The Post Heard Around The Shore

Clearly our announcement about the new changes to Salisbury News has brought on an incredible amount of hits today.

Comments on that Post are also unusually higher than normal and if you think about it, the Anti Albero Bloggers sent in quite a few comments we'd never even consider publishing, so there were a lot more than you see published.

Change is sometimes hard to accept and that's why GA and I started making most of the changes weeks in advance so people wouldn't come back here and act upset.

All I can tell you about what we'll be providing in the future is, you'll enjoy SBYNews.com more so than ever before. Just be patient and watch what we deliver. You wanted more local content, we're going to deliver it. Thanks for your support.

Dog Found In Front Of Pohanka

Joe....found this dog in front of Pohanka Mercedes tonight. Please call, 443-880-5066.

Are Non-Profits Fairly Taxed?

Here in Wicomico County, the public and non-profit sectors own a lot of property. They seem to be buying more every day. I have heard several people make the same statement:

In 10 years, every piece of property from US 50 south to the Fruitland city line, from Camden Avenue east to Eastern Shore Drive will be owned by either PRMC or Salisbury University.

Of course, this is an exaggeration. However, there is no question that these two institutions own huge blocks of real estate. They are also two of the largest employers in the area.

In addition, we see other non-profit institutions gobbling up property and taking it (at least partially) off of the tax rolls. The Tri-County Council has purchased the former Filtronic Comtek property at US 50 and Walston Switch Road. Oak Ridge Baptist Church owns the K-Mart Shopping Center at US 50 and Tilghman Road.

Some of these properties are being used (again, at least partially) for commercial purposes. Do these non-profits, pay property taxes on at least the commercially used portion of these properties. Should they?

The good news is that they do.

When Seagull Square (the former Allenwood Shopping Center) opens for business this summer, the ground floor (which is commercial space) will be taxable. This should be a big help to Wicomico County. The property is quite valuable and will add a needed boost to property tax revenue outside of the confines of the revenue cap.

PRMC has a valuable community mission. They also own tens of millions of dollars of property. However, if a piece of property is being used commercially OR not being used in furtherance of the hospital’s mission, they pay taxes on it. One example is space they lease to doctors. This also applies to the former Daily Times building across Carroll Street from the main campus. Until PRMC decides (exactly) what to do with the property, and only IF the property is being used as part of the hospital’s core mission, will it come off of the tax rolls.

Before you start asking if I have taken a consulting contract with the University or if I’m shilling for PRMC because I have relatives in the medical field, let me assure you that the answer is no. The original premise of this column was the same; to examine whether or not property owned by non-profit institutions, but used for commercial purposes, was being taxed. It was my understanding that the Seagull Square property would be wholly exempt. I knew that PRMC leased office space to doctors, and understood that they did not pay taxes on that square footage. PRMC refused to answer my questions; which always makes you suspicious.

However, the State Department of Assessments and Taxation did. They also provided me with data to show that these two institutions, along with several others like Oak Ridge Baptist Church, did pay property taxes on property that was not being used in furtherance of their core missions.

None of us enjoy paying taxes. We also want to believe that we’re not being asked to pay more than our fair share. It’s good to know that, at least in this instance, institutions such as SU aren’t taking property off of the tax rolls and then using it for commercials purposes without having to pay their fair share.

I apologize for this column being so late. I had everything finished but the concluding paragraph and was called away. – Ed.

G. A. Harrison is the Managing Editor of “Salisbury News”. “Delmarva Dealings” appears each Wednesday and Sunday at Noon on SbyNEWS.com.

19600903

A Kinder, Gentler, Board of Ed

Yesterday’s Wicomico County Council budget session had two slots scheduled that promised high entertainment value.  One was the Pollitt Proposal.  The second was its meeting with the Wicomico County Board of Education (WCBOE).

After their last meeting, many citizens were expecting another brouhaha.  Reports from last week’s “secret session” indicated that Supt. John Fredericksen and the board were coming to the GOB girdled for battle.  Instead, we witnessed a boring, and less arrogant WCBOE.

No whining.  No pointing fingers.  The WCBOE saw fit to answer council’s questions and argue a policy point rather than obstruct our county’s legislative body.  While it pains me to admit it, I actually respected the guy playing the role of Fredericksen (I’m still not convinced that it really was him).

While I continue to support not allowing the board to use school construction fund monies to fund operations, I will also admit that they made a valid case for being allowed to do so.

How did the council behave?  As well as always.  While I am confident that they had received the same information we had regarding the WCBOE’s plans to go on the attack, they never showed it.  Instead, councilwoman Gail Bartkovich had a meaningful discussion regarding her proposal to abolish the school construction fund.  Councilwoman Stevie Prettyman worked out the potential impacts of not allowing the board to tap the school construction fund balance as well as some questions regarding one proposed maintenance project.

We should all hope that the WCBOE has learned a lesson from their recent travails.  If they are responsive to the council’s questions;  if they are honest;  if they can manage to keep the arrogance locked away down on Long Avenue; they can look forward to a solid working relationship with this council.  If not, they will learn who really controls the purse strings.

At this stage, one good meeting isn’t enough.  The council needs to “trust, but verify”.  However, I feel confident that the council is hoping that the group that appeared before them yesterday will continue acting as though it really is about the children.

Wicomico County Executive Rick Pollitt Just Kicked Off His New Campaign For Annapolis

You mark my words, Rick Pollitt will NOT run for County Executive another term.

Why?

In yesterday's meeting Rick went on and on about how he really wanted to dedicate more time to represent Wicomico County.

The more I thought about it, the more it started making sense to me. Rick wants a legislative job in Annapolis and retire off of a state pension.

What other reason would he want the taxpayers to hire his replacement while he's in Office as County Executive. The voters in the last election clearly told Rick, he'll not serve again, even if it means voting in someone not qualified for the job.

If Rick gets someone in to do HIS JOB, that allows him the time to lobby for his new job in Annapolis and quite frankly I think some of the Council Members that voted to allow this to happen are just plain stupid.

There is no other excuse for this and IMHO, the taxpayers should be totally pissed off about what just took place today. The County Council just gave Rick Pollitt the opportunity to start campaigning immediately.

BREAKING NEWS: WICOMICO COUNTY COUNCIL OK's RICK POLLITT'S SPECIAL BUDGET PROPOSAL

At today's budget worksession it appears that a 4-member majority - Bartkovich, Matt Holloway, Bob Caldwell and Sheree Sample-Hughes - will support Rick Pollitt's 11th hour plan to increase his office staff by adding two new positions, which involves maintaining the current funding for that part of the budget. Joe Holloway, Stevie Prettyman and Bob Culver expressed concern and opposition to maintaining the funding in light of the retirement of Ted Shea, whose retirement pay will be almost as much as his current 6-figure salary. Apparently, the pay grades for the new employees and for Shea's successor as the County Administrator are still unknown (at least to the Council). Also apparently unknown is the salary for the upgrade to the position of the 'public information officer," which will be renamed as well. None of these matters are mentioned in the budget initially proposed by Pollitt in April.

