FIRST LADY O’MALLEY PRESENTS TROPHY TO WINNER OF 87th RUNNING OF THE BLACK-EYED SUSAN STAKES

“It is such an honor to present this year’s Black-Eyed Susan Stakes trophy,” said First Lady O’Malley. “These are exciting times to be a Maryland horse enthusiast and I am pleased to see such strong support for our treasured horse industry. I congratulate Royal Delta for winning the signature Preakness eve race. ”

Today marks the 87^th running of the Black-Eyed Susan, the headline event of the Preakness eve card. Some of the nation's top 3-year-old fillies compete in the $250,000 race.  The Black-Eyed Susan Stakes was first run in 1919 as the Pimlico Oaks, in 1952 the name was changed to its present style to compliment the Preakness Stakes and to acknowledge the Maryland State flower.

Black-Eyed Susan Day is also dedicated to celebrating women who have made strides within and outside of the horse racing industry. First Lady O’Malley joined Susan G. Komen and the Maryland Jockey Club at the “People’s Pink Party” to celebrate and acknowledge all Maryland women, from breast cancer survivors to the Lady Legends jockeys. The First Lady was also accompanied by Ms. Preakness Pink Warrior, who serves as the official Preakness ambassador and was picked in partnership with the Maryland Jockey Club and the Maryland affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Fifty percent of the monies raised at this event will go to the Komen Maryland Affiliate to use for community outreach programs in Maryland and 50 percent will be used for life-saving breast cancer research.  

During the trophy presentation, the First Lady reminded all attendees of the importance of today’s events and events throughout the week. She continued,  “This entire week is a really great opportunity for all of us to celebrate Maryland’s horse industry – an industry that creates jobs, preserves open space and saves part of the heritage of our Great State: the Preakness.”

Maryland has a rich tradition of horse racing and horse breeding, and these industries generate thousands of jobs and millions of dollars for the local economy. The O’Malley-Brown Administration has worked to protect horse-related open space, agriculture and jobs in the State of Maryland. Governor Martin O’Malley introduced and signed emergency legislation in 2009 to give the State greater authority to keep the Preakness Stakes in Maryland and yesterday, the Governor added his signature to legislation he sponsored which redistributes existing slots revenues to assist in the operations of Maryland’s racetracks, salvaging the racing season for next year and likely for 2013 as well, and preserving thousands of jobs associated with Maryland’s horse industry. 

The equine industry is a critical component of Maryland’s economy, with assets totaling more than $5.6 billion. It holds approximately 10 percent of Maryland’s land (587,000 acres), has twice as many horses per square mile as Virginia, Texas, California, or Kentucky, and employs more than 28,000 people. There are more than 79,000 horses in Maryland valued at $714 million.

BALTIMORE, MD (May 20, 2011) – First Lady Katie O’Malley today celebrated Maryland’s horse racing industry as a vibrant part of the State’s economy by presenting the Black-Eyed Susan Stakes trophy to Royal Delta, and trainer William Mott at Pimlico Race Course. Royal Delta is owned by Palides Investments N.V., Inc.

Former Trooper Charged With Filing A False Instrument

Dover-The Delaware State Police are announcing the arrest of former Delaware State Trooper  Brian C. Talley, 37 of Dover, Delaware in connection with the falsification of an Official Delaware State Police Document.  

Brian C. Talley had been employed as a Delaware State Trooper for 15 years and was assigned to Delaware State Police Troop 3 Camden Delaware, Patrol Division with the rank of Senior Corporal.

Delaware State Police investigators launched a criminal investigation in April 2011, after an internal review determined that Talley altered and falsified information on a Delaware State Police Monthly Activity Report.  The Delaware State Police Monthly Activity Report is a document that Troopers complete on a monthly basis to record individual hours worked and productivity. 

Talley was immediately suspended from the Division pending the outcome of the criminal investigation.  In the wake of the criminal investigation, Talley resigned from the Division on May 12, 2011.

Talley turned himself in at Delaware State Police Troop 3 on Friday, May 20 , 2011 and was  formally charged with 1 count of Filing a False Instrument.  Talley was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 7 and released on his own recognizance.

Is Demanding Good Stewardship Too Much to Ask?

On Tuesday, May 3rd, the Wicomico County Council held their public hearing for the county’s FY 2012 budget. The hearing wasn’t as well attended as in years past; nor were there as many speakers. I would love to objectively say that I was the most profound, or most informative speaker of the evening. Of course I wasn’t. That honor went to a retired nurse living in the Newtown section of Salisbury – Kay Gibson.

One of the first speakers the evening, Mrs. Gibson explained that she was retired and living on a fixed income. Despite those challenges, she stated that she wouldn’t mind paying a higher property tax rate IF she believed that the county government was acting as a good steward of her tax dollars. Unfortunately, Mrs. Gibson did not feel that the county was a good steward and proceeded to list several examples.

I believe that many of us feel much the same as Mrs. Gibson. In just the last week or so some glaring examples have come before the public (thanks to the county council’s budget sessions) that force us to ask the same question. These examples include:

• The Board of Education’s (WCBOE) reluctance, and resentment, to provide requested financial information to our elected representatives on council.
  
  
• The admission by the county’s library director that at least one person on the library’s payroll is unnecessary.
  
  
• The discovery that the Wicomico County Humane Society is distributing money to another local non-profit while receiving tax dollars.
  
  
• The Wicomico County Public Library spending money to underwrite the activities of Delmarva Public Radio.

There may be sound reasoning behind SOME of these actions. However, with many of our neighbors unemployed; with many of our neighbors having to make do with less; we are forced to the conclusion that the Wicomico County government is not being a good and faithful steward of the taxpayers’ money.

I hope that I can be proven wrong.

Suspicious Man's Boat Towed Near Nuke Plant

A James River boater who had a suspicious device chained to his body has been towed to shore by the Coast Guard.

