A Salisbury University Student reported that she was assaulted by a stranger in the intersection of Eastern Shore Drive and College Avenue. On 10/14/2009 at approximately 4:30 P.M., the student was walking along College Ave when a man operating a vehicle in the area yelled for her to "come here." The man asked the student "Where do you live?" and then grabbed hold of the student; however, she was able to break free and run away.
The suspect was described as an African-American male in his late twenties, and of average build. He was operating a black four-door sedan.
This incident occurred in the corporate limits of the City of Salisbury, and was reported to both the University Police Department and the Salisbury Police Department. As a result of recent incidents of crime on and around the University campus, the University Police Department is working in cooperation with the Wicomico County Sheriff's Office and the Salisbury Police Department to enhance measures for the protection our campus community.
Anyone who may have information about this crime is asked to contact the Salisbury Police Department: (410) 548-3165; the Salisbury University Police Department: (410) 543-6222; or, report anonymously to Crime Solvers of the Lower Eastern Shore: (410) 548-1776.
The following personal safety tips apply wherever one resides. Taking precautions may lessen the likelihood of becoming a victim. Increasing awareness of crime prevention techniques may decrease the opportunity for a person to commit a criminal offense against you.
If you feel uncomfortable walking alone on campus or to nearby off-campus locations during the hours of darkness, call University Police for an escort (410-543-6222).
Basic Personal Safety Tips:
1. Stay alert. You are your own best protection.
2. Trust your instincts. If something or someone makes your feel uneasy, use your cell phone to call 911 for police assistance.
3. Do not walk or jog alone after dark. Walk in groups, there is safety in numbers.
4. Walk in well-lit areas and stay near the curb, away from alleys, entry ways and bushes where someone could be hiding.
5. Avoid short cuts. Walk where there are other people present.
6. Let a family member or friend know your destination and estimated time of arrival.
7. Walk confidently, directly, and at a steady pace. Make eye contact with everyone you pass. Don't talk to strangers.
8. Wear clothing and shoes that give you freedom of movement. Avoid carrying a purse or too many items.
9. If you are being followed when walking, change directions, vary speed. Go to a well-lit area where there are other people. If followed by someone in a car, turn and walk in the other direction. Record the license number.
10. Report any suspicious activity or crimes to your local police department.
Please report any suspicious activity or suspicious person to the police department immediately. If possible, use a cellular phone to call 911 while maintaining visual observation of the subject(s).
Chief Edwin L. Lashley
University Police
ellashley@salisbury.edu
DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Train Derailment Victims Settle For $30 Million
Collision with SUV parked on tracks by suicidal man left 11 dead
LOS ANGELES - A commuter rail agency agreed to pay about $30 million to settle most of the lawsuits from a derailment that killed 11 people and injured another 180 after a driver trying to commit suicide parked his gas-drenched SUV on the tracks, attorneys said Wednesday.
Jerome Ringler, lead attorney for the plaintiffs, said Metrolink agreed to settle nearly 90 percent of the cases, including nine wrongful death claims and 15 serious injury cases.
He declined to characterize the cases still under negotiation because he didn't want to affect the settlements. Both sides are trying to resolve the remaining cases ahead of trial set for Jan. 4, he said.
GO HERE to read more.
OCPD SEEKING IDENTITY OF JEWLERY STORE BURGLARY SUSPECT
The Ocean City Police Department is seeking the assistance of the public to help identify a suspect involved in the Burglary of the “Avanti Jewelers” which occurred on October 12, 2009, at about 02:30 hours. This jewelry store is located inside the Princess Royal Hotel, 9100 Coastal Highway, Ocean City.
OCPD officers were able to recover a surveillance video which shows a suspect enter the jewelry shop and break into jewelry cases and steal several items.
The suspect is described as: light skinned black male, 6”0 tall, 200 to 220 pounds, has a mustache with short hair. The suspect appears to be in his mid 40’s. At the time of the burglary the suspect is seen wearing a dark colored t-shirt, blue jeans and white sneakers. (See video provided)
Anyone having any information regarding this suspect or incident is asked to contact the OCPD Criminal Investigation Division at 410-723-6604.