More details to follow.

Stay Tuned:

Salisbury News will provide a Breaking News Post very soon.

Announcing SbyNEWS v1.5

For over five years Salisbury News has steadily grown to be the Delmarva Peninsula’s, and Maryland’s, most widely read blog. During that time we have published 7 days a week, week in and week out. Our goal has been a simple one, to provide our readers with up to date news and opinion.
In the last year we have been fortunate enough to attract a growing number of advertisers. In addition, we have been fortunate to serve our community by using those ad revenues to help those less fortunate than ourselves.
The time has come to make a few changes. Therefore, we are announcing SbyNEWS v1.5!
Why v1.5?
The changes we will discuss in this post are just the beginning. We have been planning a series of broad changes that are designed to better serve you, our readers, and our advertisers. However, like all things, you have to start somewhere. That is why these changes are being labeled version 1.5. In the coming months we will be informing you about the launch of v2.0. For now …
What Changes?
Salisbury News has grown to be more than a one person operation. While we appreciate the fine work of our regular contributors, it was time to make a few changes at the top.
Effective immediately, I have stepped down as the Editor of SbyNEWS. G. A. Harrison is our new Managing Editor. He will be responsible for all content posted on SbyNEWS. G. A. will design and implement our policies for content and for comments. Under G. A.’s stewardship, our readers can look forward to more local content, more scheduled feature posts, and a somewhat calmer tone than we have been known for to date. Under G. A.’s leadership, it is our stated goal to broad our readership. While we seek to accomplish many things under the banner of Salisbury News, we realize that none of it is possible without YOU, our loyal readers.
Am I retiring? Hell NO! I have assumed the role of Publisher. While I will continue to contribute to SbyNEWS on a regular basis, it will be under the editorial guidelines set by our Managing Editor. More importantly, I will be devoting more time to the business and philanthropic aspects of Salisbury News. It is our desire to “double down” on our commitment to serve our neighbors in need. To accomplish that goal, it is important that we broaden our revenue base along with our readership. That takes time. That takes effort. This is where I will be placing a greater focus.
We hope you continue to enjoy reading Salisbury News. Without you, we simply cease to be relevant. Over the next few days and weeks we will be asking you for your views on SbyNEWS. Help us out and give us your opinion. We hope to incorporate many of your suggestions in the forthcoming SbyNEWS v2.0!
Thanks,
Joe Albero, Publisher

Salisbury Police Department Press Releases

On May 31, 2011 at approximately 10:51 am, Officers of the Salisbury Police received a call to respond to the Sears Department Store at the Centre at Salisbury 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 men’s clothing from the store without making payment. The property was recovered from the suspect and was returned to the store.

ARRESTED: Malik Abdullah Cannady, 30 years of age Quantico, Maryland

CHARGES: Theft (under $ 100.00)

DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking
CC # 201100020955

On May 31, 2011 at approximately 4:17 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police received a call to respond to the Sears Department Store at the Centre at Salisbury for the report of a shoplifter. Upon arrival the officers met with store security who advised the officers that store employees had observed the below listed suspect take men’s cologne from the store without making payment. The property was recovered from the suspect and returned to the store.

ARRESTED: Guillermo Apatlagco Santos, 22 years of age Salisbury, Maryland

CHARGES: Theft (under $ 100.00)

DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking CC # 201100020992

On May 31, 2011 at approximately 10:43 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police Department arrested the below listed suspect on an outstanding arrest warrant charging the suspect with an assault that occurred earlier on the same date. At that time the officers received a call to meet with an adult female that had been assaulted at a residence on the one hundred (100) block of Clay Street. The victim advised the officers that during a domestic type argument with the suspect, the suspect struck the victim in the facial area and pushed the victim to the ground. During the assault the suspect also damaged the victim’s vehicle. The responding officers obtained the arrest warrant and located the suspect.

ARRESTED: Bronte Jamar Cephus, 20 years of age Salisbury, Maryland

CHARGES:
Second degree assault
Malicious destruction of property

DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking CC # 201100021012

Webs

The Mayor and County Executive are spinning so many webs in their budgets they're actually sticking to the sides of the building!

CLICK ON IMAGE TO ENLARGE.

BREAKING NEWS: Weak Economic, Jobs Data Pummel Stocks

The Dow Jones Industrial Average was off by more than 220 points Wednesday after a host of soft economic data raised further concerns about the health of the US economy.

PUBLIC NOTICE

CLARIFICATION - SPECIAL MEETINGS

In accordance with §SC2-4 of the Salisbury City Charter, a majority of the City Council

have called for two Special Meetings to be held on Monday, June 6, 2011.

The purpose of the first Special Meeting is to hold a Public Hearing on the Mayor’s

proposed FY2012 Budget.

Following that Special Meeting, the City Council will hold another Special Meeting to

adopt the FY2012 Budget (Ordinance No. 2161 – second reading), Water and Sewer rates

(Ordinance No. 2151 – second reading) and Parking Rates (Ordinance No. 2152 – second

reading).

The first Special Meeting is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. in Council Chambers (Room 301) of

the City/County Government Office Building (125 N. Division Street). The second Special

Meeting will immediately follow the first one.

You Never Know Who You'll Run Into In Salisbury

Pete Cooper Still Going Strong And Over 100 Years Old!

For Whom The Bridge Tolls…

By Delegate Mike McDermott

Recently, the O’Malley administration and the MD Transportation Authority have decided that, after 35-years, we are due for a toll increase on the Bay Bridge. Their answer was not an incremental adjustment to be absorbed over time, but rather an immediate 100% increase. This is to be followed the next year by an additional 60% bounce taking the toll from the current $2.50 all the way to $8.00. This meets a good definition for “excessive”.

While this may have a negligible impact on vacationers making their annual trek to Ocean City, it appears little thought has been given to the impact on commerce this will have for the mid and upper shore areas.

Consider that when Virginia built their Bridge-Tunnel, the toll was set high and has remained so from the beginning. Clearly, Virginia did not build it for commuters and North Hampton County remained relatively quiet when compared with the Virginia Beach/Norfolk metro area. It was a clear choice, and many would say a “good one”.

On the Maryland side, quite the opposite has been the case. A toll which amounts to $1.25 one way would surely encourage commerce and development on the Eastern Shore. It would insure a rapid expansion of the metro area by creating a readily available suburb for those willing to simply drive a few extra miles and pay a small toll for the privilege of living on the Eastern Shore. The rest of the shore would benefit from increased commercial traffic and day trips would become common. Maryland’s Eastern Shore would never be the same.

By maintaining a low toll, Maryland made the choice to potentially subsidize repairs to the bridge, as needed, beyond the revenue stream provided to insure the successful industrial, commercial, and residential development of the shore. Our prosperity has resulted in multiplied tax revenues for state coffers from that development far beyond that which would have been realized from any increased toll.

