Missing Person Investigation

Incident: Missing Person Investigation

Date of Incident: 7 February 2011

Location: Wicomico County

Narrative: On 7 Feb 2011, the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office began an investigation into the disappearance of 15 year old Gabriella Marie Blades. Gabriella lives in the Fruitland area and was last seen on 7 February on the campus of Parkside High School. Gabriella is believed to have left the school on her own volition and has been reportedly been seen in the west Salisbury area.

At this time the WCSO has an active investigation into the whereabouts of Gabriella. If anyone has any information, you are asked to immediately contact the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office.

Gabriella Marie Blades is a white female

15 YOA

5’9” 220lbs red hair and green eyes

Last Seen wearing a red zip-up hoodie, a white T-Shirt and blue sweat pants.

UPDATE ON SCHOOL DELAYS

The Wicomico County Schools have a 2 hour delay this morning.

Donuts For Dad Cancelled This Morning

The "Donuts For Dad" program usually held this morning has been cancelled due to weather conditions.

No Snow Delays In Wicomico County, So Far

As amazing as it may sound, there's no school delay in Wkicomico County.

Tea Party Caucus Press Release

Monday, February 7 was the organizational meeting for the House of Delegates Tea Party Caucus. Elected at that meeting were Delegate Mike Smigiel, Chairman, Delegate Curt Anderson, 1^st Vice Chair, Delegate Justin Ready, 2^nd Vice Chair, Delegate Mike McDermott, Secretary.

Tuesday, February 8, Mr. Charles Lollar, a US Marine Veteran ,was named to head the Maryland chapter of American’s For Prosperity. Lollar, a black Republican Activist and Tea Party supporter is taking over the bipartisan organization that has organized many of the Tea Parties across Maryland and the US.

According to the Baltimore Sun, Del. Cheryl Glenn referred to the tea party as “the anti-Christ to the Democratic party.” She rebuked Anderson for violating “the philosophy of the Democratic party” in being a member of the Tea Party Caucus

Today, the recently elected Delegate Curt Anderson abruptly resigned from the Tea Party Caucus. "It's almost like I joined the Ku Klux Klan” he said.

 “It seems there are many in the ruling party that share a phobia when it comes to lower taxes and smaller government” said Delegate McDermott. “Delegate Anderson is a victim of intolerance by a party that’s out of touch with the American people”

Chairman Delegate Smigiel stated “It’s pathetic that they would play the race card on fiscal issues and attempt to squash the freedom of expression of Delegate Anderson. Shame on them!”

Delegate Michael Hough, a member of the Caucus agreed “It’s sad that the Democrats won’t allow a member to openly support lower taxes and limited government.”

The mission of the House of Delegates Tea Party Caucus is as follows:

“The Maryland House of Delegates Tea Party Caucus is a non-partisan caucus that values and will seek to establish fiscal responsibility, to enhance free markets, to follow the US and Maryland Constitution models of limited government, and to lower taxes.  The caucus will support and sponsor legislation promoting these values and will stand united against legislation that violates these values in Maryland, the Free State.”

Deputies to Vote Friday on Collective Bargaining

Wicomico County Executive Richard M. Pollitt, Jr., and Wicomico Sheriff Michael A. Lewis announced that Full-Time Certified Sheriff’s Deputies below the rank of Lieutenant will cast ballots this Friday to determine if the Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge #111, will be their exclusive collective bargaining agent. Balloting is set for 6:00 A.M. to 8:00 A.M. and from 2:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M. at Sheriff’s headquarters. Executive Pollitt and Sheriff Lewis will be present for the vote tally which will begin as soon as the polls close. Results will be announced immediately.

“This is a great day for the deputies and the citizens of Wicomico County.” said Pollitt. “In the election of 2006, voters overwhelmingly adopted a Charter Amendment allowing the deputies to seek a collective bargaining agreement with the county that included binding arbitration. I backed that referendum then and I back the election that is about to take place.” Sheriff Lewis added, “I strongly believe that the citizens of Wicomico County want our brave deputies to have every tool available to them to seek just compensation for the often dangerous work they perform for the common good and safety of every man, woman and child in our county.”

Inspired by the 2006 referendum, Executive Pollitt submitted Bill Number 2007-3 known as the “Collective Bargaining Bill.” The legislation would have established a labor code for Wicomico County but the County Council returned an amended version that would bind the Executive but not the Council, to arbitration. Mr. Pollitt stated that he could not, in the best interests of the deputies, agree with that and vetoed the bill on January 9, 2008. Subsequently, the Council overrode Pollitt’s veto and adopted Bill 2007-3 as amended. The Fraternal Order of Police then filed suit against the county. On February 1, 2010, the courts declared the Charter Amendment unconstitutional and the legislation void.

On September 7, 2010, following the adoption of State legislation, the “Collective Bargaining” bill was again introduced and a public hearing concerning it was held on October 5th. The County Council unanimously adopted the measure and the Executive approved it on October 11th. It became law on December 10th. On December 17th, the Fraternal Order of Police filed a “Petition for Certification of a Union as a Bargaining Agent for Wicomico County Deputy Sheriffs holding the ranks below that of Lieutenant.” The petition was accepted and the date for election was set as February 11th.

