Without Public Transit, Travelers Would Have Suffered 785 Million Hours Of Delay On Our Roads

Wilmington -- The Texas Transportation Institute (TTI) today released its highly regarded congestion report, 2010 Urban Mobility Report, which looked at road congestion in 439 United States urban areas. As in past years, the data overwhelmingly shows the importance of public transportation in relieving congestion. In fact, the s improved methodology of the report indicates that public transportation has an even greater role in reducing congestion than previously thought.

The 2010 Urban Mobility Report makes clear that without public transportation services, travelers would have suffered an additional 785 million hours of delay and consumed 640 million more gallons of fuel. Had there been no public transportation service available in the 439 urban areas studied, congestion costs for 2009 would have risen by nearly $19 billion from $115 to $134 billion.

There is no doubt that expanding public transportation use is the key to reducing traffic congestion, said American Public Transportation Association (APTA) President William Millar. Clearly, even if you do not ride public transportation, it is still in your best interest to support investment in public transit. Better public transportation in your community means less congestion on the roads.

In addition to its proven record of reducing congestion, public transportation offers economic benefits. Public transportation plays an important role in helping people commute to work; nearly 60 percent of all trips on public transportation involve travel to and from job sites. Also, every $1 billion invested in public transportation creates and supports 36,000 jobs.

U.S. public transportation use also produces significant energy-savings benefits. Each year 4.2 billion gallons of gasoline are saved because our citizens use public transportation.

The Report ranks the Philadelphia-DE-NJ-MD area as 7th out the 35 top urban areas in the nation that had the highest savings in hours of delay due to public transportation use in 2009. In the Philadelphia-DE-NJ-MD area the hours saved totaled 26,377,522 and gallons of fuel saved were 18,954,700. The total congestion cost savings from public transportation use in Philadelphia-DE-NJ-MD area is $633,001,381.

Wicomico High Student Government Association Holds Shoe Boxes For Salisbury Drive

The Wicomico High School Student Government Association is sponsoring Shoe Boxes for Salisbury, a school-wide service project to benefit the community. Donations of small sizes of toiletries – such as shampoo, conditioner, tissues, sanitizers, deodorant, soap, body wash, toothpaste, toothbrushes and feminine products – are welcome through Jan. 28. Donations from the community may be brought to the Wicomico High School office, on Long Avenue.

The SGA has asked every club, organization or sports team to contribute a multitude of one particular item. This will allow for easier collection of all the needed items, and will help unite the student body in the common goal of giving back to the community. WiHi students who are not giving through a club, organization or team are invited to donate during their lunch shifts.

The collected toiletries will be divided among shoe boxes donated by Vernon Powell. The shoe boxes will then be given to several local shelters including HALO, the Christian Shelter, Village of Hope and the Life Crisis Center. For more information on how to donate or get involved, please contact Wicomico High at 410-677-5146.

Highlighted Events This Week And Next Week In Wicomico Schools

Friday, Jan. 21
End of 2nd Marking Period (44 days)
Report cards distributed Jan. 31

Through Jan. 21
High School Assessment (HSA) testing for students who previously took but did not pass one or more HSAs
At all four Wicomico County high schools

Friday, Jan. 21
West Salisbury Family Skate Night
Mitchell’s

West Salisbury Elementary will have a Family Skate Night at Mitchell’s from 6-8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 21. Admission is $3 for all. 410-677-5816.

Monday, Jan. 24 and Tuesday, Jan. 25
Professional Days
Schools closed for students. Central Office open.

Wednesday, Jan. 26
3rd Marking Period begins

Wednesday, Jan. 26, 6 p.m.
WCCPTA Reflections Reception
Parkside High School

The Wicomico County Council of PTAs (WCCPTA) will hold a reception and awards ceremony at Parkside High School for the Reflections program. Many winning art and writing entries from Wicomico students will be displayed starting at 6 p.m., with awards starting at 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Jan. 26, 7 p.m.
Evening High School Commencement
Prince Street Elementary

Friday, Jan. 28
3rd annual Operation SPEAK Oratorical Competition for Fifth-Graders from Prince Street, Pinehurst and Glen Avenue Schools
At Prince Street Elementary School

