Salisbury, MD… The Wicomico County NAACP Branch #7028 will host its “Meet The Candidates Forum “on Thursday, March 27, 2014. Candidates running for the offices of County Executive and County Council are invited to participate. This meeting will be held at 7:00pm at Chipman Cultural Center, 325 Broad Street, Salisbury, MD.
Mr. Orville Penn is the moderator. The public is invited to attend and ask questions. For more details, please contact Mary Ashanti at 410-543-4187.
DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Friday, March 07, 2014
Timothy and Caitlyn Virts Found In South Carolina
Baltimore County Breaking News
Timothy Howard Virts and Caitlyn Marie Virts have been located in a Motel in Florence, South Carolina. Mr Virts is in police custody and Caitlyn appears to be unharmed.
Investigators believe that the two being located is a direct result of the expanded Amber Alert.
The return of Timothy Howard Virts is pending an extradition process. Caitlyn Virts will be returned home as soon as possible. Baltimore County DSS has already been put in contact with Social Services officials in South Carolina.
Detectives will be traveling to South Carolina as soon as possible to continue the investigation.
The Baltimore County Police Department wishes to thank everyone who kept a lookout for Caitlyn, helped spread information about her, and provided the police with tips.
No further information is available at this time.
Timothy Howard Virts and Caitlyn Marie Virts have been located in a Motel in Florence, South Carolina. Mr Virts is in police custody and Caitlyn appears to be unharmed.
Investigators believe that the two being located is a direct result of the expanded Amber Alert.
The return of Timothy Howard Virts is pending an extradition process. Caitlyn Virts will be returned home as soon as possible. Baltimore County DSS has already been put in contact with Social Services officials in South Carolina.
Detectives will be traveling to South Carolina as soon as possible to continue the investigation.
The Baltimore County Police Department wishes to thank everyone who kept a lookout for Caitlyn, helped spread information about her, and provided the police with tips.
No further information is available at this time.
BREAKING NEWS: Baltimore Co. Police: Caitlyn Virts Has Been Found
Eleven-year-old Caitlyn Virts and her father, Timothy Virts have been located, Baltimore County said in a tweet on Friday night.
A tweet was sent out shortly after 10 p.m saying, "They found her."
A short time later, police confirmed saying, "Timothy Howard Virts and Caitlyn Marie Virts have been located. More information to follow." Stay with Fox45 for this developing story.
Read More
A tweet was sent out shortly after 10 p.m saying, "They found her."
A short time later, police confirmed saying, "Timothy Howard Virts and Caitlyn Marie Virts have been located. More information to follow." Stay with Fox45 for this developing story.
Read More
'Have You Ever Seen Such Gross Disrespect?'
Judge blasts 'spoiled' US cheerleader, 18, suing parents to support her after she ran away - who claims they were behind her bulimia and that her father showed her 'inappropriate affection'
A judge today blasted an 18-year-old girl suing her parents for support after she ran away claiming they were behind her bulimia and that her father showed her 'inappropriate affection'
When Judge Peter Bogaard read an expletive-laden and vicious answerphone message left by Rachel Canning, from Lincoln Park, New Jersey, to her mother, Elizabeth, in which the girl said: 'I wanna s*** all over your face', he said: 'Have you ever in your experience seen such gross disrespect for a parent? I don’t see it in my house.’
The judge, sitting at Morris County court added that Rachel had given her mom and dad, Sean: ‘The proverbial f you’. He also warned he must consider the 'slippery slope' where 'we open the gates for a 12-year-old to sue for an Xbox, a 13-year-old to sue for an iPhone… what about a 15-year-old asking for a 60 inch TV?'
More to see Court video.
A judge today blasted an 18-year-old girl suing her parents for support after she ran away claiming they were behind her bulimia and that her father showed her 'inappropriate affection'
When Judge Peter Bogaard read an expletive-laden and vicious answerphone message left by Rachel Canning, from Lincoln Park, New Jersey, to her mother, Elizabeth, in which the girl said: 'I wanna s*** all over your face', he said: 'Have you ever in your experience seen such gross disrespect for a parent? I don’t see it in my house.’
The judge, sitting at Morris County court added that Rachel had given her mom and dad, Sean: ‘The proverbial f you’. He also warned he must consider the 'slippery slope' where 'we open the gates for a 12-year-old to sue for an Xbox, a 13-year-old to sue for an iPhone… what about a 15-year-old asking for a 60 inch TV?'
More to see Court video.
Paul Ryan: Give Leaders 'Benefit of the Doubt'?
I stopped counting the number of relevant articles after page 10.
Google “Democrat Surrender” and by page 3, fewer than half the articles are about congressional Democrats surrendering on anything.
When your party has a large majority in the House of Representatives (the body in charge of approving new spending), enough seats (45) to play some hardball in the Senate, and a lame-duck opponent in the White House whose signature legislation, Obamacare, generates bad press daily, you would think a little courage might be in order.
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Letter From A Chicago Cop. Color Of Car But Not Perps?
Just got this letter from a Chicago cop about a posting from a local police blog:
Anything missing here?
A trio of thieves snatched several high-end handbags this afternoon before fleeing in an SUV that was waiting outside Bloomingdale’s on Michigan Avenue.
About 3:30 p.m., a man and two women entered the store located on the 900 block of North Michigan Avenue and grabbed several handbags, said Police News Affairs [...].
The trio ran out of the store and fled in a white SUV, he said.
The group was described as between the ages of 18 to 25.
As of 5:45 p.m., no one was in custody for the thefts and police were investigating.
*Kinda racist that they identify the white SUV, but omit the race of the offenders.
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Anything missing here?
A trio of thieves snatched several high-end handbags this afternoon before fleeing in an SUV that was waiting outside Bloomingdale’s on Michigan Avenue.
About 3:30 p.m., a man and two women entered the store located on the 900 block of North Michigan Avenue and grabbed several handbags, said Police News Affairs [...].
The trio ran out of the store and fled in a white SUV, he said.
The group was described as between the ages of 18 to 25.
As of 5:45 p.m., no one was in custody for the thefts and police were investigating.
*Kinda racist that they identify the white SUV, but omit the race of the offenders.
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When His Fellow Security Guard Ran for Cover, Eric Wasson Stood Alone Against a Gunman — What Happened Next Earned Him an Award for Valor
Eric Wasson was seated just inside the entrance to Johnny Baby’s when surveillance footage caught his fellow security guard eyeballing something so scary making its way into the St. Paul, Minn., bar that she turned and ran.
It was a man with gun in his right hand.
Video shows Wasson, who was wearing sunglasses, noticing his partner’s fright, standing up and then coming face-to-face with the gunman.
