It took just 14 minutes for a few thousand tickets to the Baltimore Ravens divisional playoff game to sell out on Tuesday.
The Ravens put the tickets on sale Tuesday morning at 10 a.m.
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DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Wednesday, January 04, 2012
Agencies Took Back More Than $1 Billion In Overpayments To Contractors Last Year
The Office of Management and Budget reports an 80 percent increase compared to 2010. A big chunk of the overpayment recovery comes from the Medicare's Recovery Audit Contractor program. It brought in $460 million by reviewing payment information and finding errors. The Obama administration set a goal of $2 billion by the end of 2012. So far, OMB reports agencies recaptured $1.9 billion in 2010 and 2011 alone.
911 Operators Tell Okla. Woman It's Okay To Shoot Intruder
A young Oklahoma mother shot and killed an intruder to protect her 3-month-old baby on New Year's Eve, less than a week after the baby's father died of cancer.
Sarah McKinley says that a week earlier a man named Justin Martin dropped by on the day of her husband's funeral, claiming that he was a neighbor who wanted to say hello. The 18-year-old Oklahoma City area woman did not let him into her home that day.
On New Year's Eve Martin returned with another man, Dustin Stewart, and this time was armed with a 12-inch hunting knife. The two soon began trying to break into McKinley's home.
As one of the men was going from door to door outside her home trying to gain entry, McKinley called 911 and grabbed her 12-gauge shotgun.
McKinley told ABC News Oklahoma City affiliate KOCO that she quickly got her 12 gauge, went into her bedroom and got a pistol, put the bottle in the baby's mouth and called 911.
"I've got two guns in my hand -- is it okay to shoot him if he comes in this door?" the young mother asked the 911 dispatcher. "I'm here by myself with my infant baby, can I please get a dispatcher out here immediately?"
The 911 dispatcher confirmed with McKinley that the doors to her home were locked as she asked again if it was okay to shoot the intruder if he were to come through her door.
"I can't tell you that you can do that but you do what you have to do to protect your baby," the dispatcher told her. McKinley was on the phone with 911 for a total of 21 minutes.
When Martin kicked in the door and came after her with the knife, the teen mom shot and killed the 24-year-old. Police are calling the shooting justified.
More here
Sarah McKinley says that a week earlier a man named Justin Martin dropped by on the day of her husband's funeral, claiming that he was a neighbor who wanted to say hello. The 18-year-old Oklahoma City area woman did not let him into her home that day.
On New Year's Eve Martin returned with another man, Dustin Stewart, and this time was armed with a 12-inch hunting knife. The two soon began trying to break into McKinley's home.
As one of the men was going from door to door outside her home trying to gain entry, McKinley called 911 and grabbed her 12-gauge shotgun.
McKinley told ABC News Oklahoma City affiliate KOCO that she quickly got her 12 gauge, went into her bedroom and got a pistol, put the bottle in the baby's mouth and called 911.
"I've got two guns in my hand -- is it okay to shoot him if he comes in this door?" the young mother asked the 911 dispatcher. "I'm here by myself with my infant baby, can I please get a dispatcher out here immediately?"
The 911 dispatcher confirmed with McKinley that the doors to her home were locked as she asked again if it was okay to shoot the intruder if he were to come through her door.
"I can't tell you that you can do that but you do what you have to do to protect your baby," the dispatcher told her. McKinley was on the phone with 911 for a total of 21 minutes.
When Martin kicked in the door and came after her with the knife, the teen mom shot and killed the 24-year-old. Police are calling the shooting justified.
More here
Harris Faces Report Of Underage Drinking By Intern
Rep. Andy Harris came under fire Tuesday for an incident last summer in which an underage intern was allowed to drink alcohol at a farewell party on a veranda of the U.S. Capitol.
A spokesman for Harris, Ryan Nawrocki, confirmed that the party took place but said aides in the office did not realize the intern, a senior in college, was under 21. When the incident was brought to light, Harris, a Republican, disciplined his chief of staff, Kevin Reigrut, though Nawrocki would not say what action was taken.