Now, after nearly four decades, we are going to raise the toll by nearly 300%. It looks like the proverbial “bait and switch” for the Eastern Shore. Queen Anne’s and Kent Counties will take it on the chin while the rest of us get bruised. At a time of economic pain and uncertainty, this tax increase should be on the back burner.

The time is now to weigh in with the Maryland Transportation Authority and the Governor’s Office as the “proposal” will become a reality very soon.

As it stands, we will pay for that toll in every loaf of bread, in every lost day tripper, and in just one more hurdle to tourism and commerce. For those commuters who sought a refuge on the shore, your discretionary income just took a big hit and many in Annapolis are choosing to look the other way.

Fruitland Police Department Press Releases

DATE & TIME: Wednesday May 25, 2011 @ 6:30 p.m.

INCIDENT: Driving on Suspended license

LOCATION: N. Fruitland Blvd
Fruitland, Md.

CASE NO.: 2011-551 & 2011-552
PERSON CHARGED: WILLIAM HOWARD MOBLEY M/W

AGE: 67
ADDRESS: Loretta Road, Princess Anne, Md.

CHARGES: Driving on Suspended License

DISPOSITION: Released to custody of WCDC

PERSON CHARGED: JOE LESTER BISHOP M/W
AGE: 56
ADDRESS: Fishing Island Road, Westover, Md.
CHARGES: Fraud-Misrepresentation of Identity to Avoid Prosecution
DISPOSITION: Released to custody of WCDC

Resume’
On the above date and time, officers responded to a report of two subjects climbing into a dumpster behind the Dollar General Store. Upon their arrival, a pickup truck was observed parked next to the dumpster and the subject MOBLEY was standing next to it. The second subject, BISHOP was observed inside the dumpster. They advised they were looking for anything good that Dollar General may have thrown away. Identification check revealed that MOBLEY, the operator of the truck was suspended and an outstanding warrant existed for him. The subject BISHOP initially provided a false name to the officers.
A check on the name BISHOP had given revealed a warrant existed for the name given. A search of BISHOP produced a prescription bottle with the subject’s real name. A check on the subject’s true name revealed a warrant also existed for him. Both subjects were placed under arrest, charged accordingly and transported to WCDC where they were remanded to the custody of Central Booking.

DATE & TIME: Monday May 30, 2011 @ 7:30 p.m.
INCIDENT Possession of CDS

LOCATION: E. Cedar Lane, Fruitland, Md.
CASE NO.: 2011-568
PERSON CHARGED: JAMES EDWARD LAWRENCE M/B

AGE: 49
ADDRESS: E. Cedar Lane, Fruitland, Md.

CHARGES: Possession of CDS
Possession of CDS Paraphernalia
DISPOSITION: Released to Custody of WCDC

Resume’
On the above date and time officers responded to a domestic call. Upon arrival it was determined that no assault had taken place but the presence of CDS and Paraphernalia was revealed by one of the participants. The above named subject advised that the CDS was his and he was subsequently arrested , charged and transported to WCDC where he was remanded to the custody of Central Booking.

Wicomico County Sheriff's Office Press releases

Warrant Arrest

Date of Incident:

31 May 2011

Location:

9400 block of Ocean Hwy., Delmar, MD

Suspect:

  : On 31 May 2011 at 1:31 AM, a deputy from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office

Charges:

Violation of Probation

Incident:

Assault

Date of Incident:

30 May 2011

Location:

26000 block of Meadowland Drive, Hebron, MD

Suspect:

  : On 30 May 2011 at 11:06 AM, a deputy from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s OfficeCharges:

Incident:

Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol

Date of Incident:

29 May 2011

Location:

South Division Street, Salisbury, MD

Suspect:

  : On 29 May 2011 at 3:19 AM, a deputy from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office stopped

Charges:

Speeding

Incident:

Burglary

Date of Incident:

27 May 2011

Location:

1100 block of Nokomis Avenue, Salisbury, MD

Suspect:

  : On 27 May 2011 at 1:08 PM, a deputy responded for a burglary of a vacant rental property in

Charges:

Theft

Incident:

Assault

Date of Incident:

1 June 2011

Location:

7000 block of Titleist Drive, Hebron, MD

Suspect:

  : On 1 June 2011 at 12:38 AM, a deputy from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office

responded to a reported altercation inside a residence in the 7000 block of Titleist Drive near Hebron.

Upon arrival, the deputy learned that John T. Shannon had become involved in an argument with his two

adult sons that turned into a physical altercation. John is accused of assaulting both of his sons which was

corroborated by injuries observed by the deputy. The deputy also observed that John was visibly under

the influence of alcohol.

The deputy placed John under arrest and transported him to the Central Booking Unit where he was

processed and taken in front of the District Court Commisisoner. After an initial appearance, the

Commissioner detained John in the Detention Center in lieu of $40,000.00 bond.

Charges: Assault 2nd Degree

Narrative

John T. Shannon, 49, Seaford, DEBurglary 1st Degree

Narrative

the 1100 block of Nokomis Avenue in Salisbury. Upon arrival, the deputy met with representatives of a

local property management company who advised that upon arriving at the residence to do maintenance,

they caught Paul Green inside stealing copper wire. The maintenance workers discovered that Green

entered the residence after breaking a rear window. Green attempted to flee from the residence but was

detained by the maintenance workers until the arrival of the deputy.

The deputy placed Green under arrest for burglary and theft and transported him to the Central Booking

Unit where he was processed and taken in front of the District Court Commissioner. After an initial

appearance, the Commissioner detained Green in the Detention Center in lieu of $50,000.00 bond.

Paul D. Green, 51, Salisbury, MDDriving Under the Influence of Alcohol

Narrative

a vehicle operated by Tia Roberson on South Division Street for speeding. Upon contacting Roberson, the

deputy detected a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage emanating from within the vehicle. That, along

with other indicators, led the deputy to suspect that Roberson was operating her vehicle while under the

influence of alcohol. Upon the administration of field sobriety tests, those suspicions were confirmed.

The deputy placed Roberson under arrest for DUI and upon her Notification of Rights, she declined to

take the breath test. Roberson was processed by the deputy and released upon signing citations.

Tia Mona Roberson, 27, Salisbury, MDAssault 2nd Degree

Narrative

responded to a reported altercation inside a residence in the 26000 block of Meadowland Drive in

Hebron. Upon arrival, the deputy learned that the resident, Caleb Connor became embroiled in an

argument with his wife when he allegedly pushed her to the ground. Upon interviewing Connor’s wife,

the deputy saw an injury that corroborated that account.

The deputy placed Connor under arrest and transported him to the Central Booking Unit where he was

processed and taken in front of the District Court Commissioner. After an initial appearance, the

Commissioner detained Connor in the Detention Center in lieu of $5,000.00 bond.

