ACCOMACK COUNTY, Va. (WAVY) - Crews were dispatched to Mappsville Thursday evening for an abandoned structure fire.
According to Accomack County Dispatch, firefighters responded to the 30000 block of Society Drive at approximately 10:30 p.m.
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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
Thursday, March 21, 2013
OBAMA’S LIMO BREAKS DOWN IN TEL AVIV AFTER REPORTED GAS SNAFU: SEE THE PICTURES!
With such a heavy payload – a full eight tons – it’s no wonder its fuel efficiency is only eight miles a gallon. But that point was made moot when the driver apparently filled it with the wrong fuel.
Israel’s Channel Two reported, “The Americans filled it up with diesel, rather than petrol,” suggesting a diplomatic incident was averted because it was the Americans’ fault, not Israel’s.
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Opinion: Transportation Trust Fund Not Protected In Gas Tax Hike
Congratulations to the Maryland General Assembly’s legislative leadership and Governor: you’re on your way to 26!!
If the latest gas tax bill passes, it’ll make at least 26 times you have increased taxes and fees on Maryland’s hardworking families since this Governor took office.
You’ve hit every regressive tax in Maryland: gas, tobacco, and sales--some of them twice.
You only would have been at 25, but you couldn’t help yourselves. In addition to increasing cost of the gas, you slipped in a little noticed $3.50 per vehicle registration surcharge increase (from $13.50 per vehicle to $17.00) on every motor vehicle in the State.
And, you added significantly more uncertainty to the cost to our state’s already horrendously unpredictable and uncertain business climate.
Not exactly what people mean by responsive government.
Now instead of the gas tax increasing a certain amount (so the average working Marylander can budget), you’ve decided to let the comptroller set the rate of the increase according to the annual growth in “the consumer price index for all urban consumers” (CPI-U).
You absolved the legislature of ever having to vote on a gas tax increase again, instead making all future increases automatic.
It’s a bad move for Maryland taxpayers including businesses. Good move for you. But not responsive.
In fact, just the opposite.
You no longer have to explain to your constituents why their gas taxes have increased. There are no more votes, so there is no longer accountability. You can now count on more of our money with less of our consent.
By indexing the gas tax to the CPI-U, you will have created a loophole large enough to drive a convoy of trucks through. The price of gasoline is included in the calculation of the CPI-U. So as the price of gas goes up, more pressure is put on the CPI to increase which in turn increases the gas tax. So Maryland’s citizens and businesses will be hit even harder by gas price increases.
Until you get a grip on out-of-control transportation spending and farebox recovery strategies that don’t work, the need to feed the belly of the beast will continue to grow and you can bet Maryland’s government will continue to spend. And, if you were serious about protecting the transportation trust fund, you would do it through a Constitutional amendment. Surely you know your legislative “lockbox” can easily be raided by any future legislature. That would be a step, at least, in the direction of responsive.
You are in the process of setting dangerous long term tax policy for the State of Maryland. Now, when constituents complain about the high price of gas for decades to come, you have given yourselves the luxury of being able to throw up your hands, blame someone else and walk away.
Good for you, but bad for representative democracy. And not good for the people who will pay your tab or the bill for filling up their gas tanks to get to work.
Ellen R. Sauerbrey is the Chairman of Maryland Business for Responsive Government (MBRG) and the former Minority Leader of the Maryland House of Delegates.
If the latest gas tax bill passes, it’ll make at least 26 times you have increased taxes and fees on Maryland’s hardworking families since this Governor took office.
You’ve hit every regressive tax in Maryland: gas, tobacco, and sales--some of them twice.
You only would have been at 25, but you couldn’t help yourselves. In addition to increasing cost of the gas, you slipped in a little noticed $3.50 per vehicle registration surcharge increase (from $13.50 per vehicle to $17.00) on every motor vehicle in the State.
And, you added significantly more uncertainty to the cost to our state’s already horrendously unpredictable and uncertain business climate.
Not exactly what people mean by responsive government.
Now instead of the gas tax increasing a certain amount (so the average working Marylander can budget), you’ve decided to let the comptroller set the rate of the increase according to the annual growth in “the consumer price index for all urban consumers” (CPI-U).
You absolved the legislature of ever having to vote on a gas tax increase again, instead making all future increases automatic.
It’s a bad move for Maryland taxpayers including businesses. Good move for you. But not responsive.
In fact, just the opposite.
You no longer have to explain to your constituents why their gas taxes have increased. There are no more votes, so there is no longer accountability. You can now count on more of our money with less of our consent.