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Public Notice - Additional Discussion Item - 3/10/14 Closed Session
THE SALISBURY CITY COUNCIL WILL HOLD A WORK SESSION AT 4:00 P.M. ON MONDAY, MARCH 10, 2014 IN CONFERENCE ROOM #306 OF THE GOVERNMENT OFFICE BUILDING (125 N. DIVISION STREET). THE TOPICS OF DISCUSSION WILL INCLUDE:
THE COTTAGES AT RIVERHOUE PHASE IV
MANUFACTURING TAX EXEMPTION
CHARTER CHANGE FOR CITY ATTORNEY
PAY FOR ELECTED OFFICIALS
FIREWORKS BUDGET AMENDMENT
DISCUSSION OF A LOAN SUBORDINATION.
FOLLOWING THE CONCLUSION OF THE WORK SESSION, THE CITY COUNCIL WILL CONVENE IN THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED LEGISLATIVE SESSION AT 6:00 P.M. IN COUNCIL CHAMBERS, ROOM 301 OF THE GOB.
FOLLOWING THE CONCLUSION OF THE LEGISLATIVE SESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE ANNOTATED CODE OF MARYLAND §10-508(a)(1)(7)(8), SALISBURY CITY COUNCIL WILL VOTE TO CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION FOR THE PURPOSE OF DISCUSSING THE APPOINTMENT, EMPLOYMENT, ASSIGNMENT, PROMOTION, DISCIPLINE, DEMOTION, COMPENSATION, REMOVAL, RESIGNATION, OR PERFORMANCE EVALUATION OF APPOINTEES, EMPLOYEES, OR OFFICIALS OVER WHOM THE PUBLIC BODY HAS JURISDICTION; OR ANY OTHER PERSONNEL MATTER THAT AFFECTS ONE OR MORE SPECIFIC INDIVIDUALS; * AND TO CONSULT WITH COUNSEL, STAFF, OR CONSULTANTS TO OBTAIN LEGAL ADVICE ON A LEGAL MATTER ABOUT PENDING OR POTENTIAL LITIGATION.
THE CLOSED SESSION WILL ALSO BE HELD IN COUNCIL CHAMBERS (ROOM 301) OF THE GOB AT WHICH TIME THE PUBLIC CAN OBSERVE THE MOTION, ANY DISCUSSION AND THE VOTE TO CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION AS NOTED ABOVE.
THE COTTAGES AT RIVERHOUE PHASE IV
MANUFACTURING TAX EXEMPTION
CHARTER CHANGE FOR CITY ATTORNEY
PAY FOR ELECTED OFFICIALS
FIREWORKS BUDGET AMENDMENT
DISCUSSION OF A LOAN SUBORDINATION.
FOLLOWING THE CONCLUSION OF THE WORK SESSION, THE CITY COUNCIL WILL CONVENE IN THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED LEGISLATIVE SESSION AT 6:00 P.M. IN COUNCIL CHAMBERS, ROOM 301 OF THE GOB.
FOLLOWING THE CONCLUSION OF THE LEGISLATIVE SESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE ANNOTATED CODE OF MARYLAND §10-508(a)(1)(7)(8), SALISBURY CITY COUNCIL WILL VOTE TO CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION FOR THE PURPOSE OF DISCUSSING THE APPOINTMENT, EMPLOYMENT, ASSIGNMENT, PROMOTION, DISCIPLINE, DEMOTION, COMPENSATION, REMOVAL, RESIGNATION, OR PERFORMANCE EVALUATION OF APPOINTEES, EMPLOYEES, OR OFFICIALS OVER WHOM THE PUBLIC BODY HAS JURISDICTION; OR ANY OTHER PERSONNEL MATTER THAT AFFECTS ONE OR MORE SPECIFIC INDIVIDUALS; * AND TO CONSULT WITH COUNSEL, STAFF, OR CONSULTANTS TO OBTAIN LEGAL ADVICE ON A LEGAL MATTER ABOUT PENDING OR POTENTIAL LITIGATION.
THE CLOSED SESSION WILL ALSO BE HELD IN COUNCIL CHAMBERS (ROOM 301) OF THE GOB AT WHICH TIME THE PUBLIC CAN OBSERVE THE MOTION, ANY DISCUSSION AND THE VOTE TO CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION AS NOTED ABOVE.
Bill Clinton Cashes In On Nonprofit Hospital
The $225,000 payment wasn’t made public by the hospital on its annual Internal Revenue Service forms, but rather appeared among dozens of lucrative speeches by Mr. Clinton reported on his wife’s final ethics filing as secretary of state.
“No disrespect to Bill Clinton, but that money could’ve gone a long way and been put to better use,” said Dan Fields Jr., president of the Service Employees International Union Local 722 representing hospital workers.
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Bill Would Ban E-Smoking In Md. Bars, Restaurants
Del. Aruna Miller, D-Montgomery County, claims that her bill, HB 1291, would not ban the personal and private use of e-cigarettes by adults, but would simply extend the same restrictions on smoking to e-cigarettes.
When Miller introduced her bill to a House panel, Bruce Bereano, a lobbyist for tobacco and candy wholesalers, disagreed with her sharply.
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A Letter To The Editor: Legislative Idol Night At Annapolis
Joe,
Didn’t know if your readers would be interested to know, that in addition to coming up with overburdening legislations, our paid representatives are having a great time. In fact, ever Monday night in April is Legislative Idol Night at O’Briens!
Didn’t know if your readers would be interested to know, that in addition to coming up with overburdening legislations, our paid representatives are having a great time. In fact, ever Monday night in April is Legislative Idol Night at O’Briens!
House Approves Ban On 190-Proof Drinks
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Like the bill approved last month in the senate, the bill approved today in the House of Delegates bans alcoholic beverages more than 190-proof (95% alcohol).
These are grain alcohol drinks sold under brand names like EverClear and Gem Clear and they are popular with college students.
"College students like to use these drinks to get as drunk as possible, as quickly as possible and as cheaply as possible," said Molly Mitchell, president of the Maryland Coalition to Reduce College Drinking and Related Problems.
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Be Here Tomorrow Morning For Some PRMC News
Can I Call It, Or What!
Melvin J. (MJ) Caldwell, Jr. announces that on February 25, 2014 he filed for the position of Circuit Court Judge for Wicomico County, Maryland. In this non-partisan election the voters will cast their ballots in both in the primary election for this judicial seat, which is set for June 24, and the general election, which is set for November 4.
Caldwell is a long time Salisbury attorney with extensive Circuit Court experience, including family law matters, serious criminal cases, and complex civil litigation. He has tried a wide range of cases before both Judges and juries.
MJ firmly believes that the job of a Circuit Court Judge is to interpret and apply the law consistently, impartially and independently. He is firmly committed to protecting the rights and liberties guaranteed by the Constitutions of Maryland and of the United States.
