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Friday, July 30, 2010

Meet County Executive Rick Pollitt

Upcoming Candidate Interviews

TONIGHT at 6:00 PM, Rick Pollitt

Saturday morning at 9:00 AM, Stevie Prettyman

SBYNews.com Interviews Are Complete

With the exception of just a couple select interviews, we have completed every one who called in and scheduled an interview. We have a few surprises we're keeping unpublished until the time comes but one thing is for sure, these interviews will provide an education to voters they have never seen before.

To the 30+ Candidates who took the time to come in and be interviewed, Governor, Congress, Senators, Delegates, Sheriff's and County Council, THANK YOU. It shows you have NOTHING to hide and you're not afraid to face some of the biggest topics/questions facing the Eastern Shore/Maryland with transparency.

Folks, EVERY serious Candidate who interviewed with Salisbury News knew what the possibilities were by doing so. They knew they might be challenged in comments from those who disagree with their platform. Once each and every interview is published we will then put them all up in a row in one single Post for every one to review again at their leisure.

Shame on those who were too afraid of Joe Albero, it's your loss. We'll talk about that some other time though.

Crime Solvers Press Release

Billy Gene Jackson Park, North Lake Drive, Salisbury, MD



At the end of June and early July 2010, the concession stand at Billy Gene Jackson Park was broken into on two separate occasions. During these incidents, both food product and beverages were taken. The Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office is currently investigating these crimes and is asking for any information that the public can provide. Anyone who is able to provide any information that leads to an arrest in this case will be eligible for a cash reward.
Anyone with information is also reminded that you may call Crime Solvers and remain totally anonymous.


Crime solvers Unites Local Law Enforcement for a Safer Community
Crime Solvers is a 501C – 3 organization
410-548-1776

SHARES OF GANNETT - (The Daily Times parent Company) - Rank the Lowest Among Publishing Companies

Shares of Gannett - (GCI trading symbol) - ranks the lowest in terms of relative performance in the publishing industry.

Click here to read more!

Update On Four Puppies Up For Adoption

"Hi Joe.

Just wanted to update you on the last pup. She has gone to her new home this morning. I thank you again for your help with getting them adopted."

Jeremy Gordy Leaves Salisbury Fire department


"It seems that Jeremy Gordy has taken a job as full time paid fireman in Greensboro NC.
He left today with all of his possessions in a U-Haul.
The word is that he will be placing his house on the market."

Will Pappy be far behind?

Meet Candidate Rick Pollitt Tonight At 6 PM


SALISBURY – “THE BRICKS” IS BACK, MAYBE!





These are the dog days of summer – a good time to foist folly upon a public distracted by baseball, crabs & beer, beaching it, mowing grass, and now the melodrama called Charles B. Rangel, the esteemed public servant. It’s not surprising that the lovely Ph.D. to be in the Mayor’s office is trying to resurrect a colossal calamity at the City Council’s next work session on Monday, August 2.

The cost estimates seem to be massaged since the last effort to hoodwink us; now only an estimated $717,665 more money is needed, what with the City kicking in the property for nada and if $915,000 in so-called “grants” are available (a really big IF).

But the estimated cost to rehab, the derelict building into a few small apartments, with the City’s property gift included, is still nearly $2 Million and likely would be somewhat more when all is done.

This is a no-brainer: NO WAY! This would be as much a fiasco as would that plan to acquire and rehab the “Linens of the Week” property, which Lore will probably try to revive also before summer ends.

The “consultant” is demanding that the City pay them almost $25,000 for concocting this absurdity if it does not go forward to folly at “The Bricks.” So, let them sue the City and get laughed out of court.

Ehrlich Touts Flush Tax In Baltimore Visit

Former Gov. Robert Ehrlich touted the "flush tax" passed during his tenure to fund sewage treatment plant upgrades, promised more "big ideas" and criticized current Gov. Martin O'Malley for using the fund for other purposes during a campaign stop Wednesday at a blue-collar stronghold in his former congressional district.

The former governor and congressman said his administration also shuffled funds around to balance the budget, but called the bay restoration fund one of the most important dedicated sources of revenue in the state "and it is something that we would think long and hard about taking dollars out of."

Mr. Ehrlich noted the fund was praised by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation when it passed, and foundation spokesman Tom Zolper confirmed before the event that the organization has supported the fund. On the use of the funds, Jenn Aiosa, the foundation's Maryland senior scientist, said state lawmakers have been told the fund will need about $500 million more to fund plant upgrades, and the $155 million that has been transferred is to be returned and is not expected to prevent any plants from being upgraded.

"Whether the transfer was made or not, we would still have a deficit," Ms. Aiosa said.

However, she warned that "if any effort is made to make that shift permanent, we will raise a ruckus."

A recent poll showed Mr. O'Malley and Mr. Ehrlich in a tight race for the State House, with the economy on top of voters' minds. While the environment trailed far behind on the list of concerns for poll respondents, neither side is willing to concede anything in such a tight race.