Chief Petty Officer Mike Hvozda said Friday that the man was being cooperative, but authorities still don't know what's in the black box that was attached to a chain wrapped around the man's neck.

The man in the boat was several miles away from the nuclear power plant in Surry, Va., according to officials.

John Bull of the Virginia Marine Resources Commission said that the Surry nuclear power plant is about 2.5 miles away from where the man was, and that there was no indication that the plant was a target.

The man was in an inflatable boat and drifting with the current, Bull said. He has a metal chain around his neck and the chain is attached to a black box.

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Paralyzed Man Freely Moves After Getting Implant

LONDON (AP) - After Rob Summers was paralyzed below the chest in a car accident in 2006, his doctors told him he would never stand again. They were wrong.

Despite intensive physical therapy for three years, Summers' condition hadn't improved. So in 2009, doctors implanted an electrical stimulator onto the lining of his spinal cord to try waking up his damaged nervous system. Within days, Summers, 25, stood without help. Months later, he wiggled his toes, moved his knees, ankles and hips, and was able to take a few steps on a treadmill.

"It was the most incredible feeling," said Summers, of Portland, Oregon. "After not being able to move for four years, I thought things could finally change."

Still, despite his renewed optimism, Summers can't stand when he's not in a therapy session with the stimulator turned on, and he normally gets around in a wheelchair. Doctors are currently limiting his use of the device to several hours at a time.
His case is described in a paper published Friday in the journal, Lancet. The research was paid for by the U.S. National Institutes of Health and the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation.

For years, certain people with incomplete spinal cord injuries, who have some control of their limbs, have experienced some improvement after experiments to electrically stimulate their muscles. But such progress had not been seen before in someone with a complete spinal cord injury.

"This is not a cure, but it could lead to improved functionality in some patients," said Gregoire Courtine, head of experimental neurorehabilitation at the University of Zurich. He was not connected to Summers' case.
Courtine cautioned Summers' recovery didn't make any difference to the patient's daily life and that more research was needed to help paralyzed people regain enough mobility to make a difference in their normal routines.

The electrical stimulator surgeons implanted onto Summers' spinal cord is usually used to relieve pain and can cost up to $20,000. Summers' doctors implanted it lower than normal, onto the very bottom of his vertebrae.

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Is Obama About To Break The Law?

Washington (CNN) -- President Obama may be on the brink of breaking the law.

At issue: The 1973 War Powers Act, which says if the president does not get congressional authorization 60 days after military action, the mission must stop within 30 days.

The president formally notified Congress about the mission in Libya with a letter on March 21, which makes Friday the 60-day deadline.

Inaction is angering lawmakers from both the left and the right who rarely agree on anything.

Rep. Brad Sherman, D-California, tells CNN he believes Obama is trying to "bring democracy to Libya while shredding the Constitution of the United States."

"He cannot continue what he is doing in Libya without congressional authorization. When a president defiantly violates the law, that really undercuts our efforts to urge other countries to have the rule of law," Sherman said.

Sen. Rand Paul, R-Kentucky, concurs.

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Detectives Make Arrest In Motel Homicide

Location: Unknown specific location in the city of Wilmington

Date of Occurrence: Thursday, May 19, 2011 at approximately 7:00 p.m.

Defendants:

-Evelyn J. Coombes, 39, Wilmington, DE

-Dante L. Dillard, 43, Wilmington, DE

Charges:

-Murder 1^st Degree

-Robbery 1^st Degree

-Possession of a Deadly Weapon during the Commission of a Felony

-Possession of a Deadly Weapon by a Person Prohibited

-Conspiracy 2^nd Degree

Resume:  

Wilmington- Delaware State Police homicide detectives have arrested a 39 year old Wilmington woman and a 43 year old Wilmington man in connection with the murder of Troy M. Taylor that occurred on Wednesday, May 18, 2011 at the Fairview Inn south of the city of Wilmington.

During their investigation, detectives were able to develop Evelyn. J. Coombes and Dante L. Dillard as persons of interest in the case and had disseminated their information via a bulletin to surrounding police agencies. On Thursday, May 19th at approximately 7:00 p.m. an officer from the Wilmington Police Department observed Coombes and Dillard while on patrol in the city and recognized them from the bulletin. With the assistance of other officers, Coombes and Dillard were taken into custody without incident. They were then turned over to state police detectives who subsequently arrested them on the above list of charges. 

Evelyn Coombes and Dante Dillard were both arraigned at JP Court 20. Coombes was then ordered held without bail and the Delores Baylor Correctional Facility. Dante Dillard was also ordered held without bail at the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution.

BREAKING NEWS: Pro Wrestler 'Macho Man' Randy Savage Dies In Crash

Longtime professional wrestler 'Macho Man' Randy Savage died early Friday morning in a Florida car crash, his brother tells TMZ.

BREAKING NEWS: Cyclist Who Accused Armstrong Of Doping Turns In Gold Medal

American cyclist Tyler Hamilton, who accused seven-time Tour de France champ Lance Armstrong of doping, has turned in his 2004 Olympic gold medal to the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency, the Wall Street Journal reports.

An Italian As U.S. President

Priest Set On Fire During Mass At Lithuanian Church

A Roman Catholic priest was sprayed with flammable liquid and then set on fire as he said mass at a Lithuanian church, the Herald Sun reports.

Father Remigijus Kuprys, 46, was able to put out the flames with the help of worshippers, but suffered facial burns, according to the paper.

Lithuanian authorities arrested a 42-year-old man for the attack.