By indexing the gas tax to the CPI-U, you will have created a loophole large enough to drive a convoy of trucks through. The price of gasoline is included in the calculation of the CPI-U. So as the price of gas goes up, more pressure is put on the CPI to increase which in turn increases the gas tax. So Maryland’s citizens and businesses will be hit even harder by gas price increases.
Until you get a grip on out-of-control transportation spending and farebox recovery strategies that don’t work, the need to feed the belly of the beast will continue to grow and you can bet Maryland’s government will continue to spend. And, if you were serious about protecting the transportation trust fund, you would do it through a Constitutional amendment. Surely you know your legislative “lockbox” can easily be raided by any future legislature. That would be a step, at least, in the direction of responsive.
You are in the process of setting dangerous long term tax policy for the State of Maryland. Now, when constituents complain about the high price of gas for decades to come, you have given yourselves the luxury of being able to throw up your hands, blame someone else and walk away.
Good for you, but bad for representative democracy. And not good for the people who will pay your tab or the bill for filling up their gas tanks to get to work.
Ellen R. Sauerbrey is the Chairman of Maryland Business for Responsive Government (MBRG) and the former Minority Leader of the Maryland House of Delegates.
Senate Approves Increase In Hunting License Fees
Under the bill, an adult hunting license would increase from $24.50 to $37. The non-resident licenses would increase from $130 to $150, and a three day non-resident license increases from $45-$65.
Money from the increases would help pay for the state’s wildlife protection fund.
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Ancient Underwater Forest Much Older Than First Thought
MOBILE, Ala. — An ancient forest found 60 feet underwater about 10 miles offshore of Alabama is much older than originally thought.
Al.com collected samples of the trees during a scuba diving expedition to the forest. Those samples were sent to the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory for radiocarbon dating and found to be more than 50,000 years old.
Scientists who examined the trees remarked on how well preserved the wood was. Cut into a piece and the unmistakable aroma of newly sawn cypress blooms up, despite millennia spent at the bottom of the Gulf of Mexico.
Some of the pieces still had bark on them. The forest was apparently buried under a thick layer of sand for eons until it was uncovered by giant waves during Hurricane Katrina.
"It is a little darker in color than a piece of modern cypress, but if I didn't tell you that it was over 50,000 years old, you wouldn't know it," said Kristine DeLong, the Louisiana State University researcher who prepared and sent the AL.com samples for analysis. "I showed it to some of the other professors and they couldn't believe the wood was that well preserved. It's amazing it has held up. When I cut into them, they smelled just like you were cutting into a cypress tree."
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Al.com collected samples of the trees during a scuba diving expedition to the forest. Those samples were sent to the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory for radiocarbon dating and found to be more than 50,000 years old.
Scientists who examined the trees remarked on how well preserved the wood was. Cut into a piece and the unmistakable aroma of newly sawn cypress blooms up, despite millennia spent at the bottom of the Gulf of Mexico.
Some of the pieces still had bark on them. The forest was apparently buried under a thick layer of sand for eons until it was uncovered by giant waves during Hurricane Katrina.
"It is a little darker in color than a piece of modern cypress, but if I didn't tell you that it was over 50,000 years old, you wouldn't know it," said Kristine DeLong, the Louisiana State University researcher who prepared and sent the AL.com samples for analysis. "I showed it to some of the other professors and they couldn't believe the wood was that well preserved. It's amazing it has held up. When I cut into them, they smelled just like you were cutting into a cypress tree."
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House Passes Increased Penalties For Driving & Using Phone
The House voted 106-29 on Thursday to make talking on a handheld cell phone while driving a primary offense. That means a police officer could pull a driver over, if observed talking on a cell phone.
Now, police can only ticket someone for driving while talking on a handheld cell phone if the driver has been pulled over for another offense.
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HAVE YOU SEEN THIS RECORD-BREAKING BIBLE TRIVIA SHOW? THEBLAZE TAKES YOU BEHIND THE SCENES
From sitting down with the comedian to speaking with countless members of the crew, the experience was phenomenal.
The series, of course, has been a surprise success from the start. Very rarely has an entertainment network — let alone a game show — taken such a profound chance on a program that incorporates such overt Christian themes. Yet GSN, a secular media outlet, was willing to throw its hat into the faith-based ring.
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NKF-MD to Hold Kidney Walk at Winterplace Park
SALISBURY - The National Kidney Foundation of Maryland will hold its seventh annual Salisbury Kidney Walk, Sunday, May 5, at Winterplace Park, located at 6737 Blue Ribbon Road.
About 500 people are expected to participate in this community fundraiser that calls attention to the prevention of kidney disease and the need for organ donation. Chaired by Sharon Hurley, a polycystic kidney disease patient and living donor recipient, the event also provides an opportunity for patients, family, friends and businesses to come together to support the millions of Americans with chronic kidney disease.
