RICK POLLITT’S LATEST DUCK & COVER

Mr. Pollitt’s annual report – required by Wicomico County’s Charter – had already become a yearly paean to Rick before the latest one was issued this week. No doubt the PR skill of Jim Fineran is a prime factor in both its style and substance, which includes much color, graphics and platitudinous prose. This year’s version is no exception.

This year’s report recounts in glowing terms various matters that, as portrayed, make it appear that Pollitt has expertly guided and administered the County for another year. Left unsaid are aspects that make his stewardship seem somewhat less stellar. Yes, he has presented a balanced budget by reducing expenditure to match falling revenue, but no mention that he is required by law to do so. Yes, the County has good (albeit not great) bond ratings, but so too do many other counties, and some have even better ones.

The reader, if not well informed, would never imagine that Mr. Pollitt did not run well in this year’s election, in which he prevailed against a largely unknown opponent whose campaign was as poorly managed as possible. Even a mediocre candidate might well have unseated him.

Just as he did during his campaign for reelection (one of the successes mentioned in his report), Mr. Pollitt has again demonstrated that he is probably the most astute politician in local government in recent memory, Paul Martin, Norm Conway and Lewis Riley included. To be sure, having a PR consultant on his staff (at taxpayer expense) makes it easier for Pollitt. But you have to recognize in him the same ability to self-promote and avoid addressing the problems that we see in such political players as Clinton, Obama and even Martin O’Malley.

The glaring omission in the report, however, is what Rick proposes for the future – such as his recent plea to the local members of the General Assembly to allow the County to impose new fees and taxes. And what about his still secret plan to prohibit development in agricultural area? With falling property tax assessments and revenue, will he ask the Council to pass a budget that has a higher tax rate, which could be done under the tax revenue cap?

Even a professional pol like Rick Pollitt needs bit of luck, which is what he received with the recent snowstorm that gave him a reason not to “go live” to deliver his pablum for the public this year. By calling off that event, which in the past has been the occasion for his “State if the County” lecture about his plans for the coming year, he has once again managed to avoid tough questions about things. But those questions will be coming on this blog even if not in the Daily Times and the other members of what passes for the mainstream media in Wicomico County.

Today's Survey Question

What was your favorite or most memorable Post on SBYNews.com for 2010?

Snow Drifts Caused Biggest Problem In Storm

Because the winds were so high the past few days, snow plows were fighting a losing battle as the winds would bring in more snow from farm fields and cover up the road just cleared by plows. If you click on this image you can see more clearly what I'm talking about.

Overbearing Government At It Again

Ok Joe. Here's yet another example of how an illegal government agency, the ATF, can base an entire case on blatant stupidity. These are your tax dollars at work. I can only wonder how an educated adult making more than....what....$60,000 a year?....can even figure out how to drive to work in the morning being this stupid.



When we're done watching this we can go out into our garages and convert a go-cart into a space shuttle.

Progressive Groups Want To Raise Income, Gas, Corporate And Sales Taxes, And Boost Minimum Wage

Progressive groups and legislators are aiming to raise state taxes on millionaires, corporations, liquor, gasoline and a broad array of consumer services, as well as boosting the state minimum wage to $10 an hour to help protect government services and the incomes of “working families.”

The proposals came in the annual “State of Working Maryland” report from the Maryland Budget and Tax Policy Institute and the Progressive Maryland coalition of liberal groups.

“The state of Maryland families has deteriorated” in the recession, said Neil Bergsman, of the Tax Policy Institute, an arm of Maryland Nonprofits. “The benefits of the recovery are not seen by working people.”

GO HERE to read more.

Ten Most Hopeful Stories Of 2010

There was plenty of disappointment and hardship this year. But the year also brought opportunities for transformation.

It was a tough year. The economy continued its so-called jobless recovery with Wall Street anticipating another year of record bonuses while most Americans struggle to get work and hold on to their homes. The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan continued, and spilled over into Pakistan and Yemen, and more American soldiers died by suicide than fighting in Afghanistan. And it was a year of big disasters, some of them indicators of the growing climate crisis.

World leaders, under the sway of powerful corporations and banks, have been unable to confront our most pressing challenges, and one crisis follows another.

Nonetheless, events from 2010 also contain the seeds of transformation. None of the following stories is enough on its own to change the momentum. But if we the people build and strengthen social movements, each of of these stories points to a piece of the solution.

1. Climate Crisis Response Takes a New Direction. After the failure of Copenhagen, Bolivia hosted a gathering of indigenous people, climate activists, and grassroots leaders from the global South—those left out of the UN-sponsored talks. Their solution to the climate crisis is based on a new recognition of the rights of Mother Earth. Gone are notions of trading the right to pollute (which gives a whole new meaning to the term "toxic assets"). Instead, life has rights, and we can learn ways to live a good life that doesn’t require degrading our home.

The official climate agreement that came out of Cancún was weak and disappointing, although it did represent a continued commitment to work to address the challenge. But the peoples' mobilizations, and the solutions born in Cochabamba, continue to energize thousands.

Meanwhile, Californians voted to uphold their ambitious climate law, despite millions spent by oil companies to rescind the measure in November's election. And cities—Seattle, for one—are moving ahead with their own plans to reduce, and even zero-out, their climate emissions.