More here

Charlie Spins It

House investigators accused veteran New York Rep. Charles Rangel of 13 violations of congressional ethics standards on Thursday.

The allegations include failure to report rental income from vacation property in the Dominican Republic and hundreds of thousands of dollars in additional income and assets on his financial disclosure statements.

Other charges focused on Rangel's use of congressional staff and stationery to raise money for a college center in New York named after him; accepting favors and benefits from the donors that may have influenced his congressional actions; use of a subsidized New York apartment as a campaign office instead of a residence; and misuse of the congressional free mail privilege.

"Even though they are serious charges, I'm prepared to prove that the only thing I've ever had in my 50 years of public service is service," Rangel told reporters Thursday night. "That's what I've done and if I've been overzealous providing that service, I can't make an excuse for the serious violations."

More

OMB Nominee Got $900,000 After Citigroup Bailout

President Obama's choice to be the government's chief budget officer received a bonus of more than $900,000 from Citigroup Inc. last year -- after the Wall Street firm for which he worked received a massive taxpayer bailout.

The money was paid to Jacob Lew in January 2009, about two weeks before he joined the State Department as deputy secretary of state, according to a newly filed ethics form. The payout came on top of the already hefty $1.1 million Citigroup compensation package for 2008 that he reported last year.

Administration officials and members of Congress last year expressed outrage that executives at other bailed-out firms, such as American International Group Inc., awarded bonuses to top executives. State Department officials at the time steadfastly refused to say if Mr. Lew received a post-bailout bonus from Citigroup in response to inquiries from The Washington Times.

But Mr. Lew's latest financial disclosure report, provided by the State Department on Wednesday, makes clear that he did receive a significant windfall.

White House officials declined to discuss the compensation Wednesday, saying only that Mr. Lew is the right person to lead the Office of Management and Budget.

More from The Washington Times

Gingrich: Obama Repeating Mistakes From The Great Depression

Former GOP House Speaker Newt Gingrich warned Thursday that President Obama and congressional Democrats appear to be on the verge of repeating the same mistakes that aggravated the Great Depression, adding that letting the Bush tax cuts expire would prove "very dangerous" for the nation's economy.

Speaking in an exclusive Newsmax interview, Gingrich sounded the alarm that raising taxes could cause serious damage to the economic recovery. "If we have large tax increases in January," Gingrich told Newsmax.TV, "this economy will sink deeper into recession. There will be higher unemployment. The recovery will be longer.

"This was exactly the mistake made in 1937 and 1938, and it created a second mini-Depression. I think it's very dangerous, and I think the simple battle cry ought to be no tax increase in 2011, period. Keep current tax law exactly as it is through 2011," said Gingrich.

Gingrich charged that the high unemployment that continues to plague the economy stems from "an administration which consistently has been destroying American jobs."

He cited the financial reform legislation that the president recently signed into law as an example of "one more job-killing bill" passed by Democrats.

When asked to give his recommendations for curing the nation's ongoing economic woes, the former Speaker pointed to the five-point agenda on his AmericanSolutions.com Web site, which is included in the Economic Freedom Act recently submitted to Congress by Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, and Rep. Jason Chaffetz, R-Utah.

That legislation endorsed by AmericanSolutions calls for:

* A 50 percent cut in the Social Security and Medicare tax, both for the employer and the employee.

* Zero capital gains tax, which is the rate in China.

* A 12.5 percent corporate tax rate, which is the rate in Ireland.

* A 100% write-off annually for small businesses to buy new equipment, so workers have the best, most modern equipment.

* Permanent elimination of the estate or "death" tax "so people have an incentive to work and save their entire lifetime.

"We think those five tax changes would dramatically accelerate economic growth and help the economy," Gingrich tells Newsmax.

Additionally, Gingrich said the release of the Wikileaks documents on Afghanistan should be considered an "unconscionable" act of treason. He said it isn't only that the documents were leaked. "I think we should also be very, very strong in our condemnation of the newspapers that published them," Gingrich said.

More here

Caption This Photo


Egyptian Journalist Describes 'Absolute Prosperity' In Gaza

With Hamas telling tales of deprivation and suffering in Gaza, Egyptian journalist Ashraf Abu al-Houl has added his report to others who were surprised to discover a “prosperous” Gaza in which prices are low and luxury businesses are booming. Al-Houl's story of his trip to Gaza and his realization that “in actual terms, Gaza is not under siege” was written up in the Egyptian daily Al-Ahram and translated by the Middle East Media Research Institute (MEMRI).

"A sense of absolute prosperity prevails, as manifested by the grand resorts along and near Gaza's coast. Further, the site of the merchandise and luxuries filling the Gaza shops amazed me,” he reported.

Concerned that his initial impression of prosperity may have been misleading, “I toured the new resorts, most of which are quite grand, as well as the commercial markets, to verify my hypothesis. The resorts and markets have come to symbolize prosperity, and to prove that the siege is formal or political, not economic,” Al-Houl said.