Delegate Mike McDermott Press Release

Republicans and Democrats alike have come together in the Maryland House of Delegates to form a new Tea Party Caucus and their message is clear. They want fiscal responsibility to return to State government in Maryland, and they are pledging to work in a bipartisan manner to fight out of control spending and higher taxes.

In the spirit of unity, the Caucus is being chaired by Delegate Mike Smigiel (R-Eastern Shore) and the Vice Chairman is Delegate Curt Anderson (D-Baltimore City). The group has had two meetings so far, and their numbers continue to grow.

“This caucus is focused on one thing”, said Delegate Mike McDermott (R-Eastern Shore), “and that is fiscal restraint”. Delegate Steve Hershey (R-Eastern Shore) agreed, “Our people are struggling and they need relief”. This is something the House Tea Party Caucus will work on as the Governor’s budget makes its way through the General Assembly.

The following delegates are currently members of the caucus:
Del. Mike Smigiel, Chairman
Del. Curt Anderson, Vice Chairman
Del. Justin Ready, 2nd Vice Chairman
Del. Mike McDermott,
Del. Jay Jacobs
Del. Charles Otto
Del. Warren Miller
Del. Susan McComas
Del. Cathy Vitale
Del. Nic Kipke
Del. Gail Bates
Del. Pat McDonough
Del. Neal Parrott
Del. Mike Hough
Del. Steven Hershey
Del. Bill Frank
Del. Don Dwyer

Curt Anderson's Cup Of Tea? Baltimore Democrat Joins Tea Party

The first meeting of the Tea Party Caucus of the House of Delegates was just wrapping up in the House lounge Wednesday, when they snagged their first Democrat.

Continue Reading...

Originally Posted on February 3, 2011

BREAKING NEWS ON LEGGS CASE

Special States Attorney Davis Ruark announced in court today that based on DNA evidence they did find Thomas Leggs semen in Sarah Foxwell's stomach.

Additionally, they also found Sarah Foxwell's DNA on Thomas Leggs boxer shorts.

So far this morning the Judge has once again rejected every motion to remove cell phone and DNA evidence from this trial.

Much more to come later.

Obama May End Fannie And Freddie

NEW YORK (CNNMoney) -- The Obama administration will issue a proposal later this week recommending the gradual elimination of government-sponsored mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, a White House official said Wednesday.

The highly-anticipated "white paper," which is expected to be released Friday, will include three different options, the official said.

GO HERE to read more.

Today's Survey Question

In the past, what was the best Valentine's Day gift you received?

Salvation Army Sells Wedding Ring Left By Couple

ATLANTA (AP) - A couple's unusual move to donate the bride's wedding ring _ believed to be worth several thousand dollars _ during the Salvation Army's annual kettle drive will help food banks and other programs after it is auctioned off.

The couple, who are trying to guard their identity, walked up to a bell ringer on Dec. 22 and handed her a package with the ring and a note on the back that said although the two were still deeply in love that the Salvation Army could make better use of the diamond ring than they could. The brief note closed with the words "All for Jesus."

"She wanted to make it count," said Maj. Henry Hunter of the Dalton Corps of the Salvation Army. "A lot of lives will be touched through her generosity."

GO HERE to read more.

Editors Notes: I recently learned that the TOTAL brought in for 2010 for the Salisbury Salvation Army was $195,000.00. This number is just remarkable, THANKS TO YOU! The goal for the past two years was to reach $200,000.00 and I'd say, CLOSE ENOUGH!

Hundreds Crowd Senate For Hearing On Same-Sex Marriage

Hundreds of activists on both sides of the same-sex marriage divide swarmed the Maryland Senate office buildings Tuesday, with advocates sharing personal anecdotes and opponents issuing warnings as lawmakers considered legislation that would allow gay couples to marry.

The majority of senators on the 11-member Judicial Proceedings Committee have co-sponsored the bill, and opponents acknowledged that their efforts would probably not change any minds. It's the first year that the measure has received such support on the panel, a development that has sparked momentum for it.

Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller, who opposes gay marriage, assessed the legislation's chance of clearing the full Senate as better than 50-50. Advocates are optimistic that it will pass in the House of Delegates; Gov. Martin O'Malley has said he would sign such a bill.

GO HERE to read more.

Detroit Mayor Offers $1,000 Homes To Cops, Firemen

In a bold offer that speaks volumes about Detroit's housing market as well as its state of public safety, the city's mayor has offered to provide homes for as little as $1,000 to police and firefighters.

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IRS Offers Amnesty To Tax-Evaders With Offshore Accounts

If you are, or if you know, a person who is avoiding paying their taxes by stashing their cash in an offshore account, the IRS has announced a new amnesty program for just that sort of rich d-bag.

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Contractors Bill Old Man $4,800 For Snow-Clearing

A group of contractors is traveling around targeting the elderly and overcharging them for snow removal. Last week they charged a 78-year-old man $4,800 for clearing the snow off his roof. Cops intervened after his daughter reported the ripoff and made them return the money and charge a more reasonable rate, $250.