Caleb C. Connor, 30, Hebron, MDFailure to Appear

Narrative

responded for a noise complaint at the Traveler’s Motel in Delmar, MD. The complaint was in reference

to a subject in one of the rooms yelling loudly during a phone conversation about having an open warrant

for his arrest. Subjects staying in adjacent rooms reported they could hear this though the walls and it was

disturbing them. The deputy went to the room where the loud subject was and located Richard Vermalyea

and discovered there were two open warrants for Vermalyea’s arrest from Cecil County, MD. One was

for Failure to Appear in a felony theft case and the other was for a Violation of Probation in a felony theft

case.

The deputy took Vermalyea into custody and transported him to the Central Booking Unit where he was

processed and taken in front of the District Court Commissioner. After an initial appearance, the

Commissioner detained Vermalyea on $10,000.00 bond each on the two warrants, pending transfer to

Cecil County.

Richard R. Vermalyea, 32, Rehoboth Beach, DE

Incident:

Pa. 8th Graders' Field Trip Includes Hooters Lunch

BERWICK, Pa. — For one group of central Pennsylvania eighth-graders, a recent field trip to Baltimore included lunch at Hooters — a restaurant better known for its busty waitresses than its food.

The Berwick Middle School students were visiting the National Aquarium last week. Chaperones took them to various restaurants for lunch because the group of 100 was too large for a single place.

The Bloomsburg Press Enterprise reports Tuesday that one group of 15 to 20 students ended up at Hooters.

Superintendent Wayne Brookhart says that while he wishes the group's coed chaperones had chosen another restaurant, he has not received any complaints from parents.

More

Report: Car Dealers May Be Selling Chevy Volts To Each Other To Get Tax Credits

The government offers tax credits of up to $7,500 to those who purchase hybrid electric vehicles such as the Chevy Volt. Word that demand for the vehicles has far outstripped supply has led some to speculate that dealers may be selling the cars to each other in order to take advantage of the tax break.

More »

Arts Alive Celebration Set for June 18 - 19

Ocean City, MD — Art’s Alive celebrates its 11th year of offering fabulous fine arts in the beautiful setting of Ocean City’s Northside Park on Saturday and Sunday, June 18-19. Admission is free.
Northside Park is the perfect setting for an art show with winding paths around a beautiful lagoon. Stroll along the paths to see beautiful works in the artist tents. Browse through more than 100 artist tents, listen to the music of Silver, Wood & Ivory, and enjoy lunch at the Artists’ Café.
Children can participate in free artistic activities while parents shop for art treasures.
Painting, photography, sculpture, drawing, ceramics, glass, graphics, mixed media, fiber, furniture, jewelry and fine wood are among the fine art categories. All artwork is available for purchase. Artists compete for $5,250 in prizes awarded to the “Best in Show” and seven other categories.
Northside Park is located on 127th St. and the bay. Show hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday.
For more information, call the Ocean City Recreation and Parks Department at 410-250-0125 or visit http://www.ococean.com/.

GOVERNOR O’MALLEY KICKS OFF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT MISSION TO ASIA, ARRIVES IN SHANGHAI

SHANGHAI, CHINA (June 1, 2011) – Joined by a 68-member delegation of Maryland business leaders and educators, Governor O’Malley today arrived in Shanghai, China and kicked off a 10-day economic development mission to Asia. Governor O’Malley will spend six days in China, then head to Korea and wrap up the mission in Vietnam to boost two-way trade and investment and promote Maryland as an ideal location for foreign-owned companies looking to establish U.S. operations, particularly in life sciences and technology.

Tomorrow, Governor O’Malley will deliver a keynote address to the 13th Shanghai BioForum, which is slated to attract more than 500 global attendees and is one of China’s premier biopharmaceutical events. The Governor will then have lunch with Chinese biopharmaceutical executives and in the evening give remarks at the Maryland China Banquet, which will draw more than 300 attendees, including Maryland companies doing business in China as well as Chinese companies looking for U.S. partners. On Friday, June 3, the Governor will deliver remarks at the Johns Hopkins University-Nanjing University Center for Chinese and American Studies, the first major institution in China by a U.S. university, and then speak at the graduation ceremony at the University of Maryland College Park’s School of Public Policy in Jiangsu Province. Later that evening, the Governor will attend the Maryland-Jiangsu Partnership Banquet and sign a Memorandum of Friendship and Cooperation with Jiangsu Province’s Governor Li Xueyong to increase two-way trade and investment and share information on the bioscience, medical and healthcare industries as well as cultural and educational programs.

On Saturday, June 4, Governor O’Malley will arrive in Beijing and will visit the Great Wall of China and the Forbidden City. On Monday, June 6, the Governor will visit Renmin University, where he will speak on his StateStat initiative, and then attend the Maryland-Anhui Honor Luncheon to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Maryland’s Sister-State Relationship with Anhui Province.

“This is a great opportunity for Maryland businesses to enter or expand in Asian markets, and for Asian companies to explore a presence in our State,” said Governor O’Malley. “Together with our partners abroad, we can work to invest in innovation, create jobs and leverage opportunities to make our children leaders in this changing new global economy.”

“All businesses today, whatever size they may be, rely on a global economy,” says Harold L. Adams, the Governor's International Advisory Board Chair and Chairman Emeritus of international architecture practice RTKL. “Because of their long-standing relationships in China and throughout Asia, Maryland businesses especially understand the importance of not just maintaining but strengthening ties with what has become the world’s most robust market. Missions like this are good for Maryland and good for Maryland business.”

“As a small business owner in Maryland, I am looking forward to meeting with my counterparts in Asia, learning about their products and services, and looking for business opportunities for my firm,” said Bel Leong-Hong, President and CEO, KAI, and member of Maryland’s Asia mission delegation. “I want to thank the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development for the great care in planning for this trade mission, and arranging for our delegation to meet with businesses in Asia." 

Maryland has long maintained a strong presence in China, becoming the first U.S. state in 1996 to open a trade and investment office in China – the Maryland China Center. In 2010, China was Maryland’s 3rd largest export market with $571 million in goods and services, and was the State’s 2nd largest import market, with more than $2.6 billion. There are 13 Chinese headquartered companies in Maryland, including U.S. Orchids, an orchid propagation company in Somerset County; Electrical Systems Integrator, an electric tools developer and supplier to Stanley Black and Decker in Baltimore County; and Yisheng U.S. BIOPHARMA, a biopharmaceutical company in Montgomery County. In addition, there are eight Chinese companies in Maryland’s International Incubator at University of Maryland, College Park. Maryland is also home to several Chinese organizations, including the Chinese Biopharmaceutical Association and the Maryland China Business Council.

Last year, the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development’s Office of International Trade and Investment engaged more than 250 Asian companies, helping to attract six new foreign firms from China and Korea to Maryland. In addition, the Office assisted 75 Maryland companies export their products to Asia, helping to generate $65 million in sales.

Maryland’s Office of International Investment and Trade works to stimulate foreign direct investment in the State, offers export assistance for small and mid-sized Maryland companies and coordinates international trade and investment missions and trade show opportunities for Maryland companies. For more information on resources available to business that want to market their products or services globally, visit http://www.blogger.com/

Another Year, Another Million Or So Millionaires

While many of us were still pinching our pennies as a result of the recent recession, some lucky folks were becoming newly minted millionaires.

