up the most is how all of these Volunteer Fire Departments survive without paid employees. That's the America I grew up in. Today its a group of winers and complainers bellyaching they're not getting a fair share of things.

As far as I'm personally concerned, the SFD can shut their mouths for the next 20 years. They have received just about everything imagineable while the SPD has been smacked in the face. So now lets talk about increases. Crime is on the rise for the past 10 years in Salisbury, yet this mayor and the former Mayor IGNORE requests for additional funding and Officers, go figure! The SFD doesn't come to the table and say, you know, we appreciate everything you have done for us over the past 6 years, we're going to take a hit this year to help our BROTHERS and SISTERS in the Police department as we have seen them sit idle for far too many years.

No, today's generation is greedy and lead by democrats who want, want, want! Do tell me how Pepsi and Perdue will be able to afford a 18% rate increase in their sewer rates? You ask everyone else to foot the bills for Democrat Mayor Barrie Tilghman and her WWTP screw up and then you want more staff while Pepsi and Perdue are forced to lay off people because of rate increases?

You mark my words. The democratic desperation of increasing rates will be the death of the Eastern Shore. Oh, I know how powerful a statement I just made is. However, know this. Perdue will relocate as well as Pepsi and other companies just like them. When they do, guess what, YOUR JOBS WILL BE GONE and the recovery will take a good 20 years just to get back to where we used to be. People like the Department Heads of the Fire department will then appreciate what they had.

Yeah, it will be the old hitting rock bottom that will finally force Democrats to see the light. In the mean time they'll bill everyone to death until there is no more, (just as I have been preaching for the past 6 years, or so).

STOP taking out Fire Trucks to vehicle accidents, period! You have what, 6 chase vehicles in the Fire department? Go to the scene and if there's a FIRE, call in one of the trucks. In the mean time, carry a fire extinguisher. You cannot save every life, vehicle or structure. In most cases, they're INSURED anyway. The money you save just might help to get that cost of living adjustment and or furlough days removed.

I, (for one) am sick and tired of these crybabies with their wants, not needs. Be happy you have a job. I have many friends out of work, some for more than a year now. Oh, and if you want to stop crying about the cost of living increases, next time vote for a Republican and you'll see gas go back down to $2.00 a gallon and milk less than $2.00 a gallon, where it should be. Start to recognize much of this inflation is your own fault.

D.C. Area Home Prices Rise For 18 Consecutive Months

WASHINGTON - Although housing prices are still falling in most of the U.S., the April figures show continuing improvement in the D.C. metro region, which now has seen 18 consecutive months of price increases.
 
This April, area home prices were 1.5 percent higher than one year ago.
 
Increases have been modest, but "it's a definite trend," says John McClain, deputy director of the George Mason University's Center for Regional Analysis, who specializes in housing.
 
"We're just in April," he says, and the traditionally hospitable summer months are still ahead, which makes for a promising year.
 
"We have job growth, which means we're creating new demand for housing. And we still have low mortgage rates with the spectre on the horizon that interest rates are going to go up."
 
Although home prices rose for most of the region, the increase was not universal.
 
Prince George's and Howard counties in Maryland, as well as Spotsylvania and Stafford counties in Virginia continue to lag behind.

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Amusement Parks Focus On Deals, Not Just Thrills

New attractions, offers aimed at budget-minded families

Born and raised in New Jersey, Brenda Jones has loved theme and amusement parks all her life. "Growing up here, we always had [Six Flags] Great Adventure, Hersheypark, the boardwalk in Ocean City, all of that stuff," she said. "We went all the time because it was an inexpensive thing to do."

Recently, though, she’s found her love tested in the face of everything from add-on fees for parking to the high cost of concessions. "My niece took her three kids to the boardwalk last year and it was $4 a ride for each one and $6 each for a waffle with ice cream. We just can’t afford to go anymore."

Amusement parks, still stinging from their own economic challenges of the past few years, are taking note. While pricey, new interactive attractions reigned last summer, this season visitors will see fewer new big-ticket rides and more deals pegged to multi-day visits.

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Worcester County Sheriff’s Office Press Release

On May 8, 2011 a Worcester County Sheriff’s Office Deputy observed a motorcycle traveling at 76 miles per hour in a 50 mile per hour zone. On route twelve in southern Worcester County. The driver of the motorcycle accelerated to nearly 100 miles per hour. The Deputy attempted to stop the driver of the motorcycle, later identified as, Clifton Tyler Ebron, 22 years of age from Seaford Delaware, Mr. Ebron continued to attempt to elude the Deputy. Mr. Ebron eventually encountered a slow moving vehicle on a curve which allowed the Deputy to catch up to him.  The slow moving vehicle came to a stop in the road way because there was no shoulder to move to, to yield for the Deputy.  The motor cycle had no choice but to stop.  Mr. Ebron was charged with fleeing and eluding police, reckless driving, negligent driving, and speeding. Mr. Ebron was released pending court.