Gaza's markets are filled with a “plethora of goods,” he wrote. Prices on many items, particularly food, are much lower than they are in Egypt, he said. With goods entering Gaza from both smuggling tunnels to Egypt and humanitarian aid shipments coming in via Israeli crossings, “supply is much greater than demand,” he stated.

The evident prosperity is not enjoyed by all, or even most, of Gaza's residents, according to Al-Houl. The problem is the vast differences in the distribution of wealth. The luxury resorts and wide range of consumer goods are enjoyed by “only a few groups,” he said, primarily those who own smuggling tunnels to Egypt and those who work for international organizations such as the United Nations' UNRWA and who do not include or aid the rest of the population.

Most of the new resorts “are owned by members, or associates, of Hamas,” he reported.

More from INN

The Amnesty Memo

According to an internal U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services memo going the rounds of Capitol Hill and obtained by National Review, the agency is considering ways in which it could enact “meaningful immigration reform absent legislative action” — that is, without the consent of the American people through a vote in Congress.

“This memorandum offers administrative relief options to . . . reduce the threat of removal for certain individuals present in the United States without authorization,” it reads.

Also: “In the absence of Comprehensive Immigration Reform, USCIS can extend benefits and/or protections to many individuals and groups by issuing new guidance and regulations, exercising discretion with regard to parole-in-place, deferred action and the issuance of Notices to Appear (NTA), and adopting significant process improvements.”

In recent weeks, Sen. Chuck Grassley and others in Congress have been pressing the administration to disavow rumors that a de facto amnesty is in the works, including in a letter to Department of Homeland Security head Janet Napolitano. “Since the senators first wrote to the president more than a month ago, we have not been reassured that the plans are just rumors, and we have every reason to believe that the memo is legitimate,” a Grassley spokesman tells NR. (NR contacted DHS, but a spokesman did not have a comment on the record.)

Many of the memo’s proposals are technical and fine-grained; for example, it suggests clarifying the immigration laws for “unaccompanied minors, and for victims of human trafficking, domestic violence, and other criminal activities.” It also proposes extending the “grace period” H-1B visa holders have between the expiration of their visa and the date they’re expected to leave the country.

With other ideas, however, USCIS is aiming big. Perhaps the most egregious suggestion is to “Increase the Use of Deferred Action.” “Deferred action,” as the memo defines it, “is an exercise of prosecutorial discretion not to pursue removal from the U.S. of a particular individual for a specific period of time.” For example, after Hurricane Katrina, the government decided not to remove illegal immigrants who’d been affected by the disaster.

Read the rest of this here >>

SAF Sues Maryland Over Gun Rights

SAF SUES IN MARYLAND OVER HANDGUN PERMIT DENIAL

BELLEVUE, WA
- The Second Amendment Foundation and a Baltimore County, MD man today sued Maryland authorities in federal court because the man's handgun permit renewal was turned down on the grounds that he could not demonstrate "a reasonable precaution against apprehended danger."

The lawsuit was filed in U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland.

Joining SAF in the lawsuit is Raymond Woollard, who was originally issued a carry permit after a man broke into his home during a family gathering in 2002. Woollard's permit was renewed in 2005, after the man was released from prison. That man now lives about three miles from Woollard. Defendants in the case are Terrence B. Sheridan is the Secretary and Superintendent of the Maryland State Police, and three members of the Maryland Handgun Permit Review Board, Denis Gallagher, Seymour Goldstein and Charles M. Thomas, Jr.

SAF and Woollard are represented by attorneys Alan Gura of Virginia and Cary J. Hansel of Joseph, Greenwald & Laake of Greenbelt, MD.

The lawsuit alleges that "Individuals cannot be required to demonstrate that carrying a handgun is necessary as a reasonable precaution against apprehended danger' as a prerequisite for exercising their Second Amendment rights." Plaintiffs are seeking a permanent injunction against enforcement of the Maryland provision that requires permit applicants to "demonstrate cause" for the issuance of a carry permit.

"Laws that empower bureaucrats to deny the exercise of a fundamental civil right because they cannot show good cause to exercise that right can't possibly stand up under constitutional scrutiny," said SAF Executive Vice President Alan M. Gottlieb. "We are supporting Mr. Woollard in this action because constitutional rights trump bureaucratic whims."

Teachers' Union Promotes Mao's Launch Of 'People's Republic'

The National Education Association is suggesting its teachers and NEA-connected schools celebrate China on the anniversary of the repressive communist regime's violent founding.

The NEA's website has a page called Diversity Events and lists Oct. 1 as the day to celebrate Chairman Mao's successful revolution.

University of North Carolina–Wilmington criminal-justice professor Mike Adams says the NEA's position is borne out of intellectual arrogance.

"Well, the next thing you know they'll be celebrating the birth of Nazi Germany, but certainly that would be anticlimactic, because communist China has killed more people than Nazi Germany," Adams said.

"I think the only one way to describe the arrogant hubris of these pseudo-intellectuals is that they're 'holier than thou,'" Adams said.

