PORTSMOUTH, Va. — The Coast Guard, Maryland State Police and Ocean City Fire Department are searching after a plane crashed into the water near Ocean City, Md.
A good Samaritan aboard the pleasure craft Sea Robin contacted Coast Guard Sector Hampton Roads watchstanders at approximately 4 p.m. reporting the plane crashed approximately 500 yards offshore of 130th Street in Ocean City.
Sector Hampton Roads watchstanders issued an urgent marine information broadcast and dispatched crews aboard a 25-foot Response Boat - Small and a 47-foot Motor Life Boat from Coast Guard Station Ocean City to assist. A Maryland State Police helicopter is also assisting in the search, and the Coast Guard MLB has divers from the Ocean City Fire Department aboard.
The plane is reported to be a CJ-6A and took off from the Ocean City Municipal Airport.
The plane reportedly sank shortly after crashing into the water.
Source
DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Sunday, June 30, 2013
BREAKING NEWS: PLANE CRASH IN OCEAN CITY
Troopers Investigate Robbery Near Delmar
Location: Old Stage Road north of Marsha Street, Delmar, DE
Date of Occurrence: Saturday June 29, 2013 at approximately 3:50 p.m.
Victim: 36 year old male
Suspects: Three Hispanic males, one wearing red shorts and the other two wearing tan shorts (no further physical or clothing description). Two of the three were armed with unknown type handguns.
Resume: Delmar, DE- The Delaware State Police are investigating the robbery of a subject while walking along the road north of Old Stage MHP.
The incident occurred around 3:50 p.m. Saturday afternoon as a 36 year old male was walking northbound on Old Stage Road just north of Marsha Street when three Hispanic males approached him from behind. The victim began to run when the three suspects chased him and pushed him to the ground removing an undisclosed amount of money from his pockets while being held at gunpoint. They also stole his shirt and shoes before fleeing into some nearby woods. The victim received minor injuries during the altercation, but refused medical treatment.
If anyone has any information in reference to this incident, they are asked to contact Troop 4 Major Crimes Unit at 302-856-5850 or by utilizing the Delaware State Police Mobile Crime Tip Application available to download at:http://www.delaware.gov/apps/. Information may also be provided by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333, via the internet at www.tipsubmit.com, or by sending an anonymous tip by text to 274637 (CRIMES) using the keyword "DSP."
Date of Occurrence: Saturday June 29, 2013 at approximately 3:50 p.m.
Victim: 36 year old male
Suspects: Three Hispanic males, one wearing red shorts and the other two wearing tan shorts (no further physical or clothing description). Two of the three were armed with unknown type handguns.
Resume: Delmar, DE- The Delaware State Police are investigating the robbery of a subject while walking along the road north of Old Stage MHP.
The incident occurred around 3:50 p.m. Saturday afternoon as a 36 year old male was walking northbound on Old Stage Road just north of Marsha Street when three Hispanic males approached him from behind. The victim began to run when the three suspects chased him and pushed him to the ground removing an undisclosed amount of money from his pockets while being held at gunpoint. They also stole his shirt and shoes before fleeing into some nearby woods. The victim received minor injuries during the altercation, but refused medical treatment.
If anyone has any information in reference to this incident, they are asked to contact Troop 4 Major Crimes Unit at 302-856-5850 or by utilizing the Delaware State Police Mobile Crime Tip Application available to download at:http://www.delaware.gov/apps/. Information may also be provided by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333, via the internet at www.tipsubmit.com, or by sending an anonymous tip by text to 274637 (CRIMES) using the keyword "DSP."
AP Photographer Describes 128-Degree Heat
By 9 a.m., the two bags of ice I loaded in the cooler are gone and the floor of my rental car looks like a storage bin at a recycling plant. Hydration is essential.
I know what to expect in Death Valley: Unrelenting heat so bad it makes my eyes hurt, as if someone is blowing a hair dryer in my face. I don't leave CDs or electronics in the car because they could melt or warp. I always carry bottles of water.
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AMBER ALERT ISSUED For Abducted 1 Year Old Dover Boy: AMBER ALERT CANCELED
The Delaware State Police are activating an AMBER ALERT for the Dover Police Department
DATE:
Sunday, June 30, 2013 12:00 p.m.
Resume:
Dover- The Dover Police Department is searching for a 1 year old Dover, DE boy after he was abducted by his father after an earlier home invasion.
Victim Zyron Johnson-Graham-1 was last seen at his residence located in the 100 block of West Lockerman Street, Dover, DE after a home invasion and abduction by his father Kayron X Graham that occurred earlier. Detectives believe that the child is in imminent danger.
Zyron Johnson Lockerman is a one year old male, black male, black hair, brown eyes, unknown clothing description.
Suspect Kayron X Graham is a 21 year old, black male, 5’10”, 160 lbs, brown hair, brown eyes.
They both may be traveling in a 2006 Ford Taurus, beige in color, Delaware Registration # 172074. The vehicle is reported to have driver’s side damage and driver’s side mirror missing or hanging from the vehicle.
The Dover Police Department will be the point of contact for any further media inquiries and can be reached at 302-736-7139.
To offer information regarding the location of Zyron Johnson-Graham or Kayron X Graham, please call 911 immediately or the Dover Police Department.
Coal-State Dems Chisel Away At Obama Climate Plan
He may want to be careful what he asks for. Several of those lawmakers come from the president's own party.