Dr. Cathy J. Townsend To Serve As Assistant Superintendent For Administrative Services

Dr. Cathy J. Townsend will serve as the new Assistant Superintendent for Administrative Services for Wicomico County Public Schools.

The Wicomico County Board of Education unanimously approved the appointment of Townsend when it met on Tuesday, May 3. Her appointment is effective July 1. She will join Dr. Margo Handy, Assistant Superintendent for Instruction and Student Services, on the leadership team of Dr. John E. Fredericksen, Superintendent of Schools.

"I am honored to have the opportunity to serve Wicomico County Public Schools as Assistant Superintendent for Administrative Services,” said Townsend, currently the Supervisor of Safe Schools. “I will strive to use my varied work experiences, educational experiences, and my knowledge of and passion for our community to assist in helping our students meet with success in all areas of their lives."

Board members praised Townsend’s experience in both public education and industry, and highlighted the lifelong learning that has prepared her for leadership and earned her a doctoral degree earlier this year. They praised her ability to develop rapport with students, families, staff members and the community, and to show leadership, good character and strong decision-making skills.

“I’m really excited for you, and I’m happy for our school system” to have you becoming Assistant Superintendent for Administrative Services, Board President L. Michelle Wright said.

After graduating from Wicomico Senior High School in 1973, Townsend received bachelor’s degrees in Mathematics and Psychology from Salisbury State University. She later received a Masters of Education with an administration concentration from SU, and recently earned a doctoral degree in Innovation and Leadership from Wilmington University.

She began her education career as a math teacher in Worcester County Public Schools (1979-81) and joined Wicomico Schools as a math teacher at Wicomico Senior High School (1983-85). She then worked as a regulatory analyst for Downes Associates Engineering Consultants in Salisbury (1985-92). Townsend returned to the classroom to teach grade 5 math in the North Salisbury Elementary Magnet Program (1992-97).

Her career in education administration began with her appointment to serve as assistant principal of Pittsville Elementary and Middle School (1997-99) and then as the assistant principal and then principal of Salisbury Middle School (1999-2006). She then took her expertise to the Delmar (Del.) school district, serving as principal of Delmar Middle and High School and Director of Special Education (2006-09). Wicomico Schools welcomed Townsend back as School Climate Coordinator (2009-10). She was named Supervisor of Safe Schools for 2010-11.

Townsend holds many professional memberships and has won numerous awards, including Maryland Middle School Principal of the Year in 2004. She has supervised a number of important initiatives for the school system, such as centralized enrollment, school climate survey, character education, Connections alternative program, gang policy development, Dress Code revision, school climate and safety initiatives, dropout prevention and more.

Editors Notes: It is my hope Cathy is Fredericksen's replacement in two years. From everything I have learned about Mrs. Townsend she is top shelf and a great asset to the WBOE.  

Wicomico's Service Stars To Be Saluted At State Event Today

Students from two Wicomico County high schools will represent students in Wicomico and throughout Maryland at the Maryland Service Stars ceremony Wednesday in Annapolis.

Rebecca Pierson of James M. Bennett High School has volunteered with several organizations. In the Appalachian Service Project, Rebecca traveled to an impoverished community to help provide quality housing to less fortunate families. Rebecca says, “Through my various service activities I have grown passion for helping others. The Appalachia Service Project has taught me a lot about myself and has helped me grow in my faith. I plan to continue to do service projects throughout my life and to always make an effort to help other people.”

Elana Walker of Wicomico High School has amassed more than 800 hours of service in her work with local groups such as homeless shelters, as well as internationally on a service trip to Australia. Elana says, “I believe little acts of sacrificial love can change the lives of many. Whether it be building a hut for a family in an Aboriginal village in Australia or giving a hot meal to a homeless person, seeing that person's face light up and smile gives me a feeling of accomplishment and knowing that I have impacted that person's life is the best feeling one can have."

For more than a decade, Maryland has led the nation implementing quality Service-Learning as a graduation requirement for our students. Service-Learning is truly a vehicle to link students and adults to their communities in a meaningful way. Student Service Stars from across the State of Maryland, along with Service-Learning Fellows, will be honored for their community work during a reception ceremony.

Service-Learning is a vital part of education because it helps translate classroom lessons into life lessons that improve their communities and make a difference globally – such as the current outreach efforts for “Operation Japan.” Students throughout the State are currently raising funds to aid in the relief efforts, and many are earning Service-Learning credits.

Maryland’s Service-Learning is yet another reason Maryland public schools are ranked #1 in the nation for the third consecutive year.

