DELEGATE RON GEORGE SIGNS PLEDGE TO NOT RAISE ANY TAXES

Annapolis, MD – Republican Candidate for Governor, Delegate Ron George (R-Annapolis) signed a pledge to not raise any taxes as governor. George also promised to cut taxes, and he challenged all candidates to make the same pledge.

“Our economy will not grow unless our citizens and business can keep more money to spend and invest as fits their needs,” said Mr. George.

Delegate George was recognized last week as the Marine Trade Associations Legislator of the Year for his successful work to cut the state’s high boat excise tax which had hurt the entire industry.

GUN-RIGHTS RALLYGOERS DEFY LOCAL LAW, CONFRONT ‘POLICE STATE’ ACTIONS

Protesters showed up to a gun-rights rally in Erie, Pa., with their firearms out in the open—purposely defying a local ordinance that prohibits guns at city parks.

“We are American patriots, and we are a force to be reckoned with!” yelled Pastor George Cook of North Bangor, Pa. (350 miles away) at the Perry Square park gazebo Saturday, WSEE-TV reports.

“First, our constitution…says that the right of people to bear arms in defense of themselves and the state shall not be questioned,” said Cook. ”The preemption clause in our state law…says that local towns like Erie can’t make other laws concerning firearms.” 
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DEBUNKING The Bush And Obama Administrations’ Justification For Mass Surveillance

Preface: The Bush and Obama administrations both claimed that spying on Americans was justified by 9/11. Specifically, they said that they could have caught one of the 9/11 hijackers living in San Diego if they could have spied on phone calls on American soil.

However - as demonstrated below - that claim is totally false.

ProPublica notes:
In defending the NSA’s sweeping collection of Americans’ phone call records, Obama administration officials have repeatedly pointed out how it could have helped thwart the 9/11 attacks: If only the surveillance program been in place before Sept. 11, 2001, U.S. authorities would have been able to identify one of the future hijackers who was living in San Diego [named Khalid al Mihdhar].

Last weekend, former Vice President Dick Cheney invoked the same argument.

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‘Blair Witch’ Director Wants To Shoot Film In Abandoned Frederick Mall

FREDERICK, Md. (AP) — A horror movie director wants to shoot a film in an abandoned mall in Frederick.

Director Eduardo Sanchez lives in Urbana and made Burkittsville famous with “The Blair Witch Project” in 1999. He tells The Frederick News-Post that he’s developing a screenplay set in the cavernous, empty Frederick Towne Mall.

Cal Glorioso, director of the Frederick Film Office, is trying to negotiate a deal between Sanchez and Rockwood Capital, which owns the property and is trying to redevelop it.
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Vanderwende's Creamery In Bridgeville

Hey Joe,

We all scream for ice cream from Vanderwende's Creamery about 4 miles west of Bridgeville, De. on Rt. 404. Always a line but worth the weight!

IRS SENT $46 MILLION IN TAX REFUNDS TO 23,994 ‘UNAUTHORIZED’ ALIENS — ALL AT THE SAME ADDRESS IN ATLANTA

The IRS sent more than $46 million in tax refunds to 23,994 “unauthorized” alien workers who all listed the same address in Atlanta, Ga., in 2011, according to an audit report by the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA).

However, the Atlanta address that received millions of dollars in refunds was not the only address apparently housing thousands of “unauthorized” aliens. In fact, it wasn’t even the only address in Atlanta that was claiming such a situation.

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2 Cannons Raised From Blackbeard's Ship

BEAUFORT, N.C.

Blackbeard's ship has surrendered more of its historical treasures.

The Daily News of Jacksonville reports that two cannons were raised from the wreck of the Queen Anne's Revenge off the coast of Carteret County on Thursday.

A dive expedition at the site this month had hoped to bring up eight cannons. But efforts were hampered by bad weather until Thursday.

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Clint Eastwood And A 1-Sentence Editorial

This one sentence editorial appeared in the  Peoria,  Ill. Journal Star  . . . . .   "A pen in the hand of this president is far more dangerous than a gun in the hands of 200 million law-abiding citizens."   Then Clint Eastwood added his words  . . . . .   "We Americans are so tired of being thought of as dumbasses by the rest of the world that we went to the polls this past November and removed all doubt."   Clint Eastwood --

Massive Turnover In Legislature Expected, With Howard County A Prime Example

Massive turnover in the legislature is expected in the 2014 election, with at least a third of the 188 Maryland General Assembly seats changing, and as many as 50 members turning over in the House of Delegates alone.

Nowhere is the upheaval more dramatic than in Howard County, where two-thirds of its seats are up for grabs: two of three Senate seats and six of nine delegate seats.

These changes have already led to the announcement or filing of more candidates for Howard County legislative districts by non-incumbents than any other area in the state.
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This Is What 66 Years Of Love Sounds Like

GO HERE to listen.

Young People Should Say No To Obamacare

Starting in 2014, Obamacare will attempt to get almost every American to obtain health insurance. The system desperately needs healthy young people, millions of whom don’t have health insurance, to sign up because their money is needed to subsidize treatment for older, sicker Americans. But will they?

Young people will be asked to buy policies that don’t reflect the low risk they have of getting sick. Obamacare allows health insurers to vary premiums based on age, but they can charge older customers only up to three times as much as healthy young customers, while most insurers have as much as a five- or six-to-one ratio. This means lower prices for older (and wealthier) folks, but high prices for the young. “They’ll have sticker shock,” House budget chairman Paul Ryan told me.

Indeed, the law will require four out of five young Americans to pay more than they otherwise would for health coverage — yet another form of generational theft from young to old that ought to sour young people on government “help.”

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FREE STUFF

Obama Comments 'Unlawful Command Influence'

Two defendants in military sexual assault cases cannot be punitively discharged, if found guilty, because of “unlawful command influence” derived from comments made by President Barack Obama, a judge ruled in a Hawaii military court this week.

Navy Judge Cmdr. Marcus Fulton ruled during pretrial hearings in two sexual assault cases -- U.S. vs. Johnson and U.S. vs. Fuentes -- that comments made by Obama as commander in chief would unduly influence any potential sentencing, according to a court documents obtained by Stars and Stripes.