2. Wikileaks Lifts the Veil. The release of secret documents by Wikileaks has lifted the veil on U.S. government actions around the world. While the insights themselves don't change anything, they do offer grist for a national dialogue on our role in the world—especially at a time when our federal budget crisis may require scaling back on our hundreds of foreign military bases, our protracted overseas wars, and our budget-busting weapons programs. Likewise, the traumas inflicted on civilian populations and on our own military are spurring fresh thinking. We now have data points for a bracing, reality-based conversation on the future of war—the kind of conversation that makes democracy a living reality.

GO HERE to read more.

Why Your Child's School Bus Has No Seat Belts

Modern fleets aim to 'compartmentalize' pupils into a protective bubble

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Ashley Brown, 16, and Alicia Bonura, 18, both of Beaumont, Texas, died March 29, 2006. They were on a bus carrying their West Brook High School soccer team when it overturned near Devers, Texas, on its way to a playoff game in Humble.

Steve Forman's daughter Allison was among 21 other team members who were injured. "Once she regained enough consciousness, to have to tell her that her two friends were dead, I think that's the hardest thing I've ever had to do in my life," Forman said.

Allison, who was 17 at the time, was ejected through the window, and she underwent four operations to reconstruct her arm, which was pinned beneath the bus for an hour.

Steve Forman and Brad Brown, Ashley's father, are convinced that things would have been very different if only the bus had been equipped with seat belts.

GO HERE to read more.

Boda, Less Taxes & Strengthened Religious Believe Will Save City Of Salisbury

Muir Boda is on the Advisory Board for the Java Hut, (ROTFLMAO) and helps manage WalMart. While I was reading today's article in the Daily Times I couldn't help but think, this guy wants to tell others how to solve crime issues as well. Let's see, if I were a betting man I'd have to say that WALMART has to be the #1 crime location in the entire City, tying up incredible man power from the Salisbury Police department. Yeah, we need to take advice from this guy.

Faith based community, eh? Let me see Muir Boda, is that a Muslim name? Many wouldn't want to get snuffed a second time. You know, Obama and all that. Do you believe in a woman's right to choose? I'd just like to know UP FRONT this time exactly what FAITH you're talking about.

Don't forget who his best buddies are as well. Jonathan Taylor, Julie Brewington, Mike Dunn, Lynn Cathcart, Gary Comegys, Shanie Shields, Louise Smith and of course old Barrie Tilghman.

Muir Boda will lose this election miserably because of his clear and obvious ties with the above names.  Nice enough guy mind you, but an agenda so clear it isn't funny. Salisbury needs real change Muir. Not the same old crap the former Tilghman administration spewed and shoved down every ones throats in the past that got the taxpayers into such a jam financially.

Flat out, Salisbury needs a majority Council that it hasn't had in many years. The direction Tilghman, Dunn, Cathcart, Comegys, Shields, Smith and yes, even Ireton is the WRONG direction. Unless the taxpayers of Salisbury are just flat out stupid, change will in fact come about and the Tilghman/Comegys/Smith days are over.

Muir Boda is NOT one of those fit to sit with the new majority Council. In fact he's the opposite of what Salisbury wants or needs. NEXT!

Will President Fight To Raise Minimum Wage?

Movement at the state level to boost the minimum wage next year could give President Obama some much-needed juice in his stalled push to raise the federal minimum and peg it once and for all to inflation.

Seven states are set to raise their minimum wage on Jan. 1 in a move estimated to benefit hundreds of thousands of workers. Despite concerns that government-mandated wages will make skittish employers even more reluctant to hire workers, supporters say the changes are not drastic enough to dent the size of the payroll, and if anything it will help the economy by putting more money in the pockets of those most likely to spend it. 

GO HERE to read more.

'Let Them Do It!': Chavez Dares U.S. To Cut Ties

Venezuelan president defiant after rejecting Washington's choice of ambassador to Caracas

CARACAS, Venezuela — Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez dared the United States to expel his ambassador or cut off diplomatic ties in retaliation for his rejection of Washington's choice for ambassador to Caracas.

Tensions have been growing over Chavez's refusal to accept American diplomat Larry Palmer and also over U.S. criticisms of a legislative offensive by the president's congressional allies. Lawmakers have granted Chavez expanded powers to enact laws by decree for the next year and a half, a change that opponents condemn as antidemocratic.

Chavez has said he will not accept Palmer to be ambassador due to comments he made earlier this year suggesting that morale is low in Venezuela's military and that he is concerned Colombian rebels are finding refuge in Venezuela.

GO HERE to read more.

Wicomico County Sheriff's Office Press Releases

Incident: Assault / Indecent Exposure

Date of Incident: 18 December 2010

Location: 7900 Royalty Way, Hebron, MD

Suspect: Jennifer Marie Riegler, 22, Accomac, VA

Narrative: On 18 December 2010 at 8:56 AM, deputies from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office responded to the Royal Farms store on Royalty way in Hebron, MD for a disorderly female inside the store. Information had been received from store employees that Jennifer Riegler had removed all of her clothing and was strolling naked through the store. Riegler allegedly was accosting both patrons and employees with sexually suggestive comments and behaviors prior to lying on the floor in front of the donut rack.