About 500 people are expected to participate in this community fundraiser that calls attention to the prevention of kidney disease and the need for organ donation. Chaired by Sharon Hurley, a polycystic kidney disease patient and living donor recipient, the event also provides an opportunity for patients, family, friends and businesses to come together to support the millions of Americans with chronic kidney disease.
Gun Dealers Dealing With Financial Hardship In Md
Gun dealers across Maryland say they are facing a situation right that is causing them big headaches and for some financial hardship. Some dealersbelieve they have been put in a very tough position. All at the same time while their customers are waiting longer than they bargained for to get the firearms they hope to purchase.Not to mention the fact that there are very few guns being made available from gun manufacturers for stores to even offer customers as lawmakers debate gun control.
Gun dealers, like Joe Woods at his Maryland Quartermaster store along Main Street in Bel Air, find themselves literally sitting on guns that folks want to buy, because right now there is a five-to six-week backlog in processing background checks even though the law in Maryland requires just a 7-day wait for that background check before a firearm can go out the door of a firearms store to a legal owner.
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Sugary Drinks Kill 180,000 people Around The World, Study Suggests
Now, a new study puts a staggering number on the toll that drinking these beverages takes on the world: Researchers associated 180,000 deaths each year with soda and other sugar-sweetened beverages.
Researchers pulled data from a 2010 study on global disease burden for their analysis to come up with the number of deaths linked to sugary drink consumption. They calculated sugar intake around the world based on age and gender, in addition to the link between intake and risk for obesity and diabetes.
Mitch Scott Remembered; ‘He Just Lived To Help Others’; Services Set For This Weekend
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OCEAN CITY -- The Ocean City area lost a giant last weekend when Mitch Scott, best known for his remarkable charitable efforts in the community, lost his battle with a lengthy illness on Sunday.Mitchell Kevin Scott, 56, of Ocean City, who was the CEO of Great Scott Broadcasting and its fleet of area radio stations, passed away at his home in Ocean City last Sunday, after a lengthy battle with leukemia. Scott officially presided over a large, multi-station broadcasting company in Ocean City and across the Eastern Shore, but unofficially, he was one of the region’s greatest behind-the-scenes benefactor, a remarkably charitable individual who gave freely of himself and his vast resources for causes large and small in the community and far beyond.
A Celebration of Scott’s Life will be held on Saturday, March 23, at 11:30 a.m. at The Fountains in Salisbury. Additionally, the Greene Turtle North will host a Celebrate and Remember Mitch gathering on Sunday, March 24 from 1-3 p.m. with donations accepted for the American Cancer Society in his memory.
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What Bush Got Right on Iraq — and What Obama Can Learn from It
When George W. Bush became President in January 2001, American policy towards Iraq was in free fall and the United Nations sanctions against Saddam’s regime, in place since the first Gulf War, were in tatters.
By early 2003, Bush had achieved something most analysts had thought impossible: sanctions on Iraq were tighter than ever and inspectors were back in the country. Most surprising, Saddam Hussein had reportedly offered to go into exile, as long as he could take $1 billion with him.
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By early 2003, Bush had achieved something most analysts had thought impossible: sanctions on Iraq were tighter than ever and inspectors were back in the country. Most surprising, Saddam Hussein had reportedly offered to go into exile, as long as he could take $1 billion with him.
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Republican Legislators Struggle Against Same-Day Voter Registration
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Since the beginning of session in January, every effort to improve access to voting has been met with a counter-initiative to cut down on voter fraud. Republicans feel that voter fraud is a widespread problem across the state and that most efforts to expand voting access further weaken the integrity of the vote.
“Same-day registration may be convenient for some, but it also opens the door for potential misuse in my opinion,” said Minority Leader Anthony O’Donnell, who unsuccessfully sought to tack two different amendments onto the bill, HB 224.
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1 Million Hours on Pot Arrests? How Quotas and Illegal Stops Waste NYPD Resources
In the past 11 years, the NYPD spent more than one million hours making more than 400,000 arrests for low-level marijuana possession, anew report has found. The report raises questions about the use of police resources, which could likely be better spent addressing serious crimes in the high-crime neighborhoods where many marijuana arrests occur.
Harry Levine, a professor of sociology at Queens College and an expert on marijuana arrests, compiled the report at the request of members of the New York City Council and the New York State legislature. He used past research which found that a single police officer spends a minimum of 2-3 hours -- and upward of 4-5 hours in some cases -- on each of the hundreds of thousands of marijuana arrests conducted annually by the NYPD.
