SWAT Team Breaks Down Door, Detains Man For Wife’s Defaulted Student Loans

STOCKTON, CA - Kenneth Wright does not have a criminal record and he had no reason to believe a S.W.A.T team would be breaking down his door at 6 a.m. on Tuesday.

"I look out of my window and I see 15 police officers," Wright said.

Wright came downstairs in his boxer shorts as a S.W.A.T team barged through his front door. Wright said an officer grabbed him by the neck and led him outside on his front lawn.

"He had his knee on my back and I had no idea why they were there," Wright said.

According to Wright, officers also woke his three young children ages 3, 7, and 11 and put them in a Stockton police patrol car with him. Officers then searched his house.

Check out the rest here...

Dog Found

Hi, found a male dog who appears to be part. Rottweiller and Shepard in the Salisbury area near Ward Rd by the airport. He is approximately 5 yrs or older.
Seems trained to sit. Very nice but I'm sure some body is missing him.
What can I do? I have been to shelter and he doesn't have a chip. Thanks for  your help.

Patrice Reese

443-880-8209

FORECLOSURE AUCTION: Modern Car Wash In Salisbury, MD.

Auction Date and Time:

Friday, July 15th at 1pm

Auction & Property Location:

Lot 4A (126 Hampshire Road)

Salisbury, MD 21801

Modern Self Service Carwash located in high growth retail area with significant traffic flow. Directly across the street from Wal-Mart Sam’s Club and numerous other high traffic retailers. Property is also adjacent to lot for a new proposed hotel and only a few yards from RT 13.

New in 2007, the carwash contains one 80’ automatic conveyer wash bay, one Automatic Laser Bay and four Self-Serve wand-wash bays - one bay is oversized for larger vehicles.

The property site consists of 1.17 +/- acres with an improved total gross building area of 4,322 +/- sf. In addition to the bays, the building area includes an equipment/mechanical room, restroom, small office and vending area. Per plans and specifications, all bay and apron slab floors include a floor heating system. Site also includes asphalt paved parking/driveways, signage, landscaping, six vacuum stations with fragrance dispensers as well as a shampoo vacuum station, automatic pay stations with optional RFI technology for corporate and fleet contracts, exterior pole lighting and surveillance system. Zoning is General Commercial.

click here or go to www.tranzon.com

Salisbury City Council Overrides Budget Veto

It’s all over.  After a long, exhausting process, the city of Salisbury has adopted its FY 2012 budget.  By a 4 – 1 vote, the council overrode Mayor Jim Ireton’s veto.  No one is blooded.  Feelings are (hopefully) intact.  The mayor’s response to today’s vote:

“They have exercised their rights; and I have exercised mine.”

This is just as it should be.  The mayor presented a budget.  The council made changes and adopted the budget.  Ireton didn’t like those changes; vetoed the budget; and put forward a spirited defense of his actions.  The council was able to muster the votes to override the veto.

Kudos to the mayor, his staff, and to the council for doing a tough job.  The other night when we were doing our (technically handicapped) live blog event, someone commented that the budget debate was like watching paint dry.  It is.  Try doing that day in, day out for 6 weeks.  That is what the council had to endure.  The mayor and his staff were at it a tad longer.

While Ireton’s rhetoric was a bit heated yesterday, I think that the only player in this little drama that deserves severe chastisement is councilwoman Shanie Shields.  She broke her word and voted against the budget.  Needless to say, she was the sole vote against the override today.  While speculation ran rampant after Ireton’s morning radio interview with WICO’s Bill Reddish, councilwoman Laura Mitchell kept her word and stayed the course; voting for the budget and the override.  Council members Terry Cohen, Debbie Campbell, and Tim Spies have been rocks throughout this process.

All parties deserve thanks from the voters of Salisbury.  It was a difficult process and will have to be repeated again, beginning 10 months from now.

China Wants To Construct A 50 Square Mile Self-Sustaining City South Of Boise, Idaho

Thanks to the trillions of dollars that the Chinese have made flooding our shores with cheap products, China is now in a position of tremendous economic power.  So what is China going to do with all of that money?  One thing that they have decided to do is to buy up pieces of the United States and set up "special economic zones" inside our country from which they can continue to extend their economic domination.  One of these "special economic zones" would be just south of Boise, Idaho and the Idaho government is eager to give it to them.  China National Machinery Industry Corporation (Sinomach for short) plans to construct a "technology zone" south of Boise Airport which would ultimately be up to 50 square miles in size.  The Chinese Communist Party is the majority owner of Sinomach, so the 10,000 to 30,000 acre "self-sustaining city" that is being planned would essentially belong to the Chinese government. The planned "self-sustaining city" in Idaho would include manufacturing facilities, warehouses, retail centers and large numbers of homes for Chinese workers.  Basically it would be a slice of communist China dropped right into the middle of the United States.

According to the Idaho Statesman, the idea would be to build a self-contained city with all services included.  It would be modeled after the "special economic zones" that currently exist in China.

Perhaps the most famous of these "special economic zones" is Shenzhen.  Back in the 1970s, Shenzhen was just a very small fishing village.  Today it is a sprawling metropolis of over 14 million people.

If the Chinese have their way, we will soon be seeing these "special economic zones" pop up all over the United States.

So exactly who is "Sinomach"?

The following description of the company comes directly from the website of Sinomach....

With approval of the State Council, China National Machinery Industry Corporation (SINOMACH) was established in January 1997. SINO-MACH is a large scale, state-owned enterprise group under the supervision of the State Assets Supervision and Administration Commission.

As you can see, Sinomach is basically an arm of the Chinese government.

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GOVERNOR O’MALLEY MEETS WITH SOUTH KOREA PRESIDENT LEE MYUNG-BAK

ANNAPOLIS, MD (June 8, 2011) – As part of a 10-day economic development mission to China, South Korea and Vietnam, Governor Martin O’Malley today met with South Korea President Lee Myung-bak at the President’s official residence Cheong Wa Dae, also known as the “Blue House.” Joined by Maryland Secretary of State John McDonough and Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development Secretary Christian S. Johansson, Governor O’Malley and President Lee met to discuss ways to increase trade and investment between South Korea and Maryland, as both regions have strong life sciences and technology industries. President Lee is the former mayor of Seoul and former CEO of Hyundai Engineering and Construction, and is credited with effectively leading his county through the global financial downturn and emerging as a major international player by hosting the 2010 G-20 Seoul Summit.

