NOW STATE DEPT. ADMITS: YES, JOHN KERRY WAS ON HIS YACHT ON THE DAY OF EGYPT’S COUP

As millions of Egyptians rose up to depose the Muslim Brotherhood-backed Mohamed Morsi, Secretary of State John Kerry was on his private yacht, the State Department finally admitted Friday.

Yes, after vigorously denying reports that Kerry was on his private yacht during the uprising Wednesday, the State Department has issued a somewhat sheepish retraction.

“While he was briefly on his boat on Wednesday, Secretary Kerry worked around the clock all day including participating in the president’s meeting with his national security council,” spokeswoman Jen Psaki said.
More

Progressive Snapshot Car-Monitoring Device Helps Man Beat Murder Charge

There may be an upside to having a device in your car that monitors your driving habits on behalf of your car insurance company. Yes, really. A Cleveland-area man who also happened to be a Progressive customer with a Snapshot device at the time his infant daughter suffocated to death was acquitted of murder thanks to its data.
A record of what time you were in your car and how fast you were going could be bad in the wrong hands or if you’re an irresponsible driver, but in the case of this dad, it saved him from fifteen years to life in prison.

More

Wisconsin Governor Signs Abortion Bill Requiring Ultrasound

Gov. Scott Walker quietly signed a contentious Republican bill Friday that would require women seeking abortions to undergo an ultrasound and ban doctors who lack admitting privileges at nearby hospitals from performing the procedures.

Opponents contend legislators shouldn't force women to undergo any medical procedure and the bill will force at least two abortion clinics where providers lack admitting privileges to shut their doors.

The Republican-controlled Legislature passed the bill in mid-June. Walker, a Republican, could have chosen to sign it at any time since then but decided to do it on Friday in the middle of the long 4th of July holiday weekend. The measure's opponents accused him of trying to bury news of the signing.
More

Meeting Materials - July 8, 2013 Council Legislative Session

6:00 p.m. CALL TO ORDER

6:01 p.m. WELCOME/ANNOUNCEMENTS

6:05 p.m. INVOCATION/MEDITATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

6:07 p.m. ADOPTION OF LEGISLATIVE AGENDA

6:10 p.m. CONSENT AGENDA – City Clerk Kim Nichols

 June 3, 2013 closed session minutes

 June 10, 2013 regular meeting minutes

 Resolution No. 2291 - approving the appointment of Edward Brown to the Historic District Commission 

 Resolution No. 2292 - approving the appointment of Heather Towers to the Traffic and Safety Advisory Committee 

 Resolution No. 2293 - authorizing the Mayor to sign a Joint Use Agreement between the City and the West Salisbury Little League allowing the Little League to continue to use the facilities that have been built on City-owned property located at 1406 Pemberton Drive 

6:15 p.m. AWARD OF BIDS – Assistant Internal Services Director-Procurement Catrice Parsons 

 Public Works Department Surplus - Vehicle

 Award of Portable Radios under State Contract

 Award of Contract #114-13 Mill Street Bulkhead

 Award of RFP 12-13 Magnesium Hydroxide Feed/Mix Storage Systems & Chemicals 

6:25 p.m. RESOLUTIONS – Interim City Administrator M. Thomas Stevenson, Jr.

 Resolution No. 2294 - accepting a private donation of $100.00 from Gary Marshal Insurance and a donation of $500.00 from Peninsula Regional Medical Center to fund National Night Out

More

SPD Press Release 7-5-13

Worcester County Sheriff’s Office Press Release 7-5-13

In the afternoon of July 2, 2013 a Worcester County Sheriff’s Office Deputy responded to a residence on Jarvis Rd for a burglary.

The home owner stated that an older gentleman, possibly in his 60`s, wearing sunglasses, a black shirt, khaki shorts, and light colored socks and shoes, and had dark colored hair that appeared to be balding, came onto the property and opened a storage shed. The suspect then looked into the residence before leaving the property.