Coal-state Democrats have been as scathing as any Republican in reaction to the president's plan, unveiled Tuesday in a speech at Georgetown University. The pushback was almost immediate, and a glaring signal of the trouble Obama may encounter as he charges ahead with new restrictions on coal-fired power plants.
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Gun Maker Rejects West Virginia
Jeffrey Reh, general counsel and vice-general manager, cited comments from the West Virginia Democrat targeting high-capacity ammunition magazines. He said the company also has concerns with a provision in the measure Manchin has co-sponsored with Sen. Patrick Toomey, a Pennsylvania Republican, to expand gun buyer background checks to gun shows and Internet sales.
Beretta, based in Accokeek, Md., believes Manchin has joined forces with Sen. Chuck Schumer, a New York Democrat and vocal gun control advocate, leading the company to question whether "West Virginia was a pro-gun as we thought," Reh said.
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‘A STICK IN THE EYE TO THE CHRISTIAN PEOPLE OF FLORIDA’: ATHEISTS UNVEIL OWN MONUMENT NEAR TEN COMMANDMENTS — AND PROMISE 50 MORE ACROSS U.S.
American Atheists President David Silverman said that the organization has plans for 50 more monuments at public sites across the country, notes Raw Story.
As a small group of protesters blasted Christian country music and waved “Honk for Jesus” signs, the atheists celebrated in front of the Bradford County courthouse what they believe is the first atheist monument allowed on government property in the United States.
“When you look at this monument, the first thing you will notice is that it has a function. Atheists are about the real and the physical, so we selected to place this monument in the form of a bench,” said Silverman.
More
Lawmaker Launches "Stop The Rain Tax"
The so called "rain tax" takes effect on Monday, and a Republican lawmaker is forming a group that will attempt to stop it.
Taking a cue from owners of computer service businesses who repealed a sales tax extension five years ago, Baltimore County Republican Pat McDonough, has formed a group called Stop the Rain Tax to convince lawmakers to repeal the tax or scale it back.
He says his group is recruiting Democratic and Republican homeowners and business owners to convince lawmakers to make changes to the legislation that mandated the fee.
More
Taking a cue from owners of computer service businesses who repealed a sales tax extension five years ago, Baltimore County Republican Pat McDonough, has formed a group called Stop the Rain Tax to convince lawmakers to repeal the tax or scale it back.
He says his group is recruiting Democratic and Republican homeowners and business owners to convince lawmakers to make changes to the legislation that mandated the fee.
More
OCPD Arrest Two Reading Pennsylvania Men In Connection With Early Morning Shooting
 |
| Elvin Jovany Mendez-Espada |
The investigation revealed that at approximately 2:10 a.m. two males were in the pool at the Islander Motel, 2001 North Philadelphia Avenue, adjacent to the sidewalk, when another group of people walking by on the street engaged in a verbal exchange with the group in the pool. The verbal exchange escalated when the group in the pool confronted the group on the street and an altercation occurred. During the altercation a male suspect, later identified as Elvin Jovany Mendez-Espada, 21 of Reading, PA, produced a handgun and shot two victims.
 |
| Carwin Duarte |
Police immediately began a search of the area for the suspects. Officers initially located one suspect, who was identified as Carwin Duarte, 19, of Reading, PA, near the shooting scene on Dolphin Lane. Officers then spotted Mendez-Espada hiding in shrubs in the near-by Marlin Drive area. He was later located in the water under a boat dock at a private residence on Marlin Drive. He was taken into custody without further incident.
The OCPD is still investigating the incident. OCPD Forensic Services Unit and the Ocean City Dive Team are also assisting with the recovery of evidence. Police have charged Mendez-Espada with two counts of first degree assault, two counts of first degree attempted murder and use of a handgun in the commission of a violent crime. Duarte has been charged with second degree assault, disorderly conduct and affray. At the time of this release, Mendez-Espada and Daurte are in custody at the Ocean City Police Department awaiting an initial appearance in front of the Maryland District Court Commissioner.
Melee Breaks Out On Boards After Dew Tour Concert Ends
A crowd of hundreds drew Ocean City police to the Boardwalk at North Division Street following the conclusion of the free Dew Tour concert Friday by electro-punk trio Krewella.
The concert had just ended when the Boardwalk became packed with its spectators and others shortly after 10 p.m. Numerous police were already on hand because of the large crowd that was dispersing.
At about that time, Cpl. Todd Spiegle saw a fight involving several people at North Division Street.
“A large crowd of several hundred began yelling and screaming and running in different directions when the fight broke out,” Spiegle wrote in a charging document. “Several officers were engaged with subjects who were fighting.”
One man, Bradley George Knight, 18, of Bel Air, was fighting, “throwing punches and wildly swinging his body,” according to Spiegle.
More
The concert had just ended when the Boardwalk became packed with its spectators and others shortly after 10 p.m. Numerous police were already on hand because of the large crowd that was dispersing.
At about that time, Cpl. Todd Spiegle saw a fight involving several people at North Division Street.
“A large crowd of several hundred began yelling and screaming and running in different directions when the fight broke out,” Spiegle wrote in a charging document. “Several officers were engaged with subjects who were fighting.”
One man, Bradley George Knight, 18, of Bel Air, was fighting, “throwing punches and wildly swinging his body,” according to Spiegle.