On Wednesday and Thursday, Fulton approved the pretrial defense motions, which used as evidence comments that Obama made about sexual assault at a May 7 news conference.

“The bottom line is: I have no tolerance for this,” Obama said, according to an NBC News story submitted as evidence by defense attorneys in the sexual assault cases.

‘I expect consequences,” Obama added. “So I don’t just want more speeches or awareness programs or training, but ultimately folks look the other way. If we find out somebody’s engaging in this, they’ve got to be held accountable -- prosecuted, stripped of their positions, court martialed, fired, dishonorably discharged. Period.”

The judge’s pretrial ruling means that if either defendant is found guilty, whether by a jury or a military judge, they cannot receive a bad conduct discharge or a dishonorable discharge. Sailors found guilty under the Uniform Code of Military Justice’s Article 120, which covers several sexual crimes including assault and rape, generally receive punitive discharges.

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Christina Denny Named Miss Maryland

HAGERSTOWN, Md. —Christina Denny has won the Miss Maryland pageant and will compete for the crown of Miss America in September.

Pageant business manager Courtney Thomas says the 22-year-old Denny represented western Maryland in the competition Saturday night in Hagerstown. Denny won both swimsuit and talent competitions in the preliminary rounds. It was her third time competing in the Miss Maryland pageant.

Denny is a teacher at Echelon Academy in Olney, a school for children with learning disabilities. She teaches students between 6th and 10th grades.
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More Big Brother Lies Exposed

U.S. President Barack Obama and other federal leaders have assured the public that the government is not listening to their phone calls or accessing their private electronic information without a warrant. But according to The (U.K.) Guardian – the paper which has been leading the effort to expose the Obama administration’s massive domestic spying network – that isn’t the case.

In July 2009, U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder (no stranger to domestic spying) submitted a pair of documents to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court (FISA) outlining the parameters of the administration’s snooping program.

“The documents show that even under authorities governing the collection of foreign intelligence from foreign targets, (domestic) communications can still be collected, retained and used,” The Guardian reported.

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BREAKING NEWS: US REVOKES NSA LEAKER'S PASSPORT

The United States revokes NSA leaker Edward Snowden's passport, a source confirms to Fox News.

DEF Ribbon Cutting

The Delmarva Education Foundation celebrated the opening of its new office in the Tri-County Council Building in Salisbury with a May 21 ribbon cutting hosted by the Salisbury Area Chamber of Commerce. Executive Director Rota Knott (center) cut the ribbon with help from (front from left) Chamber President Brad Gillis and DEF board members Bill Wyatt, Vernon Rivers, Kat Harting, DEF President Mike Pennington, and DEF consultant Michael Nugent. Also on hand for the ribbon cutting were DEF board members Virgil Shockley and Gains Hawkins, Worcester County Commissioner Louise Gulyas, Delegate Rudy Cane, DEF college access advisors Linda Jagusiak, Lawrence Di Re and Rhonda Elswick, and dozens of DEF supporters. DEF is a non-profit that helps students in Worcester, Wicomico and Somerset counties find money for college.

Our office has moved. Please note that our new address is: 31901 Tri-County Way, Suite 118, Salisbury, MD 21804.

A Letter To The Editor: Community Players Are Great For Salisbury Community

We saw Wizard of Oz by community players and it was wonderful. Really enjoyed it. Community Players are great for Salisbury Community. A real positive break from all the scandals....

Judge Prohibits Prosecution Audio Experts From Testifying On Screams In 911 Call In Zimmerman Trial

The judge in the murder trial of George Zimmerman said Saturday that prosecution audio experts who point to Trayvon Martin as screaming on a 911 calls moments before he was killed won't be allowed to testify at trial.

Judge Debra Nelson's written ruling was released Saturday. She had heard argument during a multiday hearing on whether to allow testimony from two prosecution experts. One expert ruled out Zimmerman as the screamer and another said it was Martin. A defense expert argued there was not enough audio to determine who the screams are coming from. Zimmerman's attorneys also argued that the state experts' analysis is flawed.

The screams are crucial pieces of evidence because they could determine who the aggressor was in the confrontation. Martin's family contends it was the teen screaming, while Zimmerman's father has said it was his son.

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Paula Deen

Millsboro Woman Charged With 6th Offense DUI After Fleeing Crash

Location:
Plaza Drive, Long Neck, DE

Date of Occurrence:
Friday, June 21, 2013 at 4:00 p.m.

Defendant/Charges/Bond Information:
Deborah E. Pettyjohn-59 of Millsboro, DE (photo attached)
6th Offense Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol
Leaving the Scene of Property Collision Accident
Driving While Suspended or Revoked
Failure to Provide Information at Collision Scene
Failure to report a Collision Involving Alcohol or Drugs
Committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on $6,250 Cash Bond

Resume:
Longneck-Troopers have arrested and charged Deborah E. Pettyjohn-59 of Millsboro, DE for 6th Offense Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol after fleeing the scene of a crash in Long Neck, DE.

The incident occurred on Friday, June 21, 2013 at approximately 4:00 p.m. as Troopers responded to Plaza Drive in the area of the McDonald’s Restaurant in Long Neck for a report of a crash involving two vehicles in which one fled. The investigation revealed that a Ford Ranger operated by a female later identified as Deborah E. Pettyjohn exited the rear entrance of the McDonald’s Restaurant onto Plaza Drive, striking the driver’s side of a vehicle traveling eastbound. The Ford Ranger then fled the area. The operator and passenger in the second vehicle were not injured as a result of the collision and were able to provide registration information for the Ford Ranger.

Troopers responded to the residence of the registered owner located in Millsboro, DE and observed the Ford Ranger with front end damage parked in the driveway. Troopers contacted Pettyjohn and after further investigation connected her to the crash and charged her with her 6th Offense of Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol and related traffic offenses. Pettyjohn had five prior DUI convictions: 030491 (x2), 061997, 032708, and 062309.

Pettyjohn was committed to Sussex Correctional Institution for lack of $6,250 Cash Bond.

Now It's Muslim Lawyers Demanding Obama's Arrest

President Obama has appointed Muslims to high U.S. government positions, once declared America no longer Christian, is working on direct talks with the Taliban and has plans to hand over weapons to Muslims in Syria.