A new report from The Boston Consulting Group finds that the number of millionaire households worldwide increased by 12.2 percent in 2010, to 12.5 million.

Although those millionaires represent just 0.9 percent of all households, they control about 39 percent of all global wealth, according to the report. That’s up from 37 percent in 2009.

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Even In Suicide, Soldiers' Families Deserve Condolences From President

(CNN) -- Two years ago, my son, Army Spc. Chancellor Keesling, died by suicide in Iraq. He was 25 and on his second deployment.

Shortly after his death, my wife, Jannett, and I learned of a long-standing policy in which presidential letters of condolence are withheld from families of American service members who die by suicide.

We wrote to President Barack Obama on August 3, 2009, asking him to reverse this policy, and since then we have tried to keep up a steady drumbeat for change. There has been a fair amount of media attention, including from CNN, and recently U.S. Sen. Barbara Boxer, co-chair of the Senate Military Family Caucus, and a bipartisan group of Senate colleagues sent a letter to the president on behalf of this issue, echoing a bipartisan request from House members.

We learned in late 2009 that the White House would be reviewing the policy, when then-White House spokesman Robert Gibbs told then-CNN reporter Elaine Quijano that the White House had inherited this policy and was reviewing it. Yet as of this writing, we and the hundreds of other families whose children have died by suicide while at war wait for a result.

I wonder: What is the White House reviewing and why it is taking so long?

An action by the president would send a powerful message throughout the military ranks to take mental health issues more seriously. Suicide among those who have served in Iraq and Afghanistan has become an epidemic. Last year a Pentagon report found that every 36 hours, a soldier commits suicide.

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Explore Wicomico County’s Hidden Treasures Through A Geocache Dash

 Geocaching is an entertaining adventure game for GPS users.

                                                 

(Salisbury, MD) Add some adventure to your 2011 summer by taking part in the Geocache Dash.  This free, family-friendly event will kick-off a new geocaching virtual trail that takes cachers to 22 exciting locations across Wicomico County.  Join the Wicomico County Convention & Visitors Association along with Wicomico County Recreation, Parks & Tourism on Saturday, June 11.  The day will begin and end at Pemberton Historical Park (5561 Plantation Lane, Salisbury, MD). 

The Geocache Dash will launch Saturday morning at 8am.  Cachers can register, pick-up their passports and cache information at Pemberton Park.  From there, the search will be on for caches, which have been placed in locations such as parks,  marinas, museums and historical sites. Two of the caches will only be accessible by boat, canoe and/or kayak.  During the launch of the trail, kayaks will be available free of charge from designated boat launch areas.  After June 11th, cachers will need to provide their own water transportation to access the caches.

After a full-day of searching, cachers can return to Pemberton Park to celebrate their finds.  During the celebration, which will last from 5pm to 8pm, the first 200 cachers finding 18 or more caches will receive a custom 2011 Wicomico Geocache Dash trackable geocoin.  Door prizes and cash prize drawings will be up for grab.  A full day of caching will no doubt build up everyone’s appetite, so food and drink vendors will also be on-site.  Participants can also opt to enjoy an all you can eat crab dinner and corn from Fat Boys Crabs for $25/person.  Crab dinner tickets can be purchased at registration the morning of the event.   

If you want to participate in the Geocache Dash but have never geocached, a free basic class will be offered the morning of the event from 8am-9am at Pemberton Park.   If attending, please bring a Handheld GPS or a GPS-Enabled Smartphone and Camera or Cellphone/Camera Combo.   

Organizers of this event have hopes it will turn into a "Mega-Event", which means that 500 or more people attend.  If you want to be one of those 500 people visit Wicomico County Tourism's website, http://www.wicomicotourism.org/, to learn more!  Although the event is free, participants are asked to send in a participation form and register the morning of the event.  The website will give you up-to-date information, as well as explain how to retrieve the coordinates and other location information for the geocaches.  You may also contact the Wicomico Tourism Office at 410-548-4914 Mon.-Fri. 9am-5pm.

Wicomico's Geocache Dash is sponsored by Comcast Spotlight, Delmarva Power, Girl Scouts of the Chesapeake Bay and the Centre at Salisbury

13-year-old representing Delaware in spelling bee

NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. (AP) -- It's a big day for Delaware's only contestant in the Scripps National Spelling Bee.

Josie Carlozzi, a 13-year-old at St. Catherine of Siena School in Greenville, is preparing to compete Wednesday in the oral rounds. The event, which is being held this year in Maryland at a convention center just outside of Washington, D.C., began on Tuesday with a written test of 25 words. The scores from the
written test will be combined with Wednesday's oral rounds to determine the semifinalists.

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2 Undercover OC Officers Hurt In Robbery

4 People Arrested After Brief Struggle

 

OCEAN CITY, Md. -- Ocean City police said two undercover officers were hurt in a struggle during a robbery attempt.

 

It happened Saturday about 10 p.m. when the officers made arrangements to buy marijuana from a man and a juvenile.

 

When the officers arrived at the designated location, four people tried to rob them and a brief struggle ensued. The suspects were taken into custody, and the two officers were taken to local hospitals.

 

Eighteen-year-old Danny Lee Moore of Selbyville, Del., and three juveniles have been charged with attempted robbery.

Source 

Maryland Immigrant Tuition Foes Claim 40,000 Names

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) - Opponents of a new Maryland law enabling certain illegal immigrants to pay in-state college tuition say they have exceeded the number of signatures needed to clear the first hurdle of their petition drive.

The group led by Washington County Republican Delegate Neil Parrott says it will give the secretary of state at least 40,000 signatures by Tuesday night. They needed to collect at least 18,579 valid signatures by Tuesday, and a total of 56,000 by the end of June to bring the issue to a referendum next year.

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Fla.'s Scott Signs Bill Drug Testing Welfare Recipients

Florida Gov. Rick Scott, saying residents shouldn’t subsidize substance abusers, signed a bill that will require welfare recipients to submit to drug tests.

Under the law, applicants for the federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program who test positive for illegal substances won’t be eligible to receive benefits for one year or until they successfully complete a substance-abuse treatment program. More than 113,000 Floridians received TANF benefits in the last fiscal year.

“While there certainly are legitimate needs for public assistance, it is unfair for Florida’s taxpayers to subsidize drug addiction,” Scott, a 58-year-old Republican, said in remarks prepared for a ceremony in Panama City on the Panhandle.

The House passed the bill in April by a 78-to-38 margin, and the Senate approved it this month in a 26-to-11 vote. Republicans have a veto-proof majority in both chambers.

At least 10 states have introduced legislation to increase drug-screening requirements for welfare recipients. Lawmakers in a least two, Arizona and Missouri, passed the bills.

Florida’s law differs because it appears to be the only one mandating drug tests for all TANF recipients, said Liz Schott, a policy analyst at the Washington-based Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, which focuses on public programs that affect low- and moderate-income families. Others limit testing to cases where there is reasonable suspicion that a recipient is using illicit substances, she said.

