Should Americans Have To Pledge They Are 'Under God'?

WASHINGTON -- Everyone knows it. Not everyone loves it.
 
But every American public school student has come across this refrain at least once:
I pledge allegiance, to the flag, of the United States of America
 
So far, so good. Most content citizens would agree they are allied with their home land.
 
and to the republic for which it stands
 
Perhaps we don't all agree with our system of government but at least, as Churchill said, it's the worst "except for all the others."
 
one nation
 
If you agree with the outcome of the Civil War, we're still good here.
 
under God
 
We'll come back to that one.
 
indivisible
 
Agreed, again, if you've forfeited any leftover Confederate dollars.
with liberty and justice for all
 
Quite right.
 
These words can be heard throughout schoolrooms, and to commence meetings of organizations considered traditionally patriotic (though some might say, "jingoistic"), including congressional sessions, the Boy and Girl scouts, the Freemasons, the Lions, Rotarians and Toastmasters.
 
But it has caught a lot of flak in its more than 100-year history. Some go as far as to say it's a brainwashing tool to train America's children to "help go and kill all the other country's kids" in case of war:

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BREAKING BOARD OF EDUCATION NEWS

Superintendent and Board of Education Announce Administrative Appointments and Reassignments for 2011-12

Superintendent of Schools Dr. John Fredericksen and the Wicomico County Board of Education have announced a number of 2011-12 administrative appointments and reassignments effective July 1.

At its June 14 monthly meeting, the Board of Education approved the following promotions and appointments:

Supervisor of Physical Education/Health/Family & Consumer Science: Michael Charlton

Charlton, who has served as an administrator in Wicomico County Public Schools since 2005, was appointed Supervisor of Physical Education/Health/Family & Consumer Science. He had been Assistant Principal of Wicomico Middle School since 2007, and Assistant Principal at Parkside High for two years before that, also serving as the administrator in charge of athletics at Parkside. He taught physical education and health beginning in 1997 in Manchester, England, and later in Central Middle School in Painter, Va., and North Dorchester Middle School in Hurlock. He has a bachelor’s degree in physical education and health from Leeds Metropolitan University, West Yorkshire, England, and a Master of Education degree in Administration/Leadership from Salisbury University.

Secondary Assistant Principal: Kathy Still

Still, who had been serving as a Dean of Students at Wicomico High School, was appointed Secondary Assistant Principal and assigned to Bennett Middle School. As a teacher, she taught high school Family & Consumer Science and middle school science. She received a bachelor’s degree from Salisbury University in 1981, and a Master of Education in School Administration from SU in 2009. She took a leadership role in many initiatives at Wicomico High, including Freshman Academy, community outreach with the school’s faith-based partner, student recognition and Professional Learning Community.

Secondary Principal: Liza Hastings

Hastings, who is currently the Assistant Principal of Bennett Middle School, will be Principal. She had previously worked in administration at Wicomico High School. She handled a number of duties including developing the master schedule at Bennett Middle, coordinating the testing program, and chairing the Student Services Team. She received a bachelor's degree in History from Washington College and a Master of Education in School Administration from Salisbury University.

Secondary Assistant Principal: Brian Briggs

Briggs has been serving as the Dean of Students at Salisbury Middle School and will now be Assistant Principal at Wicomico Middle. Formerly a middle school math teacher, he received a bachelor's degree from Methodist College and a Master of Education in School Administration from Salisbury University. He chaired the SMS Instructional Leadership Team, coordinated substitute coverage, coordinated field trips and performed other duties as a dean of students.

Elementary Principal: Maria Marshall

Marshall has been serving as Assistant Principal at Prince Street Elementary and will become Principal of the Wicomico Early Learning Center (WELC). She had previously served as Assistant Principal at Charles H. Chipman Elementary School. She taught grades 2 and 3 at Pemberton Elementary and was an adjunct faculty member of Sojourner Douglass College. Marshall is currently serving on the Maryland State Department of Education Analysis Committee of the Common Core Standards for Speaking/Writing and Language Arts. She received her bachelor’s degree from Sojourner Douglass College and a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Wilmington College.

Elementary Principal: Judy Nicholson

Nicholson, who has been serving as Acting Principal of Delmar Elementary, was appointed Principal. She has previous experience as an Assistant Principal at Delmar Elementary, West Salisbury Elementary and Fruitland Intermediate. She was a Title I and classroom teacher at several Wicomico public and private schools. Nicholson has served on the countywide Facilities Task Force and has worked on the implementation of PBIS at Delmar. She received a bachelor’s degree from Salisbury State University and has a master’s degree in Public School Administration.

Elementary Assistant Principal: Alexan Dargan

Dargan, who has served as Acting Assistant Principal of Beaver Run Elementary for much of the past school year, was appointed Assistant Principal. She was previously a grade 1 teacher at Beaver Run. She serves as a member of the school PBIS team and chair of the school’s Professional Development School Partnership, Instructional Leadership Team, AYP Team and Student Services Team. She received a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education, with a minor in Business Administration, from Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, and a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Salisbury University.

Elementary Assistant Principal: Sue Likovich

Likovich, who has been serving as a Dean of Students at James M. Bennett High School, was appointed Assistant Principal of Westside Intermediate School. Prior to becoming a dean of students, she was a Family & Consumer Science teacher in private school and university settings. At JMB, she has been responsible for 11th grade, the grade 11 Bridge program, SU interns at JMB, Community Day, and more. She received a bachelor’s degree in Physical Education from University of Delaware and a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Salisbury University.

Also on June 14, the Superintendent announced the following administrative reassignments, along with the promotions and appointments approved by the Board and listed above, for the 2011-12 school year:

Elementary:

Beaver Run Elementary: Melissa Eiler, Principal; Alexan Dargan, Assistant Principal (currently Acting Assistant Principal)
Charles H. Chipman Elementary: William Curtis, Principal
Delmar Elementary: Judy Nicholson, Principal (currently Acting Principal)
East Salisbury Elementary: Sheila Cain, Assistant Principal
Pinehurst Elementary: Dave Harris, Assistant Principal (currently Assistant Principal for Pinehurst and West Salisbury Elementary)
Prince Street: Jason Miller, Assistant Principal
West Salisbury Elementary: Renee Hall, Assistant Principal
Westside Intermediate: Sue Likovich, Assistant Principal
Wicomico Early Learning Center (WELC): Maria Marshall, Prinicipal

Secondary:

Bennett Middle: Liza Hastings, Principal; Kathy Still, Assistant Principal
Salisbury Middle: Paige Greenwood, Dean of Students
Wicomico Middle: Brian Briggs, Assistant Principal
James M. Bennett High: William Johnson, Dean of Students
Mardela Middle and High: Frederick Briggs, Principal
Wicomico High: Michelle McGoogan and Lavion Bratten, Deans of Students

Central:

Supervisor of Guidance and Counseling: Lori Batts (currently Principal, Mardela Middle and High School)
Coordinator of Safe Schools: Andrew Turner (currently Pupil Personnel Worker)

Previously this spring, the Board made the following appointments:

(May 3) Assistant Superintendent for Administrative Services: Dr. Cathy J. Townsend. Her appointment is effective July 1. After graduating from Wicomico Senior High School in 1973, Townsend received bachelor’s degrees in Mathematics and Psychology from Salisbury State University. She later received a Masters of Education with an administration concentration from SU, and recently earned a doctoral degree in Innovation and Leadership from Wilmington University. She began her education career as a math teacher in Worcester County Public Schools (1979-81) and joined Wicomico Schools as a math teacher at Wicomico Senior High School (1983-85). She then worked as a regulatory analyst for Downes Associates Engineering Consultants in Salisbury (1985-92). Townsend returned to the classroom to teach grade 5 math in the North Salisbury Elementary Magnet Program (1992-97). Her career in education administration began with her appointment to serve as assistant principal of Pittsville Elementary and Middle School (1997-99) and then as the assistant principal and then principal of Salisbury Middle School (1999-2006). She then took her expertise to the Delmar (Del.) school district, serving as principal of Delmar Middle and High School and Director of Special Education (2006-09). Wicomico Schools welcomed Townsend back as School Climate Coordinator (2009-10). She was named Supervisor of Safe Schools for 2010-11.