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Fear and Lies Used to Promote Fiscal Disaster

We could cut every dime from national defense, and it wouldn’t be enough. We could confiscate 100% of the earnings of the so-called “rich” and it wouldn’t be enough. We could do both of those things, and unless our Congress and the President agreed to undertake serious entitlement reform, this nation would still be on the road to bankruptcy. At some point China and everyone else who purchases our Treasury bills, bonds, and notes would simply cease to fund our national profligacy. Yet, the left continues to use fear and lies in an attempt to stop any discussion of meaningful entitlement reform.

We have come to expect the nonsensical politics of fear from national political figures and leftist groups. Sadly, local citizens have now decided to enter the fray, attempting a homespun veracity, while simply promoting the same misinformation that will push this nation farther down the path of fiscal disaster.

The latest case is a letter to the editor in this morning’s Daily Times from a Mr. Tom Wallace of Ocean Pines. Mr. Wallace is going for a “twofer”, attacking House Budget Chairman Paul Ryan’s Medicare reform plan and chastising First District congressman Andy Harris for supporting it. We can only hope that the DT’s readers are critical enough to see the truck size holes in Wallace’s argument.

What Harris voted for was to privatize Medicare with a voucher system. Seniors would be thrown into the private insurance system; many without enough money to pay for needed services. Republicans claim anyone 55 and over won't be impacted. I find that difficult to believe. As Medicare winds down, so do available funds, services and resources. Seniors know these programs work. They see themselves as guardians of Medicare for their children and grandchildren.

It is not true that any bill has even been brought before the House. It is true that under Ryan’s plan future generations of seniors would get their coverage through a privatized system. The federal government would pay for all, or part, of that coverage based on an individuals income level. It’s known as a “premium support” structure. The individual would share in the responsibility of his or her health care for the first time since Medicare’s inception. Mr. Wallace chooses to call it a “voucher” because he seems to believe that vouchers have a negative connotation. Mr. Wallace should ask any parent of school age children if they wouldn’t love to have a voucher to help send their children to a private school.

Rather than insult readers with the laughable argument that Republicans are attempting to kill todays seniors, he admits that the plan will not impact anyone who is 55 or older today. He then claims that this isn’t true.

I can only speculate that Mr. Wallace must have enjoyed a long career sucking at the teat of the taxpayer. What other explanation is there for his claim that seniors see themselves as guardians of the system and that the current system works? Only someone who has no skin in the game or has spent a lifetime sponging off of the productive classes could believe that the current system is functioning and viable in the long term.

Is Ryan’s plan perfect? No. However, it is courageous and, at the minimum, a starting point for meaningful discussion. Rep. Andy Harris should be cheered for willing to tackle the issue.

If America wishes to remain great, we need to meet this crisis head on. Hopefully, the majority of Americans will see through arguments like those put forward by Mr. Wallace and the usual suspects of the left. If not, the children and grandchildren that Mr. Wallace claims to care for face a future as bleak as anything portrayed by Dickens.

GOVERNOR O’MALLEY CELEBRATES HORSE INDUSTRY AT FAIR HILL TRAINING CENTER

Governor wishes well ‘Animal Kingdom’ and Team Valor on eve of 136^th running of Preakness Stakes

ELKTON, MD (May 20, 2011) – On the eve of Maryland’s best-known horse event, The Preakness Stakes, Governor Martin O’Malley today showcased Maryland’s horse racing industry as a vibrant part of the State’s economy.  Governor O’Malley toured the stable and training facilities of Kentucky Derby winner ‘Animal Kingdom’ at Fair Hill, the nation’s premier training center, led by world-renowned trainer Graham Motion and the horse’s owners Barry Irwin and Aron Wellman of Team Valor International.

“This weekend, Maryland becomes the center of the horse racing world with the 136^th running of the Preakness.  But Marylanders know that horse racing in our state is so much bigger and more valuable than just the one race,” said Governor O’Malley.  “Our horse industry has a tremendous impact on Maryland jobs, farmland, economy and traditions.  Some 28,000 jobs and more than 587,000 acres of farmland associated with the equine sector depend upon the stability and growth of the industry, and we’re committed to ensuring its thriving future for years to come.”  

Maryland has a rich tradition of horse racing and horse breeding, and these industries generate thousands of jobs and millions of dollars for the local economy. Fair Hill Training Center, with 1,000 people working there daily, is the most innovative thoroughbred training center in Maryland. Situated on 350 acres of rolling hills in the Mid-Atlantic's lush countryside, this thriving business is a premier example of the importance of the industry, its economic impact and the jobs that depend on our rich history of racing in Maryland. 

This Administration has worked hard to protect horse-related open space, agriculture and jobs in the State of Maryland.  Governor O’Malley introduced and signed emergency legislation in 2009 to give the State greater authority to keep the Preakness Stakes in Maryland.  Under the legislation, the State is authorized to acquire by purchasing or exercising eminent domain over Maryland’s racetracks and all rights and racing events that are associated with the Preakness Stakes and its trophy, the Woodlawn Vase. 

Last year the O’Malley Administration negotiated a settlement agreement – the Preakness Covenant – which ensures that Baltimore is home to this historic race and Maryland will continue to realize the economic benefits of this annual event.

Late last year, after negotiations between all parties had broken down, Governor O’Malley brokered a last-minute deal that preserved the 2011 racing calendar, helping to keep Maryland’s treasured Preakness Stakes where it belongs and protecting the more than 28,000 people who work in Maryland’s horse industry full time. 

Yesterday, Governor O’Malley added his signature to legislation he sponsored which redistributes existing slots revenues to assist in the operations of Maryland’s racetracks, salvaging the racing season for next year and likely for 2013 as well, and preserving thousands of jobs associated with Maryland’s horse industry.  The Hollywood Casino in Perryville opened in September as the first of five approved locations for video lottery terminals in Maryland, followed by Ocean Downs in January.  As of April 30, more than $4.2 million has been distributed back into the breeding and racing sectors. These funds should help keep all of Maryland’s racetracks alive this season and provide a bridge to a longer-term solution, saving thousands of horse and agriculture related jobs.

