Fruitland Police Department Press Release

Incident: Burglary

Location: Nentego Drive, Fruitland, Md.

Date and Time: Wednesday, April 22, 2009 between the hours of 8:45 a.m. and 4:10 p.m.

Narrative: Fruitland police responded to a Nentego Drive residence in response to a reported house burglary. The home owner returned to the residence to find that jewelry boxes which were normally closed had been opened and 68 pieces of men’s and women’s jewelry was missing. Further examination by the owner revealed that a Nintendo Wii game console, a Dell laptop computer, two Kodak digital cameras, and a Rossi stainless steel framed .357 revolver were also missing. Total value of the property missing is approximately $57,000.00.

Anyone with information relevant to this investigation is requested to contact the Fruitland Police department at 410-548-2804.

Today's Speech From County Executive Rick Pollitt

WELCOME, FARMERS, BUSINESS-PEOPLE, TRADESMEN, NEIGHBORS, AND CITIZENS OF WICOMICO COUNTY. CONGRATULATIONS ON A MOVING DEMONSTRATION OF PEACEFUL DEMOCRACY IN ACTION. REGARDLESS OF OUR POSITIONS ON THE ISSUES, WE ACKNOWLEDGE WITH GRATITUDE AND HUMILITY THE FACT THAT WE CAN MEET IN SUCH A FASHION AND EXPRESS OURSELVES LOUDLY OR SOFTLY AS FREE AMERICANS.

THERE ARE THREE THINGS THAT WE AMERICANS TREASURE ABOVE ALL ELSE. WE TREASURE OUR FREEDOM, WE TREASURE OUR FAMILIES AND WE TREASURE OUR HOMES. NOTHING STIRS OUR HEARTS MORE THAN THREATS, WHETHER REAL OR PERCEIVED, AGAINST EITHER OF THESE CORE ELEMENTS OF OUR BEING.

THE LEGISLATION CURRENTLY BEFORE THE COUNTY COUNCIL HAS BEEN DEBATED AT LENGTH AND FEELINGS ARE STRONG ON ALL SIDES. SELDOM IN THE LIFE OF A COMMUNITY DO WE SEE SUCH EMOTION AS HAS BEEN INSPIRED BY THIS EFFORT.

FOR ME, I BELIEVE THE GOALS OF EACH OF US ARE THE SAME. I THINK WE ALL WANT TO PROTECT THE RURAL CHARACTER OF WICOMICO COUNTY AND ENCOURAGE A CLIMATE WHERE FARMING, ESPECIALLY, CAN CONTINUE TO FLOURISH AS OUR NUMBER ONE INDUSTRY FOR GENERATIONS TO COME.

AS ALWAYS, THE CHALLENGE IS NOT TO DECIDE WHERE WE WANT TO GO BUT HOW WE’RE GOING TO GET THERE. IN PRESERVING OUR TRADITIONAL WAY OF LIFE WE CANNOT LOSE SIGHT OF THE FACT THAT PEOPLE HAVE PURCHASED THEIR LAND, PAID TAXES ON IT AND HAVE A REASONABLE EXPECTATION THAT IF AND WHEN THE TIME COMES TO PART WITH THEIR LAND, THEY WILL REALIZE THE FULL VALUE OF THEIR INVESTMENT.

EVERY ONE OF US, WITHOUT EXCEPTION, IS TODAY OCCUPYING GROUND THAT AT ONE TIME IN HISTORY WAS VACANT LAND BELONGING TO SOMEONE ELSE.
WHEN WE DEVELOP OUR ESSENTIAL AND NECESSARY RULES FOR RESPONSIBLE PLANNING AND ZONING, WE CANNOT AVOID OR IGNORE THE IMPACT OUR ACTIONS MAY HAVE ON OUR CITIZENS. WHEN WE TAKE THE AUTHORITY OF GOVERNMENT TO THE VERY FRONT DOOR OF OUR HOMES WE MUST BE ABSOLUTELY CERTAIN THAT WE HAVE DONE ALL HUMANLY POSSIBLE TO PROTECT THE SECURITY AND VALUE OF OUR HOMES.

