Wicomico County Sheriff's Office Press Release

Incident: Assault 1st Degree
Date of Incident: 28 January 2011
Location: 27000 block of Waller Road, Delmar, MD
Suspects: Charles S. Fontaine, 46, Salisbury, MD


Narrative: On 28 January 2010 at 2:48 AM, deputies responded for a call for help from a woman in the 27000 block of Waller Road. The caller advised that her estranged husband, Charles Fontaine, was in the front yard of her residence brandishing a handgun periodically pointing it at the residence. The caller advised that she feared Fontaine was going to fire into her residence. Fontaine left the area but responding deputies stopped Fontaine in his vehicle on a nearby road and recovered a loaded handgun from inside the vehicle.

Fontaine was placed under arrest and transported to the Central Booking Unit where he was processed and taken in front of the District Court Commissioner. After an initial appearance, the Commissioner detained Fontaine in the Detention Center in lieu of $300,000.00 bond.

Charges: Assault 1st Degree
Handgun on Person
Handgun in Vehicle
Reckless Endangerment

Wicomico County Sheriff's Office Press Release

Incident: Burglary
Date of Incident: 27 January 2011
Location: 8400 block of Hurley Neck Road, Mardela Springs, MD
Suspects: 1. John E. Lowe, 28, Mardela Springs, MD
2. Sara Skelly, 33, Mardela Springs, MD


Narrative: On 27 January 2010 at 11:09 PM, deputies from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office responded to a reported residential burglary in progress in the 8400 block of Hurley Neck Road in Mardela Springs, MD. Upon arrival, the deputies discovered a house under renovation had been burglarized and a substantial amount of building supplies and tools had been stolen. While the deputies were on scene, a trooper stopped a vehicle nearby matching the description of one scene leaving the area. When the investigating deputy arrived at the vehicle, the stolen supplies and tools were located in the vehicle. The vehicle was occupied by John Lowe and Sara Skelly of Mardela Springs. During subsequent interviews, both admitted to perpetrating the theft in order to sell the items for cash.

Both Lowe and Skelly were placed under arrest and transported to the Central Booking Unit where they were processed and taken in front of the District Court Commissioner. After an initial appearance, both were detained in the Detention Center, Lowe in lieu of $50,000.00 bond and Skelly in lieu of $100,000.00 bond.

Charges: Burglary 1st Degree
Theft

Wicomico County Sheriff's Office Press Release

Incident: Possession of Marijuana
Date of Incident: 27 January 2011
Location: 1300 block of E. State Street, Delmar, MD
Suspects: Gerald L. Gannon, 48, Delmar, MD


Narrative: On 27 January 2010 at 5:21 PM, a deputy from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office pulled over a vehicle on State Street in Delmar, MD operated by Gerald Gannon. Upon contacting Gannon the deputy discovered an open warrant stemming from a marijuana possession case in Worcester County. Upon being placed under arrest, the deputy located a bag of what the deputy recognized as marijuana in the center console.

The deputy transported Gannon to the Central Booking Unit where he was processed and taken in front of the District Court Commissioner. After an initial appearance, Gannon was detained in the Detention Center by the Commissioner on $10,000.00 bond on the case stemming from the marijuana found in the vehicle.

Charges: Possession of Marijuana

Police Port-a-Potty

Md Faces $34 Mil Shortfall In Short-Term Welfare Program

If Congress does not approve additional funds for the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program, the Maryland Department of Human Resources will be scrambling to offset a $34 million shortfall. The TANF program, funded by the federal government and administered here by Human Resources, help families with short-term financial needs. Every year, Maryland receives a base grant of $229 million, according to interim Human Resources Secretary Ted Dallas. The program has also received money from the federal stimulus program, as well as TANF contingency funds, set aside for states with large caseload increases.

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Airport Calls 3-Inch Plastic Toy Gun A "Firearm"

Overzealous airport security prevented a man and his wife from bringing onboard a 3-inch long plastic toy soldier's gun. They said it was a "firearm" and forced the couple to mail it home before passing through security.

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Taco Bell Thanks "Meat Filling" Lawsuit Plaintiffs In Full-Page Ad

The folks at Taco Bell are letting it be known that they're going to put up a very public fight over the recently filed lawsuit alleging that its ground beef doesn't meet USDA standards for being advertised as ground beef.