MJ has practiced law in Salisbury since 1983, and he has litigated cases at all levels of the Maryland State Courts. He regularly appears in the Circuit and District Courts of Wicomico, Worcester, Somerset, and Dorchester Counties. MJ has also argued in the Maryland Court of Special Appeals on numerous occasions.
MJ is a 1980 cum laude graduate of Georgetown University. He graduated from law school, alsocum laude, from Tulane University in 1983. Admitted to the Maryland Bar in 1983, he has also been admitted to the District of Columbia Court of Appeals (1985), and both the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland and the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Maryland (1984).
MJ, a resident of Wicomico County since 1984, is devoted to his wife of 35 years, Pamela T. Caldwell, and his 3 sons, Kevin (avascular surgeon), Christopher (high school history teacher), and Joseph (a second lieutenant in the U.S. Marines).
MJ has a history of deep community involvement, and he looks forward to continuing this service, as a member of the State’s judiciary.
TED CRUZ LEADS SENATE DEMOCRATS TO DUMP OBAMA’S COP KILLER ADVOCATE TO DOJ
WASHINGTON, D.C.--Today numerous Democrats in the U.S. Senate joined Republicans in an effort to block President Obama's nomination for the head of the Civil Rights Division at the Department of Justice. The nominee, Debo Adegbile, was rejected by a vote of 47-52 after Texas Senator Ted Cruz vehemently spoke out in opposition to Adegbile's nomination. Adegbile previously held a leadership position at the NAACP Legal Defense Fund (LDF). During his time with the black activist group, Adegbile volunteered to defend Mumia Abu-Jamal, the criminal who murdered Philadelphia cop Daniel Faulkner in 1981. Thanks to Adegbile and his colleagues, Abu-Jamal ultimately avoided the death penalty.
Abegbile needed 51 votes to officially become the head of the powerful DOJ division. He is now the first of President Obama’s nominees to be rejected since Senate Democrats changed filibuster rules in 2013.
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Abegbile needed 51 votes to officially become the head of the powerful DOJ division. He is now the first of President Obama’s nominees to be rejected since Senate Democrats changed filibuster rules in 2013.
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Beach Brawl Suspects File Appeal; Jury To Hear Appeal Of Verdict
OCEAN CITY — Three of the four suspects found guilty last month on assault and other charges stemming from last summer’s beach melee with police will get another day in court after filing appeals this week.
Two of the defendants, including Dalima Palmer, 25, of Dumfries, Va., who was nine months pregnant during the incident and ultimately needed an emergency C-section following the brawl, along with her fiancé Musa Seisay, 25, of Garrisonville, Md., were found guilty of second-degree assault in February and were sentenced to 30 days in jail. Abdul Kargbo, 25, of Woodbridge, Va., was found guilty of disorderly conduct in February and was also sentenced to 30 days. A fourth defendant, Saidu Kargbo, 21, of Woodbridge, was found guilty of second-degree assault and was fined and placed on supervised probation.
Attorney Bruce Johnson, who represents Palmer and Seisay, this week filed appeals on behalf of his clients and their cases will now be heard again in Worcester County Circuit Court in front of a jury. Abdul Kargbo has a reconsideration hearing set for District Court in Ocean City on March 19. Saidu Kargbo, who did not receive any jail time, has not filed for an appeal or reconsideration hearing.
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Two of the defendants, including Dalima Palmer, 25, of Dumfries, Va., who was nine months pregnant during the incident and ultimately needed an emergency C-section following the brawl, along with her fiancé Musa Seisay, 25, of Garrisonville, Md., were found guilty of second-degree assault in February and were sentenced to 30 days in jail. Abdul Kargbo, 25, of Woodbridge, Va., was found guilty of disorderly conduct in February and was also sentenced to 30 days. A fourth defendant, Saidu Kargbo, 21, of Woodbridge, was found guilty of second-degree assault and was fined and placed on supervised probation.
Attorney Bruce Johnson, who represents Palmer and Seisay, this week filed appeals on behalf of his clients and their cases will now be heard again in Worcester County Circuit Court in front of a jury. Abdul Kargbo has a reconsideration hearing set for District Court in Ocean City on March 19. Saidu Kargbo, who did not receive any jail time, has not filed for an appeal or reconsideration hearing.
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Ukraine: We All Get The Tyranny We Deserve
Ukraine: This place feels familiar. I’ve been here before.
Or maybe it just reminds me of another place. Was it Iran, 1953? Guatemala, 1954? Was it Congo, 1961? Chile, 1973? Maybe it was Iraq, 1990. Or Iraq, 2003. Or Libya, 2011. Or Syria, 2013. Or Vietnam. Or…..
Something seems so very déjà vu. Some regime that is not sufficiently open to the embrace of “Western love” and then there are mobs and then the US government and the UK government and their allies suddenly see the need to “do the right thing” and help the public rid themselves of a corrupt ruler and enjoy vibrant, sunshiny democracy. (No matter that this man was actually elected.)
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Or maybe it just reminds me of another place. Was it Iran, 1953? Guatemala, 1954? Was it Congo, 1961? Chile, 1973? Maybe it was Iraq, 1990. Or Iraq, 2003. Or Libya, 2011. Or Syria, 2013. Or Vietnam. Or…..
Something seems so very déjà vu. Some regime that is not sufficiently open to the embrace of “Western love” and then there are mobs and then the US government and the UK government and their allies suddenly see the need to “do the right thing” and help the public rid themselves of a corrupt ruler and enjoy vibrant, sunshiny democracy. (No matter that this man was actually elected.)
More
JUST IN: Md. House Approves Minimum Wage Hike
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) -- The Maryland House of Delegates has approved phasing in an increase in the state's minimum wage from $7.25 an hour to $10.10 by 2017.
The House voted 89-46 for the measure on Friday.
The bill would increase the minimum wage to $8.20 in January. It would rise to $9.15 in January 2016 and $10.10 in January 2017.
The measure as amended by the House does not include an indexing for inflation that Gov. Martin O'Malley had supported for future years after 2017. The bill is a top priority of the Democratic governor this session.
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The House voted 89-46 for the measure on Friday.
The bill would increase the minimum wage to $8.20 in January. It would rise to $9.15 in January 2016 and $10.10 in January 2017.
The measure as amended by the House does not include an indexing for inflation that Gov. Martin O'Malley had supported for future years after 2017. The bill is a top priority of the Democratic governor this session.
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PACKAGE OF BILLS AIMS TO PROTECT TECHNOLOGICAL PRIVACY OF MARYLANDERS
ANNAPOLIS–While technology that tracks cellphones and cars has made work easier for some law enforcement officials, a bundle of proposed laws would ensure that the same technology could not violate Marylanders’ protections from unwarranted searches and seizures.