He has also advocated for the “Arab Spring” movement that has put hard-line Islamic leaders in power in the Middle East.

None of that, however, is good enough for a Muslim Lawyers Association based in South Africa.

Members there are taking that nation’s National Prosecuting Authority to court for refusing to make plans to arrest Obama when he visits South Africa in a few weeks. The Africa trip is expected to cost U.S. taxpayers $60 million to $100 million
Read more

Md. Sex Offender Gets Name Removed From List

WASHINGTON - The door has been opened to the possibility that the names of hundreds of sex offenders could be removed from the Maryland registry.

A former junior high school teacher was convicted in 2006 of child sex abuse, but he's succeeded in getting his name removed from the state registry of sex offenders.

His legal victory could pave the way for others.

Robert Merle Haines Jr., 53, pleaded guilty in 2006 to child sex abuse that he committed in 1984. He has successfully argued that his name should not be on the sex offender list because it was created in 1995, after he committed his crime. In March, the state Supreme Court agreed, but the corrections department kept his name on the list.
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My Hometown Fanatics: Stacey Dooley Investigates (Muslim Extremists Luton

A Letter To The Editor By Steven Rumney 6-19-13

PRMC executives receiving million dollar salaries, huge raises and profit incentives at “Not-for-Profit” hospital!

Alan Newberry

Peggy Naleppa

Alan Newberry

Compensation of $1.57 million for fiscal year 07/01/10 to 06/30/11; PRMC tax return for that period does not indicate ANY hours worked. He received $3.6 million in total compensation over the three years (07/01/08-06/30/11) with status in all but six months as “Retired CEO”

Peggy Naleppa

Compensation of $797,212 for fiscal year 07/01/10-06/30/11, about $383/hour. Her salary increased 52.9% in the two years from 07/01/09-06/30/11.

Non-profit hospitals are established with the purpose of providing service to the community and to allow donors to make tax-deductible donations. All Maryland acute care hospitals have “not-for-profit” status under IRS 501(c)(3) code which makes them totally exempt from paying income, property and sales tax. This tax-free status is afforded to hospitals in return for “Community Benefit”. All earnings from the non-profit hospital must be reinvested to improve quality and care of the hospital and is used to fund “Community Benefit” programs including Health profession education, Charity Care (more about this later), mission driven health services, and community health services. 

All spending from the non-profit must be consistent with its charitable goals and that is why disclosure of the compensation packages for executives at these Non-profit hospitals often results in shock and outrage from members of the community and potential donors. Executive pay at these Non-profits must meet the IRS criteria of being “reasonable”. But what is “reasonable”? I think it would be informative to examine the specifics of the compensation structure for executives at Peninsula Regional Medical Center (PRMC). All data has been obtained from publicly available Form 990 corporate tax returns.

PRMC has established the mission statement “To improve the health of the communities we serve” and this is a fine goal indeed but let’s put this in context. Allen Newberry the former hospital CEO earned $1.568 million for the Year Ending (Y/E) 06/30/11 as recorded in the applicable PRMC tax return; and he was not listed as having worked ANY hours! (Found on Form 990, Part VII Section A).

Over the three year period of July 1, 2008 to June 30, 2011 Newberry received compensation of almost $3.6 million with all but six months of this period as a “former CEO”. I have a hard time connecting this incredible compensation for a retired CEO with the hospital’s stated goal to “Improve the health of the communities we serve”. What citizen(s) of our community benefited from this money other than Mr. Newberry himself? Whose health was “improved”?

Peggy Naleppa, the current PRMC CEO also had a very good year in fiscal year 2011. In addition to clearing the table by winning almost every local business, civic, leadership and humanitarian award possible she was compensated quite well by the hospital. 

Naleppa’s compensation as reported on the PRMC 990 return was $797,212 for the Y/E 06/30/11; an increase of almost 53% over the two years ending 06/30/11! In fact ALL top PRMC executives received huge increases in their compensation. A review of the publically available PRMC tax return for the tax Y/E 06/30/11revealed that the combined compensation of five top PRMC executives: Newberry, Naleppa, Cindy Lunsford (COO), Thomas Lawrence (former VP Medical Affairs), and Bruce Ritchie (CFO) increased by 33.2% over the previous year!

The large increase in compensation for PRMC executives contrasts quite sharply with the compensation increases seen by the typical PRMC employee. A calculation of the average hospital salary (using the hospital’s reported “Salaries and other compensation”, line 15 of Form 990 Part I, divided by the reported number of employees, line 5) yields an average employee salary of $53,381 for Y/E 06/30/11 and $52,510 for Y/E 06/30/10 when the top eight most highly compensated executives are removed from the calculation for each year. This means that while the executive team was receiving quite attractive increases during the same period the increase in average compensation for the three thousand remaining hospital employees was a very modest 1.7%. This suggests nothing more than a cost-of-living increase.

In addition the compensation package for some PRMC executives includes membership dues to Health and social clubs (Part IV, Question 12) completely financed with your charitable contributions, tax dollars and insurance premiums. These are not expensive perks but they may present an image problem. It would indicate that the hard economic times experienced by most of the nation have not found their way into the PRMC corporate boardroom! Also it should be recognized that last year while the executive pay at PRMC was soaring the hospital was busy filing lawsuits against more than 2,200 citizens who were unable to pay their medical bills; about six each and every day!

To be sure PRMC executives are not alone in being well compensated. A review of the publicly available set of tax returns (Y/E 06/30/10) for more than 40 Maryland general hospitals revealed that the average hospital CEO salary was about $758,413. And there are a lot of hospital executives who are millionaires. In the same period Maryland hospitals listed 25 executives with annual compensation of over $1 million!

Most Not-for-Profit institutions typically rely heavily on tax deductible contributions from supporters to fund their operations (and also validate their tax-free status) but contributions are a very small component of the PRMC revenue stream. The PRMC tax return for

Y/E 06/30/11 reported that revenue derived from contributions, gifts and grants (Form 990 Part VIII, line 1h) totaled only $173,096 a mere 0.04% of income! Sadly the compensation paid Newberry is more than nine times the revenue from all contributions! Other hospitals do rely more on contributions. The tax return for Atlantic General Hospital for the same period (Y/E 05/30/11) indicates revenue from contributions was more than $1.2 million (about 7 times more than PRMC) which constituted 1.4% of total revenue and more than three times their CEO compensation.