(June 10) Director of Technology: Robert “Bob” Langan, effective June 13. He has more than 25 years of information technology experience and has worked at a number of large companies including Apple Computer, Perdue Farms, Cambridge International and Wor-Wic Community College. He has a bachelor’s degree in Business Information Systems from Robert Morris University in Pittsburgh and a master’s degree in Information Technology from Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore.

FIRST LADY KATIE O’MALLEY TO PROMOTE THE GREAT AMERICAN BACKYARD CAMPOUT

Will highlight Maryland’s outdoor recreational opportunities

ANNAPOLIS, MD (June 14, 2011) – TOMORROW, First Lady Katie O’Malley, along with the National Wildlife Federation and Maryland Park Service representatives, will encourage Maryland children and families to go camping and enjoy Maryland’s outdoor recreational opportunities throughout the summer.

The Great American Backyard Campout, created by the National Wildlife Federation,  is a national event  on June 25 that encourages everyone — from experienced to first-time campers — to enjoy camping out, whether in a park, campground, backyard, patio or balcony. The Maryland Park Service will also host special events at 9 State Parks including activities such as campfires, outdoor cooking classes, animal programs, guided canoeing and hiking, and beachcombing.

To ensure all Maryland young people have the opportunity to connect with their natural world and grow to become informed and responsible stewards, Governor O’Malley established the Maryland Partnership for Children in Nature in 2008. Under this initiative, which is now being used as a national model, the Administration launched ambitious goals to improve connections with nature during the school day as well as outside of school and in communities.

Rep. Harris Statement On Flag Day

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Andy Harris has issued the following statement in commemoration of Flag Day, which celebrates the adoption of the flag of the United States by resolution of the Second Continental Congress on June 14, 1777.
           “The American Flag is among the world’s most recognized symbols of liberty.  From thirteen stars to fifty, the red, white and blue has been from the bloody beaches of Normandy to the surface of the moon.  It flies over the White House in Washington, D.C. and the little white house down the street.  Through thick and thin, good times and bad, Old Glory’s broad stripes and bright stars have embodied the spirit of the American people; it has persevered.”
            Residents of Maryland 1^st Congressional District may purchase and have their very own flag flown over the U.S. Capitol.  Rep. Harris’ office can arrange to have it flown on a specific date with enough advance notice. Details are available at harris.house.gov.
            In addition, the United States Department of Veterans Affairs provides information on guidelines for displaying an American flag at http://www.va.gov/kids/6-12/multicontent_dtl.asp?intPageID=8&intSideBoxID=46&currentgrp=&currentPage=1.

Wicomico Council Votes for 1 Cent Tax Hike

Proving that the opera ain’t over until the fat lady sings, the Wicomico Council rode into town this morning and increased the property tax rate by 1 cent. While a far cry from County Executive Rick Pollitt’s proposed 5 cent increase, many citizens were surprised by the last minute move. The motion to raise taxes passed by a 5 – 2 vote. Councilmembers Gail Bartkovich, Bob Caldwell, Matt Holloway, Stevie Prettyman, and Sheree Sample-Hughes supported the measure. Councilmen Bob Culver and Joe Holloway opposed any rate hike.

The motion to increase the property tax rate was justified by the state’s $735,000 cost shift for the county assessment office. However, after the rate hike was agreed to, council members seemed to hop into the trough by asking for additional appropriations.

State’s Attorney for Wicomico County Matt Maciarello had appeared earlier before council to ask for restoration of $105,000 that had been stripped from his salary account. Maciarello’s request was fully justified. Not only did Maciarello need the funds to keep his office operating at current levels, but to date, Maciarello has proven to be an outstanding steward of the taxpayers’ money. In addition, public safety is a key concern amongst Wicomico voters.

In addition to the funding for the State’s Attorney’s office, council members asked for increased funding for the county library and “Meals on Wheels”.

Sample-Hughes Shows True Stripes

Councilwoman Sheree Sample-Hughes, the sole Democrat on council, showed herself to be less an advocate of the taxpayer and more a champion for government largesse. She also proved to be more political gamesman than public servant.

After the special session to discuss Maciarello’s budget, Sample-Hughes came to the back of the room and told Maciarello that she hoped there were no hard feelings:

I had to pay hardball. I want that 1 cent tax increase.

To add insult to injury, not only did Sample-Hughes push for the tax hike but then voted AGAINST the budget because of cuts to the Wicomico County Board of Education (WCBOE).

It was pretty obvious that Sample-Hughes was playing to a group of constituencies, including her husband’s employer – the BOE. While I may have disagreed with the rate hike, I believe that the other members who supported were acting out of the best of intentions.

The Budget Vote

After multiple amendments, including the penny rate hike, it came time for the final budget vote. Joe Holloway voted against the budget. This was not surprising due to his longstanding opposition to tax increases.

The surprise move was Sample-Hughes. Her vote smacked of hypocrisy at its worst.

Culver supported the budget after voting against the rate hike. This was a responsible move.

Remember, if a majority of council voted against the budget, Wicomico taxpayers would have been hit with a 5 cent rate increase!

WHAT’S NEXT?

The budget is over. Rick Pollitt was given level funding for his office. We will see in the coming months that there will be no re-organization of his office (Rick will whine that he doesn’t have the money). There will be no re-structuring of the county government. Pollitt thinks he runs a lean, mean machine.

Fully expect a tax hike next year. I’m willing to bet that the council’s collective backs will be up to wall then. I’m sure Ms. Sample-Hughes is cheering as this goes to post.

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Wilmington Blue Rocks Set To Honor Delaware Police Officers

The Ronnie Williams Foundation invites everyone to come join and honor Delaware Police Officers and their Families with a Night of Baseball, Fun and Fireworks.

Wilmington- On Friday, June 17, 2011 at 7:05 p.m., the Wilmington Blue Rocks stands will be filled with local police officers and their families for a night of remembering and honoring those who serve and protect. As a special highlight of the evening, fans will enjoy a post-game fireworks display sponsored by the Delaware State Police Federal Credit Union.

“Police Night at the Blue Rocks” is an annual event presented by the Ronnie Williams Foundation and hosted by the Blue Rocks.

Jennifer Hawkins, Co-Founder of the Ronnie Williams Foundation said, "It will be a night that recognizes the sacrifices all Delaware police officers make every day".

This year there will be pre-game police demonstrations from Delaware State Troopers, Wilmington, New Castle County, Capitol and several other police agencies. Antique police cars and the New Castle County Police Mounted Unit will be on parade, in addition to a multi-agency honor guard performance with the Delaware Police Pipe & Drums. There will be displays throughout the stadium and raffle tickets on sale for a big screen TV with proceeds benefiting the Ronnie Williams Foundation.