Members of the American Civil Liberties Union of Maryland testified Thursday in the House Judiciary Committee and the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee in favor of four bills aimed at curbing law enforcement officials’ ability to electronically monitor citizens.
If passed, the bills would require law enforcement to obtain a warrant before reading electronic communication and tracking a cellphone.
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Members of the American Civil Liberties Union of Maryland testified Thursday in the House Judiciary Committee and the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee in favor of four bills aimed at curbing law enforcement officials’ ability to electronically monitor citizens.
If passed, the bills would require law enforcement to obtain a warrant before reading electronic communication and tracking a cellphone.
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PUBLIC NOTICE: MARCH MEETINGS FOR CITY BOARDS AND COMMISSSIONS
Tuesday, March 11, 2014
Strategic Planning Retreat
Salisbury University, Perdue Hall 108 A & B
8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Central City District Commission
12:00 Noon at the Government Office Building, Room 306
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
Traffic and Safety Advisory Committee
5:30 PM at the Headquarters Fire Station (Cypress Street)
Historic District Commission
7:00 PM at the Government Office Building, Room 301
(Due to cancellation of the January 22nd meeting date)
Wednesday, March 19, 2014
Friends of Poplar Hill Mansion Board of Directors
5:30 PM at the Poplar Hill Mansion
Zoo Commission Meeting
1:30 PM at the Salisbury Zoo Education Building
Thursday, March 20, 2014
City Park Committee
6:00 PM at the Government Office Building, Room 306
Mayor’s Council in Support of People with Disabilities
12:00 Noon at the Government Office Building, Room 300
Planning Commission
1:30 PM at the Government Office Building, Room 301
Marina Committee
5:00 PM at the Marina
Wednesday, March 26, 2014
Historic District Commission
7:00 PM at the Government Office Building, Room 301
Strategic Planning Retreat
Salisbury University, Perdue Hall 108 A & B
8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Central City District Commission
12:00 Noon at the Government Office Building, Room 306
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
Traffic and Safety Advisory Committee
5:30 PM at the Headquarters Fire Station (Cypress Street)
Historic District Commission
7:00 PM at the Government Office Building, Room 301
(Due to cancellation of the January 22nd meeting date)
Wednesday, March 19, 2014
Friends of Poplar Hill Mansion Board of Directors
5:30 PM at the Poplar Hill Mansion
Zoo Commission Meeting
1:30 PM at the Salisbury Zoo Education Building
Thursday, March 20, 2014
City Park Committee
6:00 PM at the Government Office Building, Room 306
Mayor’s Council in Support of People with Disabilities
12:00 Noon at the Government Office Building, Room 300
Planning Commission
1:30 PM at the Government Office Building, Room 301
Marina Committee
5:00 PM at the Marina
Wednesday, March 26, 2014
Historic District Commission
7:00 PM at the Government Office Building, Room 301
Mom, Dad, Daughter Accused In $7M Shoplift Spree
CHICAGO (AP) -- A father, mother and daughter from a posh Chicago suburb stole $7 million in merchandise during a decadelong shoplifting spree -- traveling to stores nationwide and targeting dolls, toys, cosmetics and other valuables -- according to a federal complaint released Wednesday.
The three were arrested earlier this week at their $1.3 million Northbrook home after returning from a three-day trip through Oklahoma, Texas and Louisiana, where authorities say they shoplifted from stores. Working in tandem, the family traveled from their Chicago-area residence to hit businesses in multiple states, including Maryland, Tennessee and Florida, according to the 20-page complaint.
Branko Bogdanov, 58, Lela Bogdanov, 52, and their 34-year-old daughter, Julia Bogdanov, are charged with one count each of interstate transportation of stolen property. They made initial appearances Wednesday in U.S. District Court in Chicago, but did not enter pleas; they'll be held at least until a detention hearing next week. Someone who answered a phone at their Northbrook residence declined any comment
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The three were arrested earlier this week at their $1.3 million Northbrook home after returning from a three-day trip through Oklahoma, Texas and Louisiana, where authorities say they shoplifted from stores. Working in tandem, the family traveled from their Chicago-area residence to hit businesses in multiple states, including Maryland, Tennessee and Florida, according to the 20-page complaint.
Branko Bogdanov, 58, Lela Bogdanov, 52, and their 34-year-old daughter, Julia Bogdanov, are charged with one count each of interstate transportation of stolen property. They made initial appearances Wednesday in U.S. District Court in Chicago, but did not enter pleas; they'll be held at least until a detention hearing next week. Someone who answered a phone at their Northbrook residence declined any comment
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The Canary In The Coal Mine For Wall Street Trading Revenue Is Whimpering
Yesterday boutique investment bank Jefferies reported a 17% year over year decline in its fixed income trading revenue with net revenues of $280 million. That's down from $336.9 million a year earlier.
Jefferies is small compared to the JP Morgan's of the world, but this loss is significant as the bank's earnings tend to foreshadow how the rest of Wall Street will do.
Take Q3 2013 for example, when Jefferies reported a year over year routing in fixed income — revenue was down 88%.
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Jefferies is small compared to the JP Morgan's of the world, but this loss is significant as the bank's earnings tend to foreshadow how the rest of Wall Street will do.
Take Q3 2013 for example, when Jefferies reported a year over year routing in fixed income — revenue was down 88%.
More
Can You Guess Who the ‘Least Popular Senator in the Country’ Is in Less Than 3 Tries?
The Republican has an approval rating of just 30 percent among all Arizona voters while 44 percent of respondents also disapprove of his job performance and 16 percent aren’t sure, according to the poll by the left-leaning PPP.
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HHS Needs $1.8 Billion To Run Obamacare Website For One Year
I was talking to a friend this morning about the cost of the Obamacare website. He said one thing he hates about government is that they’re too busy creating structures instead of actually doing stuff. He called it “administrating instead of administering”. The administration of Obama’s nationalized medicine website will cost $1.8 billion dollars each year. To put those numbers into context you could buy 300 million $6-dollar burgers, 8 and a half million 2-day hopper passes to Disneyland, pay 1,389,962 months of house payments, purchase 44,445 BMW 4 Series (2014), pay the annual salary of over 26,000 web designers ($69,000 annual income) and of course you could pay for 18 million doctors visits. Don’t worry, with that money the HHS has vowed to improve healthcare.gov before the second round of enrollment begins in November.
President Obama’s top health officials said Tuesday they expect Congress to front the money needed to fund Obamacare’s federal marketplace in fiscal 2015 as they work to make HealthCare.gov operate better this fall.