The suspect was further described as tall with a skinny build. The suspect was operating a newer model white Ford Super Duty with 4 doors and had a silver colored folding ladder in the bed. The vehicle had unknown Delaware registration.

If anyone has information in regards to this incident please contact the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office 410-632-1111.

Tea Party Groups Ramp Up Fight Against Immigration Bill, As August Recess Looms

After spending weeks dealing with the fallout from the IRS targeting scandal, Tea Party groups are starting to focus their energy on the immigration bill -- a development that could imperil President Obama's hopes for a speedy approval.

Before adjourning for the Fourth of July holiday break, the Senate easily approved its version of the legislation. The bill now rests with the House, where Republicans say they will take up their own version.

Obama, during his Africa trip, called on the House to "get this done" before the August recess. 
More 

Joint Agency Drug Units Seize Over 3,000 Bags Of Heroin And Arrest Five People

Date of Occurrence:   Wednesday July 3, 2013 starting at 6:00 a.m.

Defendant, Charges, and Bail Information:  

• Edward R. Hale, 30, Camden-Wyoming, DE (Photo Attached, black shirt, beard)

• Possession with Intent to Deliver Heroin
• Possession with Intent to Deliver Schedule II Pills
• Possession with Intent to Deliver Schedule III Pills
• Possession of a Firearm by Person Prohibited (2 counts)
• Endangering the Welfare of a Child
• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

Arraigned at JP2 and released on $57,200.00 unsecured bond.

• William S. Friends, 38, Felton, DE

• Possession with Intent to Deliver Heroin
• Possession of Heroin
• Resisting Arrest
• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
• Driving While Suspended or Revoked

Arraigned at JP2 and committed to James T. Vaughn Correctional Center on $122,700.00 cash bond.

• David E. Evans, 29, Dover, DE

• Possession with Intent to Deliver Heroin
• Possession of Heroin
• Possession with Intent to Deliver Schedule IV Pills
• Possession with Intent to Deliver Schedule II Pills (2 counts)
• Possession of a Firearm by Person Prohibited (2 counts)
• Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony
• Possession of a Firearm with an Obliterated Serial Number
• Possession of Marijuana
• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

Arraigned at JP2 and committed to James T. Vaughn Correctional Center on $121,000.00 cash bond.

• Jahlil Patton, 20, Wilmington, DE

• Possession with Intent to Deliver Heroin
• Possession of Heroin
• Conspiracy 2^nd
• Resisting Arrest
• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

Arraigned at JP7 and committed to James T. Vaughn Correctional Center on $131,500.00 cash bond.

• Alveda Alfred, 20, Wilmington, DE

• Possession with Intent to Deliver Heroin
• Possession of Heroin
• Conspiracy 2^nd
• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

Arraigned at JP7 and committed to Delores J. Baylor Women’s Correctional Institution on $11,600.00 cash bond.

Resume:  

Kent County, DE- The Delaware State Police Kent County Drug Unit with the assistance of the Dover City Police Department have arrested five people after the culmination of a three month long investigation into dealing illegal drugs in the Camden and Dover area.

On Wednesday July 3, 2013, at approximately 6:00 a.m., the Kent County Drug Unit, with the assistance of the Dover Police Department Drug Unit, and Delaware State Police Special Operations Response Team (S.O.R.T.) executed a search warrant at a residence in the 200 block of Thicket Road, Camden-Wyoming.

Upon the troopers arrival at the house, Edward R. Hale was observed lying on the couch with his 5 year old daughter.  He quickly rose to his feet and attempted to flee into a bathroom where he was taken into custody without incident.  During the execution of the search warrant, detectives located 107 bags of heroin (2.675 grams total) packaged individually for sale, 20 Vyvanse Pills (Schedule II), 17 Amphetemine Pills (Schedule II), 11 Suboxone strips (Schedule III), drug paraphernalia as well as over $450.00 in suspected drug proceeds.  The 5 year old was turned over to a relative at the scene.