The author of "Welcome to the Ivory Tower of Babel" says the Oct. 1 entry on the NEA's website calendar reveals the NEA isn't really interested in true diversity.

"I think this really shows they're not dedicated to the principle of diversity. You know the diversity scheme has always been an example of cultural Marxism," Adams observed.


Worldview Weekend President Brannon Howse says the NEA is also advocating multiculturalism.

"Today we call it political correctness, but the real term is cultural Marxism. It's also multiculturalism, which is a denigration of the foundational Western worldview," Howse explained.

Adams believes the NEA's willing advocacy of cultural Marxism means it is anti-Western.

"It just shows they're contrarians and they'll celebrate anything that is contrary to our Judeo-Christian principles and our capitalistic society. It's just another example of identity politics," Adams stated.

Howse agreed with Adams on the basic point. He says he's not surprised that the NEA would celebrate communism.

"I'm appalled but not shocked because of the National Education Association's long love affair with communism," Howse said.

"Most Americans are going to be shocked but this helps us understand who the National Education Association really is. The NEA is a group of radicals who are opposed to parental authority, opposed to accountability, and they're not for traditional education," Howse added.

More

Back In The Day


Late-Term Abortion-Funding Loophole Found

Dear Friend of Life,

It has begun. Under the guise of "health care," states are paving the way to receive taxpayer funding that can be used for abortions, including late-term abortions!

Pennsylvania, New Mexico, and Maryland applied to the Obama Administration for—and received approval for—taxpayer money to set up new high-risk insurance pools that can be used for abortions up to six months into a pregnancy - including abortion coverage for almost any reason! Several other states are preparing their applications now.

AUL's early analysis of the health care law found nothing that comprehensively prevents the use of our tax dollars in paying for abortions. The Obama Administration and these states continue to offer us assurances in press releases, but there is no legal barrier in place to stop them from using our tax money for abortion procedures.

Our analysis has now been confirmed by the Congressional Research Service (CRS), a highly respected and independent organization affiliated with Congress. A new report just released by CRS states that the law does not "specifically prohibit the use of federal funds" for abortion.

In response, AUL has been working with pro-life members of Congress, governors, state attorneys general and state legislators to make sure we are fighting taxpayer-funded abortion at every opportunity. We have made tremendous gains in state governments, but we have a long way to go.

We need your urgent support to help us re-double our efforts to prevent taxpayer-funded abortion. Will you please make your tax-deductible contribution of $50, $100, $250, or more to Americans United for Life now?

To permanently block this latest round of "health care" funding for abortion and prevent the administration from using another loophole in the law to fund abortion, we are working with pro-life Representatives Joe Pitts (R–PA), Daniel Lipinski (D-IL) and Chris Smith (R-NJ). They have written bills that would stop our tax dollars from being used for abortion as a part of this latest round of "health care" funding.

False assurances and press releases from government bureaucrats are not a replacement for the force of law.

We will work until the Obama Administration's claims of not using our tax dollars for abortion is signed into law - not simply issued in another press release.

Will you please stand with us against taxpayer-funded abortion by making an urgent, tax-deductible contribution of $50, $100, $250, or more?

State government bureaucrats are submitting proposals to obtain our tax money from the federal government. Several states are claiming abortions as "covered benefits," thereby using the law to steer your tax dollars to pay for abortions. The states that have already been approved for taxpayer money could use our tax money to pay for abortions as late as six months into a pregnancy - including abortion coverage for almost any reason! This is not only unacceptable, it is horrific to consider.

Planned Parenthood and their army of pro-abortion lobbyists are fanning out across America, pursuing their radical agenda and our tax money in every state. New laws are needed to end taxpayer-funded abortion, but we need your immediate help to continue our work to prevent tax dollars from paying for late-term abortions.

Pennsylvania, New Mexico and Maryland are merely the first states in this new battle against taxpayer-funded abortion. Is your state next? The number of fronts in this war grows by the day. We need the resources to fight back against taxpayer-funded abortion—we need your help.

As always, I am so grateful for your support and your efforts on behalf of protecting life.

Thank you again.
Yours for Life,
Charmaine Yoest,
Ph.D.President & CEOAmericans
United for Life

P.S. A new, independent report confirms that our tax dollars can be used for abortion. Despite the false assurances of the pro-abortion majority in Congress, they have begun the largest expansion of abortion in America since Roe v. Wade and are using our tax money to do it. Please stand with Americans United for Life today and hold the line against taxpayer-funded abortions by making an urgent, tax-deductible contribution of $50, $100, $250, or more. -- Charmaine

Tax-Free Shopping Days Coming In Virginia, Maryland

WASHINGTON - Back-to-school time is just around the corner, and Virginia and Maryland are offering tax-free shopping to help you out.

Aug. 6 to Aug. 8 will be a sales tax holiday in Virginia.

School supplies under $20 will be exempt from sales taxes, so will clothes and shoes under $100.
In Maryland, "Shop Maryland Week" will be Aug. 8 to Aug. 14. Qualifying clothing and footwear under $100 will be sales tax exempt.