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Ticketmaster Settles Class Action Lawsuit

If you bought a ticket from Ticketmaster between Oct '99 and May '10, get ready for some bucks/ticket discounts coming your way. Ticketmaster has agreed to settle a class action lawsuit brought against it in 2003 that alleged the ticket giant's processing fees were just a "profit component" and didn't recoup any actual costs of doing business.

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What To Do With Your Old Laptop

Once you shove your slow, beat-up laptop aside for a newer model, you need to decide what to do with the older machine. While it's tempting to take a baseball bat to the laptop, as the guys in the movie The Office did to the copier, there are plenty of useful functions for your digital ex.

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How To Get Free Tax-Prep Help

What many taxpayers don't know when they step into H&R Block, Jackson Hewitt or go to some tax-preparation site is that there are several thousand IRS-approved volunteers out there willing to do the job for free if you qualify.

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Track Your Tax Return Status With IRS2Go App

The IRS has an official app called "IRS2Go" for iOS and Android that lets you keep track of your tax return's status after you've filed it.

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DelDOT Files Suit Against Indian River Inlet Bridge Consultants

Dover -- The Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) today filed suit in the Superior Court for Sussex County against bridge design firm Figg Bridge Engineers, Inc. (Figg) and its geotechnical subconsultant MACTEC Engineering and Consulting, Inc. (MACTEC) for geotechnical errors in connection with the Indian River Inlet Bridge replacement project. The suit asserts that MACTEC, as a sub-consultant for Figg, failed to account for the nature and extent of settlement of soil under the earthen roadway embankments constructed as roadway approaches over the inlet. The suit further alleges that MACTEC provided erroneous information regarding the soil settlement to DelDOT.

"DelDOT hired industry leading engineer experts, who conducted a thorough and comprehensive review to determine why the roadway embankments failed and who should bear responsibility for those failures," said Transportation Secretary Carolann Wicks. "The investigation revealed that the failures resulted from geotechnical engineering errors. We worked to resolve these issues without litigation, but we have been unable to reach a resolution that's fair to taxpayers. We are now seeking a resolution in court."

The lawsuit states that the deficiencies in the embankments are directly attributable to the failures and omissions of MACTEC, and that MACTEC, as sub-consultant to Figg, breached the standard of care that it owed to DelDOT. The facts in the complaint are based upon comprehensive studies prepared by the engineering firm of O'Connell & Lawrence, Inc. and the geotechnical consulting firm of Golder Associates, Inc., as well as observations of experts made during deconstruction of the embankments. The lawsuit specifically alleges that:

* MACTEC did not adequately analyze monitoring data and thus did not recognize that the intended embankment stability had dropped below minimally acceptable levels during and upon completion of construction;
* The embankments settled and deformed substantially more than MACTEC had advised DelDOT would be the case. This is because MACTEC miscalculated the nature and extent of settlement in the soft clay under the embankments, and did not take into account other types of settlement.
* MACTEC miscalculated the time intervals over which settlement would occur.
* MACTEC failed to specify a process for monitoring data or implementing necessary action if required by field conditions.

DelDOT seeks as damages its costs to construct the original earthen embankments and their partial removal, together with other related damages in excess of $19.6 million. The suit also alleges that the portions of the remaining embankments continue to settle, which had to be accounted for in the design of the new bridge approaches contract. The lawsuit states Figg is responsible due to the errors and omissions of MACTEC, its subconsultant. Figg has cooperated in DelDOT's investigation of this project.

Construction of the earthen embankments began in February/March 2006. As embankment construction was nearing completion in early 2007, excessive settlement, bulging, tilting and other deformation of the embankment walls were observed. A subsequent independent analysis of the south approach embankment revealed that the excessive and uneven settlement was expected to continue. After analyzing whether to salvage or replace the embankments, DelDOT concluded that the embankments would pose continual and costly maintenance, as well as construction and safety risks and should be replaced with elevated roadway approaches to the new bridge. The Federal Highway Administration, which is providing a large portion of the funding for the replacement bridge, agreed with DelDOT's conclusion to remove the embankments.

This Is Why You Need To Double Check Your Statements After Prepaying Your Mortgage

For those who try to prepay their mortgages, here's a cautionary tale from reader RM. Basically every single time that he's prepaid his mortgage, there's been a big problem. The bank keeps applying it to the future interest instead of the existing principal. The future interest is calculated based on the current principal, so that means they're having him paying extra interest that would have never accrued if they had subtracted his payment correctly!