More
Some Comments I Feel Worthy Of A Post
In an earlier Post today I published
The Death Of Daniel Somers, a story about a soldier who committed suicide...
Well if was easy everybody would do it.
JoeAlbero said...anonymous 10:33, Go To Hell.
America shouldn't expect to be respected by other countries because we have more fire power.
America should be respected because we have the wisdom to make lives better around the World. You do so by example.
Abortions, Gay Marriage, out of control spending and leadership. These are just some of the examples, (you're welcome to add to it) of which we are failing the rest of the World, let alone our very own right here at home.
In the mean time, we have our very own children taking their own lives, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, fathers, mothers, when does it end? And what are we to gain from these ridiculous wars?
America is becoming the most corrupt country in the World. Heck, A RAIN TAX, REALLY? A select few are becoming billionaires while the majority are on food stamps, welfare, affordable housing, homeless and flat out poor.
Democrats AND Republicans should all come together and stop these wars immediately. The United States should look into the future, regroup and realize we are doomed if we stay on this same path.
Someone will eventually come to America and take us over. Keep it up and watch what eventually happens.
God Bless our men and women serving our Armed Forces. This 4th of July we have to wonder, should we really be celebrating OR should we put our foot down and say, ENOUGH IS ENOUGH. I'm sure many Veterans will agree.
Bring Our Soldiers Home! CREATE JOBS! Heck, our very own Veterans can't even find work, let alone every one else.
I'll be proud to be an American when our President fulfills his promise to bring every one home. When our government abolishes welfare and food stamps because we've created a country that delivers quality manufacturing once again. When Americans aren't forced to buy overseas products because they're cheaper and break in a short period so you have to buy it again and again.
WHAT HAPPENED TO AMERICAN PRIDE AND LEADERSHIP?
Paula Deen’s Empire Continues To Crumble As Target Phases Out Her Products
It’s been a week of cutting ties and ending business partnerships for Paula Deen’s formerly sprawling empire. The Southern chef has waved adios to deals with the Food Network, Smithfield Foods, Caesars Entertainment, Walmart, Home Depot and now, after it had been “evaluating the situation,” Target is the latest company to put let the axe fall.
Target said Thursday that it’ll be phasing out its Deen-branded cookware (side note: How did she sell cookware everywhere and yet JCPenney and Macy’s fight over Martha Stewart like two cats after a mouse?), and after that’s gone, it’s gone.
“Once the merchandise is sold out, we will not be replenishing inventory,” said a Target spokeswoman.
Target said Thursday that it’ll be phasing out its Deen-branded cookware (side note: How did she sell cookware everywhere and yet JCPenney and Macy’s fight over Martha Stewart like two cats after a mouse?), and after that’s gone, it’s gone.
“Once the merchandise is sold out, we will not be replenishing inventory,” said a Target spokeswoman.
Delaware Gun Bill Defeated In State Senate
Senators voted 13-to-6 Thursday to reject the measure, which was pushed by Delaware Attorney General Beau Biden. His father, Vice President Joe Biden, has been spearheading the administration's efforts to expand background checks and pass other gun restrictions since the mass shooting last December at a Connecticut elementary school that left 26 dead.
The Delaware legislation had cleared the House with only one dissenting vote.
"I'm very disappointed. This was a commonsense piece of legislation," Beau Biden said. "... I can't explain what happened today in the state Senate."
More
City Of Salisbury Receives Fourth Safe Streets Grant
Mayor Ireton proudly announces that effective July 1, 2013, Salisbury Safe Streets will receive $280,227 from the Governor’s Office of Crime Control and Prevention for the period July 1, 2013 to June 30, 2014. The O'Malley/Brown administrations total commitment to the Salisbury Safe Streets program has been $1,294,636 over the past 3 ½ years.
“We are very pleased to receive another year of Safe Streets funding from Governor O’Malley’s Office of Crime Control and Prevention.
“We are very pleased to receive another year of Safe Streets funding from Governor O’Malley’s Office of Crime Control and Prevention.
Through the Safe Streets violent crime reduction model we have created working partnerships through all levels of government, with the private sector, faith based communities and neighborhood associations. These partnerships provide law enforcement with a broad spectrum of resources to fight crime more efficiently while reducing the fear of crime in our neighborhoods. Our economic prosperity here in Salisbury and Wicomico County is inextricably linked to our crime rate.
With this round of grant funding from the Governor’s Office, law enforcement remains focused on continued efforts to reduce violent crime while improving the quality of life for the entire Salisbury community”, said Chief Barbara Duncan.
With this round of grant funding from the Governor’s Office, law enforcement remains focused on continued efforts to reduce violent crime while improving the quality of life for the entire Salisbury community”, said Chief Barbara Duncan.
Paula Deen Dropped By Wal-Mart After 'Today' Tears
The story has become both a day-by-day struggle by a successful businesswoman to keep her career afloat and an object lesson on the level of tolerance and forgiveness in society for being caught making an insensitive remark.
Wal-Mart Stores Inc. said Wednesday that it ended its relationship with Deen and will not place "any new orders beyond what's already committed."
Caesars Entertainment Corp. said it had been "mutually decided" with Deen to remove her name from its restaurants in Joliet, Ill.; Tunica, Miss.; Cherokee, N.C.; and Elizabeth, Ind.
More
A Letter To The Editor: PRMC
Joe,
I read the PRMC article posted on your blog. I would like to make you and your readers aware of a situation I was a part of.