The District used to do something similar, but doesn't anymore.

Source

WICOMICO FARM & HOME SHOW


WICOMICO FARM & HOME SHOW entries must be postmarked on or before August 1st, 2010

Books with entry forms are available online or pick one up at
The Farmers & Planters Co.,
210 Mill St., Salisbury, MD 21801
****
FREE ADMISSION
Wicomico Farm & Home Show
Winterplace Park
August 19th - 21st

Some Mexican Drug Traffickers ‘Specialize’ In Smuggling Terrorists Into US

Some Mexican drug-trafficking organizations (DTOs) are involved in smuggling potential terrorists across the southwestern border, according to the Government Accountability Office.

“Aliens from countries of special interest to the United States such as Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, and Pakistan (known as special-interest aliens) also illegally enter the United States through the [southwest border] region,” Richard Stana, the GAO homeland security and justice issues director, said in a report on alien smuggling issued July 22.

“These [drug trafficking] organizations collect fees from alien smuggling organizations for the use of specific smuggling routes, and available reporting indicates that some Mexican drug trafficking organizations specialize in smuggling special-interest aliens into the United States,” he added.

Stana told CNSNews.com that the Justice Department’s National Drug Intelligence Center’s (NDIC) 2008 National Drug Threat Assessment and “other reports” corroborate his comments, although he did not elaborate on what other reports he was referring to.

When asked to provide evidence of any recent cases involving Mexican DTOs bringing in individuals from countries of special interest, Stana said, “(I) haven't seen any specifics that are not ‘law enforcement sensitive.’”

According to the 2008 NDIC: “Hundreds of undocumented aliens from special-interest countries illegally cross the U.S.-Mexico border annually.”

The drug-threat assessment echoed Stana, saying, “Mexican DTOs specialize in smuggling special-interest aliens into the United States.”

According to the GAO report, alien smugglers are more likely now than in past years to use violence against U.S. law enforcement officers as they bring groups of aliens across the southwest border.”

“Assaults, kidnappings, and hostage situations attributed to this conflict are increasing, particularly in Tucson and Phoenix, Arizona,” the report said.

More here

Another Ugly Reminder To Check Your Facebook Settings — NOW!

If we take any lesson from this latest Facebook privacy brouhaha, it's one we should have already learned: Facebook isn't for people who don't wish to be known. Because here's the deal: Facebook has not now, nor will it ever, protect your information for you.

GO HERE to read more.

Quote Of The Day

"A government which robs Peter to pay Paul can always depend on the support of Paul."
George Bernard Shaw

One Year Ago Today


Mayor Ireton visits the Chamber of Commerce.

Two Years Ago Today

Senator Andy Harris visited Salisbury News Headquarters at 300 W. Main Street in Downtown Salisbury.

Three Years Ago Today





The Freeman Case had just been discovered in Ocean City.

BP CEO: I'm A 'Villain For Doing The Right Thing'


Tony Hayward, who resigned as chief executive of BP in the wake of the Gulf oil spill, has said that he was turned into "a villain for doing the right thing."

GO HERE to read more.

DON'T MISS HISTORICAL COMMENTS BY GEORGE CHEVALLIER

Tomorrow Morning At 9:00.

Ellen DeGeneres Quits As 'Idol' Judge

The comedian is dancing off "American Idol" after one season, leaving Fox's hit show with two vacancies on its judging panel.

Jennifer Lopez reportedly close to joining 'Idol'

Sarah Foxwell's Friend In Heaven


Ladies & Gentlemen, you are NOT going to believe this, but it's true.

Back on June 29, 2010 I wrote an article about Page Elmore. GO HERE and read my original article.

In that article I said:
"The Foxwell Family and the Eastern Shore are forever grateful for Delegate Page Elmore's support in tougher sex offenders laws here in the state of Maryland. It's comforting to know Sarah is joined in such great company. Thanks Page."

I hope you're sitting because what I'm about to tell you is truly AMAZING. The image below is from Page Elmore's grave site. Take a WILD GUESS where Page Elmore has been laid to rest.

Would you believe me if I told you he rests RIGHT NEXT TO SARAH FOXWELL? It's the truth Folks. I'm speechless.


Thank God Its Friday

What Will You Be Doing This Weekend?

House Republicans Giving Green Light For Israeli Strike On Iran

Nearly one third of the Republican congressmen in the U.S. House of Representatives have introduced a resolution that would support Israel's right to use “all means necessary to confront and eliminate nuclear threats posed by Iran”, including military force.

The resolution was introduced by Rep. Louie Gohmert [R-Texas] and 46 co-sponsors.

House Resolution 1553 “condemns the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran for its threats of ‘annihilating’ the United States and the State of Israel, for its continued support of international terrorism, and for its incitement of genocide of the Israeli people.”

It “supports using all means of persuading the Government of Iran to stop building and acquiring nuclear weapons” and pledges that the U.S. will ensure that Israel “continues to receive critical economic and military assistance, including missile defense capabilities, needed to address the threat of Iran.”

