Attention

The opinions expressed by columnists are their own and do not represent our advertisers

Friday, March 21, 2014

***WOW WILL BE THE MOST VIRAL VIDEO FOR 2014***

House To Vote On Controversial 'No More National Parks' Policy

Responding to President Obama’s decision last week to protect a stretch of California’s Coast near Point Arena as a new national monument, the House of Representatives is planning to vote next week to overturn a 108 year-old law that presidents of both parties have used to protect iconic American places, including the Grand Canyon, the Statue of Liberty, and Arches National Park.

The bill, H.R. 1459, aims to block presidents from using the Antiquities Act of 1906 to establish new national monuments by putting caps on how many times it can be used, requiring congressional review of proposed monuments, and forcing local communities to engage in an ironic exercise of reviewing the environmental impacts of protecting lands for future generations.

More

Homeless Moderate Risk Tier II Sex Offender Notification-Laurel

Paul E. Herman, 31, Laurel, DE

5'10" tall, 162 lbs.

Black hair, brown eyes

Resume:
Laurel, DE-  Paul E. Herman is not wanted. This is a Homeless Sex Offender Public Notification. Herman is a moderate risk
Tier II sex offender who has registered as homeless in Laurel, DE
. If you have information that Paul Herman is
occupying a residence please contact 302-672-5306 or by utilizing the Delaware
State Police Mobile Crime Tip Application available to download at: http://www.delaware.gov/apps/. Information can also be provided to the
Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333.
Information may also be provided via the internet at www.tipsubmit.com

Send an anonymous tip by text to 274637 (CRIMES) using
the keyword "DSP."

The insanity of 'free trade' agreements

Over the weekend an anniversary was marked with little fanfare — the second anniversary of the implementation of the U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement.

The U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement passed with the usual fanfare, supported by the usual suspects. Barack Obama hailed the agreement’s implementation on March 15, 2012. In the middle of his re-election campaign, he cheerfully promised the agreement would increase American exports to South Korea by $10 billion and would create 70,000 U.S. jobs.

One of Barack Obama’s signature efforts for his second term is the Trans-Pacific Partnership, a trade deal among the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Peru, Chile, New Zealand, Australia, Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei, Vietnam and Japan.

More

Tea Partier wins write-in race for Pennsylvania state Senate seat

York is a modest little city in Southern Pennsylvania not too far from Baltimore and right in the heart of Dutch country. It's not the sort of place where political revolutions are found.

But Republican state Senate nominee Ron Miller may think differently this morning because he just lost a special election to a write-in Tea Party candidate, Scott Wagner.

"With 100 percent of precincts reporting Tuesday night, write-in votes totaled 10,595, or 47.7 percent, to Miller's 5,920, or 26.6 percent. Democrat Linda Small of New Freedom nearly edged out Miller with 5,704 votes, for 25.7 percent," according to the York Dispatch.

More

Food Fight At Early Bird Diner Lands Senior Citizen in Jail

Regret. Pain. Ageism. Getting old isn't easy. But what's more tragic is when seniors can't frequent their local early bird eatery without fear for their personal safety. Take for example an incident that occurred at about 3:45 p.m. Tuesday at the Golden Corral in Wilkesboro, North Carolina.

Because that's when police say a 64-year-old woman instigated a food fight that left two other seniors injured, and potentially robbed of the ability to enjoy future hot buffets without looking over their shoulders.

Here's how it went down according to police.

One of the alleged victims, Linwood Moore, claims the suspect, Polly Richards, intentionally bumped into him at the salad bar. Already things were getting hardcore.

More

Registration Open for Wicomico Recreation’s Adult Kickball

Salisbury, Md. - As an adult, you may not get summers off anymore, but Wicomico Recreation offers the opportunity to relive those childhood memories with a playground favorite - kickball! Register as a team, group or individual and enjoy this unique recreational opportunity where players meet new people and bond with family, friends and colleagues.

Adult Kickball is open to men and women ages 18 and up. Games will be played on Wednesday evenings at the Henry Parker Athletic Complex in Salisbury. The program fee is $25 per individual or $300 per team, recommended team size is 12-15 players. Individual registrants will be matched up with one another to create full teams. Register online at www.WicomicoRecreationandParks.org or in person at the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center Box Office (500 Glen Avenue, Salisbury; M-F, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.). Registration deadline is Friday, May 16.

For more information, please contact Baer Chandler at bchandler@wicomicocounty.org or call 410-548-4900 x105.

Hawaii Law Lets Police Have Sex With Prostitutes

Honolulu police officers have urged lawmakers to keep an exemption in state law that allows undercover officers to have sex with prostitutes during investigations, touching off a heated debate.

Authorities say they need the legal protection to catch lawbreakers in the act. Critics, including human trafficking experts and other police, say it's unnecessary and could further victimize sex workers, many of whom have been forced into the trade.

Police haven't said how often -- or even if -- they use the provision. And when they asked legislators to preserve it, they made assurances that internal policies and procedures are in place to prevent officers from taking advantage of it.

More

Hearing-Aid Apps Pump Up the Volume, Double as Headphones

TORONTO (Reuters) - New smartphone apps that link to hearing aids are helping people with impaired hearing to pump up the volume on their devices or to use them as headphones to stream phone calls, YouTube videos and music.