Harry Levine, a professor of sociology at Queens College and an expert on marijuana arrests, compiled the report at the request of members of the New York City Council and the New York State legislature. He used past research which found that a single police officer spends a minimum of 2-3 hours -- and upward of 4-5 hours in some cases -- on each of the hundreds of thousands of marijuana arrests conducted annually by the NYPD.
Man Charged With Stealing Gun From Hotel Room In Ocean City
OCEAN CITY, Md. - Ocean City Police have arrested a man they say stole an off-duty law enforcer's handgun from a hotel room.
Police say a federal law enforcement officer who was staying at the Comfort Inn last week reported his off-duty .40 caliber handgun and several other items were missing from his room.
Ocean City police looked at hotel surveillance videos and identified a suspect. His description was broadcast to officers.
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Police say a federal law enforcement officer who was staying at the Comfort Inn last week reported his off-duty .40 caliber handgun and several other items were missing from his room.
Ocean City police looked at hotel surveillance videos and identified a suspect. His description was broadcast to officers.
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Md. Senate Panel Votes Against Minimum Wage Bill
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) -- A Maryland Senate panel has voted against raising the state's minimum wage to $10 an hour by 2015.
The Senate Finance Committee voted 8-3 on Wednesday against the measure.
Maryland's current minimum wage is $7.25 per hour.
Supporters of the measure said that low-wage workers are in desperate need of a raise and insist that higher wages would increase consumer spending and inject millions into the state's economy.
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The Senate Finance Committee voted 8-3 on Wednesday against the measure.
Maryland's current minimum wage is $7.25 per hour.
Supporters of the measure said that low-wage workers are in desperate need of a raise and insist that higher wages would increase consumer spending and inject millions into the state's economy.
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An Interesting Comment Worthy Of A Post: What's Your Thoughts?
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "With ALL Due Respect Salisbury Chamber Of Commerce...":
To those big Jake Day supporters out there do you think he will be able to fulfill his job as a city council member if elected? If you remember reading the Daily Times on Sunday when he commented about his numerous speeding tickets he blamed it on having to drive 65 miles a week to work each day. If that is the case do you think he will be able to take off every single day there is a work session? Do you think his employer will allow him that much time off. Think about it, that is 130 miles a day which means he is on the road over 2 1/2 hours every day. There are a lot of work sessions and budget work sessions coming up very soon. I doubt seriously he will be able to participate in the work sessions. Work, Court, National Guard duties? How can he make that commitment. It is painfully obvious that Jim Ireton picked Jake Day to be his Rubber Stamper at the night meetings if he can make it. Jake Day is a bad choice. You talk about grid lock, it will always be a 2 to 2 vote because Jake day will rarely be at the meetings. Don't be stupid on this one.
To those big Jake Day supporters out there do you think he will be able to fulfill his job as a city council member if elected? If you remember reading the Daily Times on Sunday when he commented about his numerous speeding tickets he blamed it on having to drive 65 miles a week to work each day. If that is the case do you think he will be able to take off every single day there is a work session? Do you think his employer will allow him that much time off. Think about it, that is 130 miles a day which means he is on the road over 2 1/2 hours every day. There are a lot of work sessions and budget work sessions coming up very soon. I doubt seriously he will be able to participate in the work sessions. Work, Court, National Guard duties? How can he make that commitment. It is painfully obvious that Jim Ireton picked Jake Day to be his Rubber Stamper at the night meetings if he can make it. Jake Day is a bad choice. You talk about grid lock, it will always be a 2 to 2 vote because Jake day will rarely be at the meetings. Don't be stupid on this one.
Senate Democratic Budget Increases Debt $50,000 Per Household
The Senate Democratic budget will increase America’s gross federal debt per household by more than $50,000 over the next decade, according to GOP Senate Budget Committee staff.
Congress Hears Options For Asteroid Defense: Pay Now or Pray Later
Threats from space are generally the stuff of science-fiction movies such as "Armageddon" and "Deep Impact," but members of the House Science Committee took a hard look at the realities during Tuesday's hearing, which came in response to the Feb. 15 meteor explosion over Russia as well as aclose encounter that same day with a much bigger asteroid known as 2012 DA14.
News Release-Plaza Tapatia
Date & Time: 03/12/2013 @ 2245 Hours Case #:13-00068
Location Occurred: Plaza Tapatia, 1621 Ocean Highway, Pocomoke, Worcester County, Maryland
Crime or Violation: Armed Robbery
Accused: Unknown
Narrative:
On 03/12/2013 at 2245 Hrs, officers from the Pocomoke Police Department responded to Plaza Tapatia, Pocomoke, Maryland for a reported armed robbery. The Worcester County Bureau of Investigation subsequently responded to the scene to assist with the investigation. Investigation revealed that the victim, who was an employee of the store, was walking towards his vehicle when he was approached by one black male. The male was described as approximately 5-10 “, 180-190 pounds, wearing dark clothing and a dark coat. Further investigation revealed the suspect had a black mask covering a portion of his face and displayed a black revolver style weapon towards the victim. The suspect then fled the scene with an undisclosed amount of U.S. currency. Investigators are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying the suspect and any additional information regarding the robbery.
