House follows Senate in approving extension of Patriot Act provisions hours before the anti-terror measures were set to expire.
DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Thursday, May 26, 2011
BREAKING NEWS: Romney To Declare Presidential Candidacy
Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney will formally announce his candidacy for the Republican presidential nomination June 2 in New Hampshire.
BREAKING NEWS: Senate Passes Patriot Act Extension
Senate passes extension of Patriot Act, sending measure to House as midnight deadline looms before anti-terror provisions expire.
GOVERNOR O’MALLEY APPOINTS JUDGE TO THE WICOMICO COUNTY CIRCUIT COURT
ANNAPOLIS, MD (May 26, 2011) – Governor O’Malley announced today the appointment of Master Leah Jane Seaton to the Circuit Court for Wicomico County. She will fill a vacancy created by the retirement of the Honorable Donald C. Davis.
“I am honored to appoint Master Leah Jane Seaton to the Wicomico County Court,” said Governor O’Malley. “Master Seaton’s intelligence, patience and work ethic made her a superb Master in the Circuit Court, and those same qualities will allow her to excel as a Circuit Court judge.”
Ms. Seaton has been a Master in the Wicomico County Circuit Court Division for Juvenile Causes since 2005. She also serves as a member of the Juvenile Delinquency subcommittee and Child in Need of Assistance legislation subcommittee, which are both subcommittees of the Judiciary’s Family Law Committee.
After graduating from the University of Maryland School of Law in 1981, Ms. Seatonworked as a Hearing Examiner with the Maryland Department of Human Resources before beginning a 12-year career with the Legal Aid Bureau, where she specialized in administrative law and appellate work. In 1997, Ms. Seaton was appointed an Administrative Law Judge with the Maryland Office of Administrative Hearings, a position she held for 8 years, before accepting her appointment as Master of Domestic Relations and Juvenile causes in 2005.
Master Seaton was nominated by the Trial Courts Judicial Nominating Commissions. More information about the nominating commissions can be found at here.
America Best Value Inn On Fire
It is not clear at this time what started the fire but this is an almost live shot of the scene.
Firefighters have arrived on the scene and are addressing the situation. We're told this is much bigger than it looks.
Heavey Flames coming out of the roof. 13 north bound is shut down.
Several stations are on their way as we speak.
Fruitland Chamber Endorses Pollitt Tax Rate Hike
The Fruitland Chamber of Commerce recently issued a letter to the members of the Wicomico County Council announcing their support for County Executive Rick Pollitt’s FY 2012 budget AND Pollitt’s proposed 5 cent property tax rate increase:
Dear Wicomico County Council Member:
The Fruitland Chamber of Commerce supports the budget proposal as presented by the County Executive which includes a five cent increase in property taxes. The Chamber’s members unanimously voted to approve this decision at our well attended General Membership meeting, which was held May 18, 2011. The Chamber is very concerned about the critical services that would be reduced if the property tax increase is not approved.
Please take our recommendation under consideration
Sincerely,
Dizzy Bromley
President, Fruitland Chamber of Commerce
It should be noted that we do not know how many people actually attended the meeting or who voted. Several businesses who are members of the Fruitland chamber expressed surprise that the chamber would support such a measure and stated that if they had known this was being voted on would have attended to vote against the measure.
STATEMENT FROM GOVERNOR MARTIN O’MALLEY ON NEW JERSEY GOVERNOR CHRISTIE’S DECISION TO WITHDRAW FROM THE REGIONAL GREENHOUSE GAS INITIATIVE
ANNAPOLIS, MD (May 26, 2011) – Governor Martin O’Malley issued the following statement today regarding New Jersey Republican Governor Chris Christie’s announcement that New Jersey will withdraw from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI):
“I am disappointed in Governor Christie’s decision to withdraw from RGGI and I reject his assertion that the initiative is ineffective in reducing greenhouse gases. RGGI represents an important multi-state effort to address climate change at a time when consensus eludes Congress.
“We are in a fight for our children’s future. And in this fight some states will win and some states will lose. For Maryland to be a winner in this new economy, we must move forward – not back – by creating and saving jobs through innovation, while improving public safety, public education, and our quality of life.
“Governor Christie is simply wrong when he claims that these efforts are a failure. Here in Maryland, RGGI has avoided dangerous carbon dioxide emissions in Maryland equivalent to taking nearly 3,500 cars off the road. Through last year, we’ve raised $162.4 million in RGGI proceeds – funds that have been used for programs that reduce greenhouse gas emissions.”
BREAKING NEWS: 7 Americans Killed in Afghanistan Blast
All 7 NATO troops killed in Afghanistan explosion were Americans, U.S. official says.
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Ocean Pines Resident Threatens Lawsuit Over Closed Meetings
An Ocean Pines resident has threatened a lawsuit over a “task force” established by the General Manager of the Ocean Pines Association (OPA). The “task force” meets behind closed doors with OPA GM Bob Thompson to advise him on various aspects of running the association, which is more like a small municipality than it is your typical homeowners association.
During public comments at last Wednesday’s OPA board meeting, Pines resident Joe Reynolds requested that the board direct Thompson to open the meetings to the public.
The matter was discussed by the board, but a motion to open the meetings failed by a 6 – 1 vote. After the motion failed, Reynolds threatened a lawsuit, claiming that the GM’s action was a violation of the Maryland Homeowners’ Association Act.
When asked for an explanation of why the meetings are closed, OPA board president Tom Terry gave the following explanation:
This committee is composed of volunteers who advise the General Manager. They advise. They do not have the power to spend money or set policy. That is the responsibility of the (OPA) board. Our meetings are open to the public.
Ocean Pines has a strange governing structure. Structured as a homeowners’ association, the Ocean Pines Association (OPA) acts in many ways like a municipality. It has its own police force; its own utilities; its own parks department. The OPA levies taxes, but they are classified as “assessments”.
Missing Dog In Parsonsburg: UPDATE
Gracie is an 11 year old mini-dachshund, missing since yesterday afternoon. The area is the Sierra Manor neighborhood in Parsonsburg. If anyone has any information, please call 443-523-5619.
State School Board Believes Thornton Law Needs To Be Amended
Maryland's state school board said in an opinion issued Wednesday saying that it believes state law needs to be amended to prevent county governments from reducing their current levels of school funding.
Six county governments appear to be poised to reduce their school system budgets, going against the "maintenance of effort" provision that requires them to fund schools at the same level as the previous year.
The board issued its opinion after the Montgomery County school system, which is fighting the Montgomery County Council's decision to reduce money to schools, asked for a ruling.
