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Tuesday, February 10, 2009

GANNETT CO., INC WAS WITHIN TWO PENNIES OF SETTING YET ANOTHER RECORD LOW

Today, Gannett Co., Inc. stock price - GCI trading symbol - continued to spiral downward and was within 2 pennies of setting yet another record low today.

Gannett Co., Inc. is The Daily Times parent company.

Click here for more details on today's trading:
http://www.google.com/finance?q=NYSE:GCI

Important Delmar Meeting TONIGHT

Joe,

If you could remind the residents in lower Sussex county, specifically the Delmar area, about the informational meeting tonight at the Delmar Fire Department concerning the MAPP project-the 500,000 volt transmission power line that is proposed by Pepco Holdings Inc (parent company for Delmarva Power) for the peninsula. A section of the line comes from Vienna, through the area near Packing House corner over to Racetrack Rd, and then through right-of-way headed east towards Gumboro. The informal meeting runs from 6pm to 8pm.

All interested/concerned citizens should try to attend. More information can be found at www.powerpathway.com .

Thanks.

Mark B. Naugle
Bay Region System Operations
Delmarva Power

Obama's America: Our New Government At Work

A must read article HERE.

Wicomico County Sheriff's Office Press Releases


Incident: Burglary
Date of Incident: 8 February 2009
Location: 5600 block of Archie Dennis Road, Powellville, MD
Suspect: Dustin Kyle Vass, 21, Hebron, MD

Narrative: On 8 February 2009
at 1:30 AM, Wicomico County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a report of a burglary in progress in the 5600 block of Powellville Road. The resident advised that Dustin Vass was at the front door, kicking it in an apparent attempt to force the door open. While en-route, the deputies were advised that Vass had left the area. Upon arrival, the deputies observed damage to both the front and rear doors where Vass had attempted to force the doors open. Deputies managed to locate Vass operating a vehicle in the Willards area at which point he was stopped and taken into custody.

Vass was transported to the Central Booking Unit where he was processed and taken in front of the District Court Commissioner. After an initial appearance, Vass was detained by the Commissioner in the Detention Center in lieu of $35,000.00 bond.

Charges:
Burglary 1st Degree
Burglary 3rd Degree
Burglary 4th Degree
Malicious Destruction of Property

Incident: Assault on a Deputy
Date of Incident: 9 February 2009
Location: U.S. 13 N/B at Winner Blvd., Delmar, MD
Suspect: Trevaughn Levar Wilson, 20, Seaford, DE

Narrative: On 9 February 2009
at 7:09 AM, a deputy from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office stopped a vehicle operated by Trevaughn Wilson for aggressive driving on U.S. 13. Upon stopping the vehicle and making contact with Wilson, he immediately became argumentative and began yelling at the deputy. During this contact with Wilson, the deputy observed indicators of criminal activity and requested that a WCSO Drug K9 team respond to the stop. While waiting for the K9 team, the deputy attempted to get Wilson to provide his driver’s license, yet Wilson refused to speak with the deputy or provide the requested information. Upon the arrival of the K9 team, the deputies requested that Wilson and his passengers exit the vehicle. The two passengers complied, but Wilson locked himself in the vehicle, rolled up the windows and refused the requests to exit the vehicle. After about a minute, Wilson exited the vehicle at which point a protective pat down was initiated by one of the deputies. During the pat down, Wilson became uncooperative and kicked the two deputies.

Wilson 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, Wilson was released by the Commissioner on Personal Recognizance.

Charges:
Aggressive Driving
Assault (2 counts)
Failure to Obey the Order of a Law Enforcement Office
Obstruct and Hinder a law Enforcement Officer

Illegally Placed Signs?







I just happened to spot these signs on my way to and from lunch today and I'm sure there are many others like it around Salisbury.