Maryland’s rich history of horse-related agriculture goes back centuries.  Annapolis hosted the first organized horse race in America, the Annapolis Subscription Plate, in 1743.  The first running of the Preakness Stakes, the second leg of the Triple Crown was held in Maryland in 1873.  

The equine industry is a critical component of Maryland’s economy, with assets totaling more than $5.6 billion. It holds approximately 10 percent of Maryland’s land (587,000 acres), has twice as many horses per square mile as Virginia, Texas, California, or Kentucky, and employs more than 28,000 people. There are more than 79,000 horses in Maryland valued at $714 million.

In addition to its economic benefit, the horse industry also serves a critical environmental purpose. Horse farms preserve valued green space and serve as a buffer to development. They are a critical element in the maintenance of the state’s agricultural heritage.

STATEMENT FROM GOVERNOR MARTIN O’MALLEY ON THE GAIN OF 11,600 JOBS IN APRIL

ANNAPOLIS, MD (May 20, 2011) – Governor Martin O’Malley issued this statement today following the announcement that Maryland employers added 11,600 jobs last month, a rate of job growth that is nearly triple the national average and marking the fourth consecutive month of falling unemployment rate:

“Last month’s jobs report shows that Maryland employers continue to outperform the rest of the nation, led by encouraging expansion in the private sector and marking the gain of 13,000 jobs since January.  Since that time, more than 24,000 additional Marylanders have started working – moms and dads who deserve the dignity and respect that a good job provides.  This is the strongest start to the year for Maryland’s workforce since 1986.

“Together, we are moving forward by making the right choices and the right investments to create jobs through innovation.  Maryland is uniquely positioned to be a winner in this new economy, and Maryland employers continue to show that our state is open for business.”

Details of the report can be found here.

Dogs Left In Hot Cars

Mr. Albero,

 

I appreciate all the hard work you do in helping find lost dogs.  But I wondered if you could put out a notice to remind dog owners that cars get extremely hot, even when it's only 80 degrees outside.  Dogs can die in these cars.  Just the other day, I was at McDonalds on N. Salisbury Blvd and found what is in this picture.  This poor dog sat in the car with no windows down at all while his ignorant owners sat inside on the big butts for over 45 minutes!  I made a scene and got Animal Control involved, so hopefully that dog can find smart owners in the future.  But please remind your readers to be careful!

Amber

POLLITT WITHDRAWS MAINTENANCE OF EFFORT WAIVER REQUEST

Wicomico County Executive Richard M. Pollitt, Jr., announced today that he has notified the Maryland State Board of Education (attached letter) that he is withdrawing the county’s application for a waiver of the Maintenance of Effort (M.O.E.) standard for funding public education for Fiscal Year 2012.  Pollitt was to lead a Wicomico County delegation to Baltimore to appeal to the State Board for a waiver on May 24, but the withdrawal negates that presentation.  Wicomico is the last of the six counties that initially filed for the waiver to take this action.

In a letter to the State Board, Pollitt said, “Withdrawal of the requested waiver does not indicate that Wicomico County will reach the M.O.E. level of funding in the next fiscal year.  In fact, it will not.”

Under normal circumstances, if a county funds its local school system to the level designated as Maintenance of Effort, it receives millions of dollars in new State aid.  However, as a reflection of the current state of the economy, no additional State funds are at risk next year for failure to meet M.O.E.

Pollitt noted that there is currently a legal challenge involving the Montgomery County Board of Education and their county government where the Board claims that M.O.E. is mandatory upon the counties and the only way to avoid funding M.O.E. is through the waiver process.  “We, along with the Maryland Association of Counties (MACo), are watching that case with a great deal of concern as a ruling favorable to the Montgomery Board could be devastating to county fiscal policy.  I believe the major risk to failing M.O.E. is the loss of additional State money.  With no new money at stake, the exercise is moot”.

Recently, the Wicomico County Board of Education, by a tie vote, declined to endorse the county’s application for the waiver.  Pollitt  noted without the support of the local educational community, gaining the waiver would have been unlikely.  Pollitt was successful in receiving a waiver last year but then had the support of the local school system.

Pollitt concluded, “providing adequate funding for the superior education of our young people is the most serious challenge we face. While I deeply believe that most Maryland jurisdictions have a strong commitment to do the right thing for our children; the precarious state of the economy, further exacerbated by an antiquated system of public school funding, points to a troubled future for local school funding and I have called on the State Board of Education to join with MACo, local boards of education and the Maryland General Assembly to work vigorously to develop a better plan for funding public schools.”

All Aboard! Amtrak Sees Surge In Ridership

Rail company on track for new annual record; train travel up 36 percent over past decade

With gas prices hovering around $4 a gallon and this summer shaping up to be the most expensive ever for air travel, some vacationers may be turning to another method of transportation: train travel.

Amtrak has seen 18 consecutive months of ridership growth and is on track to set a new annual record. The passenger rail company reported 2.7 million passengers last month, a 9.9 percent increase over April 2010.

“Gas prices are probably one of the main reasons why train travel continues to go up,” said Amtrak spokesman Clifford Cole. “That plus the fact that people just like the hassle-free way of traveling by train.”

Amtrak, which this month celebrated its 40th anniversary of providing rail service in the U.S., has set annual ridership records in seven of the last eight years. In 2010, Amtrak carried more than 28.7 million passengers compared to 20.9 million passengers in 2000 — a 36 percent increase.

“Over the past 10 years, train travel has seen a gradual progression,” said Charlie Leocha, director of the Consumer Travel Alliance.

“It’s not just recent gains,” said Leocha. “Especially between Boston and D.C., there has been steady progress.”

The Northeast Regional — Boston to D.C. — saw an all-time high of 692,376 passengers in April, a 13.3 percent increase compared to April 2010.