The Ronnie Williams Foundation is named for 16 year veteran Delaware State Trooper Ronald Williams, Jr. who passed away in 2002. The Foundation supports local police agencies by providing funds for programs. They also give annual scholarships to area high school seniors. In honor of Police Night, The Officer Chad Spicer Heroes Scholarship deadline has been extended to July 1st.

To find out more about the foundation or to apply for scholarships, please visit www.thergwfoundation.org

A portion of the pre-game ticket orders will benefit the Ronnie Williams Foundation. To order tickets for Police Night at the Blue Rocks, please visit www.bluerocks.com or www.thergwfoundation.org

Game time is 7:05 p.m. with gates opening and demonstrations beginning at 6:00 p.m. TV raffle with take place during the 7th inning stretch and fireworks will follow the game.

Contacts:

The Ronnie Williams Foundation
Jennifer Hawkins - Executive Director, 302-893-0177, jhawkins@thergwfoundation.org

Delaware State Police
Sgt Paul Shavack - Public Information Officer, 302.659-2349, Cell: 302.841.2553, paul.shavack@state.de.us

Wilmington Blue Rocks
Dave Arthur, Director of Marketing, (302) 888-5357, darthur@bluerocks.com

BREAKING NEWS: Senate Committee Approves Panetta For Defense Secretary

Senate Armed Services Committee approves CIA Director Leon Panetta to be the next secretary of defense.

Completely Uncalled For

Mila Kunis And Justin Timberlake – Crotch And Boob Grab On 2011 MTV Movie Awards

A week ago, (or so) the above image was a part of a LIVE scene on the MTV Music Awards Show where their main audience are children 12 years old and older.

If you have cable, your kids had every opportunity to see what we're showing above and quite frankly I cannot believe my own eyes.

It wasn't that many years ago where Justin Timberlake and Janet Jackson pulled a similar stunt LIVE at the Superbowl exposing one of her breasts.

So I ask, when is enough, enough?

BREAKING NEWS: Huntsman To Declare Presidential Candidacy

Sources confirm to Fox News that former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman will officially declare his candidacy for the Republican presidential nomination on June 21.

Was The Iraq War Merely A Smokescreen For "The Largest Theft Of [Taxpayer] Funds In National History"?

Back in 2004, following the disastrous Iraq war, started on false Weapons of Mass Destruction pretenses, and which was nothing but a backdoor subsidy to various energy contractors close to the Bush administration, the US government decided to impose a mini Marshall Plan and literally flood the country with billions in crisp $100 bills. The LA Times reports: "Pentagon officials determined that one giant C-130 Hercules cargo plane could carry $2.4 billion in shrink-wrapped bricks of $100 bills. They sent an initial full planeload of cash, followed by 20 other flights to Iraq by May 2004 in a $12-billion haul that U.S. officials believe to be the biggest international cash airlift of all time." And here we are making fun of the Chairsatan and his puny helicopter. Yet where the story gets very disturbing is that it now seems that more than half of this "reconstruction" funding was blatantly stolen! "Despite years of audits and investigations, U.S. Defense officials still cannot say what happened to $6.6 billion in cash — enough to run the Los Angeles Unified School District or the Chicago Public Schools for a year, among many other things. For the first time, federal auditors are suggesting that some or all of the cash may have been stolen, not just mislaid in an accounting error. Stuart Bowen, special inspector general for Iraq reconstruction, an office created by Congress, said the missing $6.6 billion may be "the largest theft of funds in national history."" Is another huge political embarrassment in store for the current US administration (even if on this occasion it can legitimately be blamed on the predecessor?): it appears so: "The mystery is a growing embarrassment to the Pentagon, and an irritant to Washington's relations with Baghdad. Iraqi officials are threatening to go to court to reclaim the money, which came from Iraqi oil sales, seized Iraqi assets and surplus funds from the United Nations' oil-for-food program." Prepare for many more hearings involving Halliburton et al. As for where the money is - why, it has long been spent.

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The Keys To Economic Growth

Recent economic data show that U.S. job growth in May was negligible, while the official unemployment figure – at least the figure the Labor Department admits to – rose to 9.1%. The real unemployment figure, however, as compiled by economist John Williams, may well be higher than 20%. It is clear the U.S. economy is in terrible shape, and that no amount of government spending or Federal Reserve quantitative easing can reduce unemployment, increase real productivity, or address our debt fiasco. U.S. jobs and productivity are dependent on the accumulation of private capital to finance existing businesses or fund new entrepreneurial activity. Private capital – whether accumulated by profitable U.S. businesses, invested by private equity and venture capital firms, or attracted from abroad – is the key to economic growth and new jobs. But we cannot create jobs if we demonize profits, punish risk-taking capitalists, and stay hostile to foreign investment.

The steps to encouraging capital investment and creating new jobs in America are simple, though not easy:

· First and foremost, we must create a sound U.S. currency backed by gold or some other commodity respected by the market. No nation in history with a rapidly depreciating currency has attracted private capital. Unless and until we prohibit the Treasury and Federal Reserve from essentially creating money and credit from thin air, we cannot restore the U.S. economy.

· Second, we must create a favorable regulatory environment for U.S. business. This cannot be stressed enough. When businesses don't know what's coming next from the EPA, when Obamacare spikes their healthcare costs, or when the Dodd-Frank bill adds almost unknowable regulatory compliance burdens, businesses simply will not expand and hire. It is time to start shrinking the federal register.

· Third, we must stop spending trillions of dollars overseas on foreign wars. There is no point in debating a foreign policy we cannot afford. It no longer matters what neoconservatives want. Our interventionist foreign policy is financed on credit, and our credit limit has been reached. Our economy would be infinitely better off if those trillions of dollars had never been removed from the private economy or added to our debt.

· Finally, we must completely revamp the U.S. tax system and move to a territorial model that does not tax foreign source income. U.S. corporations are sitting on more than a trillion dollars in foreign earnings that cannot be repatriated to the U.S. because of taxes. We need to stop taxing unpatriated funds to bring those earnings home. Better yet, we need to abolish the income tax altogether.

The U.S. economy is in deep trouble. Congress needs to act immediately to restore the rule of law and create an environment that rewards, rather than punishes, the critical components of any healthy economy: capital accumulation and investment.

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Even Bill Clinton Knows It's Over!

Bill Clinton – the examplar of truth in modern America – has proposed the establishment of a government "ministry of truth" – to be run by either the United States government or the United Nations – that would supervise the content of the Internet, requiring individuals and websites to conform to agency factual standards. Such a proposal is consistent with Hillary Clinton’s long-standing interest in establishing a government "gatekeeper" for the Internet; one that would prevent just anyone from putting their opinions out into the world.


Apart from the obvious 1^st Amendment/fascist/1984 Orwellian/marketplace of ideas implications of such an offering – a discussion which, I trust, needs no explication on this website – I am partially encouraged by Clinton’s suggestion. It demonstrates just how desperately and feverishly the political Establishment must go in futilely trying to resist its own demise. Like the erstwhile USSR, the American Empire is in a terminal condition; some of its constituents actively considering secession and/or nullification alternatives to national (and even international) hegemony. It is not surprising, therefore, that Bill would propose a similar state-run system of mind-control with which Soviet officials sought refuge from the irresistible forces of change.