Store employees assisted her with getting dressed and she waited in the parking lot for the deputies to arrive. Upon their arrival, it was also discovered that Riegler was eating fruit taken from inside the store that she did not pay for. Based on what the store employees reported to the deputies, Riegler was placed under arrest. Upon their attempt to place her in a patrol car, she kicked a deputy in the groin and another in the hand. Riegler was subdued and placed into additional restraints.

Riegler was transported to Peninsula Regional Hospital and a warrant was obtained charging her with the offenses that occurred at the Royal Farm store. Riegler was taken into custody on 23 December 2010 and transported to the Central Booking Unit where she was processed and taken in front of the District Court Commissioner. After an initial appearance, Riegler was detained by the Commissioner in the detention Center in lieu of $25,000.00 bond.

Charges: Disorderly Conduct / Indecent exposure / Disturbance of the Peace / Assault 2^nd Degree

SBYNews originally posted this story HERE on the 18th.

Incident: Assault

Date of Incident: 27 December 2010

Location: 7400 block of Titleist Drive, Salisbury, MD

Suspect: Denise C. Carter, 42, Salisbury, MD

Narrative: On 27 December 2010 at 7:28 PM, a deputy from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office responded for a reported call for a domestic situation at a residence in the 7400 block of Titleist Drive in Salisbury. Upon arrival, the deputies were greeted at the door by Denise Carter who advised everything was fine and they needed no help from law enforcement. Carter also told the deputies that the male subject she had been arguing with had left. After Carter closed the door on the deputies, it re-opened and the male subject exited the residence. He advised that he had been involved in an altercation with Carter and that she had assaulted him. The deputies saw fresh signs of injury to the male subject’s neck that had allegedly been inflicted by Carter.

Carter was placed under arrest for assault. During transport to the Central Booking Unit, Carter remained belligerent and verbally abusive to the arresting deputy. After being processed and taken in front of the District Court Commissioner, Carter was detained in the Detention Center in lieu of $10,000.00 bond.

Charges: Assault 2^nd Degree

Incident: Assault

Date of Incident: 25 December 2010

Location: 32000 block of old Ocean City Rd., Parsonsburg, MD

Suspect: Willie J. Webb, 48, Parsonsburg, MD

Narrative: On 25 December 2010 at 12:15 AM, a deputy from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office responded to investigate an altercation that occurred inside a residence in the 32000 block of Old Ocean City Road in Parsonsburg. Upon arrival, the deputy learned that Willie J. Webb came home around midnight under the influence of alcohol and is alleged to have urinated on the floor inside the residence. This act caused an argument between Webb and his wife which escalated into a physical altercation when Webb was accused of striking his wife and their daughter. The deputy observed a sign of physical injury that corroborated the account.

The deputy placed Webb under arrest and transported him to the Central Booking Unit where he was processed and taken in front of the District Court Commissioner. After an initial appearance, the Commissioner released Webb on Personal Recognizance.

Charges: Assault 2^nd Degree

Incident: Driving While Suspended

Date of Incident: 25 December 2010

Location: Mt. Hermon Road, Salisbury, MD

Suspect: Katherine M. Love, 19, Snow Hill, MD

Narrative: On 25 December 2010 at 4:30 PM, a deputy from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office stopped a vehicle operated by Katherine Love of Snow Hill for speeding on Mt. Hermon Rd just east of Salisbury. Upon stopping the vehicle and making contact with the operator, she told the deputy that she did not have her license with her and provided her name and date of birth. While the deputy was investigating the driver’s information, the deputy began to doubt the veracity of the information provided when comparing the physical description of the individual whose name the deputy ran with the operator of the vehicle he had stopped. Upon further investigation and contact with the driver, the deputy learned that the driver had in fact provided a false name. Upon receiving the correct information, Katherine Love, the deputy learned that her driver’s license was suspended.

The deputy placed Love under arrest and transported her to the Central Booking Unit where she was processed and taken in front of the District Court Commissioner. After an initial appearance, the Commissioner released Love on Personal Recognizance.

Charges: Speeding

Driver Providing False Name to Law Enforcement

Driving While Suspended

Old Sayings...Different Twist

See if you can translate the following into the familiar sayings we've all heard? See answers below.

1. Scintillate, Scintillate, asteroid exiguous.

2. Members of an avian species of identical plumage congregate.

3. Surveillance should precede salutations

4. Pulchritude poses possesses solely cutaneous profundity

5. It is fruitless to become lachrymose over precipitately departed lacteal fluid.

6. Freedom from incrustations of grime is contiguous to rectitude.

7. The stylus is more potent then the claymore.

8. It is fruitless to attempt to indoctrinate a superannuated canine with innovative maneuvers.

9. Eschew the implement of correction of vitiate the scion.

10. The temperature of the aqueous content of an unremittingly ogled saucepan does not does reach 212 F'.

11. All articles that coruscate with resplendence are not truly auriferous.

12. Where there are visible vapors in ignited carbonaceous material, there is conflagration.

Answers:

1. Twinkle, twinkle, little star.

2. Birds of a feather, flock together.

3. Think before you speak.

4. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

5. Don't cry over spilled milk.

6. Cleanliness is next to godliness.

7. The pen is mightier than the sword.

8. You can't teach an old dog new tricks.

9. Spare the rod and spoil the child.

10. A watched pot doesn't boil.

11. All that glitters is not gold.

12. Where there's smoke, there's fire.

AAA: One In 10 Admits To Driving Drunk

When it comes to accidents involving drunk drivers, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day are more than two and a half times more dangerous than the average day.