STATEMENT BY GOVERNOR MARTIN O’MALLEY ON RETENTION OF STATE’S AAA BOND RATING
ANNAPOLIS, MD (October 14, 2009) – Governor Martin O’Malley today issued the following statement regarding the retention of Maryland’s AAA bond rating by all three bond rating agencies:
“Today’s AAA bond rating is – once again – an affirmation of Maryland’s smart fiscal policies in the midst of the worst national recession since the Great Depression. By returning an era of fiscal responsibility to our State, we have demonstrated that sound financial management is possible even in tough economic times. This highest possible bond rating not only demonstrates Maryland’s fiscal strength as one of only seven states to maintain the highly coveted designation, it also saves taxpayers money.
“I want to thank Treasurer Kopp and Comptroller Franchot for their leadership and sound management of our State’s finances. We have worked hard to make our state government more accountable and transparent While Maryland is not immune to the effects for this national recession, together we have made the difficult decisions to protect our State’s long-term financial health, invest in our future, and protect our most valuable asset – the skills and strength of our people.”
“Today’s AAA bond rating is – once again – an affirmation of Maryland’s smart fiscal policies in the midst of the worst national recession since the Great Depression. By returning an era of fiscal responsibility to our State, we have demonstrated that sound financial management is possible even in tough economic times. This highest possible bond rating not only demonstrates Maryland’s fiscal strength as one of only seven states to maintain the highly coveted designation, it also saves taxpayers money.
“I want to thank Treasurer Kopp and Comptroller Franchot for their leadership and sound management of our State’s finances. We have worked hard to make our state government more accountable and transparent While Maryland is not immune to the effects for this national recession, together we have made the difficult decisions to protect our State’s long-term financial health, invest in our future, and protect our most valuable asset – the skills and strength of our people.”
OCPD REMINDER: Rt 90 Bridge Closing Tomorrow For Repair
On Thursday, October 15, 2009, the State Highway Administration will close one of the two bridges leading into Ocean City so work crews can replace a damaged girder. The estimated time for the bridge closure is two months, and in the meantime, traffic will be diverted to the U.S. 50 Bridge. Work crews are expected to remove an 85-foot section of the bridge, replace the steel beams and pour a new deck surface and paint new stripes. The highway administration hopes to reopen the bridge by mid-December. Highway 90 will remain open to local traffic, including vehicles heading for Ocean Pines and U.S. 113, as far as St. Martin's Neck Road. 
Salisbury Police Department Press Releases
On October 13, 2009 at approximately 1:18 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police arrested the below listed suspect on an outstanding warrant for a robbery that occurred at the Universal Citgo on North Salisbury Boulevard on August 29. On that date the suspect took U.S. currency from a victim that was attempting to pay for gasoline. The victim was not injured.
ARRESTED: Domonique Roshad Russell, 24 years of age Hebron, Maryland
CHARGES:
Robbery
Second degree assault
Theft (under $ 100)
DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking CC # 200900030474
On October 13, 2009 at approximately 5:22 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police received a call to respond to the Boscovs Department Store at the Centre at Salisbury for the report of a shoplifter. Upon arrival the officers met with store security who advised the officers that store employees had observed the below listed suspect taking clothing from the store without making payment. The clothing was recovered and returned to the store.
ARRESTED: Lauren Michel Tracey, 19 years of age Salisbury, Maryland
CHARGES: Theft (under $ 100)
DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking CC # 200900036499
On October 13, 2009 at approximately 9:00 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police received a call to respond to the Sears Department Store at the Centre at Salisbury for the report of a shoplifter. Upon arrival the officers met with store security who advised the officers that store employees had observed the below listed suspect taking clothing and hardware from the store without making payment. The property was recovered and returned to the store. The suspect was also found to be wanted on an outstanding Wicomico Co. Circuit Court Bench Warrant for failing to appear for a hearing.
ARRESTED: Vince Clifton Stewart, 24 years of age Delmar, Maryland
CHARGES:
Theft (over $ 500)
Theft (under $ 1000)
Wicomico Co. Circuit Court Bench Warrant-
Failure to appear for a hearing
DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking CC # 200900036520
Wall Street Journal Surpasses USA Today As No. 1
NEW YORK
The Wall Street Journal is now the top-selling daily newspaper in the United States.
The Audit Bureau of Circulations won't be releasing figures until later this month, but the Journal issued its numbers Wednesday.