“When [Harris] found out about the incident … he made it very clear that no alcohol was to be consumed in any of his offices, period,” Nawrocki said. “There was immediate and appropriate disciplinary action taken.”
Reigrut could not be reached for comment.
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A spokesman for Harris, Ryan Nawrocki, confirmed that the party took place but said aides in the office did not realize the intern, a senior in college, was under 21. When the incident was brought to light, Harris, a Republican, disciplined his chief of staff, Kevin Reigrut, though Nawrocki would not say what action was taken.
“When [Harris] found out about the incident … he made it very clear that no alcohol was to be consumed in any of his offices, period,” Nawrocki said. “There was immediate and appropriate disciplinary action taken.”
Reigrut could not be reached for comment.
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FREE COMMUNITY SUPPORT TO HELP SMOKERS QUIT
(Salisbury, MD) – The Wicomico County Health Department is offering free smoking cessation support sessions to help smokers make 2012 the year they quit smoking. Sessions begin on January 5 from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm. for 10 weeks. They will be held at the Wicomico County Library, 122 S. Division Street, first floor meeting room. Nicotine replacement patches, Zyban or Chantix are available at a low cost.
“The new year is a time for new beginnings and setting goals. Quitting smoking can be difficult but you can quit. It’s one of the most important things you can do to improve your health.” says Lori Brewster, Wicomico County Health Officer. “I encourage you to try to quit and if you have not been successful in the past, keep trying!”
For more information or to register for the sessions, please call the health department at (410) 334-3480. For additional stop smoking tips and support call 1-800 QUIT NOW or visit www.smokingstopshere.com or our website at www.wicomicoheatlh.org
“The new year is a time for new beginnings and setting goals. Quitting smoking can be difficult but you can quit. It’s one of the most important things you can do to improve your health.” says Lori Brewster, Wicomico County Health Officer. “I encourage you to try to quit and if you have not been successful in the past, keep trying!”
For more information or to register for the sessions, please call the health department at (410) 334-3480. For additional stop smoking tips and support call 1-800 QUIT NOW or visit www.smokingstopshere.com or our website at www.wicomicoheatlh.org
Serial Rapist Makes Plea Deal, Is Sentenced To 85 Years For Attack On Smithsburg Woman
Pov Srun, already sentenced to long prison terms in Montgomery County and Franklin County, Pa., blames addiction to porn for his 'animal-like behavior'
HAGERSTOWN — The first of serial rapist Pov Srun's known crimes became the last to be prosecuted when the former Hagerstown man pleaded guilty Tuesday in Washington County Circuit Court to the 1998 rape of a Smithsburg woman.
"I deserve to never breathe another free breath," said Srun, who pleaded guilty to first-degree rape.
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HAGERSTOWN — The first of serial rapist Pov Srun's known crimes became the last to be prosecuted when the former Hagerstown man pleaded guilty Tuesday in Washington County Circuit Court to the 1998 rape of a Smithsburg woman.
"I deserve to never breathe another free breath," said Srun, who pleaded guilty to first-degree rape.
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STAY SAFE DURING EXTREME COLD WEATHER
(Salisbury, MD) Most people do not realize it, but overexposure to winter temperatures can have dangerous health consequences – even when you are inside. “When outdoor temperatures drop significantly below normal, staying warm and safe can be a challenge, even inside your home,” said Lori Brewster, Wicomico County Health Officer. “It is important to know how to prevent cold-related health problems, as well as what to do if a health emergency arises.”
The first line of defense is weather awareness. Advance weather forecasts often predict bad weather several days in advance. Listen to the radio or watch local television news regularly. Once you know a cold front or a snowstorm is on the way, use the time to get ready. When you have to be outside in cold weather, be sure to dress properly. “Strong winds can multiply the effects of cold temperatures, causing the body to lose heat at a faster rate,” said Mrs. Brewster. Wear several layers of lightweight clothing and two pairs of socks. Cover your head, ears and lower part of your face to avoid frostbite. Cover your mouth with a scarf to avoid directly inhaling very cold air. Mittens are better than fingered gloves for keeping hands warm. Wear boots with slip-resistant treads to help keep you from slipping on ice, and use sunglasses to protect your eyes from winter sun glare.