“Meeting with President Lee was a great privilege and a highlight of our Asia mission,” said Governor O’Malley. “Given his long and successful business career – including 27 years with Hyundai – President Lee fully understands the importance of reaching across borders to build relationships and form partnerships to open markets to international trade and benefit the global economy. We look forward to an ongoing relationship and further strengthening Maryland’s ties to South Korea.”

“Governor O'Malley’s meeting with President Lee highlights the growing importance of the U.S.-Korea bilateral relationship in regional security, commerce and culture,” said Dr. Jae Ku, Director of the U.S.-Korea Institute at SAIS.

Tomorrow, Governor O’Malley will meet with senior executives of Samsung Group, South Korea’s largest conglomerate. The Governor and several delegation members will tour the company’s Biologics Division, which was created as a partnership in early 2011 with North Carolina-based Quintiles Transnational Corp. to help the company expand into the biopharmaceutical industry.

Earlier this week, Governor O’Malley met with South Korea’s National Minister of Knowledge Economy Choi Joong-kyung and signed a first of its kind Memorandum of Understanding between Maryland and South Korea’s Ministry of Knowledge Economy that seeks to encourage trade and investment, particularly in science and technology, between the two regions. The Governor was the guest of honor at the Maryland-Seoul Banquet, attended by more than 200 guests, including delegation members and potential business prospects, and hosted by Seoul’s Mayor Se-Hoon Oh, whom the Governor met with in Annapolis in late April. Earlier today, the Governor addressed the Global Bio & Medical Forum, which attracted more than 600 attendees and is one of South Korea’s top biopharmaceutical events.

Maryland is continuing to increase ties with South Korea, which is the State’s 6^th largest export market with $481 million in exports in 2010, a 133 percent increase from the previous year. In turn, Maryland imported more than $525 million from South Korea in 2010, with automobiles, machinery and electrical equipment as the top import products. The State opened its first office in South Korea in 2008, which works to attract South Korean companies to Maryland and assists Maryland companies in marketing products and services overseas. Currently, Maryland is home to six South Korea-headquartered companies, including Daewoong, the country’s largest prescription drug company and Hanjin, one of the world’s 10 largest container shipping lines and parent of Korean Air.

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/

BREAKING NEWS – Salisbury Council Overrides Ireton Veto

By a vote of 4 – 1, the Salisbury City Council has overridden Mayor Jim Ireton’s Veto of the FY2012 budget adopted Monday evening by the Salisbury Council.

More to follow.

Farm Service Agency County Committee

*Nomination Period Begins June 15***

WASHINGTON, June 8, 2011 — Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced today that the nomination period for local Farm Service Agency (FSA) county committees begins on Wednesday, June 15.

"I urge all farmers and ranchers to participate in this year's county committee elections by nominating candidates by the August 1 deadline," said Vilsack. "County committees are a vital link between the farm community and the U.S. Department of Agriculture and provide a voice to landowners, farmers and ranchers so that they have an opportunity for their opinions and ideas to be heard. With better participation in recent years, we have seen an increase in the number of nominations of women and minority candidates. I hope that trend continues.”

To be eligible to serve on an FSA county committee, a person must participate or cooperate in a program administered by FSA, be eligible to vote in a county committee election and reside in the local administrative area in which the person is a candidate.

Farmers and rancher may nominate themselves or others, and organizations representing minorities and women also may nominate candidates. To become a candidate, an eligible individual must sign the nomination form, FSA-669A. The form and other information about FSA county committee elections are available online at http://www.fsa.usda.gov/elections <http://links.govdelivery.com/track?type=click&enid=bWFpbGluZ2lkPTIwMTEwNjA4LjE1NDc1OTEmbWVzc2FnZWlkPU1EQi1QUkQtQlVMLTIwMTEwNjA4LjE1NDc1OTEmZGF0YWJhc2VpZD0xMDAxJnNlcmlhbD0xMjc2ODY3NTk2JmVtYWlsaWQ9ZXN0cm5zaHI0NUBhb2wuY29tJnVzZXJpZD1lc3RybnNocjQ1QGFvbC5jb20mZmw9JmV4dHJhPU11bHRpdmFyaWF0ZUlkPSYmJg==&&&101&&&http://www.fsa.usda.gov/elections>. Nomination forms for the 2011 election must be postmarked or received in the local USDA Service Center by close of business on Aug. 1, 2011. Elections will take place this fall.

While FSA county committees do not approve or deny loans, they make decisions on disaster and conservation programs, emergency programs, commodity price support loan programs and other agricultural issues. Members serve three-year terms. Nationwide, there are about 7,800 farmers and ranchers serving on FSA county committees. Committees consist of three to 11 members that are elected by eligible producers.

FSA will mail ballots to eligible voters beginning Nov. 4. The voted ballots are due back to the local county office either via mail or in person by Dec. 5. Newly elected committee members and alternates take office on Jan. 2, 2012.

NOTE: FSA news releases and media advisories are available on the Web HERE.

Will Laura Mitchell Flip on Veto Override?

Appearing on Bill Reddish’s show this morning, Salisbury Mayor Jim Ireton intimated that one council member who supported the council’s budget may not support overriding his veto. Shanie Shields has already gone back on her word and voted against the consensus budget. Council member Terry Cohen? … Debbie Campbell? … Tim Spies? All highly unlikely. That leaves Laura Mitchell. Will she?

I sincerely hope not. IF she does, we should look on the positive side of that action. We will all have learned a great deal about the woman’s integrity (or lack thereof).

Let’s review a few things:

• Mitchell, like Shields, stated in multiple budget sessions that there was nothing in this budget that she couldn’t (or wouldn’t) support.
  
• On Monday evening Mitchell made a big show out of stating that she was supporting the council’s amended budget “for the employees”.

I wonder what she will say to those employees who will have furlough days re-instated IF she does not vote to override Ireton’s veto? I wonder what she would say to Salisbury crime victims who ask would ask how she voted to furlough police officers?

Starting at 3 PM today, we can learn a great deal. Is Laura Mitchell woman of her word or is she a political opportunist attempting to take advantage?

THIS POST IS “STICKY”. THERE WILL BE NEW POSTS BELOW UNTIL 3 PM.

Salisbury Council Special Session in 10 Minutes

The Salisbury City Council will meet in special session to vote on overriding Mayor Jim Ireton’s veto of the council budget.  We will let you know of the vote as soon as it happens.

In the meantime, here is the video of Ireton’s veto address:

Soldiers Returning Through BWI Decry Delta Baggage Fees

Delta Airlines charged members of a U.S. Army unit returning from service in Afghanistan through BWI Marshall Airport more than $2,800 in additional baggage fees, according to a video testimonial shared via YouTube.