The state board said in its opinion that if the trend continues, "we express serious concerns about maintaining adequate funding for education in Maryland. The Maintenance of Effort statute, as is currently written, has the ability to undo this basic funding cornerstone of Maryland public education."
The legislature passed the landmark Thornton law nearly a decade ago. It provided an increase of more than $1 billion in state aid to give all students access to an adequate education whether they live in Montgomery County or Baltimore City.
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Superfresh To Shut Down 13 Md. Stores, Sells 12
BALTIMORE (AP) -- The owner of Superfresh grocery stores says it will shut down 13 stores in July because it can't find buyers.
Superfresh has been trying to sell 25 stores, mostly in the Baltimore area. The company announced Wednesday that it found buyers for 12 stores.
Ten stores will be sold to a joint venture between organic grocer Mrs. Green's Management Corp. and Village Super Markets Inc. That sale includes two Baltimore stores, as well as stores in Parkville, Arnold, White Oak, Lutherville-Timonium, Cambridge, Chestertown, Brunswick and Washington, D.C.
Supervalu has bid on a Superfresh store in Ellicott City.
The sales could generate $40 million for the grocery chain's parent company, Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Co., which is in bankruptcy. The company has said 1,500 workers could lose their jobs.
Editors Notes: The Salisbury store will be closed and was not sold. Salisbury News originally published this news back on April 14, 2011 HERE.
Arundel Council Approves Budget, Raises Property Tax Rate
County budget includes layoffs, furloughs and cuts to community college
The Anne Arundel County Council raised the county property tax rate Tuesday, as it passed a budget plan that includes a steep funding decrease to the county's community college and delays a new facility for one of its most academically successful high schools.The council has been sharply divided during deliberations over the $1.2 billion spending plan for next fiscal year, discussing changes for more than 12 hours in one day last week. Members approved the rate increase — a hike of 3 cents per $100 of assessed value that was proposed by County Executive John R. Leopold — by a 4-3 votte.
With an eye toward long-term stability as the county continues to suffer the fiscal consequences of the recession, the council also moved to shore up its reserves. The plan directs about $5 million in budget savings to the rainy day fund and another $5 million to the county's contingency fund.
Source
It's Official: The Great Leader Was In China
No. Not that “special relationship” between the U.S. and U.K.
That other one, between North Korea and China.
In the past few days, we have been treated to the pomp and circumstance of President Barack Obama’s visit to Britain—including a Guard of Honor inspection at Buckingham Palace, a state banquet hosted by the Queen, an address to both Houses of Parliament, and dissection within the British media about how their country is back in America’s good graces.
Even China’s 24-hour state-run news channel, CCTV13, devoted significant minutes to covering Obama’s trip and the bond between the two nations—now known as the “essential” relationship.
Contrast that with the coverage of Kim Jong-il’s visit to China this week, which has been virtually nonexistent.
Well, okay, it’s existed, but was essentially unconfirmed until it was over.
Early confirmation of a sort did come from a surprising corner. During a summit with his Japanese and South Korean counterparts in Japan last weekend, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao mentioned his government had invited Kim to visit “to understand the Chinese development and use it for their own development.”
However, the Chinese Foreign Ministry has stuck to its usual line, refusing to comment on the visit.
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GOVERNOR MARTIN O’MALLEY ANNOUNCES APPOINTEES TO HEALTH BENEFIT EXCHANGE BOARD
Governor also announces creation of new Office of Health Care Reform; Lt. Governor Brown hosts event in Howard County to recognize progress for Maryland’s health exchange
ANNAPOLIS, MD (May 26, 2011) – Today, Governor Martin O’Malley announced appointees to a nine-member board that will oversee Maryland’s Health Benefit Exchange. The Exchange will be a transparent online marketplace where Marylanders can compare rates, benefits and quality among health insurance plans to help them find one that best suits their needs. The framework of the Exchange, a measure required by the federal Affordable Care Act, was established through legislation signed into law by Governor O’Malley in April.
Appointees to the Board announced by the Governor today include Georges Benjamin, M.D., Executive Director of the American Public Health Association; Lisa Dubay, Ph.D. Urban Institute Senior Fellow; Darrell Gaskin, Ph.D., Associate Professor and a Health Economist at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health; Jennifer Goldberg, J.D., LL.M., Assistant Director of Advocacy for Health Care at the Maryland Legal Aid Bureau; Enrique Martinez-Vidal, M.P.P., Vice President at AcademyHealth and Director of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation's State Coverage Initiatives program; and Thomas Saquella, M.A., former President of the Maryland Retailers Association.
“With public and private innovation, Maryland has become a national leader in implementing health care reform to strengthen coverage, improve health, and support our competitiveness in the global economy,” said Governor O’Malley. “I am confident that these individuals will help protect the health care priorities of our families and children.”
Also today, Lieutenant Governor Anthony G. Brown joined Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Secretary Josh Sharfstein, Howard County Executive Ken Ulman, and other state and federal officials at Howard County General Hospital where he recognized the appointees to Maryland’s Health Benefit Exchange Board and described Maryland’s progress on implementing health care reform.
“Governor O’Malley has appointed six dedicated and highly-qualified individuals from the non-profit and business communities to serve on the board of Maryland’s Health Benefit Exchange,” said Lt. Governor Brown, Co-Chair of Maryland’s Health Care Reform Coordinating Council. “The Exchange will provide Marylanders with a competitive marketplace to find affordable health insurance options that meet their needs, and the Board, along with the General Assembly and numerous stakeholders, will play a critical role in laying the groundwork and establishing the building blocks necessary for the Exchange to be ready and operational on January 1, 2014. I look forward to working with this impressive group as we continue our efforts to reduce costs, expand access, and improve the quality of health care for all Marylanders.”
"Today's announcements are important steps forward for implementation of the Affordable Care Act," said DHMH Secretary Joshua M. Sharfstein, M.D. "I can't wait to get to work with the Exchange Board and develop a program that best serves Maryland families."
The remaining three board members are the Secretary of the Maryland Department of Health & Mental Hygiene, the Commissioner of the Maryland Insurance Administration, and the Executive Director of the Maryland Health Care Commission. DHMH Secretary Sharfstein has been appointed to serve as the initial chair of the board. In the coming months, Maryland’s Exchange Board will establish advisory committees, adopt procurement guidelines, conduct a search and select an Executive Director, and undertake a series of studies required by its enabling legislation signed in to law by the Governor last month.
The State is receiving funding from the federal government to support implementation of the Exchange. To date, Maryland has received $7.2 million from the federal Department of Health and Human Services to plan and build the Exchange, including a $6.2 million innovator grant given to six states leading the way on reform implementation. Maryland intends to apply by the end of June for funding under the Level I Establishment grant program, which could provide access to additional millions of implementation dollars.