Prince Street Elementary will host the 3rd annual Operation SPEAK (Stimulate, Prepare & Encourage Articulate Kids) Oratorical Competition at 5:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 28. There will be fifth-grade students from three Title I school competing - Pinehurst, Glen Avenue and Prince Street. This program encourages 5th-grade students to compete first with students from their own school in writing, memorizing, and reciting a speech. Three students from each school will participate in the contest, which has been rescheduled for Jan. 28 after being postponed by a snow day on Dec. 17. Each student will have two to four minutes to present a prepared speech on either this quote from John Crudele: “Kids Spell Love T-I-M-E,” or Jesse Jackson’s quote, “Your children need your presence more than your presents.” Winners will be eligible for trophies and monetary awards. This year’s Operation SPEAK Oratorical Competition is supported by a grant from the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore. For information please contact Tana Ellis at 410-677-5813 or tellis@wcboe.org.

Nominations For Wicomico Teacher Of The Year Accepted Until Jan. 28

Nominations for 2011-2012 Wicomico Teacher of the Year will be accepted until Jan. 28. Anyone in the community is invited to seek recognition for a current Wicomico teacher who has taught full-time for at least five years.

Nomination forms were sent home with students. They are also available in schools and at the Board of Education Office, and on line at www.wcboe.org.

The Wicomico County Teacher of the Year Program annually solicits nominations from parents, students, the community and fellow educators to recognize Wicomico teachers with exceptional qualities and characteristics that make them shining examples of teaching in Wicomico County. Nominations come from many different people; a student who treasures a special teacher, a parent who sees the benefits of all that a teacher does, someone who recalls an outstanding experience in the classroom of a teacher who is still teaching, or a coworker who sees the value of a fellow teacher’s work every day.

“Teachers considered as nominees for recognition as Teacher of the Year should exemplify the traits associated with master teachers. They should be skillful and dedicated teachers who plan to continue their teaching careers,” said Karen Leimann, coordinator of the Wicomico County Teacher of the Year Program.

Wicomico Teachers of the Year, including the current Teacher of the Year, Lisa E. King (Grade 3, Delmar Elementary), model teaching excellence. Wicomico has had a number of finalists for Maryland Teacher of the Year, and has two past Maryland Teachers of the Year on staff, Bonnie Walston, now the director of special education (1994), and Aaron Deal, a computer education teacher at Salisbury Middle School (2004).

Semifinalists for the Wicomico award will be interviewed by a blue ribbon panel of judges (March 1-2). On March 24, during the Teacher of the Year Banquet at Salisbury University’s Commons, the finalists at the primary, intermediate, middle and high school levels will be named, and the new 2011-12 Wicomico Teacher of the Year will be announced.

For more information, please call Karen Leimann at 410-677-4462 or e-mail her at kleimann@wcboe.org.

January 20, 2011

Documents

• [546]1_TOY_Memo.pdf
• [546]2_TOY_Nomination_Form.pdf
• [546]3_TOY_Former_TOYs.pdf

Missing Kids On Delmarva

Robinson Breaks The Law

John Robinson continues to violate the law by placing illegal signs throughout the City and County. The law states a for profit business may NOT place such signs at any location within the City. A profit business cannot advertise with off premise advertising. Permits have been allowed for non profit businesses, so I'm sure we'll hear, I DIDN'T DO IT, someone else took my signs and started putting them up everywhere.

These signs have been located at WiHi parking lot, Eastern Shore Drive and Carroll Street, Beglin Park Drive & Scheumaker, College Ave and Snow Hill Road, Glenn Ave. and Beaglin Park Drive, the list just goes on and on.

It is unfair on the rest of the Screen Printers who have been following the law for years to have John Robinson pulling such a stunt. So, considering it is illegal, you have every right to pull up these signs and attempt to bring them back to their rightful owner, just as the City and County plan on doing.

Come on John, do the right thing, get your signs and pay for an ad on Salisbury News or The Daily Times and stop violating the law. Pulling such a stunt simply costs the taxpayers of the City and County to PAY to have them ALL removed.