About 36 million American adults have some hearing loss, according to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. But only a fifth of people who could benefit from a hearing aid wear one.

"People will always need really good hearing aids, but moving forward, what will differentiate competitors will be connectivity (to smartphones), and it will need apps," Lars Viksmoen, chief executive of GN ReSound, a maker of hearing aids based in Denmark, said in a telephone interview.

More

Burglar, Already In Jail, Gets Conviction For Second Crime

A 33-year-old Dagsboro, Del., woman was sentenced March 6 to three years in prison for a burglary she committed in north Ocean City in October.

Michele Lee Smith was already in jail serving a sentence for a burglary she committed in GlenRiddle last spring.

In the GlenRiddle case, Smith burglarized a house where her sister was the owner’s cleaning lady. Smith had helped her clean the house and knew the key code combination to enter the house.

The owner noticed several pieces of jewelry and a pair of UGG boots missing in early April and contacted police. She estimated the value of the stolen items at $17,845.

More

Yard Sale 3-22-14

Multi Family Yard Sale. 7am. 6114 Ayrshire Dr. Hunters Mill. Support our team in the Great Clue Caper (all proceeds benefit the Village of Hope). Furniture, Baby Items, Mens and Womens clothing, household items, etc.

FLORIDA HOUSE ADDS WARNING SHOT ALLOWANCE TO 'STAND YOUR GROUND'

On March 20th the Florida House passed warning shot legislation 93-24.

This would allow citizens under attack to fire a warning shot instead of retreating and instead of shooting the attacker immediately.

According to Bradenton.com, bill sponsor Neil Combee (R-Auburndale) said he pushed this bill for the sake of Marissa Alexander.

According to US News & World Report, Alexander was arrested in August 2010 after firing a warning shot while being attacked by her estranged husband. She was tried and convicted, served 21 months of a 20-year sentence, was freed, and will face retrial on July 28th.

More

Maryland State Police Running Radar On Rt. 50 East Bound Near Ocean City

The Maryland State Police are once again running radar just past the Rt. 50 & Rt. 90 split east bound, (near Old Ocean City Rd.) heading to Ocean City. 

55 Saves Lives. 
Keep your joints at home.

WORLD'S DUMBEST COP

President Obama & Liberal Party So Afraid Of Tea Party They've Copied Their Logo, Sort Of

Joe --

We've been trying to come up with the perfect way to show how proud we are of Obamacare.

I think we've got a good idea -- this bumper sticker:
The Eastern Shore will have their own version coming out next week.

Cuz Da Burycare's

Giraffe Kisses Dying man goodbye

Conservation Groups, Counties Fighting Proposed Cap On Open Space Funding

Environmental and land conservation advocates, along with county officials across the state, are gearing up to fight a Senate Budget Committee proposal to limit Program Open Space funding to $100 million a year.

The Maryland Association of Counties said the cap on open space funding would result in “devastating” cuts of as much as $263 million over the next five years.

“These reductions … would affect the State’s and local government’s ability to preserve open space, shorelines, and waterways while providing recreational opportunities,” MACo’s blog told local officials, urging them to contact their senators and delegates.

More

Senator Rand Paul Speaks at Berkeley Forum

Ocean City Looking Forward To Visit By Two Tall Ships

If the necessary dredging can be accomplished in time, the city has secured two tall ships for a month-long stay in the resort this summer.

The National Air, Sea, and Space Foundation, the non-profit group run by OC Air Show promoter Bryan Lilley, plans to bring back last year’s attraction as well as its sister vessel.



“The NASSF has put in an application to bring back the galleon and its sister ship,” said city Special Events Director Frank Miller. “The goal is to have the in town at the same time. Right now we’re looking at August 1 through September 1, with some piggyback events as well – possibly a pirate festival on one of the weekends.”
More

Treats


OCDC Awarded $175K In State Grants

OCEAN CITY – Ocean City Development Corporation (OCDC) has been awarded three grants totaling $175,000 through the state’s Community Legacy Awards program.

“The OCDC is very pleased with the three grant awards totaling $175,000 from the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD),” OCDC Executive Director Glenn Irwin said. “We have had a great relationship with DHCD since the OCDC started in 2000 and I think our downtown successes have been evidenced with these continuing grants.”

The first grant for $75,000 will go toward installing decorative lighting along the St. Louis Avenue during Phase II of the project, which runs from 10th to 4th streets.

More

Stewart Rhodes interviews Ares Armor CEO Dimitrios Karras

Veterans Affairs wind turbine, built for $2.3 million, stands dormant

ST. CLOUD, Minn. – A $2.3 million federal stimulus project at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in St. Cloud is giving green energy initiatives a bad name.

A 600-kilowatt wind turbine -- some 245 foot tall -- stands on the wintry VA grounds, frozen in time and temperature, essentially inoperable for the past 1 1/2 years. No one is working to fix it, though many attempts were made to repair the turbine, once billed as a model green energy project.

"The St. Cloud VA is a hospital, and our focus is on our patients and we like to think that we treat our veterans very well here," said Barry Venable, a public affairs officer for the VA in St. Cloud. "We're embarrassed that this turbine does not operate as advertised."