I HAVE SAID ALL ALONG THAT IF OUR GOAL IS TO GENUINELY SUPPORT OUR FARMING COMMUNITY, THEN ANY PLAN TO REGULATE THAT COMMUNITY MUST PROVIDE FOR THE PRESERVATION OF PROPERTY VALUES. YOU, CLEARLY, DO NOT BELIEVE THE CURRENT LEGISLATION WILL DO THAT OR YOU WOULD NOT BE HERE TODAY.

GOVERNMENT HAS AN AWESOME DEGREE OF POWER OVER US AND, THEREFORE, GOVERNMENT HAS AN AWESOME RESPONSIBILITY TO WIELD THAT POWER FAIRLY AND CAUTIOUSLY. I DON’T CLAIM TO HAVE ONE ALL-ENCOMPASSING SOLUTION TO THIS ISSUE BUT I HAVE CONSISTENTLY MAINTAINED THAT AS LONG AS A SIZEABLE COMPONENT OF OUR COMMUNITY BELIEVES, RIGHTLY OR WRONGLY, THAT THE GOVERNMENT IS ABOUT TO DIMINISH THE VALUE OF THEIR FARMS AND THEIR HOMES, OUR WORK IS NOT COMPLETE.

I HAVE SPOKEN AT LENGTH WITH PEOPLE ON ALL SIDES OF THIS ISSUE AND I FIRMLY BELIEVE WE’RE CLOSER TO A FAIR AND JUST RESOLUTION THAN MANY REALIZE. BUT IT STILL NEEDS WORK AND SO I ENCOURAGE ALL OF US TO TAKE WHATEVER TIME IS STILL NEEDED TO RE-DOUBLE OUR EFFORTS TO FIND THAT SPECIAL PLACE OF COMMON GROUND THAT WILL BRING US TO OUR COMMON GOAL AS ONE COMMUNITY.
I ENCOURAGE YOU TO ATTEND THE PUBLIC HEARING AT THE CIVIC CENTER ON MONDAY AND COME PREPARED NOT JUST TO SPEAK BUT TO LISTEN AND TO LEARN.

THIS DEBATE HAS DIVIDED FRIENDS, NEIGHBORS AND EVEN FAMILIES. IT’S NOT SUPPOSED TO BE THAT WAY. SURELY WE ARE NOT THE FIRST FARMING COMMUNITY TO FACE THE THREAT OF LOSING OUR WAY OF LIFE. THERE IS A HISTORY, I AM CERTAIN, THAT CAN SHOW US HOW OTHERS HAVE DEALT WITH THIS PROBLEM SUCCESSFULLY.

I SAY LET’S TAKE THE TIME TO DO THIS RIGHT AND WHILE WE MAY NEVER WIN THE SUPPORT OF ALL OF US WE CAN DO BETTER THAN WE HAVE . WITH RESPECT FOR YOUR HEART-FELT CONVICTION AND IN THE SPIRIT OF BRINGING UNITY TO OUR COMMUNITY, I ACCEPT YOUR PETITIONS AND WILL CONSIDER THEM CAREFULLY WHEN THE LEGISLATION REACHES MY DESK.

THANK YOU AND GOD BLESS.

Urban Salisbury Need Our Help

I am worried that the council is not aware of the support Urban Salisbury has in the community. If the council does not have consensus on moving an $11,000 budget amendment forward, than the funding for Urban Salisbury will be done and the organization will close. The city's 2008-2009 total investment in Urban Salisbury was $55K which generated a Direct Return of close to $438,000 dollars. That is an excellent rate of return. Please, if you are inclined, contact your council members below and let them know you'd like $11,000 for Urban Salisbury funded.

Thanks for your consideration and help as we move forward to to revitalize our downtown neighborhood.

Jim Ireton,
Mayor

Louise Smith
Council President
229 Canal Park Drive, #102
Salisbury, MD 21804
Home: 410-860-1717
Email: Louise Smith

Gary A. Comegys
Council Vice President
310 London Ave
Salisbury, MD 21801
Home: 410-548-1623
Email: Gary A.Comegys

Deborah S. Campbell
Councilwoman
809 Camden Ave
Salisbury, MD 21801
Home: 410-860-0893
Email: Deborah S. Campbell

Terry E. Cohen
Councilwoman
536 Druid Hill Avenue
Salisbury, MD 21801
Home: 410-845-0296
Email: Terry E. Cohen

Eugenie (Shanie) P. Shields
Councilwoman
621 Germania Circle
Salisbury, MD 21801
Home: 443-736-3306

Some May Hate Him But The Rest Of The World Seems To Like Obama

AP Poll: Americans high on Obama, direction of US
By RON FOURNIER and TREVOR TOMPSON,
Associated Press Writers
Thu Apr 23, 9:07 am ET

WASHINGTON - For the first time in years, more Americans than not say the
country is headed in the right direction, a sign that Barack Obama has used the
first 100 days of his presidency to lift the public's mood and inspire hopes for
a brighter future.

