Salisbury News: 08/18/12

Saturday, August 18, 2012

California Law Barring Parents From 'Curing' Gay Children Moves Through Legislature

A first-of-its-kind state law that would restrict parents from trying to "cure" their minor children's same-sex attractions seems headed to the governor's desk.

If both state houses can agree on the final language, the legislation, which would ban all sexual orientation change effort (SOCE) treatment for minors, will be sent to Democratic Gov. Jerry Brown for his signature sometime in September. But, so far, there has been no indication from his office on whether he will sign the bill into law.

Whatever the governor does, he's sure to face criticism. Backers see it as a civil rights issue, while critics say lawmakers are infringing on not only parents' rights but also on the mission of mental health professionals.

A suburban Dallas boy has been barred from playing peewee football because the league says he is just too big at nearly 300 pounds.

Mesquite Pee Wee Football Association President Ronnie Henderson said the rules are clear and 12-year-old Elijah Earnheart is not eligible. The 6-foot-1-inch boy exceeds the 135-pound limit for seventh-graders, and he got the bad news last Sunday when the league held its official weigh-in.

The four-star general who headed U.S. Africa Command used military vehicles to shuttle his wife on shopping trips and to a spa and billed the government for a refueling stop overnight in Bermuda, where the couple stayed in a $750 suite, a Defense Department investigation has found.

A 99-page report alleges excessive unauthorized spending and travel costs for Gen. William "Kip" Ward, including lengthy stays at lavish hotels for Ward, his wife and his staff members, and the use of five-vehicle motorcades when he traveled to Washington.

It also said that Ward and his wife, Joyce, accepted dinner and Broadway show tickets from a government contractor during a trip on which he went backstage to meet actor Denzel Washington and they and several staff members spent two nights at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel.

America's 911 Ride wraps up Sunday in New York, and one rider's favorite experience on the trip included the flag waving crowds in the D.C. area.

Anthony Austin worked 22 years as a New York City fireman. He responded to the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001. He was also one of the first responders on scene for the World Trade Center bombing in 1993.

"It brings me back to that day 11 years ago when the towers came down, so it's hard for me to even talk about it because I see all the pictures and all the friends that I lost and I get choked up about it," he says before starting out from the Pentagon Saturday morning.

Md. Court Rejects Redistricting Map Appeal

The state's highest court on Friday rejected an appeal by Maryland Democrats to stop a referendum on the state's congressional redistricting map, paving the way for another question to be decided by voters in November.

While presidential and U.S. Senate races will be at the top of the ticket, ballot issues such as gambling expansion and same-sex marriage will be more hotly contested in Maryland.

Lawmakers this week passed legislation after the House of Delegates barely mustered the minimum number of votes in a special session to allow table games like roulette and blackjack, as well as a casino in Prince George's County. Voters have the final say on gambling expansion under the state's law.

Obama Camp To Romney: Release Five Years Of Returns And We'll Stop

Mitt Romney addressed the seemingly never-ending issue of his tax returns Thursday, saying that for the past 10 years, he never paid less than 13 percent of his income in taxes. The response from many Democrats? We'll believe it when we see it.

But in a letter to Romney campaign manager Matt Rhoades dated Aug. 17, Obama campaign manager Jim Messina wrote that if Mr. Romney issues three additional returns — having already released his 2010 returns and an estimate for 2011 — the campaign would cease fire on the issue dogging the former Massachusetts governor.

"Governor Romney apparently fears that the more he offers, the more our campaign will demand that he provide," Mr. Messina wrote. "So I am prepared to provide assurances on just that point: if the Governor will release five years of returns, I commit in turn that we will not criticize him for not releasing more — neither in ads nor in other public communications or commentary for the rest of the campaign."

The swine flu has been found in five children and one adult in Queen Anne’s County, according to the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. All had direct contact with pigs.

In addition, the Maryland Department of Agriculture said they tested several pigs that all 6 people came in contact with; it’s unclear where the pigs are or where the people came in contact with the pigs.

WILD VIDEO SHOWS 83-YEAR-OLD PROTESTER SPITTING IN ROMNEY SUPPORTER’S FACE

A video posted by the Appleton Post-Crescent shows an anti-Romney protester spitting in the face of an audience member during an appearance by state Sen. Alberta Darling (R-River Hills) on Friday.

In the video, Darling is speaking to the audience when a female protester disrupts the “Wisconsin Women for Mitt” event and tries to ask a question: “Why are you against Planned Parenthood?”