WASHINGTON - Have you ever driven drunk? One out of 10 drivers admits to doing so in the past year.
 
That sobering statistic comes from a new survey from AAA Mid-Atlantic.
 
The same survey indicates that 87 percent of drivers surveyed consider drunk drivers a serious threat.
 
Calling it a "confession from the soul," AAA Mid-Atlantic spokesman John B. Townsend II says drivers are hypocrites about drinking and driving.
 
"We know what's right, but we still do what's wrong," Townsend says.
 
Townsend says New Year's Eve and New Year's Day are more than two and a half times more dangerous than the average day.
 
"We buy more wine and liquor for the holidays than most cities in this country, and it's a serious problem," he says.

GO HERE to read more.

Ohio Supreme Court: State Sales Tax OK For Satellite, But Not Cable

Giving an odd boost to cable providers, the Ohio Supreme Court ruled the state could slap a sales tax on satellite TV services even though cable companies don't need to tack the tax on to their packages.

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A Letter To The Editor

"as the top of your website states.. sometimes i agree.. sometimes i dont.. but i must admit.. you come through when it counts.. i am a single mother with a very long driveway who lives out in the "sticks"... your plow contacts made it possible for me to get my car out and going again.. thank you and Andy (plow company) for keeping me and my daughter mobile.. and i must say.. i live on a road that seldom sees a plow prior to 2-3 days after every snow.. but this year.. whitesville road in parsonsburg/pittsville was plowed clear by 6:15am Monday morning and was continued to be plowed due to drifting all day monday and tuesday.. good work to those gentlemen as well!!!" back on the road again Michelle Gondal

NYC Sanitation Dept. Doesn't Care About Destroying Your Car

I don't think we've ever had a municipal service division make it into the Worst Company In America tournament, but New York City's Sanitation Department seems to be gunning for a wild card slot this year. First, they tried to fine someone thousands of dollars for picking up a discarded air-conditioner from the curb, then there was the to-do over the woman ticketed $100 for throwing out a small bag of garbage in a public trash can. Now, as millions of New Yorkers attempt to dig out from one of the biggest blizzards to ever hit the city, the Sanitation folks have been caught on camera destroying a snowbound car.

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Calculate How Much Of A Raise You'll Get On January 1

As part of the extension of the Bush tax cuts, Social Security payroll tax will drop from 6.2 percent to 4.2 percent. That means you'll be taking home more money each paycheck, even if your stingy employer has frozen your wages.

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Government To Change Way It Counts Long-Term Unemployed

If you've been unemployed 100 weeks or longer, you're in luck. No, you're not about to get a new job. But for the first time, the Bureau of Labor Statistics will accurately track the length of time you've been unemployed when calculating long-term unemployment. Previously, the agency had to check off "99 weeks or over" for anyone unemployed longer than two years. See, the recession isn't all bad, is it?

More »

Liberal Voices Dominating Debate In U.S. Supreme Court

Multisource political news, world news, and entertainment news analysis by Newsy.com

Led by Justices Sonia Sotomayor and Elena Kagan, the power of the left is growing in the U.S. Supreme Court.

Eagles And Vikings Play In 'Wuss Bowl'

Multisource political news, world news, and entertainment news analysis by Newsy.com

The Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell says we've become a nation of "wusses" after the NFL reschedules Sunday's game between Philly and Minnesota.

RIDES

Joe,

I have a 4 wheel drive jeep. If there is anyone who needs rides to dialysis or important doctor’s appointments, whatever I am here to help. I will be working from home tomorrow so I should be around most of the day. Let me know if I can be of service.

Anthony Darby

President

Office:  410-546-4340

Cell: 410-703-5519

Editors Notes: This message was sent to me yesterday, meaning Anthony is available today for those in need.

PROPANE

"Hello my name is gaby I work in salisbury and live in laurel Are you aware that United propane is charching unknown to there customers $6.41 per gallon of propane INSANE My bill is for 37.1 gallon for 224.42 plus 5.84 admin fee plus 7.46 fuel charge

they lost my bussines"

                                          thank you
                                          Gaby

Removal Of Barge #2

Continuing removal of Barge #2 from the North Prong as of Dec. 28th.

MARYLAND'S ILLEGAL ALIEN CRIMINALS ARE RUNNING OUT OF PLACES TO HIDE

Anne Arundel County to benefit from ICE strategy to use biometrics to identify and remove aliens convicted of a crime

GLEN BURNIE, Md. -

On Tuesday, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) began using a federal information sharing capability in Anne Arundel County that helps federal immigration officials use biometrics to identify aliens, both lawfully and unlawfully present in the United States, who are booked into local law enforcement's custody for a crime. This capability is part of Secure Communities-ICE's comprehensive strategy to improve and modernize the identification and removal of aliens convicted of a crime from the United States.

Previously, biometrics-fingerprints-taken of individuals charged with a crime and booked into custody were checked for criminal history information against the Department of Justice's (DOJ) Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System (IAFIS). Now, through enhanced information sharing between DOJ and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), biometrics submitted through the state to the FBI will be automatically checked against both the FBI criminal history records in IAFIS and the biometrics-based immigration records in DHS's Automated Biometric Identification System (IDENT).