At approximately 10:00 a.m., detectives set up surveillance of the residence with the understanding that numerous drug transactions were to take place.  A silver Dodge Avenger arrived at the house and the operator, who was later identified as William S. Friends, exited the vehicle and approached the door to the house.  When he began to enter the house, SORT members announced their presence and Friends attempted to flee back to his car.  He was met by another team member who ordered him to the ground.  Friends failed to comply with the order and was subdued and taken into custody after the trooper deployed a divisionally issued Taser (Electronic Control Device).  A search of Friends’ vehicle revealed 650 bags of heroin totaling more than 16.25 grams.

At 12:40 p.m., a silver Pontiac Bonneville arrived at the Thicket Road home.  Detectives and SORT made contact with the operator, who was later identified as David E. Evans, in the driveway where he was taken into custody without incident.  A search of the vehicle revealed 1,012 bags of heroin totaling more than 25 grams, 1.5 grams of marijuana, 31 Clonazepam pills, 1 Focalin pill, a .32 caliber handgun with the serial number obliterated, and 56 rounds of ammunition.  He was also in possession of over $3,800.00 in suspected drug proceeds.

State Police and Dover PD detectives, along with DSP SORT, then responded to the Dover Inn Hotel located at 428 North DuPont Highway in Dover after information was received about another drug transaction about to take place.  Around 5:35 p.m., Jahlil Patton was observed knocking on a door to the hotel and when officers attempted to make contact with him, he fled on foot before being taken into custody without further incident near Lake Club Apartments.  While Patton was attempting to elude the officers, he was seen discarding several packages of heroin on the ground.  All 1,296 bags totaling more than 38 grams were located along with 4.5 grams of marijuana that was located in a car operated by Patton’s girlfriend, Alveda Alfred.  She was located in the parking lot of Advanced Auto and was taken into custody without incident.

Hale, Friends, and Evans were all transported back to Troop 3 near Camden where they were arrested for the above listed charges.  Hale was released on an unsecured bond while Friends and Evans were committed to JTVCC on $122,700.00 and $121,000.00 cash bails respectively.  Patton and Alfred were taken back to Dover PD where they were arrested for the above listed charges and turned over to the Department of Corrections on $131,500.00 and $11,600.00 cash bonds respectively.

This joint operation between Dover Police Department and Delaware State Police resulted in the recovery of 3,069 bags of heroin totaling more than 76 grams, 80 pills, 3 firearms along with several rounds of ammunition, and over $4,200.00 in suspected drug proceeds.

Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund seeking photos

As we honor those who fought for freedom this Fourth of July, there is a special campaign at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Organizers for the new underground educational center aim to start building a new groundbreaking facility next year to honor every single veteran who died.

But many of those faces and their stories are missing.

“That’s my brother… killed in action February 8, 1967,” says Judy Campbell. “Keith Allen Campbell.”

Keith, a 20-year-old Army medic from Arlington, was killed just three weeks after he arrived in Vietnam.
 More

Worcester County Sheriff’s Office Press Release 7-5-13

On Wednesday, July 3rd, 2013 at approximately 6:00pm a Worcester County Deputy Sheriff was responded to Onley Road, Girdletree, Worcester County, Maryland for a burglary and an assault. 

Investigation revealed that a Mr. Jesse Johnson 31 of Pocomoke barged into a residence in Girdletree and assaulted the owner. He then fled the scene. Charges for burglary and assault were applied for. Mr. Johnson is awaiting trial.

Marine Rescue Program Achieves New Milestone

OCEAN CITY -- After over two decades of rescuing and rehabilitating injured or ill marine mammals, including the recent release of a juvenile grey seal from the beach in Ocean City just two weeks ago, the National Aquarium’s Marine Animal Rescue Program (MARP) reached a significant milestone last week with its 100th successful release.