The Internet is the most familiar expression of the decentralized nature of our modern world. Technological innovation has opened up the fourth stage in the "information revolution" that began when human beings invented language. Gutenberg’s subsequent invention – whose technology greatly expanded mankind’s capacities for exchanging ideas and information with one another and, in the process, upset the prevailing political order - was a miniscule advance when compared to the Internet and its derivative technologies.


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TO BE GOVERNED

To be GOVERNED is to be watched, inspected, spied upon, directed, law-driven, numbered, regulated, enrolled, indoctrinated, preached at, controlled, checked, estimated, valued, censured, commanded, by creatures who have neither the right nor the wisdom nor the virtue to do so.


To be GOVERNED is to be at every operation, at every transaction noted, registered, counted, taxed, stamped, measured, numbered, assessed, licensed, authorized, admonished, prevented, forbidden, reformed, corrected, punished. It is, under pretext of public utility, and in the name of the general interest, to be place[d] under contribution, drilled, fleeced, exploited, monopolized, extorted from, squeezed, hoaxed, robbed; then, at the slightest resistance, the first word of complaint, to be repressed, fined, vilified, harassed, hunted down, abused, clubbed, disarmed, bound, choked, imprisoned, judged, condemned, shot, deported, sacrificed, sold, betrayed; and to crown all, mocked, ridiculed, derided, outraged, dishonored. That is government; that is its justice; that is its morality.

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LIVE BLOG EVENT–Wicomico County Council Debate and Vote on the FY 2012 Budget

STICKY POST!  NEW POSTS WILL SHOW UP BELOW THIS ONE UNTIL 12 NOON.

Archie Bunker Has A Few Words For Barack Obama

Caption This Ph.... NEVERMIND!

How will the MSM spin these results? Ron Paul won the debate last night overwhelmingly based on every poll out there. The MSM will scorn these results and claim that Ron Paul’s crazy followers overwhelmed the polls. This is how they denigrate and trivialize candidates that do not toe the company line. You will hear how well Romney did. Ron Paul had the right answers to all the questions. He’s a good man. He’s an honest man. He ‘s the best man for the job. When this economy implodes over the next year, Ron Paul will get the respect he deserves. Get on the Ron Paul bandwagon, now.

CNN POLL
Thanks for taking part in Poll!
Poll Results:

Who do you think won the debate?

Rep. Michele Bachmann/Minnesota: 6%

Herman Cain/Businessman: 7%

Newt Gingrich/Former House Speaker: 3%

Rep. Ron Paul/Texas: 75%

Tim Pawlenty/Former Minnesota Governor: 2%

Mitt Romney/Former Massachusetts Governor: 7%

Rick Santorum/Former Pennsylvania Senator: 1%

CBS POLL
GOP Debate

Which candidate do you think will get the biggest boost after tonight’s debate?

•Michele Bachmann
6%

•Herman Cain
11%

•Newt Gingrich
2%

•Ron Paul
59%

•Tim Pawlenty
5%

•Mitt Romney
10%

•Rick Santorum
2%

•None of the above
CNBC POLL

Which GOP candidate are you leaning towards voting for right now?
Michele Bachmann
2%

Herman Cain
4%

Newt Gingrich
1%

Mitt Romney
5%

Rick Santorum
1%

Sarah Palin
2%

Ron Paul
82%

Tim Pawlenty
3%

Total Votes: 10062

RED DOG REPORT

Which Republican presidential contender won the New Hampshire Debate?

Who won the New Hampshire debate?

•Ron Paul (35%, 270 Votes)
•Herman Cain (21%, 159 Votes)
•Mitt Romney (21%, 159 Votes)
•Michele Bachmann (14%, 110 Votes)
•Newt Gingrich (3%, 26 Votes)
•Rick Santorum (3%, 20 Votes)
•Tim Pawlenty (3%, 19 Votes)
Total Voters: 763

MSNBC POLL

Ron Paul
70%
(4,690 votes)

Michele Bachmann
9.2%
(614 votes)

Mitt Romney
7.9%
(532 votes)

Herman Cain
6.7%
(448 votes)

Tim Pawlenty
2.8%
(185 votes)

Newt Gingrich
2.4%
(158 votes)

Rick Santorum
1.1%
(73 votes)

Federal Court Rules PA. Teens Cannot Be Suspended For MySpace Parodies

PHILADELPHIA -- Two Pennsylvania teens cannot be disciplined at school for MySpace parodies of their principals created on home computers, a federal appeals court ruled Monday in a high-profile case involving students and free speech.

The postings, however lewd or offensive, were not likely to cause significant disruptions at school and are therefore protected under prior Supreme Court case law, the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals found.

"Today's court decision states that you cannot punish students for off-campus speech simply because it offends or criticizes (school officials)," Witold Walczak, legal director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania, told The Associated Press. The ACLU represented both students.

However, six judges who dissented in one of the twin cases said they feared salacious online attacks against school officials would go unpunished.

"It allows a student to target a school official and his family with malicious and unfounded accusations about their character in vulgar, obscene, and personal language," Judge D. Michael Fisher wrote in the dissent involving the Blue Mountain School District in eastern Pennsylvania.

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Not Just For Kids: ADD A Growing Problem For Adults

Michael Nuccitelli and Helen Driscoll are successful, confident adults – they own their own businesses and you wouldn’t know by looking at them that they are a part of a growing trend of adults who are being diagnosed with attention deficit disorder.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 5.4 million children have attention deficit hypersensitive disorder (ADHD), and while the vast majority of kids will grow out of it, about 4 percent of the U.S. population will continue to suffer with this condition.

However, ADHD is a fairly new disorder, which means adults who are in their 40s and beyond were left to suffer silently as children.

“The interesting thing is that (this condition) didn’t exist 20 years ago,” said Dr. Dale Archer, a psychiatrist who is based in New York and Louisiana. “So there is a lot of controversy surrounding this. And a recent study said that this was vastly overdiagnosed, and the younger the child, the greater the likelihood of diagnosis.”

Nuccitelli, a forensic psychologist who lives in New York’s Hudson Valley, said he never felt hyper as a child, but always had difficulty concentrating on the task at hand or paying attention; often people would ask him why he seemed to be “in another world.”

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Thinking Of You: 11 Years Ago Today

THINKING OF YOU

In Memory of our fallen Brother,
Deputy First Class Brian K. Heller
who paid the ultimate sacrifice
serving his community.
E.O.W. June 14, 2000

Missed by your Brothers & Sisters at the
Worcester County Sheriff’s Office

Sex Offender Unit Searching For Two Subjects

Location: Wilmington, DE

Date of Occurrence: Monday, June 13, 2011

Suspects and Charges:

-William R. Wright, Sr., 32, Wilmington, DE

Black male, 5’09” tall, 230 lbs, black hair brown eyes

Charge: Failure to Verify Address

-David M. Layell, 40, 1800 block of W. 7^th Street, Wilmington

White male, 5’10”, 195 lbs, brown hair, hazel eyes

Charges: 2 counts of Failure to Register New Address

Resume:  

Wilmington- The Delaware State Police Sex Offender Apprehension and Registration Unit is currently looking for two Wilmington men after they failed to register their current addresses with them.