Another disturbing fact found on the PRMC tax return is that the hospital has an executive compensation and incentive program based on the profits of the institution! Part III Schedule J of Form 990 states the following: 

“Officers and key employees of Peninsula Regional Medical Center are paid compensation based on the net earnings activity of the Medical Center and Peninsula Regional Health System.” 

Additionally on Schedule J Part I, Question 6a there is the following question:
 
“Did the organization pay or accrue any compensation contingent on the net earnings of the organization?” 

The response in the tax return is “yes”. 

Something just doesn’t seem right. Why should PRMC, a “Not for profit” institution have an executive bonus incentive program based on profits? Maybe I am confused but I thought their institutional goal was to improve health not improve profits! Remember that Non-profits must spend surplus funds on services and programs. I have only found one other hospital in MD that also has a similar incentive plan. 

This brings up another tough question. What is the measure of performance and compensation for the CEO of a non-profit hospital? In one of the most comprehensive studies on the subject the New Hampshire Center for Policy Studies recently concluded that “there is virtually no correlation between hospital CEO pay and either quality or cost”. Instead the study found that the CEO pay more closely correlates with the size of the institution. Locally what performance metric is used to determine the compensation for a CEO like Naleppa? Is it how well she does in leading the hospital in providing community benefits or is it how successful she is in adding new wings to the hospital, expanding the span and reach of the Peninsula Regional Health System or eliminating all competition? 

It suggests to me that PRMC has an aggressive plan to strangle any competition and achieve complete monopoly position on all health care services either by buying out independent practices and bringing them under the umbrella of the Peninsula Regional Health System or simply putting them out of business. It has been suggested that PRMC has restricted referrals to independent (competing) health care providers; a very strong arm and anti-competitive tactic, potentially infringing on anti-trust law. This might suggest that the executives at PRMC think it is more important to further strengthen their provider monopoly than to provide an opportunity for sick and ill patients to find alternative treatment options. If this is true it is deplorable!

The Peninsula Regional Health System (PRHS) now contains 75 providers in 12 different specialties and is still growing. I don’t see how the market domination by one extremely large provider and a lack of choice in alternative providers will “improve the health” of our community and I can’t understand why the state allows such obvious anti-competitive practices. What I do know is that when these formerly for-profit health care providers become part of the PRHS they become immune from property and income tax, putting more pressure on other local businesses to pick up the shortfall. Also as the revenue of the PRHS increases we may expect to see further increases in executive compensation.

Other than requiring specific reporting guidelines there are no quantitative thresholds required by the IRS on community benefits such as charity care. The state of Maryland doesn’t seem interested in challenging the tax-free status of any hospital. What makes high executive pay all the more disturbing is the fact that in Maryland the “Charity care” component of “Community Benefit” provided by not-for-profit hospitals is really not charity at all. Maryland is the only state where prices for medical procedures at hospitals are determined by a rate-setting committee. The Maryland State Health Services Cost Review Commission (HSCRC) has established the rates that MD hospitals can charge for procedures for all payers including Medicare, Medicaid and the private insured for over thirty years. Uncompensated care, discounted care and even bad debt are all taken into account when the state sets the rate the hospital can charge for procedures. The hospital rate is allowed to increase to cover these previous losses. So where is the “Community Benefit” here? I am sure there are many private businesses that would like to have the state clear up their bad debt!

The question over hospital executive compensation is not only a national issue but we have the same concerns right here in our community. Only state legislators and an outcry from the public may affect any change. Jay Hancock (Kaiser Health Care News, formerly of the Baltimore Sun) recently stated: 

“Hospitals aren't Goldman Sachs. They're not Stanley Black & Decker or Microsoft, either. They're nonprofits, getting charitable donations and huge government subsidies beyond all the loot they rake in from Medicare and Medicaid. If the newly required disclosures on the IRS "Form 990" put pressure on hospital boards and CEOs to tone it down, it's about time.” 

I believe the public deserves to be informed of the facts and somehow PRMC needs to be held accountable for how our local hospital chooses to spend its abundant and growing supply of tax-free money. If you agree with me and find this information disturbing and frustrating as I do, I urge and encourage you to appeal to our legislators on both the state and federal level or contact the hospital board directly expressing your disappointment. 

Someone has to be accountable and answer why this situation is the way it is.

Should Salisbury Taxpayers Be Outraged?

While there are some people out there who seem to be frustrated that the old Fire Station 16 in Downtown Salisbury has been sitting vacant for the past 5 years, there are others even more frustrated that Mayor Jim Ireton and Council President Jake Day are proposing to pretty much give away taxpayer owned assets. 

I understand that we need something to spark some kind of excitement to get things going in order to revitalize Downtown Salisbury but let's look at the history for a moment.

I don't want to beat a dead horse but if you'll recall, I personally offered $250,000.00 for this building many years ago. Former Mayor Barrie Tilghman and the City Council then created new legislation in order to block any chance of my being able to purchase the property. Councilman Gary Comegys publicly stated he would not allow Joe Albero to purchase that building.

They did what is called a drive by appraisal and even with that they determined the property was worth, (as I recall) around $300,000.00+.

Years later they did a formal appraisal and learned the property was worth around $700,000.00+. After a Council Work Session they are now entertaining a purchase from "G-Plus" for somewhere around, (ARE YOU READY) $70,000.00. They want to create a visual and performing arts center on the ground floor and apartments on the upper level. 

After Palmer Gillis offered $100,000.00 for the property a few years ago I again publicly stated I would pay $110,000.00 but the powers to be wouldn't even discuss my purchasing the property. 

Win or lose, when I ran for Mayor I introduced several packages in which we felt could ignite interest in revitalizing Downtown Salisbury. Because Mayor Ireton wants everything to be HIS IDEA, he's not even entertaining some of these ideas to move the City in the right direction. Look, I'm NOT saying every idea I proposed was the best idea. I'm simply saying there's a right way and a wrong way to do things. Giving away taxpayer assets is NOT the answer. 