The Health and Human Services Department said it needs a projected $1.8 billion to maintain the federally run exchange it operates on behalf of about three dozen states. The exchange is a web portal where consumers without health coverage can compare and purchase plans, often with the help of government subsidies. About $1.2 billion of the funding will come from fees tied to Obamacare, while $600 million will be sought from Congress, officials said in HHS-specific comments about Mr. Obama’s new budget proposal.
“If Congress funds the president’s budget … this would fully fund the ongoing implementation of the Affordable Care Act,” HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said.
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President Obama’s top health officials said Tuesday they expect Congress to front the money needed to fund Obamacare’s federal marketplace in fiscal 2015 as they work to make HealthCare.gov operate better this fall.
The Health and Human Services Department said it needs a projected $1.8 billion to maintain the federally run exchange it operates on behalf of about three dozen states. The exchange is a web portal where consumers without health coverage can compare and purchase plans, often with the help of government subsidies. About $1.2 billion of the funding will come from fees tied to Obamacare, while $600 million will be sought from Congress, officials said in HHS-specific comments about Mr. Obama’s new budget proposal.
“If Congress funds the president’s budget … this would fully fund the ongoing implementation of the Affordable Care Act,” HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said.
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Ron Paul: $1B US Aid Package Pledged For Ukraine Won't Help
Former U.S. Rep. Ron Paul says a $1 billion aid package pledged by the White House to Ukraine won't be effective because such money never gets into the right hands.
Billions of dollars in aid were sent to Egypt, Libya, and Syria in recent years, but nothing has improved in those countries, he said Wednesday on Fox News Channel's "Your World with Neil Cavuto."
"It always backfires," said the former Republican and Libertarian presidential candidate.
Paul said he thinks support from most members of Congress and most Americans is well-intentioned, but he also thinks there are ulterior motives behind it.
"We don't have clean hands," he said. "Sometimes it has to do with energy and special interests and the military-industrial complex."
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Billions of dollars in aid were sent to Egypt, Libya, and Syria in recent years, but nothing has improved in those countries, he said Wednesday on Fox News Channel's "Your World with Neil Cavuto."
"It always backfires," said the former Republican and Libertarian presidential candidate.
Paul said he thinks support from most members of Congress and most Americans is well-intentioned, but he also thinks there are ulterior motives behind it.
"We don't have clean hands," he said. "Sometimes it has to do with energy and special interests and the military-industrial complex."
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Wicomico Council Votes Against Salary Hike For Orphan’s Court Judges
SALISBURY – Emotions ran high during Wicomico County Council’s legislative session this week as the Orphan’s Court judge’s request for a raise was denied.
Wicomico County Orphan’s Court Chief Judge Norma Lee Barkley and Judges Melissa Bright and William Smith came before the Wicomico County Council to request an endorsement for the first salary increase for their posts in eight years.
Council Administrator Matt Creamer explained the judges first requested a discussion with the council in January but Tuesday evening’s council legislative session, which was postponed to Wednesday due to weather, was the first opportunity for the item to be scheduled.
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Wicomico County Orphan’s Court Chief Judge Norma Lee Barkley and Judges Melissa Bright and William Smith came before the Wicomico County Council to request an endorsement for the first salary increase for their posts in eight years.
Council Administrator Matt Creamer explained the judges first requested a discussion with the council in January but Tuesday evening’s council legislative session, which was postponed to Wednesday due to weather, was the first opportunity for the item to be scheduled.
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Obama Kicks Seniors Yet Again
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) will have a negative impact on seniors' access to care. Much of the funding for the ACA is derived by cutting $716 billion from Medicare over the next decade. One major cut includes a 25 percent fee reduction to physicians who treat Medicare enrollees. ObamaCare is also slated to cut funding for Medicare Advantage (MA) plans, which covers nearly one in every three Medicare enrollees. Compared to traditional Medicare, MA plans provide approximately $825 annually in added benefits to its mostly moderate-income enrollees.
The Obama administration is now poised to take another swipe at seniors — this time cutting their choice of Medicare Part D drug plans. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) wants to do away with the most popular Medicare drug plans: ones that offer seniors lower premiums (and lower cost sharing) in return for patronizing a preferred pharmacy network. CMS also wants to limit the number of plans an insurer can sponsor in each service region to only two, which will reduce seniors' options for drug plans.
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The Obama administration is now poised to take another swipe at seniors — this time cutting their choice of Medicare Part D drug plans. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) wants to do away with the most popular Medicare drug plans: ones that offer seniors lower premiums (and lower cost sharing) in return for patronizing a preferred pharmacy network. CMS also wants to limit the number of plans an insurer can sponsor in each service region to only two, which will reduce seniors' options for drug plans.
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A Letter To The Editor: Sparrows Point Bankrupted
Joe I noticed on your blog that Sparrows Point Steel Mill is slated to pay the highest rain tax, but remembered this article.
Businesses aren’t made of money, either.
Businesses aren’t made of money, either.
Dem Claims Senate Discriminated Against Cop-Killer’s Lawyer Because He Was Black
The race card never wears out. According to Democratic Senator Tom Harkin, the problem with Obama DOJ nominee Debo Adegbile was not that he was a cop killer’s lawyer, but that so many senators were huge racists.
Harkin said the vote against Debo Adegbile shows the Senate measures nominees according to race, and suggested the lawyer would have been confirmed as head of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division if he was white instead of biracial.
Also if he wasn’t a cop-killer’s lawyer.
“We sent a message: We have a double standard. A terrible double standard,” Harkin said.
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Also if he wasn’t a cop-killer’s lawyer.
“We sent a message: We have a double standard. A terrible double standard,” Harkin said.
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Companies Shrink Workforces In Feb. ISM Says
WASHINGTON (MarketWatch) — The companies that employ roughly 80% of American workers grew more slowly in February and their workforces contracted for the first time in more than two years, according to a survey of executives.
The Institute for Supply Management said its non-manufacturing index dropped to 51.6% last month from 54% in January. While readings over 50% signal more companies are expanding instead of shrinking, the index fell well short of the 53% forecast of economists polled by MarketWatch.
The index is compiled from a survey of senior executives who buy supplies for their companies. The latest results show that service companies such as retailers, health-care suppliers and hotels stumbled in February and unusually poor weather was partly but not entirely to blame.
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The Institute for Supply Management said its non-manufacturing index dropped to 51.6% last month from 54% in January. While readings over 50% signal more companies are expanding instead of shrinking, the index fell well short of the 53% forecast of economists polled by MarketWatch.
The index is compiled from a survey of senior executives who buy supplies for their companies. The latest results show that service companies such as retailers, health-care suppliers and hotels stumbled in February and unusually poor weather was partly but not entirely to blame.