The troops say their travel orders permitted them to bring up to four bags. According to Delta's statement on the military baggage fees, coach passengers can bring only three for free, although those in first or business class may have four. Each bag can also weigh an additional 20 pounds over the standard allowance.
Each additional bag required a $200 fee, one staff sergeant said.

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PUBLIC NOTICE

A CLOSED SESSION OF THE CITY COUNCIL HAS BEEN SCHEDULED FOR THURSDAY, JUNE 9, 2011 TO RECEIVE AN UPDATE FROM THE CITY ATTORNEY ON PENDING LITIGATION AS PERMITTED UNDER THE ANNOTATED CODE OF MARYLAND SECTIONS 10-508(A)(7)(8).

THE CLOSED SESSION WILL BE HELD IN CONFERENCE ROOM 306 OF THE GOVERNMENT OFFICE BUILDING (125 N. DIVISION STREET) AT 9:00 A.M.

Ireton’s Veto Speech – Rhetoric Over Substance

As I discussed in yesterday’s post, Salisbury Mayor Jim Ireton’s veto address was long on rhetoric, long on accusation, and SHORT ON SUBSTANCE. Today, we are examining the substance of Ireton’s remarks.

FURLOUGH EQUITY

One of Ireton’s biggest claims is that his is for FURLOUGH EQUITY, and that the Salisbury City Council is not. I guess that by using such a nebulous term one can also argue that you are for sunshine and lollipops. However, to quote Ireton’s predecessor – “You’re entitled to your own opinon, but not your own facts”.

The facts are relatively simple. By making responsible cuts throughout the mayor’s proposed budget, the council was able to accomplish the following:

• Eliminate all furloughs in the police department for officers with the rank of Sergeant on down.
  
• Eliminate all furloughs for city employees making less than $30,000 per year.
  
• Eliminate TWO days of furloughs for all other city employees.

Perhaps Ireton thinks that it is “FAIRER” to have everyone have the same number of furlough days. However, I feel safe in saying that the majority of Salisbury voters would prefer to see cops on the streets rather than at home on furlough days. I also feel safe in asserting that it is “FAIRER” to have the lowest paid city employees saved from unnecessary furlough days.

NEIGHBORHOOD LIGHTING UPGRADES

It’s ironic that Ireton would attempt to play politics with this one. He asserts that the council majority has turned its back on the Spring Chase and Canal Woods neighborhoods by not funding new street lights. He even intimated that this could be, in part, because these are the homes of former council members perceived to be the political enemies of Council President Terry Cohen and Council Vice President Debbie Campbell. Nothing could be further from the truth.

There were three neighborhoods budgeted for street light replacement – Spring Chase, Canal Woods, and Pemberton Manor. City Administrator John Pick informed the council that “as far as he knew” the lights in Pemberton Woods HAD to be replaced because of wiring problems and that those in Spring Chase and Canal Woods were merely “old and ugly”. While Ireton may want to see the good folks in Canal Woods and Spring Chase have “new and pretty” street lights, that is a far cry from the council “turning their backs” on those neighborhoods.

WATER AND SEWER RATES

Quite possibly the most bold faced claim made by Ireton in his address was regarding his proposed 18% increase in water and sewer rates. Ireton states:

Council turned its back on citizens sewer bills by not dipping into this surplus (the $5.7 million surplus in the Water and Sewer Fund) to reduce the increase.

C’mon Jim! Council worked countless hours in an attempt to mitigate IRETON’s proposed increase. IF he really wanted the surplus dipped into, why didn’t he budget it that way?

I’ll tell you why! The previous council passed a resolution which requires that fees for all enterprise funds have to be set to cover expenses within the fund. Is Ireton suggesting council violate city policy?

THE “COVER OF NIGHT”

Ireton makes this claim:

Council has passed a budget under cover of night with little or no citizen input or scrutiny from the press.

Despite my personal respect and affection for the mayor, this statement is, charitably, FALSE. This council held multiple budget work sessions – ALL advertised on the city’s web site. These meetings were open to the public. To the best of my knowledge all were attended by members of the press EXCEPT when Daily Times reporters were on furlough days themselves. SbyNEWS never attended a session because of scheduling conflicts, usually with county council budget sessions.

There was AMPLE opportunity for citizen input. Citizens availed themselves of the telephone and email. Some attended budget work sessions. There was not one, but TWO public hearings (thanks to the mayor’s office failing to advertise the first one). The budget was passed in open session and TELEVISED on PAC-14.

How is this “the cover of night”?

THE GRAB BAG

Ireton’s address also made numerous accusations that I can’t even come up with ANY rationale for:

• A 15% cut in the Fire Department – WHERE?
  
• “Micromanaging” – we discussed this in yesterday’s post. Suffice it to say – Funding does not equal “micromanaging”

WHAT ARE YOU FOR?

Ireton concludes his remarks with an accusation that I have to admit is subject to opinion:

In order to lead, we must know what we are for. Council Leadership, namely Mrs. Cohen and Mrs. Campbell, are completely sure what they are against - yet can never tell us what they are for. Leadership is having the vision and guts to be FOR something. This budget passed under their leadership shows no leadership - simply put they have chosen to micromanage our community partners to settle old scores and have abandoned our neighborhoods in their greatest time of need.

I think I understand where Ireton is coming from. Jim’s a died-in-the-wool lefty. Ireton believes that you show “what your are for” by spending other people’s money. That’s a philosophical difference. OK.

However, to claim that Cohen and Campbell are not for anything is ridiculous. I would argue that they are for (among other things):

• Fiscal Responsibility
• Good Stewardship of the Taxpayers’ (and Ratepayers’) Dollars
• Strong Neighborhoods
• Attacking Crime

I think that their record on these issues is clear. Ireton may disagree with them. I’m sure he disagrees with me. However, I believe that it is as wrong to claim that Campbell and Cohen are “for nothing” as it would be to make the same claim about the Mayor.

THIS POST IS “STICKY”. NEW POSTS BELOW.

Ireton’s Veto Speech – Overview

My friend, the Mayor of Salisbury, gave one barn burner of a speech this afternoon. Seriously, if you are a fan or student of rhetoric you should request a copy of the prepared text. As I told Jim after the speech, “I didn’t agree with much, but it was one hell of speech.”

That said, Ireton’s speech was long on rhetoric, long on accusation, and short on substance. FYI – we’ll get to the substance tomorrow morning.

The part of Ireton’s speech which stunned me the most was his accusation of micromanagement. First of all, this was taken directly from the bag of tricks loved by his (former?) enemies – Barrie Tilghman and the Dream Team. Secondly, the statement was ridiculous on its face.