When another woman asks the protester to hold her question, the protester says, “Get out of my face” and spits in hers.

Video and More HERE

Speed Camera Defaced Near Loch Raven High School

Make that one more traffic camera targeted by vandals.

Someone defaced a speed camera enclosure along Cromwell Bridge Road.

The camera was sprayed with red paint on both sides.

The camera was just recently put in near Loch Raven High School.

Bridal Show Set For Next Month In Berlin

Drawing on support from businesses in and around Berlin, the 1st Annual Berlin Bridal Show to be held in September seeks to provide a complete “gamut” of wedding services, according to organizers.

“It’s trying to promote Berlin as a wedding destination,” said Jen Davis, co-owner of Bustle, the new bridal boutique that opened in Berlin this summer.

As chair, Davis explained that she and the other organizers have been working for months to create an event that would engage the business community as well as residents of and visitors to Berlin.

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Come To The Farm & Home Show Today, Let's Talk

Dear Joe,

I just had to write you and tell you how my husband and I felt after meeting you tonight. We both started reading your site several years ago after a local girl went missing and have continued to follow it every since.

Honestly we had somewhat of a negative impression of you, not sure why really. After talking to you tonight that has all changed for us.

We both felt as we walked away, "We had that guy all wrong". He has great ideas for the City of Salisbury, we believe that you have the drive to see them through. All that aside you were just a great person to talk too.

Good Luck with the campaign however I don't think you will need it.
Mr. and Mrs. City Voter

'BATMAN' SHOOTING PROMPTS DEMOCRAT GUN BILLS

Democratic leaders in three big states have used this summer’s mass shooting in Colorado to push bills that would crack down on assault weapons and ammunition sales, rekindling a debate that has not gained much traction in Congress or on the presidential campaign.

In Illinois, Gov. Pat Quinn proposed that his state enact a strict ban on assault weapons, similar to California’s. New York lawmakers have proposed wide-ranging legislation that would limit weapons purchases.

Berlin To Host ‘Romeo And Juliet’

The Brown Box Theatre Project will be taking the Bard out of the books and into the streets this fall with free performances of Romeo and Juliet all across the Eastern Shore.

Directed by Berlin native Kyler Taustin, the Brown Box shows will start in Boston, where the theater is based, and eventually head south beginning Sept. 7 to several local spots, including stops in Salisbury, Snow Hill, Ocean Pines, Ocean City, St. Martin’s Church and Berlin.

According to Berlin Director of Community and Economic Development Michael Day, the town is looking forward to having Romeo and Juliet performed on Main Street.

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NO-BAMA 2012: YOUNG VOTERS FED UP WITH ECONOMY

Young voters – the ones who so notably turned out for Barack Obama in 2008 – are fed up with being unemployed, and many are beginning to turn against the president’s big-government solutions to America’s economic woes.

One group tracking this turnaround is Generation Opportunity, or GO, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that seeks to mobilize Americans aged 18-29 toward “real solutions” to joblessness and the flailing economy.

GO boasted this past week that its family of Facebook pages – with names like “We Like Small Government” and “Gas Prices Are too D— High” – have topped over 4 million “likes” and growing, fueled by a young demographic that polls show is increasingly disillusioned with Obama’s economic policies.

Local Seeks $500K From Motorist After Scooter Accident

In what could become a common occurrence with the proliferation of scooters in the resort and their inevitable interactions with motor vehicles, a Salisbury man has filed suit seeking $500,000 from a Massachusetts woman, alleging she was negligent when she struck him with her car while he was riding a scooter on Coastal Highway last September.

The case was originally filed in Worcester County Circuit Court in February, but last week was transferred to U.S. District Court. The amended complaint filed by the plaintiff, Jeffrey Jester of Wicomico County, alleges the driver, Joann Allen of Massachusetts, was negligent when the vehicle she was driving made an abrupt left turn and collided with the scooter operator, launching him into the air and causing serious injuries.

According to the complaint, last Sept. 5, Jester was “carefully, prudently and legally” traveling on a scooter in the northbound bus lane on Coastal Highway and was approaching 41st Street when he was violently struck from the left side by a Honda driven by Allen, who was traveling in the far right lane for vehicles. Allen made an abrupt right turn and struck Jester from the left side as he was entering the intersection.