Staying inside when the weather is cold and icy reduces the risk of falls and car accidents, but inadequate heating systems can be an indoor hazard. “When people use space heaters and fireplaces to keep warm, the risk of household fires and carbon monoxide poisoning increases,” said Mrs. Brewster. When using a space heater, make sure the room is well ventilated and the interior door is left open. Place the heater at least three feet away from furniture, draperies or other objects. Never use one to dry wet clothing, blankets or other flammable items. Keep children and pets away from the heater, and be sure to turn it off and unplug it before leaving the room or going to bed.
Following are more ways to make your home safer in winter weather:
· Have your chimney or flue inspected yearly by a professional;
· Install a smoke detector and a battery-operated carbon monoxide detector on every floor, near any areas where you use space heaters;
· Stock up on non-perishable food items like canned fruits and vegetables, cereal and crackers, as well as bottled water;
· Buy a multi-purpose, dry chemical fire extinguisher, and learn how to use it;
· Create an emergency supply kit stocked with a battery-powered radio, a wind-up or battery-powered clock, extra batteries, flashlights, matches and candles.
For more information about cold weather safety and information on local sheltering please visit the health department website at http://www.wicomicohealth.org/.
The first line of defense is weather awareness. Advance weather forecasts often predict bad weather several days in advance. Listen to the radio or watch local television news regularly. Once you know a cold front or a snowstorm is on the way, use the time to get ready. When you have to be outside in cold weather, be sure to dress properly. “Strong winds can multiply the effects of cold temperatures, causing the body to lose heat at a faster rate,” said Mrs. Brewster. Wear several layers of lightweight clothing and two pairs of socks. Cover your head, ears and lower part of your face to avoid frostbite. Cover your mouth with a scarf to avoid directly inhaling very cold air. Mittens are better than fingered gloves for keeping hands warm. Wear boots with slip-resistant treads to help keep you from slipping on ice, and use sunglasses to protect your eyes from winter sun glare.
Staying inside when the weather is cold and icy reduces the risk of falls and car accidents, but inadequate heating systems can be an indoor hazard. “When people use space heaters and fireplaces to keep warm, the risk of household fires and carbon monoxide poisoning increases,” said Mrs. Brewster. When using a space heater, make sure the room is well ventilated and the interior door is left open. Place the heater at least three feet away from furniture, draperies or other objects. Never use one to dry wet clothing, blankets or other flammable items. Keep children and pets away from the heater, and be sure to turn it off and unplug it before leaving the room or going to bed.
Following are more ways to make your home safer in winter weather:
· Have your chimney or flue inspected yearly by a professional;
· Install a smoke detector and a battery-operated carbon monoxide detector on every floor, near any areas where you use space heaters;
· Stock up on non-perishable food items like canned fruits and vegetables, cereal and crackers, as well as bottled water;
· Buy a multi-purpose, dry chemical fire extinguisher, and learn how to use it;
· Create an emergency supply kit stocked with a battery-powered radio, a wind-up or battery-powered clock, extra batteries, flashlights, matches and candles.
For more information about cold weather safety and information on local sheltering please visit the health department website at http://www.wicomicohealth.org/.
Did Missing Boater Give Away Life Vest?
Search continues for body of Somerset man in Dec. 17 accident
A Somerset County man presumed dead after a Dec. 17 sailboat accident near the Sandy Point Light may have given his life jacket to his girlfriend before he drowned, according to the man's friends and family.
That is what Taylor Rogers told the family of 25-year-old Tyler Cordrey shortly after she was rescued from the frigid waters.
"Nothing is confirmed. … (But) knowing Tyler, that's the type of person he is," said Ryan Savage, Cordrey's cousin. He added that Rogers seemed positive Cordrey had been wearing a life jacket shortly after the accident.
"If he doesn't have it on now, he put it on Taylor," Savage said.