Remembering DeForest Kelley

DeForest Kelley – born on January 20, 1920 -- was that rarest of Hollywood rarities, a true gentleman, an old-school Southern fella who hailed from Georgia. He always insisted that anyone who met him call him “De.” He treated everyone – lifelong friends and newbie Star Trek fans excited just to be in his presence – with equal grace and warmth. And more than anything in the universe, he absolutely adored his beloved Carolyn, who’d been Mrs. DeForest Kelley for nearly 55 years when Kelley passed away on June 11, 1999. Oddly enough, before he landed his iconic Star Trek role as the cranky-but-goodhearted “country doctor,” Dr. Leonard “Bones" McCoy, Kelley had spent much of his career portraying nasty, humorless, tough-as-nails villains.
Ironic, right?

More.

Wild Horse Shot During Deer Hunt On Famed Assateague Island

BERLIN, Md. (AP) — National Park Service officials say a wild horse on Assateague Island was shot and killed by a deer hunter.

The 28-year-old mare was found dead by a hunter on Saturday and reported to park rangers the following day.

Trish Kicklighter, superintendent of Assateague Island National Seashore, says she's saddened by the incident and hopes the shooting was accidental.
GO HERE to read more.

Former SU Football Player Murdered

http://www.stthomasblog.com/

Another Senseless and Tragic Murder In St. Thomas

January 20, 2011

We woke up this morning to news of a ridiculously mindless and scary tragedy that happened on St. Thomas during the night; an employee of the Big Kahuna in town was allegedly followed home or he interupted his house being robbed and was shot and killed. This is all the information we’ve heard and if you know of anything different please comment in.

RIP Tim, manager of Big Kahuna…

Yes, I realize there is violence all the time on this island, but this strikes a different chord. This is a scary day.
Our heart felt condolences go out to Tim’s family, he did not deserve this.

BREAKING NEWS-North Salisbury Outback Restaurant Evacuated

The Outback Restaurant in North Salisbury has been evacuated due to a gas leak. Emergency personnel are on the scene and there are 12 people complaining of illness do to possible gas exposure.


More To Come....


Update ... Joe is on the scene and Fire Department Personnel are stating the call was a prank. They had evacuated the entire building complex and found no gas leak or 12 people complaining of illness. However an employee that was standing in the parking lot was asked to extinguish their cigarette.
I guess that is one way to find a gas leak!

Eye Opener

Bill Gross: "Ultimately Creditors And Investors Are At The Behest Of A Central Bank And Policymakers That Will Rob Them Of Their Money"

Bill Gross: I don't know if the U.S. has reached a desperate point, but it is employing instruments and vehicles and policies that smack of desperation. We are not looking at a default here, but at years of accelerating inflation, which basically robs investors and labor of their real wages and earnings. We are looking at a currency that almost certainly will depreciate relative to other, stronger currencies in developing countries that have lower levels of debt and higher growth potential. And, on the short end of the yield curve, we are looking at creditors receiving negative real interest rates for a long, long time. That, in effect, is a default. Ultimately creditors and investors are at the behest of a central bank and policymakers that will rob them of their money.

Janet Yellen, vice chair of the Federal Reserve, said about a year ago that if it were possible to push interest rates into negative territory, she would vote for that. This is a very important statement because it implies that the Fed will keep real interest rates negative as far as the eye can see. Negative real rates amount to expropriation and destroy one function of money: to be a store of value and a unit of account. If you measure the stock market not in dollars but gold, it is down 80% since 1999. I no longer regard the U.S. dollar as a valid unit of account. People shouldn't value their wealth in dollars because one day, in dollars, everyone will be a billionaire.

Source

FOR SALE BY OWNER

The time has arrived in America where people are now starting to sell off anything and everything to survive. I have a friend who has been traveling all over the north east looking for a vehicle because they have chosen to downsize, planning ahead.

Their experience so far has been as follows. Most of the vehicles they have looked at, (there have been many) the owners must sell. Many of them are now OFF unemployment and are selling whatever they have of value just to make the mortgage payments.

Now if it was just one or two people making these statements it would be one thing. However, it's a whole lot more than just one or two. This means that while our government claims unemployment isn't as bad as we may have thought, it couldn't be farther from the truth. The difference is, MANY are no longer qualified to receive unemployment and the deals across America are about to begin.