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Air Force Sex Scandal

In the wake of a sex scandal at an Air Force training center, leaders are urging airmen to uphold standards of behavior. Secretary Michael Donley spoke yesterday at a Florida convention of airmen. He said the service is helping sexual assault victims and increasing protection for trainees. He expected investigators to identify any systemic breakdowns. Earlier this week, Chief Master Sgt. James Roy told the convention: the Air Force had a sexual assault problem. He said digital communications like email and texting have made it harder for people to recognize non-verbal cues. Bystanders, he said, needed to spot warning signals and speak up. More than a dozen trainers at Lackland Air Force Base face charges of sexually assaulting students. One has been sentenced to 20 years in prison.

Oh Boy!

You may see odd-looking kiosks popping up in parking lots in and around the Capitol. The president signed a bill authorizing construction of electric car charging stations in parking areas controlled by the House. The law says the stations must be operated at no net cost to the government. That means users will likely have to pay a fee to use them. The Ronald Reagan building has charging stations in its garage for use by Environmental Protection Agency employees.

Border Patrol President Indicted For Fraud

The former president of the Border Patrol agents' union has been indicted on 12 federal counts of fraud. Prosecutors say Terence J. Bonner charged hundreds of thousands of dollars in personal spending to the union. He passed them off as business travel expenses. Among the expenses were visits to his mistress and tickets to hockey games. Bonner, known as T.J., spent 22 years at the National Border Control Council. He retired last year. Prosecutors say he collected premium pay for working overtime. But they say that during some of those hours Bonner was downloading pornography at home.

Section 8 Waitlists Don't Have to Be a Mile Long: Federal Housing Policy Should Stop Favoring Wealthier Homeowners

Imagine an overwhelmingly regressive welfare program, taking money from low- and moderate- income individuals and disproportionately benefiting people with incomes over $100,000. This policy would allow the rich and upper-middle classes to consume more while leaving working-class and poverty-stricken citizens without the aid they desperately need. Imagine that this same policy allows for inefficient resource use and causes stress on urban infrastructure. Imagining a policy like this is difficult and almost unfathomable because most Americans, when they think of welfare, think of policies that help and aid the poor in order to give them a more level playing field. In the very least, Americans think of policies that aim to change poor peoples' behaviors. Even the most conservative pundit would find a welfare policy that is so obviously skewed to the wealthy to be strange. However, these seemingly contradictory principles are all embodied in one of the United States' most expensive welfare policies: federal housing policy.

Most people do not recognize the different policies that make America's approach to housing so strange. Either they see it as the free market at work, or they do not see it as welfare. This mindset is one of the most intriguing features of housing policy and the welfare state in general. America is very unique in that many of the policies of the welfare state are "submerged," or hidden from public view. These hidden policies maintain the illusion that the United States has a small welfare state, while still allowing for aid to flow from the government to targeted groups.

The United States also uses a myriad of policy tools to make up the welfare state, while other countries are more likely to use explicit means like cash transfers and direct national spending. Seeing the many policy tools, the question then becomes, why does the United States have this kind of housing policy? This is an interesting question, due to the ways in which US housing policy benefits citizens who do not need the assistance, and the ways in which the policy is so different than what is usually thought of as welfare. I argue that United States housing policy has been subject to increasing returns, and historical decisions have set the United States on a path that has been difficult to alter. This path has reinforced homeownership preference, broader American attitudes about the welfare state and the role of interest groups in preserving the status quo.

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In Screwed Up News

A Judge on the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit has ruled that a right to own a machine gun is not protected under the Second Amendment. Bush-appointed judge Milan Smith issued the ruling this week – joining the third, the sixth, and the eighth circuits in rejecting the claim that machine guns are protected under the Second Amendment. Unfortunately, the highest court in the land – the Supreme Court – doesn't concur. And Justice Scalia has even suggested in a recent interview that Americans may have a right to shoulder-fired rocket launchers under the Second Amendment.

Don't Raise Taxes

What happens if you're a Republican and you vote to raise taxes? You lose your job. That's what happened to Republican California Assemblyman Brian Nestande after he sided with Democrats in his state and voted to increase taxes on Monday to address his state's current fiscal crisis. The very next day, Nestande announced he's stepping down as the state's Republican Caucus Chairman. He refused to comment on whether he's stepping down by choice or whether he was forced out, but Nestande did say he, "understood the ramifications when [he] took the vote." My guess is he was asked to step down.

Democratic Lawmakers Are Lobbing Serious Charges At Retail Giant Walmart

Representatives Henry Waxman and Elijah Cummings claim they have documents proving that Walmart not only violated the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act by bribing foreign officials in Mexico, but also is guilty of tax evasion and money laundering. In a letter sent to Walmart CEO Michael Duke, the lawmakers are demanding documents and information regarding these allegations. Walmart has until August 28th to respond. Keep an eye on this story.