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Lowe's, Pay Full Price For Slightly Used products

In case you hadn't noticed, over the past few weeks GA Harrison has been putting up more posts than usual, allowing me to free up some personal time to get things done that I have been ignoring for far too long.

One of the many projects that I have been tackling is numerous painting jobs around the house. Last night we went up to Lowe's to get some more supplies and I just couldn't believe my own eyes. I had to use my cell phone to take the above image but if you'll notice the paint all over the handle of one of the rollers in the picture. However, what's tougher to see is the roller hanging above it. It has dried up paint all over the rollers edge, (in white) where the roller pad slips over and eventually stops the pad from running off the end.

These rollers were hanging with the brand new rollers and without any question whatsoever, they were USED! Pictures do not lie and quite frankly it makes me question what else Lowe's will put back on the floor that has been slightly used.

As far as I'm concerned, I'm not going back and I'll take my business elsewhere and so should YOU.

Ecclesiastes 10:2

I have often wondered why it is that Conservatives are called the “right” and Liberals are called the “left.”  By chance I stumbled upon this verse in the Bible:

“The heart of the wise inclines to the right," "but the heart of the fool to the left.”

Ecclesiastes 10:2 (NIV)

Thus sayeth the Lord.  Amen.

As Paul Harvey would say, “Now You Know The Rest Of The Story.”

A Letter To The Editor

Hello Joe:
 
I have been reading your blog for quite some time now and wanted to share with you an experience I had this morning.  Around 10 am I went to Sun Trust to do some business.  As a retiree I can go about any time, but wanted to beat the heat.  As I parking my car in a designated spot an EMS vehicle (license # LG 72100) roared up behind me and parked with the engine running at the curb blocking the handicap ramp near the entrance rather than park in the spaces provided.  I thought an emergency had taken place at the bank, but when I walked into the bank I saw a young fellow conducting a personal transaction at the teller window.  I do not understand how someone can park so brazenly and use taxpayer money to drive a government work vehicle to do personal business.

Thanks for your time!

MARYLAND LAW ENFORCEMENT LAUNCHES ANNUAL CHIEFS’ CHALLENGE CAMPAIGN

Law Enforcement Officials Seek Community Participation in Lifesaving Initiative

Maryland State Police Salisbury Barrack will join more than one hundred law enforcement agencies across the state in an effort to educate the public on the lifesaving and injury-reducing benefits of safety belt/child seat use. Additional attention will focus on the reduction of aggressive driving and driving while impaired. This campaign will take place from May through December 2011.

The Maryland Chiefs of Police, Sheriffs, Campus Safety Directors, and Maryland State Police Barrack Commanders challenge their law enforcement personnel to design community-outreach programs and events, to recruit community partners, and to conduct enhanced educational and enforcement initiatives. In Wicomico County, state and local law enforcement officials will be conducting an aggressive driving campaign, entitled the Smooth Operator Program. This enforcement initiative will be from June 5 to June 11, 2011.

Enabling A Future American Dictator

These are truly troubling days for liberty in the United States.


Last week the 60 day deadline for the president to gain congressional approval for our military engagement in Libya under the War Powers Resolution came and went. The media scarcely noticed. The bombings continued. We had a hearing on Capitol Hill on the subject, but the administration refuses to bother with the legality of its new war. It is unclear if Mr. Obama will ever obtain congressional consent, and astonishingly it is being argued that he doesn't need it.




Article 1 Section 8 of the Constitution begs to differ. It clearly states that the power to declare war rests within the legislative branch – the branch closest to the people. The founders were a war-weary people, and the requirement that it would take an act of Congress to go to war was intentional. They believed war was not to be entered into lightly, so they resisted granting such decision making authority to one person. They objected to absolute warmaking power granted to Kings. It would be incredibly naïve to think a dictator could not or would not wrest power in this country.


Our Presidents can now, on their own: order assassinations, including American citizens; operate secret military tribunals; engage in torture; enforce indefinite imprisonment without due process; order searches and seizures without proper warrants, gutting the 4th Amendment; ignore the 60-day rule for reporting to the Congress the nature of any military operations as required by the War Power Resolution; continue the Patriot Act abuses without oversight; wage war at will; and treat all Americans as suspected terrorists at airports with TSA groping and nude x-rays.


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What Must We Defend?

"We need to be honest with the president, with the Congress, with the American people" about the consequences of cutting the defense budget, said Secretary of Defense Robert Gates in his valedictory policy address to the American Enterprise Institute.


"(A) smaller military, no matter how superb, will be able to go fewer places and do fewer things."


Gates seeks to ignite a debate the country seems reluctant to have. With a federal budget running out of balance by 10 percent of gross domestic product, what are we Americans willing to sacrifice? What are we willing to forego? What are we willing to cut?


The biggest budget items are Social Security, Medicare and defense. To Democrats, the first two are untouchables. To most Republicans, defense is off the table. Indeed, the likelihood is that any budget deal to which both parties agree will contain escape clauses to enable Congress to avoid the painful decisions and kick the can up the road.


Consider the situation the U.S. military faces.


The useful life of the planes, ships, missiles, guns and armor that date to the Ronald Reagan buildup of the 1980s is coming to an end, and the cost of replacement weapons is far greater. A fleet of 2,440 F-35 Joint Strike Fighters, for example, will cost over $1 trillion.


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The Pollitt Proposal

As we announced yesterday, Wicomico County Executive Rick Pollitt has proposed a reorganization of his office.  To accomplish this, he has requested that the Wicomico County Council not cut from his proposed budget for the county’s executive department.

Pollitt’s re-organized department would look like this:

While I expect shock from our readers (and my fair share of critical comments), I endorse Pollitt’s proposal, at least in theory.  This structure is more in line with what a county executive’s office should look like.

However, I DO NOT support giving Pollitt level funding in the FY 2012 budget.  The reasons are simple and consistent.

NO MORE 11th HOUR CHARGES

Pollitt has exhibited a habit of riding in at the 11th hour and trying to buffalo the council into passing bad legislation.  The recent vote for his “Early Retirement Package” is just the latest example.  Council members Gail Bartkovich, Matt Holloway, and Stevie Prettyman all voted for a bad bill because Pollitt claimed that he couldn’t balance the budget without this legislation.  We now know that the promised savings didn’t materialize.  We also know that many who are taking this retirement package would have probably retired without it.  However, now these individuals are receiving an extra 10% of their salary in pension.

POLLITT NEEDS BETTER REASONS

As stated above, I support the changes.  However, I do not support them for the reasons given by Pollitt in his presentation yesterday.  Pollitt claims that this would allow him to be out more in the community and to be able to work to help Wicomico County at the state level.  During Pollitt’s first term he was “out and about” quite a lot campaigning for the abolition of the revenue cap.  This year he has been out campaigning for his tax rate hike.  These are not compelling reasons for council to support this proposal.

POLITICS OR SUBSTANCE?