Intensely worried about their personal finances and medical expenses, Americans
nonetheless appear realistic about the time Obama might need to turn things
around, according to an Associated Press-GfK poll. It shows most Americans
consider their new president to be a strong, ethical and empathetic leader who
is working to change Washington.

Nobody knows how long the honeymoon will last, but Obama has clearly transformed
the yes-we-can spirit of his candidacy into a tool of governance. His ability to
inspire confidence - Obama's second book is titled "The Audacity of Hope" - has
thus far buffered the president against the harsh political realities of two
wars, a global economic meltdown and countless domestic challenges.

"He presents a very positive outlook," said Cheryl Wetherington, 35, an
independent voter who runs a chocolate shop in Gardner, Kan. "He's very
well-spoken and very vocal about what direction should be taken."

But other AP-GfK findings could signal trouble for Obama as he approaches his
100th day in office, April 29:

- While there is evidence that people feel more optimistic about the economy, 65
percent said it's difficult for them and their families to get ahead. More than
one-third know of a family member who recently lost a job.

- More than 90 percent of Americans consider the economy an important issue, the
highest ever in AP polling.

- Nearly 80 percent believe that the rising federal debt will hurt future
generations, and Obama is getting mixed reviews at best for his handling of the
issue.

And yet, the percentage of Americans saying the country is headed in the right
direction rose to 48 percent, up from 40 percent in February. Forty-four percent
say the nation is on the wrong track.

Not since January 2004, shortly after the capture of former Iraqi dictator
Saddam Hussein, has an AP survey found more "right direction" than "wrong
direction" respondents.

So far, Obama has defied the odds by producing a sustained trend toward
optimism. It began with his election.

But he is aware that his political prospects are directly linked to such
numbers. If at the end of his term the public is no more assured that Washington
is competent and accountable and that the nation is at least on the right track,
his re-election prospects will be doubtful.

"I will be held accountable," Obama said a few weeks into his presidency. "You
know, I've got four years. ... If I don't have this done in three years, then
there's going to be a one-term proposition."

The AP-GfK poll suggests that 64 percent of the public approves of Obama's job
performance, down just slightly from 67 percent in February. President George W.
Bush's approval ratings hovered in the high 50s after his first 100 days in
office.

But Obama also has become a somewhat polarizing figure, with just 24 percent of
Republicans approving of his performance - down from 33 percent in February.
Obama campaigned on a promise - just as Bush had - to end the party-first
mind-set that breeds gridlock in Washington.

Obama is not the first president who sought to tap the deep well of American
optimism - the never-say-die spirit that Americans like to see in themselves.

Even as he briefly closed the nation's banks, Franklin Delano Roosevelt spoke in
the first days of his presidency of the "confidence and courage" needed to fix
the U.S. economy. "Together we cannot fail," he declared.

"When Obama came in," said D.T. Brown, 39, a Mount Vernon, Ill., radio show host
who voted against Obama, "it was just a breath of fresh air."

Others said their newfound optimism had nothing to do with Obama, but rather
with an era of personal responsibility they believe has come with the economic
meltdown.

"I think people are beginning to turn in that direction and realize that there's
not always going to be somebody to catch them when things fall down," said
Dwight Hageman, 66, a retired welder from Newberg, Ore., who voted against
Obama.

The AP-GfK Poll was conducted April 16-20 by GfK Roper Public Affairs and Media.
It involved telephone interviews on landline and cell phones with 1,000 adults
nationwide. The margin of sampling error is plus or minus 3.1 percentage points.

Local Farmers And Land Owners Parade Downtown Salisbury

Click on images to enlarge.