Cover-Up of Civilian Drone Deaths Revealed By New Evidence

Detailed information from the families of those killed in drone strikes in Pakistan and from local sources on strikes that have targeted mourners and rescue workers provides credible new evidence that the majority of the deaths in the drone war in Pakistan have been civilian noncombatants - not "militants," as the Obama administration has claimed.

The new evidence also shows that the statistical tally of casualties from drone attacks in Pakistan published on the web site of the New America Foundation (NAF) has been systematically understating the deaths of large numbers of civilians by using a methodology that methodically counts them as "militants."

The sharply revised picture of drone casualties conveyed by the two new primary sources is further bolstered by the recent revelation that the Obama administration adopted a new practice in 2009 of automatically considering any military-age male killed in a drone strike as a "militant" unless intelligence proves otherwise.

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WCSO Press Releases 8-18-12

Incident: Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol
Date of Incident: 14 August 2012
Location: Old Eden Road at U.S. 13, Eden, MD
Suspect: Peter Reynold Battle Jr., 27, Fruitland, MD

Narrative: On 14 August 2012 at 11:46 PM, a deputy from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office responded to Old Eden Road just off of U.S. 13 for a rollover accident. Upon arrival the deputy identified the drive as Peter Battle Jr. and detected a strong odor of alcohol emanating from Battle. The deputy began to administer sobriety testing that Battle performed poorly on which led to his arrest for DUI.

During the subsequent processing, Battle refused to submit to a breath test.

Battle was released upon the issuance if citations.

Charges: Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol

Incident: Driving Under the Influence of Drugs
Date of Incident: 15 August 2012
Location: Ocean Gateway at Main Street, Pittsville, MD
Suspect: Megan Renee Smullen, 24, Salisbury, MD

Narrative: On 15 August 2012 at 7:50 PM a deputy from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office stopped a vehicle operated by Megan Smullen of Salisbury for erratic driving. Upon making contact with Smullen, the deputy observed that she appeared lethargic and her speech was slurred. The deputy also observed that Smullen had difficulties exiting her vehicle when requested. The deputy suspected impairment which led to the administration of sobriety testing that Smullen performed poorly on. The deputy placed Smullen under arrest for Driving under the Influence.

During processing, the deputy suspected that Smullen was impaired by some sort of drugs. A Drug Recognition Expert conducted an examination of Smullen and the DRE concluded that Smullen was under the influence of a drug that was impairing her ability to operate a vehicle.

The deputy charged Smullen with Driving a Vehicle while Under the Influence of Drugs.

Charges: Driving Under the Influence

Incident: Vandalism
Date of Incident: 15 August 2012
Location: 7300 block of Richardson Street, Willards
Suspect: Marcus Damien Echard, 21, Linkwood, MD

Narrative: On 15 August 2012 at 2:20, a deputy from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office arrested Marcus Echard on an outstanding arrest warrant in a vandalism related incident. Back on 21 June 2012, Echard stands accused of ripping out electrical wires in another individual’s truck that connected to his windows and speaker system.

The deputy transported Echard to the Central Booking Unit where he was processed and taken in front of the District Court Commissioner. After an initial appearance, the Commissioner released Echard on Personal Recognizance.

Charges: Malicious Destruction of Property

Incident: Theft
Date of Incident: 15 August 2012
Location: 34000 block of Old Ocean City Road, Pittsville, MD
Suspect: Patrick K. Otting, 52, Preston, MD

Narrative: On 15 August 2012 at 9:32 PM, a deputy from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office was called to a domestic dispute in the parking lot of the Pittsville Branch of the Library when the deputy was informed that the male half, Patrick Otting, was driving his vehicle with bad tags. That caused the deputy to run a query on the registration plate of the vehicle that Otting was driving which revealed not only were the tags for another vehicle, but they were stolen.

The deputy also discovered two bench warrants for Otting’s arrest out of Talbot County that were both issued back in June 2012 after Otting failed to appear in two Driving While Suspended cases.

The deputy placed Otting 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 Otting in the Detention Center in lieu of $10,000.00 bond for the stolen license plate. Otting was detained on an additional $25,000.00 bond on the two bench warrants.