Found Dog: UPDATE

This dog was found yesterday in the area of Malta Ave and Lois Ave off Old Ocean City Rd.  Very nice dog,  has a thick chain that it looks like it broke.  Wicomico Humane society has been contacted and no one has claimed it yet, going to keep it a few days to save the owner the WHS fee's. 

Contact:  410-219-3269 

Ask for Jessica.

Reflecting Pool Project Near Lincoln Memorial Under Way

The nearly $31 million project to replace the reflecting pool near the Lincoln Memorial is well underway. The project, which is scheduled to take a year and a half, will install pilings beneath the pool. The Washington Post reports the 50-foot timbers are being driven into the ground at the rate of about 500 per week. They'll put in more than 2,100 to shore up the reflecting pool. The bulk of the 80-year old pool has been ripped out. It was not built on pilings. Work on the new pool itself will begin in July.

Veterans Affairs Awarded Nearly $500 Million To Dell For 600,000 New Computers

The Veterans Affairs Department has quietly awarded a nearly $500 million contract to Dell for 600,000 new computers. NextGov reports neither VA nor Dell made the typical press announcement of such a large deal. Instead, the VA put a notice in the FedBizOpps web site. The award follows a Dell contract from 2007 to lease a quarter million PCs. That deal, valued at $248 million, drew criticism from the VA's inspector general. The new contract runs for eight years. VA's first batch of new PCs will consist of 70,000 machines.

House To Hear How Peace Corps Treats Volunteers Today

A House hearing today examines how the Peace Corps treats volunteers who have been victims of rape and other crimes while serving abroad. The New York Times reports, from 2000 to 2009, an average of 22 Peace Corps women per year reported being the victims of rape or attempted rape. During that time, more than 1,000 Peace Corps volunteers reported sexual assaults. Many volunteers report returning home only to receive callous treatment from the agency. The Peace Corps has promised reforms. Republican Representative Ted Poe of Texas sponsors legislation to force changes in how the Peace Corps treats victims of sexual assault.

Kentucky Derby Runner-Up Jockey Found Dead At Churchill Downs

LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- A 24-year-old jockey who rode this year's Kentucky Derby second-place finisher to his only win was found dead in his vehicle Tuesday at Churchill Downs.

Michael Baze of Glendora, Calif., was pronounced dead at 4:47 p.m. EDT in his vehicle parked in the stable area of the track, Jefferson County Deputy Coroner Jim Wesley said.

There were no signs of foul play and the case was being treated as a death investigation, Louisville police spokeswoman Alicia Smiley said. An autopsy was planned.

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Navy Halts Move To Allow Gay Unions By Chaplains

WASHINGTON — Under pressure from more than five dozen House lawmakers, the Navy late Tuesday abruptly reversed its decision that would have allowed chaplains to perform same-sex unions if the Pentagon decides to recognize openly gay military service later this year.

In a one-sentence memo obtained by The Associated Press, Rear Adm. Mark Tidd, chief of Navy chaplains, said his earlier decision has been "suspended until further notice pending additional legal and policy review and interdepartmental coordination."

The Navy said its lawyers wanted to do a more thorough review of the legal decision that allowed Navy chaplains to receive training to perform civil unions on military bases, but only in states where it is legal.

Military training to apply the new law allowing gays to serve openly began earlier this year and is expected to be completed by midsummer.

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Judge: Obama 'Slow Walking' Drill Permits Must Stop

The U.S. “unlawfully and improperly delayed” permits for deep-water drilling after the BP Plc Gulf of Mexico oil spill last year, a federal judge said.

U.S. District Judge Martin Feldman today ordered offshore energy regulators to act within 30 days on six pending permit applications filed by companies that have contracts with Ensco Offshore Co., the Louisiana drilling company leading the legal challenge to the government’s offshore drilling bans.

Federal law “establishes a non-discretionary duty on the Department of Interior to act, favorably or unfavorably, on drilling permit applications within a reasonable time,” Feldman said in his 16-page order. Ensco was harmed by “the government’s failure to act on pending permit applications contemplating the use of Ensco’s rigs,” he said.

The Obama administration suspended all drilling in waters deeper than 500 feet last May in response to the worst offshore oil spill in U.S. history. More than 4.1 million barrels of crude leaked into the Gulf after the Deepwater Horizon exploded and sank while drilling a subsea well for BP off the Louisiana coast in April.

Wyn Hornbuckle, spokesman for the U.S. Justice Department, didn’t immediately respond to a call for comment.

After offshore companies and regional business and political leaders sued in June, Feldman threw out the government’s deep-water drilling moratorium as overly broad and punitive to the Gulf Coast economy. Interior Secretary Kenneth Salazar imposed a second ban in July. That ban was also challenged in court, and Salazar withdrew it in October before Feldman could rule on its validity.