If fingerprints match those of someone in DHS' biometric system, the new automated process notifies ICE. ICE evaluates each case to determine the individual's immigration status and takes appropriate enforcement action. This includes aliens who are in lawful status and those who are present without lawful authority. Once identified through fingerprint matching, ICE will respond with a priority placed on aliens convicted of the most serious crimes first-such as those with convictions for major drug offenses, murder, rape and kidnapping.

"The Secure Communities strategy provides ICE with an effective tool to identify criminal aliens in local custody," said Secure Communities Assistant Director David Venturella. "Enhancing public safety is at the core of ICE's mission. Our goal is to use biometric information sharing to remove criminal aliens, preventing them from being released back into the community, with little or no additional burden on our law enforcement partners."

With the expansion of the biometric information sharing capability to Anne Arundel County, ICE is using this capability in seven Maryland jurisdictions, including Baltimore County, Carroll, Frederick, Prince George's, Queen Anne and Saint Mary's counties. Across the country, ICE is using this capability in 891 jurisdictions in 35 states. By 2013, ICE plans to be able to respond nationwide to all fingerprint matches generated through IDENT/IAFIS interoperability.

"A fingerprint does not lie," said Anne Arundel County Executive John R. Leopold. "Secure Communities is another way local governments can partner with federal law enforcement to identify those who are in this country illegally. This is a valuable tool that eliminates the possibility of racial profiling in identifying illegal immigrants at the point of arrest. Anne Arundel County is proud to be a strong partner with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement."

Since ICE began using this enhanced information sharing capability in October 2008, immigration officers have removed from the United States more than 54,500 aliens convicted of a crime. ICE does not regard aliens charged with, but not yet convicted of crimes, as "criminal aliens." Instead, a "criminal alien" is an alien convicted of a crime. In accordance with the Immigration and Nationality Act, ICE continues to take action on aliens subject to removal as resources permit.

The IDENT system is maintained by DHS's US-VISIT program and IAFIS is maintained by the FBI's Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS).

"US VISIT is proud to support ICE, helping provide decision makers with comprehensive, reliable information when and where they need it," said US-VISIT Director Robert Mocny. "By enhancing the interoperability of DHS's and the FBI's biometric systems, we are able to give federal, state and local decision makers information that helps them better protect our communities and our nation."

"Under this plan, ICE will be utilizing FBI system enhancements that allow improved information sharing at the state and local law enforcement level based on positive identification of incarcerated criminal aliens," said Daniel D. Roberts, assistant director of the FBI's CJIS Division. "Additionally, ICE and the FBI are working together to take advantage of the strong relationships already forged between the FBI and state and local law enforcement necessary to assist ICE in achieving its goals."

For more information about how ICE is using biometrics to identify aliens convicted of a crime, visit

http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=eqzjrqcab&et=1104156124787&s=1951&e=0010JKlat03TZDD0DbF-lAAZcduIPCHrhhSEAqxXId6H0jpEC9LE2P5oMM-Ngz4KW0vCq1A30FS8pv3f99z7pTxDXbSaL7jhH_Uv2xuokzsHUiO81tQzNJ6MWBvxOdOVywC.

Results From Yesterdays Governor's Challenge

Game	Result	Top Scorer
Delmar	52	Keandre Whaley - 14
Kent Island	30	Cedric McKethan - 8
Kent County	61	MJ Montgomery - 20
Laurel	60	C. Jones - 20
Polytech	71	E. Lastor - 13
Queen Anne	55	Damonte Dodd - 20
CH Flowers	52	Donte Holloway - 18
Dover	53	Zachary Walker - 15
Crisfield	70	Josh Scarborough - 21
Sussex Tech	69	LaVaar Showell - 24
Washington	62	Tavon White - 29
Fairmont	80	Lamont Adair - 29
Wicomico	44	Tre Morris - 10
Concord	61	Justin Swift - 16
Thomas Stone	65	Michael Briscoe - 22
North Caroline	35	Aaron Moore - 7
Seaford	81	J. Owens - 28
Bennett	65	Josh Strand - 30
Stephen Decatur	50	Matt Swistak - 14
Woodbridge	47	Parker - 16

STATE POLICE MAKE TWO ARRESTS IN CECIL COUNTY HOMICIDE

(Earleville, MD) – Maryland State Police homicide investigators have charged two people in connection with the murder of a 71-year old Cecil County man.

The accused are identified as Lillian Jacobs, 24 and John Wayne Davis, 31, both of no fixed addresses in Cecil County, Maryland. Both are charged with first and second degree murder. Jacobs is being held at the Cecil County Detention Center without bond. Davis is awaiting an initial appearance before the Cecil County District Court Commissioner.

Both Jacobs and Davis are charged in connection with the death of John R. Fleming, 71, of the unit block of New Jersey Avenue in Earleville, Maryland. Fleming’s body was found on the living room floor inside his home on Monday morning, December 27, 2010. Fleming appeared to have suffered multiple stab wounds.