Charges: Theft
Failure to Appear

Incident: Burglary
Date of Incident: 15 August 2012
Location: 100 block of Civic Avenue, Salisbury, MD
Suspect: Russell E. Neff, 22, Salisbury, MD

Narrative: On 15 August 2012 at 10:23 PM, deputies from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office
responded to a reported burglary in progress in the 100 block of Civic Avenue in Salisbury. The
homeowner advised that a male subject was beating on his front door in an apparent attempt to gain entry.

The homeowner called for help and retreated upstairs prior to the subject successfully forcing entry into the residence. Upon arrival, the deputies entered the house and found this subject, Russell Neff, sitting in the living room while licking the homeowner’s remote control. Neff had also removed his clothes and was sitting in the homeowners chair in only his underwear. The deputies also discovered that Neff was also in the process of cooking himself a chicken pot pie that he had found in the homeowner’s kitchen.

The deputies attempted to place Neff under arrest but he struggled and resisted apprehension.

The homeowner advised he did not know Neff.

Neff was 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 Neff in the Detention Center in lieu of $250,000.00 bond.

Charges: Burglary 1st Degree
Theft of a Chicken Pot Pie
Malicious Destruction of Property
Resisting Arrest

TRAFFIC ALERT 8-18-12

Maintenance Repairs Will Require Traffic Pattern Change on Route 113 Northbound Overpass

Milford -- The Department of Transportation's (DelDOT) Maintenance crews will performing bridge maintenance on the Route 113 northbound overpass in Milford between Route 1 and New Wharf Road. Traffic will be shifted to the left side of the roadway, followed by traffic shifts to the right side as work progresses. The project will begin on Monday, August 20 and end on Friday, August 24. The work hours will be from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m., pending weather. Motorists are urged to proceed with caution when driving through the work zone and expect delays.

Check Out Back-To-School Updates For Every Wicomico School Here

Elementary Schools and Programs

Beaver Run Elementary School
Prekindergarten – Grade 2
Principal: Melissa A. Eiler
meleiler@wcboe.org
410-677-5101
http://www.wcboe.org/schools/brs/

Beaver Run Elementary is excited for the arrival of students for the 2012-2013 school year!

Melissa Eiler and Alexan Dargan will continue to lead the highly qualified staff and Brilliant Beavers this school year. The faculty and staff would like to extend a warm welcome to new members of the school faculty: Roberta Braswell and Melody Southard (Kindergarten), Heather Cherry (Grade 1) and Colton Moyer (Grade 2), Sue Gebhart (Math Coach), Jamie Bouchelle (Reading Coach), Ari Johnson (ESA), and Stacey Reid (Office Associate). Returning to us this year but in new positions are Sharon Lewis (Grade 2) and Amy Cockey (Bookkeeper). We are proud to be a Title I school serving Prekindergarten – Grade 2. The faculty and staff will continue to provide rigorous, research-based instruction that encourages creativity through Arts Integration and Technology. The Brilliant Beavers will continue to model, promote, and celebrate school-wide expectations of being kind, safe, and responsible through the school’s award winning, Gold Banner, PBIS program. Please visit our school web page or the school system website (www.wcboe.org) for information about the new Consistent Attire Program (CAP) that our school will be piloting this year. We look forward to seeing our students in consistent attire from day one, looking sharp and keeping the focus on instruction. Our prekindergarten and kindergarten programs continue to demonstrate excellence in instruction as validated by the Maryland State Department of Education. Our new PTA Officers are eager to plan student and family events. We are an active member of the Wicomico Judy Center Partnership and partner with the Wicomico Early Learning Center (WELC). We are pleased to announce that the students will receive fresh fruits and vegetables for snack three days a week. Beaver Run will continue to work with community partners on many initiatives, including the Tales for Dogs and Roving Reader programs.

Key dates: Aug. 23, Open House for Grades 1 and 2, 1-3 p.m., Open House “A Day in Prek and K!” for Prekindergarten and Kindergarten, 6-7:30 p.m. Sept. 10, PTA Back to School Night, 6-7:30 p.m.

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Wicomico School Leadership Teams Ready For Start Of 2012-13 School Year

Administrative leadership teams for Wicomico County Public Schools are in place and ready for the start of the 2012-13 school year the week of Aug. 27. Welcome letters will be mailed to students and their families on Friday, Aug. 17.

The new school year will open Aug. 27 for students in grades 1-6 and grade 9. (Exceptions: All grades will attend at Pittsville Elementary and Middle, and only grade 6 will attend at Mardela Middle and High.) All students in grades 1-12 will be in school Tuesday, Aug. 28. During the first week, kindergarten and prekindergarten students will report as scheduled by the assigned school.