In addition, it “expresses support for Israel’s right to use all means necessary to confront and eliminate nuclear threats posed by Iran, defend Israeli sovereignty, and protect the lives and safety of the Israeli people, including the use of military force if no other peaceful solution can be found within a reasonable time.”

More here

Yard Sales 07/30/10

GO HERE for upcoming yard sales.

If you have a yard sale you would like to post, please send all requests to atlanticjw@aol.com. Please type "yard sale" in the subject of your email, as some get lost in the spam folder.

Have a nice weekend, folks!

Chesapeake Bay Trust Contest

Hey Joe -


My name is Bailey and I am writing on behalf of The Chesapeake Bay Trust. I loved reading your blog about Salisbury news. It seems that you have great enthusiasm for covering events and activities of our local community. I particularly enjoyed reading your article about community crime prevention with the Ocean City Police Department celebration on the boardwalk.


Since you are interested in spreading community news, we have a “Hooray for the Bay” factoid contest that would be perfect for your readers. Since you write about issues within the Maryland area, this contest would be a great opportunity to get involved in saving the Chesapeake Bay. To participate in the contest, you simply have to spot a Bay Trust factoid sign placed around parks, schools, and community centers within Maryland. Once you spot our sign, text in the keyword or photo of the sign for a chance to win a free bay plate or $2,500.


If you think your readers might be interested, please pass this along. We'd love for you to participate. Feel free to check out more about the contest. In the meantime, you can check us out on Facebook or Twitter.


Let me know if you have any questions. I look forward to hearing from you!

Thanks.
Bailey
Chesapeake Bay Trust

Today's Survey Question

What's Your Most Expensive Habit?

Please Make Dead Friend's Creditors Stop Calling My Mom

Kevin's mom is the executor of a family friend's estate. Chase, the company that holds this family friend's mortgage somehow got hold of her phone number, and is now calling her incessantly, looking for.... the dead person? Chase reps claim that they're not allowed to speak with the executor of the estate, yet they keep calling back despite pleas to leave her alone.

More »

Middleton Says Legislature Needs To Tackle thorny Health Reform Issues Next Year


Medical malpractice and the scope of practice allowed health providers who are not physicians are thorny issues the next General Assembly needs to tackle as Maryland moves to implement federal health care reform, a key Senate leader said Thursday.

“They are controversial, but I’m willing to look at medical malpractice and the scope of practice,” Sen. Thomas “Mac” Middleton (above), chair of the Senate Finance Committee, told a conference of health industry professionals looking at the new federal law on Thursday. The Charles County Democrat is a member of the governor’s Health Care Reform Coordinating Council, and if he wins re-election, will be an influential player in implementing the new law.

Middleton expected that changing how much doctors are held legally at risk and how much health professionals who are not doctors can do will figure prominently in the next legislative session.

GO HERE to read more.

Today's Wildlife Photo By Scott Phoebus

GOVERNOR TO JOIN STATE POLICE SUPERINTENDENT FOR TROOPER GRADUATION CEREMONY - CLASS PRESIDENT IS IRAQ WAR VETERAN WHO WILL BE RETURNING TO COMBAT

(Sykesville, MD) – Governor Martin O’Malley will join Maryland State Police Superintendent Colonel Terrence B. Sheridan tomorrow to preside over the graduation of the 135th Trooper Candidate Class in Sykesville, Maryland. Following his remarks, Governor O’Malley will personally congratulate the 51 new troopers who have successfully completed 26 weeks of rigorous training. The graduates will be joined by their families, friends and Maryland State Police commanders at the ceremony.
The president of the class, Trooper Nathan Steelman, of Washington County, will also address the audience, but will not have long to wear his State Police uniform. He is also a sergeant in the U.S. Army Reserve and will soon be leaving for training prior to deployment to Afghanistan. He has already served a 15-month tour in Baghdad.

WHAT: MARYLAND STATE POLICE 135TH CLASS GRADUATION

WHEN: FRIDAY, JULY 30, 2010 at 10:00 a.m.

WHERE: CENTURY HIGH SCHOOL AUDITORIUM
355 RONSDALE ROAD
SYKESVILLE, MARYLAND 21784

DIRECTIONS: Take I-695 to I-70 west and exit at Route 32/Exit 80, travel north on Route 32 to Route 26/Liberty Road and turn left, proceed to Linton Road and turn right, proceed to 4-way stop sign and turn left onto Ronsdale Road

Somerset County Sheriff's Department Press Release

On 7-16-10 deputies investigated a burglary at 5598 Tulls Corner Rd, Marion. The investigation revealed that a unknown subject had entered the residence. After interviewing witnesses, deputies arrested a juvenile male subject from marion. The juvenile was processed for fourth degree burglary, and released to parents pending juvenile court actions.