Governor O’Malley today also signed two Executive Orders to establish the Governor’s Office of Health Care Reform (OHCR), extend and expand the Health Care Reform Coordinating Council (HCRCC), and continue Maryland’s efforts to address the quality and cost of healthcare by enhancing the role of the Maryland Health Quality and Cost Council (HQCC) to include a focus on health disparities and strategies for collecting and disseminating patient-centered outcomes.
In addition, Governor O’Malley announced the appointment of Carolyn Quattrocki as Executive Director of the Office of Health Care Reform. Ms. Quattrocki has served the Governor for the past 5 years in his legislative office as a Deputy Legislative Officer. Ms. Quattrocki formerly served as a Special Assistant to Maryland Attorney General J. Joseph Curran, Jr., where she worked on a range of health, child welfare, criminal justice and other policy issues. Ms. Quattrocki has a law degree from Yale University and a B.A. from Northwestern University.
“I am pleased to announce that Carolyn will lead the Office of Health Care Reform,” said Governor O’Malley. “With her leadership and dedication, we can ensure that Maryland remains a leader in implementing federal reform and that we continue to provide our families and children with access to the quality care they deserve.”
Creating the OHCR was one of sixteen recommendations made by the HCRCC in its final report released in January. The OHCR will have primary responsibility for coordinating health care reform across State agencies, commissions and boards, including the Health Benefit Exchange, to ensure reform’s effective implementation in Maryland. The Office will also be responsible for staffing the HCRCC, creating a statewide outreach and education strategy on health care reform, and providing updates and briefings on the status of implementation.
As Co-Chair of the Maryland Health Care Reform Coordinating Council and Maryland’s Health Quality and Cost Council, Lt. Governor Brown leads the O’Malley-Brown Administration’s health care portfolio. Under the leadership of Governor O’Malley and Lt. Governor Brown, Maryland has implemented reforms that have already expanded health coverage to over 260,000 Marylanders. This year, the Governor signed into law legislation championed by Lt. Governor Brown to establish a framework for Maryland’s health benefit exchange. According to research by the independent Hilltop Institute, implementing the Affordable Care Act (ACA) will save Maryland an estimated $850 million and cut the number of Marylanders without health insurance in half by 2020.
Pohanka Dealer Service Second To None
No vending machines are in place, should you want a snack, its free. Their flat screen tv's were on a cable news channel and there were at least three computers on one of their counters for customers to access.
I was actually able to moderate comments from there and search the internet. The next thing I knew my car was done.
Yeah, Pohanka is an advertiser on Salisbury News. In fact, Pohanka is the ONLY new car dealership on Salisbury News and let me assure you of one thing, I have had many other offers from local dealerships who want to take Pohanka's slot but I politely refused.
Sandy Fitzgerald, (the owner) is one of the most impressive business persons I have ever met. She cares about the Pohanka Automotive Group. She's involved in the community through the Chamber of Commerce, Habitat for Humanity and a list of other charitable organizations. Her "Pay It Forward" program has brought back hundreds of thousands of dollars into this community and if there's ever been a business I will personally support to the end Pohanka will get 100% of my business and they should get 100% of yours as well.
Are their horror stories in the car business, absolutely. However, there's at least one person I know who is doing everything in their power to assure your business experience will be the best on the Shore, even in the service department after the sale.
I should add, while I was driving to Pohanka to get our Prius serviced I took the Bypass. I looked down to check my speed and I was doing 70 mph. Mind you, the air conditioning was on and I looked at the instant gas mileage and with the air on I was still getting 63 miles per gallon!
That Prius is an amazing vehicle in so many ways. If you've ever considered checking into one, now is the time to do so. Your trade in value has NEVER been higher, interest rates are so low, you and I both know that won't last forever. By the time you learn about the Prius, see your trade in value, see the gas mileage and then ultimately your monthly payment you'll be completely sold on it.
Have them walk you through their Service Department too. Once you see just how much they want to earn your business you'll want to finalize your purchase and enjoy your new ride.
Pohanka is an advertiser on Salisbury News because we're PROUD to have them on Salisbury News. Just as we are ALL of the advertisers who also support what we do every day. Love us or hate us, we have more traffic than anyone else on line here on the Eastern Shore.
Don't believe me, check this out HERE.
Wicomico County Math 24 Game Tournament Tonight
Salisbury University Commons
The annual Math 24 Game Tournament for Wicomico elementary and middle students will begin at 6 p.m. Thursday, May 26, in the Commons at Salisbury University. Mathletes will be in the spotlight at the school system's 5th annual Wicomico County Math 24 Game Tournament. The event is free and open to the public.
Each elementary school will send to the tournament one champion per grade level (grades 1-5) for a total of 55 contestants, and middle schools will send two student winners per grade level (grades 6-8) for a total of 30 contestants. These grade-level champions from throughout Wicomico County will compete for the title of county champion, with winners announced at the end of the night.
The annual Math 24 Game Tournament for Wicomico elementary and middle students will begin at 6 p.m. Thursday, May 26, in the Commons at Salisbury University. Mathletes will be in the spotlight at the school system's 5th annual Wicomico County Math 24 Game Tournament. The event is free and open to the public.
Each elementary school will send to the tournament one champion per grade level (grades 1-5) for a total of 55 contestants, and middle schools will send two student winners per grade level (grades 6-8) for a total of 30 contestants. These grade-level champions from throughout Wicomico County will compete for the title of county champion, with winners announced at the end of the night.
Somerset County Sheriff's Office Press Releases
On 5-19-11 Deputies were called to the Washington High School, Westover regarding a fight in progress. Deputies were able to determine that two male juvenile students assaulted a third juvenile male student. Deputies arrested two juvenile males and charged them with second degree assault, and disturbing school functions. The case will be sent to the Department Of Juvenile Justice.
Whittington, Darren Terrell of Princess Anne, arrested 5-19-11 on a warrant regarding failing to appear in court, and a Maryland State Police warrant. Whittington was later held pending trial.
Marcus Lee Sturgis of Westover, arrested 5-20-11 on charges regarding possession of suspected marijuana, and drug paraphernalia. The arrest was the result of a traffic stop conducted by Deputies in the area of the Marion Fire Department. Deputies recovered a small amount of marijuana, and drug paraphernalia. Sturgis was later released on personal recognizance pending trial.
Laura Faye Oneal of Laurel Delaware, arrested 5-22-11 on a warrant regarding failing to appear in court. Oneal was later held on a $500.00 bond.
Crystal Chantell Francis of Forestville, arrested 5-23-11 on warrants regarding assault second degree, reckless endangerment, two counts of theft under $1,000, and malicious destruction of property. Francis was later held on a $ 5,000 bond.