Leadership teams are listed below for each school and program. Administrators in a new position or location for the coming school year are marked with an asterisk (*).

Elementary:

Beaver Run Elementary: Principal Melissa A. Eiler, Assistant Principal Alexan “Aly” Dargan
Charles H. Chipman Elementary: Principal William J. “Bill” Curtis, Assistant Principal Carla H. Hicks
Delmar Elementary: Principal Judy W. Nicholson, Assistant Principals Dr. Kathleen Vail and Ryan Kessler*
East Salisbury Elementary: Principal Glendon A. Jones, Assistant Principal Karen F. Parsons*, Dean of Students Kim Waters
Fruitland Primary: Principal Pamela G. Mitchell*, Assistant Principal Lisa M. Forbush
Fruitland Intermediate: Principal Jon D. Shearer, Assistant Principal Dr. Kirsten S. Jennette
Glen Avenue Elementary: Principal Dr. Michael W. Collins, Assistant Principal Larry J. Collins
North Salisbury Elementary: Principal Ruby L. Brown, Assistant Principal Renee R. Hall
Northwestern Elementary: Principal Kirby S. Bryson, Assistant Principal Joyce D. Lewis
Pemberton Elementary: Principal Curtis W. Twilley, Assistant Principal Antionette Perry
Pinehurst Elementary: Principal Deborah L. Emge, Assistant Principal Dave Harris
Pittsville Elementary and Middle: Principal Michael T. Cody, Assistant Principal Rebecca R. Doss
Prince Street Elementary: Principal Christopher P. Nunzio, Assistant Principal Tana Ellis*, Dean of Students Chareka Harris*
West Salisbury Elementary: Principal Melva P. Wright, Assistant Principal Tara O’Barsky*
Westside Primary: Principal Kristina V. Gosnell, Assistant Principal Erica Cummins
Westside Intermediate: Principal Jason L. Miller*, Assistant Principal Shelly Hall*
Willards Elementary: Principal Regina J. Rando, Assistant Principal Katrena Bailey

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Obama's Hero Speaks

Lest we forget at least an over-the-shoulder acknowledgment to the very first radical: from all our legends, mythology, and history (and who is to know where mythology leaves off and history begins—or which is which), the first radical known to man who rebelled against the establishment and did it so effectively that he at least won his own kingdom —Lucifer.
—SAUL ALINSKY (in preface to "Rules for Radicals")

Obama In November 2009: Right, One-Third Of ObamaCare Funding Comes From Cuts To Medicare

WHEN ROMNEY AND RYAN SAY OBAMACARE STEALS MONEY FROM MEDICARE, THEY ARE TELLING THE TRUTH.

How Will You Vote In November

Stream Restoration Challenge

The vital connection between our stream health, our ability to create jobs and our children’s future has never been more important or more threatened than it is right now.

That’s why, as part of our goal to restore the health of the Bay by 2025, we’re launching the Governor’s Stream Restoration Challenge. The challenge is a competitive grant program open to local governments and non-profit organizations to establish 1,000 acres of stream-side forests by 2015. It will also create opportunities for middle and high school students to engage in service-learning and environmental literacy activities.

Forest buffers filter nutrients, sediment and other pollutants from entering the stream. They protect the stream banks from erosion, slow the flow of water during storms and provide a healthy habitat for its inhabitants.

But why are our streams so important? It’s simple. Our streams ultimately determine the health of the Bay. The 10,000 miles of streams that run through our communities can deliver either clean water or pollutants to the Bay. It starts with the streams and ends in the Bay. But we have a choice of how it ends.

There is a story about a child who asks her grandfather: “Grandfather, we’ve learned all about the importance of trees, how they can help the environment, clean the air, and filter storm water run-off. When’s the best time to plant a tree?” Her grandfather says, “Well, it takes time for those roots to go deep and for branches to spread,… and so the most important time plant a tree is 20 years ago.” And the little girl asks, “Well, when is the next best time to plant a tree?” The grandfather responds:“Right now.”

Let’s get to work right now and take the Governor’s Stream Restoration Challenge.