Police received information that Jacobs and Davis were seen pushing a wrecked pickup truck to the side of Crystal Beach Road around 3:30 p.m. on the day of Fleming’s murder. This location where they were seen is approximately one mile from Fleming’s development. It was reported that Jacobs and Davis were given a ride to Fleming’s home on New Jersey Avenue that same day.

Police learned that Davis was a wanted fugitive for violating his probation on previous theft charges. Subsequent to police learning the wrecked pickup truck was stolen, an arrest warrant was obtained for Jacobs. The stolen pickup did not belong to Fleming.

Information received led police to a mobile home park in Earleville where Jacobs and Davis were arrested without incident at around 6:00 a.m. this morning. While taking both suspects into custody, police observed bloodstains on their clothing.

Investigators from the Maryland State Police Homicide Unit, the State Apprehension Team, state troopers from the North East Barrack, crime scene analysts from the Maryland State Police Forensic Sciences Division and sheriff’s deputies from the Cecil County Sheriff’s Office worked in cooperation after Fleming’s body was found.

The cause of death has not yet been determined. A motive for the murder remains unclear at this time. The investigation is continuing…

Battling against stubborn drifts, and minor roads

DelDOT Secretary Thanks Motorists and Road Workers

Dover -- With the last major snow storm of 2010 behind us, Delaware Secretary of Transportation Carolann Wicks said today, "We can all be proud of the way Delawareans responded to the severe weather that settled over the state Christmas weekend. Our citizens heeded the Governor's request to refrain from driving during the worst of the storm, DelDOT's Traffic Management Center did a terrific job assembling and sharing the information we needed to combat the storm, and DelDOT's Maintenance and Operations teams worked many long hours - and are in fact still working - to clear stubborn snow and ice from our roads and bridges."

Statewide, crews from the Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) are continuing to clear roadways of the snow received over the weekend, and are applying salt to those roads that are wet, but are in danger of freezing overnight. Driving restrictions imposed over the weekend have been lifted, but many roads - especially in hardest-hit Sussex County - remain treacherous and extremely cautious driving remains a necessity.

Caution Points:
* As temperatures remained above freezing all day today, the sun is melting much of the hard-packed snow and ice that remains on many of the back roads, however, slushy roads can still be slippery.
* As temperatures are expected to fall to the 20s overnight, crews are applying salt to areas that are wet and are vulnerable to re-freezing overnight. Bridges, intersections and the usual problem areas will receive the most salt.
* Crews and trucks normally stationed in Kent and New Castle counties have been moved to Sussex County to help with snow removal today, so drivers should be on the lookout for snow removal equipment.

Sussex County:
* Crews have moved from the primary routes to the secondary roads and minor roads. Some and roads within subdivisions have been addressed.
* Crews from the other counties are helping clear and treat many of the roads.

Kent County:
* Crews are working on secondary, minor and subdivision roads.
* The primary roads are wet, but clear of snow and ice.
* Approximately 95 percent of all minor roads and subdivision roads are completed. Those roads could have areas of slush and are wet, but the roads are passable.

New Castle County:
* Crews continue to salt and plow as necessary.
* All roads are passable.
* Some minor or subdivision roads might have patches of ice and slush, but all roads are passable.

--------------------------------------------
DelDOT Snow Facts
Equipment: Statewide, there are 446 pieces of equipment available for snow operations.
* Heavy-duty snow plows of various types and sizes attached to six and 10-wheeled dump trucks.
* Other equipment includes snow blowers, road graders and front-end loaders

Materials: DelDOT primarily uses salt, along with salt/brine and salt/sand mixtures.
* Approximately 65,000 tons of salt are stockpiled in more than 20 locations throughout the state.
* Due to constant replenishment, the stockpiles are currently full.

People: Up to 500 employees are available for snow removal operations:
* Equipment operators
* Mechanics
* Dispatchers
* Administrators and other office personnel

DelDOT maintains approximately 12,900 total lane miles, or 89 percent of the roads in Delaware.

Salmonella Outbreak Spreads To 16 States

Tainted alfalfa sprouts tied to the foodborne illness; case count rises to 94

ATLANTA — An outbreak of salmonella that was tied to tainted alfalfa sprouts has grown to at least 94 cases in 16 states.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Tuesday said the case count had risen from 89 cases in 15 states in the past week, with California joining the list.

More than half the cases have been in Illinois. There have been no deaths.

GO HERE to read more.

Kentucky Violated NCAA Rules While Recruiting Basketball-Playing Dog

The NCAA will investigate the Kentucky program for major recruiting violations including improper gifts of milk bones and rope tug toys.

Source

Random Act Of Kindness In Salisbury

Mr. Albero,

 

I was driving on Walston Switch Rd., slid off to the side and got stuck.  I just wanted to thank Claudia, Nick, Vinny, and two other gentlemen who stopped and helped dig and pull me out for an hour.  I knew none of these people, but they took time out of their day to help a complete stranger and wouldn't take anything for their help. Thank you.

 

- A Salisbury resident

Rough Conditions

Hey, Joe.

We were out today, trying to get caught up on things.

The roads weren't too bad in most areas we went, but my nerves ended up frazzled from the things that happened in downtown Salisbury.

We were coming around through the 'S' turn hear the hospital in heavy traffic, when we encountered PEDESTRIANS walking in the right lane. We barely got past them without hitting one. I don't know why they didn't walk up on the side of the road (snow or no snow..) One of them was a child.