 

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O.C. Fire Department Outlines Vehicle Replacement Schedule

(May 20, 2011) The Ocean City Fire Department is working to improve efficiency by making sure all the fire trucks have the same layout and consolidating vehicles so there are no more than what is necessary. A new addition to the fire and rescue fleet will be a firefighting boat, as the City Council approved the purchase of the vessel during Monday’s meeting.

Full Story

Worcester Human Society Receives Increased Funding from Ocean City

The Worcester County Humane Society received a surprise during this year’s Ocean City budget deliberations – increased funding. The town typically appropriates $11,600 to the Humane Society. In addition, the town leases them a building for $1 dollar per year and picks up maintenance and utility expenses. For FY 2012, the Humane Society will receive a $15,000 appropriation.

Humane Society Executive Director Kenille Davies was gratified by the increase:

“It costs a lot of money here to keep going. We have to buy food and pay the vet bills. Every dollar helps us. The money from the city and from fundraisers are our only means of support,” she said. “We depend on donations to survive.”

Part of the increase may be used to purchase a surplused prisoner transport van from the Ocean City Police Department. The van would be used to transport animals.

Adult Volleyball League Hits The Sand This Summer

(Salisbury, MD) The adult volleyball program will be serving things up on the sand this summer!  Wicomico County Recreation, Parks and Tourism is offering a new 4 v 4 sand volleyball league which is open to players ages 14 & older.  The program will take place on Thursday evenings on the sand courts at Winterplace Park. 

There will be two, six week summer sessions available:  Session one will take place from June 2-July 7 while Session Two will take place from July 14-August 18.   Teams will get six regular season matches and each session will also include playoffs.  The Winners of sessions one and two will be automatically entered into the end of summer tournament held Saturday, August 20.

Registration is open to full teams, with a max of 6 per roster or to individuals.  Individual registrants will be placed with other individuals to form teams.  The cost to register is $100 per team and individuals can register for $25 per player for each six week session.  The deadline to register for session one is Friday, May 27, session two is Friday, July 8. Registration is currently being accepted at Wicomico Youth & Civic Center Box Office or online at http://www.wicomicorecandparks.org/.

Teams may be asked to take turns keeping score and/or officiating when their team is not playing.

For more information on the adult sports program, please contact Steve Miller at 410-548-4900 ext. 105 or email at smiller@wicomicocounty.org

A Contrast In Style!

George W. Bush speech after capture of Saddam:

The success of yesterday's mission is a tribute to our men and women now serving in Iraq . The operation was based on the superb work ofintelligence analysts who found the dictator's footprints in a vast country. The operation was carried out with skill and precision by a brave fighting force.  Our servicemen and women and our coalition allies have faced many dangers in the hunt for members of the fallen regime, and in their effort to bring hope and freedom to the Iraqi people. Their work continues, and so do the risks. Today, on behalf of the nation, I thank the members of ourArmed Forces and I congratulate 'em.

 

Barack Obama speech after killing of bin Laden:

And so shortly after taking office, I directed Leon Panetta, the director of the CIA, to make the killing or capture of bin Laden the top priority of our war against al Qaeda, even as we continued our broader efforts to disrupt, dismantle, and defeat his network. Then, last August, after years of painstaking work by our intelligence community, I was briefed on a possible lead to bin Laden. It was far from certain, and it took many months to run this thread to ground. I met repeatedly with my national security team as we developed more information about the possibility that we had located bin Laden hiding within a compound deep inside of Pakistan . And finally, last week, I determined that we had enough intelligence to take action, and authorized an operation to get Osama bin Lade n and bring him to justice. Today, at my direction, the United States launched a targeted operation against that compound in Abbottabad , Pakistan .

BREAKING NEWS - Syrian Forces Fire on Protesters

AT LEAST TEN DEAD

At least ten people are dead after Syrian forces fired live rounds into crowds of protesters in the central city of Homs as thousands took to the streets for pro-democracy demonstrations, Reuters reports.

Witnesses say an 11-year-old boy is among the dead, according to Al-Jazeera.

The attack took place after Syria's secret police drove cars into the demonstrators trying to break up the protest. After one of the cars crashed, police jumped out and opened fire, according to Al-Jazeera.

READ MORE …

Who Killed The Electric Car?

Biblical Theme Park Coming to Kentucky With Government Assistance

A Bible-belt state hoping to land a biblical theme park that includes a full-size replica of Noah's Ark approved tax incentives Thursday to help pay for it.

The Kentucky Tourism Development Finance Authority voted unanimously to grant more than $40 million in tax rebates for the $172 million project that's otherwise being financed by a group of unidentified private investors.

"This was the last real hurdle for us as far as I'm concerned," said Mike Zovath, co-founder of the Answers in Genesis ministry that previously built the Creation Museum in Kentucky.

The latest project would will include a replica of the Tower of Babel, a first century village, theaters, lecture halls, retail shops, restaurants, a petting zoo and live animal shows featuring giraffes and elephants.

Zovath said he expects groundbreaking in August.

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3 resign from board at Delaware charter school

WILMINGTON, Del. (AP) -- Three members of a Delaware charter school board that's under review by the state Board of Education have stepped down.

Anthony White, the board president at the Reach Academy charter, resigned at the start of an emergency board meeting Thursday. The move came two days after parents demanded that he step down. Two other board members also resigned. They are being replaced by new members.

The state education department has threatened to close the all-girls school over operational and financial mismanagement. The school of about 200 students opened this year as the only all-girls public school in the state.

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Forgiving Her Son's Killer: 'Not An Easy Thing'

It would be easy ? expected, even ? for Mary Johnson and Oshea Israel to be enemies. After all, he killed Johnson's only son, in 1993. He went to prison for that ? and toward the end of his sentence, he and Johnson made peace.