Worcester County Sheriff’s Office Press Release 8-18-12

On August 10, 2012, the Worcester County Criminal Enforcement Team executed a search and seizure warrant at a residence in Bishopville, Maryland relating to a marijuana cultivation investigation being conducted jointly by the Worcester County Criminal Enforcement Team and the Delaware State Police Sussex Drug Unit. As a result of this search and seizure warrant a total of sixty-seven (67) marijuana plants were located in a wooded area adjacent to the residence. These marijuana plants ranged from one foot to eight feet in height. Evidence was also recovered in this search and seizure warrant linking the suspect, Jason Vermillion, age 32, of Bishopville Md. to these marijuana plants. A search Vermillion’s residence also revealed thirty eight (38) grams of marijuana, numerous items of paraphernalia along with multiple firearms. Vermillion was placed under arrest and charged with the following offenses:

· Possession of Marijuana
· Possession with intent to distribute Marijuana
· Manufacturing Marijuana
· Possession of paraphernalia

Vermillion was subsequently committed to the Worcester County Jail on a $7,000.00 bond. The Worcester County Criminal Enforcement Team was assisted by the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office Patrol Division, Ocean City Police Department Narcotics Unit, and the Worcester County State’s Attorney’s Office during the execution of this search and seizure warrant.

Somerset County Sheriff's Office Press Release 8-18-12

Jeffrey D. Messinger of Westover, arrested 8-9-12 on a warrant for failing to appear in court. Messinger was released on personal recognizance.

Juvenile arrested 8-9-12 for trespassing on posted property. On 8-9-12 deputies were called to the area of Williams Rd, Princess Anne regarding a disturbance where the juvenile refused to leave the complainants residence. Deputies arrested the juvenile and charged him with trespassing, and was later released to parents.

Sandra Lee Tarr of Snow Hill, arrested 8-13-12 on a warrant for trespassing on posted property. Tarr was later released on personal recognizance.

Agatha Ida Best of Salisbury, arrested 8-13-12 on a body attachment warrant. Best was later released on personal recognizance.

Carol Ann Sterling of Marion, arrested 8-13-12 on a warrant for failing to appear in court. Sterling was held on a $1,000 bond.

Brian Charles Wing of Havre De Grace Maryland, arrested 8-13-12 on a warrant for failing to appear in court. Wing was held on a $500.00 bond.

Douglas Jay Ward jr. of Crisfield, arrested 8-14-12 on a body attachment warrant. Ward was later released after posting bond.

Sean Patrick Kable of Princess Anne, arrested 8-14-12 on a warrant for failing to appear in court. Kable was held on a $250.00 bond. Edward Patrick Williams Jr. of Baltimore, arrested 8-15-12 on warrants for child neglect, confine unattended child. Williams was released on a $5,000 unsecured bond.

Jackie Lee Mitchell of Westover, arrested 8-16-12 on warrants for theft less than $1,000 and theft less than $100.00. Mitchell was later released on personal recognizance.

Robert Lee Jefferson of Salisbury, arrested 8-16-12 on a warrant for failing to appear in court. Jefferson was held on a $10,000 bond.

Teacher Accused of Having Group Sex With Students on Video

A former Texas high school English teacher and mother of three is on trial, accused of having sex with five male students. The evidence against Brittni Colleps, 28, includes cell phone video that allegedly shows group sex between her and four students at her home....

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Interesting Gas Station North Of Birmingham Alabama

Special Session Reaps Dividends For Lower Shore

“Infusing Republican Principles into a Democratic Bill”
by Delegate Michael McDermott

The recent Special Session centered on the business of gaming in Maryland. As the governor sought support for the legislation, I was provided an open opportunity to help craft a bill which will do more to support our local interests. This dialogue resulted in significant changes to the bill which will have a tremendous impact across the state, on the lower shore, and, specifically, for Worcester County.

When the original bill was passed in 2007 authorizing casinos in Maryland, a significant portion of our local impact money was sent to Baltimore City (18%) and Prince George’s County ($1 million). This was hardly appropriate as neither entity was being impacted by Ocean Downs. This was found out, after the fact, when somebody decided to read the bill.

My discussions focussed on these kickbacks to the western shore. We also reviewed the restrictions placed on Ocean Downs which are not applied to any other site in the state (they included: no hotel, no convention center, no free food or drinks, and limited entertainment to a single piano player). My discussions with Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan indicated a strong desire to keep the restrictions in place, but an understanding that some flexibility on the entertainment issue may be reasonable. I expressed this in my negotiations and the mayor also lobbied Senate President Miller and House Speaker Busch.

The result was a bill which addressed the restrictions while relaxing the entertainment provisions. Further, it provided an additional $200,000.00 annual grant to Worcester County and a 5% return of local impact money achieved from table games in Prince George’s County to Worcester County. It also provided relief for the owner/operators by reducing their tax rate from 67% to 57%, a recognition by the Lottery Commission that Ocean Downs has been posting losses over $2 million since opening. It was a good start, but it did not address the 18% transfer to Baltimore City.