Laura Faye O’Neal of Princess Anne, arrested 5-23-11 on a warrant regarding failing to appear in court. O’Neal was later held on a additional $ 500.00 bond.
James Allen Stanley of Greenley Colordo, arrested 5-23-11 on warrants regarding 35 counts of animal cruelty. Stanley was later released on an unsecured $ 5,000 bond, turned over to the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office on additional unrelated charges.
Charles Greg Brendel of Henderson Maryland, arrested 5-23-11 on warrants regarding failing to register offender/change address, and contempt of court. Brendel was later held on a $ 100,000 bond.
William Colandrea 3rd. of Willards Maryland, arrested 5-24-11 on a warrant regarding failing to appear in court. Colandrea was later held on a $ 500.00 bond.
Ryan Lanear Johnson of Crisfield, arrested 5-24-11 on a warrant regarding violation of probation. Johnson was later held on a $35,000 bond.
Dominick Andre Corbin of Princess Anne, arrested 5-24-11 on warrants regarding contraband delivery, contraband possession with intent to deliver, cds possession with intent to deliver, cds deliver/confinement, and 4 additional conspiracy charges. Corbin was later held on a $ 5,000 bond.
BREAKING NEWS: Wisconsin Judge Rejects Union Law
Judge strikes down Wisconsin law that takes away collective bargaining rights from state workers.
BREAKING NEWS: Supreme Court Backs Arizona On Illegal Worker Law
Supreme Court upholds Arizona law that cracks down on employers who knowingly hire illegal immigrants.
Fruitland Police Department Press Releases
DATE & TIME: May 20, 2011 @ 12:02 p.m.
INCIDENT: Driving Suspended
LOCATION: S. Fruitland Blvd & S. Division Street
Fruitland, Md.
CASE NO.: 2011-535
PERSON CHARGED: ROBERT WILLIAM MADDOX M/B
AGE: 21
ADDRESS: Deal Island Road
Princess Anne, Md.
CHARGES: Driving Suspended
Driving w/o a License
Assuming identity of another
False Statement
Hindering
DISPOSITION: Released to custody of WCDC
Resume’
On the above date & time at the above location officers observed a vehicle make an illegal left turn. Upon stopping the vehicle the operator provided the officers with the identity of another individual. Inquiry revealed the true identity of the operator as the above named subject and it was learned his driving priviledges were suspended. He was subsequently charged with the above vehicle and criminal violations, and then transported to Central Booking at WCDC.
DATE & TIME: May 21, 2011 @ 3:56 p.m.
INCIDENT: Assault 2nd
LOCATION: McDonald’s Parking Lot
Fruitland, Md.
CASE NO.: 2011-539
PERSON CHARGED: CHRISTELLA GEORGES F/B
AGE: 24
ADDRESS: Lankford Hwy
Nassawadox, Va.
CHARGES: Assault 2nd degree
Disorderly Conduct
DISPOSITION: Released to custody of WCDC
Resume’
On the above date & time at the above location, officers were flagged down by a group of individuals in the parking lot of the Fruitland McDonalds. Two subjects were involved in an argument. Inquiry revealed the parties, one of whom was the above named subject, were engaged in an argument over which one of them their child would be going home with. The child had been residing with the father, the other party involved, and there was no court order as to who had custody. As the father reached to pick up the child, the above named subject began screaming and slapped him. The subject was arrested, charged and transported to WCDC.
INCIDENT: Driving Suspended
LOCATION: S. Fruitland Blvd & S. Division Street
Fruitland, Md.
CASE NO.: 2011-535
PERSON CHARGED: ROBERT WILLIAM MADDOX M/B
AGE: 21
ADDRESS: Deal Island Road
Princess Anne, Md.
CHARGES: Driving Suspended
Driving w/o a License
Assuming identity of another
False Statement
Hindering
DISPOSITION: Released to custody of WCDC
Resume’
On the above date & time at the above location officers observed a vehicle make an illegal left turn. Upon stopping the vehicle the operator provided the officers with the identity of another individual. Inquiry revealed the true identity of the operator as the above named subject and it was learned his driving priviledges were suspended. He was subsequently charged with the above vehicle and criminal violations, and then transported to Central Booking at WCDC.
DATE & TIME: May 21, 2011 @ 3:56 p.m.
INCIDENT: Assault 2nd
LOCATION: McDonald’s Parking Lot
Fruitland, Md.
CASE NO.: 2011-539
PERSON CHARGED: CHRISTELLA GEORGES F/B
AGE: 24
ADDRESS: Lankford Hwy
Nassawadox, Va.
CHARGES: Assault 2nd degree
Disorderly Conduct
DISPOSITION: Released to custody of WCDC
Resume’
On the above date & time at the above location, officers were flagged down by a group of individuals in the parking lot of the Fruitland McDonalds. Two subjects were involved in an argument. Inquiry revealed the parties, one of whom was the above named subject, were engaged in an argument over which one of them their child would be going home with. The child had been residing with the father, the other party involved, and there was no court order as to who had custody. As the father reached to pick up the child, the above named subject began screaming and slapped him. The subject was arrested, charged and transported to WCDC.
Salisbury Police Department Press Releases
On May 24, 2011 at approximately 5:13 am, Officers of the Salisbury Police received a call to respond to a residence on the four hundred (400) block of Washington Street for the report of a domestic disturbance. Upon arrival the officers met with an adult male victim who was bleeding from a minor injury to his nose and mouth area. The victim advised that during a domestic type argument, the below listed suspect struck him in the facial area with her fists. The victim did not require medical attention.
ARRESTED: Janice Vonnette Clark, 40 years of age
Salisbury, Maryland
CHARGES: Second degree assault
DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking
CC # 201100019863
On May 24, 2011 at approximately 2:48 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police received a call to respond to the Superfresh Food Store on East College Avenue for the report of a shoplifter. Upon arrival the officers met with store security who advised that store employees had observed the below listed suspect take personal hygiene supplies from the store without making payment. The property was recovered from the suspect and was returned to the store.
ARRESTED: Gregory Anthony Stevenson, 48 years of age
Salisbury, Maryland
CHARGES: Theft (under $ 100.00)
DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking
CC # 201100019932
On May 24, 2011 at approximately 5:24 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police received a call to respond to a residence on the seven hundred (700) block of Priscilla Street for the report of a domestic disturbance. Upon arrival the officers met with an adult female victim who advised that she had become involved in a domestic type argument with the below listed suspect. During the argument, the suspect struck the victim in the left eye and injured the victim’s right arm. The victim did not require medical attention.