Since 1991, the National Aquarium’s MARP team has been responsible for responding to stranded marine mammals and sea turtles along the Delmarva peninsula, primarily along the nearly 4,400 miles of Maryland’s coast. Over the years, the MARP team has responded to a large number of strandings of ill or injured seals, turtles, and even dolphins and whales on the beaches in Ocean City and Assateague and more than a few that were rescued in other areas up and down the coast have been rehabilitated and released.

Last week, the MARP program hit a major milestone with its 100th successful release. MARP actually released three sea turtles last Friday from Point Lookout in St. Mary’s County just across the Chesapeake, marking the 100, 101 and 102 successful releases.
More 

One Killed And One Critical In Pedestrian Crash In Dewey Beach

Location: Coastal Highway (SR1) south of Anchor Way, Dewey Beach, DE

Date of Occurrence: Thursday July 4, 2013 at approximately 9:34 p.m.

Operator and Vehicle Information:

Operator #1: Matthew T. O'Connor, 25, Washington, DC
Vehicle #1: 2005 Lincoln Aviator

Pedestrian #1: Roy E. Love, 79, Rehoboth Beach, DE (Deceased)
Pedestrian #2: Helene L. Love, 75, Rehoboth Beach, DE (Critical Condition)

Resume:
Dewey Beach, DE- The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is currently investigating a fatal pedestrian crash after two people were hit south of Dewey Beach.

The incident occurred around 9:34 p.m. last evening after the fireworks show in Dewey Beach. Matthew T. O'Connor was operating a 2005 Lincoln Aviator southbound on Coastal Highway (SR1) and was preparing to turn into a turn lane south of Anchor Way. Roy E. Love and his wife Helene L. Love were crossing from the raised concrete median to the west side of SR1 southbound when they both stepped out into the left lane and were struck by the Lincoln.

Roy Love and Helene Love were both transported to Beebe Medical Center where Roy was pronounced dead. Helene Love was later air-lifted to Christiana Medical Center where she is currently listed in critical condition.

Matthew O'Connor, who was properly restrained, was not injured in the crash. He was taken into custody and transported back to Troop 7 where he was charged with Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol and released. More charges may be forthcoming upon the completion of the investigation.

The Collision Reconstruction Unit is continuing their investigation into this incident. SR1 southbound between Anchor Way and Seagull Drive had one lane closed for approximately two hours as the crash was investigated and cleared.

“Troopers remind pedestrians to use caution and safety when walking on or near roadways. If you must cross a roadway utilize appropriate cross walks and make sure to look left, then right, then left again before proceeding. When walking near a roadway always make yourself visible to drivers by wearing bright/light colored clothing and reflective materials. Pedestrians that are walking at night must carry a flashlight for added safety.”

Gallup: Republicans More Proud To Be American Than Democrats

In recognition of Independence Day, Gallup has released a poll on whether American citizens are still proud to be American.

Ninety-three percent of Republicans indicate that they are “extremely/very proud” to be American while only 85 percent of Democrats feel the same way.
More 

GOVERNOR O’MALLEY TO ANNOUNCE INVESTMENT IN JOBS & TRANSPORTATION FOR PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY

ANNAPOLIS, MD  – Monday, at 10:15 a.m., Governor O’Malley will announce a major transportation investment package for Prince George’s County that will create jobs, reduce traffic congestion, and improve pedestrian safety for Maryland residents and commuters. The Governor will be joined by County Executive Baker, Senate President Miller, and other officials.

Our better choices are moving us forward to a 21st century transportation network. Working together with the General Assembly, we have guaranteed a sustainable transportation funding source that will support more than 57,200 jobs statewide, create a safer, more efficient transportation network, and spur economic development.

Manhole Cover ‘Popped Up’ Causing Vehicle To Flip Over

OCEAN CITY -- More details emerged this week on the single-vehicle accident on northbound Coastal Highway last Thursday afternoon involving a small car hitting a dislodged manhole cover in the area of 48th Street causing the vehicle to flip onto its roof.