When you see a sign between the curb and the sidewalk, you can bet that 99% of the time it is within the City of Salisbury right-of-way. In other words it is on public property. In most cases the City will own the roadway up to the back of the sidewalk. Makes sense right, since the City is responsible for the sidewalk? You'll also notice in the third picture there is a fence. You can be 99% sure that when that property owner built that fence he made sure it was on his property and didn't extend into the right-of-way. But there is a sign, just behind the curb and in front of the sidewalk.

You might be saying "Well, maybe they didn't know?"

Gary Comegys works for the State Highway Admin. It is his job to know. Clearly, let me repeat, clearly he would know where the right-of-way is in a situation like this.

You might also be saying "Hey, what's the big deal? It's just a sign."

The big deal is that a man who's job it is to know where a right-of-way is, has purposely placed his signs in it. He has a responsibility to tell his campaigners where they can a cannot place signs and for him to over look this constitutes not only bad judgement but a violation of the law. If Gary Comegys is willing to knowingly break the law, or at least look the other way during this campaign, what do you think he will be willing to do behind closed doors if he is to be elected?
I wonder what would happen if someone were to call the Jim Caldwell at the City Public Works Department (410-548-3170) and tell them about Gary Comegys' signs? I can only speculate that, not only could they not be bother by it, they wouldn't even tell you who to call to resolve it.
Now, I also wonder what would happen if you told them it was a Jim Ireton sign?

Salisbury Police Department Press Releases

On February 6, 2009,Officers of the Salisbury Police Department
received a call to respond to a residence on the five hundred (500) block of Emory Court for the report of a robbery. Upon arrival, the officers met with a single victim who advised that he had been the victim of a robbery by unknown males. The victim advised the officers that while exiting his vehicle in this area of Emory Court, he was approached by two (2) suspects and robbed of U.S. Currency. Once receiving the currency, the suspects fled from the area. A short while later, the Maryland State Police conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle occupied by below listed suspect # 1. During the traffic stop, officers located property that was taken from the victim during the robbery. Salisbury Detectives were able to link Suspects # 2 and # 3 to the robbery, in addition to suspect #1. Salisbury detectives were also able to link the three (3) suspects to several other robberies that occurred in this area. The investigation is continuing.

ARRESTED #1: Jeremy Michael McCullough, 18 years of age Salisbury, Maryland

ARRESTED #2: Shawn Andre Lewis, 34 years of age Salisbury, Maryland

ARRESTED #3: Terrell Lamar Showell, 18 years of age Salisbury, Maryland

CHARGES (All):
Robbery
Second degree assault
Conspiracy to commit robbery
Conspiracy to commit assault
Theft (under $ 100)
Conspiracy to commit theft

DISPOSITION: All released to Central Booking CC # 200900003995

On February 5, 2009 at approximately 11:42 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police Department received a call to respond to a residence on the eight hundred (800) block of W. Isabella St. for the report of an assault. Upon arrival the officers found that a single female victim, identified as 49 year old Marjorie Belote of Salisbury, had been assaulted and sustained non life-threatening injuries to the facial area. As a result of the response and investigation, the below listed three (3) suspects were charged with the assault.

ARRESTED #1: Jamar Tyrone Savage, 19 years of age Salisbury, Maryland

ARRESTED #2: Leroy McKnight, 25 years of age Salisbury, Maryland

CHARGES (Both):
First degree assault
Second degree assault

ARRESTED #3: Vanessa Jeanine Travers, 48 years of age Salisbury, Maryland

CHARGES: Second degree assault

DISPOSITION: All released to Central Booking CC # 200900003993

On February 7, 2009 at approximately 12:15 am, Officers of the Salisbury Police Department were on routine foot patrol in the area of the Cedar Lane Apartments. While in the three hundred (300) block of Cedar Lane the officers observed the below listed suspect throw an object at the police officers in an attempt to strike the officers. The item was retrieved and found to be a can of beer. The officers were not struck by the beer can and there were no injuries.