More

Sen. Colburn Updates on Oyster Issues

ANNAPOLIS – State Senator Richard F. Colburn (R-Eastern Shore) announced today after meeting with Department of Natural Resources Secretary Joe Gill, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has agreed to work with the County Oyster Committees to purchase and plant 60,000 bushels of fresh shell that the Department has already offered to replenish public oyster fishing bars. The Department has also agreed to purchase an additional 20,000 bushels of fresh shell for a pilot project to collect additional data in collaboration with interested stakeholders. The study will consist of DNR using the additional 20,000 bushels of fresh shell to replenish oyster bars that have experienced high harvest pressure in recent years and will work with interested stakeholders to examine the cost effectiveness of using fresh shell to enhance the natural production of oysters as compared to using fresh shell for hatchery on spat production. This study will continue for three years (through the 2016/17 oyster fishing season.)

Senator Colburn stated, “Commercial watermen and I had hoped for the full amount of the originally requested 200,000 bushels given the fact that it is estimated 400,000 bushels of oysters have been harvested this season. The 200,000 bushels requested would have replaced half of the depleted shell. During my meeting with the Secretary I had hoped for a compromise and requested that at least 100,000 bushels of fresh shell be made available. Including the 60,000 bushels already available this leaves a deficit of 20,000 bushels, however, I will take the 20,000 bushels offered as a small victory and a step in the right direction. I also believe the pilot program will be helpful in assisting the Department and industry in determining whether or not nature can adequately produce good spat sets. While I praise the work that Don “Mutt” Meritt does at Horn Point, we have to realize the Horn Point Hatchery alone cannot replenish the Bay’s oyster population. If nothing else, my introduction of SB 1111-Natural Resources - Fresh Oyster Shells - Purchase by County Oyster Committees has brought about an awareness by the General Assembly members of our lack of sufficient supply of oyster shell in Maryland.”

Snow Hill Man Charged in Ocean View Home Improvement Fraud

Location: Captains Court, Ocean View, DE

Date of Occurrence: April 2013

Victim:

45 year old male, Ocean View, DE

Defendant, Charges, and Bond Information:

Michael M. Eline, 55, Snow Hill, MD (Photo Attached)
Home Improvement Fraud

Arraigned at JP3 and released on $5,000.00 unsecured bond.

Resume:
Ocean View, DE- The Delaware State Police arrested a 55-year-old Snow Hill man Saturday and arrested him for a 2013 home improvement fraud.

Michael M. Eline was stopped by a Bridgeville Police Officer Saturday afternoon for speeding and was turned over to troopers due to a warrant issued for his arrest. The incident occurred back in April of 2013 when Eline, of Chelsea Builders, was hired by a 44-year-old Ocean View man to complete some work in his home on Captains Court. A written proposal was submitted to the victim, who in turn, provided Eline with a deposit totaling more than $3,500.00. By December of 2013, none of the work had been started and Eline failed to return the victim’s money even after numerous requests.

Michael Eline was processed on the charge of Home Improvement Fraud and was released on $5,000.00 unsecured bond.

In the past year, Chelsea Builders has ceased to exist.

If anyone has fallen victim to similar crimes involving Michael Eline, they are asked to contact Det. T. Shockley at 302-856-5850 ext. 257 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."

SFD Calls For Service 3-20-14

  • Thursday March, 20 2014 @ 22:19:23Nature: Sick SubjectCity: Salisbury
  • Thursday March, 20 2014 @ 21:23:47Nature: Diabetic DifficultyCity: Salisbury
  • Thursday March, 20 2014 @ 21:13:49Nature: Medical AssistAddress: 298 Tilghman Rd Salisbury, MD 21801
  • Thursday March, 20 2014 @ 21:13:47Nature: Psychiatric EmergencyCity: Salisbury
  • Thursday March, 20 2014 @ 18:58:06Nature: Sick SubjectCity: Salisbury
  • Thursday March, 20 2014 @ 16:44:59Nature: Flood With Electrical HazardsAddress: 1405 Home Pl Salisbury, MD 21801
  • Thursday March, 20 2014 @ 14:51:39Nature: Medical AssistAddress: 220 Tilghman Rd Salisbury, MD 21801
  • Thursday March, 20 2014 @ 14:46:23Nature: Unconscious SubjectCity: Salisbury
  • Thursday March, 20 2014 @ 14:46:20Nature: Chest PainCity: Salisbury
  • Thursday March, 20 2014 @ 14:40:32Nature: Sick SubjectCity: Salisbury
  • Thursday March, 20 2014 @ 14:32:26Nature: Pro Qa EmsCity: Salisbury
  • Thursday March, 20 2014 @ 13:17:58Nature: Subject FallenCity: Salisbury
  • Thursday March, 20 2014 @ 13:10:21Nature: SeizureCity: Salisbury
  • Thursday March, 20 2014 @ 08:35:55Nature: Diabetic DifficultyCity: Salisbury
  • Thursday March, 20 2014 @ 04:58:05Nature: Sick SubjectCity: Salisbury
  • Thursday March, 20 2014 @ 03:34:36Nature: Maternity PatientCity: Salisbury
  • Thursday March, 20 2014 @ 00:08:35Nature: Difficulty BreathingCity: Salisbury

BRUCE FOWLER CONVICTED OF TWO COUNTS-SEXUAL ABUSE OF MINOR

On March 21, 2014, Bruce Earl Fowler, age 67, of Fruitland, Maryland, pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual abuse of minor committed upon two children. The State expects sentencing to be held April 1, 2014.