ARRESTED: David (nmn) Taylor, Jr., 27 years of age
Salisbury, Maryland
CHARGES: Second degree assault
DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking
CC # 201100019956
On May 24, 2011 at approximately 9:59 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police received a call to respond to a residence on the seven hundred (700) block of South Division Street for the report of a domestic disturbance. Upon arrival the officers met with an adult male victim who advised that he had been involved in a domestic type argument with the below listed suspect. The victim continued that the suspect had arrived at his residence intoxicated and he had initially refused her entry due to her condition. The victim eventually allowed the suspect in and was attacked by the victim who was upset over her denial of entry. The suspect injured the victim’s neck, shoulder, right arm and back. The victim did not require medical attention.
ARRESTED: Amy Dawn Millington, 22 years of age
Salisbury, Maryland
CHARGES: Second degree assault
DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking
CC # 201100019983
On May 25, 2011 at approximately 2:46 am, Officers of the Salisbury Police received a call to respond to the Applebee’s Restaurant on North Salisbury Boulevard for the report of a malicious destruction of property. Upon arrival the officers met with a victim who advised that a male subject had exited the restaurant and had struck the victim’s vehicle with his fist, causing a dent to the body. The officers responded to the hotel behind the restaurant, the Comfort Inn, and located the below listed suspect. The suspect was positively identified by witnesses and taken into custody without incident.
ARRESTED: Donald Shelton Bradburn, 26 years of age
Winchester, Kentucky
CHARGES: Malicious destruction of property
DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking
CC # 201100020006
ARRESTED: Janice Vonnette Clark, 40 years of age
Salisbury, Maryland
CHARGES: Second degree assault
DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking
CC # 201100019863
On May 24, 2011 at approximately 2:48 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police received a call to respond to the Superfresh Food Store on East College Avenue for the report of a shoplifter. Upon arrival the officers met with store security who advised that store employees had observed the below listed suspect take personal hygiene supplies from the store without making payment. The property was recovered from the suspect and was returned to the store.
ARRESTED: Gregory Anthony Stevenson, 48 years of age
Salisbury, Maryland
CHARGES: Theft (under $ 100.00)
DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking
CC # 201100019932
On May 24, 2011 at approximately 5:24 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police received a call to respond to a residence on the seven hundred (700) block of Priscilla Street for the report of a domestic disturbance. Upon arrival the officers met with an adult female victim who advised that she had become involved in a domestic type argument with the below listed suspect. During the argument, the suspect struck the victim in the left eye and injured the victim’s right arm. The victim did not require medical attention.
ARRESTED: David (nmn) Taylor, Jr., 27 years of age
Salisbury, Maryland
CHARGES: Second degree assault
DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking
CC # 201100019956
On May 24, 2011 at approximately 9:59 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police received a call to respond to a residence on the seven hundred (700) block of South Division Street for the report of a domestic disturbance. Upon arrival the officers met with an adult male victim who advised that he had been involved in a domestic type argument with the below listed suspect. The victim continued that the suspect had arrived at his residence intoxicated and he had initially refused her entry due to her condition. The victim eventually allowed the suspect in and was attacked by the victim who was upset over her denial of entry. The suspect injured the victim’s neck, shoulder, right arm and back. The victim did not require medical attention.
ARRESTED: Amy Dawn Millington, 22 years of age
Salisbury, Maryland
CHARGES: Second degree assault
DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking
CC # 201100019983
On May 25, 2011 at approximately 2:46 am, Officers of the Salisbury Police received a call to respond to the Applebee’s Restaurant on North Salisbury Boulevard for the report of a malicious destruction of property. Upon arrival the officers met with a victim who advised that a male subject had exited the restaurant and had struck the victim’s vehicle with his fist, causing a dent to the body. The officers responded to the hotel behind the restaurant, the Comfort Inn, and located the below listed suspect. The suspect was positively identified by witnesses and taken into custody without incident.
ARRESTED: Donald Shelton Bradburn, 26 years of age
Winchester, Kentucky
CHARGES: Malicious destruction of property
DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking
CC # 201100020006
The Fed Does It Again: $80 Billion Secretive "Bank Subsidy" Program Uncovered, Providing Bank Loans At 0.01% Interest
The Fed does it again. Following consistent allegations that the Federal Reserve operates in an opaque world, whose each and every action has only had a purpose of serving its Wall Street masters, led to repeated lawsuits which went so far as to get the Chairsatan to promise he would be more transparent, Bloomberg's Bob Ivry breaks news that between March and December 2008 the Fed operated a previously undisclosed lending program, whose terms were nothing short of a subsidy to banks. Says Ivry: "The $80 billion initiative, called single-tranche open- market operations, or ST OMO, made 28-day loans from March through December 2008, a period in which confidence in global credit markets collapsed after the Sept. 15 bankruptcy of Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc. Units of 20 banks were required to bid at auctions for the cash. They paid interest rates as low as 0.01 percent that December, when the Fed’s main lending facility charged 0.5 percent." 0.01% interest is also known by one other name: "outright subsidy." It doesn't get any freer than that: 0.01% interest on one month cash. Just how close to a complete implosion was the financial system if 0.5% interest seemed too high? Not surprisingly, this program was widely used: "Credit Suisse Group AG, Goldman Sachs Group Inc. and Royal Bank of Scotland Group Plc each borrowed at least $30 billion in 2008 from a Federal Reserve emergency lending program whose details weren’t revealed to shareholders, members of Congress or the public...Goldman Sachs, led by Chief Executive Officer Lloyd C. Blankfein, tapped the program most in December 2008, when data on the New York Fed website show the loans were least expensive. The lowest winning bid at an ST OMO auction declined to 0.01 percent on Dec. 30, 2008, New York Fed data show. At the time, the rate charged at the discount window was 0.5 percent." Yes, that Goldman Sachs. The same one that perjured itself [1]when it said before the FCIC that it only used de minimis emergency borrowings. Just how many more top secret taxpayer subsidies will emerge were being used by the Fed to keep the kleptocratic status quo in charge?
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Foreclosures Wrecking Home Prices
NEW YORK (CNNMoney) -- There's a three-year inventory of homes in foreclosure for sale, and that's devastating home prices.
Foreclosures represent 45% of sales in California and Arizona, and 28% of all existing home sales during the first three months of 2011.
"This is very bad for the economy," said Rick Sharga, a spokesman for RealtyTrac.
The average REO cost on average about 35% less than comparable properties, according to RealtyTrac.
But in some areas, the discounts were ever greater: In New York State, the discount for REOs was 53% during the first quarter. And it was nearly 50% in Illinois, Ohio, and Wisconsin.
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Las Vegas has so many foreclosures that 53% of all the homes sold in Nevada are in some stage of foreclosure, according to a report from RealtyTrac, the online marketer of foreclosed properties.