ARRESTED: Michael Paul Vilasi, 19 years of age Salisbury, Maryland

CHARGES:
Second degree assault
Disorderly conduct
Under age possession of alcohol

DISPOSITION: Released to central booking CC # 200900004114

The Snakes In Hebron May Be Slick But Their Venom Is No Match For SBYnews


Here's how you have to learn about meetings in Hebron: you have to drive to Town Hall and see if there is anything posted on the door. Sometimes, this Town which thinks it can handle this mega-development uses their other high-tech communication networks for meeting info, i.e., the post office and barbershop!

Although they have talked about a Website for years, nothing at all moving in that direction.

Would Town Officials like my tag number in advance? I'd be happy to give it to them.

The Proposal

"The Proposal" - IT ALL ADDS UP!

When a company falls on difficult times, one of the things that seems to happen is they reduce their staff and workers. The remaining workers must find ways to continue to do a good job or risk that their job would be eliminated as well.

Wall street, and the media normally congratulate the CEO for making this type of "tough decision", and his board of directors gives him a big bonus.

Our government should not be immune from similar risks.

Therefore:
Reduce the House of Representatives from the current 435 members to 218 members.
Reduce Senate members from 100 to 50 (one per State).
Then, reduce their staff by 25%.

Accomplish this over the next 8 years (two steps/two elections) and some redistricting.

Some Yearly Monetary Gains Include:
$44,108,400 for elimination of base pay for congress. (267 members X $165,200 pay/member/ yr.)
$97,175,000 for elimination of their staff. (estimate $1.3 Million in staff per each member of the House, and $3 Million in staff per each member of the Senate every year)
$240,294 for the reduction in remaining staff by 25%.
$7,500,000,000 reduction in pork barrel ear-marks each year. (those members whose jobs are gone. Current estimates for total government pork earmarks are at $15 Billion/yr)

The remaining representatives would need to work smarter and improve efficiencies. It might even be in their best interests to work together for the good of our country!

We may also expect that smaller committees might lead to a more efficient resolution of issues as well. It might even be easier to keep track of what your representative is doing.

Congress has more tools available to do their jobs than it had back in 1911 when the current number of representatives was established. (telephone, computers, cell phones to name a few)

Note:
Congress did not hesitate to head home when it was a holiday, when the nation needed a real fix to the economic problems. Also, we have 3 senators that have not been doing their jobs for the past 18+ months (on the campaign trail) and still they all have been accepting full pay. These facts alone support a reduction in senators & congress.

Summary of opportunity:
$44,108,400 reduction of congress members.
$282,100, 000 for elimination of the reduced house member staff.
$150,000,000 for elimination of reduced senate member staff.
$59,675,000 for 25% reduction of staff for remaining house members.
$37,500,000 for 25% reduction of staff for remaining senate members.
$7,500,000,000 reduction in pork added to bills by the reduction of congress members.

$8,073,383,400 per year, estimated total savings. (that's 8-BILLION just to start!)

Big business does these types of cuts all the time.If Congresspersons were required to serve 20, 25 or 30 years (like everyone else) in order to collect retirement benefits, tax payers could save a bundle. Now they get full retirement after serving only ONE term.

"Meet The Mayoral Candidates" On PAC 14

ONE ON ONE - "Meet the Mayoral Candidates" on PAC 14

Phillip Tilghman's interviews with each of the four candidates for Mayor of Salisbury will be broadcast today (Tues.) at 8:58 P.M. and tomorrow (Wed.) at 8:57 A.M.

I believe that it will also be on PAC 14's website at those times.

Mayor Blackballs Qualified Marina Commission Applicants


Last nights Council Meeting was quite interesting, even though it was brief. The Mayor and Louise Smith made sure in advance that Council Members could only ask questions about Thomas Elliott and his appointment to the Marina Commission. Mr. Elliott had been on the Commission/Committee in the past but the Mayor could not explain why he all of a sudden, out of nowhere, chose to come back. That doesn't sound like they interviewed him very much if they didn't have that answer.