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Troopers Seek Public's Help Identifying Man Who Stole, Unlawfully Used, Debit Card
DSP News Release: Troopers Seek Public's Help Identifying Man Who Stole, Unlawfully Used, Debit Card
Location: Wawa, 531 East Basin Road, New Castle, DE
Date of Occurrence: Tuesday, March 4, 2014, at 5:35 p.m.
Victim: 41-year-old male from Frederica, DE
Suspect:
White male, 20-30 years old, short brown hair, thin beard, red Ohio State sweatshirt.
Vehicle: white SUV, possibly a Jeep Liberty, with stickers on the lower left side of the rear window.
Surveillance photographs attached.
Location: Wawa, 531 East Basin Road, New Castle, DE
Date of Occurrence: Tuesday, March 4, 2014, at 5:35 p.m.
Victim: 41-year-old male from Frederica, DE
Suspect:
White male, 20-30 years old, short brown hair, thin beard, red Ohio State sweatshirt.
Vehicle: white SUV, possibly a Jeep Liberty, with stickers on the lower left side of the rear window.
Surveillance photographs attached.
2M+ People Now Without Unemployment Benefits
James Orr is already doing everything an unemployed person is supposed to do. Six months after the contract at his last job expired, he’s still doggedly applying for openings in his field across the country. As a long-time IT professional, he already has the technical skills which employers are ostensibly so hungry for.
Orr, 55, is not the victim of any so-called “skills gap,” and he doesn’t lack the incentive to work. Instead, like millions of other jobless Americans, he’s the victim of economic realities which have barely changed since the 2008 financial collapse. And his situation, along with the situation of over 2 million other unemployed workers, has only become more perilous since Congress failed to renew long-term unemployment benefits in late December.
“I’m living on the edge here, man,” Orr told msnbc. “It’s crazy, but life happens.”
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Orr, 55, is not the victim of any so-called “skills gap,” and he doesn’t lack the incentive to work. Instead, like millions of other jobless Americans, he’s the victim of economic realities which have barely changed since the 2008 financial collapse. And his situation, along with the situation of over 2 million other unemployed workers, has only become more perilous since Congress failed to renew long-term unemployment benefits in late December.
“I’m living on the edge here, man,” Orr told msnbc. “It’s crazy, but life happens.”
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Maryland Has Successful Sale Of $736.9 Million In General Obligation Bonds
ANNAPOLIS – Maryland State Treasurer Nancy K. Kopp
announced that the Board of Public Works (BPW), composed of Governor Martin O’Malley, Comptroller Peter Franchot and Treasurer Kopp, completed the sale of $736,855,000 of General Obligation bonds today in three series.
Competitive sales for Series A, Series B, and Series C occurred at today’s BPW meeting. The State received bids for the $450,000,000 of Tax-Exempt General Obligation Bonds (Series A), the $50,000,000 of Taxable Bonds (Series B), and the $236,855,000 of Tax-Exempt Refunding Bonds (Series C).
In today’s competitive sales:
announced that the Board of Public Works (BPW), composed of Governor Martin O’Malley, Comptroller Peter Franchot and Treasurer Kopp, completed the sale of $736,855,000 of General Obligation bonds today in three series.
Competitive sales for Series A, Series B, and Series C occurred at today’s BPW meeting. The State received bids for the $450,000,000 of Tax-Exempt General Obligation Bonds (Series A), the $50,000,000 of Taxable Bonds (Series B), and the $236,855,000 of Tax-Exempt Refunding Bonds (Series C).
In today’s competitive sales:
Brady Group Assails Facebook's Gun Decision; NRA Wins
They did it again.
In a battle over the ability to talk guns and make sales on Facebook with anti-gun advocates like former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg's Mayors Against Illegal Guns, the National Rifle Association, with its 3 million Facebook supporters, is attempting to temper liberal efforts to rid the site of gun-themed pages.
Instead, Facebook on Wednesday announced a compromise that will continue to allow gun talk and sales, but will restrict access to users 18 and older. It will also be on the lookout for sales of illegal guns, which the NRA doesn’t want sold either.
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In a battle over the ability to talk guns and make sales on Facebook with anti-gun advocates like former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg's Mayors Against Illegal Guns, the National Rifle Association, with its 3 million Facebook supporters, is attempting to temper liberal efforts to rid the site of gun-themed pages.
Instead, Facebook on Wednesday announced a compromise that will continue to allow gun talk and sales, but will restrict access to users 18 and older. It will also be on the lookout for sales of illegal guns, which the NRA doesn’t want sold either.
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Harford County Great-grandmother Locked Up
Judge Mimi Cooper issued a bench warrant after Mary Root, 81, of Havre de Grace, failed to appear in court after a Feb. 12 hearing.
Root's family said she had medical reasons for not showing up to court. She was arrested Tuesday at her home and was held without bond. She had a bail review hearing Wednesday.
"I was so saddened by this. My mother's 81 years old, has helped anybody and everybody and loves her animals. I don't see where there's a crime in that," said Vatina Gifford, Root's daughter.
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Arrest Warrant Issued For Man In Amber Alert
Baltimore County police issued the warrant for Timothy Howard Virts. 38.
Virts also is wanted for the alleged abduction of his daughter Caitlyn Marie Virts.
Police issued an Amber Alert for the 11-year-old girl Thursday morning.
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2014 MD HB 332 Proposes To Preserve Consumer Choice In, “Smart Meters”
HB 332, sponsored by Delegate Glass, is a bipartisan effort to preserve electricity consumers’ choice between analog and smart meter, prohibit certain reporting to third parties, and prohibits fees for those opting for an analog meter. The electricity provider must:
Give written notice of smart meter deployment to each customer
Have written notice state the customer may refuse installation
The customer is deemed to consent if:
The customer explicitly opts in
The customer does not return any wishes within 60 days of the company’s notice
The electric provider must exchange an analog meter for an installed smart meter upon customer request.
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Give written notice of smart meter deployment to each customer
Have written notice state the customer may refuse installation
The customer is deemed to consent if:
The customer explicitly opts in
The customer does not return any wishes within 60 days of the company’s notice
The electric provider must exchange an analog meter for an installed smart meter upon customer request.
More
L.A. City Council Votes To Ban Use Of E-Cigarettes In Public Places
Those on the left and right coasts might quibble over who has it better — 75 degrees and sunny all the time or not freaking out when it rains? — but there’s at least one thing Los Angeles and New York City have in common: You won’t be able to suck on an electronic cigarette in public in either place very soon.
L.A.’s City Council voted yesterday to ban the use of e-cigarettes, or “vaping” in public places like restaurants, bars, nightclubs and elsewhere, after mulling over the idea since last year. NYC passed a similar measure in December. E-cigs are also restricted in Chicago and Boston.