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Delaware Bill Requires Parental Consent For Abortion

DOVER, Del. (AP) -- State lawmakers are considering a bill requiring parental consent before a girl under the age of 18 could get an abortion in Delaware.

Under the bill, one of the girl's parents would have to consent to an abortion, except in the case of a medical emergency. If the parents are divorced, consent of the parent with custody would be sufficient.

In a pregnancy resulting from incest involving the father, the girl would need only her mother's consent. If both parents have died or are otherwise unavailable, a guardian could provide the consent.

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$1 Million Donation For Affordable Homes

Maryland's governor is touting a $1 million donation toward affordable homes for people with disabilities.

"There is no more powerful place in our state than a family's home," Gov. Martin O'Malley said at the Homes at the Glen neighborhood off Forest Drive yesterday.

At Homes at the Glen, O'Malley announced a $1 million donation from the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation to help create new rental homes in the state for people with disabilities and extremely low incomes.

The money will help nonprofit developers of low-income housing - companies like Homes for America, which built Homes at the Glen - offer rental units to people with disabilities.

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Maryland One Of Best States In Collecting Transportation Data, Study Says

Maryland collects more data on various aspects of transportation than most other states, ensuring that taxpayers can get the biggest bang for their bucks, according to a new study from the Pew Center on the States and the Rockefeller Foundation. Maryland is one of 13 states that the study found is “leading the way” in collecting information on six important indicators dealing with transportation: safety, jobs and commerce, mobility, access, environmental stewardship, and infrastructure preservation.

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13 Years For Stun Gun Attack On Pregnant Maryland Woman

ROCKVILLE, Md. (AP) - A Monrovia woman has been sentenced to 13 years in prison for attacking her boyfriend's pregnant daughter-in-law with a stun gun.

Thirty-nine-year-old Christine DeVaux (de-VOW') was sentenced Tuesday in Montgomery County Circuit Court in Rockville.

She pleaded guilty in December to first-degree assault and first-degree burglary in the attack last June on 29-year-old Lynae Mattson of Damascus.

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Class Of 2011 Have Most Debt Of All Time

Congratulations, graduating class of 2011. You've pulled all-nighters, subsisted on ramen for weeks, and worn pajamas to class, all to achieve the beautiful shining goal of a college degree. Add to that another distinction, one that probably won't be mentioned during too many commencement speeches. You're also graduating with the highest debt of all time, an average of $22,000 a person. Hope that business about a degree giving you a higher earning potential is true, because you're gonna need it.

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23,000 Who Downloaded Stallone Flick Face Lawsuit

Hopefully 23,000 users who allegedly illegally downloaded The Expendables really, really enjoyed the movie, because now they'll be paying for it with fear and loathing brought on by a lawsuit, as well as possibly tons of money.

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Peace Corps: 50 Years, More Than 1,000 Rapes

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

The organization is facing criticism for its handling of sexual abuse cases involving women volunteers.

Highlighting Drug Industry Influence, Watchdog Says Overmedication In Nursing Homes Is Troubling

Nursing homes are unnecessarily administering powerful antipsychotic drugs to many elderly residents, including those with dementia who could suffer life-threatening side effects, according to a new government watchdog report.

 

Nursing homes are unnecessarily administering powerful antipsychotic drugs to many elderly residents, including residents with dementia [1], according to a new report by the Health and Human Services inspector general.

The Food and Drug Administration in 2005 mandated that drug makers issue warning labels [2] on atypical antipsychotics, noting that the drugs—which are generally FDA-approved for treating schizophrenia and bipolar disorder—increase the risk of death for elderly patients with dementia. Yet when the government examined 1.4 million Medicare claims from 2007 for atypical antipsychotics for elderly nursing home residents, the government found that 88 percent of the time, the drugs were prescribed to individuals diagnosed with dementia.

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CT Governor Issues Layoff Notices

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) - Connecticut's Democratic governor increased the pressure Tuesday on state employee unions to agree to $2 billion in concessions and other savings over two years and began issuing the first of more than 4,700 layoff notices to workers.

A full accounting of how many people received notices, effective July 1, was not expected from Gov. Dannel P. Malloy's office until Thursday. Roy Occhiogrosso, the governor's senior adviser, said the process would continue throughout the coming weeks as various bargaining units have different notification requirements.

"The governor is very sensitive to the fact that there are people who are being impacted by these decisions. He understands the angst they feel, that some people are angry, some people are nervous. (He) didn't want it to come to this. (He) still hopes there can be a deal that will make all of this go away, but has to do certain things to prepare for a scenario in which there is no deal," Occhiogrosso said.