Bob Ehrlich And Child Advocates Discuss Threats To Services For At Risk Youths

Child Advocates Criticize State Moves to Centralize Control and Cut Funds for At-Risk Kids

ROCKVILLE
-- Bob Ehrlich met with parents, educators, and family advocates who expressed growing concerns about what they consider emerging threats to state services for Maryland’s at-risk children. Ehrlich pledged that, as Governor, he will advocate for decentralized decision-making authority to ensure local communities have greater say in how to meet the needs of vulnerable children and families in their communities.

The O’Malley Administration proposed this year to strip local management boards, or LMBs, of decision-making authority and to drastically cut their funding. In Montgomery County, for instance, the O’Malley Administration’s approach would have wiped out 35 after-school programs serving 1,000 children and cut eighty jobs, according to press reports.*

“Those who know our children best – parents, advocates, and caregivers – have made clear that services for at-risk kids are declining at an alarming rate,” said Ehrlich. “As Governor, I will get Maryland’s child services working again. I will explore ways to ensure the front line workers who interact with kids every day have a voice in how we deliver positive results for children and families. Our goal is to combat teen pregnancy, gang violence, substance abuse, and other threats our kid face in a cost-effective way. Local advocates must play a central role in that effort.”

For decades, Maryland addressed the needs of troubled children and families through a decentralized network of Local Management Boards (LMBs). The O’Malley Administration has sought to strip LMBs of decision-making authority and to cut funding for caregivers, hindering the ability to provide vulnerable kids high standards of care.

Source: The Washington Examiner, February 19, 2010, “Local youth advocates fight Maryland agency for funding control.”

Salisbury Police Department Press Releases

On July 28, 2010 at approximately 1:36 am, Officers of the Salisbury Police were on routine patrol on North Salisbury Boulevard and conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle operated by below listed suspect # 1 for traffic violations. A routine records check revealed that suspect # 1 did not have a driver’s license. Suspect # 1 was arrested and during the arrest the officers observed handgun ammunition in the vehicle. The officers received consent to search the vehicle from the owner, below listed suspect # 2, and as a result of the search located a loaded handgun beneath the driver’s seat. Additional handgun ammunition was also found in the rear passenger area.
ARRESTED #1: Raheem Dontria Lankford, 18 years of age
Salisbury, Maryland
CHARGES: Transporting a handgun in a vehicle
Possession of a handgun under 21 years of age
Possession of regulated ammunition under 21 yoa
ARRESTED #2: Courtney Racquel Small, 18 years of age
Salisbury, Maryland
CHARGES: Transporting a handgun in a vehicle
Possession of a handgun under 21 years of age
Possession of regulated ammunition under 21 yoa
DISPOSITION: Both released to Central Booking
CC # 201000029893

On July 28, 2010 at approximately 7:38 am, Officers of the Salisbury Police arrested the below listed suspect on an outstanding arrest warrant for possession of marijuana. The suspect was arrested on July 22, 2010 for attempted murder and was found to be in possession of marijuana at the time of arrest.
ARRESTED: Brooks Lamar Seldon, 18 years of age
Salisbury, Maryland
CHARGES: Possession of marijuana
Possession of CDS/paraphernalia
DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking
CC # 201000029909

OCEAN CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR CITIZENS POLICE ACADEMY

The Ocean City Police Department is currently accepting applications for the 2010 Citizens Police Academy. The Citizens Police Academy begins classes on September 7, 2010 from 7 to 10 p.m., and continues every Tuesday for 10 weeks.

The Ocean City Police Department has been offering the citizens of Ocean City the unique opportunity to see the inner workings of our police department for nearly 12 years. The Citizens Police Academy was created to enable citizens to learn more about the Ocean City Police Department and build the relationship between the police and the community.

During this course, students meet a variety of officers to learn about criminal law, traffic enforcement, evidence collection, firearms, arrest procedures, narcotics enforcement and many other topics. Students also participate in practical scenarios, which afford citizens hands-on opportunity to understand various law enforcement
applications.

“Educating citizens about their police department and illegal activity in their community is one of the best forms of crime prevention,” Said OCPD Chief Bernadette DiPino.

The Citizens Police Academy has a limited class size of 25 participants. Interested persons must complete a written application and give permission for the Ocean City Police Department to conduct a background check to determine if they have a criminal record. For more information about the Citizens Police Academy or to receive an application, please contact the OCPD Public Affairs Office at 410.520.5395.

CRUZ CONTAINS DELMARVA IN 4-1 LEXINGTON WIN

‘Birds Have Lost Seven of Their Last Eight Games

Lexington, Ky.
– Lexington starter Luis Cruz notched two career highs as the Legends topped the Shorebirds 4-1 in the series opener. The Delmarva Shorebirds have plated just one run in the last 28-innings.

The Legends put their mark on the game early. Jose Altuve led off with a double to deep left field in the first. Two batters later, Jake Goebbert lined a double to straight away center to score Altuve.

The ‘Birds erased the deficit in the fourth inning. Ty Kelly started the frame with single to right field. Brian Conley followed with a slow roller to the right side to advance Kelly to second. Then, Kieron Pope blasted a double through the right-center field gap to score Kelly and tie the game at 1-1.