On November 5, 2013, an eight year old child disclosed sexual abuse at the hands of Fowler. Upon interview, Fowler admitted inappropriate contact with the child. Another child, age six years, also disclosed sexual abuse at the hands of Fowler. Fowler was a retired paramedic.

Wicomico County State’s Attorney Matthew A. Maciarello commended the Wicomico Child Advocacy Center and its partners (Maryland State Police, Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office, Salisbury Police Department, Department of Social Services and Life Crisis Center) for their work in the investigation and prosecution of this case.

TABITHA DOBRZYNSKI SENTENCED TO THREE YEARS FOR CRIMINALLY NEGLIGENT MANSLAUGHTER BY VEHICLE

On November 16, 2013, Tabitha Dobrzynski, age 39, of New Kensington, Pennsylvania, was convicted of Criminally Negligent Manslaughter by Vehicle and related charges by a Wicomico County judge. The charges against Dobrzynski arose out of a single vehicle accident wherein Dobrzynski was the driver. Dobrzynski was found to be under the influence of prescription medication while transporting her four minor children from West Virginia to Maryland. After taking a combination of prescription medication, Dobrzynski fell asleep at the wheel, causing her soft top Jeep Wrangler to overturn and roll multiple times in a single vehicle accident. Dobrzynski’s 11 year old daughter was seated in the middle back seat of the Jeep where there was no seat belt. The Jeep was only a four passenger vehicle. The unbelted 11 year old minor was ejected from the vehicle and died as a result of injuries from the crash. The rollover occurred at the Rt. 13 Bypass Southbound, at mile marker 13. On March 20, 2014, Dobrzynski was sentenced by a Wicomico County judge to three years in the Division of Corrections, the maximum penalty for Criminally Negligent Manslaughter. Dobrzynski received separate sentences for driving with minors while under the influence of drugs, which were run concurrent with the 3 years for the Manslaughter.

Wicomico County State’s Attorney Matthew A. Maciarello commended the Maryland State Police and Tfc. Mark Miller and Tfc. Justin Zimmerman for their work in the investigation and prosecution of this case. Mr. Maciarello also thanked Senior Assistant State’s Attorney Kristen Schultz who prosecuted the case.

For more information or for an interview please call the Office of the State’s Attorney at (410) 548-4880 or go to www.wicomicosao.com.

Rt. 50 EAST CLOSED

There's been an accident in Linkwood and ALL east bound traffic on Rt. 50 is closed. 

Author of ‘EPA Playbook’? Report claims notorious fraudster was behind costly EPA regulations

John Beale, the former EPA official who fooled his bosses into believing he worked for the CIA, was deeply involved in crafting costly environmental standards which still are having an impact today -- though he came into the job with little, if any, environmental experience.

The details were included in a 67-page report from Republicans on the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, which claims the fraudster's role should now throw those rules into question.

The report is the product of months of research into the case of Beale, a top official in the Office of Air and Radiation, who was sentenced to prison in December for defrauding the agency with his CIA lie. It details Beale's role in crafting an aggressive regulatory approach which the report dubs the "EPA Playbook."

More

Seized property sits vacant nine years after landmark Kelo eminent domain case

The controversial Supreme Court ruling that expanded eminent domain to give government the right to take private property to allow economic development may have been all for nothing, according to a report.

Nine years after the high court sided with a Connecticut municipality in Kelo v. City of New London, a ruling Associate Justice Antonin Scalia has likened to the court's disastrous Dred Scott decision, the 90-acre plot once earmarked for office buildings, luxury apartments and a new marina, remains vacant.

Seven residents who fought all the way to the Supreme Court to keep their working-class homes in the city's Fort Trumbull section have only their memories and whatever remains of the money they were forced to accept.

More

BREAKING NEWS: 10 people unaccounted for after deadly New Jersey motel fire

At least three people have died and at least 10 unaccounted for after an early morning fire breaks out at Point Pleasant, N.J. motel.

More

Cut In Estate Tax Sent To Governor, Who Will Likely Sign It

In an effort to ensure Maryland’s millionaires don’t flee the state for cheaper pastures, the General Assembly approved Thursday a cut to the state’s estate tax.

After spirited debate and a 36-10 vote from the Senate, the bill was sent to Gov. Martin O’Malley, who is likely to sign the bill.

The bill recouples Maryland to the federal estate tax exemptions. The state’s estate tax ceiling would go up incrementally, capping at the federal exclusion level of $5.3 million by 2017. Under current state law, any assets worth $1 million or more are taxed after their owner dies.

More

Pay Our Pensions Or We'll Throw You In Jail: The Legalization Of Looting

Rather than deal forthrightly with the reality that unrealistic promises made to their employees cannot be honored, local government has pursued a strategy of legalizing looting.