Wicomico County Farmers and property owners, (like myself) were Downtown this morning to express our disbelief and anger towards a new Bill proposal that would take our rights away to do whatever we want with our INVESTMENT.

I say, if the County wants to BUY back our land so they can do with it what they so choose, SHOW ME THE MONEY! Until then, stay out of our business/investments.

Our Government is out of control and must be stopped. Some Farmers and property owners may need to sell off an acre of land, maybe 4 acres or whatever to pay for health care. I don't care what the excuse or situation is, Wicomico County needs to stay out of our businesses and investments or they'll find themselves in a pickle with lawsuits.

The way I see things going in America, it may be time to sell ALL of my properties before they change the rules again. It's just not worth the risk any more. Mark Twain said, "Buy land, they're not making it any more." I personally felt it was a far better investment than the Stock Market and now they're figuring ways to take even more from hard working Americans who lived the American Dream. Our Families have served our Country to protect our rights and this time they have gone too far.

I told ALL of you many months ago that this Government was going to suck all of us dry until we ALL had nothing left, then take even more until we're all in such debt we ALL hit rock bottom. Open your eyes Folks because that time has come.

Oppose Bill 2009-5 and let us live in America once again. Quit taking what we have left. Wicomico County has NO investment of their own in this Bill and certainly NO investment in our land! GO HERE for more details.

Yard Sales Anyone

Get your yard sale in today before 3pm to get in tomorrow posting.

It's free.

It's gonna be a beautiful weekend.

Send it to atlanticjw@aol.com

Car Wrecks Into Home On Riverside Drive

There was an accident on Riverside Drive and Shad Point Rd this morning. The car that actually hit the house, was witnessed passing a vehicle on Riverside Drive, he was passing on a double yellow line.

Another vehicle was heading north on Riverside turning onto Shad Point Road, the blue vehicle hit her vehicle landed in the house. Thank God nobody was injured.

Something needs to be done on this section of Riverside Drive, the speed limit is 35 mph. Vehicles travel 60 - 70 mph, and continually pass on a double yellow line. The vehicle that hit the house was driving without insurance, I did overhear the police officer say that he had around 15 citations to write.

Lets hope when this driver goes to court, all the time spent by this officer will have been worth it and the judge puts him away. Oh did I mention that another vehicle was apparently following this vehicle and when the accident happened he stopped, the wrecked vehicle driver took a cooler out of his vehicle and put it in his buddy's vehicle, which immediately left the scene.

Wicomico County Sheriff's Office Press Releases

Incident: Possession of Cocaine
Date of Incident: 21 April 2009
Location: Salisbury Blvd. at Isabella Street, Salisbury, MD
Suspect: Tammy E. Johnson, 41, Newark, MD

Narrative: On 21 April 2009 at 10:40 PM, a deputy from the WCSO stopped to speak with an individual who was attempted to flag down traffic at the intersection of Salisbury Blvd and Isabella Street in Salisbury. Upon making contact with the individual, later identified as Tammy Johnson, the deputy became suspicious she may be in the possession of CDS due to her demeanor. Upon searching Johnson, the deputy located a device that was used as a crack pipe in her purse. The device still had the remnants of crack cocaine in it.
Johnson was arrested and transported to the Central Booking Unit where she was processed and taken in front of the District Court Commissioner. After an initial appearance, Johnson was released on Personal recognizance by the Commissioner.

Charges:

Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

Incident: Possession of Cocaine
Date of Incident: 22 April 2009
Location: 600 Block of Naylor Mill Road, Salisbury, MD
Suspect: 1. Reginald W. Jones, 35, Salisbury, MD
2. Carlton L. Johnson, 54, Salisbury, MD

Narrative: On 22 April 2009 at 8:30 AM, a deputy from the WCSO stopped a vehicle operated by Reginald Jones in the 600 block of Naylor Mill Road. During the traffic stop, both Jones and his passenger, Carlton Johnson exited the vehicle while the deputy searched it. During the search, the deputy located what the deputy recognized as cocaine inside a plastic baggie behind the driver’s seat. Both Jones and Johnson were placed under arrest.
Both were transported to the Central Booking Unit where they were processed and taken in front of the District Court Commissioner. After an initial appearance, both were detained by the Commissioner in the Detention Center. The bond for Jones was $5,000.00 while the bond for Johnson was $10,000.00.