As a teenager in Minneapolis, Israel was involved with gangs and drugs. One night at a party, he got into a fight with Laramiun Byrd, 20, and shot and killed him. Oshea is now 34; he finished serving his prison sentence for murder about a year and a half ago.
 
Israel recently visited StoryCorps with Johnson, to discuss their relationship ? and the forgiveness it is built upon. As Johnson recalls, their first face-to-face conversation took place at Stillwater Prison, when Israel agreed to her repeated requests to see him.
 
"I wanted to know if you were in the same mindset of what I remembered from court, where I wanted to go over and hurt you," Johnson tells Israel. "But you were not that 16-year-old. You were a grown man. I shared with you about my son."
 
"And he became human to me," Israel says.
 
At the end of their meeting at the prison, Johnson was overcome by emotion.
 
"The initial thing to do was just try and hold you up as best I can," Israel says, "just hug you like I would my own mother."
 
Johnson says, "After you left the room, I began to say, 'I just hugged the man that murdered my son.'
"And I instantly knew that all that anger and the animosity, all the stuff I had in my heart for 12 years for you ? I knew it was over, that I had totally forgiven you."

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Ballgirl Catch

Foreclosure flood may not have crested yet

Even though 6.5 million homes already have been lost to foreclosure since 2006, the crisis is far from over. Another 4.3 million homeowners are seriously behind on their payments.

More than 4 million seriously delinquent borrowers are at risk.

If the national foreclosure crisis were a baseball game, we would be in about the top of the sixth. And we may have to go to extra innings.

Since the housing market peaked in 2006, some 6.5 million homes have been lost to foreclosure. There are likely another 4.3 million more homeowners who are “seriously delinquent,” meaning they are more than three months behind in their payments, according to data released by the Mortgage Bankers Association this week. Many of those homeowners will soon enter the foreclosure pipeline.

“Nearly two years after the recession ended, the share of homeowners only just falling behind on their mortgage has risen,” said Paul Dales, senior U.S. economist at Capital Economics.

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Today's Survey Question

If You Believed the World Would End Tomorrow, How Would You Spend Your Remaining Time?

Thank God Its Friday

What will you be doing this weekend?

Red Tape: IRS snafu means refunds in limbo

Homeowners struggling to stave off foreclosure turned to a new federal tax "credit" in 2008 that amounted to a loan.  Now, an IRS glitch which interprets the unpaid balance as a tax debt is holding up tax refunds for perhaps thousands of taxpayers for months. The IRS keeps promising a fix, but the checks aren't in the mail.

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FUND-RAISER FOR MARDELA HIGH SCHOOL BAND

ZUMBA NIGHT

Tuesday May 24th @ 7pm

Mardela High School Cafeteria

Tickets are $10 in advance or $15 at the door.

Come out for a night of music and dancing led by ZUMBA instructors Camille and Marilyn from Powerhouse Gym in Seaford.  There will also be a performance by the MHS Marching Drumline.  You won't want to miss out on this night!  Show your support for the MHS Warrior Marching Band, bring your friends and your dancing shoes!

Tickets may be purchased in advance through Mardela High School (see Cory Boltz), students may buy tickets during their lunch period.  They may also be purchased at the Sharptown Town Hall, or through either of the instructors.

Hope to see you there!

When You're Holding A Hammer (Everything Looks Like a Nail)

Delmarva Celebrity DANCE OFF Tickets

LAST CHANCE to get tickets to the Delmarva Celebrity DANCEOFF this Saturday night at Holloway Hall, benefiting the Cancer Support Community-Delmarva.

Doors Open at 6 pm, the Performance starts at 7:00.

We are releasing the last 24 General Admission Tickets. Price is $30 each.

We are releasing 12 VIP tickets. Price is $75 each, and include preferred seating in the auditorium PLUS admission the After Party which includes entertainment, food & cash bar.

Please contact Kim at 410-726-4978 or Jodi at 410-726-8337

Homes For Heros

Gearing up for the opening of the tri-county Homes for Heroes program, Real Estate Broker Harry Roop is surrounded by his program coordinators at Exit Shore Realty, and by Lt. David Hearn and Capt. Gary Bratten of the Pittsville Volunteer Fire Department. Pictured are Micki James, office manager; Realtors Joel Maher, Stan Mengel, Vickie Rohrer, Brad Rayfield, Candace Hiatt, Roop, and firemen Hearn and Bratten. The Homes for Heroes program offers discounts and rebates to our service heroes from military, firefighters, law enforcement, teachers, nurses and other heroes when they buy and/or sell a home. The public is invited to the Exit Shore Realty HFH Grand Opening, Mon., May 30, 11:30 a.m. at the Exit office, 327 Tilghman Road. For more information, contact Exit Shore Realty at 410-912-0310.

EXIT Shore Realty is a part of the fastest growing real estate franchise system in the nation.  EXiT Realty is growing across North America and provides sales associates with the opportunity to earn residual income over and above their own transactions and enhanced retirement and beneficiary benefit; all of which have been unheard of in the real estate industry until now.  To find out more about EXiT Realty's benefits for sellers, buyers and agents, visit our website at http://www.exitrealty.com/ and to sign up for local Eastern Shore of MD and DE real estate alerts and foreclosure lists visit http://www.shorelifehomes.com/ or call 410-912-0310.  For more information about this program visit http://www.homesforheroes.com/

CITY COUNCIL AGENDA

MAY 23, 2011 6:00 p.m.

Government Office Building Room 301

Times shown for agenda items are estimates only.

6:00 p.m. CONVENE – MEDITATION – PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

6:04 p.m. ADOPTION OF AGENDA

6:07 p.m. CERTIFICATES OF APPRECIATION – Mayor James Ireton, Jr.