Coming across the Rt 50 bridge, also in heavy traffic, with the sun in my eyes was a nightmare. Two very narrow lanes and barracades on both sides, there were PEDESTRIANS walking in the right lane crossing the bridge, because the CITY had not cleared a walkway for them across the bridge! It was nearly impossible to get past them without hitting them.

If ANYONE gets a citation for not clearing their walks in this snow, they should tell the city to stuff it.

Home Prices Dip Again And Consumer Confidence Take Surprise Drop

Home prices dip again and consumer confidence take surprise drop

U.S. consumer confidence unexpectedly deteriorated in December, while prices of U.S. single-family homes fell almost double the expected pace in October, tempering growing optimism on the economy's recovery.

The latest data was at odds with other signs suggesting the economic recovery is accelerating and a separate report last week showing consumer sentiment at its highest level since June this month.

The Conference Board, an industry group, said its index of consumer attitudes slipped to 52.5 in December from an upwardly revised 54.3 in November.

The median of forecasts from analysts polled by Reuters was for a reading of 56.0.

Consumers' labor market assessment worsened. The "jobs hard to get" index rose to 46.8 percent in December from 46.3 percent last month, while the "jobs plentiful" index dropped to 3.9 percent from 4.3 percent.

"U.S. consumers are still worried about high unemployment, housing market stagnation and the generally meager growth they've seen so far," said Kathy Lien, director of currency research at GFT in New York.

Financial markets showed a muted reaction to the consumer and housing data, with traders citing very thin post-Christmas trade.

Separate data Tuesday showed the Standard & Poor's/Case-Shiller composite index of 20 metropolitan areas declined 1 percent in October from September on a seasonally adjusted basis.

GO HERE to read more.

Property Values Plunge In Maryland

Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Steve Fermier and Associated Press

The Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation says real estate values on residential properties have dropped by 22 percent in the past three years, the largest decline in the history of the department.

The department mailed notices on Tuesday to about 739,765 property owners that reflected the drop
.
Maryland reassesses properties every three years. The new assessments are based on the sales of about 50,650 properties over that time.

While the assessments play a role in determining local property taxes, next July's tax bills will be calculated with tax rates set by local governments.

Source:

Library Closing Early

All locations of Wicomico Public Library will be closing at 5pm today, Tuesday, December 28th.

Burglary Arrest / DNA

Martino Galeaz, age 39, of Ocean City.

Date & Time:      12/29/10                                      
Case #:  10-0020
Location Occurred:  Atlantic Aquatech, 10902 Ocean Gateway, Berlin, MD
Crime or Violation:  2nd Degree Burglary
Victim:  Atlantic Aquatech
Arrested:
1.Martino Galeaz, 39yrs, of Ocean City, MD
Charges:  2nd, 3rd, and 4th Degree Burglary, Theft over $1000
Narrative:
   
On 1-22-10, Troopers from the Maryland State Police Berlin barrack, and Investigators from the Worcester County Bureau of Investigation, responded to Atlantic Aquatech for a reported Burglary.  Investigation revealed the suspect entered the business and stole a number of items to include power tools. Through DNA analysis from evidence collected at the crime scene, Investigators were able to identify Martino Galeaz as the perpetrator of this crime.  Galeaz was arrested and charged with 2nd Degree Burglary and related offenses.  He was held at the Worcester County Jail on $10,000 bond.

Anyone any information in regards to this incident is asked to contact the Worcester County Bureau of Investigation at (410) 352-3476, or the Maryland State Police at (410)641-3101.

Today's Survey Question

Did you make it into work today?

Man Shot At Dunkin Donuts In Laurel MD.

A robbery at a Laurel, Md. Dunkin Donuts ended with a fatal shooting.

Police said that the owner of a coffee shop and gas station on Laurel Fort Meade Road shot a man trying to rob the store around 3:31 a.m Tuesday.

Anne Arundel County police said the investigation remains "very fluid." According to investigators, the suspect walked into the business and announced a robbery. The police said that the robbery suspect implied that he had a weapon. A struggle ensued, and police said the robbery suspect was shot in the parking lot outside the Dunkin Donuts.

The suspect died of his injuries at Prince George's County Trauma. Police have not yet released his identity.

Source

Police Fatalities Jump 37 Percent In 2010

'There is a more cold-blooded, brazen criminal element prowling the streets of America today'

ATLANTA — Two officers in a remote Alaska town were ambushed as they chatted on a street. Two California deputies were killed by an arson suspect with a high-powered rifle as they tried to serve him a warrant. Two other officers doing anti-drug work were gunned down by men along a busy Arkansas highway.

These so-called cluster killings of more than one officer helped make 2010 a particularly dangerous year for law enforcement. Deaths in the line of duty jumped 37 percent to about 160 from 117 the year before, according to numbers as of Dec. 28 compiled by the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, a nonprofit that tracks police deaths.

There also was a spike in shooting deaths. Fifty-nine federal, state and local officers were killed by gunfire in 2010, a 20 percent jump from last year's figures when 49 were killed. And 73 officers died in traffic incidents, a rise from the 51 killed in 2009, according to the data.

GO HERE to read more.