Ireton cited the following areas where he claims that the council has attempted to micromanage:

• Urban Salisbury
• PAC-14
• Humane Society
• Department Heads
• Mayor’s Office

PAC-14 and the Humane Society are nothing more than funding issues. In both cases the city was bound (by ordinance or contract) to fund both entities at certain levels. In the case of PAC-14, the city overpaid them for years. Rather than ask for the money back, or forgive it, a previous council chose to increase the funding formula. This council has simply decided to go back to the previous funding formula (20% of the franchise fee from Comcast). This isn’t micromanaging; this is deciding how much money to appropriate.

With Urban Salisbury, Ireton is distressed that the council would dare appropriate money AND tell Urban Salisbury how to spend it. Is he advocating that they simply appropriate monies into black holes?

To be honest, I don’t have a clue what Ireton is talking about regarding department heads. Before Ireton was elected mayor, he well understood that the council’s three primary duties were to legislate, to appropriate, and to provide oversight. Now that Jim sits in the big chair, it appears that he believes council should rubberstamp legislation, rubberstamp his budget, and don’t even think about oversight.

As for the Mayor’s Office, again, I’m not sure to what he is referring. Some believe that he is upset that the council dared ask questions about the administration’s failure to advertise the first budget public hearing. While John Pick offered a sincere apology, the council still wanted to know why it took four days to notify council that the error had occurred. Is that really “micromanaging”.

Jim gave us a real barn burner this afternoon. I just wish that he had the facts on his side.

THIS POST IS "STICKY". NEW POSTS BELOW.

Great Fellowship At Pani Pit Pizza

Yesterday, Salisbury News promoted FREE Pizza at lunch time. However, the Owners of Pani Pit Pizza deserves ALL of the credit for yesterdays event. Allow me to explain.

Even though it was our full intention to pay for each and every slice of pizza, the Owners decided this time THEY would eat the expense. I tried to pay at the end and they were so grateful for ALL of the business we have encouraged there, they refused to give me a total.

For what its worth Folks, people came from as far as Princess Anne to have lunch. It was slow at 11:00 AM but as soon as noon hit there was a line to get Pizza and the tables were full.

For those of you who came there for the first time, thank you and thank you for thanking me, LOL. These fine young Owners are doing their very best to stay in business during a very difficult economy. As many of you have experienced, they truly show their appreciation for having you visit them and giving them the opportunity to serve you. That's all any good business person can ask.

They even gave the young lady above a chance to flip/toss a Pizza and quite frankly she did a great job and never once dropped the dough.

Thank You Pani Pit Pizza!

Salisbury Police Department Press Releases

On June 7, 2011 at approximately 7:57 am, Officers of the Salisbury Police received a call to respond to the three hundred (300) block of East College Avenue for the report of a fight. Upon arrival the officers observed the below listed subject involved in a physical altercation with a second subject. The officers broke up the altercation and were able to detain the suspect, however the second subject was able to flee from the scene. Attempts to locate the second subject were unsuccessful.

ARRESTED: Shaimel Dequan Foreman, 18 years of age Salisbury, Maryland

CHARGES: Disorderly Conduct

DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking CC # 201100021969

On June 7, 2011 at approximately 12:59 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 property from the store without making payment. The property was recovered and returned to the store.

ARRESTED: Steven Lamont Price, 39 years of age Salisbury, Maryland

CHARGES: Theft (under $ 100.00)

DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking CC # 201100022010

On June 7, 2011 at approximately 2:01 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police were located at a residence on Van Buren Street when they were approached by a male victim who advised the officers that a subject was causing damage to a residence a short distance away. The victim advised the officers that during an argument, the suspect had threatened to burn the residence then retrieved a gas can. The victim was able to stop the suspect and notify the officers who relocated to the second residence and took the suspect into custody without incident.

ARRESTED: Paul Michael Latour, 35 years of age Salisbury, Maryland

CHARGES: Threat of arson

DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking CC # 201100022025

On June 7, 2011 at approximately 10:50 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police received a call to respond to a residence on the three hundred (300) block of Charles Street for the report of subjects arguing in the street. Upon arrival the officers located several subjects in the street involved in an argument. The officers were able to calm all of the subjects, except for the below listed suspect. The suspect refused to cooperate with the officers and continuing to yell and scream inciting others in the area.

ARRESTED: Anjoli Annabell Matthews, 20 years of age Salisbury, Maryland

CHARGES: Disorderly conduct

DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking CC # 201100022093

Half Price Burger Tonight At Boonies

Agenda For Today's Special Meeting

CITY COUNCIL AGENDA

SPECIAL MEETING – JUNE 8, 2011 3:00 p.m.

Government Office Building Council Chambers

• Convene

• Ordinance No. 2161 (FY2012 budget) – consideration of overriding Mayor Ireton’s veto

• Ordinance No. 2151 (water and sewer rates) – consideration of overriding Mayor Ireton’s veto

• Ordinance No. 2152 (parking rates) – consideration of overriding Mayor Ireton’s veto

• Adjournment

3 Women Charged With Robbing Vets' Graves

MOUNT HOLLY, N.J., Three young South Jersey women were charged Monday with stealing markers and flower urns from military graves and selling them to a scrap yard.

The three became suspects when the owner of the Philadelphia scrap yard, suspicious of their story, called the cemetery in Cinnaminson, N.J., The Philadelphia Inquirer reported. Arielle K. Levin, 19, of Palmyra, Jamie L. Babcock, 27, of Bellmawr, and Tosha M. Fugett, 25, of Riverside, were being held in the Burlington County Jail in lieu of $20,000 cash bail each.

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Are You Creative

Think you can come up with a logo for an entire agency? Then the Department of the Interior wants to hear from you. Interior would like a logo for use on clothing like hats, t-shirts and jackets. It's running a design contest using crowdspring.com. Interior says it's looking for a logo that is elegant, simple and meaningful. DoI is a cabinet-level agency with responsibility for land management, energy production, conservation, and more. It also wants the logo to appeal to its 70,000 employees. There's a $1,000 prize at stake, but federal employees are inelegible for the prize money.

Cutting The Federal Workforce By 10%

Three House lawmakers have introduced a bill to cut the federal workforce by 10 percent by the year 2015. For every three federal employees that retire, only one new employee will be hired, according to the legislation. Sponsors are Republicans Darrell Issa of California, Dennis Ross of Florida and Jason Chaffetz of Utah. The bill draws on recommendations released from the president's debt commission. Lawmakers also don't want agencies to make up for the employees by hiring contractors. Federal employee unions came out strongly against the new bill.