More »

Yes, There Are Ways To Reduce Unemployment And Revive The Economy

As President Obama begins the second half of his term with a campaign for "jobs and competitiveness," we would do well to consider how he might achieve these worthy goals. It is jobs that matter most to the vast majority of Americans, and unemployment remains at 9.4 percent – about double its pre-recession level. This is a terrible punishment to inflict on millions of Americans who did nothing to deserve it. It will cause long-term and even permanent damage to many of the unemployed and their children.

What can the government do to relieve this suffering? One relatively simple measure is to subsidize employers who are willing to reduce hours rather than lay people off. Germany has demonstrated the success of this approach in the last couple of years. Unemployment in Germany was 7.4 percent just before their recession began in the third quarter of 2008. Today it is 6.7 percent. And Germany had a much steeper decline in output than we did.

The idea is straightforward: employers who are faced with reduced demand can either lay off workers or reduce hours. If they reduce hours for any worker, the government in Germany puts up 60 percent of the lost pay for these reduced hours. The worker keeps her job, with reduced hours but the pay is not reduced nearly as much.

GO HERE to read more.

House Democrats Fight GOP's "No Taxpayer Funding For Abortion Act"

House Judiciary Democrats held a meeting Tuesday to fight the Republican-backed "No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act," a bill that seeks to ban federal coverage of abortion in certain cases of rape or incest.

Ranking member John Conyers Jr. (D-Michigan) joined Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-New York) and several other House Judiciary Democrats to fight the bill they call "an unacceptable attack on a woman's right to choose and a distraction from the economic relief that Americans expect from Congress," according to a statement from Nadler's office. California Democrat Reps. Maxine Waters, Judy Chu and Linda Sanchez also took part in the meeting, along with Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Texas), Mike Quigley (D-Illinois) and Debbie Wasserman Shultz (D-Florida).

GO HERE to read more.

Can We Please Stop Blaming Immigrants?

Hostility in the United States toward immigrants has risen sharply in recent years. The strongest sign of this was the law signed last April by Arizona Governor Jan Brewer, which gave the police broad powers to detain anyone suspected of being an illegal immigrant. Two U.S. Senators, Jon Kyl of Arizona and Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, have gone so far as to propose repealing the Fourteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which grants automatic citizen- ship to all babies born on U.S. soil, regardless of the citizenship status of the baby’s parents. Of course, these actions are primarily a response to the economic wreckage caused by the 2008-2009 Wall Street collapse. But they fly in the face of evidence, which shows that immigrants are by no means responsible for mass unemployment or the cutbacks in social benefits that U.S. residents are now experiencing.

Immigration into the U.S. has been rising steadily since the 1970s, after having fallen for sixty years from its peak level around 1910. At present, immigrant arrivals—running at about 1.25 million people per year—account for 40 percent of population growth nationally, and a much larger share in some regions. Something like 35-40 percent of new arrivals are undocumented immigrants from Mexico and Central America with low education and limited English skills.

According to polling data, large majorities of native U.S. residents hold much more favorable attitudes toward immigrants, including undocumented workers, than Governor Brewer and Senators Kyl and Graham. Still, politicians do not make a habit of taking actions that lack popular support. The anti-immigration sentiment is real, even if among only a minority of the population, including those supporting the right-wing Tea Party insurgency.

Nobody should be surprised by this development. Due to the 2008-2009 Wall Street collapse and ensuing recession, the official unemployment rate averaged 9.7 percent for the first eight months of 2010, although a more accurate figure would be close to 20 percent. State and local governments throughout the country are sharply cutting education, health, and social safety net programs. This is all after the recession ended in mid-2009, at least according to the official declaration of the National Bureau of Economic Research.

GO HERE to read more.

George Bush Cuts And Runs From Torture Case In Switzerland

Apparently, former president George W. Bush does "cut and run." On February 7, 2011, two torture victims were to have filed criminal complaints for torture against Bush in Geneva. Bush was due to speak there at a charity gala on February 12. On the eve of the case filing, Bush abruptly canceled his trip, choosing instead to attend the Super Bowl in Dallas. Why would he rather be in Dallas than in Geneva? For one thing, Swiss authorities are under a legal obligation to start a preliminary criminal investigation if a torturer is on Swiss soil. But, thanks to Attorney General Eric Holder's refusal to apply US law to investigate torture, Bush isn't even breaking a sweat in Dallas - or anywhere in the US, for that matter.

The Center for Constitutional Rights (CCR), along with the Berlin-based European Center for Constitutional and Human Rights, prepared the detailed case in Switzerland, with support from the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH). Swiss law requires the presence of an alleged torturer on Swiss soil before a preliminary investigation can be opened. Because Bush cancelled, the complaints could not be filed, as the basis for legal jurisdiction no longer existed. However, the fact that Bush authorized torture remains, and it is harder than ever to hide now, on the ninth anniversary of his decision that the Geneva Conventions did not apply to the conflict with al-Qaeda or to so-called "unlawful combatants."

GO HERE to read more.