It says the average number of copies sold in the April to September period reached 2.02 million, up about 12,000 from the same period a year earlier.
That tops USA Today, which said last week that it had its worst circulation decline ever, dropping 17 percent to 1.88 million. USA Today has long been No. 1.
Audit rules allow newspapers to count some online-only subscriptions. The Journal, a unit of News Corp.-owned Dow Jones & Co., is among the major newspapers to charge for access to much of its Web site. USA Today does not.
Source
It's Official: Dow 10,000
Blue-chip average reaches key milestone following better-than-expected results from JPMorgan and Intel.
NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- Stocks rallied Wednesday afternoon, with the Dow industrials briefly touching 10,000 for the first time in over a year, following better-than-expected quarterly profit reports from Intel and JPMorgan Chase.
The Dow Jones industrial average (INDU)rose as high as 10,001.58 with about 2-1/2 hours left in the session. It then stepped back slightly, to a gain of 128 points, or 1.3%, to 9,997.
The last time the Dow crossed 10,000 during a trading session was Oct. 7, 2008, when it briefly touched 10,124.03.
The S&P 500 (SPX) index rose 15 points, or 1.4%, and the Nasdaq composite (COMP) added 28 points, or 1.3%.
The advance was broad-based, with 25 of 30 Dow stocks rising. JPMorgan Chase (JPM, Fortune 500), Caterpillar (CAT, Fortune 500), Chevron (CVX, Fortune 500), IBM (IBM, Fortune 500), 3M (MMM, Fortune 500), United Technologies (UTX, Fortune 500) and Exxon Mobil (XOM, Fortune 500) were the biggest contributors to the Dow's gains.
"Today's market action is all about Intel and JPMorgan and just earnings in general," said Tom Schrader, managing director at Stifel Nicolaus.
He said that the weak retail sales report, also released Wednesday morning, indicates that the economic recovery is not going to be smooth-sailing. But regardless, "people are looking forward."
Stocks struggled Tuesday as a weak financial sector and disappointment about Johnson & Johnson (JNJ, Fortune 500)'s results kept the Dow away from 10,000.
GO HERE to read more.
Obama Discusses The State Of The Economy
Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy
DSP Troop 3 Detectives Arrest Smyrna Man For Rape
Location: Bently Court, Lakeshore Village, Smyrna, DE
Date of Occurrence: November 2008 – May 2009
Suspect(s): Mr. Phillip G. Clayville, 42, of the above stated address.
Resume: On Tuesday, October 13th, 2009, the Delaware State Police Detectives arrested Mr. Phillip G. Clayville, after he surrendered to Troop 3 in Camden on outstanding warrants.
The initial investigation started in June 2009, when the family of a 12-year old female contacted the Delaware State Police reference to allegations that Mr. Clayville sexually assaulted their daughter. As the investigation continued, a second 11-year old female was also found to be a victim.
Detectives completed the investigation and obtained warrants on September 30, 2009, for Mr. Clayville charging him with the following crimes:
3-Charges of Rape 4th Degree Sexual Penetration Victim is Less Than 16 or Without Consent (Felony)
2-Charges of Unlawful Sexual Contact 2nd Degree (Felony)
Mr. Clayville was arraigned before the Justice of the Peace Court and issued a $16,00.00 secure bond and a no contact order. Mr. Clayville posted bail and was released pending his trial date.
Nazis Fear An Armed People: Schwarzenegger’s Ammo Law
Second Amendment advocates and other defenders of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights are outraged by California Gov. Schwarzenegger’s scheme to force all law-abiding gun owners in the state to submit data to be inserted in a database when they purchase ammunition.
Schwarzenegger’s SS Totenkopf death’s head belt buckle displayed on the cover of Time Magazine.
It makes sense California would enact such a law. The state is lorded over by an avowed Nazi.
”I admired Hitler, for instance, because he came from being a little man with almost no formal education up to power. And I admire him for being such a good public speaker,” Arnie said in the documentary Pumping Iron. The producer of the film, George Butler, considers Schwarzenegger a ”flagrant, outspoken admirer of Hitler.”
In a book proposal, according to the New York Times, Butler also said he had seen Mr. Schwarzenegger playing ”Nazi marching songs from long-playing records in his collection at home” and said that the actor ”frequently clicked his heels and pretended to be an S.S. officer.”