MTA To Begin Public Hearings On Bay Bridge Toll Hike Proposal

BALTIMORE (AP) - The Maryland Transportation Authority will be holding its first public hearing on a proposal to raise tolls on the state's bridge, tunnels and other roads.

The hearing will be held at Shady Grove Middle School at 5:30 p.m. Thursday. It is the first of nine hearings on the toll increases. All the sessions will include a formal presentation and testimony.

The proposals include increasing tolls for passenger cars on the Chesapeake Bay Bridge from $2.50 to $5 starting Oct. 1, and to $8 beginning in July 2013. One-way tolls for the Harbor Tunnel, Fort McHenry Tunnel and the Key Bridge would go from $2 to $3.

The agency gave preliminary approval to the increases last week.

Source

Beef & Beer Fundraiser

Sorry, Your Seeing-Eye Dog Has To Ride In The Trunk

Legally, service animals are allowed in any place that their humans are: stores, restaurants, buses, and, yes, taxis. Yet a Colorado taxi driver has been suspended from work and fined by the state after refusing to let a blind woman bring her dog inside his taxi, claiming allergies. He demanded that the dog ride in the trunk. The woman, late for an appointment, acquiesced... then complained, taking her story to the media to publicize service animals' rights.

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A Letter To The Editor

This city is getting more and more ridiculous by the day. When Ireton was running for mayor all he could think about was his hit list. Just about everyone on Barrie Tilghman's staff was going to be fired. To date the only one that has left the city is Police Chief Allan Webster. He wasn't fired, he was paid to leave. He was friends with Debbie Campbell. He was friends with Terry Cohen. He was friends with Tim Spies. He, as far as I know, is still friends with Laura Mitchell, that will only last as long as she does his bidding. Ireton couldn't wait to have Campbell, Cohen and Spies on council so the city could move forward. What Ireton thought he would have with them was a rubber stamp, the same thing he complained about when Tilghman was in office. Ireton was hoping friendship would get him what he wanted, no matter what. He didn't consider little things like honesty, and integrity would get in his way.

What has he done, other than throw temper tantrums everytime he doesn't get his way. Now, after months of him referring to Cohen as council President, when she is elected council president, he stabs her in the back and twists the knife. Same thing with Campbell. The council majority has put people back to full time work, those on the lower end of the pay scale, those that really struggle to make ends meet. Does Ireton care? Hell no, he doesn't care, he only cares about Linens of the Week. Does he care about the residents on Onley Road? Hell no, he only cares about making his boss, Dr. Frederickson happy. Knowing now, what we all know about Ireton's leadership abilities or lack there of, in hindsight maybe Comegys wasn't such a bad choice after all. At least with Gary Comegys you knew where you stood.

We thought Salisbury was the laughing stock of the state when Tilghman was mayor, well take a look at us now, we're not only the laughing stock, we're a complete and utter embarrassment. Thanks to the antics of a teacher that acts worse than a badly behaved 3rd grader. 

The Safe Banking Fantasy

Occasionally, we see an official attempt at a serious discussion of what Federal Reserve System economists would like the public to believe is safe banking. This means safe fractional reserve banking. This means fraudulent safe banking. This means fantasy banking.




All fractional reserve banking rests on a legal promise: you can get your money out at any time. Yet the money that you deposit is loaned out by the bank. This means that your money is gone. Then how can you withdraw it at any time? Only if (1) the money is loaned out on a "repay instantly on demand" basis, or (2) hardly anyone will demand withdrawal at the same time. The bank will pay you out of its tiny slush fund for withdrawals. The first option assumes that the debtor is always in a position to repay at any time, which is of course ludicrous for most corporate and business borrowers. They will not agree to such terms. The second option is equally ludicrous during a banking crisis.


In other words, all fractional reserve banking is based on a legal deception of the depositors. A depositor cannot get his money back when a lot of other depositors want to get their money back. This is called a bank run. All fractional reserve banking systems eventually experience bank runs.


During bank runs, bankers call on the government to bail them out. The government and the central bank bail out only the biggest banks. They let the smaller banks go under. Then big banks buy the assets of the smaller, now-busted banks at discount prices. The government (FDIC) pays off depositors with $250,000 or less on deposit. Taxpayers therefore subsidize the buying spree of the biggest banks. This is justified as "saving the banking system." The politicians provide taxpayer money every time.


I remember an on-camera testimony of Congressman Brad Miller, a Democrat Congressman from North Carolina, just before the TARP bailout. He said that his constituents were evenly divided between "no" and "hell no." He of course voted for the bailout, as did most of his colleagues. He was of course re-elected.


The voters did not really care. They screamed about the bailouts, but they refused to impose negative sanctions on all of the Congressmen who voted for TARP. Until there is real pain, they usually re-elect their Congressmen. They perceive, correctly, that their opinions do not count when big banks are asking for handouts in a crisis. The voters want their lifelong bailouts, and as long as their Congressmen bring home the pork, they really don't care. By "care," I mean an automatic vote for the challenger at the next election. Congressmen generally understand only one thing: defeat at the next election. Ron Paul doesn't care, and maybe Dennis Kucinich doesn't care, but most of them care deeply.


So, the #1 goal of most politicians, all bureaucrats, and all central bankers is to make sure that the voters feel no pain – at least not pain bad enough that might lead to (1) a new Congress, (2) budget cuts for bureaucracies, and (3) the nationalization of the central bank.


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RSC Update: Support Grows For “Cut, Cap, & Balance”

From the Chairman

The United States of America, the most dynamic country in history, is running headlong into a major debt crisis. Prominent Democrat Erskine Bowles calls it "the most predictable economic crisis in history." And with Washington borrowing more than 40 cents out of every dollar spent, we are rapidly approaching a tipping point.

While President Obama asked Congress for a blank check debt limit increase (which the House voted down 97-318), conservatives are getting behind a plan that could actually prevent the coming calamity. On Monday, we officially released our “Cut, Cap, and Balance” proposal with the support of 103 House Republicans and numerous conservative organizations.

As The Washington Times said in an editorial yesterday, “the debt ceiling represents the last chance conservatives have” to cut spending and prevent this most predictable crisis. We must take a firm stand today. 

God Bless,

Congressman Jim Jordan
Chairman, Republican Study Committee

TRAINING EXERCISE

June 8, 2011, the Salisbury Police Department Crisis Negotiation Unit and the Tactical Units of the Salisbury Police and Wicomico County Sheriff’s Department will be conducting a training exercise in the area of Coles Circle in Salisbury.