You MUST have at least one business that will draw the public to Downtown Salisbury. IF your going to GIVE away a property like this and since they created legislation demanding the City have a say in what you can or can't put in that building, WHAT THE HELL ARE IRETON AND DAY DOING? Put a Starbucks there! A Chic-Fil-A. Put something in there that would EXCITE a big investor. 

I really think the taxpayers are being snowballed and once again, (with all due respect) G-Plus is connected to Palmer Gillis. I say all due respect because the man has taken incredible investment risks and like him or not, not many other people are stepping up who are willing to not only make huge investments in revitalizing properties but investors who have the resources to fill the space and make it work.

My personal beef is as mentioned above.  Get a nucleus business in there that will draw people Downtown. IF your going to GIVE something away, GET SOMETHING BACK IN RETURN. 

Delmar Delaware Divorces Delmar Maryland

The Greatest Show On Earth came to Delmar last night in an incredible Town Council Meeting between two Towns and two States.

The main topic last night, Salisbury News.

Police Chief Saylor showed up for the first time in a decade wearing a suit and tie, expecting the Press to be there. The greatest show, we don't have a crime or drug problem in Delmar. Clearly the show was planned in advance and several people were not happy with what was being said. Why, because it's just not true.

"The leaks stop now", Mayor Houlihan stated. One person was reported as saying, no free press. Imagine that, telling the TRUTH. 

Our article last week stirred the pot like there's no tomorrow and the Delaware Mayor was not happy at all. He claimed his business was attacked on the Blog.  I guess being called a slumlord is considered an attack and public figures are to be held to a different standard.

Mayor Houlihan threw a fit last night saying that someone from the Maryland side leaked information to Salisbury News, implying it was Commissioners. It always amazes me how public figures become psychics and can identify who said what to whom. A little side note to the Mayor, you have many more enemies who disagree with you than you realize. 

Here's the kicker. Mayor Houlihan and the Delmar Delaware Council have chosen to divorce themselves from the Maryland Council and Mayor. They will now hold private Town Hall Meetings, rather than the standard scheduled joint Council Meetings. So much for the TRUTH and TRANSPARENCY. Last night the lies to the public implying there's no crime problem or heroin problem in Delmar is just a joke.

I'll personally attend the next Council Meeting to discuss the multiple problems with STUDENTS attending High School with drug issues on the Eastern Shore. We'll discuss the burglary statistics and other crime spreading from other outlying areas into Delmar. 

No Mayor Houlihan, I'll not allow you to publicly attack Salisbury News and imply we're not telling the TRUTH. You can dress the Chief of Police up in a suit and tie and point fingers elsewhere but Salisbury News is a much more powerful source than you ever dreamed of . We call this kind of Show putting lipstick on a pig, pardon the pun. 

Taxpayers have every right to know the TRUTH. Instead, (as shown last night) you can dress everyone else up and stage a Show for the rest of the Media who will simply publish what you SAY. We, however, deliver the facts and statistics. Delmar has a major growing problem. The Maryland side seems to recognize this problem and from what I can see wants to be PROACTIVE about hitting it head on. 

Houlihan is ticked off because we exposed his lies about shutting down the Safe Streets Program. He's upset because we called him out and he NEVER thought tens of thousands of people that follow Salisbury News each day would respond like they did in our previous article HERE. He's ticked off because he was exposed for walking out of a meeting because a Maryland Council Member called him out for taking away over $30,000.00 promised to the Police Department. 

You can divorce and divide both Council's but when the next meeting comes around I will expose the statistics, just as we did years ago in Salisbury when that Mayor and Chief of Police went into denial until we provided PROOF. I'll help all of you to remember. Salisbury is the 4th most dangerous city, (per capita) in America. REMEMBER that Folks?  Don't let Delmar fall into the same gutter.

SEXUAL HARASSMENT {UNDERWEAR SHOWING}

Mr Mayor,I have been visiting OCMD x 7 yrs and have been disgusted with Teen/Adults walking around the town with there pants half way down EXPOSING there underwear, I have been hearing there has been an on going problem with this in Not only OCMD but NJ too, I have a 6 y/o boy and visit OC every summer for most of the events, I think it is inappropriate for Teens and Adults to be walking around town showing there underwear I consider this Sexual Harassment and something needs to be done about it, I talked to numerous council members which the majority of them support some kind of Enforcement and law, I am for supporting anyone's rights, but the scale is being Tipped and Is NOT fair to others who see this ongoing Nonsense, I hope you take myself and others feeling about this situation serious as I am sure i can speak for others too that we love OCMD and want to see it prosper in a good light not a Negative Light.
Thank You.
Paul Adams

A Letter To The Editor: Fruitland Taxes

Dear Joe. 

I was wondering if you could inform people or find out how Fruitland got their new taxes passed. The value of my house went from 240k to 176k an my taxes are higher. I spoke to a lady at the city office and she told me the rate went from .80 per 100$ to .96 per 100$. That's 16 cents or 20%. How they got away with such a drastic increase is beyond me. Thanks

Wicomico School System Feeds Children In Summer Food Service Program

The Food Service Department of Wicomico County Public Schools will once again participate in the Summer Food Service Program, with funding support from the Maryland State Department of Education through the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

When schools are not in session, many children do not have access to the good nutrition that school cafeterias provide during the normal school year. The Summer Food Service Program is designed specifically to fill the nutrition gap for children of low-income families when schools are not in session.

Meals will be provided from June 17-Aug. 2 on all weekdays except July 4. Meals are available to all children without charge. Acceptance and participation requirements for the program and all activities are the same for all regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability, and there will be no discrimination in the course of the meal service.

The Summer Food Service Program of Wicomico Schools includes lunch service at three park playgrounds, and breakfast and lunch service at the Christian Shelter and Wicomico County Housing Authority.

Meals will be served at the sites and times as follows:

The Christian Shelter, 334 Barclay St., Salisbury
Breakfast: 8:30 a.m.
Lunch: 12 p.m.

Wicomico County Housing Authority, 911 Booth St., Salisbury
Breakfast: 8:30 a.m.
Lunch: 11:30 a.m.

Indian Village Playground (Wicomico County Recreation and Parks)
Lunch: Noon

Emerson Holloway Playground (Wicomico County Recreation and Parks)
Lunch: Noon

Doverdale Playground (Wicomico County Recreation and Parks)
Lunch: Noon

Snacks will also be served in connection with the media center summer programs at the following schools: Pemberton, Pinehurst, Delmar and Prince Street elementary schools. A snack will be served at 11:30 a.m. June 24-July 25.