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Wicomico County Sheriff's Office Press Releases

Incident: Assault / Child Abuse
Date of Incident: 9 May 2011
Location: 400 block of Prince Street, Salisbury, MD
Suspect: Anna M. Hampshire, 42, Salisbury, MD

Narrative: On 9 May 2011 at 8:05 PM, a deputy from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a fight in the 400 block of Prince Street in Salisbury. Upon arrival, the deputy learned that Anna Hampshire of Salisbury had been involved in an altercation with her 13 year old son when Hampshire allegedly struck her son in the face twice.

During the ensuing investigation, the deputy saw injuries that corroborated these allegations.

The deputy placed Hampshire under arrest for both Child Abuse and Assault 2nd Degree. Upon transport to the Central Booking Facility, Hampshire was processed and taken in front of the District Court Commissioner. After an initial appearance, the Commissioner detained Hampshire in the Detention Center in lieu of $100,000.00 bond.

Charges: Child Abuse
Assault 2nd Degree

Arrest Warrants

1. Gerald O. Savage, 36, Salisbury, MD; Assault 2nd Degree / Violation of a Protective order. Held WCDC

2. Gary Lee White, 33, Salisbury, MD; Assault 2nd Degree / Reckless Endangerment, Held WCDC

3. Robert James Niblett, 47, Hebron, MD; Failure to report to WCDC to serve sentence, Held

4. Russell John Schmidt, 18, Parsonsburg, MD; Assault 1st Degree, Held WCDC

5. James Thomas Heath, 42, Salisbury, MD; Assault 2nd Degree / Malicious Destruction of Property, Held WCDC

Failure to Appear Bench Warrant

1. Brian Maurice Jones, 26, Salisbury, MD; FTA – CDS Possession, Held WCDC $5,000.00 bond.

2. Quinton Jerome Bailey, 28, Princess Anne, MD; FTA – CDS Possession, Held WCDC $2,500.00 bond.

3. Alan Matthew Call, 43, Salisbury, MD; FTA – Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol, held WCDC without bond.

4. Kaylee M. Prosper, 21, Salisbury, MD; FTA – Theft under $500, held WCDC $5,000.00 bond.

5. Virgil Lee Webb, 42, Millsboro, DE; FTA – Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol, Held in WCDC without bond.

6. James A. White., Jr., 29, Selbyville, DE; FTA Theft under $1,000, held WCDC $10,000.00 bond.

7. David Michael Arvey, 51, Delmar, MD; FTA – Theft, held WCDC $1,000.00 bond.

Violation of Probation Bench Warrant

1. John B. Wescott, 21, Delmar, DE; VOP – Unlawful Application for License and Fraud, held WCDC $10,000.00 bond.

2. Breonia Letise Showell, 21, Washington, DC; VOP – Concealed Dangerous Weapon, Held WCDC $500.00 bond

3. John Francis Russell, 40, Westover, MD; VOP – Drive Suspended, Held WCDC $2,500.00 bond.

Child Support Body Attachment

1. Damon Antonio Eugene Shelton, 35, Silver Spring, MD; Child Support Non- Compliance, held WCDC $2,5000.00 bond.

2. Ricardo Abitua III, 37, Salisbury, MD; Child Support Non-Compliance, held WCDC $23,000.00 bond.

3. Kemayne Shabazz Smith, 33, Hebron, MD; Child Support non-Compliance – Worcester County Warrant – turned over to Worcester Sheriff.

4. Damaina Donte Trower, 43, Mardela Springs, MD; Child Support Non-Compliance, Held WCDC $15,000.00 bond.

Circuit Court Indictment

1. Brian Edward Curtis Austin, 25, Salisbury, MD; Child Pornography Dist., held WCDC $10,000.00 bond.

2. James Labih Brasure, 22, Whaleyville, MD; Manufacture Counterfeit Currency, held WCDC without bond.

Circuit Court Juvenile

1. Female Juvenile, 17, FTA for Hearing, held in the Lower Eastern Shore Children Center pending court.

Fugitive from Justice

1. Jesse James Mitchell, 53, Laurel, DE; Fugitive from Delaware, Driving Under the influence, held without bond pending extradition back to Delaware.

2. Saul Thomas Bernadac, 24, Salisbury, MD; Fugitive from Virginia, FTA- Reckless Driving, Held without bond pending extradition back to Virginia.

3. Ronald James Campbell, 30, Willards, MD; Fugitive from Delaware, Burglary / Theft, Held WCDC without bond pending extradition back to Delaware

4. Alfred L. Dennis, 41, Salisbury, MD; Fugitive from Delaware, Burglary, Held WCDC without bond pending extradition back to Delaware.