Just before 2 p.m. last Thursday, Ocean City Fire Department units were dispatched to the area of 48th Street and Coastal Highway for a reported single-vehicle accident with entrapment. The investigation revealed a small, red, two-door vehicle was heading north on Coastal Highway in the area of 48th Street when it struck a manhole cover that was dislodged. The force of the light vehicle hitting the open manhole caused the vehicle to flip over on its roof.

Ocean City Fire Department crews and EMS worked to extricate the unidentified driver from the vehicle. The entrapped victim was removed from the overturned vehicle and taken to the hospital via ambulance. According to sources, the victim was hospitalized with injuries not believed to be life threatening.
More 

Bride's Moving Tribute at Father's Grave Will Break Your Heart

A photo of a bride at a gravesite that perfectly captures the dichotomy of grief and joy has triggered an outpouring of online emotion, touching a soft spot with hundreds of thousands of viewers and stunning the Michigan–basedphotographer behind the image.

“It’s been a little bit shocking,” Kari Wieringaof Zander & Breck Photography, based in Grand Rapids, toldYahoo! Shine. “The number of online hits has been mind-blowing. I didn’t even know it was possible.”

Since Wieringa snapped the image in early June and posted it on her company’s Facebook page on June 13th it has gone viral, receiving more than 700,000 likes, 35,000 shares and thousands of comments.  
More

Troopers Conducting Death Investigation After Body Found North Of Indian River Inlet

Location: Atlantic Ocean, north of Indian River Inlet, Rehoboth Beach, DE

Date of Occurrence:
Friday July 5, 2013 at approximately 10:12 a.m.

Resume:
Rehoboth Beach, DE– Troopers are conducting a death investigation after a body was discovered floating in the ocean this morning.

At approximately 10:12 a.m. a boater traveling north of the Indian River inlet discovered a body floating in the water. Troopers, along with Department of Natural Resources Fish and Wildlife Officers responded to the area where the body was secured and brought back to the U.S. Coast Guard Station. The body was then turned over to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, where an autopsy will be performed in order to determine the deceased's identity, and cause and manner of death.

When We Actually GAINED Our Independence

There is a difference in when we declared verses when we gained our independence. 

We declared our independence from Great Britain on July 4, 1776. 

The United States was not officially independent from Great Britain until the Treaty Of Paris was signed on September 3, 1783 after the American Revolution. We couldn't gain our Independence until after we won that war.

The correct answer for when we gained our independence is September 3, 1783.

WMDT should be more careful about how they EDUCATE the public.

Westboro Baptists Escape White House Label As Hate Group

The Obama administration this week turned down the request of 367,000 petitioners and refused to label Westboro Baptist Church a hate group.

The reason? It’s not the government’s role to designate the church — a 50-member unit that pickets funerals with signs that denounce homosexuality — as a hate group, CNN reported.

The White House was responding to a petition drive on its “We The People” website that stood at the most-read, highest-priority spot for months, garnering much more than 100,000 signatures needed to generate a federal response, CNN said.
More 

Worcester County Sheriff’s Office Press Release

On July 3, 2013 at approximately 1917 hours a  Worcester County Sheriff’s Office 
Deputy observed a suspicious vehicle parked at the West Ocean City Park and 
Ride.

The Deputy made contact with the occupants and immediately detected the odor of 
Marijuana emanating from the passenger compartment of the vehicle. Also, in 
plain view on the front seat passengers lap was suspected marijuana.

The front seat passenger was identified as   John Michael Bradford II, W/M  20 
yoa Snow Hill, Maryland
Mr. Bradford was issued a criminal citation for possession of marijuana less 
than 10 grams and released pending trial.
 
On July 4, 2013 at approximately 1545 hours a Worcester County Sheriff’s Office 
Deputy observed a vehicle Northbound on Route 113 in the area of Route 12 
traveling 80 mph in a 55 mph zone.  Upon contact with the driver, he was 
identified as Wendell Richard Hicks Harper 32 years of age of Joppa, Md. There 
was an active Harford County - Circuit Court Arrest Warrant open. The Deputy 
placed Harper in custody without incident and he was subsequently transported to 
the Worcester County Jail pending transport arraignments with Harford County 
officials.