Foreclosures represent 45% of sales in California and Arizona, and 28% of all existing home sales during the first three months of 2011.
"This is very bad for the economy," said Rick Sharga, a spokesman for RealtyTrac.
What's more, the homes are selling at steep discounts, especially so-called REOs, bank-owned homes that have been taken in foreclosure procedures.
But in some areas, the discounts were ever greater: In New York State, the discount for REOs was 53% during the first quarter. And it was nearly 50% in Illinois, Ohio, and Wisconsin.
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Sales Of Foreclosed Homes 'Astronomically High' In First Quarter
Huge backlog of distressed properties means any housing recovery is a long way away
LOS ANGELES — Sales of homes in some stage of foreclosure declined in the first three months of the year, but they still accounted for 28 percent of all home sales — a share nearly six times higher than what it would be in a healthy housing market.
Foreclosure sales, which include homes purchased after they received a notice of default or were repossessed by lenders, hit the highest share of overall sales in a year during the first quarter, foreclosure listing firm RealtyTrac Inc. said Thursday.
"It's an astronomically high number," said Rick Sharga, a senior vice president at RealtyTrac. "In a normal market, you're looking at the percentage of homes sold in foreclosure to be below 5 percent."
Petition Update:
One week left until our first deadline – May 31st.
Can you help us reach 10,000 more signatures this week? We need a surge this last week to be successful and we will make it with your help this week.
Please:
1) Make sure your household's form is sent in by Thursday.
2) Download one form from the volunteer tab to get 5 additional signatures that you can mail by this Thursday. Go to https://mdpetitions.com/volunteer and Download Form to get a blank form.
to adn to 3) Send the website information to 5 email addresses and encourage them to fill out the petition.
4) Post the website on Facebook if you have a FB account.
That’s it. By just submitting your own signature and getting 5 additional signatures this week, we will meet our goal and be one step closer to stopping the bill that gives in-state tuition benefits to illegal aliens so that the people of Maryland can vote.
MDPetitions.com has reached the 25,000 mark for signatures gathered – we need 10,000 more signatures so we'll know that we will be well-above the required number of signatures. Let's make sure that we can take this bill to referendum!
Great Deals At The Beach
To learn more and watch videos about the EXIT Realty opportunity click here
To view The Roops' Virtural Online Magazine of Homes tour here
Obama Picks Next Joint Chiefs Of Staff
President Obama will announce he has picked Army General Martin Dempsey to be the next chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the AP reports. If Dempsey is nominated and then approved by the Senate, he would succeed Admiral Mike Mullen, who is stepping down in October. Mullen has held the position since 2007.
Dempsey became the Army's chief of staff after General George Casey retired earlier this year. Dempsey's recent positions include a stint as the head of the Army's Training and Doctrine Command.
Dempsey became the Army's chief of staff after General George Casey retired earlier this year. Dempsey's recent positions include a stint as the head of the Army's Training and Doctrine Command.
Maryland Trooper's Death Puts Focus On 'Rocket Bikes'
PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, Md. (WUSA) -- The search continues for a motorcyclist who may have played a role in the death of a Maryland State Trooper. His death puts a new focus on so-called "rocket bikes" and the split-second decision officers make on whether to pursue them or not.
Trooper Shaft Hunter, a father of six, was killed on southbound I-95 May 21 at 3 a.m., apparently in pursuit of a rocket bike.
Rocket bikes top speeds 150 to 180 mph. They are often seen in traffic, pulling hair-raising stunts. Many motorcyclists post their exploits on YouTube with helmet mounted cameras. Some of them crash in the process.
For state police, stopping a rocket bike is not a clear cut decision. But Greg Shipley of the Maryland State Police says the call rests with individual troopers.
Meanwhile, tag numbers can be nearly impossible to see. The latest fad is tucking them deep in the wheelwell at an odd angle, unlit, or displayed vertically. It's technically illegal, but it turns into catch-me-if-you-can pursuits, like one caught on tape in Texas, which are sometimes fatal to the biker, or like the one in Maryland early Saturday, that turned deadly for the officer just trying to do his job.
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Trooper Shaft Hunter, a father of six, was killed on southbound I-95 May 21 at 3 a.m., apparently in pursuit of a rocket bike.
Rocket bikes top speeds 150 to 180 mph. They are often seen in traffic, pulling hair-raising stunts. Many motorcyclists post their exploits on YouTube with helmet mounted cameras. Some of them crash in the process.
For state police, stopping a rocket bike is not a clear cut decision. But Greg Shipley of the Maryland State Police says the call rests with individual troopers.
Meanwhile, tag numbers can be nearly impossible to see. The latest fad is tucking them deep in the wheelwell at an odd angle, unlit, or displayed vertically. It's technically illegal, but it turns into catch-me-if-you-can pursuits, like one caught on tape in Texas, which are sometimes fatal to the biker, or like the one in Maryland early Saturday, that turned deadly for the officer just trying to do his job.
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Dems Take Public Comment On Delaware Redistricting
DOVER, Del. (AP) -- House Democrats in the General Assembly are holding a public hearing on their proposed legislative redistricting plan.
The hearing at 7 p.m. Thursday in Legislative Hall is a chance for members of the public to comment on the Democrats' plan to redraw Delaware's 41 state House districts.
The plan calls for eliminating two New Castle County districts currently represented by Republicans and moving them south, leaving four incumbent Republicans bunched together in two districts in New Castle County.
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The hearing at 7 p.m. Thursday in Legislative Hall is a chance for members of the public to comment on the Democrats' plan to redraw Delaware's 41 state House districts.
The plan calls for eliminating two New Castle County districts currently represented by Republicans and moving them south, leaving four incumbent Republicans bunched together in two districts in New Castle County.
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Offshore Wind Power Project In Delaware Endangered
LEWES, Del. (AP) -- The company that plans to build a wind farm off of Delaware's coast says it is delaying construction of a weather tower because federal budget cuts have endangered the project.
NRG Bluewater Wind Delaware tells The News Journal that budget cuts for renewable energy projects have caused uncertainty for the viability of offshore wind projects. The company cites cuts made by Congress to avoid a government shutdown.
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NRG Bluewater Wind Delaware tells The News Journal that budget cuts for renewable energy projects have caused uncertainty for the viability of offshore wind projects. The company cites cuts made by Congress to avoid a government shutdown.
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Maryland Gas Stations Receive Surprise Inspections
BETHESDA, Md. - The Shell gas station on Old Georgetown Road in Bethesda got a surprise Wednesday morning -- an inspector from the state comptroller's office checking to make sure the gas being sold there is up to par.