• All America City

6:12 p.m. PRESENTATION – Tim Ailsworth

• LGIT training grant

6:15 p.m. CONSENT AGENDA – City Clerk Brenda Colegrove

• April 26, 2011 budget work session minutes 1a
• May 2, 2011 closed session minutes separate envelope
• May 9, 2011 regular meeting minutes 1b
• May 16, 2011 special meeting minutes 1c
• Resolution No. 2054 - reappointment of Anne Lampert to the Friends of 1d

Poplar Hill Mansion Board of Directors

• Resolution No. 2055 – accepting funds awarded through a grant from the 1e

Local Government Insurance Trust (LGIT) to provide training to

management employees on how to avoid employment legal liability

6:18 p.m. AWARD OF BIDS – Internal Services Director Pam Oland 2

• Rescind the declaration of default for Waverly Drive project
• Declaration of Surplus – Fire Department vehicles
• Award of Bid for RFP for automated speed enforcement system
• Change Order #2 to Contract 111-09 Sewer and Storm Pipe and

Manhole Rehabilitation

• Award of Bid for RFP 105-11 for Beaver Dam Drive Pedestrian Bridge

6:40 p.m. PUBLIC HEARING – City Attorney Paul Wilber

• Ordinance No. 2153 – abandonment of an existing utility easement that is 3

proposed to be relocated and for which the City will be granted a replacement easement on property owned by Walgreen Company located at 917 Mt. Hermon Road

6:45 p.m. RESOLUTIONS – presented by City Administrator John Pick

• Resolution No. 2056 - authorizing the mayor to send a letter to the 4a

Wicomico County Finance Department indicating the City’s FY 2012 tax

rate by June 10, 2011

• Resolution No. 2057 - accepting funds awarded through a grant from the 4b

Governor’s Office of Crime Control and Prevention for the Disproportionate

Minority Contact Coordinator

7:15 p.m. ORDINANCES – City Attorney Paul Wilber

• Ordinance No. 2154 - 1^st reading – approving an amendment of the 5a

FY11 Public Works-Traffic Control, Streets and Lighting, Sanitation

and Recreation and Culture budgetary accounts and the FY11 General

Fund budget to appropriate additional funds to pay the projected cost

of fuel during the remaining portion of FY11

• Ordinance No. 2155 - 1^st reading – approving an amendment of the 5b

FY11 Public Works Fleet Management and Recreation and Culture

budgetary accounts and the FY11 General Fund budget to appropriate

additional funds to pay the projected cost of electricity during the

remaining portion of FY11

• Ordinance No. 2156 - 1^st reading – approving an amendment of the 5c

FY11 General Fund budget to address a projected shortfall in the City

Attorney budget

• Ordinance No. 2157 - 1^st reading - approving an amendment of the FY11 5d

General Fund budget to appropriate funds for the establishment of a K-9

Unit and the purchase of a K-9 and related equipment for the Police

Department

• Ordinance No. 2159 - 1^st reading – amending Chapter 5.64 – Towing 5e

Companies to amend licensing requirements; towing and storage lot

operation requirements; setting fees for towing and storage; and

penalties for violation of Chapter 5.64

• Ordinance No. 2160 - 1^st reading – establishing a schedule of fees and 5f

charges applicable to vehicles towed as dispatched by the Police

Department

8:15 p.m. PUBLIC COMMENTS

8:30 p.m. ADJOURNMENT

Eagles Idol

OC FOP Holds Benefit For “Home Of The Brave”

On Saturday May 14, 2011 the Ocean City Fraternal Order of Police held its 3rd Annual Poker Run to benefit the “Home of the Brave”. Riders rode a path of approximately 50 miles and made five stops including the Bearded Clam, Home of the Brave, Oasis Bar and Grill, Blue Collar Customs, and Hooters.

The “Home of the Brave” is a house in Berlin, MD that hosts military personnel thatrecently returned back to the states to spend time with their families and reconnect. This is all done at no cost to the Soldier or their family.

The OC FOP was able to raise nearly $1500 which will be donated to the“Home of the Brave”.

For more information about the “Home of the Brave”, please contact Tina Pearson by telephone 443-926-9962 or by email info@thehomeofthebrave.us.

GOVERNOR O’MALLEY, SENATE PRESIDENT MILLER, SPEAKER BUSCH SIGN LEGISLATION FOCUSED ON NEW ECONOMY

Governor O’Malley signs legislation boosting the horse racing industry days before 136^th Preakness

 Governor, Senate President, House Speaker add signatures to alternative energy measures

ANNAPOLIS, MD  – Governor Martin O’Malley  joined Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller, Jr, House Speaker Michael E. Busch, and Lieutenant Governor Anthony G. Brown to sign important legislation aimed at making Maryland a winner in this new economy, including signing into law the Governor’s signature economic initiative this session, InvestMaryland.  This $100 million tax credit program will fuel Maryland’s knowledge-based industries and stimulate at least $70 million in venture capital investments, creating thousands of jobs.  Recognizing the need to secure our energy future and find more sustainable sources of energy to be a winner in the new economy, Governor O’Malley also added his signature to legislation promoting the use of electric vehicles, the support of waste-to-energy facilities, and the expansion of aquaculture in Maryland.

“We are in a fight for our economic future.  It is a fight in which every state has an important duty to fulfill in creating jobs through innovation in a hotly competitive global economy,” said Governor O’Malley.  “While cutting and balancing are important, they are not enough by themselves to create jobs in the new economy.  Effective decision making must also make and protect strategic investments for a stronger future.  Our legislative agenda this year focused valuable resources on job creating initiatives, and harnesses Maryland’s competitive strengths to make this new economy ours.”

“Maryland is well positioned to capitalize on economic growth after the global recession,” said Speaker Michael E. Busch. “Innovative programs like InvestMaryland, the biotechnology, nanotechnology and job creation tax credits will create new jobs and expand economic opportunities for businesses across our State.”