On Thursday, July 4th, 2013 at approximately 12:35am a Worcester County Deputy  
was southbound on Coastal Highway just north of 142nd Street, Ocean City, 
Maryland. At that time, he observed a dark colored four-door Chevrolet pick-up 
truck strike the 142nd Street concrete divider for east and west bound traffic.
 The Deputy stopped the truck and identified the driver as Christopher Ryan 
Adkins 18 years of age of Selbyville, Delaware.
 
An immediate odor of raw Marijuana was detected emanating for within the 
vehicle.
 
A search of the vehicle and its contents produced suspected Marijuana less than 
10 grams. Mr. Adkins was issued a Criminal Citation for Possession of Marijuana 
and the case is pending trail in the Maryland District Court.

Project Begins To Reproduce Star-Spangled Banner

The Maryland Historical Society is embarking on a special Independence Day project this year.

The society on Thursday began recreating the original Star-Spangled Banner Flag, which flew over Fort McHenry in Baltimore during the War of 1812 and inspired the writing of the national anthem.

Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake sewed the first stitch at a July 4 ceremony kicking off the project.

The historical society says it expects its authentic reproduction to take six weeks to complete and will involve more than 100 volunteers to help stitch.
More 

Chesapeake Bay Health Improving, Earns C Grade

Something's fishy in the Chesapeake Bay, and that's good news.

The number of bay anchovies has increased. Environmentalists with the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science explain the bay anchovy is an important food source for other fish, like striped bass and bluefish.

In the annual report card from the Center, the health of the bay has improved, going from a D+ rating in 2011 to a C for 2012. Among the good signs, less nitrogen is turning up in the waters of the bay, and the water clarity is improving.
More 

"Hogs And Heroes" Benefit For OCPD Officers

Tonight (7/5/13) and for all Friday Nights in July 2013, "Hogs and Heroes" will host an event at the Hooters of West OC (12315 Ocean Gateway OC, MD 21842) 410-213-1841. Each event will run from 6pm to 9pm.

All proceeds raised during the Friday Events of July will be donated to the families of PFC Josh Adickes and Ofc. Tom Geoghegan.

Please feel free to share this information with your family and friends

Questions should be directed to Hogs and Heroes Event Coordinator, Michael "Sandman" Sandoe 410-310-7660.

Investigators Looking For Wanted Sex Offender

Location: Laurel, DE

Date of Occurrence: July 1, 2013

Suspect and Charges: Troy E. Burton, 43, Laurel, DE (Photo Attached) Black male, 5'10” tall, 210 lbs., black hair, and brown eyes Failure to Re-register as a Sex Offender

Resume:
Laurel, DE- The Delaware State Police Sex Offender Apprehension and registration Unit (S.O.A.R) is currently looking for a Laurel sex offender after he failed to verify his current address.

Investigators have obtained warrants on Troy E. Burton, 43 of Laurel, who is a medium risk Tier 2 sex offender, after they learned that he failed to re-register his home address and had not notified S.O.A.R. of his status within 3 days as he is required to do by law.

Troy Burton is described as a black male, 5'10” tall and 210 lbs., black hair and brown eyes.

The Delaware State Police Sex Offender Apprehension and Registration Unit is asking anyone who may know the location of Troy Burton to call 9-1-1 or 302-672-5306. Citizens may also provide a tip by texting keyword “DSP” plus your message to 274637 (CRIMES). Tipsters may also provide information through lines maintained by Delaware Crime Stoppers at (800) TIP-3333. Callers can also submit information via the internet at www.tipsubmit.com.

UNEMPLOYMENT RATE REMAINS AT 7.6 PERCENT

US economy adds 195,000 jobs in June, with the unemployment rate remaining at 7.6 percent.
More

Line In The Sand Is Drawn In Rehoboth Beach

On a blistering July 4 morning, nearly 1,500 people jammed Rehoboth Beach for a Freedom Rally celebration featuring music, veterans and prayer.