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A Somerset County man presumed dead after a Dec. 17 sailboat accident near the Sandy Point Light may have given his life jacket to his girlfriend before he drowned, according to the man's friends and family.
That is what Taylor Rogers told the family of 25-year-old Tyler Cordrey shortly after she was rescued from the frigid waters.
"Nothing is confirmed. … (But) knowing Tyler, that's the type of person he is," said Ryan Savage, Cordrey's cousin. He added that Rogers seemed positive Cordrey had been wearing a life jacket shortly after the accident.
"If he doesn't have it on now, he put it on Taylor," Savage said.
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Georgia Judge Denies Obama’s Motion To Dismiss In Ballot Challenge
DOES THE RULE OF LAW STILL STAND IN THE PEACH STATE?
Atty. Orly Taitz has posted on her website an order from Judge Michael Malihi denying the request of an attorney representing Barack Hussein Obama to dismiss three ballot challenges filed respectively by Taitz, Atty. Van Irion, and Atty. J. Mark Hatfield on behalf of Georgia registered voters and others.
Taitz represents four presidential candidates and a Georgia voter, David Farra; Irion represents David Welden, a Georgia voter; and Hatfield represents Carl Swensson and Kevin Richard Powell, both Georgia voters.
The Post & Email published an article on January 2, 2012 regarding Taitz’s ballot challenge in Georgia as well as in other states.
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Atty. Orly Taitz has posted on her website an order from Judge Michael Malihi denying the request of an attorney representing Barack Hussein Obama to dismiss three ballot challenges filed respectively by Taitz, Atty. Van Irion, and Atty. J. Mark Hatfield on behalf of Georgia registered voters and others.
Taitz represents four presidential candidates and a Georgia voter, David Farra; Irion represents David Welden, a Georgia voter; and Hatfield represents Carl Swensson and Kevin Richard Powell, both Georgia voters.
The Post & Email published an article on January 2, 2012 regarding Taitz’s ballot challenge in Georgia as well as in other states.
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Maryland First To Implement New Energy Standards To Save Homeowners Hundreds And Reduce Energy Use And Pollution
BALTIMORE—Buyers of new homes will save hundreds of dollars each year on energy bills as a result of newly updated state building energy standards that went into effect on Sunday. The new version of the Maryland Building Performance Standard will make new homes and offices approximately 15 percent more energy efficient than the previous standard.
“America’s buildings consume more than 40 percent of the total energy we use, and generate over half of Maryland’s global warming pollution” said Ewa Krason Field Organizer at Environment Maryland. “Maryland is the first state in the nation to take this critical step towards reducing and ultimately eliminating fossil fuel use in our buildings, which will result in real savings on energy bills for home and business owners.”
Included in the new energy conservation code are requirements for better insulation, more efficient lighting and windows, testing to identify and correct leaky air ducts, and other “off-the-shelf” technologies that will yield cost-effective energy savings for home and business owners alike. An optional green building standard will allow builders to stretch for even greater energy savings.
“Maryland building officials deserve tremendous credit for leading the country and taking action that will save building owners money while avoiding pollution from burning fossil fuels” said Krason. “We look forward to working with the Department of Housing and Community Development and other state officials to continue to promote high-performance, energy efficient buildings.”
Over 8,000 new homes were built in Maryland in 2010 alone. And while many forward-thinking builders have gone above and beyond the minimum requirements, most new buildings are built no better or worse than is required by the state’s building code. Improving the energy standards of these codes, therefore, is one of the most effective ways to reduce energy use, save home and business owners money, and prevent the global warming pollution that results from energy generation.
“America’s buildings consume more than 40 percent of the total energy we use, and generate over half of Maryland’s global warming pollution” said Ewa Krason Field Organizer at Environment Maryland. “Maryland is the first state in the nation to take this critical step towards reducing and ultimately eliminating fossil fuel use in our buildings, which will result in real savings on energy bills for home and business owners.”
Included in the new energy conservation code are requirements for better insulation, more efficient lighting and windows, testing to identify and correct leaky air ducts, and other “off-the-shelf” technologies that will yield cost-effective energy savings for home and business owners alike. An optional green building standard will allow builders to stretch for even greater energy savings.