"I have a field test that checks octane on the spot," Jack Dickerson with the Maryland comptroller's office said as he approached one of the gas pumps for a surprise inspection. "We try to hit every station in the state of Maryland at least once a year."
There are about 2,300 gas stations in the Free State -- and about 1 to 2 percent of them fail these kinds of inspections. That means about 25 to 50 gas stations are not pumping out the grade of gasoline that they're advertising.
State Comptroller Peter Franchot says there recently was an issue with a Shell station in Jessup.
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"I have a field test that checks octane on the spot," Jack Dickerson with the Maryland comptroller's office said as he approached one of the gas pumps for a surprise inspection. "We try to hit every station in the state of Maryland at least once a year."
There are about 2,300 gas stations in the Free State -- and about 1 to 2 percent of them fail these kinds of inspections. That means about 25 to 50 gas stations are not pumping out the grade of gasoline that they're advertising.
State Comptroller Peter Franchot says there recently was an issue with a Shell station in Jessup.
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Maryland Comptroller Calls For Gas Tax Freeze Over Summer Holidays
BETHESDA, Md. - A top Maryland finance official says the state should drop its gas tax over long holiday weekends as a way to boost the state economy and give local drivers a break.
"It's too late for Memorial Day, but for Labor Day or for the Fourth of July, I'm recommending that (lawmakers) declare a three-day tax holiday from the 23.5 cent gas tax that Maryland assesses," says state Comptroller Peter Franchot says the state.
"It would lose us $2 million a day -- that's $6 million for three days. But I think it would be a big boost for the state's economy and most of all, it would just give our citizens a break (from high gas prices)."
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"It's too late for Memorial Day, but for Labor Day or for the Fourth of July, I'm recommending that (lawmakers) declare a three-day tax holiday from the 23.5 cent gas tax that Maryland assesses," says state Comptroller Peter Franchot says the state.
"It would lose us $2 million a day -- that's $6 million for three days. But I think it would be a big boost for the state's economy and most of all, it would just give our citizens a break (from high gas prices)."
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New Baltimore Arena Could Be Privately Built If State Kicks In $400 Million For Convention Center
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In HBO’s ‘Too Big To Fail,’ The Heroes Are Really Zeroes
HBO's "Too Big To Fail"—I just caught up with it last night; thank you, HBO On Demand—is extraordinarily revealing about the financial crisis. Only its revelations are almost entirely inadvertent.
The movie is set up in the Hollywood conventional way: A gang of misfits, each with a special expertise, is brought together for an impossible mission. There's Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson, steely eyed at the moment of truth. There's New York Federal Reserve head Timothy Geithner, the athlete (he doesn't just jog, but also plays what appears to be squash). And then there's Federal Reserve chairman Ben Bernanke, the professor with a heart of gold and secret knowledge of the Great Depression.
Except that the movie actually depicts something entirely different: failure upon failure. "Too Big To Fail" The Movie isn't the story of how the Three Musketeers saved the global economy. It's a story of how the three didn't see the financial crisis coming; hadn't prepared for it; made mistake after mistake as it was cresting; and then, in their moment of triumph, made their most colossal blunder of all.
That, it turns out (whether or not "Too Big To Fail" knows it), is the true story of the financial crisis.
The movie is set up in the Hollywood conventional way: A gang of misfits, each with a special expertise, is brought together for an impossible mission. There's Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson, steely eyed at the moment of truth. There's New York Federal Reserve head Timothy Geithner, the athlete (he doesn't just jog, but also plays what appears to be squash). And then there's Federal Reserve chairman Ben Bernanke, the professor with a heart of gold and secret knowledge of the Great Depression.
Ostensibly it's a story of their success against all odds. Michael Kinsley, reviewing the movie in the New York Times, labeled Hank Paulson [1] the "hero" of the account.
That, it turns out (whether or not "Too Big To Fail" knows it), is the true story of the financial crisis.
How much did Curtis Hanson and the writers mean for that to be the story? Throughout, the characters drop hints about their missteps, but the plot unfolds like a financial "Die Hard," with our intrepid heroes battling fiendishly powerful forces toward a happy ending. (Full disclosure in this era of transparency: I write a regular column [2] for DealBook, the New York Times section edited by Andrew Ross Sorkin, the reporter upon whose book [3] the movie was based.)
New Fuel-Economy Stickers Actually Display Car's Fuel Economy
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TSA Could Ban Flights From Texas If State Passes Anti-Patdown Law
A showdown is in the works over an anti-patdown law, which the Texas House of Representatives recently approved by a unanimous vote. The government warns that passage of the law could cause the TSA to "cancel any flight" where it couldn't ensure passenger safety. Texas legislators say the rule is needed because existing laws "let government employees fondle innocent women, children and men."
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Zuckerberg: Letting Kids Onto Facebook "Not Top Of The List"
Facebook founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg says comments he made last week at an education conference about wanting to open the site up to kids under 13 were taken out of context. "That's just not top of the list of things for us to figure out right now," he told attendees at a conference in Paris.
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TRAFFIC ADVISORY RE: VIEWING AND FUNERAL FOR TFC SHAFT HUNTER
(PIKESVILLE, MD) – Maryland State Police, Baltimore County Police, and State Highway Administration personnel are coordinating traffic operations plans, but motorists should be aware of potentially heavy traffic and traffic delays associated with the viewing, funeral, and funeral procession for Maryland State Police TFC Shaft Hunter.
VIEWING:
Beginning Thursday afternoon and lasting until 9:00 p.m., motorists should be aware of heavier than normal vehicular and pedestrian traffic in the area of the Vaughn Green Funeral Home, in the 8700-block of Liberty Road at Brenbrook Drive in Randallstown.
Pedestrians will be crossing Brenbrook Drive and Liberty Road. Baltimore County Police and Maryland State Police will be on-scene to assist.
FUNERAL:
On Friday beginning at 8:00 a.m., motorists should be aware of heavier than normal vehicular and pedestrian traffic on Old Court Road from Liberty Road to the New Antioch Baptist Church in the 5600-block of Old Court Road. At about 9:00 a.m. on Friday, police will close northbound Old Court Road from Windsor Mill Road to Liberty Road. The northbound roadway is expected to remain closed until 2:00 p.m. Southbound Old Court Road will remain open.
The funeral of TFC Hunter will begin at 11:00 a.m. and is expected to conclude at about 1:00 p.m., although a longer service is possible. It will take about 30 minutes for those attending to return to their vehicles and the procession to be ready to begin.
PROCESSION:
The funeral procession is expected to begin leaving the 5600-block of Old Court Road between 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. The procession will head northbound on Old Court Road to Liberty Road. It will proceed east on Liberty Road to I-695. Upon entering I-695 west, the procession will head toward I-83.