In response to Butler’s accusation, Schwarzenegger told the newspaper in 2003 that he despises Hitler.
He does? If so, why does Schwarzenegger wear a belt buckle bearing the SS Totenkopf, a Nazi SS insignia? Schwarzenegger appeared on the cover of Time Magazine on June 25, 2007, with Michael Bloomberg — who also has contempt for the Second Amendment — wearing the death’s head belt buckle. He wore it again nine months later in the March 2008 issue of Esquire Magazine.
Schwarzenegger proudly displayed the death’s head buckle a few months ago at the CeBIT 2009 IT conference in Hanover, Germany.
Schwarzenegger’s late father, Gustav, voluntarily applied to join the Nazi Party in 1938 when it was still illegal in Austria. He also voluntarily applied to become a member of the Sturmabteilung, the Nazi paramilitary wing, on May 1, 1939. He was a Hitler-worshiping brownshirt.
Arnie invited Austrian president Kurt Waldheim to his wedding in 1986 after it emerged that the former UN secretary general had long concealed that he fought in a German army commando accused of atrocities.
All of this may be incidental to Arnie’s signing of AB962, the California ammo bill. But then, considering Arnie’s flagrant display of an SS insignia, it does not seem likely.
GO HERE to read more.
Schwarzenegger’s SS Totenkopf death’s head belt buckle displayed on the cover of Time Magazine.
It makes sense California would enact such a law. The state is lorded over by an avowed Nazi.
”I admired Hitler, for instance, because he came from being a little man with almost no formal education up to power. And I admire him for being such a good public speaker,” Arnie said in the documentary Pumping Iron. The producer of the film, George Butler, considers Schwarzenegger a ”flagrant, outspoken admirer of Hitler.”
In a book proposal, according to the New York Times, Butler also said he had seen Mr. Schwarzenegger playing ”Nazi marching songs from long-playing records in his collection at home” and said that the actor ”frequently clicked his heels and pretended to be an S.S. officer.”
In response to Butler’s accusation, Schwarzenegger told the newspaper in 2003 that he despises Hitler.
He does? If so, why does Schwarzenegger wear a belt buckle bearing the SS Totenkopf, a Nazi SS insignia? Schwarzenegger appeared on the cover of Time Magazine on June 25, 2007, with Michael Bloomberg — who also has contempt for the Second Amendment — wearing the death’s head belt buckle. He wore it again nine months later in the March 2008 issue of Esquire Magazine.
Schwarzenegger proudly displayed the death’s head buckle a few months ago at the CeBIT 2009 IT conference in Hanover, Germany.
Schwarzenegger’s late father, Gustav, voluntarily applied to join the Nazi Party in 1938 when it was still illegal in Austria. He also voluntarily applied to become a member of the Sturmabteilung, the Nazi paramilitary wing, on May 1, 1939. He was a Hitler-worshiping brownshirt.
Arnie invited Austrian president Kurt Waldheim to his wedding in 1986 after it emerged that the former UN secretary general had long concealed that he fought in a German army commando accused of atrocities.
All of this may be incidental to Arnie’s signing of AB962, the California ammo bill. But then, considering Arnie’s flagrant display of an SS insignia, it does not seem likely.
GO HERE to read more.
Parents At New Jersey School Hope Meeting Will Assuage Obama Song Concerns
A New Jersey mother of a second-grader who was seen in an unauthorized video singing the praises of President Obama said she hopes to get some answers tonight at a public meeting held by the township's board of education.
The mother of a second-grader says she hopes to get some answers Wednesday night as to why her daughter was videotaped with the rest of her class singing the praises of President Obama at a New Jersey elementary school last spring.
Andrea Ciemnolonski, of Burlington, N.J., said she'll attend a 6 p.m. "work session" held by the Burlington Township Board of Education, which she hopes will assuage her concerns regarding security at the B. Bernice Young Elementary School.
"I still have questions," Ciemnolonski told Foxnews.com. "Mostly I just want to see what the school is going to do to improve security at the school. Clearly, if the children were videotaped, there's something wrong. They should not have been -- that's not permitted."