Smart Americans are already selling off their burdens and replacing them with slightly used items at a much lower cost. Are you that smart? Are you planning ahead? Or are you one of those people who believes your job is so secure you have nothing to worry about.

Plan ahead Folks. Things are NOT going to get better any time soon. Be smarter than they are.

LOUISE SMITH MAY GET THE LAST LAUGH!

Like her or not, Louweasel may have stolen a march on Cohen and Campbell, as well as Ireton, by putting his “safe streets” legislation proposal on the agenda for a work session on January 27. How so, you ask – here’s why.

During the many months that it has been hanging fire, the package has become notorious for its flaws, and it has engendered significant opposition but remarkably little public support. Ms. Cohen and Ms. Campbell have come to be regarded as joined at the hip with Ireton in support of the package, of which the two women are regarded by many as the prime proponents of some of its provisions, including the phase-out of “nonconforming” apartment houses in the single-family districts. During the past summer and fall they pushed to get the package before the Council, and Smith refused to let that occur.

In recent months, as other City matters took precedence, it looked like the “safe streets” package was slipping below the surface. Apparently Louise does not want that to happen before this year’s City election, in which Ms. Cohen must prevail to retain he seat. It’s no secret that Smith despises Cohen and Ireton would love to stick it to them in the twilight of her tenure by retiring Ms. Cohen and derailing the Mayor’s personal political agenda.

By putting the “safe streets” legislation on the Council’s agenda, Smith has managed to shift the spotlight from such absurd Council actions as “the Bricks,” the fireboat and Linens the Week onto Ireton’s flawed and ridiculed “crime” legislation. And at the center will be Ms. Cohen and Ms. Campbell its most vocal and ardent proponents, who will be forced to remain on that course or, by altering it, looking like they are putting their personal agenda before the public interest.

This move could be decisive in the outcome of the upcoming election, as to all three seats not just that now held by Ms. Cohen, who could be forced to defend the legislative package as the other candidates pick it to pieces or remain noncommittal about it.

This appears to be a “win-win” for the Weasel and her SAPOA supporters – a truly brilliant move.

State Secession Or Washington Debt Depression

Everyone with any intelligence in the US and around the world knows that there is no way for Washington to manage the tens of trillions in debt and unfunded liabilities short of ultimate repudiation or hyperinflation. Thanks to Wall Street bankers and the Anglo-American financial elite, our ruinous debt-financing Ponzi scheme has also been exported to most Western nations. These politicians have made a compact with the devil in delivering vote-buying programs and postponing the interest and debt reduction to future generations. Watch the cuts and subsequent riots in Greece, Ireland, the United Kingdom and you'll see just a little of the future for the United States with its faltering world reserve currency status.

The question is, should the citizens and the formerly sovereign states of the United States wait for Washington's foreign creditors to seize the remaining government and private assets left after our politicians have finished with us?

Our politicians are in the process of totally bankrupting the country, individual states and municipalities and in less than a decade will have confiscated most private wealth and placed tens of trillions of more debt on future generations. Should we act now before Congress and our politicians loot our personal, retirement and real estate wealth, destroy our Treasury obligations and kill the dollar and democratically take matters into our own hands before the looming dollar and debt crisis?

One alternative is for Americans in the individual states to organize and work toward a "Washington National Debt Constitutional Amendment" and repudiate much of the Washington government debt before it bankrupts every private American citizen. Otherwise, the massive increase in the level of indebtedness due to the meltdown and depression may first bring down the Treasury market followed by the US dollar and this will destroy the American economy for decades to come.

The American people need to meet the problem on terms which will make the best of a difficult situation for the nation and our personal financial security instead of allowing foreign creditors, our financial establishment and Washington to buy more time for them through the confiscation of our private wealth, financial security and liberty.
I believe only a grassroots effort by the American people through state-nullification efforts or the constitutional amendment process have any hope of success. The alternative is to expect those who are destroying our economy and nation to solve the problem they created without sacrificing us in the process. This is just wishful and foolish thinking.

GO HERE to read more.

Today's Survey Question

Would You Sell Your Home Or Commercial Property In This Market?

Gas Prices Climb; $5 A Gallon On The Horizon?