Cuccinelli Seeks Speedy DOJ Review of VA Re-Districting

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli is taking the federal government on again, this time seeking a swift review and approval of Virginia's newly redrawn legislative districts.

Cuccinelli filed a "pre-clearance suit" Tuesday in federal court in Washington, D.C.

The litigation is an effort to prod the Department of Justice to expedite its analysis required by the Voting Rights Act in time for August primaries for state House of Delegates and Senate races.

All 100 House seats and 40 Senate seats are up for election this fall.

Virginia is among 16 states whose reapportionment bills have to be reviewed by the federal government under the 1965 law to ensure that minority voting strength is not diluted.

from WTOP

Missing Dog In Camden Area: UPDATE

At 6:00 AM this morning I received a call from a very concerned family member of a 9 year old Boston Terrier owner. Otis, (the Terrier) went missing around 7:00 PM last night and the family needs your help in locating him.

If you were able to take this little overweight guy in last night could you please contact the family at 479-366-1356. Thank You! I'll try and get a photo up a little later today.

Zogby Poll: Herman Cain Emerging As GOP Favorite

Herman Cain trails only Chris Christie as the top choice among Republican primary voters in the race for the 2012 Presidential nomination. Mitt Romney ranks fourth, but voters see him as the most likely nominee by a wide margin over the rest of a 13-person field.

One-half of GOP voters say they would never vote for Donald Trump, and more than 30% say they would never vote for Newt Gingrich, Sarah Palin, Mike Huckabee or Ron Paul.

These results are from an IBOPE Zogby interactive poll of 1,377 Republican primary voters conducted from May 6-9.

Cain, a businessman and talk show host, seems to have impressed some Republican voters with his performance at last week's South Carolina Republican presidential debate. He receives 14% when GOP voters are asked whom they would vote for if the primary were held today. That places him second to New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, who has said he will not run, but has been the frontrunner in three previous IBOPE Zogby interactive polls (November 2010 and January and March 2011.)


Newsmax

Analysis: Media Try To Turn Israeli Unity Into ‘Stark Division‘

The Associated Press showed its lack of knowledge of Israel and Israelis by trying to find a misunderstood disunity on Remembrance Day  for Fallen Soldiers and Terror Victims on Monday, the most unified day of the year. Remembrance Day unites secular and religious, Sephardi and Ashkenazi, old-timers and new comers and the entire political spectrum.

Virtually every Israeli has a relative, friend or acquaintance who has suffered a loss in war and terrorist attacks, a fact that AP noted in the second half of its article.

However, the Associated Press chose to distribute to its worldwide English -speaking audience a focus on supposed discord under the headline, “Israel's Memorial Day Highlights Stark Divisions.”

Its example was Moti Fogel, a surviving brother of Rabbi Udi Fogel – the gentle rabbi who along with his wife and three young children, was butchered to death in a savage Friday night stabbing attack in March in their bedroom in Itamar, a community in northern Samaria.

Moti Fogel favors Arabs and Jews living together in a single secular state on all the territory claimed by both sides, negating the idea of a Jewish homeland, according to AP. This is a view that is thoroughly rejected if not repugnant to almost all other national religious Jews as well as most Israeli Jews in general.

The article demonstrated foreign media's inability to learn and understand that the differences among Israelis – like those among Torah sages – are the very source of unity, spurring development of thought and innovation in every field of technology, industry and education. 

The writer, like most foreign journalists who “cover” Israel but are too far removed from Israel society to understand it, could not absorb the unique make-up of Israelis that flourishes despite – or more likely because of – the very “division” the AP article cited.

The AP report based its entire article on an alleged “stark division” in Israel on Moti’s views, even though the dispatch admitted that Moti “is a rarity" by being an observant Jew and also for deploring “the notion that his brother's death might be exploited for political means."

The surviving brother repeated the message at a Remembrance Day ceremony in Tel Aviv, where approximately 10 protesters protested outside of the hall in which he spoke.

AP tried to show a semblance of balance by quoting Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, who told the country on Remembrance Day, “I am one of you," referring to the loss of his brother Yonatan who fell in action while commanding the daring 1976 Entebbe rescue operation.

INN

It’s Time to Call Your Councilmember

Last November Wicomico voters trekked to the polls and elected six (6) Republicans to the County Council.  Each GOP candidate emphasized their fiscal conservatism.  Is the Republican council majority as conservative as they represented last fall?

During last week’s budget hearing I noticed that some councilmembers seemed to be keeping score.  One council member has been heard to say that they just don’t know anyone who is opposed to County Executive Rick Pollitt’s proposed 5 cent rate increase.  You know, I think that councilmember may be on to something.