With the bill in the House of Delegates, I worked toward the goal of making the bill better. Two amendments were offered which made a significant difference. As a member of the Veteran’s Caucus, I was pleased that we were able to secure support for an amendment allowing American Legion and Veterans of Foreign War Posts in the state to have a few slot machines just as those on the Eastern Shore have had for years. Proceeds will be directed to our veterans through established funds while also supporting the local posts and lodges. This provision had been sought for years and I was happy that the opportunity had finally arrived.

The issue of Baltimore City’s cut of our local impact dollars was also addressed by way of a House amendment. That change will return 100% of the money to us which had previously been given to Baltimore City, and it will happen for all three rural casinos. This was a big win.

It is interesting that the democrats have confessed by this legislation that cutting taxes and reducing regulations are good for business and job growth in Maryland. As many of our businesses are hurting and jobs are on the line, perhaps they will be willing to do for all Maryland business and industry what they have seen as needed for gaming. I will be reminding them on a regular basis.

This legislation will result in thousands of jobs (permanent and temporary) created in Maryland and billions in economic investment. Now the matter will go to the voters in November.

If you believe there is a “war on rural Maryland”, this marks the beginning of reparations.

VP Biden Wins Prestigious "Postpony" Award

No changes in Social Security?? Joe B "guarantees" that? Who is he making this promise to? There are only two possibilities. Either Biden is flat out lying, or he is a fool.

Social Security is a “here and now” issue. It should be a matter that is part of the debate in the coming election. Charles Blahous, a Social Security Trustee, had this to say last weekend about the current status of America’s biggest entitlement program (Link).

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RED FLAGS WAVING EVERYWHERE

You’ve got DHS buying enormous amounts of ammo. You’ve got the U.S. military conducting “training” exercises in Boston, Chicago, and numerous other cities across the country. You’ve got the Federal Reserve telling the biggest Wall Street banks to prepare for a disaster. You’ve got the President issuing Executive Orders which give him absolute power over all commerce in the U.S. You’ve got the government putting out increasingly fraudulent data about the economy. The NDAA allows the government to imprison citizens without charge. The government is piling up $3.8 billion of debt per day. There are 240 million working age Americans and only 140 million of them working. Only 100 million are employed full-time. The real youth unemployment rate is 40%. The real overall unemployment rate is 22%. Real wages are lower than they were in 1971.

The ruling elite are clearly nervous. They have pillaged this country. The people are growing restless. They are starting to realize they’ve been screwed. The anger is building. The upcoming financial collapse will trigger social unrest, protests, and violence. Our owners are preparing. You should prepare too. We outnumber them by 30 to 1. They will need more ammo.

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QUOTES OF THE DAY 8-18-12

“It’s hard to beat a person who never gives up.”
― Babe Ruth

“Every strike brings me closer to the next home run.”
― Babe Ruth

“Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game”
― Babe Ruth

“Heroes get remembered, but legends never die.”
― Babe Ruth

“Truth is like the sun. You can shut it out for a time, but it ain’t going away.”
― Elvis Presley

“Animals don’t hate, and we’re supposed to be better than them.”
― Elvis Presley

“Do something worth remembering.”
― Elvis Presley

“Values are like fingerprints. Nobody’s are the same, but you leave ‘em all over everything you do”
― Elvis Presley

“THANK YA THANK YA VERY MUCH”
― Elvis Presley

Bingomania’s Back On Saturday, September 15th

(Salisbury, MD) Bingomania, the Eastern Shore’s largest bingo cash prize event, returns to the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center on Saturday, September 15th. Doors open at 5:00pm for early bird games and regular games begin at 7:30pm. Admission to Bingomania includes all regular and special games, including the Jumbo Jackpot Game. Regular game payouts are $500 while special games will pay out $1000. The Jumbo Jackpot Game pays a maximum of $10,000 depending upon attendance.Increase your chances of winning and help a local food bank at the same time by bringing three non-perishable food items to the game. Those that do will receive three additional cards for the first early bird game. Tickets are $45 per person in advance and $55 per person at the door. Tickets are on sale now at the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center Box Office (500 Glen Ave. Salisbury, MD), online at www.WicomicoCivicCenter.org and by phone at 410-548-4911.

All proceeds benefit the Mardela Middle and High School Bands. For more information contact the Mardela Band-Aides at 410-677-5170.

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Saturday, August 18, 2012