The laws of physics dictate that what goes up must come down. If only they applied to the price of gasoline, where myriad factors of another science -- the dismal one -- have suggested otherwise. Prices at the pump across the U.S. are up an average of about 35 cents in the last year, with a worst-case scenario, some economists say, of five dollars a gallon of gasoline if the economic recovery gains enough steam worldwide.

A nexus of several factors beyond the hoped for economic recovery factor into the price rise: monetary policies, environmental regulations, refinery production, low inventories, increased industrialization in third world countries, especially in India and China, all play a part.When prices last spiked in 2007 and 2008, during the Bush Administration, Democrats were quick to find a scapegoat -- one who resided at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. In a press conference in May of 2007, then Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) said, "Drivers are paying a heavy price for the Bush Administration's failure to enact comprehensive energy strategy."

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) added his own view a year later when prices peaked around the four dollar mark, "The Bush Administration's oil-friendly policies have led us down the path of the most significant energy crisis we've had in decades, if not all time."



The press was quick to pounce, too. President Bush was queried more than 20 times by reporters about gasoline prices.By contrast, President Obama has been asked two questions by reporters about the newest spike in fuel costs. But the President's critics suggest that White House policies may play a larger role in the price rise this time than in the previous administration. The Heritage Foundation's, Rory Cooper says, "Obviously the policies of the White House for the past two years have been designed to raise energy prices.
Their desire for alternative fuels is led by the fact that they are so expensive, they need gas prices to go up, so that way they can convince consumers that dollar for dollar, to choose a different energy source."

Indeed, the President's choice for Energy Secretary, Steven Chu, told the Wall Street Journal in a 2008 interview, "Somehow we have to figure out how to boost the price of gasoline to the levels in Europe."

Today, gasoline prices in Europe range from $7.24 a gallon in France, to $7.98 a gallon in the Netherlands -- prices that some economists fear could halt the economic recovery taking hold across Europe.

GO HERE to read more.

Somerset County Sheriff's Office Press Releases

Devin Lee Waters of Princess Anne , criminal summons served 1-13-11 regarding second degree assault. Waters was later released pending trial.

Rodger Dean Pilkington of Crisfield, arrested 1-14-11 regarding a fail to appear bench warrant. Pilkinton was later held on a $50,000 bond.

Adrian Nicole Hart of Crisfield, arrested 1-14-11 on a fail to appear bench warrant. Hart was later released after posting bond.

Ronnie Sterling of Crisfield, arrested 1-14-11 on a fail to appear bench warrant. Sterling was later released after posting bond.

Sherron Oblee Williams Sr. of Salisbury, arrested 1-17-11 on a fail to appear child support warrant. Williams was later held on a $250.00 bond.

Russell Michael Ryan of Marion Station, arrested 1-17-11 on a violation of probation warrant. Russell was later held on a $25,000 bond.

Audrey Lee Banks of Crisfield, arrested 1-17-11 on a violation of probation warrant. Banks was later held on a $2,500 bond.

Christina Marie Nauman of princess Anne, arrested 1-19-11 on three fail to appear child support warrants. Nauman was later held on $750.00 bond.

Prep Now For More Snow, Cold Air

Hope you enjoyed a relatively warm and dry Wednesday. Winter returns Thursday.

Washington had a high temperature of 53 degrees Wednesday, but it will likely not reach 40 today.

The cold air coming into the area from the north will be followed by a storm system that could bring us some light snow, according to NBC Washington meteorologist Veronica Johnson.

The snow could develop around midnight for the bulk of the region. The heaviest snow will be north of our region in Pennsylvania.

Johnson said most of our area could be sweeping snow when we wake up Friday morning instead of shoveling it. The snow amounts will be light -- perhaps a light coating of 1 to 2 inches in our area, more to the north and west -- but it also will be a fluffy, powdery snow.

Like the other storms that have largely skipped D.C. this winter, the storm will be weak in the D.C. area before gaining strength off the coast and hitting the northeast harder.

After that storm, brace for more cold. The weekend could be the coldest of the season so far with possible wind chills in the teens.

GO HERE to read more.