The gradual erosion of civil liberties, legal rights and government ethics are connected: our rights don't just vanish into thin air, they are expropriated by government: Federal, state and local. Though much is written about the loss of civil liberties at the Federal level, many of the most blatantly illegal power grabs are occurring in local government.

This expropriation is under the radar of the average citizen because the process slowly chips away the fundamentals of legality and justice: bit by bit, due process and the rights of the individual have been eroded by state and local governments until the fundamental Constitutional protections simply cease to exist.

When local government looting is legalized, the entire system is illegal. Here are three recent examples of blatantly illegal looting by local governments.

More

Valerie Jarrett, the CEO of Obama Inc.

For eight years, the media envisioned Dick Cheney as the ‘evil genius’ behind the Bush White House, but few in the media have wanted to take a long look at the ‘evil genius’ behind the Obama White House.

The populist grass roots myth died shortly after Obama was elected and while plenty of books have been written about the internal workings of the Obama campaign and administration, unlike the books written about Bush, they rarely inform mainstream media news coverage. When these books and articles come from within the media, the authors are not attacked and their work isn’t discredited, it simply gets compartmentalized into the wonksphere and away from daily news coverage.

More

The Red Roost Opening at Noon Saturdays and Sundays

The Red Roost is OPEN for the 2014 Season, celebrating 40 years!

Thursday- Friday:
Open at 5:30, seating until 10:00

Saturday:
Open at NOON (take advantage of our tableside Bloody Mary service 12:00-3:00), seating until 10:00

Sunday:
Open at NOON (take advantage of our tableside Bloody Mary service 12:00-3:00), seating until 9:00

Laurel Man Arrested After Attempting to Solicit Sexual Services, Rehoboth

Location: Sunshine Spa, Camelot Shopping Center, 19470 Coastal Highway, Rehoboth, DE

Date of Occurrence: Thursday March 20, 2014 at approximately 10:00 p.m.

Victims:

Two 44 year old female employees

Defendant, Charges, and Bond Information:

Matthew T. Hudson, 35, Laurel, DE (Photo Attached)
Kidnapping 2nd
Criminal Impersonation of a Police Officer
Unlawful Imprisonment 2nd
Assault 3rd
Criminal Solicitation 3rd
Offensive Touching
Criminal Mischief

Arraigned at JP3 and released on $23,200.00 unsecured bond.

Resume:
Rehoboth, DE- The Delaware State Police have arrested a 35-year-old Laurel man on assault and other charges after he solicited a female spa worker to perform a sexual act on him.

The incident began around 10:00 p.m. Thursday night when Matthew T. Hudson arrived at Sunshine Spa on Coastal Highway in Rehoboth to receive a massage. While Hudson was receiving his massage he asked the 44 year old female masseuse to perform a sexual act. When the female told him they do not provide sexual services, Hudson insisted by showing her a badge and informing her that he was an FBI agent. The victim then refunded the money rendered for the massage and an argument ensued between the two resulting in Hudson pushing her into a wall and not allowing her to leave. At one point, the other female employee entered the room and was thrown to the ground where she was physically restrained by Hudson. The two females were eventually allowed to leave the room and quickly ran out of the building where they got into their vehicle and drove away. Hudson also left the business and began following him them in his own vehicle.

WOC Checkpoint Leads To One Arrest, Traffic Backups

OCEAN CITY — A sobriety checkpoint in West Ocean City led to major traffic backups in Ocean City on Saturday, the busiest day of the offseason.

Shortly after 7 p.m. on Saturday, a day of St. Patrick’s Day festivities, Maryland State Police (MSP) along with allied law enforcement agencies set up shop along Route 50 just west of the bridge. According to a MSP release, “The goal was to locate impaired drivers and to promote public awareness of the dangers of impaired driving.”


The checkpoint, which ended about 90 minutes after it began, resulted in 291 vehicles being checked and two drivers evaluated for impairment, according to MSP, which was joined by the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office, Natural Resources Police and Berlin Police Department as well as State Highway Administration handling traffic responsibilities. One driver was arrested for driving while impaired.

More 

SolarCity $166 million in the red after losing $55 million in 2013

SolarCity, a California-based solar energy firm backed by hundreds of millions in federal grants and loans, posted $55 million in losses during 2013 and is running a deficit of more than $166 million, according to an annual financial report released this week.

Still, company officials say the future is looking sunny.

“All our states are doing extremely well and we continue to invest in every state,” said CEO Lyndon Rive in a conference call after the report was released.

TheStreet, a news service devoted to Wall Street, has rated SolarCity’s stock a D+ and urged investors to sell.

More

Jasmine Drive Road Widening

As part of Salisbury Public Works’ ongoing effort to keep the public informed of improvements within the City of Salisbury, please be advised that a private contractor will be affecting the flow of traffic from the intersection of North Point Drive and Jasmine Drive to the end of Jasmine Drive.  The work will serve to widen Jasmine Drive as part of the Addison Court Project. 

The work will be performed Monday thru Friday between the hours of 7:00 AM and 5:00 PM, starting on Monday, March 24th and will be completed by Monday, April 14th, barring any unforeseen delays.  Expect delays due to traffic pattern modifications.  We regret any inconvenience this may cause.  Your patience and cooperation are greatly appreciated.