Last Monday afternoon I called 911 on behalf of my disabled mother. She was experiencing chest pain. My mother has a long standing cardiac history that has required a cardiac cath and stents.
EMS was quick and prompt with their response however, upon arriving to the ER at PRMC my mother was wheeled in and taken to the charge nurse (I assume she was the charge nurse because she was the only one wearing a white shirt). The paramedic told the nurse that my mother was having chest pain and he tried sending an EKG but his monitor wouldn't transmit.
The charge nurse took a few minutes to look at her computer. She made two phone calls to see if several different rooms were "ready." She told the paramedic to "walk slow to 209, it's not clean."
As we arrived to 209, the room was littered with trash, wet bed linens, a full jug of urine, used half used IV fluid bags, documents containing the previous patients social security number, name, and medical diagnosis, and cords and wires on the floor.
There was three staff members at the nurses station. They saw us arrive and yet they did nothing to help get the room ready. One girl in green said "I've called environmental!" and continued texting on her cell phone.
We waited a total of 22 minutes (I timed it). It took another 4 minutes for the custodian to pick up the cords (without washing or wiping them), and make the bed (without allowing the cleaning agents to dry; my mother was eventually put into a bed with a sheet soaked with a cleaning solution). The custodian didn't even remove the jug of urine.
In total we waited almost 28 minutes (from arrival) for my mother to be placed into a bed. We then waited another 14 minutes for an EKG to be done at the hospital.
I asked my mother's nurse to have a supervisor come talk to me. She never showed.
I have since called Salisbury EMS and they referred me MIEMSS (the state agency responsible for EMS). They have advised me they will start an investigation. They have advised me that PRMC (as a cardiac intervention hospital) must complete an EKG within a certain time frame. They've also advised me that an ER has to be ready for ambulance patients and failing to do so will require EMS ambulance patients to be diverted to another ER (capable of handling the patient load).
This hospital is not capable of saving lives. How they maintain being a trauma center, stoke center, and cardiac intervention hospital is beyond me. It's disgusting.
Thanks Joe.
-Fed Up
Charges Dropped Against EMT Who Refused Care to Dying Pregnant Woman
In 2009, Melissa Jackson was on duty and in uniform when she walked to a nearby coffee shop for her coffee break and discovered that one of the employees was having a severe asthma attack. Jackson called an ambulance, but refused to help the woman. She even refused to go into the back room to see what type of medical care the woman needed.
Eutisha Rennix was six months pregnant at the time and ended up dying.
More
He Said A 'Creepy-A** Cracker' Was Watching Him
Trayvon's girlfriend takes the stand and recounts last phone call in moments before he was shot by Zimmerman
Rachel Jeantel said she told Trayvon to run after he said: 'The n**** is still behind me'
She said she heard Trayvon ask the man 'Why are you following me?' and that he said, 'What are you doing around here?'
Defense expected to call her credibility into account
Admitted she lied about being sick on day of funeral
'I felt guilty...I was the last person that talked to their son', she said
Earlier a neighbor said she heard a boy's voice cry for help before a gun shot rang out
Rachel Jeantel said she told Trayvon to run after he said: 'The n**** is still behind me'
She said she heard Trayvon ask the man 'Why are you following me?' and that he said, 'What are you doing around here?'
Defense expected to call her credibility into account
Admitted she lied about being sick on day of funeral
'I felt guilty...I was the last person that talked to their son', she said
Earlier a neighbor said she heard a boy's voice cry for help before a gun shot rang out
Twitter Account Gets Scrubbed In Zimmerman Case
Deletion spree sanitizes postings of teenage prosecution witnessIn a late-night scrubbing spree, dozens of embarrassing and incriminating posts were deleted Tuesday evening from the Twitter account of a Florida woman who has been described as a star government witness in the George Zimmerman murder case, The Smoking Gun has learned.
The sanitizing of Rachel Jeantel’s Twitter account came as the 19-year-old Miami resident prepared to take the stand
and testify about a phone call she had with Trayvon Martin immediately before the unarmed 17-year-old was shot to death by Zimmerman in February 2012.
In relating that conversation, Jeantel has told investigators that a “scared” Martin said he was being followed by an unknown white man who demanded to know what the teen was doing inside the Retreat at Twin Lakes, a gated community in Sanford, Florida. Jeantel contends that she heard Martin ask the man, “Why you following me for?” before she heard someone “bump” the teenager. “Next thing I hear…the phone is shut off,” Jeantel told investigators in an April 2012 interview.
More
The sanitizing of Rachel Jeantel’s Twitter account came as the 19-year-old Miami resident prepared to take the stand
and testify about a phone call she had with Trayvon Martin immediately before the unarmed 17-year-old was shot to death by Zimmerman in February 2012.In relating that conversation, Jeantel has told investigators that a “scared” Martin said he was being followed by an unknown white man who demanded to know what the teen was doing inside the Retreat at Twin Lakes, a gated community in Sanford, Florida. Jeantel contends that she heard Martin ask the man, “Why you following me for?” before she heard someone “bump” the teenager. “Next thing I hear…the phone is shut off,” Jeantel told investigators in an April 2012 interview.
More
UMES Pharmacy School Earns Accreditation Credential
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For students enrolled at UMES – especially the charter class that graduated this spring – official recognition by ACPE is an affirmation by peers that the university’s curriculum and training meet rigorous professional standards.