Investigators currently have a warrant on file for William R. Wright, Sr, 32, who was registered as homeless in Wilmington, DE. As such, Wright is required by law to confirm his homeless status with investigators every seven days, or provide them with a change in his homeless status, and has failed to do so. Wright is a high risk Tier 3 sex offender.

Investigators also have obtained warrants charging David M. Layell, 40, with two counts of Failure to Register a New Address after they learned that he no longer resides in the 1800 block of W. 7^th Street in Wilmington. Investigators also were informed that Layell is no longer working at the business he had previously registered with investigators. By law, Layell is required to report any change of his residential status or employment status. David M. Layell is a moderate risk Tier 2 sex offender.

Investigators are asking anyone who may know the location of William R. Wright, Sr. or David M. Layell to call the Sex Offenders Apprehension and Registration Unit at 302-741-8086. Citizens may also provide a tip by texting keyword “DSP” plus your message to 274637 (CRIMES).  Tipsters may also provide information through lines maintained by Delaware Crime Stoppers at (800) TIP-3333. Callers can also submit information via the internet at www.tipsubmit.com.

Today's Survey Question

Do debates help you decide which presidential candidate to vote for?

One Killed, One Injured in Motorcycle Crash

Location: DE Rt. 9 (New Castle Avenue) at Lambson’s Lane, New Castle, DE

Date of Occurrence: Monday, June 13, 2011 at 10:10 p.m.

Operator/Vehicle:

-Operator: Anthony Brooks, Jr., 37, New Castle, Delaware

-Vehicle: 2005 Kawasaki Motorcycle

Injured: 19 year old New Castle, Delaware man

Resume:   

New Castle- A 37 year old New Castle man has died after being involved in a fatal motor vehicle crash late last night.

The incident, which is currently being investigated by the Delaware State Police Crash Reconstruction Unit, occurred at approximately 10:10 p.m. last night. Investigators learned that Anthony Brooks, Jr., was operating a 2005 Kawasaki motorcycle and was traveling southbound on New Castle Avenue at an apparent high rate of speed. As Brooks attempted to make a left hand turn onto eastbound Lambson’s Lane, he lost control of the motorcycle and traveled in a southeast direction. The motorcycle then struck the concrete curb and several concrete pillars. Both Anthony Brooks, Jr., and his 19 year old male passenger were ejected from the bike. Brooks, Jr., who was not wearing a helmet, was pronounced dead at the scene. His body was turned over to the medical examiners office where an autopsy will be performed to determine the exact cause of death. The 19 year old male passenger, who was wearing a helmet, was transported from the scene by EMS to the Christiana Hospital where he was treated for his non life-threatening injuries.

Speed and alcohol are being considered as factors in this crash. The incident remains under investigation at this time.

The “Recovery Summer” That Never Warmed Up

From the Chairman

One year ago this week, Democrats embarked on a “Recovery Summer” campaign touting the success of their stimulus package. Of course, the stimulus didn’t actually work, “Recovery Summer” never warmed up, and Americans face the slowest jobs recovery since the Great Depression. Despite the evidence, many liberals continue to call for more spending, taxing, and red tape. These ideas won’t solve the problem – they ARE the problem. Washington needs to stop creating uncertainty and get out of the way.

Getting the country back on track will also require lock-tight spending restraint. Employers know the $14 trillion national debt means higher taxes, inflation, interest rates, and regulation are on the way. So instead of taking risks and creating jobs, America’s entrepreneurs are playing defense. Our “Cut, Cap, and Balance” approach (cut the deficit in half next year, cap spending in line with average revenues, and enact a Balanced Budget Amendment to the Constitution) will restore private sector confidence and help businesses see reasons to hire once more.

God Bless,

Congressman Jim Jordan

Chairman, Republican Study Committee

RSC Media Activity – RSC members work hard to ensure that the conservative viewpoint is well-represented in all corners of the media. Visit our Media Center for more.

·         Rep. Jeff Flake (AZ-06): Budget Solution – Cut, Cap, and Balance; The White Mountain Independent, June 7. 

·         Rep. Reid Ribble (WI-08): Doing Nothing Is No Longer an Option; The Green Bay Press Gazette, June 8.

·         Rep. James Lankford (OK-05): Returning to Fiscal Stability with an Open Debate; Red State, June 9.

·         Rep. John Kline (MN-02): Outdated Mandates Fail Our Students; Politico, June 13.

House Floor Activity – The following key legislation came through the House of Representatives recently.

·         The House was not in session last week.

Outlook – A quick look at what’s on the horizon. 

·         Today, the House is expected to vote on the 2012 MilCon-VA Appropriations Act.

·         On Tuesday, the House is expected to begin consideration of the 2012 Agriculture Appropriations Act, with a potential vote Wednesday.

·         On Wednesday, the House is expected to begin consideration of the America Invents Act, a patent reform bill, with a potential vote Thursday.

RSC Reports

·         Each week the House is in session, the RSC Budget and Spending Taskforce compiles a weekly report on the latest budget and spending news. Additionally, the RSC Money Monitor tracks how bills passed by the House affect authorizations, mandatory spending, and federal government revenue.

###

House Republican Study Committee
Rep. Jim Jordan, Chairman

Paul Teller, Executive Director
Brad Watson, Policy Director
Bruce “Fez” Miller, Professional Policy Staff

Joe Murray, Professional Policy Staff
Curtis Rhyne, Professional Policy Staff

Ja’Ron Smith, Professional Policy Staff
Wesley Goodman, Director of Conservative Coalitions and State Outreach

Yong Choe, Director of Business Outreach and Member Services
Brian Straessle, Communications Director
Ben Miller, Deputy Communications Director
Cyrus Artz, Research Assistant

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MARYLAND STATE POLICE AVIATION COMMAND AND ANNE ARUNDEL CO. FIRE DEPARTMENT H.E.A.T. TEAM PERFORM AERIAL EVACUATION FROM SHIP IN BAY

(Chesapeake Bay) On Sunday morning June 12th, Maryland State Police Aviation Command (MSPAC) received a request from the United States Coast Guard Section Baltimore to assist with the aerial evacuation of a male suffering from a medical emergency on board the motor vessel “Sea Brave”. The vessel was anchored two miles south of the Bay Bridge in the middle of the Chesapeake Bay.

Due to the technical nature of this rescue, a Helicopter Emergency Aerial Tactics (HEAT) Team from the Anne Arundel County Fire Department was activated. After determining the most appropriate location on the vessel, a member of the HEAT Team was lowered by the crew of Trooper 1 onto deck of the Sea Brave. Once on board, the HEAT Team member assessed the patient and began packaging for aerial evacuation. A short time later, the patient was safely lifted off the vessel by the crew of Trooper 2 using the helicopter rescue hoist. The patient was flown to University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore.

The HEAT Team program is a unique partnership that joins local fire department technical rescue teams with the search and rescue capabilities of MSPAC’s fleet of multi-mission aircraft. Through the years, the program has been called upon to assist with technical rescues throughout the state and has saved countless lives.