If any members of the public observe unusual police activity in this area they are advised that it is a training exercise only, and the public is not in danger.

UPDATE: The exercise started at approximately 10 am and will continue into the afternoon, until the scenario reaches a resolution.

What America Has Given Up For Ten Years Of Bush Tax Cuts

Today marks the 10th anniversary of former President George W. Bush signing into law his 2001 tax cuts (he passed a second round in 2003). While doing so, Bush promised prosperity and growth, but the nation got neither.

The cost of these budget-busting 2001 and 2003 tax cuts was, as estimated by Citizens for Tax Justice, roughly $2.5 trillion through 2010. But America didn’t have to go down this route of cutting taxes and hoping for growth to miraculously appear. There were other policy options available to policymakers.

Click here to get Truthout stories like this one sent straight to your inbox, 365 days a year.

ThinkProgress, using data on various social spending projects from the National Priorities Project — which does these calculations for the cost of the Iraq and Afghan wars — has estimated ten other possible policies we could’ve paid for at the same $2.5 trillion price of the Bush tax cuts. While not all of these policies are currently performed by the federal government, they do represent an accurate calculation of the monetary tradeoffs, and each one individually would cost the same as the Bush tax cuts. Here are ten alternatives we could’ve pursued instead:

- Give 122.7 Million Children Low-Income Health Care Every Year For Ten Years

- Give 49.2 Million People Access To Low-Income Healthcare Every Year For Ten Years

- Provide 43.1 Million Students With Pell Grants Worth $5,500 Every Year For Ten Years

- Provide 31.5 Million Head Start Slots For Children Every Year For Ten Years

- Provide VA Care For 30.7 Million Military Veterans Every Year For Ten Years

- Provide 30.4 Million Scholarships For University Students Every Year For Ten Years

- Hire 4.19 Million Firefighters Every Year For Ten Years

- Hire 3.67 Million Elementary School Teachers Every Year For Ten Years

- Hire 3.6 Million Police Officers Every Year For Ten Years

- Retrofit 144.6 Million Households For Wind Power Every Year For Ten Years

- Retrofit 54.2 Million Households For Solar Photovoltaic Energy Every Year For Ten Years

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Boonies

PUBLIC NOTICE

SPECIAL MEETING

In accordance with §SC2-4 of the Salisbury City Charter, a majority of the City Council have called for a Special Meeting to be held on Wednesday, June 8, 2011 for consideration of overriding Mayor Ireton’s veto of Ordinance No. 2161 (FY2012 budget), Ordinance No. 2151 (water and sewer rates) and Ordinance No. 2152 (parking rates).

The special meeting is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. in Council Chambers (Room 301) of the City/County Government Office Building (125 N. Division Street).

PUBLIC NOTICE

PAC14 TO BROADCAST CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING

PAC14 has graciously offered to broadcast the Salisbury City Council’s special meeting scheduled for today, June 8, 2011, at 3:00 p.m.

The special meeting will be held in Council Chambers (Room 301) of the

Government Office Building (125 N. Division Street) for consideration of overriding Mayor Ireton’s veto of Ordinance No. 2161 (FY2012 budget), Ordinance No. 2151 (water and sewer rates) and Ordinance No. 2152 (parking rates).

Salisbury Kicks Off Environmental Summer At Schumaker Pond With Local And State Partners

Mayor James Ireton, Jr. is pleased to announce and invite the public to “Salisbury’s Environmental Summer Kickoff” this Wednesday, June 8, 2011 at 1:00 p.m., on Schumaker Pond in Salisbury. The City is embarking on several environmental initiatives designed to reduce the municipality’s carbon footprint, reduce energy costs, and improve the health of the Wicomico River.

The following organizations will be joining the mayor in Salisbury:

Creekwatchers – Wicomico Creekwatchers will present their annual Wicomico River Report card. The Water Quality Report for the Upper and Lower Wicomico and area ponds in the river watershed will be presented by SU Professor and Creekwatcher Dr. Judith Stribling.

Sierra Club – Through the “Cool Cities Initiative” with Sierra Club, the municipality works to reduce our carbon footprint by lowering greenhouse gas emissions. Sierra Club intern, Kelly Shanahan, will present the 2009 Carbon Footprint data that will establish a baseline for the city to use in determining reductions. Ms. Shanahan completed a comprehensive list of ways the city has already reduced its carbon footprint.

Maryland Clean Energy Center – Administrator Deborah Parrish will join Salisbury Fire Chief, Jeff Simpson to present an American Reinvestment and Recovery Act check for retrofitting Fire Station #2 with Clean Energy Technology.

Center for Watershed Protection – Watershed Ecologist Lori Lilly will announce that the City of Salisbury and the Center for Watershed Protection have jointly applied to the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation for the Watershed assistance grant that will result in the development of a watershed plan for the Wicomico. Ms. Lilly will also report on the recent CWP/Salisbury partnership, “Salisbury’s Illicit Discharge, Detection and Elimination Program” which studies the many outfall pipes that directly affect the Wicomico River.

University of Maryland Environmental Finance Center (EFC) and with the support of the Department of Natural Resources Watershed Assistance Collaborative (WAC) – the City is being considered as one of the first pilot communities to receive technical assistance in the new Stormwater Unit at EFC that supports DNR activities. The City is a Phase II National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) community and intends to be a model for developing a comprehensive stormwater financing strategy for the state of Maryland.

The location of the press conference is on Schumaker Pond in Salisbury. The pedestrian bridge that spans the pond behind the Ward Museum (on Beaglin Park Drive) can be accessed from either N. Schumaker or S. Schumaker Drive.

The following guests will be in attendance: Carrie Decker, Department of National Resources, Katherine Magruder of Maryland Clean Energy Center, Dr. Judith Stribling of Creekwatchers and Salisbury University, Karen Lukacs, Executive Director of Wicomico Environmental Trust, Erik Fisher of Chesapeake Bay Foundation, and Lori Lilly from the Center for Watershed Protection.

Facebook

Dear Joe

Back in 1966, when I first ran for the Maryland House of Delegates, there was no Facebook, no Twitter, no YouTube—not even the Internet. All we had to get our message out were yard signs, fliers, volunteers and a whole lot of determination.

But while the way we communicate has changed a lot, my dedication to improving the lives of the people of Maryland hasn’t.

As I begin the process of building my campaign for the upcoming election, I’m embracing these new modes of communication to keep you better informed and plugged into our entire online community.