“Attaining full accreditation is truly a significant achievement in the growth of our pharmacy program,” said Dr. Nicholas Blanchard, founding dean of the UMES School of Pharmacy.
“The hard work and dedication of our faculty, staff and students, along with the support from the university and the community has enabled us to reach this important milestone,” Blanchard said.
UMES enrolled its first class of pharmacy students in August 2010 and awarded 57 doctorates May 17. UMES offers a year-round or “accelerated program that enables students to earn a Pharm.D. degree in three years instead of the traditional four.”
Today’s announcement is a capstone to President Juliette B. Bell’s first year in office.
“This certainly is exciting news for the entire university community,” Bell said. “It is a reflection of the excellent work Dean Blanchard, the faculty and our dedicated students put into achieving this important milestone in our journey toward achieving academic eminence. I congratulate everyone in the School of Pharmacy on a job well done.”
UMES now has 27 academic programs with peer-review accreditation credentials.
"This is a great day for the university," said Dr. Ron Nykiel, UMES chief academic officer. "Pharmacy accreditation is one of the most difficult to receive."
Nykiel noted that with UMES' business school earning international accreditation in 2011 and the PGA golf management program recently receiving a similar credential, today's announcement "will bring attention to our high-quality programs. It shows what a complete university UMES is."
The ACPE accredits doctor of pharmacy programs at colleges and schools of pharmacy in the United States and at selected non-U.S. sites. For a new doctor of pharmacy program, ACPE accreditation generally involves three steps: pre-candidate status, candidate status and full accreditation.
Pre-candidate status is awarded to a new program that has not yet enrolled students and authorizes an institution to admit its first class. To achieve candidate status, a doctor of pharmacy program must have students enrolled, but has not yet had a graduating class.
A pharmacy school becomes eligible to be considered for full accreditation when it has produced its first graduating class and demonstrates it meets standards set forth by the national council.
In mid-July, the next class of doctoral candidates – UMES’ fourth – will enroll in the university's School of Pharmacy.
The Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education is the national agency for the accreditation of professional degree programs in pharmacy and providers of continuing pharmacy education. The council sets standards for the education of pharmacists to prepare them for the delivery of pharmacist-provided patient care
The Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education is located at 20 North Clark Street, Suite 2500, Chicago, Ill. 60602-5109. For more information about ACPE, visit its website at www.acpe-accredit.org, call (312) 664-3575, or fax (312) 664-4652.
Bill Robinson, director, office of public relations, (410) 621-2355.
BREAKING NEWS: SUPREME COURT LETS STAND LOWER COURT RULING STRIKING DOWN GAY MARRIAGE BAN IN CALIFORNIA
The 5-4 ruling -- a major victory for gay-rights advocates -- means those same-sex couples would be eligible for federal benefits.
Justice Anthony Kennedy wrote the majority opinion.
"DOMA divests married same-sex couples of the duties and responsibilities that are an essential part of married life and that they in most cases would be honored to accept were DOMA not in force," he wrote.
More
A Letter To The Editor 5-25-13
Delmarva Power – Yet another example of shoddy service & unjustified rate rises subsidizing corporate welfare
Poorly performing utility company Delmarva Power has made another application to the Maryland Public Service Commission to raise its distribution charges yet again.
Public comments and submissions are currently being invited from consumers in a series of forums to be held across the state. Customers will have an opportunity to tell regulators about the second-rate service & unjustifiably high charges which subsidizes the corporate greed which nickel & dimes consumers trapped in a captive market.
Comparing electricity bills from 2007 with those of today reveals an outrageous track record of price gouging :-
* The Customer Charges have almost doubled – up over 96%
* The Distribution Charge have been raised by nearly 14%
* The Administrative Credit, which actually gives money back to the consumer, have been reduced by over 64%
* Overall charges for distribution have gone up by over 40%
Consumers are dismayed at distribution rate rises of this magnitude. No small businesses in Maryland or Delaware have been able to increase their prices by this amount and few (if any) salaried workers have seen a raise of 6.7% over the entire period - never mind such an average increase each and every year for the past six years.
In addition, Delmarva’s customers have long been forced to put up with a lamentably unreliable & inconstant power supply service which compares unfavorably with some Third World countries.
And as if that isn’t galling enough there is now also an Em Power MD Charge which was non-existent in 2007. This was introduced by the State Government to pay for initiatives to reduce energy demand via the introduction of energy efficiency & conservation programs. Despite the help provided by the tailwinds of an economic slump & generally milder winters, Delmarva Power is failing to meet either the government’s or its own (anemic - 30% less demanding) targets. The report ‘Falling behind in energy efficiency’ revealed that Delmarva was the worst performing utility company in the state, set to miss its target for energy efficiency by a whopping 68%, plus a further 59% shortfall in the target for peak demand reduction. Failure to meet these goals means fewer jobs created, increased threats to viability/stability of the entire system, and poorer health & environmental outcomes.
Electricity consumers are now being asked to fork out yet more money for another round of increased delivery charges. Disgruntled customers are asking why the power company Chief Executive, Joseph M.Rigby isn’t taking a cut in his excessive $11 million annual salary & compensation package? And why shareholders are still receiving an unrealistically high dividend every quarter - year after year after year?
All this luxurious corporate welfare has been underwritten by constant rate rises imposed on captive consumers despite the fact that the value of the faltering parent company, Pepco Holdings Inc, has actually dropped by a third, from over $30 a share six years ago, to about $20 a share today.