Coming Up Soon in Wicomico Schools: Information On Summer School Registration And Dates

June 16-July 13
Elementary Summer School, Summer STARS
Charles H. Chipman and Glen Avenue Elementary Schools

A Summer School Program will be held this year for students K-5 at two sites. Kindergarten, first, and second grade students will attend Charles H. Chipman Elementary School and grades three, four, and five will attend Glen Avenue Elementary School. Attendance in summer school is for remediation only; invitations to attend summer school come from elementary schools, for students who the school believes would benefit from the summer academic experience. Summer School participation does not affect retention/promotion. Summer School is provided free for students approved for free school meals, for $35 for those approved for reduced price meals, and $75 for other students. Transportation will be provided by the Board of Education from the child’s home school or the nearest school to their residence to the summer school site, and back to the home school. Summer School will run Monday-Friday from June 16-July 13, with students off on July 5. Classes will be held each day from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Breakfast will be available from 8-8:25 a.m. Lunch will be served from 11:15 a.m. until 12:45 p.m. on a grade rotation. Dismissal will be at 12:30 p.m. Classes will concentrate on reading, math, and writing content areas. Class size will be approximately 15-18 students with a teacher and assistant assigned per classroom.

The Summer Stars Program will be held from 1-4:30 p.m. at Chipman and Glen Avenue Summer School sites for grades 1-4. The STARS Program will mail invitations and registration packets for Summer STARS to qualified 1st – 4th grade students based on enrollment in Summer School and previous STARS Program attendance.

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Wicomico Council Prepares to Vote on Budget

This morning, starting at 10 AM, the Wicomico County Council will deliberate and vote on the county’s FY 2012 budget.  Over a month of hard work has led up to this day.  As of yesterday, the council had struck over $3.9 million dollars in cuts.

Yesterday’s budget session showed that tempers are starting to wear thin.  I’m glad that the process is almost over.  Our seven councilmembers deserve a break from this intensive battle … before they pick up the next big item – PENSION REFORM.

I would be lying if I claimed to agree with every cut made by this council.  I don’t.  I applaud them for forcing the Wicomico County Board of Education (WCBOE) to take a hands off approach to the School Construction Fund monies.  Allowing that account to be stripped to fund operations would be disastrous.  However, I am dismayed at the $5 million cut in County Executive Rick Pollitt’s budget.  I am neither a fan nor a friend of Supt. John Fredericksen.  I believe that he thinks the county’s taxpayers are little more than a well to draw from.  However, I challenge ANY person to find $5 million of wasteful spending in the BOE’s budget.

It’s simple to shout that they waste money.  We all know that they do.  However, that is a far cry from finding the actual wasteful spending in their budget.  SbyNEWS, and I, have done more than our fair share in bringing the foibles and profligacy of the BOE to light.  But, $5 million?

That figure, coupled with the $2 million which our council has refused to allow the BOE to use for operations amounts to $7 million less than last year’s budget.  I sincerely fear that we will live to regret SOME of these spending cuts.

WHY DO YOU OPPOSE A TAX INCREASE?

Time and again, I have stated that I would not oppose a tax increase IF I honestly believed that our tax dollars were being well spent.  I just don’t believe that they are.

Rick Pollitt is a good man.  I am confident that his heart is in the right place.  I just think that he may be in over his head.

One case that reared its ugly head yesterday was that of the early retirement plan.  Pollitt bullied a majority of council members into voting for it.  We were promised that it would save money.  Not only are the retirement savings below original projections, we now learn that the folks who took advantage of this taxpayer largesse are also going to be paid almost $600,000 in accrued benefits.

What does this mean?  Simply, even with the level funding he requested, Pollitt will not have the funds available to reorganize his office.  Why?  Over $60,000 from his salary account will have to go to paying retiring County Administrator Ted Shea and one administrative assistant who is also retiring.

After July 1 we will all learn what a boondoggle this plan was.  The people who are taking advantage of this offer (and will receive a significantly higher pension) are not all “early retirees”.  Over 20% of those retiring have more than 25 years of service.  Over 11% have more than 35 years of service.

We have also seen evidence of departments or agencies that are carrying unnecessary employees on their payroll.  We also will see another year of furloughs.  I am one who subscribes to the argument that IF you can furlough people, you have too many people on the payroll.

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?

It appears that the council will spare citizens a rate hike.  They appear to have cut spending to the bone; and in some cases into it.  I can’t imagine what will happen next year if the local economy does not significantly improve.

We can also count on Pollitt riding in with 11th hour requests and the council giving in.  This was made evident by the false bravado of our council president, as she voted to give Pollitt the level funding he requested.

The bottom line – Wicomico’s future is at best, uncertain.  I would not wish to be in council’s shoes next year for any amount of money.  While I KNOW that they worked hard; and truly believe that they did their best; I also know that next year may prove that you can only cut so much.

After tomorrow’s meeting, the ball will be back in Pollitt’s court.  IF he continues in his failure to re-structure the county government and adopt efficient practices such as zero-based budgeting, I fear that FY 2013 will prove to be disastrous.

TUNE IN AT OUR LIVE BLOG EVENT – STARTING AT 10 AM

BREAKING NEWS: Wholesale Prices Rise 0.2% in May

Producer prices rose 0.2%, down sharply from a 0.8% in April, as food costs fell and energy prices rose by their smallest amount in eight months. Excluding food and energy prices, prices also increased 0.2%.

BREAKING NEWS: Retail Sales Fall Less Than Expected in May

U.S. retail sales fell 0.2% in May, narrower than the 0.4% decline Wall Street had anticipated.

VA Committee Gives Failing Grade to Tobacco Commission Projects

A study released Monday by the General Assembly's investigative arm says Virginia's Tobacco Commission signed off on millions of dollars in economic development projects with a sketchy understanding of them, and some yielded little or no benefit in the state's poorest region.

The Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission said there was no way to measure outcomes for 89 percent of 1,368 project grants by the Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission the past 11 years.

But Southside and Southwest Virginia _ regions of the state hit hard declines in tobacco, textile and other manufacturing industries the past 20 years _ clearly benefited from Tobacco Commission support for scholarships, job training and the deployment of high speed Internet, according to the 180-page report.

The commission, established in 1999 to disburse Virginia's share of the settlement from a national lawsuit against cigarette makers, has awarded $756 million in economic development and revitalization grants in 41 Virginia localities since 2000.

READ MORE …

Salisbury Chamber Supports Tax Hike … Sort Of

Taking their cues from Wicomico County Executive Rick Pollitt, the Salisbury Area Chamber of Commerce (SACC) came riding into the tax hike battle at the eleventh hour.  In a letter dated ONE DAY before the Wicomico County Council is due to vote on the FY 2012 budget, the SACC claims that its membership supports the tax rate hike but opposes any hike in the personal property tax.

Nothing like self-interest.  I would have been more impressed if it had been INFORMED self-interest.  What the poo-bah’s at the chamber neglected to tell their membership is that PERSONAL PROPERTY TAXES are based on the real property rate.  IF the real property rate goes up 5 cents, the personal property rate goes up 25 cents!  Sorry guys – THAT’s THE LAW!

Maryland Falling Behind in Race for Gamblers

Rich Williamson is exactly the kind of person Maryland leaders had in mind when they decided to bring slots to the state.

For years, he has been traveling to West Virginia two or three times a week to gamble. Yet with one of Maryland’s largest slots parlors planned for just a few minutes from his Baltimore home, the furniture salesman has written off his home state.

Here’s why: During the past year, black jack, craps, roulette and other table games have debuted here, transforming the Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races into a place far more akin to what gamblers find in Las Vegas.

And that has meant that Maryland — barely in the slots game — is falling further behind. Only two of the state’s five planned slots venues have opened, with the other three facing delays. In the meantime, neighboring states have considerably upped the ante, which worries not only supporters of Maryland gambling but also opponents.