It’s now up to Mayor Eric Garcetti to sign the measure into law, which a spokesman confirmed to Reuters that he would do in the next few days.
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L.A.’s City Council voted yesterday to ban the use of e-cigarettes, or “vaping” in public places like restaurants, bars, nightclubs and elsewhere, after mulling over the idea since last year. NYC passed a similar measure in December. E-cigs are also restricted in Chicago and Boston.
It’s now up to Mayor Eric Garcetti to sign the measure into law, which a spokesman confirmed to Reuters that he would do in the next few days.
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Main St Gym Cornhole Tournament
Just one quick call saves you $10 and helps us in quantities of the Top Rounds of Beef, sides, the Bar and the shirts that each competitor gets when they register.
Help us make this tournament the best one you have ever entered and make the call.
Thank You
As RadioShack Closes Stores, CEO To Get $500K Retention Bonus
While thousands of RadioShack employees got the bad news yesterday that the beleaguered electronics chain would be shuttering 1,100 stores, there are at least five Shack staffers who can not only feel secure about their jobs, but who will each be getting hundreds of thousands of dollars just to stick around.
In a new filing [PDF] with the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Texas-based retailer stated that CEO Joe Magnacca will be the recipient of a nice $500,000 retention bonus as he tries to right the sinking ship.
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In a new filing [PDF] with the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Texas-based retailer stated that CEO Joe Magnacca will be the recipient of a nice $500,000 retention bonus as he tries to right the sinking ship.
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Statement of Comptroller Peter Franchot Regarding Updated Revenue Estimates
ANNAPOLIS, Md. — The Board of Revenue Estimates met today to write down revenue estimates for fiscal years 2014 and 2015 by $238 million. Comptroller Peter Franchot, as chairman of the Board, released the following statement.
“Today we are writing down our already cautious revenue projections by $238 million. These figures should provide emphatic confirmation of the obvious that this remains the slowest and most anemic economic recovery that most experts can remember. In fact, for far too many Maryland families and small businesses, this hasn’t felt like an economic recovery at all.
The same challenging conditions discussed in previous meetings of the Board remain firmly in place today. Wages and salaries are relatively stagnant; local, independent businesses are struggling to meet payroll, cover mandatory costs and turn a net profit; and working families have cut back their spending because they just don’t have the money.
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“Today we are writing down our already cautious revenue projections by $238 million. These figures should provide emphatic confirmation of the obvious that this remains the slowest and most anemic economic recovery that most experts can remember. In fact, for far too many Maryland families and small businesses, this hasn’t felt like an economic recovery at all.
The same challenging conditions discussed in previous meetings of the Board remain firmly in place today. Wages and salaries are relatively stagnant; local, independent businesses are struggling to meet payroll, cover mandatory costs and turn a net profit; and working families have cut back their spending because they just don’t have the money.
More
Wicomico Recreation & Parks Offers Boat Slip Rentals At Cedar Hill Marina & Nanticoke Harbor
Salisbury, MD - Wicomico Recreation & Parks offers boat slip rentals at Cedar Hill Marina in Bivalve, MD and Nanticoke Harbor in Nanticoke, MD. Annual and transient rates are available for both locations.
Cedar Hill Marina is located in the town of Bivalve along the Nanticoke River, about 15 miles from Salisbury via Nanticoke Road. The marina boasts 140 boat slips, transient slips, a dual concrete boat ramp for easy launching and a pump-out station. Cedar Hill Marina offers annual boat slip rentals (with and without water and electric) and a transient rate of $20 per night. For more information on Cedar Hill Marina, visit www.cedarhillmarina.com.
10' - $689
10' - $832 (includes water and electric)
12' - $763
12' - $943 (includes water and electric)
13' - $1039 (includes water and electric)
14' - $1076 (includes water and electric)
15' - $1134 (includes water and electric)
Nanticoke Harbor is located about 20 miles from Salisbury via Nanticoke Road. Home to both commercial and recreational boaters, Nanticoke Harbor provides two boat ramps, a loading ramp and 68 boat slips along the scenic Nanticoke River. Nanticoke Harbor offers annual boat slip rentals (without water or electric) and a transient rate of $20 per night.
10' - $526
11' - $566
12' - $601
13' - $701
15' - $731
20' - $846
For information about slip rentals visit www.WicomicoRecandParks.org or contact Harbor Master Chuck Poole at 410-548-4870 or cpoole@wicomicocounty.org.
Cedar Hill Marina is located in the town of Bivalve along the Nanticoke River, about 15 miles from Salisbury via Nanticoke Road. The marina boasts 140 boat slips, transient slips, a dual concrete boat ramp for easy launching and a pump-out station. Cedar Hill Marina offers annual boat slip rentals (with and without water and electric) and a transient rate of $20 per night. For more information on Cedar Hill Marina, visit www.cedarhillmarina.com.
10' - $689
10' - $832 (includes water and electric)
12' - $763
12' - $943 (includes water and electric)
13' - $1039 (includes water and electric)
14' - $1076 (includes water and electric)
15' - $1134 (includes water and electric)
Nanticoke Harbor is located about 20 miles from Salisbury via Nanticoke Road. Home to both commercial and recreational boaters, Nanticoke Harbor provides two boat ramps, a loading ramp and 68 boat slips along the scenic Nanticoke River. Nanticoke Harbor offers annual boat slip rentals (without water or electric) and a transient rate of $20 per night.
10' - $526
11' - $566
12' - $601
13' - $701
15' - $731
20' - $846
For information about slip rentals visit www.WicomicoRecandParks.org or contact Harbor Master Chuck Poole at 410-548-4870 or cpoole@wicomicocounty.org.
Ted Cruz: ‘Liberty Is Under Assault’
Calls for abolition of IRS, repeal of Obamacare
NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. – Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, was introduced to an enthusiastic crowd at the Conservative Political Action Conference today as “born in Canada to a Cuban father,” bringing to mind the issue of whether or not he is constitutionally eligible to be president as a “natural born citizen.”
Cruz, nevertheless, has made it clear he believes he is eligible for the Oval Office, and he kicked off CPAC 2014 with a set of policy objectives.
“We are at the edge of a cliff,” Cruz told the crowd. “Liberty is under assault.”
Borrowing Obama’s 2008 campaign slogan, “Hope and Change,” Cruz said millions around the world have lost hope because under President Obama achieving the American Dream has become harder and harder to accomplish, and change is a call to end the corruption in Washington, D.C.
“If you were to sit down and try to design an agenda that would hammer the daylights out of young people, you couldn’t do a better job than Obama has done,” Cruz said. “Under Obama, the youth of today have become a ‘lost generation’ with few job opportunities.”
