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DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Sunday, October 28, 2012
BREAKING NEWS: Shooting In Salisbury
Governor O'Malley Issues Executive Order
Health Insurance Companies Required to Waive Restrictions on Prescription Refills
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Tammy Griffin
October 28, 2012 (443) 366-2685
Health insurance companies required to waive restrictions on prescription refills
Salisbury, MD. – Governor Martin O’Malley issued an executive order today authorizing payment to pharmacies for at least a 30-day supply of any prescription medication, regardless of the date upon which the prescription medication had most recently been filled by a pharmacist and waive any restrictions on the time frame for the replacement of durable medical equipment or
supplies, eyeglasses, and dentures.
An extended period of power outages and flooding are possible with the approaching storm and may make it difficult to refill medications in the coming days. Local health insurance companies are now required to waive any time restrictions on prescription medication refills as part of the current state emergency declaration for Hurricane Sandy. Health insurance carriers include insurers, nonprofit health service plans, health maintenance organizations, dental plan organizations, and the Maryland Health Insurance Plan.
Individuals can access the official Insurance Administration Bulletin by checking our website at www.wicomicohealth.org.
Wor-wic Community College Closed Monday
Hurricane Sandy Floods Somers Point New Jersey Tonight
Here's what it looks like right now on Bay Ave in Somers Point, New Jersey.
Salisbury State University Closings
Salisbury University Closed Monday, October 29
Salisbury University is closed Monday, October 29. Essential personnel will report to work.
Only those employees who are designated as essential personnel will report to work.
All non-essential employees, except those on previously approved leave, are considered to be on paid administrative leave. Essential employees who fail to report to work will not be paid for the day and may be subject to disciplinary action for failing to report for work. Individuals who are unsure of their position’s status as essential or non-essential should check with their supervisors.
Cancellations and Closings Update
October 30th Senatorial Debate Canceled (more)
Shady Grove and Hagerstown sites are closed.
The IT Helpdesk and IT computer labs are closing early on Sunday and Monday, October 28 and 29. Sunday hours: Helpdesk and all IT computer labs open from noon to 5 p.m. Monday hours: Helpdesk and all four TETC computer labs, and FH 145 (Mac Lab) open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. All other IT computer labs (Devilbiss Room 205, Fulton Room 142, Perdue Rooms 141 and 248, and Library room 203) are closed.
The Blackwell Library closes Sunday, October 28, at 6 p.m.
Maggs PAC and the University Fitness Club are closing at 8 p.m. Sunday. Tentative hours for Monday and Tuesday are 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Please check the Athletics Web site for further information.
The third annual Monster Dash 5K scheduled for Sunday, October 28, has been postponed.
Delaware Roads Closed To Public After 5:00 a.m. Monday
WILMINGTON, Del. - October 28, 2012 (WPVI) -- Delaware Governor Jack Markell has ordered that no one will be allowed on Delaware roads after 5:00 a.m. Monday except for emergency and essential personnel.
The governor's office notified Action News of that order late Sunday night as Hurricane Sandy approached.
There was no word on when that order would be lifted.
State Highway Administration Responds to Hurrican Sandy
STATE HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION CREWS RESPOND TO HURRICANE SANDY
High Winds, Rain/Flooding on Eastern Shore;
Worst of the Storm Expected Monday into Tuesday
Worst of the Storm Expected Monday into Tuesday
(October 28, 2012 – 9 p.m.) – Hurricane Sandy is already taking a toll on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, with evacuations continuing in low-lying areas and flooding occurring in southern Ocean City. With the worst of the storm expected to pound Maryland with heavy rain and high winds on Monday and Tuesday, widespread power outages and a possible blizzard in far Western Maryland are expected.
Hurricane Sandy is a huge slow moving storm with wide-ranging impacts already being felt on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. As of 5 p.m. this afternoon, Coastal Highway in Ocean City was flooded near the US 50 Bridge, causing authorities to direct all motorists to the MD 90 Bridge at 63rd Street.
More than 200 State Highway Administration (SHA) crews are actively assisting across Maryland’s Eastern Shore with an additional 1,500 SHA operations personnel prepared in the remainder of the State to respond to high water, downed trees and traffic signal issues. In addition, a blizzard warning has been issued in Garrett County in far western Maryland Monday night into Tuesday.
"This is a dangerous storm and we need motorists to be alert throughout this event. Travelers will encounter road closures due to high water or trees down. SHA crews are adjusting signal timing and will post warning signs wherever possible," said State Highway Administrator Melinda B. Peters.