The procession will take I-83 north and turn east on Padonia Road. The procession will end at Dulaney Valley Memorial Gardens. Police will be closing intersections and ramps momentarily as the procession moves along the route to the cemetery.
The interment at Dulaney Valley is expected to end sometime between 3:30 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. Motorists in the Timonium area should expect heavier than normal traffic through rush hour Friday.
VIEWING:
Beginning Thursday afternoon and lasting until 9:00 p.m., motorists should be aware of heavier than normal vehicular and pedestrian traffic in the area of the Vaughn Green Funeral Home, in the 8700-block of Liberty Road at Brenbrook Drive in Randallstown.
Pedestrians will be crossing Brenbrook Drive and Liberty Road. Baltimore County Police and Maryland State Police will be on-scene to assist.
FUNERAL:
On Friday beginning at 8:00 a.m., motorists should be aware of heavier than normal vehicular and pedestrian traffic on Old Court Road from Liberty Road to the New Antioch Baptist Church in the 5600-block of Old Court Road. At about 9:00 a.m. on Friday, police will close northbound Old Court Road from Windsor Mill Road to Liberty Road. The northbound roadway is expected to remain closed until 2:00 p.m. Southbound Old Court Road will remain open.
The funeral of TFC Hunter will begin at 11:00 a.m. and is expected to conclude at about 1:00 p.m., although a longer service is possible. It will take about 30 minutes for those attending to return to their vehicles and the procession to be ready to begin.
PROCESSION:
The funeral procession is expected to begin leaving the 5600-block of Old Court Road between 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. The procession will head northbound on Old Court Road to Liberty Road. It will proceed east on Liberty Road to I-695. Upon entering I-695 west, the procession will head toward I-83.
The procession will take I-83 north and turn east on Padonia Road. The procession will end at Dulaney Valley Memorial Gardens. Police will be closing intersections and ramps momentarily as the procession moves along the route to the cemetery.
The interment at Dulaney Valley is expected to end sometime between 3:30 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. Motorists in the Timonium area should expect heavier than normal traffic through rush hour Friday.
Found Dog
Memorial Day Feast on a Budget
Throwing a Memorial Day get-together in a recession doesn't have to mean just putting out a box of store-brand Ritz crackers. Over at CNBC, Celebrity chef Guy Fieri shares a few simple tweaks for serving up a feast this weekend without having to go into hock.
You can satisfy the same desire for flavor of pricier food by serving it as an appetizer or on the side instead of main course. Consider passed platter baby back ribs for example, instead of making them the showcase.
Speaking of the main course, you can dress up plainer and cheaper fare with unexpected toppings. Along with hamburgers, roll out a topping bar of bacon strips, a few different cheeses, arugula, romaine lettuce and sliced yellow tomatoes, and several different kinds of mustards. Boom, gourmet hamburger bar on a budget.
For chicken, try cooking in batches with different of marinades and sauces to add variety for not that much coin.
And don't think we've forgotten about vegetables. To save money and headache, you can take one kind of vegetable and serve it up in several different ways. Take a bulk lot of asparagus and make a marinated asparagus salad, grill some asparagus, and make a simple sautéed batch.
Are you hosting a Memorial Day party this weekend? What steps are you taking to entertain on a budget?
Watermen Await Crab Regulation Changes
ANNAPOLIS (AP) — Maryland watermen could hear this week whether crabbing harvest regulations will be changed.
State officials said changes could include higher fall bushel limits for female crabs and opening of a June closure period for female crabs to take advantage of higher June crab prices.
The proposed changes are based on results of the annual winter dredge survey. Survey results released earlier this year showed a cold winter killed nearly a third of the bay's adult crabs.
The crab harvest, meanwhile, increased last year, but the Department of Natural Resources says it was still below the level set to maintain a healthy population. And state officials say the population is still above target levels for recovery of the fishery.
Too Much Hand Sanitizer Can Lead to Failed Alcohol Test
Not only is hand sanitizer not so effective in preventing the cold and flu, it also could give you false positives if you're tested for alcohol consumption.
CBS Los Angeles reports a University of Florida study found that excessive hand sanitizer use could potentially absorb enough alcohol into bodies to fool tests.
The study, which had subjects sanitize their hands 120 times a day for three straight days to receive false positives, says health professionals who sanitize their hands several times a day could be most at risk of tests falsely identifying their alcohol use.
How often do you use hand sanitizer, and do you think it helps you stave off sickness?
Howard Council Approves Budget Without Cuts
The Howard County Council did not cut a cent from County Executive Ken Ulman's budget proposal, although members delayed voting for more than three hours Wednesday in an unsuccessful attempt to secure unanimous approval.
Ulman said in a prepared statement that he kept his request conservative because he is not sure the county's fiscal picture has stabilized. He had asked for $1.56 billion in operating cash and $179.3 million for capital improvements.
"The national economy has yet to provide clear evidence that recovery is under way," he said.
The final vote on the key spending bill was 4-1, as lone Republican Greg Fox voted against the budget for the fifth consecutive year. He could not attract support for several proposed cuts to eliminate funding for some vacant jobs and several new positions.
Appeal Provision Could Derail Wilmington Diocese Bankruptcy
Ballots and details of the Catholic Diocese of Wilmington’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization plan will be in the mail next week to its creditors, including about 150 survivors of clergy abuse, more than 1,300 lay employees, banks and others with pending claims.
And a date – July 8 – has been set to work through final objections and confirm a final plan.
But a monkey wrench may be in the mix, too – a problem that could derail the negotiations and delay settlement payments for more than a year, according to Thomas Neuberger, the lawyer whose firm has represented the majority of sexual abuse survivors in scores of cases against the diocese.
DREAM Act Petition Organizers Predict Success
Organizers of an attempt to put the DREAM Act on the ballot in 2012 say they're confident they'll have enough signatures.
The petition drive has netted 25,000 signatures from people who want the chance to vote on whether illegal immigrants should be allowed to pay in-state rates for college tuition, said Del. Neil Parrott, a Hagerstown Republican leading the effort.
"We're very encouraged with where we are in the process right now," Parrott said Tuesday.
Parrott and his supporters need to have 18,579 signatures from valid Maryland voters by midnight on Tuesday to keep the referendum drive alive. They need to have a total of 55,736 signatures by the end of June.
Whistleblowers Can Get Paid
Despite objections from businesses, the Securities and Exchange Commission has passed a new rule that will allow whistleblowers to get up to 30% of any money the SEC recovers based on their tips. The rule also exempts whistleblowers from having to reveal their findings to the companies they're reporting before going to the government.
The Washington Post blew the whistle on the story:
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