Charges: Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

Incident: Assault
Date of Incident: 22 April 2009
Location: 34300 block of Old Ocean City Road, Pittsville, MD
Suspect: George Ruark, 26, Pittsville, MD

Narrative: On 22 April 2009 at 7:38 PM, deputies from the WCSO responded to a residence in the 34300 block of Old Ocean City Road for a reported assault in progress. Upon their arrival, the deputies located a victim suffering from a broken nose and a facial laceration. The victim identified the assailant as a cohabitant, George Ruark. The deputies located Ruark at an adjacent residence and placed him under arrest.
Ruark was transported to the Central Booking Unit where he was processed and taken in front of the District Court Commissioner. After an initial appearance, Ruark was detained by the Commissioner in lieu of $25,000.00 bond.

Charges: Assault

LOOK CLOSELY AT URBANDALE'S WEBSITE FOLKS

It’s at: www.urbandale.org

It must be a modern and well run town that Salisbury might want to emulate. By the way, at the foot of the home page there’s a "Breaking News" link to the "City Manager Finalist Candidates" that connects to a page with a synopsis of each candidate – with a link to his/her complete resume (no FOIA request needed). That’s a model in "transparency" that Salisbury should adopt ASAP.

We should also consider the form of government there – as is the case in most cities of the size range of Salisbury and Urbandale, the City Manager has much of the administrative authority. Here’s a list (from the City Charter) of the duties and functions that Mr. Pick would have if he were to be selected for that position – don’t miss the last two items:

1. To employ, reclassify and suspend or remove all department heads and employees, subject to civil service provisions (Chapter 400 of the Code of Iowa), the Veteran’s Preference Law (Chapter 35C of the Code of Iowa), or as otherwise provided for by the Code of Iowa or this Code of Ordinances, and subject to Council approval, fix the compensation to be paid such employees. The City Manager may authorize any administrative officer who is subject to the Manager’s supervision to employ, reclassify or suspend or remove subordinates in that officer’s department, office or agency.

2. To see that all ordinances, resolutions, contracts, Mayor or Council directives, or laws of the State which are subject to enforcement by the Manager or officers subject to the Manager’s direction and supervision are faithfully executed.

3. To attend all meetings of the Council, unless excused by a majority of the Council. The City Manager shall have the right to participate in the meetings but shall not have the right to vote.

4. To keep the Mayor and Council fully advised as to the financial conditions and future needs of the City and to make such recommendations to the Mayor and Council concerning the affairs of the City as the Manager may deem necessary.

5. To direct and supervise the administration of all departments, offices and agencies of the City, except as otherwise provided in this Code of Ordinances or the Code of Iowa.

6. To cooperate with any administrative agency or utility board of trustees.

7. To prepare and submit to the Mayor and Council the annual budget and capital program.

8. To conduct the business affairs of the City, including financial and personnel affairs, by modern and efficient methods and to cause accurate records to be maintained.

9. To make such other reports as the Mayor and Council may require concerning City affairs under the Manager’s direction and supervision.

10. To submit to the Mayor and Council, and make available to the public, a complete report on the finances and administrative activities of the City at the end of the fiscal year.

11. To perform such other duties as the Mayor and Council may request or delegate.

12. To appoint the Chief of Police.

13. To appoint the Fire Chief.

PS - These duties, etc., are much the same as those that were proposed by Salisbury's most recent Charter Review Committee and adopted by the City Council, but defeated after Barrie Tilghman and her cohorts organized to defeat them.

Want A New Place To Go For Lunch Today

Anthony's has finally opened for business on the Downtown Plaza. Stop in and support a local business. They're located at 212 Main Street and their number is 410-677-DELI. Tell them Salisbury News sent you.