Should you have any questions or need clarification regarding this project, please contact Sean Gaitnes with Dixie Construction at 443-243-3027 or Jay Trott with Salisbury Public Works, Technical Services at 410-548-5460

THREE OCPD PUBLIC SAFETY AIDES GRADUATE FROM CORRECTIONAL ACADEMY

Back Row L to R: Lt. Elton Harmon, Capt. Kevin Kirstein,
Cpl. Howard Caplan, Lt. Richard Moreck; Front Row L to R:
Susan Dickerson, Jennifer Albert, Jenna McGoogan
On March 19, 2014, three Ocean City Police Department public safety aides graduated from the Eastern Shore Criminal Justice Academy’s Jail and Corrections Officer Academy. Public Safety Aides Jennifer Albert, Susan Dickerson and Jenna McGoogan each completed over six weeks of intense training at the Academy. McGoogan was recognized for completing the academy at the top of her class with an academic average of over 97 percent.

“We are extremely proud of the three graduates,” said Ocean City Police Chief Ross Buzzuro. “All three employees have completed several weeks of training and will bring a new level of experience to the department.”

The Ocean City Police Department’s public safety aids are utilized as civilian support staff within the Patrol and Support Services division. While general duties of public safety aides can consist of parking enforcement and patrol operations, the recent academy graduates will be assigned to arrest and detention. Their responsibilities will include processing and custody of detainees, safety and security of the Public Safety facility, interaction with the general public and liaisons between the District Court.

A Comment Worthy Of A Post

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "If Legislators Do Nothing, They Get A Pay Raise":

For those interested, I co-sponsored bill HJ-9 with a number of other Republican Delegates. This House Joint Resolution would have rejected the proposed pay increase for members of the General Assembly. The Democrats have left it stuck in the Rules Committee so they will not have to take a vote on the bill.
-Delegate Mike McDermott

Saturday Is A 24 Hour News Day


We will provide news and information for 24 hours on Saturday as well. Have a great weekend Folks!

A New Obama Doctrine?

With his presidency in tailspin, Carter radically changed course. Will Obama do the same?

by Victor Davis Hanson // National Review Online

By the beginning of 1980, Jimmy Carter was in big trouble. Almost everything he had said or done in foreign policy over the prior three years had failed — and he was running for reelection.

Carter had come into office in 1977 promising a new American stance abroad predicated on human rights. He bragged of an end to our supposedly inordinate fear of Soviet-inspired Communism. He entertained the hope of not losing a single American soldier in combat during his tenure. And he rejected the realpolitik of the Nixon-Kissinger years.

The State Department would end the excessive influence of the bellicose National Security Council. Secretary of State Cyrus Vance would put a kinder, gentler face on American diplomacy. We championed Robert Mugabe in Zimbabwe over more moderate black reformers. We broke with the Shah of Iran, who fled his country in January 1979. We for a while praised the Ayatollah Khomeini and sought ways to reach out to him. Carter’s U.N. ambassador, Andrew Young, called Khomeini “some kind of saint.” Young met secretly with PLO representatives in Kuwait. In an interview, he falsely alleged of his own country that “We still have hundreds of people that I would categorize as political prisoners in our prisons.”

More

Stick A Fork In The "Housing Recovery"

The chart below from Bank of America - showing the progression of first-time US homebuyers in recent months - should scare everyone who still believes that there is some sort of "housing recovery" in the US.

OC Mulls Modernized Fireworks Show For Downtown’s Fourth Of July Celebration

OCEAN CITY – A fresh spark may come to the 4th of July fireworks show downtown this summer as the new Caroline Street Comfort Station opens an opportunity to test out a “pyromusical” display.

The Recreation and Parks Department’s Special Events division has been working to bring new and exciting events to Ocean City as well as modernizing current events, such as the 4th of July Fireworks downtown.

“Northside Park is going to remain a traditional fireworks show similar to what we have done in the past many years with music playing along with the fireworks but it is not necessarily set to the fireworks,” Special Events Superintendent Frank Miller said. “Whereas downtown will be a more modernized production by the same company, American Fireworks, where we will have large fireworks but only up to five-inch shells instead of the six-inch shells, and we will also have lower height fireworks, to which they refer to as ‘cakes’ and closer proximity fireworks. All of those together will be set up to music so the actual production should be a lot more entertaining for the crowd that will be watching north/south of it and from the Boardwalk.”
More

Thank God Its Friday 3-21-14

What will you be doing this weekend?

Gold Alert Issued for Missing Georgetown Man

Location: Georgetown, DE

Date of Occurrence: Friday March 21, 2014 at approximately 12:10 a.m.

Gold Alert Subject:
Thomas L. Bundick, 27, Georgetown, DE (photo attached)
White male, 6’00” tall, 170 lbs
Brown hair, hazel eyes

Resume:
Georgetown, DE-The Delaware State Police are issuing a Gold Alert for Thomas L. Bundick, 27 of Greenwood, Delaware.

Troopers are looking for Thomas Bundick who was last heard from on Friday March 21, 2014 at approximately 12:10 a.m. in the Georgetown, DE area.