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NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. – Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, was introduced to an enthusiastic crowd at the Conservative Political Action Conference today as “born in Canada to a Cuban father,” bringing to mind the issue of whether or not he is constitutionally eligible to be president as a “natural born citizen.”
Cruz, nevertheless, has made it clear he believes he is eligible for the Oval Office, and he kicked off CPAC 2014 with a set of policy objectives.
“We are at the edge of a cliff,” Cruz told the crowd. “Liberty is under assault.”
Borrowing Obama’s 2008 campaign slogan, “Hope and Change,” Cruz said millions around the world have lost hope because under President Obama achieving the American Dream has become harder and harder to accomplish, and change is a call to end the corruption in Washington, D.C.
“If you were to sit down and try to design an agenda that would hammer the daylights out of young people, you couldn’t do a better job than Obama has done,” Cruz said. “Under Obama, the youth of today have become a ‘lost generation’ with few job opportunities.”
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Saturday Is A 24 Hours News Cycle
BREAKING NEWS: Employers Add 175,000 Jobs In February, Unemployment Eate Rises To 6.7 Percent
February's jobless rate rose to 6.7 percent despite the economy adding an estimated 175,000 jobs, the Labor Department reports.
More
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SFD Calls For Service 3-6-14
- Thursday March, 6 2014 @ 20:29:34Nature: Subject FallenCity: Salisbury
- Thursday March, 6 2014 @ 17:37:52Nature: Subject FallenCity: Salisbury
- Thursday March, 6 2014 @ 14:58:31Nature: Pi AccidentCity: Salisbury
- Thursday March, 6 2014 @ 14:56:28Nature: OverdoseCity: Salisbury
- Thursday March, 6 2014 @ 13:30:10Nature: Abdominal PainCity: Salisbury
- Thursday March, 6 2014 @ 13:08:07Nature: Difficulty BreathingCity: Salisbury
- Thursday March, 6 2014 @ 11:00:59Nature: Non BreathingAddress: 128 Coulbourn Dr Salisbury, MD 21801
- Thursday March, 6 2014 @ 10:30:58Nature: OverdoseCity: Salisbury
- Thursday March, 6 2014 @ 10:18:54Nature: Medical AssistAddress: 900 N Salisbury Blvd Salisbury, MD 21801
- Thursday March, 6 2014 @ 10:18:54Nature: Medical AssistAddress: 900 N Salisbury Blvd Salisbury, MD 21801
March 7, 2014 Is Dress In Blue Day
“Dress in Blue Day is a way for us to raise public awareness and educate people on the facts about colon cancer and how individuals can reduce their risk of the disease,” said Health Officer Lori Brewster. “Colon cancer is one of the most preventable diseases.” Join the Wicomico County Health Department on March 7th as they “Dress in Blue”. Encourage co-workers, friends, and family to do the same! Submit your photos to the Health Department’s Facebook page at: facebook.com/WICOMICOHEALTH.
“Delegate McDermott Attempts To Exempt Ocean City From Minimum Wage Requirements”
House Bill 295, entitled the “Maryland Minimum Wage Act of 2014,” increases the minimum wage in Maryland to $10.10 by 2016. State law currently sets minimum wage at $7.25. While amusement parks, like Six Flags in Prince George’s County, would be exempt from the raise, businesses in Ocean City, who are known for hiring seasonal high school and college workers, would be forced to adhere to the new raise.
“Prince George’s County wisely decided that locally this is what they needed to do,”Delegate McDermott argued. “Everyone across the state is dealing with their own issues and everyone is dealing with their own different unemployment rates.” Delegate McDermott’s argument holds that the counties, who are dealing with their own individual unemployment rates, should be able to decide what their own minimum wage is. “They should be able to decide for themselves whether it’s higher or whether it’s lower” Delegate McDermott continued.
Delegate McDermott argues that this action would hurt small businesses and ultimately take jobs away from the beach. “We struggle right now keeping these jobs available for these kids… The lower shore is not recovering; the unemployment rate is still soaring… Our Ocean City businesses will lose out to competition in Delaware with Bethany and Rehoboth Beaches and to competition in Virginia and North Carolina,” Delegate McDermott argued. “Ocean City is our world class resort and this state’s premier destination…The revenue from Ocean City paves a lot of roads in Baltimore City; the revenue from Ocean City does a lot for the state of Maryland,” McDermott concluded.
“The amendment that applies to Prince George’s County also holds true for Worcester, Wicomico, Somerset, and all of Maryland’s counties,” Delegate McDermott continued. The Prince George’s County amendment was created to address “seasonal, young workers, May to October - that’s the beach...If you can see it for a sector like Six Flags, or Jolly Rogers… if you can capture a vision for how [minimum wage] impacts that industry… Can you not see how that impacts an entire region like Ocean City?” asked Delegate McDermott. “I am telling you that you are driving up costs for business [which will drive up the costs for everyone else]... This is about creating an atmosphere where people can still afford to come and the employers can still afford to keep people there” McDermott continued.
Delegate McDermott had an exchange with the Floor Leader on the amendment. “So are you saying if we pass this amendment then you [Delegate McDermott] can vote for the bill?” asked Chairman Davis. “I’ll tell you what Mr. Chair, I am not going to make commitments on you doing the right thing… I shouldn’t have to vote one way or the other for you to do the right thing,” responded Delegate McDermott. “This is about doing the right thing. Apparently Mr. Chair you agree that it’s the right thing in some instances [but not in others]....If you can see it for one [industry] you would be blind in one eye to not see it in another. We are not race horses here with blinders on - we have to take the blinders off and look at the bigger picture to see what’s impacted...I certainly can’t vote for a bill that favors one [industry] over another,” concluded McDermott.
To listen to the floor debate on Delegate McDermott’s amendment, click here. The amendment ultimately failed by a vote of 47-89.
Staples To Close 225 Stores As Sales Move Online
Staples has become the second major chain to announce the mass closing of stores this week, providing the latest evidence of how the retail landscape is being remade by shifts in American shopping habits.
The nation's largest office-supply company said Thursday that nearly half of its sales are now generated online, and it is working aggressively to cut costs and become more efficient. It aims to close more than 10 percent of its North American stores by the end of next year, up to 225 stores, as part of a plan to save about $500 million.
Staples Chairman and CEO Ron Sargent said his company's stores have fallen short of expectations over the past three years, and the company launched a plan last year to "fundamentally reinvent" Staples.
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The nation's largest office-supply company said Thursday that nearly half of its sales are now generated online, and it is working aggressively to cut costs and become more efficient. It aims to close more than 10 percent of its North American stores by the end of next year, up to 225 stores, as part of a plan to save about $500 million.
Staples Chairman and CEO Ron Sargent said his company's stores have fallen short of expectations over the past three years, and the company launched a plan last year to "fundamentally reinvent" Staples.
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