"Remember, a new law enacted Oct. 1 mandates drivers must treat intersections with non-functioning traffic signals as four-way stops. Do not assume you or the other driver has the right-of-way; make eye contact if possible and proceed safely through the intersection."
To keep traffic moving smoothly, SHA is:
• Providing real-time traffic information and storm-related road closures through Maryland’s 511 phone system and at WWW.MD511.ORG as well aswww.roads.maryland.gov where you can click on CHART to see live traffic cameras.
• Programming overhead Variable Message Signs along major roadways and Traveler Advisory Radios to inform motorists of crashes, delays and route diversions. However, smaller routes prone to flooding may not be listed as they happen quickly and often go unreported. Just because a road isn't listed as problematic on these resources, conditions change quickly, so use caution and allow extra time regardless.
• Programming overhead Variable Message Signs along major roadways and Traveler Advisory Radios to inform motorists of crashes, delays and route diversions. However, smaller routes prone to flooding may not be listed as they happen quickly and often go unreported. Just because a road isn't listed as problematic on these resources, conditions change quickly, so use caution and allow extra time regardless.
Additional tips for motorists can be found on SHA’s website at www.roads.maryland.gov or on MEMA’s website at www.mema.state.md.us.
In conjunction with other agencies and the Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), SHA is monitoring response to the storm from the Statewide Operations Center (SOC) near BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport. During hurricanes, snow storms and other crises, the SOC doubles as SHA’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) providing access to hundreds of camera images, constant contact with field personnel and quick response to changing conditions. From the EOC, SHA communicates with local jurisdictions, neighboring states, emergency responders and the media.
For the most up to date highway traffic information, call 511 or 1-855-GOMD511 or visit www.md511.org, which also includes weather. Sign up to personalize travel route information through MY511 on the website. Remember to use 511 safely – Maryland law prohibits hand-held mobile phone use and texting while driving.
For more general - non storm specific information, follow SHA on Twitter @MDSHA and “like” us on Facebook at:www.facebook.com/MarylandStateHighwayAdministration
PRMC
Peninsula Regional Medical Center's Emergency Operations Team will continue to monitor Hurricane Sandy and the storm's projected path throughout the weekend and into early next week.
We will be listing all PRMC facility changes, closings or class and event cancellations below, and updating this list as they become available to us. Please check back periodically. Thank you.
CANCELLATIONS/POSTPONEMENTSThe Sneakers and Creepers 5K Run/2 Mile Walk scheduled for Sunday, October 28 has been postponed until Sunday, November 4.
CLOSINGSThe Peninsula Wound and Hyperbaric Center at Peninsula Regional Medical Center will be closed on Monday, October 29.
NEW at 3:30 PM Sunday, October 28, 2012
The Walk-In Flu Vaccination Clinic scheduled for Monday, October 29 in the Frank B. Hanna Outpatient Center at PRMC will be cancelled. A new date will be determined in the near future.
Island Family Medicine in Chincoteague, Virginia will be closed on Monday, October 29.
Cardiac Rehabilitation at PRMC and in Berlin, Maryland will be closed on Monday, October 29.
The Sleep Lab will be closed on Monday, October 29.
Women’s Wellness & Gynecology in Salisbury will be closed on Monday, October 29.
Some patients are being contacted by phone to reschedule certain elective procedures. If you have not been contacted, you procedure will take place as scheduled, however, the staff and physicians of Peninsula Regional ask that patients not risk their own safety to travel to the Medical Center for pre-arranged appointments. If you would like to reschedule, please contact the area where your appointment was scheduled; We will be happy to accommodate.
Reminder to all PRMC Staff to travel with Medical Center identification and to contact supervisors for assignments. All scheduled staff are essential to Medical Center operations.
NEW at 5:00 PM Sunday, October 28, 2012
Outpatient Physical Medicine Services at PRMC (Physical Medicine, Occupational Medicine and Speech Therapy) will be closed on Monday, October 29
Radiation Oncology Services at the Richard A. Henson Cancer Institute at PRMC will be closed on Monday, October 29.
NEW at 7:00 PM Sunday, October 28, 2012
Palliative Care Services at PRMC will be closed on Monday, October 29.
The Peninsula Breast Center at PRMC will be closed on Monday, October 29
Thoracic Oncology Service at PRMC will be closed on Tuesday, October 29
Atlantic General
- All Atlantic General Health System offices will be closed on Monday, October 29th, 2012.