POLLITT ISSUES ANNUAL “COUNTY EXECUTIVE’S REPORT TO THE PEOPLE”

Wicomico County Executive Richard M. Pollitt, Jr., planned on delivering his 5^th “State of the County” address today but decided against it in light of the snow emergency. It has been traditional to distribute the first copies of the “County Executive’s Report to the People” at the “State of the County” speech. In lieu of that, please find attached a copy of the report. Hard copies will be available at the Government Office Building lobby and upon request. Please call 410-548-4801.

Mr. Pollitt issued the following statement:

“Section 402, paragraph B of the County Charter provides: B. Preparing and submitting to the Council and the public, within 6 months after the close of the fiscal year, an annual report on the activities and accomplishments of the county government, including a copy of the most recently completed annual audit required by Section 904 of this Charter.

Each year, I have published a printed “County Executive’s Report to the People” in compliance with the terms of the Charter and then chosen to follow with an oral presentation from the council chambers. However, due to the current snow emergency and a variety of other significant items of business currently underway, I plan to publish the usual report as required but will postpone an oral presentation to a future date.”  

Marketing To Muslims

In the ballroom of an upscale hotel a short train ride from New York, advertisers, food industry executives and market researchers mingled — the men in dark suits, the women in headscarves and Western dress. Chocolates made according to Islamic dietary laws were placed at each table.

The setting was the American Muslim Consumer Conference, which aimed to promote Muslims as a new market segment for US companies. While corporations have long catered to Muslim communities in Europe, businesses have only tentatively started to follow suit in the US— and they are doing so at a time of intensified anti-Muslim feeling that companies worry could hurt them, too. American Muslims seeking more acknowledgment in the marketplace argue that businesses have more to gain than lose by reaching out to the community.

"We are not saying, 'Support us,'" said Faisal Masood, a graduate of the University of Illinois, Chicago, and management consultant. "But we want them to understand what our values are."

There are signs the industry is stirring: Masood, a Wall Street executive who organized the gathering, had attracted only 200 or so attendees when he started the event last year. This year, he had to close registration at 400 to keep from going over capacity.

The worldwide market for Islamically permitted goods, called halal, has grown to more than half a billion dollars annually. Ritually slaughtered meat is a mainstay, but the halal industry is much broader, including foods and seasoning that omit alcohol, pork products and other forbidden ingredients, along with cosmetics, finance and clothing.

Corporations have been courting immigrant Muslim communities in Europe for several years. Nestle, for example, has about 20 factories in Europe with halal-certified production lines and advertises to Western Muslims through its marketing campaign called "Taste of Home." Nestle plans to increase its ethnic and halal offerings in Europe in coming years.

In the United States, iconic American companies such as McDonald's (which already has a popular halal menu overseas) and Wal-Mart have entered the halal arena. In August, the natural grocery giant Whole Foods began selling its first nationally distributed halal food product — frozen Indian entrees called Saffron Road.

Along with new customers, however, the companies draw critics and can become targets in the ideological battle over Islam and terrorism.

Abdalhamid Evans, project director with the World Halal Forum Europe, which works with the global halal industry, said a recent backlash has prompted some mainstream businesses in Europe to keep a lower profile about their halal products or scale back their offerings.                      

More here

Helping Neighbors

Joe,  just  a  little  while  ago  while  trying  to  clear a  path  to  my  mailbox  one  of  your  Delmar  businesses  passed  me,  stopped,  backed  up  and  took a  few  minutes  to  clear  a  path  with  his  snow  plow.   Luckys  Garage,  Bi-State  Blvd.  in  Delmar  was  the  name  on  the  truck  but  the  young  man  never  got  out so  I  could  learn  his  name.   It  was  greatly  appreciated  becaused  I  had  planned  on  making  it  an  all  day  job,  little  at  a  time,  due  to  my  age.    I  have  looked  in  the  phone  book  but  not  listing.   Must  be  a  new  business,  but  with  young  employees  such  as  this  gentlemen  they  will  build  a  good  business  quickly.   Yes,  I  could  call  411,  I  guess,  but  have  not  had  luck  with  that  in  past.    Just  wanted  the  Delmar  community  to know  they  had  a  gem  with  Luckys  Garage  there.   To  paraphrase  Pam . . . Delmar  is  Awsome!   I  will  still  try  to  get  in  touch  with  them  and  maybe  someone  willl post  their  phone  number.   Thought  you  should  know  about  your  neighbors.

Jerry . . . living  near  Salisbury  Airport.

Snow Removal Part I

The images above and below this Post are just some of the people we touched yesterday while  Bruce Hunter, (Bruce's Billiards) and I removed the snow from those homes who needed it most. For a second year in a row we have been able to help handicapped people as well as seniors.

As usual, we had some problems with the snow blower. Bob, (from Bob's Automotive on Waller Rd.) came through for us once again with instant repairs as the pull rope to start the snow blower went up on us right in the very beginning.

Here's what makes it a really cool story though. This morning I received a call from a gentleman, (who would like to remain anonymous) who has a very large repair shop. He reads Salisbury News every day and heard of the problem we had at the very end of our day yesterday. He called early this morning to tell me he can fix the problem this weekend at no charge.

So you see Folks, Paying It Forward ALWAYS pays off! Over the last two years we have had carburetor problems and he's going to fix that as well. So the next time it snows we'll be ready to go once again.