I hope you’ll visit my new Facebook page over the coming months and take a look at the latest news, photos and videos from the campaign trail. While this is a new step for me, I know it’ll be a great way for us to stay in better touch.

Click here to visit me on Facebook today!

I first ran for the U.S. Senate because I wanted to help bring quality affordable health care to all Americans, fight against the privatization of Social Security and Medicare, and create more jobs for the people who need them.

We've made great strides in all of these areas, but there’s still so much more to do. We need to make sure that our children and grandchildren don’t end up footing the bill for our reckless spending. We must provide our children with a high-quality education that prepares them for work and life.

The good news is that we now have so many new, exciting tools at our disposal to accomplish these goals and win support for the things we care about. I hope you’ll join me in this fight by connecting with me on Facebook today.

It’s going to be a long, tough campaign. But with you by my side—both online and on the campaign trail—I know we’ll succeed.

Sincerely,
Ben Cardin

Salisbury Police Department Press Releases

On June 6, 2011 at approximately 12:51 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police received a call to respond to the Wicomico County Library on South Division Street for the report of a theft. Upon arrival the officers met with a victim who advised the officers that upon exiting the library, the victim observed the below listed suspect attempting to take his bicycle. The victim had secured the bicycle to the rack outside of the library with a locking cable prior to entering. Once the theft was observed, witnesses were able to detain the suspect until the arrival of the officers. The suspect was in possession of a bag which was searched, incident to arrest, and was found to contain a set of bolt cutters. The suspect had utilized the bolt cutters to cut the bicycle locking cable. The bicycle was returned to the victim.

ARRESTED: Robert St. John Willis, 53 years of age Salisbury, Maryland

CHARGES:
Theft (less than $ 1,000.00)
Malicious destruction of property

DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking CC # 201100021854

On June 6, 2011 at approximately 8:20 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police received a call to respond to the Walmart Department Store on North Salisbury Boulevard 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 clothing and cosmetics from the store without making payment. The property was recovered and returned to the store.

ARRESTED: Amber Nicole Parks, 28 years of age Salisbury, Maryland

CHARGES: Theft (under $ 100.00)

DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking CC # 201100021901

On June 6, 2011 at approximately 9:47 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police received a call to respond to the Gordy’s Tiger Mart Store on North Salisbury Boulevard for the report of a shoplifter. Upon arrival the officers met with store management who advised the officers that store employees had observed the below listed suspect take alcoholic drinks from the store without making payment. The property was recovered and returned to the store.

ARRESTED: Jeffrey Kent Maine, 45 years of age Salisbury, Maryland

CHARGES: Theft (under $ 100.00)

DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking CC # 201100021912

OCPD REMINDING CITIZENS TO BE ALERT ON ROADWAYS WHILE IN OCEAN CITY

The summer season is here and as temperatures increase, so does Ocean City’s population. The Ocean City Police Department is reminding citizens to be extra cautious on the roadways as visitors come together to enjoy Ocean City’s beautiful beach, breathtaking bay and magnificent boardwalk.

The Ocean City Police Department is reminding citizens of a few important safety tips to keep in mind during this summer:

•

Don’t drive distracted. In addition to cell phone use, distracted driving also involves all non-driving related objects. When driving, avoid focusing on external objects such as billboards, buildings or stereos.

•

Be aware of motorcycle traffic. Often times people cannot see motorcycles because of blind spots in their mirror. Be extra cautious of this when driving, especially when changing lanes.

•

If you see any criminal activity including racing or dangerous driving, try to get a good description ofthe vehicle and person. If you are not driving, try to write down the tag number and call the police. In addition to safe driving tips, the Ocean City Police Department also reminds citizens of the importance of pedestrian, bicycle and scooter safety. For individuals who are traveling on foot, on a bicycle, moped or scooter, here are some important safety tips to remember:

•

Cross the street at a marked crosswalk or intersection.

•

Make eye contact with drivers when crossing busy intersections

•

Continue to watch for traffic the entire time you are in the crosswalk.

•

It is illegal to wear headphones in both ears at the same time while operating any vehicle.

•

Vehicle operators should be extremely vigilant while driving, keeping consistently aware of pedestrians, bicycles, mopeds and scooters.

•

Avoid making quick, un-signaled turns or abrupt stops. If you can’t make the turn safely, proceed past the turn and turn around when safe.

•

Allow plenty of time to stop or proceed through intersections.

•

Pedestrians should not take unnecessary risks crossing busy streets against traffic lights.

•

Parents are reminded to pay extra attention to children when crossing busy roads. Keep hold of small children’s hands while waiting for traffic lights to change and while crossing.

•

Bicyclists are encouraged to wear helmets and must ride in the bus lane. In addition, bicyclists must abide by all traffic laws, including stopping at red lights and stop signs.

•

Moped/scooter operators and passengers are encouraged to wear helmets and footwear. If you are renting a scooter you are required to wear a helmet and footwear.

‘Flame Of Hope’ Arrives In Ocean City

OCPD Officers Participate in Statewide Torch Run Relay in Support for the Special Olympics Maryland 25

On June 6, 2011, members of the Ocean City Police Department and the Maryland State Police took part in the annual Law Enforcement Torch Run Relay for Special Olympics Maryland. Over 60 officers escorted and protected the Special Olympics “Flame of Hope” as it made its way from 27

This year marks the 26

th Annual Summer Gamesth Street and the Boardwalk to North Division Street. The “Flame of Hope” will continue to travel toward the opening of the 40th Anniversary Summer Games at Towson University, June 10-12.th anniversary of the Maryland Torch Run, a movement that began in 1986 with a handful of officers raising $5,000, and has grown into a year-round effort that involves officers from all 50 states and numerous countries. Since its inception, the law enforcement community worldwide has taken very seriously its role as “Guardians of the Flame,” and the Relay is an important and celebrated part of every Special Olympics competition.

Restaurant Coupon Booklets

Benefitting Kindness of Strangers Fund

BOGO restaurant coupon booklets are now being sold, with proceeds going to the Kindness of Strangers Fund. Kindness of Strangers (KOS) is a fund established to assist families in purchasing therapeutic/adaptive equipment for their children with special needs ages birth-21 in Wicomico County Public Schools. The coupon booklets are $20. Five dollars goes to Junior Achievement, which printed the booklet, and the rest of the proceeds go to KOS. Coupons include the following: Buy 1 entrée get 1 free at Adams, The Angler, Bistro 54, Boonies, Breaktime, Duffys, Harborside, Lagoon, Market Street, Old West, Red Roost (does not include the All you Can Eat menu), SoBos and Vinny’s. Also included: Sunset Grill: free crab dip with purchase of two entrees. Kanpai Sushi: Buy one Bento box/second free. Lucky Star: Spend $20/ get sushi rolls or dinner entree up to $10 free. Specific Gravity: Buy one large specialty pizza get wings for free. Coupons expire September 2011 and can be used Sunday through Thursday. This is a great way to help others. Call Lori Thompson at 410-677-5250 or e-mail her at lthompso@wcboe.org to purchase a booklet.