Sean Hannity Offers to be Waterboarded for Charity!

from HuffPo

This is, I believe, a "golden moment" in the history of televised media. Sean Hannity had actor Charles Grodin on his show last night, and the two men actually had some genuinely good natured sparring with each other over the news of the week. Hannity asked Grodin if he'd ever accept a book from Hugo Chavez or listen to a speech by a "brutal thug murdering dictator like Daniel Ortega." Grodin's respective ripostes were "I'd hand him my book!" and "I'd listen to anybody. I'm listening to you." Grodin then went on to ask Hannity if he was wearing mascara and if he had any plans to marry Ann Coulter. But that's not the fun part! This is the fun part:

GRODIN: You're for torture?
HANNITY: I am for enhanced interrogation.
GRODIN: You don't believe it's torture? Have you ever been waterboarded?
HANNITY: No, but Ollie North has.
GRODIN: Would you consent to be waterboarded? We can waterboard you?
HANNITY: Sure.
GRODIN: Are you busy on Sunday?
HANNITY: I'll do it for charity. I'll let you do it. I'll do it for the troops' families.

Obviously, this has to happen. For the troops, I mean! Not merely for my amusement! And, look, if Sean Hannity agrees to this, then props to him. That takes real guts. I mean, you don't see me letting people waterboard me, for anything. Mainly because waterboarding is crazy, terrifying and sadistic! But the salient point is this: In a world gone mad, can you really afford to NOT give money to the troops, if it means that Sean Hannity gets waterboarded by the star of the Great Muppet Caper? We truly are the change we've been waiting for.

Watch the Interview

The Curious Case Of Hugo Chávez And The Island Off New Jersey

Ceremony transferring Petty's Island from Venezuela's Citgo to Trenton scrubbed

Thursday, April 23, 2009
BY BRIAN T. MURRAY AND JOSH MARGOLIN
Star-Ledger Staff

Venezuela president Hugo Chávez cast his shadow over what was to be a ceremonial transfer yesterday of Petty's Island to New Jersey for use as a wildlife preserve.

Citgo Petroleum, the Venezuelan-owned oil firm that owns the island in the Delaware River, offered to give the island to New Jersey years ago and struck the final deal with the state in January. Citgo officials had scheduled an exchange yesterday of the final papers with Gov. Jon Corzine for the 392-acre island, sending out e-mail alerts about the event.

GO HERE to read more.

JOHN PICK’S RESUME – YOU BE THE JUDGE

Here, direct from Urbandale, Iowa, is the part of the resume they got from Mr. Pick that discusses his “Significant Accomplishments” as Salisbury’s City Administrator. Let’s look at some of them as described by him.

For starters, he says that he “supervised creation and implementation” of Salisbury’s “new annexation process,” suggesting that he was instrumental in that. The City hired someone named Jakubiak, who made a donation to the place where Mike Dunn works, to do the “creation” and the Council did the “implementation.”

Why does Mr. Pick not disclose that it took major property tax increases and much greater assessed values to achieve the “improved General Fund fund balance” along with letting much of the City infrastructure deteriorate badly and borrowed debt? And does it matter that one of the “two Tax Incentive Financing Districts” has gone belly up?

Then there’s the waste water treatment plant upgrade – better to not even mention that fiasco -- or the crime rate to mention some of Salisbury’s special features.

Folks in Urbandale would be wise to review the archives of Sbynews rather than the Daily Times.

Dave Suiter "On The Road Again"

Joe and Denny,

If you ever get this far west, make sure you are on your bike. Route 199 from Redding west to 101 is a ride you will never forget. Sweepers and switch backs. The only thing you must be VERY careful of is stones in the road fallen from above. I nipped one and stopped to see if there was any damage. NO!! Happy me!! There are ZERO Bars on the cell!! Can you imagine cutting a tire 75 miles from anything or anyone with no phone???

BTW Joe, I enjoy your posts concerning city goings on. I hope so much Jim makes the differance many of us have hoped for.

Dave

Hi Folks,
Left Sacramento ealry this AM. Fellow biker recommended ride to Redding and go west on 199 through Shasta Nat Forrest instead of 101 from Sacramento. Better scenery and better ride.

199 was a great ride on a motorcycle plus the scenary was great. Coming down out of the mountains on 199 with temps about 80. Saw FOG on horizon. Got to 101 north of Eureka and temp was down to 54. FOG!! Went north towards Crescent,Ca and had patches of sun but still chilly.

Pics;
Old Sacramento down by train museum
THE SIGN!!!!!!!!!
Trinity River along 199 in Shasta National Forest with Mt. Shasta in background
First look at Pacific
Along 101 north of Trinidad

Well,I made it folks. From America the Beautiful, Spacious Skys (I have had beautiful days), Amber Waves of Grain (did not think I would see this as it is early spring but north of Sacramento there were fields of what looked like golden wheat), Purple mountains majesty (in UTAH), Upon the fruited plains (all across western USA) and Sea to shineing Sea.