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VA Agencies Do Little to Prevent Hiring Illegals

Most state agencies do little to monitor whether they are hiring illegal immigrants, a study by the legislature's watchdog agency concluded Monday.

Justin Brown, an analyst for the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission, told the panel's members Monday that only one state agency reported being informed of a potential violation during the past five years.

The Department of General Services was informed of a potential violation in the community college system,Brown said. He did not know what became of that, he added.

Brown said state agencies feel that enforcement of the federal Immigration Reform and Control Act is primarily a federal responsibility. That act, signed into law by President Ronald Reagan in 1986, includes sanctions for employers who knowingly hire undocumented workers.

Agencies think compliance in state contracting — for example, in construction work or state technology — is the responsibility of the contractor and that it would be too expensive for agencies to monitor compliance, Brown said.

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BREAKING NEWS

The Wicomico County Council is scheduled to meet in a Special Legislative Session in the Council Chamber at 10:00 a.m. this morning to adopt the County fy2012 Operating Budget and set the tax levy for fy 2012. Council President Gail M. Bartkovich has asked Council members to come in 30 minutes early, at 9:30 to consider a late appeal from States Attorney, Matt Maciarello. The 9:30 meeting will be open to the public.

Baltimore Schools to Reimburse Teachers’ Visa Fees

Baltimore school officials say the district will reimburse international teachers who paid out-of-pocket fees to obtain work visas, a practice that led the U.S. Department of Labor to order Prince George's County schools to pay nearly $6 million in penalties and back wages.

Tisha Edwards, chief of staff for the city school system, said the district has international teachers — the majority Filipino — who shouldered their own costs for immigration filings and fees associated with being recruited to the district.

However, the district could not say how much money it might have to pay back.

"If there are cases, and we know that there are some, where teachers have had any out-of-pocket expenses for visa filings, we are going to reimburse them for that, no problem," she said.

In April, the Department of Labor ordered Prince George's schools to pay $4.2 million in back wages to Filipino teachers who had to pay $1,000 in visa fees when they were hired. The county was also fined $1.7 million.

READ MORE …

“Change Maryland” Looks for Middle Ground

Annapolis developer Larry Hogan says his month-old organization, Change Maryland, was “born out of frustration.”

“A lot of people are not happy with the direction of this state. Some businesses have closed and left the state. Others have just given up,” Hogan said in an interview about his new group.

“I think the stakes are too high for just to fold up the tent and to say we’ve given up,” Hogan said. That is particularly true after former Gov. Bob Ehrlich lost a second gubernatorial election to Martin O’Malley by 15 points last November, said Hogan.

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GOP’s Diluted “Purity Test”

A new CNN/Opinion Research poll this weekend showed that three in four Republicans said they would prefer a GOP nominee who can beatPresident Obama to someone who agrees with them on all the issues.

Good for Mitt Romney, right?

On the surface, the answer is yes. Romney has a monopoly on electability right now, even as his past stances on social issues and his health care bill threaten to weigh him down in a primary. Indeed, the CNN poll show Republicans — by a convincing margin — think he’s the one to beat Obama.

But it might not be so simple.

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Wicomico County Sheriff's Office Press Releases

Incident: Possession of Marijuana

Date of Incident: 12 June 2011

Location: Rt. 50 at Naylor Mill Road, Salisbury, MD

Suspect: Paul N. Johnson, 24, Baltimore, MD

Narrative: On 12 June 2011 at 12:19 AM, a deputy from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office stopped a vehicle for speeding on Rt. 50 near Salisbury. During the ensuing encounter with the occupants, one of the rear seat passengers, Paul Johnson, exited the vehicle to speak with the deputy. When Johnson did so, the deputy watched as a baggie containing what the deputy recognized as marijuana fell to the ground.

The deputy placed Johnson 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 Johnson in the Detention Center in lieu of $3,000.00 bond.

Charges: Possession of Marijuana

Date: 13 June 2011

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Incident: Sex Offense

Date of Incident: 12 June 2011

Location: 5000 block of Elliott’s Court, Salisbury, MD

Suspect: Marshall K. Maine, 46, Salisbury, MD

Narrative: On 12 June 2011 at 5:15 PM, a deputy from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office
responded to the 5000 block of Elliott’s Court for a reported sex offense. Upon arrival, the deputy learned that 46 year old man, Marshall K. Maine, lured a 15 year old female into a mobile home at that location. Once inside the home, Maine proceeded to have inappropriate physical contact with the 15 year old. The deputy learned that the father of the 15 year old learned what was happening and attempted to subdue Maine, but he managed to flee the area. A deputy subsequently located Maine walking on the roadway nearby and took him into custody.

The deputy transported Maine 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 Maine in the Detention Center in lieu of $300,000.00 bond.

Charges: Solicitation of a Minor
Sex Offense Fourth Degree
Assault 1st Degree
Assault 2nd Degree
False Imprisonment
Kidnapping

Date: 13 June 2011

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Incident: Assault on a Deputy

Date of Incident: 12 June 2011

Location: 700 block of North Westover Drive, Salisbury, MD

Suspect: Jeannette B. Fortt-Odom, 47, Salisbury, MD

Narrative: On 12 June 2011 at 4:13 PM, a deputy from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office
responded for a reported disturbance inside a residence in the 700 block of North Westover Drive in Salisbury. Upon arrival, the deputy learned that Jeannette Fortt-Odom became embroiled in an argument with her husband when it turned physical and Fortt-Odom is accused of striking him. The deputy observed that the husband had a busted lip that was allegedly the result of the assault.

During the investigation, the deputy discovered an outstanding warrant for the husband’s arrest from Worcester County. When the deputy attempted to verify the warrant, Fortt-Odom began yelling at the deputies and causing a disturbance. Upon the deputy’s attempt to place the husband under arrest for the warrant, Fortt-Odom tried to intervene and attempted to force the deputy away from her husband. Upon the attempt of an additional deputy to place Fortt-Odom under arrest, she kicked the deputy and later spit on him while treating the deputy belligerently.

The deputy transported Fortt-Odom to the Central Booking Unit where she was processed and taken in front of the District Court Commissioner. After an initial appearance, the Commissioner detained her in the Detention Center in lieu of $75,000.00 bond.

Charges: Assault 2nd Degree
Disorderly Conduct
Obstruct and Hinder
Interfere with an Arrest
Resist Arrest

Date: 13 June 2011

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Incident: Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol

Date of Incident: 12 June 2011

Location: Salisbury Blvd., at Dover Street, Salisbury, MD

Suspect: Lavoya T. Neal, 31, Salisbury, MD

Narrative: On 12 June 2011 at 12:20 AM, a deputy from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office stopped a vehicle for erratic driving. Upon stopping the vehicle and making contact with the operator, Lavoya Neal, the deputy detected a strong odor of alcohol emanating from within the passenger compartment. The deputy also noticed that Neal was incoherent in his speech. The deputy began to administer field sobriety tests which confirmed the deputy’s suspicion that Neal was operating his vehicle while under the influence of alcohol.

The deputy also discovered that Neal’s privilege to drive a motor vehicle in the State of Maryland had been suspended.

The deputy placed Neal under arrest and transported him to the Maryland State Police barrack for a breath test. Neal was released upon signing citations.