“Maryland building officials deserve tremendous credit for leading the country and taking action that will save building owners money while avoiding pollution from burning fossil fuels” said Krason. “We look forward to working with the Department of Housing and Community Development and other state officials to continue to promote high-performance, energy efficient buildings.”
Over 8,000 new homes were built in Maryland in 2010 alone. And while many forward-thinking builders have gone above and beyond the minimum requirements, most new buildings are built no better or worse than is required by the state’s building code. Improving the energy standards of these codes, therefore, is one of the most effective ways to reduce energy use, save home and business owners money, and prevent the global warming pollution that results from energy generation.
Wicomico County Newest Tax Assessments
Joe,
I don't no if you have heard from others but my assessment notice came yesterday and my assessed value dropped $260,000.00!!!! Boy are the citizens going to hear Ricky boy scream!!
Publishers Notes: I received one of my assessments yesterday and was blown away at the reduction. I have to agree with the statement above, our County Executive knew this was coming and once again did NOT prepare. His view, (and ONLY view) is to raise taxes.
Guess what, he should have reduced the size of Wicomico County Employees more than 5 years ago and didn't. Look people, you really need to start voting in successful business people into these positions and NOT career politicians. When will Americans finally see clearly that politicians only know how to spend money they do not have.
There's another side to this as well. Assessment rates dropping as much as they have also means your property value, (in their eyes) has dropped. In many cases this means your mortgage is probably higher than your property is actually worth. Americans are in deep trouble all the way around.
It's time for massive changes. If it doesn't happen, if you don't start truly educating yourselves, (as we are trying to deliver every day) information in which shows the direction this country is heading, citizens will revolt at some point and time. I personally feel our government is preparing for such times and have been for years.
We got ourselves into this, (all of us) we need to start figuring ways to get OUT of it and it doesn't include raising taxes. Raising taxes is no different from a bailout. It doesn't work! We need to cut our losses right here and now and STOP SPENDING. I can't stand it when I hear Rick Pollitt throw out, do you want to lose services? Well Rick, DO YOU WANT TO START A WAR ON OUR OWN SOIL WITH OUR OWN CITIZENS?
Wake up America, the time is now, or never.
I don't no if you have heard from others but my assessment notice came yesterday and my assessed value dropped $260,000.00!!!! Boy are the citizens going to hear Ricky boy scream!!
Publishers Notes: I received one of my assessments yesterday and was blown away at the reduction. I have to agree with the statement above, our County Executive knew this was coming and once again did NOT prepare. His view, (and ONLY view) is to raise taxes.
Guess what, he should have reduced the size of Wicomico County Employees more than 5 years ago and didn't. Look people, you really need to start voting in successful business people into these positions and NOT career politicians. When will Americans finally see clearly that politicians only know how to spend money they do not have.
There's another side to this as well. Assessment rates dropping as much as they have also means your property value, (in their eyes) has dropped. In many cases this means your mortgage is probably higher than your property is actually worth. Americans are in deep trouble all the way around.
It's time for massive changes. If it doesn't happen, if you don't start truly educating yourselves, (as we are trying to deliver every day) information in which shows the direction this country is heading, citizens will revolt at some point and time. I personally feel our government is preparing for such times and have been for years.
We got ourselves into this, (all of us) we need to start figuring ways to get OUT of it and it doesn't include raising taxes. Raising taxes is no different from a bailout. It doesn't work! We need to cut our losses right here and now and STOP SPENDING. I can't stand it when I hear Rick Pollitt throw out, do you want to lose services? Well Rick, DO YOU WANT TO START A WAR ON OUR OWN SOIL WITH OUR OWN CITIZENS?
Wake up America, the time is now, or never.
New Law Allows Some U.S. Military Have Expedited Screening
President Obama signed several pieces of legislation passed by Congress just before the holiday period. A new airport security law lets uniformed members of the U.S. military have expedited screening. They'll have to be in uniform, and they'll have to present their orders in order to go through the faster screening process. In most cases they won't have to unlace and remove combat boots. The president also sighed the authorization bill for the intelligence community.