Please contact the Food Service Department of Wicomico County Public Schools at 410-677-4442 for more information.

Ocean City Prepares For July 4 Parking Switch At Inlet Lot

With the Fourth of July less than two weeks away, resort officials are confident in their preparations for what may well be the city’s greatest possible experiment in traffic logistics.

“It’s the first time we’ve done this, so there will always be something to learn, but we’re hoping it will go smoothly,” said city Communications Manager Jessica Waters, in regards to the plan to charge a $50 flat fee, upon entry, for Fourth of July parking at the inlet lot.

The plan was approved earlier this year by the City Council on the suggestion of City Engineer Terry McGean, who explained that he was less concerned about the rate and more concerned about solving the logistical nightmare that occurs every Independence Day following the city’s downtown fireworks show.
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Maryland State Troopers Running Radar

Five Maryland State Troopers are running radar on Rt. 50 east bound in Worcester County. 

Food Network Drops Paula Deen

Paula Deen, the self-proclaimed queen of Southern cooking and a sugary mainstay of the Food Network, was dropped by the network on Friday, after a bewildering day in which she failed to show up for an interview on the “Today” show and then in two online videos begged her family and audience to forgive her for using racist language.More

1: Team Arpaio: We Have Two 1961 Hawaii Birth Certificates

The Rumor About PRMC Having All Of The Commenters Names Is A Lie

Yesterday I received a call from a viewer telling me that a relative of someone very high up at PRMC told one of their employees that their Boss was on the "sh!t list" now. They explained how this person expressed that the Police were now involved and investigating every single person who wrote comments on Salisbury News.

They went on the say that they had the names of all of the people and charges were to follow. TALK ABOUT A COMPLETE LOAD OF CRAP!

PRMC may be a big employer in Salisbury but let me assure you, NO ONE ever did or said anything illegal. The rumor being spread could come back and bite that person and others because at least one person is considering a lawsuit. 

If YOU have heard something similar, trust me, PRMC cannot access IP Addresses. Google would tell them to shove it. 

The Police and States Attorney are very honorable people. I have been at this for 9 years now and even they have admitted, I know my boundaries better than ANYONE else out there and I have NEVER crossed that line. None of you have either. That is, none of those comments that might cross that line get published. 

You have to THREATEN someone's life to get investigated and even if you do that in Maryland it's not a criminal offense. Saying you don't like someone. Saying you disagree or that you are disgusted with people having sex on the job is your First Amendment Right. It is NOT illegal. It is not criminal. Therefore NO POLICE will get involved. The threat from this relative backing PRMC is a LIE.

OCPD is Ready for Summer!

Over 100 seasonal officers are in place, four new full-time officers have recently graduated from the Eastern Shore Criminal Jusitce Academy and we will be welcoming newly appointed Chief Ross Buzzuro on July 2. Ocean City Police Department is ready for summer and ready to keep the residents and visitors of Ocean City safe during the summer months and throughout the year.

PRIEST’S EXCORIATING OPEN LETTER TO NANCY PELOSI: RENOUNCE THE FAITH OR COMPLY

Democratic Rep. Nancy Pelosi is openly pro-choice, a stance that, quite obviously, contradicts Catholic teaching. After she recently rebuffed a reporter and used her faith to defend her policy views on abortion, it seems at least one priest is calling for her to either comply with — or renounce Catholicism.

In an open letter, Fr. Frank Pavone, national director for Priests for Life, a pro-life organization, made known his discontent with Pelosi’s most recent comments about abortion.

“Last Thursday, June 13, you were asked a question in a press briefing that you declined to answer. The question was, ‘What is the moral difference between what Dr. Gosnell did to a baby born alive at 23 weeks and aborting her moments before birth?,’” Pavone wrote. “Instead of even attempting to answer the question, you resorted to judgmental ad hominem attacks on the reporter who asked it, saying, ‘You obviously have an agenda. You’re not interested in having an answer.’”
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Lil Wayne: I'm not stepping on US flag in video

NEW YORK (AP) -- Lil Wayne says he wasn't intentionally stepping on the American flag when shooting his latest video.

Video of the rapper from his music video shoot for the song "God Bless Amerika" hit the Web on Monday. In it, he appears to be stepping on top of the American flag. But he said in a Facebook post Tuesday the flag on the ground will not appear in the clip.

He writes it was never his intention "to desecrate the flag of the United States of America."
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A Viewer Writes: Fruitland Police At Border

Seems there is two people, a male and a female being talked to by police, there is 7 squad cars and an 8th one that came up after I took the picture... these must be some dangerous people. Lol

Today's Survey Question 6-20-13

Are You Okay With Sharing 

Your Wi-Fi With Others?

OC Councilman Pushes For Baggy Pants Ordinance Discussion

OCEAN CITY –The issue of cracking down on droopy pants has made its way back into the news in Ocean City as a future discussion contemplating forming a law around the matter has been requested.

On Monday evening, Councilman Brent Ashley asked for a future discussion regarding what is referred to as the “Droopy Pants Ordinance.”

“This past Wednesday the City of Wildwood passed an ordinance establishing decency standards on the Boardwalk,” Ashley said. “I have had many calls from the media, businesses and residents about this ordinance … and I would like to request that we have a discussion about this type of an ordinance at a work session to see what may or might not work for Ocean City along those same lines.”
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JFK Motorcade And Odd Secret Service Behavior - WhoWhatWhy

Congressman Harris: At What Point Do We Protect Human Life?

I’ve helped deliver babies for nearly 30 years, so I was proud to vote tonight in favor of protecting children who are able to feel pain from abortion.

After the horror of Kermit Gosnell, we need to do more to protect women and children.

“If we find [abortion] so horrendous one minute after birth, shouldn’t it be horrendous one minute before birth? And if it’s one minute before birth, how about one week? How about one month? How about two months?” 

I encourage you to WATCH my speech in favor of this important legislation and LIKE if you think more needs to be done to protect women and their children

Delmar Is Freaking Out

We received word this morning that representatives from Delmar are freaking out over yesterday's Post referencing the Delmar Delaware Mayor Houlihan. I was told, "Employees are being threatened with termination". It seems now the tide has shifted from Commissioners to Town Employees.