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/10/14/parents-hope-meeting-assuage-obama-song-concerns/
GOVERNOR MARTIN O’MALLEY TO SIGN FIRST EVER COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT WITH STATE CONTRACTORS
ANNAPOLIS, MD (October 14, 2009) – Governor Martin O’Malley will join leaders of the Service Employee International Union to sign the first ever collective bargaining agreement with state contractors in Maryland. The agreement will be the first since a Glendening Administration Executive Order extended collective negotiating beyond state employees to also include contractors. The agreement will be signed by the Governor, SEIU Local 500, and the Maryland State Department of Education.
“This is an exciting day for Maryland as we sign the first ever collective bargaining agreement with state contractors in Maryland,” said Governor O’Malley. “The hard working professionals of SEIU are vital to the healthy future of so many Marylanders, and it’s our obligation to ensure their rights as contracted workers are protected just as state employees are.”
SEIU Local 500 represents 18,000 people working mainly in child care and education, including the employees of the Montgomery County Public School System, Head Start, part-time faculty at George Washington University, and Maryland's family child care providers. SEIU in Maryland represents 30,000 Health Care, Property Service, and Public Sector Workers.
“This is an exciting day for Maryland as we sign the first ever collective bargaining agreement with state contractors in Maryland,” said Governor O’Malley. “The hard working professionals of SEIU are vital to the healthy future of so many Marylanders, and it’s our obligation to ensure their rights as contracted workers are protected just as state employees are.”
SEIU Local 500 represents 18,000 people working mainly in child care and education, including the employees of the Montgomery County Public School System, Head Start, part-time faculty at George Washington University, and Maryland's family child care providers. SEIU in Maryland represents 30,000 Health Care, Property Service, and Public Sector Workers.
16-Year Old Cape Henlopen High School Student Arrested
Location: Cape Henlopen High School, 1250 Kings Cape, Lewes, DE
Date of Occurrence: Tuesday, October 13th, 2009 at approximately 2:30 pm
Suspect(s): 16-year old male student
Resume: On Tuesday, October 13th, 2009, the Delaware State Police and officials at Cape Henlopen High School investigated an incident involving a 16-year old student who was in possession of a martial arts star.
The investigation revealed that the high school student threw the martial arts star past two 16-year old female students striking a wooden cabinet. The incident occurred in a classroom setting. The victims did not sustain any injury.
The 16-year old student was taken into custody without incident and charged with the following misdemeanor crimes:
Possession of a Weapon in a Safe School Zone
A Person Shall Not Deal with a Martial Arts Throwing Star
Carrying a Concealed Deadly Weapon/Instrument
2-Counts of 2nd Degree Reckless Endangering
A family member responded to the school and took custody of the 16-year old party pending his appearance for arraignment in Sussex County Family Court. The student is presently suspended from the school pending a review with disciplinary consequences along with restitution.
Date of Occurrence: Tuesday, October 13th, 2009 at approximately 2:30 pm
Suspect(s): 16-year old male student
Resume: On Tuesday, October 13th, 2009, the Delaware State Police and officials at Cape Henlopen High School investigated an incident involving a 16-year old student who was in possession of a martial arts star.
The investigation revealed that the high school student threw the martial arts star past two 16-year old female students striking a wooden cabinet. The incident occurred in a classroom setting. The victims did not sustain any injury.
The 16-year old student was taken into custody without incident and charged with the following misdemeanor crimes:
Possession of a Weapon in a Safe School Zone
A Person Shall Not Deal with a Martial Arts Throwing Star
Carrying a Concealed Deadly Weapon/Instrument
2-Counts of 2nd Degree Reckless Endangering
A family member responded to the school and took custody of the 16-year old party pending his appearance for arraignment in Sussex County Family Court. The student is presently suspended from the school pending a review with disciplinary consequences along with restitution.
Another War Story: Wag The Tail
A two-minute video of a soldier being greeted by his dogs after returning home after 14 months in Iraq. I suspect even cat people will be touched by this: GO HERE
GOVERNOR MARTIN O’MALLEY ANNOUNCES JOB TRAINING PARTNERSHIP WITH MICROSOFT
Microsoft to provide 13,500 vouchers to the citizens of Maryland to provide free technology training
BALTIMORE, MD (October 14, 2009) – Governor Martin O’Malley today announced that Maryland will join forces with Microsoft in an innovative, public-private partnership to provide free technology training to displaced workers. The Governor joined Mayor Sheila Dixon, Maryland Secretary of Labor, Licensing and Regulation Alexander Sanchez, and Fred Humphries, Microsoft Managing Director, US Government Affairs at the Baltimore Eastside Career Center to applaud the unique partnership labeled “Microsoft Elevate America.”