The Legends grabbed the lead back in the fifth inning. Grant Hogue led off with a bunt single up the first baseline. Altuve then singled to put runners at first and third. Altuve stole his 40th base of the season to get into scoring position. Two batters later, Goebbert delivered a double down the right field line to score both runners.

Lexington tacked on one more run in the seventh inning. Altuve reached on a fielding error by Garabez Rosa. A balk by Kevin Landry moved Altuve to second. Then, with two outs, Gary Helmick misplayed a grounder by Kody Hinze and Altuve scored to build the lead to 4-1.

Luis Cruz (5-2) tossed a career high 7.2 innings to earn the win. He also fanned a career best 10 batters. Cruz dispatched of 10-batters-in-a-row between the fourth and sixth innings.

Patrick Kantakevich (0-4) was pinned with the loss in 5.2 innings pitched. He allowed seven hits and three runs.

The Shorebirds and Legends will play game two of the series on Friday night at Applebee’s Park. RHP Bobby Bundy (2-4, 3.72) takes the hill for Delmarva.

Wargotz Statement On Judge Ruling On AZ Immigration Law

Wargotz Supports Securing Our Borders

Annapolis - Commissioner Eric Wargotz M.D. released the following statement on the judicial ruling on Arizona's immigration law:

"Arizona is forced to take action because the federal government is failing to do its job. Illegal immigration must be stopped. The federal government must secure our borders. America is a nation of laws and those laws must be enforced. Because the federal government has failed to fulfill its constitutional obligations, Arizona had to act. I support Arizona's decision to take action. When elected to the United States Senate, I will work tirelessly to secure our borders and enforce immigration laws."

GOVERNOR MARTIN O’MALLEY ANNOUNCES MILLIONS IN PUBLIC SAFETY GRANTS FOR BALTIMORE CITY

BALTIMORE, MD – Governor Martin O’Malley joined Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake and Police Commissioner Fred Bealefeld, III yesterday to announce three public safety grants totaling $7.1 million to help keep Baltimore City residents safe. The governor made the announcement during a news conference in the Sandtown neighborhood, as part of “Capital for a Day” activities in Baltimore. Over the past three years, innovative public safety partnerships and dedicated law enforcement has driven down violent crime 11.8 percent statewide, including a near-11 percent decline in Baltimore City.

“There is no more solemn obligation we have as public servants, than to protect the public safety,” said Governor O’Malley. “We all owe the men and women of our police departments a debt of gratitude for their work keeping the people of Maryland safe. These grants will not only help strengthen the partnership between the State and the City bringing about positive change in city neighborhoods, but it will further provide the necessary resources for our officers to keep Baltimore safe.”

“The grants announced today will support some of the Police Department’s innovative and effective crime fighting and community policing initiatives,” said Mayor Rawlings-Blake. “Governor O’Malley is aware of what works best for the people of Baltimore. Supporting community-based strategies to reduce crime will make our neighborhoods safer and build strong relationships between residents and the police.”

The grants include:
$2 million Neighborhood Community Policing grant to fund 25 Neighborhood Service Officers who work with community groups and neighborhood organizations in activities such as Citizens on Patrol and Operation Crime Watch.
$2.7 million to fund neighborhood foot patrol, providing officers on the street highly-visible to criminals and welcomed by neighborhood residents.
$2.4 million for the Violent Crime Reduction-Drug Interdiction Initiative. These funds pay for seven sergeants and 21 detectives who mount an aggressive response to open air drug markets and the violence they foster.

“This much needed funding will provide the BPD with critical resources to continue our progress in reducing violent crime and significantly aide our efforts in getting bad guys off city streets,” said Commissioner Bealefeld.

Between 2007 through 2009 the State, through the Governor’ Office of Crime Control and Prevention, has provided public safety grants totaling $45,224,017 to Baltimore, resulting in historic reductions in crime. Over the last three years total crime in Baltimore has dropped 10 percent, including a 10.8 percent reduction in violent crime and a 9.8 percent reduction in property crime.

Road Closures Week Of Aug. 2nd


The City of Salisbury will be conducting road restoration operations on the streets listed below.
The work will begin approximately 8:00 a.m., Monday, August 2, 2010 and should be completed approximately 4:30 p.m., Friday, August 6th, 2010. London Avenue, Philadelphia Avenue, Benton Avenue, Lehigh Avenue, and Onley Road will be closed to all thru traffic, allowing local traffic only, until completed. Dykes Road will be reduced to one lane during the milling and
paving operations. Thank you for your patience and cooperation.

London Avenue - From Route 13 to North Division St.
Philadelphia Avenue - From Route 13 to Benton St.
Benton Avenue - From Baltimore Avenue to Philadelphia Avenue
Lehigh Avenue - From Benton St. to North Division St.
Onley Road - From Perry Dr. to Perry Dr.
Dykes Road - From Approx. 300’ East of South Division St. to Corporate Limits