At this time, Crime Solvers of the Lower Eastern Shore is offering up to $1,000 for information leading to the arrest of the suspect responsible for the crime. Callers may contact 410-548-1776 and tips may remain anonymous.
Suspect #1 Black male, approximately 5’10”, black coat, dark jeans, black face mask, carrying revolver style handgun
Detective in Charge: Trooper First Class K. Clark (443-783-0444)
Location Occurred: Plaza Tapatia, 1621 Ocean Highway, Pocomoke, Worcester County, Maryland
Crime or Violation: Armed Robbery
Accused: Unknown
Narrative:
On 03/12/2013 at 2245 Hrs, officers from the Pocomoke Police Department responded to Plaza Tapatia, Pocomoke, Maryland for a reported armed robbery. The Worcester County Bureau of Investigation subsequently responded to the scene to assist with the investigation. Investigation revealed that the victim, who was an employee of the store, was walking towards his vehicle when he was approached by one black male. The male was described as approximately 5-10 “, 180-190 pounds, wearing dark clothing and a dark coat. Further investigation revealed the suspect had a black mask covering a portion of his face and displayed a black revolver style weapon towards the victim. The suspect then fled the scene with an undisclosed amount of U.S. currency. Investigators are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying the suspect and any additional information regarding the robbery.
At this time, Crime Solvers of the Lower Eastern Shore is offering up to $1,000 for information leading to the arrest of the suspect responsible for the crime. Callers may contact 410-548-1776 and tips may remain anonymous.
Suspect #1 Black male, approximately 5’10”, black coat, dark jeans, black face mask, carrying revolver style handgun
Detective in Charge: Trooper First Class K. Clark (443-783-0444)
Kansas House Members Reject Rape, Incest Exceptions For Abortion
TOPEKA, Kan. — Kansas House members on Tuesday gave first-round approval to sweeping new restrictions on abortion after refusing to add exceptions that would allow victims of incest or rape - including children who are raped - to get late-term abortions.
The measure builds upon the state's current ban on most abortions starting in the 22nd week of pregnancy by barring abortion providers from receiving tax breaks and prohibiting public schools from using sex education materials or instructors affiliated with abortion providers. It would also strengthen a law aimed at preventing doctors-in-training at the state medical school from performing abortions on state time, and would spell out in greater detail what information a doctor would have to provide a patient before giving her an abortion.
The measure builds upon the state's current ban on most abortions starting in the 22nd week of pregnancy by barring abortion providers from receiving tax breaks and prohibiting public schools from using sex education materials or instructors affiliated with abortion providers. It would also strengthen a law aimed at preventing doctors-in-training at the state medical school from performing abortions on state time, and would spell out in greater detail what information a doctor would have to provide a patient before giving her an abortion.
The House advanced the measure on a voice vote after voting 90-31 against an amendment from Rep. John Wilson, a Lawrence Democrat, to make an exception for the victims of rape and incest. Wilson's proposal also would have applied the exception to laws restricting private health insurance coverage for elective abortions and a requirement that doctors notify parents in writing when a child seeks an abortion.
Lt. Governor Holds News Conference On Gun Control
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) -- Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown is urging Maryland lawmakers to pass a gun control measure that would ban assault weapons, limit magazine rounds and create a new licensing requirement for handguns buyers.
The bill would also prohibit anyone who has been involuntarily committed due to mental illness from possessing a firearm.
Brown, flanked by law enforcement officials, spoke to reporters Thursday in Annapolis.
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The bill would also prohibit anyone who has been involuntarily committed due to mental illness from possessing a firearm.
Brown, flanked by law enforcement officials, spoke to reporters Thursday in Annapolis.
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Md. Marine Killed In Blast Was From Military Family, Enjoyed Adventure, Teamwork, Mom Says
SEVERNA PARK, Md. — William Taylor Wild IV always wanted to be in the military. The walls of his room are covered with Marine Corps and Naval Academy posters.He loved teamwork and had been a pitcher at Severna Park High School in the town where he grew up and joined the Marines shortly after graduating in 2010.
“He has a huge personality and didn’t hold anything back,” Elizabeth Wild said Wednesday of her son, whom everyone called Taylor. “If he loved you, you knew it.”