Troopers have been unable to make contact with Bundick to check on his welfare. Attempts to locate Bundick have been unsuccessful and there is a concern for his safety and welfare.

If anyone has any information in reference to the whereabouts of Thomas L. Bundick, they are asked to call Troop 4 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 atwww.tipsubmit.com, or by sending an anonymous tip by text to 274637 (CRIMES) using the keyword "DSP."

It's the economy, stupid! The real lesson of Florida race

In the past few days, Democrats have experienced something close to a mass freakout regarding their chances in this November's midterm elections. An anonymous Democratic lawmaker told the New York Times that President Obama, weakened by low approval ratings, is "poisonous" to Democratic candidates. ABC reported that some Democrats are "increasingly worried the health care law is political poison." Columnist Maureen Dowd concluded that "Democratic panic has set in." When "poison" and "panic" are the words used to describe a campaign, there's likely to be trouble ahead.

The immediate reason for the consternation is Democrat Alex Sink's narrow loss to RepublicanDavid Jolly in the special election to fill the House seat from Florida's 13th Congressional District. Commentators and politicos always say it's a mistake to read too much into the results of a special election, but that hasn't stopped anyone from declaring the results an ominous sign for Democrats.

The problem is, it appears both sides could be learning the wrong lessons from Florida.

More

If Legislators Do Nothing, They Get A Pay Raise

If legislators do nothing to stop it in the next 19 days, members of the Maryland General Assembly elected this fall — including probably two-thirds of the current members — will get a 16% raise over the next four years, bringing their annual salaries to $50,330. They currently make $43,500 for what is technically a part-time job.

Lawmakers have already allowed the next governor to get a 20% raise to $180,000 by doing nothing to stop it in the first 45 days of the current session.

The lawmakers have not had a raise in eight years; the governor’s salary has been $150,000 for nine years.]

More

Somerset County Sheriff's Office Press Release 3-21-14

Keshana Shaqcanda Miller of Berlin, arrested 3-9-14 on a warrant for failing to appear in court. Miller was released on personal recognizance

Richard Nathanial Armstrong of Salisbury, arrested 3-12-14 on a warrant for failing to appear in court. Armstrong was held on a $ 500.00 bond.

Jeremiah Alexander Irwin of Ocean City, arrested 3-12-14 on a warrant for violation of probation. Irwin was held without bond.

Keshawn Lovell Wright of Charlestown West Virginia, arrested 3-14-14 on a warrant for violation of probation. Wright was held without bond.

Gabriele Janeen Heath of Westover, arrested 3-14-14 on a warrant for failing to appear in court. Heath was held on a $25,000 bond.

POLICE SHOOTING IN HARFORD CO. UNDER INVESTIGATION

(ABERDEEN, MD) -- A burglary suspect who rammed several police cars and injured an officer was fatally wounded by police after a pursuit that ended at an I-95 rest area early this morning.

Preliminary information indicates shortly before 2:30 a.m. today, a burglary was reported at a Target store in Aberdeen. Officers from the Aberdeen Police Department responded and spotted the suspect fleeing the store. The suspect refused to stop and rammed his vehicle into an Aberdeen Police patrol car, injuring the officer and disabling the police car.

A pursuit ensued throughout the area and onto both north and southbound I-95. Additional police cars from the Aberdeen Police Department and the Maryland State Police were rammed by the suspect during the pursuit.

The pursuit ended on the I-95 southbound entrance ramp to the Maryland House rest area when police fired at the suspect, who was the sole occupant of the vehicle. The suspect was flown to the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center where he was pronounced deceased.

Map: How Much Stimulus Spending Did Your District Receive?

Back in 2009, conservative commentators were quick to cry 'Pork!' as the House and Senate debated the $800 billion stimulus bill known as ARRA - the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. A year later the Cato Institute argued that the funding was targeted at counties that strongly supported Obama in 2008, claiming that "the counties that did the most to put Obama in the White House received a taxpayer-funded thank you in return."

But a new study released today at the Brookings Panel on Economic Activity finds no evidence that political influence or graft played a role in how stimulus dollars flowed to congressional districts. The paper, by economists at Columbia University, UMass-Amherst, and the University of Maryland, concludes that "for the most part, politicians did not exploit their individual positions of power within the Congress to grab funds."
More