Last year many of us worked hard to elect conservatives to our local government.  Now that there are six self-identified conservatives on the council, maybe most of us thought that we could breathe easy; the council will do the right thing.

Councilmembers Bob Culver (R-At Large), Joe Holloway (R-5), and Stevie Prettyman (R-2) seem to be working pretty hard to identify cuts that can mitigate Pollitt’s rate increase.  While it would be wrong to state that the other three Republican members agree with Pollitt’s budget, we hope that they remember the statements they made 7 or 8 months ago.  It’s very possible that they just haven’t heard from the very people that elected them last year.

CALL your councilmembers up.  Let them know where you stand.  Otherwise, we can blame no one but ourselves if the county’s real property rate goes up this year.

Join Us For The Geocache Dash, June 11

Judge Orders Action on Drilling Permits

NEW ORLEANS (AP) - A federal judge has given the Obama administration 30 days to act on six permits for deep water drilling in the Gulf of Mexico.

U.S. District Judge Martin Feldman on Tuesday ruled on a lawsuit filed by Ensco Offshore Co. and others. He rejected Interior Department arguments that the issue was moot because it already has resumed issuing permits following the moratorium that was imposed last year after the massive BP oil spill.

Three permit applications in the original lawsuit have been granted.

But Feldman said the government's issuing of what he called "a scant few applications" does not provide the certainty Ensco needs to conduct its business in the Gulf. He said the law required the six remaining Ensco-related applications to be acted on within a reasonable period.

from WTOP

It's Hard To Kiss The Lips That's Chewed Your Butt All Night

USPS Reports Billions in Losses

WASHINGTON (AP) - The Postal Service is continuing to hemorrhage money, reporting a loss Tuesday of more than $2 billion over the first three months of the year and warning it could be forced to default on federal payments.

Such a default would not interrupt mail service to millions of Americans, but it could further hobble an agency struggling with a sharp decline in mail because of the Internet and a tough economy.

The agency says the $2.2 billion loss covers Jan. 1 to March 31 _ sharply higher than the net loss of $1.6 billion for the same period last year. The post office also said it will have reached its borrowing limit, set by Congress, of $15 billion by the end of the budget year on Sept. 30.

Unless Congress intervenes, the Postal Service said, the agency won't have the cash for certain payment to the government, such as billions for a trust fund to provide health care benefits for future retirees.

READ MORE …

Change!

5 miles east of Clovis   Hwy 84 ( Lubbock HWy ) , NM

Feds Challenge Sale of Virginia Poultry Complex

HARRISONBURG, Va. (AP) - The sale of Tyson Foods' poultry complex in Harrisonburg has hit a federal roadblock.

The Justice Department filed an antitrust lawsuit in U.S. District Court in Harrisonburg on Tuesday challenging George's Inc.'s purchase of the facility. The acquisition announced in March would combine the Tyson plant with George's Edinburg, Va., operations.

The lawsuit alleges the sale would reduce the ability of chicken growers in the Shenandoah Valley to receive competitive prices for their services.

The companies issued a joint statement Wednesday evening in which George's chairman and CEO Gary George called the lawsuit "a blatant example of government overreach that could end up hurting the people it purports to protect.

READ MORE …

Run, Jump & Throw at this Year’s Hershey’s Track & Field Games

(Salisbury, MD) If you are a child between 9 & 14 (age as of December 31, 2011) who loves to run, jump, and throw, these games are for you!  Come out and join in the fun by competing in basic track and field events and have a chance of a lifetime to receive an all expense paid trip to compete in the annual North American Final Meet held in Hershey, PA each year.  Beginners and track enthusiasts all welcome! 

Wicomico County Recreation & Parks Department will be running a Local Hershey Track & Field Meet on Wednesday, June 15 at 6:00pm at Wicomico County Stadium.  Registration will begin at 5:15 pm.  Participants can enter two track and one field or two field and one track event.  Events will include the 50 meter dash, 100 meter dash, 2000 meter dash, 400 meter dash, 800 meter run, 1600 meter run, 4 x 100 meter relay, standing long jump, and softball throw. 

The Hershey’s Track & Field Games have involved millions of youngsters from all 50 states, the District of Colombia and Canada.  It is sponsored by the National Recreation and park Association, USA Track & Field, Athletics of Canada and by the The Hershey Company.  Hershey’s Track & Field Games are designed to encourage physical fitness among youth and emphasize participation and sportsmanship.

Stop by the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center, located at 500 Glen Ave. (M-F 8am to 5pm) to pick up a registration form prior to the event.  For more information contact program director Kelly Rados at 410-548-4900 ext. 108 or email krados@wicomicocounty.org. If you would like to learn about other upcoming programs offered by Wicomico County Recreation, Parks and Tourism sign up for email alerts at www.wicomicorecandparks.org.