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Congress Votes To Force USPS To Keep Saturday Delivery
The Postal Service, which lost $16 billion last year, had announced last month its plan to switch to five-day mail service to save $2 billion annually.
No law requires the Postal Service to deliver mail six days a week, but Congress has traditionally included a provision in legislation to fund the federal government each year that has prevented the Postal Service from reducing delivery service.
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The Russians Did Get This Right
On February 4th, 2013, Vladimir Putin, the Russian president, addressed the Duma (Russian Parliament), and gave a speech about the tensions with minorities in Russia:
"In Russia live Russians. Any minority, from anywhere, if it wants to live in Russia, to work and eat in Russia,should speak Russian, and should respect the Russian laws. If they prefer Shari'ya Law, then we advise them to go to those places where that's the state law. Russia does not need minorities. Minorities need Russia, and wewill not grant them special privileges, or try to change our laws to fit their desires, no matter how loud they yell 'discrimination'. We better learn from the suicides of America, England, Holland and France, if we are to survive as a nation. The Russian customs and traditions are not compatible with the lack of culture or the primitive ways of most minorities. When this honorable legislative body thinks of creating new laws, it should have in mind the national interest first, observing that the minorities are not Russians.”
Md. House Advances Transportation Funding Bill; Critics Argue It Will Be Felt For Long Time
ANNAPOLIS, Md. — The Maryland House of Delegates advanced a transportation funding measure on Wednesday night that supporters say is badly needed, but opponents contend will be a terrible burden on Maryland drivers.
A final vote to send the bill to the Senate is expected Friday.
The legislation, which will gradually apply a new sales tax to gasoline, would raise hundreds of millions of dollars a year in new revenue. It also includes a provision that would enable the tax to keep up with inflation with automatic increases. A change approved Wednesday night on the House floor would cap an increase from inflation to 8 percent of the motor fuel tax rate effective the previous year. Eight percent of the current 23.5-cents a gallon tax would be about 1.8 cents.
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A final vote to send the bill to the Senate is expected Friday.
The legislation, which will gradually apply a new sales tax to gasoline, would raise hundreds of millions of dollars a year in new revenue. It also includes a provision that would enable the tax to keep up with inflation with automatic increases. A change approved Wednesday night on the House floor would cap an increase from inflation to 8 percent of the motor fuel tax rate effective the previous year. Eight percent of the current 23.5-cents a gallon tax would be about 1.8 cents.
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Burglary Suspect Arrested On Boardwalk
On March 16, 2013, at approximately 11:15 p.m. Ocean City Police responded to the
Jeffery Lynn King
Comfort Inn hotel located at 507 Atlantic Avenue, in reference to a burglary and theft of an off duty police officers handgun.
Officer arrived at the scene and met with the victim who was identified as an off-duty federal law enforcement officer who was staying in the hotel over the weekend. The victim related that he had left the hotel room and returned to discover his off-duty .40 caliber handgun and several items of personal property were missing and believed stolen.
During the on-scene investigation, police were able to view the hotel video surveillance system which further helped identified a suspect. The description of the suspect was broadcast to other police officers in the area.
Within 30 minutes of the initial report of the theft, officers located a suspect at 8th Street and the boardwalk. Officers detained the suspect who was identified as Jeffery Lynn King, 19, of Bridgeville Delaware. Police recovered a loaded .40 caliber handgun from King’s waist band, which they subsequently confirmed was the stolen handgun.
Additionally officers recovered several items of property belonging to the victim, which were stolen during the burglary of the hotel room. It was determined that King fired the handgun in the hotel room during the burglary.
King was arrested and charged as follows:
- 1st Degree Burglary
- 3rd Degree Burglary
- 4th Degree Burglary
- Possession of a Handgun
- Reckless Endangerment $1000.00
- Discharging a Firearm within Ocean City
King, who also had an outstanding juvenile warrant from Wicomico County, was seen by an Ocean City District Court Commissioner and was held on $100,000.00 bond. King was transferred to the Worcester County Jail.
With ALL Due Respect Salisbury Chamber Of Commerce...
Salisbury City Council demonstrates it's "business friendly"...or is it ?
City Council is also proposing a so-called "lockout ordinance." This proposal would give the city's police chief the authority to respond to repeated crime reports by shutting them down for up to a year. The chamber supports the great job Chief Barbara Duncan has done thus far for the City of Salisbury. However, to empower one individual with the right to close businesses affecting the city tax base, employment, and livelihoods is very disturbing to say the least. As few as two separate reports within a two year period could trigger a hearing to determine whether the property should be closed down by Chief Duncan. The Chamber respectively requests that the City Council "step back and reassess this proposal" in greater detail before enacting. Our position is that this proposed ordinance would present an anti-business smear on the city that would take even more years to erase.