OCPD SEEKING SUSPECT’S IDENTITY

On March 5, 2011, Ocean City Police responded to the area of 4503 Atlantic Avenue, in reference to a theft from a vehicle. The vehicle, a 2001 Mazda van, had

been broken into through a window on the front

passenger side.

The victim told police that a purse containing several credit cards, a debit card and a checkbook had been taken from the vehicle. Ocean City Police obtained the following surveillance images of the suspect using the victim’s debit card.

Police are asking anyone with information about the theft or the identity of the person responsible, to please contact the OCPD at 410-723-6604. You do not have

give your name.

Board Of Education Honors Outstanding Students, Staff Members, Schools And Community Partners At Awards Night

The Wicomico County Board of Education at its June 7 Awards & Recognitions Night honored the following students, staff members, community partners and others for achievement in and support of education in Wicomico County Public Schools.

Special Board Recognition

Board member Robin Holloway received a certificate, and will receive a proclamation from the Board next week, as she is about to complete her 10th year of service as a member of the Board of Education. During her two terms on the Board, she has supported public education in many ways: serving on the School Building Commission and as the Board’s representative to the Maryland Association of Boards of Education, using her business expertise to help guide the Board in decision making and policy setting, leading the national search for a new superintendent of schools, serving as Board President from 2006 to 2009, advocating for school funding and school construction projects, and much more.

Retirees 2010-11

Collectively, the 2010-11 retirees represent 1,537.7 years of employment with our school system and service to students. The Board presented each retiree with a letter of congratulations and a token of the Board’s appreciation for each employee’s dedication and years of service.

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OCEAN CITY POLICE WARN OF PUBLISHERS CLEARING HOUSE SCAM

The Ocean City Police Department is warning citizens about a new phone scam in which someone claims to be a representative from Publishers Clearing House. In this scam, the caller tells the victim that before they can claim their prize they must pay $200 toward a “MoneyPak” re-load card.

MoneyPak cards, which are sold in stores across the United States, are debit cards

normally used to make same-day payments or add money to prepaid cards or PayPal accounts. The Ocean City Police Department warns that operators of scams are using these cards to help them cheat customers in a similar way they have used Western Union wire transfers to defraud people in recent years.

The Ocean City Police Department is reminding citizens to beware of scams. In this

instance, remember:

•

If you don’t participate in the Publishers Clearing House sweepstakes then you can’t win one.

•

with a check.

If you do enter the Publishers Clearing House drawings, Publishers Clearing House will not call you to let you know you’ve won. They will just show up at your front door

•

to send money to claim a sweepstakes prize for any reason, this is a scam.Lastly, remember that a legitimate sweepstakes will never ask you to send money to enter a sweepstakes, claim a prize or to pay a fee, tax or deposit. If you are asked

Delaware Senate To Vote On Trans Fats In Schools

DOVER, Del. (AP) -- The state Senate is ready to take up a bill that would prohibit Delaware public schools from serving foods and beverages containing industrially produced trans fats to students.

The bill was approved by the House in March and was scheduled for a vote in the Senate on Wednesday.

The bill would apply to all food and beverages sold on school grounds during regular school hours, whether from the cafeteria or vending machines. It would not apply to food and drink sold at events open to the wider community, such as athletic games and school plays.

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Great Depression, The Sequel

Click on image to enlarge.

Repeal Drive Moves Forward On Tuition For Illegal Immigrants

Opponents meet interim goal in effort to place measure on 2012 ballot

Conservative activists trying to repeal a state law that grants college education discounts to illegal immigrants have met a preliminary goal to keep their efforts on track, the State Board of Elections reported Tuesday.

State officials validated 21,919 of the signatures the group submitted last month, well above the number needed to keep their initiative alive. The number could grow as officials continue sorting through tens of thousands more on the group's initial petition.
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Universal Laws

1. Law of Mechanical Repair - After your hands become coated with grease, your nose will begin to itch and you'll have to pee.

 2. Law of Gravity - Any tool, nut, bolt, screw, when dropped, will roll to the least accessible corner.
 3. Law of Probability -The probability of being watched is directly proportional to the stupidity of your act
 4. Law of Random Numbers - If you dial a wrong number, you never get a busy signal and someone always answers.
 5. Law of the Alibi - If you tell the boss you were late for work because you had a flat tire, the very next morning you will have a flat tire..
 6. Variation Law - If you change lines (or traffic lanes), the one you were in will always move faster than the one you are in now (works every time).
 7. Law of the Bath - When the body is fully immersed in water, the telephone rings.
 8. Law of Close Encounters -The probability of meeting someone you know increases dramatically when you are with someone you don't want to be seen with.
 9. Law of the Result - When you try to prove to someone that a machine won't work, it will.
 10. Law of Biomechanics - The severity of the itch is inversely proportional to the reach.
 11. Law of the Theater and Hockey Arena - At any event, the people whose seats are furthest from the aisle, always arrive last. They are the ones who will leave their seats several times to go for food, beer, or the toilet and who leave early before the end of the performance or the game is over. The folks in the aisle seats come early, never move once, have long gangly legs or big bellies, and stay to the bitter end of the performance. The aisle people also are very surly folk. 

12. The Coffee Law - As soon as you sit down to a cup of hot coffee, your boss will ask you to do something which will last until the coffee is cold.
 13. Murphy's Law of Lockers - If there are only two people in a locker room, they will have adjacent lockers.
 14. Law of Physical Surfaces - The chances of an open-faced jelly sandwich landing face down on a floor, are directly correlated to the newness and cost of the carpet or rug.
 15. Law of Logical Argument - Anything is possible if you don't know what you are talking about.
 16. Brown's Law of Physical Appearance - If the clothes fit, they're ugly.
 17. Oliver's Law of Public Speaking - A closed mouth gathers no feet.
 18. Wilson's Law of Commercial Marketing Strategy - As soon as you find a product that you really like, they will stop making it.
 19. Doctors' Law - If you don't feel well, make an appointment to go to the doctor, by the time you get there you'll feel better. But don't make an appointment, and you'll stay sick.