Yep, leave it to the Good Ol' Boys. It reminds me of Mayor Ireton and the MoJo's situation where everyone was worried about their jobs if they came forward with information on the record. 

That's OK Folks, we always have Salisbury News to get the truth out there anyway. I wonder if they'll run to Matt Maciarello and ask him to pull my phone records again like they did with Ireton's alleged phone spoof? If they do, they'll have a nasty lawsuit on their hands. The last time, Maciarello filed criminal charges against me to get access to my phone records and then immediately dropped the charges once the Judge gave him what he needed. You just have to love how some elected officials abuse their power. Let's just hope they're listening this time.

Town Of Ocean City Announces New Police Chief

After conducting a national search, which resulted in dozens of qualified candidates, the Town of Ocean City is pleased to welcome Lieutenant Colonel Ross Buzzuro to the position of Chief of Police. The position became vacant in January 2013, when 25-year Town of Ocean City employee, Chief Bernadette DiPino, retired.

As Chief of Police, Buzzuro will oversee the department, which consists of nearly 100 full time officers, 100 seasonal officers and approximately 20 civilian employees. In addition, his responsibilities will include developing and implementing law enforcement initiatives and crime prevention strategies, creating organization and community partnerships, overseeing operational commands and managing a multi-million dollar budget.

“On behalf of the City Council, I am very pleased to welcome Chief Buzzuro to Ocean City,” said Mayor Rick Meehan. “We had a number of very qualified candidates apply for the position and this was a very tough decision to make, however; Chief Buzzuro’s knowledge, experience and leadership stood out amongst the rest. I am confident he will be a great asset to the citizens in the community, the members of the Ocean City Police Department, as well as the future of Ocean City.”

Chief Buzzuro began his career in law enforcement in 1985, as a police cadet in Baltimore City. He worked his way through the ranks, serving as a sergeant, detective lieutenant, deputy major, major and eventually being named lieutenant colonel in 2007. A graduate from the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s National Academy and the University of Maryland’s Fire & Rescue Institute, Chief Buzzuro has been a commander within the Baltimore City’s Special Enforcement Section, Patrol Division, Criminal Investigation Division, and Internal Investigations Division. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Management from John Hopkins University and is known for improving operations, effectively managing resources and strengthening relationships.

Buzzuro is expected to begin his new position on July 2. “I am honored to serve the residents and visitors of Ocean City as Chief of Police,” said Chief Buzzuro. “As Chief, I understand a key component of public safety is partnering with the community and understanding the dynamic of Ocean City’s unique environment. I look forward to accomplishing public safety through teamwork, professionalism, and discipline of the fine men and women who serve the Ocean City Police Department.”

ASTONISHING PHOTOS: ‘THE MUSLIM BROTHERHOOD HAS TURNED CAIRO INTO A DYSTOPIA’

It’s one thing to hear and read about the deteriorating situation in Egypt under the rule of the Muslim Brotherhood — it’s another thing to actually see it.

While visiting Cairo in March 2013, Business Insider’s Robert Johnson talked to disillusioned Egyptians who say conditions are worse than ever. He also captured the scene in a number of stunning photos.


“Thugs often run the streets, crime rates have skyrocketed, and police feel they’re outgunned, faced with the flood of weapons filling Cairo’s streets,” Johnson writes. “Making matters worse, everything from utilities to gasoline is both more expensive and more difficult to acquire than it was before the Muslim Brotherhood.”
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I NEVER KNEW THIS ABOUT JAPAN

Have you ever read in the newspaper that a political leader or a
prime minister from an Islamic nation has visited Japan ?Have you ever come across news that the Ayatollah of Iran or the King of Saudi Arabia or even a Saudi Prince has visited Japan ?Japan is a country keeping Islam at bay. Japan has put strict 
restrictions on Islam and ALL Muslims.The reasons are :

1) Japan is the only nation that does not give citizenship to Muslims.2) In Japan permanent residency is not given to Muslims.
3) There is a strong ban on the propagation of Islam in Japan .4) In the University of Japan , Arabic or any Islamic language is not 
taught.5) One cannot import a 'Koran' published in the Arabic language.
6) According to data published by the Japanese government, it has 
given temporary residency to only 2 lakhs, Muslims, who must follow the Japanese Law of the Land. These Muslims should speak Japanese and carry their religious rituals in their homes.7) Japan is the only country in the world that has a negligible 
number of embassies in Islamic countries.8) Japanese people are not attracted to Islam at all.
9) Muslims residing in Japan are the employees of foreign companies.
10) Even today, visas are not granted to Muslim doctors, engineers or managers sent by foreign companies.11) In the majority of companies it is stated in their regulations 
that no Muslims should apply for a job.12) The Japanese government is of the opinion that Muslims are 
fundamentalist and even in the era of globalization they are not
willing to change their Muslim laws.13) Muslims cannot even think about renting a house in Japan .
14) If anyone comes to know that his neighbour is a Muslim then the 
whole neighbourhood stays alert.15) No one can start an Islamic cell or Arabic 'Madrasa' in Japan .
There is no Sharia law in Japan .
16) If a Japanese woman marries a Muslim then she is considered an outcast forever.17) According to Mr. Kumiko Yagi, Professor of Arab/Islamic Studies at Tokyo University of Foreign Studies , "There is a mind frame in Japan that Islam is a very narrow minded religion and one should stay away from it."My estimation of the Japanese has risen dramatically !

VERY SMART PEOPLE !

Ocean City Names New Police Chief

Ross Buzzuro, veteran Baltimore City Police officer, starts July 2OCEAN CITY — A 28-year veteran of the Baltimore City Police Department has been named Ocean City’s new chief of police.

Lt. Col. Ross Buzzuro, beat out dozens of candidates, including several from within the Ocean City Police Department. He starts July 2.

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Royal Farms Knows How To Run A Professional Business

Dear Mr. Albero,

Thanks for your comments regarding a recent experience at one of our stores pertaining to our Royal Farms chicken. We appreciate that you brought this to our attention and we are sorry that your first experience with our fried chicken was less than excellent. We assure you that your comments are being taken very seriously because Royal Farms wants every person visiting our stores to be a loyal and repeat customer.