“This partnership will provide thousands of people in Maryland with the workforce education that is necessary to come through this recession,” said Governor O’Malley. “Giving people the important job and technology proficiencies to succeed will help to boost our state’s employment and improve the quality of our world class workforce. We are excited to work with Microsoft on such an important program.”
“Thanks to Governor Martin O’Malley and Microsoft, more Baltimore citizens now have a chance to improve their technology proficiencies as the city and state continues to bridge the digital divide,” stated Mayor Sheila Dixon. “In today's workforce and classrooms, it is crucial to know basic Microsoft applications. With these vouchers, we will improve the technological knowledge to Baltimore City residents and provide new and better job opportunities.”
In Maryland, Microsoft has partnered with the state’s Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation to distribute a total of 13,500 training vouchers statewide during the next 90 days to the state’s One-Stop Career Centers, local community college system and the Maryland State Department of Education, Division of Rehabilitative Services. Courses range from basic technology literacy to intermediate-level technology skills. A portion of the vouchers will be issued to Maryland residents for Microsoft Certification Exams all at no cost to the recipient.
“Elevate America is a powerful program for people who need crucial skills essential to obtain employment in today’s competitive workplace,” said Fred Humphries, Microsoft Managing Director, US Government Affairs. “We at Microsoft believe that this type of public-private partnership plays an integral role in rebuilding Maryland - and the nation’s economy - through access to technology training that can open doors to employment opportunity.”
Maryland will receive 6,000 vouchers for Microsoft Windows and Office online training, 6,000 vouchers for Microsoft Business Certification Exams, and 1,500 vouchers for advanced technical professional level online training:
Each training voucher is redeemable for free online training in Microsoft Windows Vista, or one of the programs in the Microsoft Office suite.
Each certification exam voucher is redeemable for a Microsoft Business Certification Exam.
Advanced technical professional level vouchers are redeemable for free online training for individuals in technical professional career tracks in areas such as web development or database management.
“This partnership will give thousands of Marylanders the technology skills they need to compete in the 21st century economy,” Sanchez said.
Any Maryland resident may request and receive a voucher. The vouchers will be distributed through the state’s One-Stop Career Centers and its partners, community colleges, the Department of Rehabilitation Services and the Department of Human Resources. In its role as Microsoft’s “designated partner” for administration of Elevate America in Maryland, Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation is responsible for the overall statewide distribution program. Vouchers will be distributed to citizens across the state on a first come, first served basis starting today
Microsoft Vice President Pamela Passman announced the “Microsoft Elevate America” program at the National Governor’s Conference in February. The initiative will provide up to 1 million vouchers nationwide for Microsoft e-Learning courses and select Microsoft certification exams at no or low cost to recipients. The program is designed to provide technology training for up to 2 million people during the next three years. Maryland’s participation in the program makes it that fifth state to take part in this groundbreaking initiative.
For additional information regarding the Microsoft vouchers and locations where citizens can obtain a voucher in Maryland, visit the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation website at www.dllr.state.md.us and click on the Microsoft Elevate America button.
BALTIMORE, MD (October 14, 2009) – Governor Martin O’Malley today announced that Maryland will join forces with Microsoft in an innovative, public-private partnership to provide free technology training to displaced workers. The Governor joined Mayor Sheila Dixon, Maryland Secretary of Labor, Licensing and Regulation Alexander Sanchez, and Fred Humphries, Microsoft Managing Director, US Government Affairs at the Baltimore Eastside Career Center to applaud the unique partnership labeled “Microsoft Elevate America.”
“This partnership will provide thousands of people in Maryland with the workforce education that is necessary to come through this recession,” said Governor O’Malley. “Giving people the important job and technology proficiencies to succeed will help to boost our state’s employment and improve the quality of our world class workforce. We are excited to work with Microsoft on such an important program.”