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2010-11 Eastern Shore Reading Council Young Author’s Contest Winners

Winners of the 2010-11 Eastern Shore Reading Council Young Author’s Contest have been announced. Wicomico winners represent eight schools and all grade levels. The list of all winners is below.

Students from Wicomico County Public Schools who achieved a first-place finish, as well as any of those first-place Wicomico winners who advance to further recognition at the state level, will be recognized at a Wicomico County Board of Education Awards & Recognitions Night this spring.

Congratulations to all of these award-winning Young Authors!

GO HERE to read results.

Salisbury Police Department Press Release

On January 30, 2011 at approximately 1:47 am, Officers of the Salisbury Police received a call to respond to the Gully’s Nightclub in the Goliath Shopping Center for the report of a shooting. Upon arrival the officers could not locate a victim of a shooting but did observe multiple altercations occurring in the parking lot area. The officers responded to the altercations and located an adult male victim of a physical assault suffering from multiple facial injuries. Witnesses advised the officers that the altercation involving the victim had begun inside of the night club which resulted in Gully’s security removing the victim and a friend from the business.

Once outside of the business the victim was assaulted by a group of suspects who punched and kicked the victim before fleeing in a vehicle. The witnesses gave the officers a description of the vehicle, which was ultimately located by other Salisbury officers. A traffic stop was conducted on the vehicle and witnesses positively identified the below listed suspect as one (1) of the subjects involved in the assault of the victim.

The victim, identified as Deitrick Drummon, was transported to the Peninsula Regional Medical Center for treatment. Physicians advised the officers that due to the extensive facial injuries suffered by Drummond, the victim would be transferred to Maryland Shock Trauma in Baltimore for further treatment. The victim is described as in stable condition at this time. The investigation to identify the additional assailants is continuing.

ARRESTED: Deroin N. Campbell, 24 years of age

Millsboro, Delaware

CHARGES: First degree assault
Second degree assault (2 counts)
Reckless endangerment
Disorderly conduct
DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking

CC # 201100003601

If anyone has any information concerning this assault, they are asked to contact the Salisbury Police Department at 410-548-3165 or to contact Crime Solvers at 410-548-1776. Information may be left anonymously.

Review: By Delegate Mike McDermott

Field Notes

Observations and Reflections on Legislative Activities

By  Delegate  Mike  McDermott

January 17^th-23^rd

• The session opened on Monday evening with a presentation by Delegate Shawn Tarrant reflecting on the life and legacy Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The delegate offered some interesting insights reflecting on many struggles and triumphs by African-American Marylanders.
• On Tuesday, the committee heard from the Chief Judge Ben Clyburn of Maryland’s District Court system concerning the digitalization of court records. He first reviewed the success of implementing the E-Ticket system (computer generated traffic tickets) which is now utilized on over 50% of all tickets issued. Concerning the coming consolidations and changes, there were many questions regarding some of the operational details which they were not prepared to answer, but the dialogue was helpful. It was suggested that the working committee overseeing the changes for the district courts should include representation from the Judiciary Committee. This was resisted by the Chief Judge as a separation of powers issue. The problem is the District Court is spending money and making decisions about future expenses without input from legislators who will be the ones deciding on funding. Without legislative approval, a lot of tax dollars are at risk of being wasted by a committee preparing for change that may not be fully funded. It was a good example of a failure to partner by government entities which could create significant problems in the future.
• On Wednesday, I met with a representative of the License Beverage Holders to discuss their recommended changes to the wholesale operations of the Worcester County Liquor Control Board. They had made a presentation to the Worcester County Commissioners on Tuesday. I am waiting to hear back from the commissioners regarding their thoughts on the operations of the LCB before crafting any legislation.
• On Thursday, the Judiciary Committee received a report from the Chairman of the Parole Commission, David Blumburg, regarding their activities in the past year. Also present in the audience for the review were several wardens and other local correctional service staff from across Maryland. There was much debate over the effectiveness of the Parole Commission in meeting the needs of the local correctional facilities. In fact, at times, members of the Committee had to referee between those speaking to the Committee and those in the audience.