Governor O’Malley included in his legislative agenda this year a measure that criminalizes child neglect, treating as a separate crime the intentional failure to provide necessary assistance and resources for a minor.  This protection was championed by Lieutenant Governor Anthony Brown during the 2011 Legislative Session.

“As of today, Maryland is no longer the only state in the nation without a criminal child neglect law,” said Lt. Governor Anthony Brown.  “By making child neglect a criminal act, we are sending a strong message that, in Maryland, every child deserves to be protected to the fullest extent of the law.  Thanks to the leadership of Delegate Clagett and Senator King, who for years have fought to enact this law, as well as the hard work done by the General Assembly and all stakeholders, we are finally able to bring to justice those who intentionally put Maryland's children at substantial risk of harm.”

Lieutenant Governor Brown also testified alongside Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake in support of the Maryland Lead Dust Testing legislation, which passed the General Assembly in April.  Today, Governor O’Malley signed the legislation that strengthens current Maryland law by mandating the test for toxic lead dust in older rental properties. 

“We applaud this action by the State of Maryland to strengthen the State's lead regulations. Lead dust testing is one of the best ways to ensure that homes are safe for children and this action makes Maryland's law one of the most protective in the country,” said Jon Gant, Director of theOffice of Healthy Homes and Lead Hazard Control at the US Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Governor O’Malley also signed into law a special sales tax on alcohol, providing critical funding for health, developmental disabilities, community services, and public school construction.  In addition to the restoration of cuts in these priority areas, this bill will have significant public health benefits.  Studies show that by reducing harmful levels of alcohol consumption, particularly among teenagers and heavy drinkers, this three penny increase will save lives, reduce assaults and violence against children, and prevent almost 6,000 cases of alcohol abuse or dependence every year.

And just days before the running of the 136^th Preakness Stakes, Governor O’Malley added his signature to legislation he sponsored which redistributes existing slots revenues to assist in the operations of Maryland’s racetracks, salvaging the racing season for next year and preserving thousands of jobs associated with Maryland’s horse industry.  Late last year, after negotiations between all parties had broken down, Governor O’Malley brokered a last-minute deal that preserved the 2011 racing calendar, helping to keep Maryland’s treasured Preakness Stakes where it belongs and protecting the more than 28,000 people in Maryland’s horse industry.  The legislation Governor O’Malley sponsored preserves the racing season for 2012, and likely for 2013 as well, allowing the parties involved to reach a more long term solution for the industry.

Wicomico Tourism Recognizes Business Owners and Individuals for their Support

(Salisbury, MD) Wicomico Tourism recognized its strongest supporters during a reception and awards ceremony on Tuesday, May 17^th.  The recipients of the 2011 Tourism Awards were announced during the event, which took place at the Wicomico County Visitor’s Center. 

From poodles to wrestlers and teenage softball players, Wicomico County Tourism brings several events to Wicomico County on an annual basis.  These events provide an estimated $12 million economic impact.  This impact would not be possible and would not continue on an annual basis without the support of local businesses and citizens of Wicomico County. 

Tourism Manger Sandy Fulton elaborates, “Several area businesses and individuals go above and beyond in encouraging the growth of tourism in our area. From providing cash sponsorships for signature events to placing a ‘Welcome Visitors’ message on business marquees, the work of Wicomico Tourism is perpetuated through the support it receives by the community.”

In 2000, Wicomico Tourism held a reception and awards ceremony to recognize some of these supporters.  The tradition has continued since then, and in 2011 awards were presented to the restaurant and business of the year as well as the hotelier and hospitality person of the year.  The Betty K. Gardner Tourism Person of the Year was also revealed.  This award, named in honor of the late Betty K. Gardner, honors an individual who has proven him/herself instrumental in the promotion of tourism in Wicomico County.  Each award recipient was also received a citation from Senators Richard F. Colburn and James N. Mathias.  Recipients were selected by the Tourism Advisory Board.

The 2011 Tourism Award Recipients are:

Restaurant of the Year: 

Zia’s Italian Restaurant, Alex and Pete Bubbas

Hotelier of the Year: 

Bak Patel, Owner/Operator of Microtel, Country Inn & Suites and Holiday Inn Express

Hospitality Person of the Year: 

Dean Coffelt, Apple Drugs

Business of the Year

Frank Ferrogine, President/CEO of Gateway Subaru

Tourism Person of the Year (Betty K. Gardner Award): 

Chris Perkins, Jet Carpet Cleaning

Salisbury Police Department Press Release

On May 18, 2011 at approximately 5:45 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police were on routine patrol on West Isabella Street and conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle operated by the below listed suspect # 1 for a traffic violation. During a routine records check of the driver, suspect #1, it was found that he was operating on a suspended and revoked driving privilege and he was currently wanted on an outstanding Somerset County District Court bench warrant. Additionally, it was found that the vehicle had an expired registration. While meeting with suspect # 1, the officers observed a quantity of suspected marijuana on the floor of the vehicle.

The officers then checked the vehicle and located a small box containing a quantity of suspected “crack”/cocaine in the center of the vehicle. The suspected “crack”/cocaine was found in close proximity to the passenger of the vehicle, suspect # 2, who was also taken into custody.


ARRESTED #1: Lewis Kimble, III, 36 years of age Fruitland, Maryland

CHARGES:
Possession of cocaine with intent to distribute
Possession of cocaine
Possession of marijuana
Possession of CDS/Paraphernalia
Somerset Co. District Ct. Bench Warrant-
Failure to Appear – Driving while suspended

ARRESTED #2: Tyrelle Lamar Kimble, 18 years of age Salisbury, Maryland

CHARGES:
Possession of cocaine with intent to distribute
Possession of cocaine
Possession of marijuana

DISPOSITION: Both released to Central Booking CC # 201100019078/201100019079