American Red Cross Lower Shore

The American Red Cross Lower Shore Chapter Disaster Action Team responded to an early morning house fire on Division Street in Fruitland. Emergency assistance was provided to the resident of the home who was displaced.

Salisbury Police Department Press Releases

January 19, 2011 at approximately 12:57 am, Officers of the Salisbury Police received a call to respond to a residence on the six hundred (600) block of Decatur Avenue for the report of a burglary in progress. Upon arrival the officers met with an adult female victim who advised the officers that while sleeping, she was awakened by a loud noise. The victim advised that she then observed three (3) suspects standing in the doorway to her bedroom, one of which was armed with a handgun. The suspects demanded U.S. currency from the victim then fled from the residence. There were no injuries. The victim described the suspects as follows:

Black male, approximately 25 years of age, thin build, wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, a black toboggan, a mask, and in possession of a revolver type handgun.

Black male, approximately 25 years of age, thin build, wearing dark clothing.

Black male, approximately 25 years of age, thin build, wearing dark clothing.

If anyone has any information regarding this incident, they are asked to contact the Salisbury Police at 410-548-3165 or Crime

Solvers at 410-548-1776. Information may be relayed to either agency anonymously. CC # 201100002211

On January 17, 2011 at approximately 5:03 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police received a call to respond to the area of South Boulevard for the report of a stolen bicycle. Upon arrival the officers met with a witness who advised that two (2) juveniles had taken a bicycle from the Crazy Louie’s Pawnshop and fled from the area. The officers located the juveniles, listed below, and recovered the bicycle.

ARRESTED #1: Juvenile, 13 years of age Salisbury, Maryland
ARRESTED #2: Juvenile, 14 years of age Salisbury, Maryland

CHARGES (both): Theft (under $ 100)
Conspiracy to commit theft

DISPOSITION: Both released to parents CC # 201100002040

On January 18, 2011 at approximately 10:14 am, Officers of the Salisbury Police arrested the below listed suspect on an outstanding arrest warrant for the distribution of a controlled dangerous substance during an undercover investigation in May, 2010. At that time, the suspect was identified as responsible for selling a quantity of “crack”/cocaine to an undercover police officer.

ARRESTED: Kenneth Lamont Gattis, 33 years of age Sharptown, Maryland

CHARGES: Distribution of cocaine
Possession of cocaine with intent to distribute
Possession of cocaine

Conspiracy to distribute cocaine
Conspiracy to possess cocaine for distribution
Conspiracy to possess cocaine

DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking CC # 201000017772

On January 18, 2011 at approximately 8:30 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police were on routine patrol in the area of South Schumaker Drive and stopped a vehicle operated by the below listed suspect for a traffic violation. During the stop, the suspect began acting suspiciously which prompted a request for a K-9 check. A K-9 responded from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office and gave a positive indication on the vehicle. The vehicle was searched and revealed a quantity of suspected “crack”/cocaine on the floor.

ARRESTED: Donald Richard Toadvine, 58 years of age Salisbury, Maryland

CHARGES: Possession of cocaine

DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking CC # 201100002157

On January 18, 2011 at approximately 11:13 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police received a call to respond to the Country Inn and Suites hotel for the report of controlled dangerous substance violations. The officers responded to a room in the hotel and met with the below listed suspects. The suspects gave the officers consent to search the room, which resulted in the recovery of a quantity of suspected marijuana and a smoking device containing suspected marijuana.

ARRESTED #1: Jason Tyrone Moore, 39 years of age Alpharetta, Georgia
ARRESTED #2: Donald Shane Richards, 39 years of age Canton, Georgia

CHARGES (both): Possession of marijuana
Possession of CDS/Paraphernalia

DISPOSITION: Both released to Central Booking CC # 201100002194

On January 19, 2011 at approximately 12:23 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police Department were on routine patrol in the area of Washington Street and conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle operated by the below listed suspect for a traffic violation. During the stop, officers conducted a consensual search of the vehicle. The search of the vehicle resulted in the recovery of a loaded handgun.

ARRESTED: David Michael Wilkerson, 33 years of age Salisbury, Maryland

CHARGES: Possession of a handgun on ones person
Possession of a handgun in a vehicle

DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking CC # 201100002245