Local customers have not forgotten that the largest fine ever, of $1 million, was made by the Maryland Regulators against Pepco Holdings Inc for its constant failure to maintain its power lines over many years.
It remains to be seen if the PSC takes notice of objections to Delmarva Power’s proposed rate rises or just rolls over so that captive consumers see yet more of their hard earned cash go to support indifferent service, overpaid executives, and greedy shareholders i.e. corporate welfare on an industrial scale.
END
Ted NewcomenChestertown
Poorly performing utility company Delmarva Power has made another application to the Maryland Public Service Commission to raise its distribution charges yet again.
Public comments and submissions are currently being invited from consumers in a series of forums to be held across the state. Customers will have an opportunity to tell regulators about the second-rate service & unjustifiably high charges which subsidizes the corporate greed which nickel & dimes consumers trapped in a captive market.
Comparing electricity bills from 2007 with those of today reveals an outrageous track record of price gouging :-
* The Customer Charges have almost doubled – up over 96%
* The Distribution Charge have been raised by nearly 14%
* The Administrative Credit, which actually gives money back to the consumer, have been reduced by over 64%
* Overall charges for distribution have gone up by over 40%
Consumers are dismayed at distribution rate rises of this magnitude. No small businesses in Maryland or Delaware have been able to increase their prices by this amount and few (if any) salaried workers have seen a raise of 6.7% over the entire period - never mind such an average increase each and every year for the past six years.
In addition, Delmarva’s customers have long been forced to put up with a lamentably unreliable & inconstant power supply service which compares unfavorably with some Third World countries.
And as if that isn’t galling enough there is now also an Em Power MD Charge which was non-existent in 2007. This was introduced by the State Government to pay for initiatives to reduce energy demand via the introduction of energy efficiency & conservation programs. Despite the help provided by the tailwinds of an economic slump & generally milder winters, Delmarva Power is failing to meet either the government’s or its own (anemic - 30% less demanding) targets. The report ‘Falling behind in energy efficiency’ revealed that Delmarva was the worst performing utility company in the state, set to miss its target for energy efficiency by a whopping 68%, plus a further 59% shortfall in the target for peak demand reduction. Failure to meet these goals means fewer jobs created, increased threats to viability/stability of the entire system, and poorer health & environmental outcomes.
Electricity consumers are now being asked to fork out yet more money for another round of increased delivery charges. Disgruntled customers are asking why the power company Chief Executive, Joseph M.Rigby isn’t taking a cut in his excessive $11 million annual salary & compensation package? And why shareholders are still receiving an unrealistically high dividend every quarter - year after year after year?
All this luxurious corporate welfare has been underwritten by constant rate rises imposed on captive consumers despite the fact that the value of the faltering parent company, Pepco Holdings Inc, has actually dropped by a third, from over $30 a share six years ago, to about $20 a share today.
Local customers have not forgotten that the largest fine ever, of $1 million, was made by the Maryland Regulators against Pepco Holdings Inc for its constant failure to maintain its power lines over many years.
It remains to be seen if the PSC takes notice of objections to Delmarva Power’s proposed rate rises or just rolls over so that captive consumers see yet more of their hard earned cash go to support indifferent service, overpaid executives, and greedy shareholders i.e. corporate welfare on an industrial scale.
END
Ted NewcomenChestertown
From The Facebook Page Of Governor O'Malley
Martin O'Malley
Climate change is real. We in Maryland applaud the vision that President Obama offered to the American people today. By targeting the number one source of greenhouse gas emissions, President Obama is moving the United States in the right direction toward strongly emphasizing renewable energy, improving air quality for our vulnerable populations, and mitigating the effects of severe weather events and flooding on our coastlines and low-lying areas. We are committed to partnering with him so that together, we can make the better choices these times demand.
Climate change is real. We in Maryland applaud the vision that President Obama offered to the American people today. By targeting the number one source of greenhouse gas emissions, President Obama is moving the United States in the right direction toward strongly emphasizing renewable energy, improving air quality for our vulnerable populations, and mitigating the effects of severe weather events and flooding on our coastlines and low-lying areas. We are committed to partnering with him so that together, we can make the better choices these times demand.
Today's Survey Question 6-25-13
Mayor Ireton Removes Your 1st & 2nd Amendment Rights: IF You Want To Keep Your Job, That Is!
The information you see below is just a small part of a new Internet policy set by your Mayor and City Council. It's been reported that it has been expanded to 2nd Amendment discussions on the Internet, even on your own personal computer at home.
Contracts have been sent out to employees to be signed, several of which are currently seeking legal representation.
The language does NOT protect an employee using their personal name on a 2nd Amendment Site, (or Blog) all of which could lead to termination. Ireton could suggest that since you used your name, (even though you didn't SAY you worked for the City) it could lead to termination.
So what does this mean. It means that IF you use your name on lets say a Fire Department Post or a Public Works Post, you can easily get fired.
We are awaiting an unsigned hard copy of the employee CONTRACT recently give out to City Employees.
Is Salisbury News considered one of the "hate groups"? I guess to the Mayor, it is.
Is saying the Mayor is gay considered an "inappropriate message"?
Is saying something happened in the ladies room at MoJo's a "sexually harassing message"?
"An employee's comments on social media reflect on the employee as an individual and on the City of Salisbury as a whole". Yes, even if you do so from your home computer on your own personal time.