- All Outpatient Services have been canceled for Monday, October 29th, 2012. This includes:
- Elective surgical procedures scheduled
- Atlantic Endoscopy Center
- Atlantic Health Center
- Eunice Q. Sorin Women's Diagnostic Center
- Outpatient Infusion Center
- Sleep Disorders Diagnostic Center
- Wound Care Center, Inc.
- Diabetes Outpatient Education Program
- Radiology and Imaging Services
- Outpatient Diagnostics & Lab
- Atlantic ImmediCare offices will be open, dependent upon the status of the Rite Aid pharmacy stores.
People with special needs requiring shelter or assistance should contact the Worcester County Health department at 410-632-1100 and then press 8.
Rep. Andy Harris Cancels All Public Events For October 29 And October 30
Due to the serious weather situation presented by Hurricane Sandy, Rep. Andy Harris’ public events for October 29 and October 30 have been canceled. Rep. Harris encourages everyone to take the proper precautions to remain safe during Hurricane Sandy. Below are some useful links to emergency and hurricane preparedness websites to help you remain safe.
Daily Times Demands Carriers Deliver Papers By 6:30 AM Tomorrow Morning
Considering how few papers they deliver any more these days as well as the cost of gas and maintenance one has to wonder why anyone would be in the newspaper delivery business.
Get this too. The delivery drivers have to PAY for all bags each newspaper is placed in AND put the paper in the bags. All for .08 cents a piece. We're told they get slightly more for a Sunday paper. Do the math.
Hurricane Sandy Town Of Ocean City
Town of Ocean City emergency operations continue (Sunday evening update)
Ocean City Emergency Services is continuing to monitor the projected path of Hurricane Sandy. At this time the path remains consistent with initial forecasts, estimating sustained winds at 40-45 mph and gusts between 55-60 mph. Approximately 10 inches of rain is expected, which will result in severe flooding when combined with the storm and tidal surges.
At approximately 9 a.m. today, October 28, the Town of Ocean City implemented Phase II of the Emergency Evacuation Plan. Due to the severe flooding which is expected during the storm, a mandatory evacuation of all residents in the downtown area (south of 17th Street) was issued and was effective immediately. All residents in these areas must evacuate before 8 p.m. today. All non-resident property owners, vacationers and visitors must also evacuate by the 8 p.m. deadline. In addition, a voluntary evacuation order is in place for residents and occupants of known low lying areas.
Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan declared a local State of Emergency, issuing an order to close the beach to all persons until further notice. In addition, the inlet lot will be closed beginning at 5 p.m. and will not reopen for the duration of the storm, which is expected to last two to three days.
The Ocean City Police Department, with the assistance of the Maryland State Police, has conducted and finished a door-to-door notification of the mandatory evacuation zone. A hard road closure will be set at 17th Street and Coastal Highway beginning at 5 p.m. today. In addition, Route 50 will be closed at Inlet Isle Lane for entry into Ocean City. Route 90 will remain open both ways at this time.
During the storm, the Town of Ocean City will be posting storm-related information on various websites, social media outlets, through the GovDelivery system and the television access channel. Citizens are asked to tune into Ocean City’s Government Access Channel (4 & 15) for further detailed information or advisories. To subscribe to GovDelivery, visit the “City Wide Alerts” tab on the Town of Ocean City’s website athttp://oceancitymd.gov/.
The next scheduled update is expected at approximately 9 a.m. tomorrow October 29.
Ocean City Emergency Services is continuing to monitor the projected path of Hurricane Sandy. At this time the path remains consistent with initial forecasts, estimating sustained winds at 40-45 mph and gusts between 55-60 mph. Approximately 10 inches of rain is expected, which will result in severe flooding when combined with the storm and tidal surges.
At approximately 9 a.m. today, October 28, the Town of Ocean City implemented Phase II of the Emergency Evacuation Plan. Due to the severe flooding which is expected during the storm, a mandatory evacuation of all residents in the downtown area (south of 17th Street) was issued and was effective immediately. All residents in these areas must evacuate before 8 p.m. today. All non-resident property owners, vacationers and visitors must also evacuate by the 8 p.m. deadline. In addition, a voluntary evacuation order is in place for residents and occupants of known low lying areas.
Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan declared a local State of Emergency, issuing an order to close the beach to all persons until further notice. In addition, the inlet lot will be closed beginning at 5 p.m. and will not reopen for the duration of the storm, which is expected to last two to three days.