Nevertheless, what was even more interesting was the fact that there were actually THREE applicants, not one. There are also THREE seats available/open to this Commission. Additionally, Mr. Bob Harris and Mr. S.J. Disharoon had applied, both with very extensive boating backgrounds. ALL three applications were received around the same time but even more interesting was the fact that the Mayor replied to S.J. & Bob insisting they send in a resume.


Well, where's the resume for Mr. Elliott, asked some Council Members? There was none. Just a one paragraph message stating he'd be interested in the appointment. Mr. Pick was asked, (before the meeting) what the criteria was for such an applicant and does it require a resume. Mr. Pick responded, we do not require a resume, only a letter of interest.


Now why did the Mayor say we don't have qualified candidates? I actually know for a fact that Mr. Harris has been a boater for many years and actually kept his yacht right at this Marina for 3 years. In fact, when Mr. Harris applied he offered the following message.
"Robert Harris
32898 Grant St.,
Parsonsburg , Maryland
443-783-3906

Mr. Pick,

I am writing to express my interest in serving on the Marina Commission.
As a local business owner, I feel that my experience would be helpful in developing a strategy to put the marina back on track to being an entity that attracts yearly and transient slip holders.

As a former slip holder, as well as an avid boater, I feel that I have insight that would prove invaluable in determining the existing shortcomings of the marina so that we can be sure that these issues are corrected.

I’ve always believed that the Port of Salisbury is a diamond in the rough. It is an integral part of a resource to which the City of Salisbury owes its historic beginnings. It warrants the attention necessary to allow it to achieve its full potential.

Respectfully,
Robert Harris"
YOU decide Folks. Would YOU accept this application? Do YOU need a resume from this man? The Mayor certainly never asked for one from Mr. Elliott, nor is it required, per Mr. John Pick.
I simply want YOU to see what has been delivered and how the Mayor has always handled them. There are three seats available and there were three applicants. I'm truly interested in what YOU think.

RICHARD INSLEY IS NOT OUR ONLY ENEMY



Mr. Albero:

First my compliments – you have performed a public service in obtaining and publishing the letter that certain “slumlord” types and their coalition (“SAPOA”) plan to distribute to their tenants. Please also publish the following information that should be of interest to anyone who rents his/her place of residence in Salisbury.

The “4 to 2” law was not intended to (nor does it) prohibit the rental of property. In fact, it does not even apply to the apartment complex sites. Nor does it apply to actual families.

You have exposed the plan to scare and trick tenants into voting for Comegys that was the brainchild of Richard Insley in the last City election (2007). Besides keeping your spotlight on him, please be vigilant about similar conduct by a member of the SU faculty who also engages in rental (mostly to students, I understand) and used the campus e-mail system to importune students.

It appears that “Prof. Landlord” is still at SU. His infamous e-mail of March 4, 2007 is attached.

Valentine's Day At Station 7

Click on image to enlarge.

The House That Fernando Built?



There is so much talk about a new Civic Center here in Wicomico County and the desire to sell alcohol. There's also a lot of talk about parking issues at the current location but quite frankly I didn't experience a single problem parking wise for the 5,000+ seats sold at the Guerrero Fight.

Nevertheless, it seems pretty clear there are issues with the Civic Center needing to be much larger and updating so many of the things out dated. A committee was established to determine if a new Civic Center could be possible and the jury is still out on their findings.

With Fernando Guerrero being such a huge draw and several events being regularly sold out, the time is NOW to put the idea into motion as our economy won't be in the toilet for that many years and it will take years to simply come up with a design.

They know what shows do best there and IF they can enlarge the facility and compete more with Ocean City, this complex could deliver much bigger acts and events. But I have another idea in which the County should seriously consider for such a complex. Why not build the new Library into it as well and help fund the complex? It's being done all across the Country and quite frankly it makes sense. I had heard there was even talk years ago about having a Hockey Team there if there was enough interest.