WELCOME TO RUSSIA AND CHINA MY FELLOW AMERICANS. "IT WAS YOUR ELECTION TO LOSE".
The Bigger Brother Question is, WHO IS GOING TO POLICE THIS POLICY and at WHO'S expense?
Visiting inappropriate web sites( pornography, hate groups, etc.).
Unauthorized attempts to access any computer or network.
Sending or posting threatening, or otherwise inappropriate messages.
Sending or posting racially and/ or sexually harassing messages or images, sending or posting any sexually suggestive or explicit messages, or any other use in violation of the City of Salisbury policies regarding workplace harassment, discrimination, and/ or retaliation.
Social Networking: The Internet, blogs, the World Wide Web, social networking sites, and any other medium of electronic communication shall not be used in a manner that is detrimental to the mission and function of the City of Salisbury. The purpose for regulation in this area is to minimize risk to the City of Salisbury, its employees and its residents of slanderous or unprofessional content which impairs the public trust or could lead to legal claims. The purpose is not to restrict the flow of useful and appropriate information or the expression of free speech. The policy applies to all social media communications, even those made at home on a personal computer, as long as the communications pertain to the functioning of the City of Salisbury. An employee's comments on social media reflect on the employee as an individual and on the City of Salisbury as a whole. Before posting on social media, employees should consider how their comments would look on the front page of the newspaper. Using social media to gratuitously criticize the City of Salisbury, City officers or other employees, or the City's of Salisbury's services reflects poorly on the City of Salisbury and can lead to legal challenges.Employees of the City of Salisbury who utilize social networking sites, blogs, or other mediums of electronic communication in their off-duty time shall maintain an appropriate level of professionalism and conduct so as not to broadest in a manner which is detrimental to the mission and function of the City of Salisbury.
Employees shall not use referenced in these social networking sites or other mediums of communication that in any way represents them as employees of the City of Salisbury without prior approval. This shall include but not be limited to those items identified in section 6. 18. 2.
Employees shall not use a social networking site or other medium of Internet communication to post any materials of a sexually graphic nature which are detrimental to the mission or function of the City of Salisbury, or make sexually graphic comments.
GO HERE to read the full details. More to come Ladies & Gentlemen.
IT DIDN'T WORK!
IF your intent was to stop City Employees from visiting Salisbury News, you failed. As of 2 PM today our numbers are way up and your little Internet Policy has failed you.
Our PRMC Post last week should have taught Jimmy a lesson. Even though PRMC Employees are forbidden to access SBYNews, it created the #1 most commented Post in what, 2 years, in just a few days. Same goes with the Wicomico Board of Education, the Salisbury Fire Department and the Salisbury Police Department.
The more you tell people, (as adults) you can't do something, the more they will do the opposite, hence today's numbers..
Did YOU, (our viewers) read anything about this in the Daily Times? Why Not! It's been in work sessions and approved by Council, so why didn't they tell you? Why didn't they challenge Jimmy? Hmmmm, seems they dropped the ball a couple weeks ago in Delmar when the Mayor of Delaware walked out of a meeting as well.
Where's WBOC, WMDT and the DT's on the PRMC story????
If you people still don't get it, well, you're Idiots, plain and simple.
WHO do YOU know that will be willing to run for Mayor OR Council in the next election who will stick their necks out for the good of this community like Debbie Campbell, Terry Cohen, Tim Spies, ME, or the rest of the more than "Dirty Dozen"? The answer, NO ONE WILL and that is exactly what they wanted.
The Daily Times and WMDT helped manufacture and create the "Council Of No's". The Council of No's passed 90%of the legislation Jimmy proposed over the past 4 years and gave him 100% of the funding he asked for. Please, do tell me, is that a Council of No's???
The former Mayor and Police Chief sued me to shut me up years ago, they failed. They fabricated charges to have me arrested and even put me in a position where I had to come up with a $50,000.00 Bond to get out of jail, only to learn I was the one being assaulted and the charges dropped. Now they are creating language to do everything they can to make sure there is no such thing as a whistle blower.
You better wake up citizens of Salisbury because I really don't believe there's another Joe Albero out there to inform you about what's really going on. Close and lock your doors, drop the blinds and only come out when your government tells you that you can. It was your election to lose.
UPDATE: Today we have already experienced the biggest volume of hits ever seen here on a Monday. Keep up the good work Jim.
Zimmerman Portrayed As Vigilante In Fla. Shooting
The prosecution began opening statements in the long-awaited murder trial with shocking language, repeating obscenities Zimmerman uttered while talking to a police dispatcher moments before the deadly confrontation.
The defense opened with a knock-knock joke about the difficulty of picking a jury for a case that stirred nationwide debate over racial profiling, vigilantism and Florida's expansive laws on the use of deadly force.
More
Ocean City Has Lost Its Mind!
I know this isn't breaking news but these people can't be serious, right? I know, I must have missed it, (being in the news business and all) the greatest recession/depression is now over. Property values have now tripled and every middle class and lower class person is now off food stamps, off welfare, off unemployment, gas has come back around to $1.00 a gallon. Banks are returning previous owners to their foreclosed homes and the confidence in President Obama is through the roof. BS! I can't wait to get pictures of that mostly empty parking lot on the day of this event.