I have always been an opponent of crafting public policy around an individual.  I didn’t advocate it when Barrie Tilghman was mayor of Salisbury.  I don’t advocate it with Rick Pollitt as Wicomico County Executive.  That said, there are dangers in this proposal.

The proposed office of “Constituent Services and Communications” could be used to help citizens.  It could also be used to punish Pollitt’s political foes.

The proposed “Budget Officer” could be very helpful in helping to shepherd the county through tough economic times.  Even in good times, this post could be extremely useful in planning the county government’s fiscal future.  However, Pollitt claimed yesterday that he could use existing personnel.  This point was brought up by councilman Bob Culver.  I agree with Culver that someone would need to be brought in from outside for the position to be effective.

WHAT SHOULD COUNCIL DO?

If the council was willing to take my advice, their path would be simple.  Cut Pollitt’s proposed budget.  Eliminate positions that they currently feel are unnecessary.  This last minute proposal should be shelved until some time after July 1.

After the budget is adopted and in effect, then it is time to sit down with Pollitt and allow him to pitch this idea again.  IF council is willing to consider this proposal, it is also time to extract some concessions from Pollitt.

For starters, they should get a commitment (in writing) that commits Pollitt to regular, public meetings with the council.  He should be meeting with council at least quarterly, and probably monthly.  Harford County Executive David Craig, who Pollitt used to help pitch this proposal, admitted that he meets with his council.  Pollitt has to end the practice of meeting with council ONLY when it furthers his political or personal ends.

IF Pollitt is able to convince the council of the merits of this proposal, and after the council extracts its concessions, the council can pass a budget amendment and take the funds from contingency.

THE BOTTOM LINE

This proposal has merit.  I seriously question whether or not Pollitt can make the best use of this structure.  However, it is bad practice to design policy around an individual.  Rick Pollitt will not always be the county executive.  We should structure the office around the needs of the office and not the merits or faults of one person.

My Fathers' Day Reflections

On my drive to work the other day I was listening to the local all news radio station and suddenly I am hearing President Obama chiming in with one of those "public service" messages on how fathers should comport themselves toward their children.  Maybe this was supposed to be in honor of fathers' day.

Gee, I had no idea that this is a presidential task, nor that anyone from Washington, DC, could possibly be familiar enough with my family situation to take up the task of advising me on these matters. I figured that Mr. Obama has a full enough plate with, say, being commander in chief guiding the military to do its proper duty, to protect our rights, being the presiding officer for the federal government, raising the funds needed by government to take care of the enormous debt that's been accumulated by its profligacy over the last several decades, not to mention all the diplomatic problems and challenges he faces around the globe so he could leave the task of acquiring the skills of parenting to us, the citizenry. 

But no. Here he is again, deploying his one-size-fits-all social philosophy, kind of like a totalitarian statesman is supposed to do. I recall when I was growing up under the Soviet socialist regime that was tried out in Hungary during the early 1950s, Comrade Stalin himself was supposed to be called by us all "our dear father" (edesapank). And sure enough that befits the head of an aspiring totalitarian regime since it's political program is to subsume the full management of the life of the citizenry.

Under that kind of system there is no private realm. Everything is of public concern. One is supposed to be part of a collective, kind of like termites are parts of the colonies to which they belong. Individual differences are simply denied. Everyone is a specie-being, an entity of the group, a cell in the organism of society or even humanity. So with such an overall social philosophy it makes sense that those who deem themselves the leaders would presume to know it all about how to live life, everyone's life that is.

I was actually surprised that nearly all the instructions about how one ought to carry on as a father happened to fit my case. I did in fact go out to throw pitches to my son; taught him and my daughters to bike; read them books, sang them songs, took them on long walks and drives and trips around the globe and on and on. (I even co-authored a little book with my younger daughter, a kind of reminder that "cute is not enough" in her life, which became the title of the small volume!)

OK, so Obama listed some of the activities I managed, lo and behold, to figure out as my own parental tasks. But other parents, more musical or athletic or culinary or nature loving than I probably choose different undertakings in which to involved their children – indeed, thousands and thousands of different ones, reflecting as it should their and their children's individuality and opportunities and interests. But no, Mr. Obama had this list which he decided he should promote for all fathers to follow, as if he had been hired by them all to given them blow by blow guidelines and as if they couldn't take up parenting without his regal guidance.

Maybe there are some parents so unprepared for what they have chosen to embark upon when they decided to have children that a little help from their friends is welcome – a bit of personal, private nudging or encouragement from people who know them well enough so it wouldn't be an affront to butt in with such advice. But that is just it – to do any successful, valuable butting in one needs to know those parents intimately, as a psychotherapist would who has been called upon to lend a hand to those who are a bit clueless. Without such involvement in the life of parents, issuing the advice can only be insulting and quite likely misleading. Children are not produced by cookie cutters, all the same with need for identical parenting to help them grow up.

Of course, this is one of the main problems with Mr. Obama's social philosophy, namely, that it fails to pay attention to our individuality, or specialness. Doesn't he realized that just as our fingerprints or DNA fit us personally, with close attention to who we are (not merely some vague notion that we are all people), so must our upbringing.  No one from the White House is equipped to give advice except in the most general way, like "Pay attention to what your children need from you!"

Source

BREAKING NEWS: Private Sector Adds Fewer Jobs Than Expected In May

The private sector added 38,000 jobs in May, significantly fewer than the 175,000 economists were expecting, with payrolls at their lowest level since September 2010.

Salisbury Police Department Press Releases

On May 28, 2011 at approximately 2:03 am, Officers of the Salisbury Police received a call to respond to the Peninsula Regional Medical Center Emergency Room to meet with the victim of a stabbing. Upon arrival, the officers met with an adult male victim who advised the officers that he had earlier been involved in a verbal domestic type argument with the below listed female, who was known to him. The victim continued that the altercation became physical and resulted in the suspect obtaining a small knife from her residence and stabbing him in the back. The victim was treated and the wound was determined to not be life threatening. The suspect is a juvenile, but was charged as an adult due to the severity of the criminal charges.

ARRESTED: Shatazia Monique Driggins, 17 years of age Salisbury, Maryland

CHARGES:
First degree assault
Second degree assault
Reckless endangerment

DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking CC # 201100020490

On May 28, 2011 at approximately 5:16 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police responded to a residence on the six hundred (600) block of Homer Street for the report of an assault. Upon arrival the officers met with an adult male victim who advised that he had been involved in an altercation with the below listed suspect, who was known to him. The victim advised the officers that he was in the residence and heard a lot of banging and noise at the front door. The victim responded and found the suspect attempting to make entry. The suspect was told to quit banging on the door and to leave the property. The suspect then produced a knife from his pants pocket and slashed at the victim, attempting to cut the victim. The victim was able to push the suspect away from the porch area and off of the property.