“Thanks to Governor Martin O’Malley and Microsoft, more Baltimore citizens now have a chance to improve their technology proficiencies as the city and state continues to bridge the digital divide,” stated Mayor Sheila Dixon. “In today's workforce and classrooms, it is crucial to know basic Microsoft applications. With these vouchers, we will improve the technological knowledge to Baltimore City residents and provide new and better job opportunities.”
In Maryland, Microsoft has partnered with the state’s Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation to distribute a total of 13,500 training vouchers statewide during the next 90 days to the state’s One-Stop Career Centers, local community college system and the Maryland State Department of Education, Division of Rehabilitative Services. Courses range from basic technology literacy to intermediate-level technology skills. A portion of the vouchers will be issued to Maryland residents for Microsoft Certification Exams all at no cost to the recipient.
“Elevate America is a powerful program for people who need crucial skills essential to obtain employment in today’s competitive workplace,” said Fred Humphries, Microsoft Managing Director, US Government Affairs. “We at Microsoft believe that this type of public-private partnership plays an integral role in rebuilding Maryland - and the nation’s economy - through access to technology training that can open doors to employment opportunity.”
Maryland will receive 6,000 vouchers for Microsoft Windows and Office online training, 6,000 vouchers for Microsoft Business Certification Exams, and 1,500 vouchers for advanced technical professional level online training:
Each training voucher is redeemable for free online training in Microsoft Windows Vista, or one of the programs in the Microsoft Office suite.
Each certification exam voucher is redeemable for a Microsoft Business Certification Exam.
Advanced technical professional level vouchers are redeemable for free online training for individuals in technical professional career tracks in areas such as web development or database management.
“This partnership will give thousands of Marylanders the technology skills they need to compete in the 21st century economy,” Sanchez said.
Any Maryland resident may request and receive a voucher. The vouchers will be distributed through the state’s One-Stop Career Centers and its partners, community colleges, the Department of Rehabilitation Services and the Department of Human Resources. In its role as Microsoft’s “designated partner” for administration of Elevate America in Maryland, Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation is responsible for the overall statewide distribution program. Vouchers will be distributed to citizens across the state on a first come, first served basis starting today
Microsoft Vice President Pamela Passman announced the “Microsoft Elevate America” program at the National Governor’s Conference in February. The initiative will provide up to 1 million vouchers nationwide for Microsoft e-Learning courses and select Microsoft certification exams at no or low cost to recipients. The program is designed to provide technology training for up to 2 million people during the next three years. Maryland’s participation in the program makes it that fifth state to take part in this groundbreaking initiative.
For additional information regarding the Microsoft vouchers and locations where citizens can obtain a voucher in Maryland, visit the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation website at www.dllr.state.md.us and click on the Microsoft Elevate America button.
42-Year Old Female Attempts To Run Over Boyfriend During Altercation
Location: 25000 Block of Kings Lane, Enchanted Acres, Millsboro, DE
Date of Occurrence: Tuesday, October 13th, 2009 at approximately 4 pm
Suspect(s): Ms. Sharon Harmison, 42, of the above stated location
Resume: On Tuesday, October 13th, shortly after 4pm, Delaware State Troopers were summoned to the 25000 Block of Kings Lane, Enchanted Acres, Millsboro reference to a domestic complaint.
The investigation revealed during the course of a verbal and physical altercation, the female party later identified as Ms. Sharon Harmison, 42, damaged property inside the residence and allegedly swung a 2x4 wood plank at the male victim striking him in the leg.
Before departing the property, Ms. Harmison then entered her vehicle placed it in reverse and sped toward the male party. The male party jumped from the path of the vehicle to avoid being struck. The victim was not injured. Ms. Harmison fled the area prior to the arrival of Troopers.
Once Troopers contacted the male party at the residence Troopers responded to the parking lot of Nanticoke Crossing and took Ms. Harmison into custody without incident and transported her to Troop 7.
The investigating Trooper obtained warrants for the following felony charges:
Assault 2nd Degree Recklessly or Intentionally Causes Physical Injury
Reckless Endangering 1st Degree
Possession of a Deadly Weapon During the Commission of a Felony
Ms. Harmison was arraigned before the Justice of Peace Court and released on a $35,000.00 unsecured bond pending a later trial date with a no contact order.
New Fire Boat Runs Aground On Way To Tampa
The navigational instruments said they were in the middle of the channel.