Week 10: Delegate McDermott's Field Notes

Monday Evening Session:
Tuesday Afternoon Judiciary Hearings:
  HB 235    Del K. Kelly, et al Criminal Law - Death Penalty - Law Enforcement Officers and Correctional Officers
  HB 388    Del Carter, et al   Inmates - Life Imprisonment - Parole Approval
  HB 601    Del Stukes Crim Procedure - Explanation of Expungement
                                 Provsns Relating to Proposed Dispn of Charge
  HB 651    Del Impallaria    Courts - Aggravated Murder Court
  HB 680    Del Carter  Public Safety - DNA Samples and Records - Collection, Use, Storage, and Expungement
  HB 896    Del Rosenberg     Criminal Procedure - Expungement - Convictions
  HB 1109   Del Swain         Criminal Procedure - Search Warrants - Procedures
  HB 1166   Del Anderson     Maryland Second Chance Act of 2014 and Waldstreicher
  HB 1185   Del Parrott, et al Criminal Law - Crimes Against Property - Right to Defend Property
  HB 1189   Del Glass         Public Safety - Inappropriate Search of Minor by Public Servant - Penalties
  HB 1304   Del Carter, et al   Law Enforc Officers' Bill of Rgts - Interrogation Rgt to Counsel - Suspension
                                          Period and Appt
  HB 1330   Del Swain         Task Force to Reduce Incarceration in Maryland
  HB 1341   Del Mizeur        Sexual Assault Survivors' Right to Know Act
There was compelling testimony on HB-235 which would restore the Death Penalty for the murder of a law enforcement officer or correctional officers when the crime happens while they are working in the course of their duties as such.  It was pointed out that it has become increasingly difficult to manage inmates serving life and there have been several attacks on correctional officers as a result of the death penalty elimination. No one testified in opposition to this bill.
There were several bills addressing Expungement issues. One would require the court to instruct folks about the Expungement process before accepting any plea in a criminal case.  It was claimed that many accept plea agreements without realizing that they may not qualify for an Expungment in the future. Some of the bills would allow for Expungement of actual criminal records if certain time requirements were met.
HB-1341 would require a law enforcement agency to provide specific information to the victim of a sexual assault to the victim regarding any evidence uncovered and collected from a Sex Assault Kit. There were also bills to address the collection and storage of DNA samples.

PRMC "STATE OF THE UNION" MEETING

Joe, I am sure you got an invite but just to remind you next Tuesday the 25th the exec. staff at PRMC will be holding a state of the union forum to advise us lemmings just how bad or good shape the hospital is in. From 2pm on. Would like to see you here to cover this story.

Salisbury Chamber of Commerce Is Trying To Relocate Alcohol At The Salisbury Festival

With the upcoming Salisbury Festival just weeks away, Mayor Ireton approved relocating the Salisbury Festival to Division & Main Street.

Rather then having a designated area for beer and wine, the Mayor and Chamber wanted to expand it to Main Street and the Liquor Board flat out turned them down. The main reason, (as I understand it) was that they did not bring the proper information to make it happen and with only 5 weeks left there probably isn't enough time for the Board to move forward with changing the location and details. 

I can see what they were trying to do and giving the Downtown Plaza that much more attention would be cool. However, the Plaza needs to be gated, (as I suggested in my campaign) so it can in fact be policed. During such events, it should become an adult only environment. I personally do NOT believe the beer and wine should be around the children.

Let me say this as well. The Mayor needs to stop attempting to create his own Parties Downtown. Filing for liquor licenses for open container parties is just ridiculous. There are businesses down there that already have licenses and there is NO REASON the City should be allowed to compete against those establishments. This needs to end, especially on 3rd Fridays. 

Dock Bar Grand Opening TONIGHT


Women Supporting Women Bras for a Cause


SU MENS LAX WINS BIG IN “WAR ON THE SHORE”

Led by a balanced offense and a 15-save effort by Alex Taylor, the Charles B. Clark cup returns to Salisbury, as the No. 2-ranked lacrosse team downed No. 7 Washington College, 12-7, on Wednesday afternoon at Sea Gull Stadium in the annual rivalry match-up.

Senior midfielder Greg Korvin, one of three Sea Gulls with two goals in the contest, led the team with four points; junior attackman Mike Kane and sophomore midfielder Thomas Cirillo also found the cage twice.

The first quarter began with the teams feeling each other out, until senior attackman Luke Phipps struck at the 7:39 mark, taking a pass from senior midfielder Brandon Kendrick and ripping a shot from the right wing.

After the Shoremen tied the game, Korvin tallied both of his scores in a 2-0 run to end the first quarter; both shots came after driving down the right side, giving the Gulls a 3-1 lead.

Washington College opened the scoring in the second half, but Salisbury answered with two more goals.

Sophomore midfielder Brady Dashiell dodged right and drove to plant a low shot in the back of the cage with 9:57 left in the half, before senior attackman Zeke Smith led a fastbreak two minutes later and dished the ball to junior attackman Jesse Rabishaw for a goal from the left wing.

After the second Shoremen goal for the quarter, Cirillo and senior attackman Rhett DePol added the final two SU goals to give the Sea Gulls a 7-3 lead at halftime.

At halftime, the stat sheet was even, with the Shoremen slightly leading in shots, 22-21, and forced turnovers, 10-8, but Washington held a 10 of 12 faceoff advantage.

Washington added the first goal of the second half, but, from there, Salisbury ended the third quarter on a 4-0 spurt.

Kane netted his first to start the run at the 11:42 mark, taking a pass from Korvin and scoring on the crease.

The stretch included the first scores for midfielders, junior Sean Fitzgerald and senior Donovan Lange, and the second for Cirillo to give the Gulls an 11-4 lead after the third frame.

Kane added his second in the final quarter to cap the win for Salisbury, making this the 10th time in 11 games that the Sea Gulls have won the Charles B. Clark cup since its inception in 2004.

Taylor earned his eighth win of the season in the effort.

The Gulls travel to York College of Pennsylvania for their next game, taking on the No. 12 Spartans on Saturday; the game is set for 3:00 p.m.