Charges: Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol
Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol per se
Driving While Suspended

Date: 13 June 2011

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Incident: Assault

Date of Incident: 11 June 2011

Location: 24000 block of Nanticoke Road, Quantico, MD

Suspect: John Henry Lynk, 42, Salisbury, MD

Narrative: On 11 June 2011 at 5:17 PM, a deputy from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office
investigation an altercation in front of a residence in the 24000 block of Nanticoke Road in Quantico. Upon arrival, the deputy learned that altercation began when John Lynk became enraged after he believed another driver cut him off on Nanticoke Road. Lynk followed this driver to his residence in order to confront him over the incident. Once they arrived, a physical altercation broke out which led to Lynk assaulting both the victim and his wife.

A warrant was obtained for Lynk and he was subsequently arrested. Upon transport to the Central booking Unit for processing and an initial appearance in front of the Commissioner, Lynk was detained in the Detention Center in lieu of $6,000.00 bond.

Charges: Assault 2nd Degree

Date: 13 June 2011

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Incident: Assault

Date of Incident: 11 June 2011

Location: 9000 block of Ocean Highway, Delmar, MD

Suspect: Cristin T. Fluharty, 27, Salisbury, MD

Narrative: On 11 June 2011 at 2:00 AM, a deputy from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office
responded for a reported altercation occurring at a hotel in Delmar, MD. Upon arrival, the deputy learned that two subjects who were a cohabitating boyfriend and girlfriend had become engaged in a verbal altercation that turned physical. Cristin Fluharty allegedly struck her boyfriend in the face and bit him on his arm. The deputy observed fresh signs of injury on the boyfriend that corroborated this account.

The deputy placed Fluharty under arrest and transported him to the Central Booking Unit where she was processed and taken in front of the District Court Commissioner. After an initial appearance, the Commissioner detained Fluharty in the Detention Center in lieu of $20,000.00 bond.

Charges: Assault 2nd Degree

Date: 13 June 2011

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Incident: Disorderly Conduct

Date of Incident: 11 June 2011

Location: 100 block of Davis Street, Salisbury, MD

Suspect: 1. Juvenile Male, 15, Salisbury, MD
2. Juvenile Male, 16, Salisbury, MD

Narrative: On 11 June 2011 at 12:21 AM, a deputy from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office was attempting to drive on Davis Street in Salisbury when he was blocked by two juveniles walking down the middle of the street. When the juveniles ignored the request of the deputy to utilize the sidewalk, he exited his vehicle to contact them. The juveniles refused to heed the deputy; instead they continued walking and began yelling at the deputy. Upon the deputy attempting to stop them, they then began shouting obscenities towards the deputy and were both subsequently arrested.

The deputy transported both juveniles to the Sheriff’s Office where they were processed and charged on a juvenile referral. Both were released to guardians pending formal court adjudication.

Charges: Disorderly Conduct
Failure to Obey a Law Enforcement Officer

Date: 13 June 2011

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Incident: Handgun Violation

Date of Incident: 10 June 2011

Location: 1500 block of Duke Drive, Salisbury, MD

Suspect: Lionel M. Long, 54, Salisbury, MD

Narrative: On 10 June 2011 at 9:21 AM, a deputy from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office
responded for a reported subject with a gun. Upon arrival, the deputy learned that Lionel Long came back to his residence brandishing a handgun when he learned his soon to be estranged wife was in the process of moving out. Long left the residence but subsequently left and then returned without the handgun. During an interview with the deputy, Long admitted to coming to residence with the handgun and then tossing it in a bush behind a garage.

The deputy located the revolver type handgun and discovered it was loaded. Long was placed under arrest and transported 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 Long in the Detention Center in lieu of $25,000.00 bond.

Charges: Handgun on Person
Handgun in Vehicle

Date: 13 June 2011

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Incident: Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol

Date of Incident: 11 June 2011

Location: N/B U.S. 13 at Winner Blvd., Delmar

Suspect: Patricia T. Notvest, 63, Mardela Springs, MD

Narrative: On 11 June 2011 at 1:09 AM, a deputy from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office stopped a vehicle for no headlights at night. Upon making contact with the operator, Patricia Notvest, the deputy detected an odor of alcohol and other indicators that led the deputy to believe that the operator was impaired by alcohol. The deputy attempted to administer field sobriety tests on Notvest after she exited the vehicle which led the deputy to conclude that Notvest was under the influence of alcohol.

Notvest was arrested for DUI and she declined to take the breath test. Notvest was transported to the Central Booking Unit where she was processed and taken in front of the District Court Commissioner. After an initial appearance, the Commissioner released her on Personal Recognizance.

Charges: Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol

Date: 13 June 2011

Richmond Revises SAT Scores Amid Criticism

Richmond public schools have separated the SAT scores of their high schools from those of the regional Maggie L. Walker Governor's School after criticism from a local state lawmaker and a political consultant.

And when the governor's school students are removed, the district's mean combined SAT score drops nearly 200 points.

Del. Joseph D. Morrissey, D-Henrico, said this month that Richmond was wrongly taking credit for the SAT scores of high-performing students at Maggie Walker.

At that time, Richmond school officials said they had no plans to change the numbers. However, the district recently recalculated the mean scores posted on the school system's website and added a notation that Maggie Walker students were excluded.

An asterisk also was included to note that Maggie Walker is a regional governor's school and not part of the Richmond school system. Richmond is the fiscal agent for the governor's school.

READ MORE …

119th Fireman’s Convention to Alter OC Traffic Patterns

The Maryland State Firemen’s Association comes to town June 19-22 for their annual convention. Once again, the convention will include a parade down Baltimore Avenue. This year’s parade will be held 1 p.m. Wednesday, June 22.

Downtown traffic patterns will be affected as follows: Beginning at noon on the day of the parade, traffic entering Ocean City via the Route 50 bridge will be directed to one of two routes. Vehicles crossing the bridge in the left-hand lane will turn left onto Philadelphia Ave. and travel in a coned-off lane going north to 9th St. Resort officials advise motorists to take this route as traffic should flow more quickly in the coned-off lane. Vehicles crossing the bridge in the right-hand lane must turn right at Talbot St. and travel north on St. Louis Ave. Motorists traveling southbound on Philadelphia Ave. will be directed to the far two right lanes beginning at 9th St.

To accommodate the altered traffic patterns, parking will be prohibited from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on the day of the parade at the following locations: All of Philadelphia Ave. from 9th St. to N. Division St.; the west side of St. Louis Ave. between 2nd St. and 3rd St.; the east side of St. Louis Ave between 1st St. and 2nd St.; the south side of 2nd St. between St. Louis Ave. and Philadelphia Ave. and the north and south side of 1st St. between St. Louis Ave. and Philadelphia Ave. Vehicles not removed prior to 10 a.m. will be towed.

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Delaware Not Worried About Bay Bridget Toll Hikes

Starting this fall, the cost for most drivers crossing the Chesapeake Bay Bridge will likely double, with Maryland officials considering their first toll increase since 1983.

But Delaware tourism leaders aren't too concerned that the steeper rates will crimp travelers' plans.

The tolls paid by travelers heading east, onto the Delmarva Peninsula, would rise from $2.50 now to $5 this fall, and jump again to $8 by 2013.

Drivers heading west, back into mainland Maryland, don't pay to cross the two-span, 4.3-mile-long bridge.

The Bay Bridge, one of only three ways for out-of-state visitors to get to the Delaware resorts, is the primary route for tourists from Washington, D.C., and the western shore of Maryland.

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