Then they ran aground on a beach near St. Augustine at 11 p.m. Wednesday.
The new $3.8 million, 69-foot-long Tampa Fire Boat Patriot suffered no damage, said Capt. Bill Wade, a spokesman for Tampa Fire Rescue.
"The boat came to a sudden stop," said Wade, who added there were no injuries. "It was pretty obvious what had happened. We had run aground somewhere."
Wade and the crew of seven stayed on the boat throughout the night until a tugboat arrived at noon Thursday. The tugboat pulled the boat off the sand and the vessel went on its own to a nearby marina to get checked out, Wade said.
Wade said that residents told them that about a dozen boats have run aground this year at the same location.
Along with Wade, the crew on the boat includes two Tampa firefighters, a fire department mechanic and three staff members from Metalcraft Marine, who built the vessel, Wade said.
They anticipated arriving at Cape Canaveral at 5 p.m. Thursday and hoped to arrive at noon Monday at Davis Islands.
The new boat, which was bought by a federal government grant, is needed to allow firefighters to work quickly, safely and be responsive to the large number of cargo ships and passenger vessels that travel daily to and from the Port of Tampa, Wade said.
The fire department has two boats now. One is 27 feet and the other is 30 feet, Wade said.
The new vessel has sonar equipment that maps the water column underneath and can refill scuba diving tanks on board.
It has multiple hose connections to fight fires. It can pump water equivalent to a dozen fire trucks, pumping about 13,000 gallons of water a minute, Wade said.
He said they will use the boat from the Port of Tampa and Port of Manatee to past the Sunshine Skyway bridge.
The boat began its voyage on Sept. 11 from Kingston, Ontario, where it was built by Metalcraft Marine.
A boat captain from the company was piloting the boat when it ran aground. Metalcraft was responsible for covering the costs of freeing the boat.
Source
Patrol Trooper Observes Parking Lot Dispute & Intervenes
Location: Wawa Parking Lot, USRT 13 and Line Road, Delmar
Date of Occurrence: Wednesday, October 14th , 2009 at 12:20 am
Suspect(s): Ms. Shelly M. Shockley, 20, of Line Road, Delmar, DE
Resume: On Wednesday, October 14th, 2009, a Delaware State Police Trooper assigned to Troop 5 patrol was traveling northbound on USRT 13. The patrol Trooper was stopped at a red light at the intersection when he observed an altercation between three individuals in the Wawa parking lot.
The Trooper responded into the parking lot and observed a Mazda sedan parked in the lane of travel within the parking lot. The Trooper exited his vehicle and contacted a female party, later identified as Ms. Shelly Shockley, 20, of Line Road, Delmar, DE, seated in the front seat of the Mazda sedan.
Once the parties were separated, Ms. Shockley exited the vehicle using abusive language and refused to listen to verbal commands by the Trooper. The Trooper attempted to take custody of Ms. Shockley who became increasingly disorderly and tried to break free from his custody. The Trooper was able to place handcuffs on Ms. Shockley without further incident.
The investigation revealed that Ms. Shockley was 20-years old and was intoxicated. The argument was between friends when they confronted Ms. Shockley about her desire to operate her vehicle while intoxicated.
Ms. Shockley was charged with Driving by a Minor after Consumption of Alcohol, Disorderly Conduct and Resisting Arrest. All of the charges are misdemeanors and Ms. Shockley was released to a family member pending a later scheduled court date.
Another GOP Senator Open To Health Overhaul
The $829 billion bill was approved by the finance committee, 14-9
WASHINGTON - A second Republican senator signaled Wednesday she's open to voting for sweeping health care legislation this year, putting President Barack Obama closer to a historic achievement that has eluded generations of Democratic leaders.
But Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, told The Associated Press that the bill approved Tuesday by the Finance Committee needs substantial improvements to make coverage more affordable, contain costs, and protect Medicare. Nevertheless, she joined her Maine GOP colleague Sen. Olympia Snowe in endorsing the goal of far-reaching changes.
"My hope is we that can fix the flaws in the bill and come together with a truly bipartisan bill that could garner widespread support," Collins said in an interview. "I think this bill is far superior to the ones passed by the Senate (health) committee and the three House committees, but it needs substantial additional work."
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