A portion of the beach at Rehoboth Avenue had been sectioned off, but the crowd quickly overwhelmed the area as people lined the dune-crossing and the Boardwalk in front of a small stage.

“We were just hoping for a peaceful service,” said event organizer Christian Hudson. But the event far exceeded his expectations.

Hudson organized the rally after the Rev. Robert Dekker, senior pastor of New Covenant Presbyterian Church, was denied a permit to hold eight Sunday services at the Bandstand.
More 

Over a Foot of Hail Swamps New Mexico Town

A lone thunderstorm dumped over a foot of hail in the town of Santa Rosa, N.M. Wednesday evening, leaving a surreal sight the day before the Fourth of July.

Photos from the Santa Rosa Fire Department showed snow plows clearing city streets clogged with accumulated hail drifts.

According to the National Weather Service in Albuquerque, hail up to golfball size pelted the city around 6:00 p.m. MDT.

Skylights were damaged and a roof was partially collapsed in the city of approximately 2,800 residents, about 105 miles east of Albuquerque, according to a report from the Albuquerque Journal.
More 

More Dead Fish Popping Up Along The Chesapeake Bay

7-Year-Old Boy Dies In Fourth of July Parade in Annapolis

Police say a 7-year-old boy was killed in the Fourth of July Parade in Annapolis.

The boy was on one of the last floats in the parade at about 7 p.m., but police gave no specific details on how the boy died.

There were earlier reports the boy fell from a vehicle getting ready to participate in the parade, but now it's unclear whether he actually fell, or was injured when a float rolled over him.
Continue reading

Salvage Crew Lifts Plane Wreckage Off Ocean City

OCEAN CITY, Md. - Crews are removing the wreckage of a plane that crashed this week in the waters off Ocean City, killing two off-duty police officers.

Ocean City Police Department spokesman Michael Levy said Maryland state police were handling the recovery Thursday about a quarter-mile offshore. A state police spokesman didn't respond to a telephone message seeking comment.

The small plane crashed into the ocean Sunday after taking off from the Ocean City Municipal Airport. Witnesses told police the aircraft spun out of control before crashing.
More 

For Now, Judge Rules Resort Can’t Enforce 30-Foot Rule

OCEAN CITY -- Ironically just in time for the Fourth of July and all of the crowds and noise the holiday brings, a federal judge on Wednesday issued a preliminary injunction prohibiting the town of Ocean City from enforcing its 30-foot noise ordinance as it relates to street performers.

On April 10, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) filed suit in federal court on behalf of violinist William Hassay, Jr. challenging the town’s noise ordinance changes on the Boardwalk the organization believes are an attempt to silence musicians. In the suit filed against the Mayor and Council and then-acting-Police Chief Michael Colbert, the ACLU alleges the enforcement of the town’s 30-foot noise ordinance on the Boardwalk infringes on Hassay’s, and other performers’ fundamental right under the First Amendment to engage in freedom of speech and expression in a public forum.

While the suit ultimately seeks a reversal of the town’s changes to its noise ordinance on the Boardwalk, the legal process could take several months to unfold. In the meantime, Hassay’s attorneys were seeking a preliminary injunction, which, if approved, would force the town to suspend the enforcement of the 30-foot rule on the Boardwalk until the case is resolved, likely the rest of the current summer season.
More 

Paving Policy Update Planned

SALISBURY -- The Salisbury City Council is considering an update to its aged paving policy, written in 2005, that officials hope will add flexibility.

“It is outdated. It hasn’t been updated in eight years and I think there’s some room for improvement,” Acting-Public Works Director Amanda Pollack told the council.

Areas that need to be addressed include the role of public works in managing paving, the extent of repaving required for any project and the tightening of definitions and language in the document, according to Pollack.
More 

Sacrifices