The Ocean City Police Department, with the assistance of the Maryland State Police, has conducted and finished a door-to-door notification of the mandatory evacuation zone. A hard road closure will be set at 17th Street and Coastal Highway beginning at 5 p.m. today. In addition, Route 50 will be closed at Inlet Isle Lane for entry into Ocean City. Route 90 will remain open both ways at this time.
During the storm, the Town of Ocean City will be posting storm-related information on various websites, social media outlets, through the GovDelivery system and the television access channel. Citizens are asked to tune into Ocean City’s Government Access Channel (4 & 15) for further detailed information or advisories. To subscribe to GovDelivery, visit the “City Wide Alerts” tab on the Town of Ocean City’s website athttp://oceancitymd.gov/.
The next scheduled update is expected at approximately 9 a.m. tomorrow October 29.
State Highway Administration News Release
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Health Insurance Companies Required To Waive Restrictions On Prescription Refills
Salisbury, MD. – Governor Martin O’Malley issued an executive order today authorizing payment to pharmacies for at least a 30-day supply of any prescription medication, regardless of the date upon which the prescription medication had most recently been filled by a pharmacist and waive any restrictions on the time frame for the replacement of durable medical equipment or supplies, eyeglasses, and dentures.
An extended period of power outages and flooding are possible with the approaching storm and may make it difficult to refill medications in the coming days. Local health insurance companies are now required to waive any time restrictions on prescription medication refills as part of the current state emergency declaration for Hurricane Sandy. Health insurance carriers include insurers, nonprofit health service plans, health maintenance organizations, dental plan organizations, and the Maryland Health Insurance Plan.
Individuals can access the official Insurance Administration Bulletin by checking our website at www.wicomicohealth.org.
DART & Paratransit Service Suspended Monday
Dover -- Starting Monday morning, Due to the storm, all DART First State fixed-route bus and paratransit services will be suspended until further notice.
The only exception will be essential medical paratransit services.
In addition, SEPTA Regional Rail services will not operate in New Castle County.
The only exception will be essential medical paratransit services.
In addition, SEPTA Regional Rail services will not operate in New Castle County.
Mandatory Evacuations Declared In Worcester County
The Worcester County Commissioners have declared a local state of emergency and have ordered waterfront property owners to evacuate due to imminent threats from Hurricane Sandy. This includes all properties in the West Ocean City area, the communities of Cape Isle of Wight, Mystic Harbour, Snug Harbor, The Landings and Assateague Point. Also included in this are South Point, anything east of the parkway in Ocean Pines and all other waterfront properties throughout Worcester County due to anticipated flooding.
Current forecasts call for 8” to 10” of rain with prolonged, strong winds between 40 to 45 miles per hour (mph) sustained and gusts of 60 mph, increasing the likelihood of structural damages, downed trees and power outages that are anticipated to continue for extended periods of several days or more.
County shelters will open at 1:00 p.m. today, October 28, 2012. These shelters include Stephen Decatur High School, Snow Hill High School and Pocomoke High School, and the pet friendly shelters Stephen Decatur Middle School, Animal Control in Snow Hill and Pocomoke High School. Pet owners must provide their own carriers and food.
People with special needs requiring shelter or assistance should contact the Worcester County Health Department at 410-632-1100 and then press 8.
Worcester County Emergency Services warns residents that the county will experience historic flooding, including water in homes, along with significant rainfall and prolonged strong winds regardless of where Hurricane Sandy makes landfall.
Current predictions are that the first of the storm’s rain bands will reach our area Sunday afternoon with rain expected to continue through Monday and Tuesday.
Worcester County officials continue to monitor the progress of Hurricane Sandy and will provide emergency updates as necessary.
Special needs shelter information
Snow Hill, MD. -- People who have special health needs such as oxygen greater than two liters per minute or the need for ongoing medical monitoring may be eligible for a medically fragile shelter. To find out more call the Worcester County Health Department at 410-632-1100 option 8.
People evacuating to community shelters are reminded to bring their prescribed medication with them. All medication must be administered by the individual or his or her caregiver.
Salisbury News Breaks All Time Record
Salisbury News has broken an all time hit record in one single day before 8:00 PM already.
Clearly the Eastern Shore is concerned about what is to come with Tropical Storm Sandy.
We will continue to keep you updated in Real Time at No Charge, unlike the MSM.
Keep those pictures coming Folks. They are important to all of us.
BREAKING NEWS: District Of Columbia Suspends Transit Ahead Of Storm
All Metrorail service in Washington, D.C., will be suspended on Monday, until further notice, as Hurricane Sandy approaches.