MD Police Seek Man Who Returned Stolen Debit Card

BALTIMORE (AP) - Baltimore police are searching for a man who broke into a home, stole a woman's debit card and then returned it to the victim about 10 minutes later.

Police say the man was armed with a knife early Saturday when he broke into the Charles Village house. The thief woke a woman, showed his knife and demanded cash.

The victim said she didn't have any cash but handed over her debit card. Police say the suspect used it to get money and then returned the card about 10 minutes later and fled.

from WTOP

STATE POLICE INVESTIGATE DECEASED MAN FOUND INSIDE CAR SUBMERGED IN WATER

(Whiteford, MD) - Maryland State Police continue an investigation into a deceased man found inside a vehicle, partially submerged in a creek in Harford County.

The deceased is identified as Edward Jackson, 72, of the 5000 block of Brightleaf Court, Baltimore, Maryland. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Jackson was the sole occupant of the vehicle. The cause of death is still being investigated and will be determined pending autopsy results.

Shortly before 9:30 a.m. today, Maryland State Police at the Bel Air Barrack received a phone call from a man walking northbound on Route 165/Pylesville Road, just north of Wheeler School Road. He noticed tire tracks in the grass leading to a grey 2003 Mercedes passenger vehicle, partially submerged in Broad Creek.

Emergency personnel responded to the scene and found Jackson inside the vehicle, about 75 yards from the road. The vehicle was partially submerged in approximately four feet of water. A vehicle registration check identified the vehicle as the subject of a Silver Alert issued by the Baltimore County Police early this morning. Jackson was last seen leaving the Veterans Affairs Hospital on May 9, 2011 at 5:30 a.m.

Maryland State Police investigators, troopers from the Bel Air Barrack, and forensic analysts from the Maryland State Police Crime Lab responded to the scene and are conducting the ongoing investigation and coordinating with the Baltimore County Police. Whiteford Volunteer Fire Department, Harford County Sheriff’s Office, and the Harford County Hazardous Materials Response Team (HAZMAT) also responded to the scene for assistance.

Responding police officers, with the assistance of State Highway Administration personnel closed Route 165 for two hours between Wheeler School Road and Whiteford Road. It has been reopened.

The investigation continues…

Feds Drop Some of Charges Against Currie

Federal prosecutors have dropped nearly half of the bribery charges against state Sen. Ulysses Currie, chopping seven counts that were connected to an outdated legal theory.

Currie, a Democrat, remains accused of accepting bribes from a grocery chain based in his district in exchange for favorable votes and legislation. He also is charged with lying to federal investigators.

Currie's attorney hailed the development as a victory. "We continue to puzzle over why these counts were brought in the first place," said Joseph Evans, a federal public defender.

Marcia Murphy, a spokeswoman for Maryland U.S. Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein, declined to comment. In court documents filed Friday, prosecutors wrote that the move would "streamline" their case against the Prince George's County senator and make jury instructions more straightforward.

READ MORE …

California DREAM Act Clears Legislature

Maryland Isn’t the Only State Walking Down This Path …

from Stateline.org -

CALIFORNIA DREAMING: Lawmakers in California sent Governor Jerry Brown a bill last week that would make college financial aid available to residents of the state who are in the country unlawfully. The bill, known as the California Dream Act, would allow illegal immigrants to receive help from endowments or private foundations, as well as preserving their in-state tuition rights, according to The Sacramento Bee. Brown has not indicated whether he will sign the bill. During his campaign, however, he supported giving financial aid to illegal immigrants. A nearly identical piece of legislation cleared the Illinois Senate last week, despite getting no votes from Republicans, The Associated Press reports. And Maryland recently extended in-state tuition to illegal immigrants. In December, lawmakers in Congress voted down a federal Dream Act.

Delaware to Share in $795 Million Windfall

Delaware and other Northeast Corridor states caught a $795 million windfall for high-speed rail development Monday after federal officials divvied up more than $2 billion in rail aid that was rejected by Florida.

Although local officials were still studying the list of projects released on Monday, some of the money could help assure construction of a third set of tracks between Wilmington and Newark, easing conflicts between passenger and freight trains along Delaware's section of the nation's most heavily traveled passenger rail tracks.

READ MORE …

28.4% of All Homes Underwater

A new report by Zillow says that 28.4% of all single-family houses in America with mortgages are underwater. No, we're not talking about flooding in the south, but homes that owe more on their mortgage than they are worth. It's even worse in places where the bubble was the biggest. In Tampa, FL, 59.8% of homes have negative equity and in Phoenix, AZ, it's 68.4%. Declines in home values are still happening and Zillow doesn't see a bottom happening until 2012, at the earliest.

from The Consumerist