City Council is also proposing a so-called "lockout ordinance." This proposal would give the city's police chief the authority to respond to repeated crime reports by shutting them down for up to a year. The chamber supports the great job Chief Barbara Duncan has done thus far for the City of Salisbury. However, to empower one individual with the right to close businesses affecting the city tax base, employment, and livelihoods is very disturbing to say the least. As few as two separate reports within a two year period could trigger a hearing to determine whether the property should be closed down by Chief Duncan. The Chamber respectively requests that the City Council "step back and reassess this proposal" in greater detail before enacting. Our position is that this proposed ordinance would present an anti-business smear on the city that would take even more years to erase.
Publishers Notes: To Whom It May Concern,
I find it very alarming that this message went out to all Chamber Members based on a massive inaccuracy.
It should be made very clear to ALL Chamber Members, the business community and residents that the "City Council" had NOTHING to do with this Ordinance.
The Ordinance was created by none other than Mayor Jim Ireton. Mayor Ireton presented it as something Chief Duncan authored but I have spoken directly with the Chief and she has assured me she had NOTHING to do with it.
To imply that this has anything to do with the City Council is just flat out WRONG. ALL proposals delivered by the MAYOR are to be CONSIDERED by the Council.
I have made it VERY clear, once elected, should this Ordinance come across my desk as it is written I will VETO it immediately as it is extremely business unfriendly and I'll not tolerate any such language. We have laws on the books right now that can combat any such mentioned problems. To expand upon what is already there, (to me) is something I will not tolerate.
The City Council is NOT "proposing" anything. Mayor Ireton has proven he is out of CONTROL. Nevertheless, the Chamber needs to correct the language above and put the emphasis on Mayor Jim Ireton instead.
You can see Mayor Ireton discuss this issue at around 48 minutes into this video.
Will Pot Bill Go Up In Smoke?
Lawmakers say the bill, which would remove the threat of jail time for people caught with less than 10 grams of marijuana, likely won’t receive a warm welcome at its next stop: the House Judiciary Committee.
The Senate voted 30-16 to pass Senate Bill 297. The measure, introduced by Sen. Bobby Zirkin, D-Baltimore County, would make the possession of less than 10 grams of marijuana a civil offense punishable by a fine of up to $100.
Breaking News Bank Robbed
Update: Suspect is in custody.
Severna Park Graduate Killed In Marine Training Mishap
A graduate of Severna Park High School was among seven Marines killed in an explosion during a training exercise in Nevada on Monday.
Lance Cpl. William “Taylor” Wild IV, 21, was killed, according to multiple sources. The Marine Corps was expected to release a list of casualties late on Wednesday night.
Wild was a 2010 graduate of Severna Park High School, said Bob Mosier, a spokesman for the county school system. He wrestled for the Falcons and played on the 2009 state championship baseball team, according to an obituary posted by Barranco & Sons Severna Park Funeral Home.
Lance Cpl. William “Taylor” Wild IV, 21, was killed, according to multiple sources. The Marine Corps was expected to release a list of casualties late on Wednesday night.
Wild was a 2010 graduate of Severna Park High School, said Bob Mosier, a spokesman for the county school system. He wrestled for the Falcons and played on the 2009 state championship baseball team, according to an obituary posted by Barranco & Sons Severna Park Funeral Home.
Enough Is Enough—Time for the Feds to Investigate Prison Abuse
"The department is much more than just a federal agency," declared Michael Horowitz, the Inspector General of the Justice Department, in his opening statement Thursday at an oversight hearing before a House Appropriations subcommittee. "It is the guardian of our system of justice, and is responsible for enforcing our laws fairly without bias and above all with the utmost of integrity."
As if to prove his point, Horowitz had come to Capitol Hill to update lawmakers on the various good works the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) has performed since last September, when he came to talk with them about the "Fast and Furious" gun program. Last December, for example, the OIG issued a trenchant report on Clarence Aaron's clemency petition. And, last week, there was a detailed report criticizing the Justice Department for continued partisan rancor within its Voting Rights section (but exonerating Labor nominee Thomas Perez of more serious misconduct).
As if to prove his point, Horowitz had come to Capitol Hill to update lawmakers on the various good works the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) has performed since last September, when he came to talk with them about the "Fast and Furious" gun program. Last December, for example, the OIG issued a trenchant report on Clarence Aaron's clemency petition. And, last week, there was a detailed report criticizing the Justice Department for continued partisan rancor within its Voting Rights section (but exonerating Labor nominee Thomas Perez of more serious misconduct).