And you wonder why those in elected positions aren't in the private sector, because people like me were never stupid enough to hire them. $50 Flat Fee Parking All Day in Inlet Lot on July 4th
Posted: 24 Jun 2013 06:04 AM PDTThe Town of Ocean City is making a change to parking operations in the Inlet Parking Lot on Thursday, July 4, by charging a $50 flat-fee for all day parking. The fee, which is good for one-entry, will allow visitors to come as early as 5 a.m. and stay as late as midnight, without being charged an hourly parking rate.
“We hope the new flat fee parking will allow our visitors to be more flexible during their trip to Ocean City on July 4th,” said John VanFossen, Deputy Director of Public Works. “We think this will not only allow visitors the opportunity to come to Ocean City early and stay late, but it will also smooth the amount of traffic exiting the downtown area after the fireworks.”
Visitors who utilize the flat-free option will be issued a window pass and directed to park by assisting parking attendants. If the lot fills, visitors will be encouraged to use neighboring parking lots, including Worcester Street, Somerset Street, Dorchester Street, North Division Street, 4th Street and the West Ocean City Park & Ride.
The normal “ticketed” parking operations will return at midnight on July 5. For questions about parking in the Inlet Lot on July 4th or for more information, please contact Communications Manager, Jessica Waters at 410-289-8967.
Posted: 24 Jun 2013 06:04 AM PDTThe Town of Ocean City is making a change to parking operations in the Inlet Parking Lot on Thursday, July 4, by charging a $50 flat-fee for all day parking. The fee, which is good for one-entry, will allow visitors to come as early as 5 a.m. and stay as late as midnight, without being charged an hourly parking rate.
“We hope the new flat fee parking will allow our visitors to be more flexible during their trip to Ocean City on July 4th,” said John VanFossen, Deputy Director of Public Works. “We think this will not only allow visitors the opportunity to come to Ocean City early and stay late, but it will also smooth the amount of traffic exiting the downtown area after the fireworks.”
Visitors who utilize the flat-free option will be issued a window pass and directed to park by assisting parking attendants. If the lot fills, visitors will be encouraged to use neighboring parking lots, including Worcester Street, Somerset Street, Dorchester Street, North Division Street, 4th Street and the West Ocean City Park & Ride.
The normal “ticketed” parking operations will return at midnight on July 5. For questions about parking in the Inlet Lot on July 4th or for more information, please contact Communications Manager, Jessica Waters at 410-289-8967.
Wicomico County Labor Force Continues to Deteriorate - April Job Numbers Just-in
| Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | |||||||
| Unemploy. | Change over prior | ||||||
| County | Period | Labor Force | Employed | Unemployed | Rate % | year 2011 | |
| Wicomico | 11-Feb | 52506 | 47333 | 5173 | 9.9 | ||
| Wicomico | 11-Mar | 53116 | 48391 | 4725 | 8.9 | ||
| Wicomico | 11-Apr | 52961 | 48485 | 4476 | 8.5 | ||
| Wicomico | 11-May | 53444 | 48877 | 4567 | 8.5 | ||
| Wicomico | 11-Jun | 53825 | 48951 | 4874 | 9.1 | ||
| Wicomico | 11-Jul | 54139 | 49273 | 4866 | 9 | ||
| Wicomico | 11-Aug | 53423 | 48706 | 4717 | 8.8 | ||
| Wicomico | 11-Sep | 53821 | 49172 | 4649 | 8.6 | ||
| Wicomico | 11-Oct | 53384 | 48809 | 4575 | 8.6 | ||
| Wicomico | 11-Nov | 53153 | 48516 | 4637 | 8.7 | ||
| Wicomico | 11-Dec | 53213 | 48619 | 4594 | 8.6 | ||
| Wicomico | 12-Jan | 51246 | 46321 | 4925 | 9.6 | ||
| Wicomico | 12-Feb | 52605 | 47554 | 5051 | 9.6 | 99 | |
| Wicomico | 12-Mar | 53073 | 48351 | 4722 | 8.9 | -43 | |
| Wicomico | 12-Apr | 52786 | 48389 | 4397 | 8.3 | -175 | |
| Wicomico | 12-May | 53608 | 49253 | 4355 | 8.1 | 164 | |
| Wicomico | 12-Jun | 54256 | 49598 | 4658 | 8.6 | 431 | |
| Wicomico | 12-Jul | 54877 | 50349 | 4528 | 8.3 | 738 | |
| Wicomico | 12-Aug | 53372 | 49007 | 4365 | 8.2 | -51 | |
| Wicomico | 12-Sep | 52893 | 48773 | 4120 | 7.8 | -928 | |
| Wicomico | 12-Oct | 52487 | 48385 | 4102 | 7.8 | -897 | |
| Wicomico | 12-Nov | 52603 | 48276 | 4327 | 8.2 | -550 | |
| Wicomico | 12-Dec | 52709 | 48085 | 4624 | 8.8 | -504 | |
| Wicomico | 13-Jan | 51189 | 46296 | 4893 | 9.6 | -57 | |
| Wicomico | 13-Feb | 51438 | 46764 | 4674 | 9.1 | -1167 | |
| Wicomico | 13-Mar | 52101 | 47607 | 4494 | 8.6 | -972 | |
| Wicomico | 13-Apr | 51799 | 47562 | 4237 | 8.2 | -987 | p |
| -4899 | less | ||||||
| p = preliminary. | SOURCE: BLS, LAUS | workforce | |||||
| 21-Jun-13 | |||||||