Mr.. Albero, it would be helpful if you could let us know which of our more than 150 stores you visited and the date and time of your visit so we may look into the matter more thoroughly. We also would like the opportunity to invite you back so you can experience firsthand how our fresh, never frozen, hand breaded Royal Farms chicken is prepared and to give us a chance for you to give it another try. We assure you that the description you gave for our chicken is not acceptable and that action will be taken to investigate the matter.

Thanks for visiting Royal Farms.

P.S. - We were pleased to notice the many favorable comments about our chicken from many of your own blog readers.

Sincerely,

Ed StronskiMarketing Manager
Royal Farms
3611 Roland Ave
Baltimore, MD 21211

Publishers Notes: It should be noted that I did NOT make any kind of contact with Royal Farms. The above letter came to me after their Marketing Manager read the article on Salisbury News. I had no intention to complain to Royal Farms. Like any other dining experience, sometimes you just hit a bad day/experience. 

Because Royal Farms has proven to be extremely professional and proactive, we will go back to this Royal Farms and try them again. 

I tip my hat to Royal Farms and hope all businesses can learn from this experience.

London's 'Muslim Patrol' Aims To Impose Sharia Law In East London

First Lady Michelle Obama Claims Ritzy Digs During Irish Visit

First lady Michelle Obama is sparing no expense on her trip to Ireland, staying at a $3,300-per-night hotel suite in Dublin.

Irish press reports Monday said Mrs. Obama and her entourage have booked 30 rooms in the five-star Shelbourne hotel. The first lady is said to be staying in the Princess Grace Suite, named for the Hollywood film star and princess who had an attachment to the room.

The suite has two guest bedrooms, a living room and a dining area, according to the hotel’s website. There are four phones, three large televisions, bedding of 100 percent Egyptian cotton, a Nespresso machine and butler service.

The cost of the two-day trip in Ireland and Northern Ireland has been estimated at around $5 million. U.S. taxpayers pay the cost of the first family’s travel.
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Uncovered: 'Obama Phones' Sold To Buy Drugs And Louis Vuittons

O’Malley Tells Liberal Legal Group That His Policies Have Strengthened Maryland

Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley touted a list of his achievements, including the legalization of same-sex marriage and the repeal of the death penalty, during an address Saturday to a national gathering of an influential liberal legal organization.

Speaking to the American Constitution Society’s convention in the District, O’Malley (D) also touched on his efforts to extend in-state college tuition rates to undocumented immigrants, pass “nation-leading” gun-control laws and spend more on an array of priorities, including education and substance-abuse treatment.

Such policies reflect a respect for “equal rights and inclusion” and “the dignity of every individual” and have strengthened his state, the governor said. 
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Milder Temperatures Mean Lower Electric Bills This Summer

With milder weather forecast for June, July and August, the U.S. Energy Information Administration is predicting that Americans will be paying less for electricity this summer than last year. But don't start celebrating yet. The savings will be only $10 on average, enough for a few ice cream cones or cold beers. The average homeowner will still pay $395 to keep the lights on and air conditioning running. To cut costs, follow these tips from our experts.

Switch lightbulbs. CFLs and LEDs use about 75 percent less energy than standard incandescent bulbs and generate about 75 percent less heat per bulb. They also last much, much longer. Each EnergyStar qualified CFL can save you about $6 a year in electrical costs and can pay for itself in savings in a couple of months according to our lightbulb tests. LEDs cost more, but each bulb can save more than $100 in energy costs over its lifetime.

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Secret Service To Dress As Farmers, Ride Tractors To Protect Barack Obama at G8: Report

Secret Service agents are disguising themselves as farmers to protect Barack Obama from terrorist threats at the G8 summit in Northern Ireland.

They have even bought a fleet of tractors ahead of the US President’s arrival tomorrow for the two-day meeting.

The agents’ plan is to pose as local farmers in the sprawling fields around the five-star lakeside hotel complex hosting the huge event.

But locals near the Lough Erne resort reckon it will not take any potential terrorists long to spot the agents — as their sparkling tractors are all brand new.
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Royal Farms Chicken Isn't All That

For years I have heard locals rave about Royal Farms Fried Chicken. This weekend we spent a small fortune on that greasy crap and let me tell you, I was not impressed. The excuses I heard so far was that since it was so fresh when we ordered it, it's greasier than usual, whatever!

My Wife ordered potato salad to complete the meal and when she returned with the package and saw what she was getting for $ .89 each she too couldn't believe her own eyes. Are you serious? Four ounces for almost a buck! 

There is no question about it. I'd rather buy a whole chicken fully cooked at Sam's Club for less than $5.00 than spend $32.00+ on greasy nasty 22 piece chicken from Royal Farms. Never again!

Unusually High Traffic Post

The Crystal Godwin Arrested And Charged With Embezzlement Post has produced 119 comments and an unbelievable amount of traffic for some odd reason. 

Not only that, it has also been the #1 visited article over the past 4 days.

GO FIGURE!

UPDATE FROM WCSO:Incident: Indictment 

Date of Incident: 11 June 2013

Location: 200 block of Craft Street, Salisbury, MD

Suspect: Crystal Godwin, 44, Salisbury, MD

Narrative: On 11 June 2013 at 12:00 PM, a deputy from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office arrested Crystal Godwin of Salisbury on a recently issued Circuit Court Indictment that charged her with theft and embezzlement. 

The deputy transported Godwin to the Central Booking Unit where she was processed and detained in the Detention Center without bond pending an initial appearance in front of a Ciruict Court Judge. 

Charges: Theft Scheme $1,000.00 to $10,000.00 Embezzlement

IMMIGRATION ACTIVISTS MARCH ON KANSAS SECRETARY OF STATE’S HOME, LEAVE BEHIND ‘SHOES OF THE FATHERS THAT HE’S DEPORTED’

Immigration protesters marched on the home of Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach on Saturday, leaving behind a pile of shoes “of the fathers he’s deported.”

Kansas nonprofit Sunflower Community Actionsaid it had 300 activists in front of Kobach’s home, whom they branded the “King of Hate” on Twitter. Kobach was an architect of Arizona’s tough immigration law.

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