Project S.O.L.O. Results In 12 DUI Arrests For OCPD
The Ocean City Police Department took part in Project “Saving Our Loved Ones” (S.O.L.O.) over the St. Patrick’s Day weekend. Project S.O.L.O. is a statewide initiative to combat impaired driving and underage drinking to ultimately save lives and reduce roadway deaths. Numerous officers were deployed during the initiative which resulted in 12 individuals being charged with driving under the influence, 2 criminal arrests, 3 alcohol citations, 13 equipment repair orders, 35 citations, and 77 warnings.
Citizens are reminded that officers are always patrolling the area for impaired drivers and are encouraged to utilize the many sober driving options available to them including the municipal bus service and private taxis.
For more information about Project SOLO, please contact PFC Michael Levy at 410-723-6665 or mlevy@oceancitymd.gov or Public Affairs Specialist Lindsay O’Neal at 410-520-5395 or loneal@oceancitymd.gov.
Citizens are reminded that officers are always patrolling the area for impaired drivers and are encouraged to utilize the many sober driving options available to them including the municipal bus service and private taxis.
For more information about Project SOLO, please contact PFC Michael Levy at 410-723-6665 or mlevy@oceancitymd.gov or Public Affairs Specialist Lindsay O’Neal at 410-520-5395 or loneal@oceancitymd.gov.
Gas Tax
As you may have heard HB 1515, the gas tax bill has been passed by the House Ways & Means Committee. After all of the pressure for a Constitutional Amendment to protect the fund from future raids, the bill includes a meaningless requirement for a 3/5th vote of the budget committees to allow allow future raids on the fund. This is an insulting joke! Over a billion has been taken from the fund to grow the rest of the budget The dirty secret is that a gas tax is easier to pass because people want their roads and bridges maintained. But most of the money goes to mass transit and other purposes, not roads. The sales tax added to the price of gasoline would be tied to the CPI and increase automatically without the legislature having to vote. This has been a long held dream for liberals in the General Assembly, who like more revenue and no accountability.
From Americans for Prosperity – Take action
The 60% tax hike will head to the full House of Delegates for consideration and you must act now!
E-Mail all of your elected officials with our easy to use action alert now!
It's imperative that Marylanders across the State contact their legislators telling them to vote "NO" on O'Malley's gas tax hike.
In one step you can share this important action alert:
Click "Forward to a Friend" to share this e-mail with your friends and family so they can oppose O'Malley's unacceptable gas tax hike.
From Americans for Prosperity – Take action
The 60% tax hike will head to the full House of Delegates for consideration and you must act now!
E-Mail all of your elected officials with our easy to use action alert now!
It's imperative that Marylanders across the State contact their legislators telling them to vote "NO" on O'Malley's gas tax hike.
In one step you can share this important action alert:
Click "Forward to a Friend" to share this e-mail with your friends and family so they can oppose O'Malley's unacceptable gas tax hike.
Michele Bachmann Runs Away From Reporter
Michele Bachmann has been uncharacteristically quiet since her razor-thin reelection last November, but she emerged loud and proud at CPAC this past weekend to preach to the faithful. Bachmann’s speech focused on the Benghazi attack, but also on the lavish lifestyle enjoyed by President Obama, claiming the first family costs taxpayers $1.4 billion a year in “perks and excess.”
But it won’t come as much of a shock to any Bachmannphile to learn that some of the claims she made in the speech are the opposite of true. It turns out they’re mostly based on a self-published book with few citations written by a longtime Republican lobbyist whom the New York Times once compared to Darth Vader.
But it won’t come as much of a shock to any Bachmannphile to learn that some of the claims she made in the speech are the opposite of true. It turns out they’re mostly based on a self-published book with few citations written by a longtime Republican lobbyist whom the New York Times once compared to Darth Vader.
White House Petition: Make Lawmakers Wear Logos Of Financial Backers On Clothing, Like In NASCAR
From the depths of the White House's "We the People" petition website comes this cause created on Tuesday, hoping to force congressional lawmakers to prominently display their financial backers and monetary support from various lobbies.
Since most politicians' campaigns are largely funded by wealthy companies and individuals, it would give voters a better sense of who the candidate they are voting for is actually representing if the company's logo, or individual's name, was prominently displayed upon the candidate's clothing at all public appearances and campaign events. Once elected, the candidate would be required to continue to wear those "sponsor's" [sic] names during all official duties and visits to constituents. The size of a logo or name would vary with the size of a donation. For example, a $1 million dollar contribution would warrant a patch of about 4" by 8" on the chest, while a free meal from a lobbyist would be represented by a quarter-sized button. Individual donations under $1000 are exempt.