1. Two discussion items stood out: first, it was reported to us that inmates receiving “Good Time” Credits had a higher recidivism rate that than those who served out more of their sentence. I found this interesting considering that we are rewarding inmates for behaving by letting them go early, only to have them offend again. I was not the only delegate thinking that perhaps we should consider eliminating these credits.
2. The second issue was the cost of parole monitoring. This cost is suppose to be paid in full by the inmate during his parole/probation time. I was surprised to learn that the Commission Chairman provides a waiver of these fees whenever he is asked to do so; and, further, if the inmate does not pay the fees (Rule 10 of their parole/probation requirements), the Commission does not violate them nor does it require them to make the payments. I found this outrageous and I advised the Chairman that I expected him to fully collect all monies owed to the State of Maryland by any inmate being given the privilege of parole/probation.  It is interesting to note that the Governor’s Budget for this year includes a 4 million dollar increase in the fees charged for Parole and Probation Supervision by the state. Sounds like the governor may want to have a sit down with his Parole Commission Chairman before he counts on any money from these guys!

• In my comments for this past week, I would be remiss if I did not mention an incident which occurred on the floor of the House during the Thursday morning session. One of our Baltimore County Delegates stood and gave a somber tribute to a Baltimore County Fireman, Mark Falkenhan, killed in the line of duty the previous day. The two were very good friends and it was a very heavy, emotional moment in the House. I had stood up to introduce my family and was recognized by the Speaker immediately after this somber moment. I felt compelled to ask the Speaker for permission to pray for the Firefighters family and our colleague who was in mourning. This request was denied based upon some bizarre sense of House protocols that made even less sense once they were explained. I then requested a simple moment of silence. This too was rejected. It seems in the peoples House, a prayer can be said to start the meeting, but we will not do so at any other time. Fortunately, several delegates came over after the session was adjourned and we prayed together for the Firefighters family and our colleague. I received many comments from veteran and freshman delegates alike later in the day indicating that they thought I had done the right thing and they thought it quite strange that my request was not allowed.

I understand protocol, and I respect the Speaker, but I think this unwritten rule is not in the best interest of the House or the people of Maryland. If anything, we need more prayer on the floor of the people’s House.

Single Car Accident Closes Bypass

A single car accident just occurred on the Bypass near Rt. 50. The vehicle overturned and is sitting on its roof. The Bypass is closed at this time.

Police Need Help Finding A Wanted DC Fugitive

Police Need Help Finding a Wanted DC Fugitive: MyFoxDC.com

Deandre Kelly considered armed and dangerous

He's considered armed and dangerous and tonight police need your help finding one of DC’s most wanted fugitives.

Deandre Kelly escaped from the Garrett County Maryland Detention Center Sunday night, while holding a gun to a jail deputy's head.

Fox 5’s Maureen Umeh talked to a US Marshal who is hot on the trail of the wanted man.

Source

In Future, Cars Might Decide If Driver Is Drunk

WALTHAM, Mass. -- An alcohol-detection prototype that uses automatic sensors to instantly gauge a driver's fitness to be on the road has the potential to save thousands of lives, but could be as long as a decade away from everyday use in cars, federal officials and researchers said Friday.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood visited QinetiQ North America, a Waltham, Mass.-based research and development facility, for the first public demonstration of systems that could measure whether a motorist has a blood alcohol content at or above the legal limit of .08 and -- if so -- prevent the vehicle from starting.

The technology is being designed as unobtrusive, unlike current alcohol ignition interlock systems often mandated by judges for convicted drunken drivers. Those require operators to blow into a breath-testing device before the car can operate.

GO HERE to read more.

Martin Luther King's Son Has A Dream To Buy The New York Mets

Martin Luther King III has a dream: To buy the Mets

.

The son of the late civil-rights leader is uniting with some heavy hitters, including Mets legend Ed Kranepool; entrepreneur Donn Clendenon Jr., son of the 1969 Mets World Series MVP; TV executive Larry Meli; and a number of unnamed deep-pocketed investors, The Post has learned.

"It's fitting with the legacy of Jackie Robinson essentially transferring to the Mets; what better place to have African-American ownership than with the Mets," Meli said, noting that Major League Baseball has no African-American owners.

"The time and place are right for it. It just seems to be the right mix of people."

GO HERE to read more.