It may be too early to consider this but I'd call it the Guerrero Center! Fernando won't be the only draw fighter wise to pull everyone together extreme boxing events and with the Main Street Gym almost ready to open their doors, I'm confident that ESPN, HBO, Showtime and others would be very interested in returning regularly.

Would you support a new Civic Center here in Wicomico County? I'd like to see the County consider purchasing the land next to the Shorebirds Stadium, since I hear that Development may not come through after all. What's your thoughts? Perhaps they could buy the old mall property? Let's all talk about it and see what everyone thinks.

Main Street Gym Gives Out After School Program Awards




AWARDS PROGRAM HELD WED FEBRUARY 4TH, FERNANDO GUERRERO AND NANCY CHERNOFF GIVE OUT AWARDS, GUEST SPEAKER THAT NIGHT DAVIS RUARK.

AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM AT MAIN STREET GYM

WEDNESDAY AND FRIDAYS BEFORE GYM PRACTICE 5PM - 6PM

VOLUNTEER STAFF:

LISA TULL GRANGER AND COMPANY
STACY SAKAI CHANNEL 47
CINDY MOORE PARENT OF BOXER
NANCY CHERNOFF WICOMICO COUNTY STATE' S ATTORNEY'S OFFICE

MEMBERS ATTEND ON VOLUNTARY BASIS BUT IF FAILING IN SCHOOL IT IS MANDATORY.

MEMBERS SUBMIT REPORT CARDS TO NANCY CHERNOFF FOR REVIEW.

AWARDS AND INCENTIVES ARE GIVEN EVERY MONTH AT THE END OF THE MONTH FOR THE MEMBERS PARTICIPATING IN THE AFTER SCHOOL. THEY RECEIVE THING SUCH AS GIFT CARDS ECT.

THE MEMBERS ARE EVALUATED ON THEIR ATTENDANCE IN THE AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM, BEHAVIOR IN AND OUT OF THE GYM, AND REPORT CARDS.

MONTHLY SPEAKERS COME IN AND ADDRESS THE GROUP USUALLY LAW ENFORCEMENT RELATED.

GOOD THING HE WORE HIS RUBBERS.....


Salisbury Vandalism

"Joe,

I wonder if you could ask the Salisbury area people if there has been an upsurge in vandalism in the area? And have they had any luck retrieving their stolen items?
I had an unoccupied house completely stripped including approximately 30 sets of brass door knobs,storm window frames,all the brand new gutters a huge heating and air conditioner and even the knobs off the kitchen cabinets taken. The Wicomico County Sheriff deputies did a great job rounding up the criminal that kept breaking in and he is jailed again.Trial is in March. The last time he went to trial they let him back on the streets. There seems to be a lot of that happening in the Salisbury courts.... sort of a revolving door.

The question is... Is there any other place in Salisbury where they take their stuff to sell besides Salisbury Steel? I called them but in order to find out anything they said I would have to get the police to check. What happened to the good old Eastern Shore honesty that would have at least had them check to see if anyone knew. 30 pairs of doorknobs is kind of hard to not remember. I guess the "Honest Abe" mentality is no longer in vogue. It certainly has disappeared in Washington."

Salisbury Police Officer Unmarked Vehicle Vandalized


A Salisbury Police Officer had their unmarked City Police car vandalized, (rear window busted out in broad daylight!) at the officers residence this past SaturDAY at 1:28 PM.

As if the SPD doesn't have enough trouble with run down marked vehicles, now they have to deal with thugs vandalizing the unmarked ones too. What is happening to the City of Salisbury and Wicomico County Folks!

2009010935 09000469 2/7/2009 1:28:53PM THEFT SALISBURY MDOP OR

Success Of Obama Stimulus Package Noted

"It's obvious Obama's stimulus package is working....everyone he nominates then decides to pay their taxes....."

Air Traffic Control

Some fantastic, safe, belly landings in frozen rivers.....

Tuesday Comedy