Outter Banks NC Destruction From Hurricane Sandy
Rodanthe, NC
Rodanthe 11AM
Buxton, NC taken This AM
BREAKING NEWS: BLIZZARD WARNINGS ISSUED FOR PARTS OF WEST VIRGINIA
The National Weather Service issued blizzard warnings from midday Monday through Wednesday afternoon in 10 counties in West Virginia.
STORM INFORMATION SITES
For the latest statewide emergency information, citizens are urged to visit the Maryland Emergency Management Agency website at www.mema.state.md.us. Up to the minute statewide traffic information, including the locations of roads that may be closed due to flooding, is available on-line at www.511md.org, or by calling 511. Road conditions and views of live traffic cameras are also available on the State Highway Administration website at www.roads.maryland.gov. Citizens are urged not to call Maryland State Police barracks simply to check on road conditions. Calls to police or 911 centers during the storm should be for emergency situations only.
CANCELLATION Of OC FOP Candidate Forum 10/30/12
Due to the impact of Hurricane "Sandy", we must cancel the Candidate Forum that was scheduled to be Tuesday Night October 30, 2012.
There are no current plans to re-schedule the event at this time.
Somerset County Sheriff's Office Investigates A Suspected Homicide
On October 27, 20012 at 3:42 am members of the Somerset County Sheriff’s Office responded to 8610 Mennonite Church Rd, Westover to assist EMS with a unconscious subject. Deputies later learned that a physical altercation occurred between a father and son. During the investigation, deputies learned that during the altercation the victims son, Jonathan Eugene Bowers Jr. had assaulted his father to the point that the victim was later pronounced dead at the hospital. Jonathan Bowers Jr. was arrested, and later charged with 1st, 2nd, degree murder, manslaughter, 1st, and 2nd degree assault, and reckless endangerment. Bowers Jr. was later held at the Somerset County Detention Center without bond. The Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Maryland State Police, and the Maryland State Police Crime Lab. The undisclosed victims body has been sent to the Chief medical Examiners’ Office for an autopsy.
Sky and Apollo
Hope For Paws teamed up with The Fuzzy Pet Foundation, and this time we rescued Sky & Apollo. For updates on them, please visit:
http://www.hopeforpaws.org
and
http://www.thefuzzypetfoundation.org
Woman Set On Fire During C-section Loses Suit Against Doctor
(Reuters) - A New York jury has ruled that an obstetrician is not liable for his former patient's abdomen catching fire during a Caesarean section in an incident that left her with a third-degree burn, a newspaper reported on Saturday.
The Post-Standard of Syracuse said a jury in Onondaga County state Supreme Court decided the case on Thursday in favor of Dr. Stephen Brown regarding the 2010 surgery at Crouse Hospital.
The fire was the result of a surgical tool igniting an alcohol-based antiseptic applied to the patient's skin, the newspaper said.
Major House Fire In Fruitland This Morning The Residence Of Jennifer Foxwell Wechsler
Napolitano Says More Than 3,000 Illegal Immigrants Applying Daily Under Deportation Reprieve Plan
More than 3,000 young illegal immigrants are applying daily to take part in the administration's new deportation reprieve policy, Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano said last week.
Napolitano said a total of roughly 200,000 people have applied since the agency began accepting applications two months ago.
She made the announcement Wednesday to a panel of educators from across the country who serve on the Homeland Security Academic Advisory Council, as reported by The Hill newspaper.
Reflections On Turning 76
By Charlie Daniels
There is no particular reason for the world to remember October 28, 1936 unless you happen to be one of a handful of history buffs who know that the Statue of Liberty celebrated her 50th year in the harbor in New York on that day.
The climate of the times was pretty laid back, the Dodgers were still in Brooklyn, the Empire State Building was still the tallest in building in the world and two-year-old Elvis Aaron Presley was toddling around a little four room shotgun house in Tupelo, Mississippi.
But, by far, the most inauspicious event to take place on October 28, 1936 happened at James Walker Memorial Hospital on Red Cross Street in Wilmington, North Carolina when 18-year-old LaRue Daniels and 19-year-old Carlton Daniels had their first and only son, who they named Charles Edward. A little girl named Lenora who lived across the road was my constant playmate.
Leadership: Romney Campaign Using Romney Bus For East Coast Storm Relief Efforts
Leadership. Team Romney announced that the campaign bus will be used to help with storm relief efforts on the East Coast, as Hurricane Sandy bears down.
Some further details emerge.