It has been a great journey. Now heading north to Portland, OR and east Indy to see old friends on the way home.

Time to wrap up this trip and head home. Miss my Honey more each day. Thanks for going along with me (I've enjoyed your comments on SBYNEWS) and special thanks to Joe. I'm not sure of my route home but I'm sure I'll have more pics to send.

Take Care and Thanks,
Dave

HOW MUCH DOES/WILL SALISBURY'S "TOP BRASS" MAKE?

Here is the high-low data on pay grades from the proposed Salisbury City Budget.

For John Pick's pay grade -- the highest (18) -- the top is $123,000 so he must get at least $100,000, probably somewhat more.

Chief Webster must be near or above $100,000 too. Oland has the same grade (16) but must be a lot less, especially with all the hired help they need to do the books.

And Lore Chambers is getting nearly $10,000 raise this year to grade 15 under Barrie's budget -- she would be at the same level as that for the new Fire Chief!!!

But the rank & file would get no COLA or step increase -- go figure!

Micro Brewery Opens In Delmar

The Evolution Craft Brewing Company in Delmar has finally swung their doors and are open for business. With four different kind of brews you can even stop in and purchase a tasting glass for $5.00, (as seen in one of the photos above) and take a taste of the four different beer on tap. Yes, for $5.00 you can try all four.

Once you choose your favorite brew you can then purchase a half gallon Growler of beer for $12.00, (tasting glass included with Growler purchase) and every time you bring it back for a re-fill after your initial fee, the price drops all the way down to $7.00 per half gallon re-fill. They are also selling their brew in kegs, for those Party Animals at SU.

This facility is a Brewery and not a Bar. Besides purchasing to go beer you can also taste their beer at Fagers Island, both Bull on the Beach locations and ALL Maryland Philips Seafood locations.

Considering they just swung their doors it will only be a matter of time before you start seeing their beer everywhere. Of course they'll have it available at all of their restaurant locations like the Red Roost.

"Solicitors welcome on Sunday's between the hours of 12 am to 6 am." I like their style and you'll love their BEER! Stop by, say hello and get a taste of some of the finest beer on the Eastern Shore.

Hickup! That was a fun assignment.

A Wise Man Once Said......

BIKER STORY Receives New York Times Best

A biker is riding by the zoo, when he sees a little girl leaning into the lion's cage. Suddenly, the lion grabs her by the cuff of her jacket and tries to pull her inside to slaughter her, under the eyes of her screaming parents. The biker jumps off his bike, runs to the cage and hits the lion square on the nose with a powerful punch.

Whimpering from the pain the lion jumps back letting go of the girl, and the biker brings her to her terrified parents, who thank him endlessly.

A New York Times reporter has watched the whole event. The reporter addressing the biker says, 'Sir, this was the most gallant and brave thing I saw a man do in my whole life.'

The biker replies, 'Why, it was nothing, really, the lion was behind bars. I just saw this little kid in danger, and acted as I felt right.'

The reporter says, 'Well, I'll make sure this won't go unnoticed. I'm a journalist from the New York Times, you know, and tomorrow's paper will have this story on the front page... So, what do you do for a living and what political affiliation do you have?''

The biker replies, 'I'm a U.S. Marine and a Republican.'

The journalist leaves.

The following morning the biker buys The New York Times to see if it indeed brings news of his actions, and reads, on front page:

U.S. MARINE ASSAULTS AFRICAN IMMIGRANT AND STEALS HIS LUNCH

The Living Cartoon

Folks, this is well worth taking the time to watch.

Massive Protest At The GOB This Morning

If you'd like to see and or participate in a massive protest, come to the GOB this morning and watch your local Farmers and Business Owners take over Downtown Salisbury.

The protest will start at 9:00 AM. There will be Tractors everywhere as well as business equipment. The Farmers are letting the County Council know LOUD AND CLEAR, they're not taking it any more. This is OUR land and you're NOT going to tell us what we can and can't do with it any more.

OPPOSE Bill 2009-5

It provides NO just compensation to landowners!