ARRESTED: Paul Joseph Kelly, 24 years of age Hebron, Maryland

CHARGES:
Attempted first degree assault
Second degree assault
Reckless endangerment
Carrying a dangerous and deadly weapon

DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking CC # 201100020562

On May 28, 2011 at approximately 11:55 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police were on routine patrol in the area of North Salisbury Boulevard and Elizabeth Street and conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle operated by the below listed suspect. During the traffic stop the officers detected the scent of suspected marijuana emanating from the vehicle. The vehicle was checked and a bag containing a quantity of suspected marijuana was located on the center console. A routine records check of the suspect revealed that he was driving on a suspended and revoked driver’s license. The owner of the vehicle was contacted, in reference to the suspended license, and advised the officers that the suspect had taken the vehicle without permission.

ARRESTED: Antonio Sebastian Chaney, 43 years of age,Salisbury, Maryland

CHARGES:
Possession of marijuana
Possession of CDS/paraphernalia
Unauthorized use of a motor vehicle
Driving on a suspended license

DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking CC # 201100020621

On May 29, 2011 at approximately 9:00 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police were conducting a business check at the Elk’s Lodge on Catherine Street and observed a fight begin in one section of the parking lot. While breaking up the fight, the officers came into contact with the below listed suspect who was inciting the crowd to continue to fight. The officers attempted to quiet the suspect and have him leave the property, without success.

ARRESTED: Dionte Keith Dutton, 26 years of age Salisbury, Maryland

CHARGES:
Disorderly conduct
Failure to obey a lawful order

DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking CC # 201100020753

On May 30, 2011 at approximately 12:48 am, Officers of the Salisbury Police received a call to respond to the WaWa Store on South Salisbury Boulevard for the report of a subject passing counterfeit U.S. currency. Upon arrival the officers met with a victim who advised that she had been approached by the below listed suspect in the parking lot area of the store. The suspect asked the victim for change for a $ 20.00 bill, and the victim gave the suspect the change. After giving the suspect change, the victim realized that the $ 20.00 bill was in fact counterfeit. The suspect was still located on the property upon the arrival of the officers and was in possession of the victim’s authentic currency. The authentic currency was recovered and returned to the victim.

ARRESTED: Brooke Ellen Joseph, 20 years of age Willards, Maryland

CHARGES:
Theft (under $ 100.00)
Possession of counterfeit currency to defraud
Possession of counterfeit U.S. currency
Knowingly issued counterfeit U.S. currency

DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking CC # 201100020904

On May 30, 2011 at approximately 10:36 am, Officers of the Salisbury Police received a call to respond to a residence on the eight hundred block of Filmore Street for the report of a domestic disturbance. Upon arrival the officers met with an adult male victim and the below listed suspect who were involved in a domestic type altercation. Witnesses advised the officers that during the altercation the suspect obtained a kitchen knife and attempted to stab the victim. The victim was able to escape injury.

ARRESTED: Levette Ann Long, 20 years of age Salisbury, Maryland

CHARGES:
First degree assault
Second degree assault
Reckless endangerment

DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking CC # 201100020811

On May 30, 2011 at approximately 10:48 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police were on routine patrol in the area of Priscilla Street and East Church Street and conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle operated by the below listed suspect for traffic violations. During the stop of the vehicle, the officers detected the scent of suspected marijuana emanating from the vehicle. The vehicle was checked and resulted in the discovery of a substantial amount of suspected marijuana located within a carrying bag. The officers also located a quantity of suspected cocaine

ARRESTED: Tyrone (nmn) Taylor, 37 years of age Salisbury, Maryland

CHARGES:
Possession of marijuana with intent to distribute
Possession of cocaine with intent to distribute
Possession of marijuana
Possession of cocaine
Possession of CDS/paraphernalia (2 counts)

DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking CC # 201100020892

Get Ready For A Hot And Steamy Day

A heat advisory goes into effect at noon. The air quality for the day is a Code Orange. You may want to limit your time outside.

DART April 2011 Ridership Gains Due To Savings Opportunities

Wilmington -- The Delaware Transit Corporation and DART First State (DTC) today announced that its many transit services continue to gain ridership during this challenging economy. Comparing ridership between April 2010 and April 2011, DART Fixed Route Bus services grew by over 7.2 percent or 550,676 passenger trips. Statewide paratransit services grew by over 2.8 percent, or 22,415 trips. DTC also reported that its popular Rt. 301 Intercounty motor coach service between Wilmington and Dover experienced a 21.7 percent increase over last April. Also DTC's Sussex West bus service ridership increased 17.9 percent from the year ago period.

DTC credits these substantial ridership increases to growing public awareness of the benefits of riding transit; especially when gas prices are high and riders save money by not driving their personal vehicles. Other factors contributing to the increase in ridership include DTC not raising its basic bus fares in New Castle County since the spring of 1989, and making it easier to paying fares with the DARTCards; a stored value pass.

Color coded DARTCards are available in seven denominations and offer riders several discounted fare options of up to 40 percent and, most importantly, the freedom to choose the DARTCard that works best for their traveling and budget needs.

Buying DARTCards is easy and convenient. They are sold at the 12 ACME Markets in Delaware, and offered online at DartFirstState.com. In a recent DART Rider Survey, 78 percent of riders used money-saving DARTCards to pay their fare.

We are pleased that more and more Delawareans are riding public transit because it is truly a smart and money saving choice, said DTC Executive Director Stephen Kingsberry. With summer nearly here and traffic volume increasing there is no better way to save gas and avoid the aggravations of driving a personal vehicle.
Kingsberry said that riders also know they can save money by using one of the DTC strategically-placed free Park & Ride lots throughout the State, including the DTC four train stations.

The DTC RideShare Delaware offers free ridematching services for commuters working in Delaware, as well as for parents of school students; an emergency ride home benefit for registered commuters actively ridesharing to work; vanpool services; and, transportation benefit assistance to employers in Delaware.

Route 54 Improvement Project Update

Selbyville -- The Department of Transportation (DelDOT) announces that construction on the Route 54 Improvement Project, which began November 2010, will continue through the summer months.

Motorists can expect intermittent lane restrictions and/or lane shifts between 9:00am and 3:00pm, Monday - Friday. No work will be performed on weekends and holidays. The Delaware Department of Transportation's (DelDOT) Transportation Management Center (TMC) will monitor the area during the summer months and adjust signal timings as needed.

The project consists of widening the existing roadway and providing a 14-foot wide center left-turn lane in order to improve the safety of the roadway, both for vehicular traffic as well as bicycles and pedestrians. Improvements will also include 6-foot wide bike lanes and 5-foot wide sidewalks. The Route 54 construction will extend from the intersection of Routes 20 and 54 east to the Mallard Lakes Development.

Due to the necessary safety improvements that are needed and the large scope of this project, it is necessary for Mumford & Miller, the contractor on the $8.1 million job, to work during the summer months. If not permitted to work during the summer months, the project would have been much longer, and more impactive to motorists and business owners.

The project is expected to be completed in early summer 2012.

Space Shuttle Endeavour Lands

Endeavour and its crew of six touch down safely at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, bringing NASA's second-to-last shuttle flight to a close.