Solder Brings In $40 Mil In Royalties
A material most people never see or touch makes modern life possible. It also earns its federally-backed academic inventors record levels of royalty dollars. The material is solder. Specifically, lead-free solder, used in countless electronic products. Lead-free solder was developed 15 years ago by researchers from the Energy Department's Ames National Laboratory and Iowa State University. In 2011, lead-free solder brought ISU nearly $40 million in royalties, the most in the college's and the lab's history. ISU's contract with the Energy Department lets the university keep royalties from government-funded intellectual property.
Federal Employees Jumping Ship
It may not be a tsunami yet, but many feds are already jumping ship and retiring. More federal workers retired at the end of 2011 than in recent years. The Office of Personnel Management says, a retirement wave that usually begins in January has started a few months early. That's putting pressure on agencies to draft and implement succession plans, and focus on training and development. A poll by the Society for Human Resource management found less than a quarter of organizations nationwide have formal succession plans. Many agencies lack plans for their human resources departments in particular, says a report by the Partnership for Public Service and Booz Allen Hamilton.
BREAKING NEWS: Michele Bachmann Suspends Presidential Campaign
Republican presidential candidate Michele Bachmann has decided to suspend her 2012 campaign, Fox News confirms.
From Fox News
From Fox News
Today's Survey Question 1-4-12
If you had the power to fire one person on the entire Eastern Shore, who would it be?
Celebrating The Life Of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Salisbury- Join the celebration of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center during two events on Monday, January 16. The morning will start with the 26th Annual Youth Activity presented by Salisbury High School Association. End the evening with the Tri-County Organizations’ Coalition, Inc. at the 27th Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Celebration and Commemoration Banquet.
The 26th Annual Youth Activity will be held in the Midway Room from 8:30am to Noon. Enjoy a free breakfast during presentations by youth speakers and entertainment including youth praise dances and youth choirs. Free bus transportation will be provided. Visit www.wicomciociviccenter.org for bus schedules. For more information, contact Rosemary Hudson at 410.742.8524, Wanda Downes 410.742.2749 or Edward Henry 410.749.1815.
The 27th Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Celebration and Commemoration Banquet will be held in the Normandy Arena starting at 6:30pm. Tickets are $35 each. Tables will be reserved for tickets purchased in blocks of ten for $350. Tickets can be purchased from Lamech Lodge #30, 305 E. Isabella Street in Salisbury, MD. Please contact Jesse T. Ballard (410) 546.4206 or Mario (Bud) Barkley at (410) 742.2482 for more information.
The 26th Annual Youth Activity will be held in the Midway Room from 8:30am to Noon. Enjoy a free breakfast during presentations by youth speakers and entertainment including youth praise dances and youth choirs. Free bus transportation will be provided. Visit www.wicomciociviccenter.org for bus schedules. For more information, contact Rosemary Hudson at 410.742.8524, Wanda Downes 410.742.2749 or Edward Henry 410.749.1815.
The 27th Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Celebration and Commemoration Banquet will be held in the Normandy Arena starting at 6:30pm. Tickets are $35 each. Tables will be reserved for tickets purchased in blocks of ten for $350. Tickets can be purchased from Lamech Lodge #30, 305 E. Isabella Street in Salisbury, MD. Please contact Jesse T. Ballard (410) 546.4206 or Mario (Bud) Barkley at (410) 742.2482 for more information.
Bachmann Tells Supporters She's Staying In The Race
WEST DES MOINES, Iowa – Minnesota Congresswoman Michele Bachman told a room of about 65 supporters Tuesday that she’s staying in the race for president, despite her weak showing in the Iowa caucuses.
“The pundits and the press will again try and pick the nominee based on tonight’s results, but there are many more chapters to be written on the path to our party’s nomination,” Bachmann said.
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“The pundits and the press will again try and pick the nominee based on tonight’s results, but there are many more chapters to be written on the path to our party’s nomination,” Bachmann said.
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