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Monday, June 23, 2008

Bike Week Is Coming To Salisbury


A year or so ago I went to Jim Fineran and said, why don't you get Bike Week to come to Salisbury, Winter Place Park? At the time he thought I was nuts but I explained many of the complications they had been experiencing in Ocean City and considering Salisbury was a perfect area to ride to and from, why couldn't this become a reality?

Well I am very pleased to announce that Bike Week WILL be held at Winter Place Park from September 11th to the 14th and I for one am stoked! I love it when a plan comes together and obviously Gary Mackes made it work for everyone involved.

Sunset Ave in West Ocean City will be another large area where Bikers will gather but Salisbury may just become the major hub for this event in years to come. Congratulations Wicomico County.

Now let's hear the bitching begin! It's too loud. I don't like the traffic. You know what, shut up and enjoy the economic and development in Wicomico County for once.

Major Breaking News! FOP Wins Local Case Against Town Of Delmar

The Wicomico County Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #111 is pleased to announce that a decision has been reached by the Honorable Wicomico County Judge Donald C. Davis in reference to the case; Delmar Police Department (Wade Alexander and Rich Lueders) Wicomico County Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #111 vs. Delmar Mayor and Commissioners, Case# C07.1624.

On September 21, 2007 a referendum petition containing twenty percent of registered voters signatures was submitted to the Town of Delmar Mayor and Commissioners proposing a charter amendment authorizing the Delmar Police Department employees to have collective bargaining with binding arbitration. On October 29, 2007 the Mayor and Commissioners rejected the proposed charter amendment and decided not to submit the matter to the voters of the Town. As a result a Writ of Mandamus was filed on November 27, 2007 asking the Court to review the matter. A trial was held on June 5, 2008 and an Opinion and Order was issued by Judge Davis on June 17, 2008.

In the opinion and Order the court ordered that the Town of Delmar, at the Town's next legislative session, to pass a resolution requiring that a referendum be placed on the ballot at the next general election. The referendum being placed on the ballot puts for the issue of collective bargaining with binding arbitration for Delmar Police Officers, to the voters of Delmar, Maryland.

Wicomico County Sheriff's Department Press Releases


Incident: Handgun / CDS Violation
Date of Incident: 21 June 2008
Location: 1400 Block of S. Salisbury Blvd., Salisbury, MD
Suspects: Joshua Paul Bowling, 24, Salisbury, MD


Narrative: On 21 June 2008 at 5:30 PM, deputies from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office acted on a tip they received through Crime Solvers regarding the location of Joshua Bowling. The Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office held a warrant for Bowling for Violation of Probation. The tip sent deputies to an apartment building in the 1400 Block of S. Salisbury Blvd in Salisbury, MD. When the deputies were unable to get an answer at the door, they kept the apartment under surveillance. After a short while, the target of their surveillance, Bowling, exited the apartment building and attempted to leave the area on a motorcycle. The deputies swarmed the area causing Bowling to quickly jump off the motorcycle and run back inside the apartment building. Deputies chased Bowling and followed him up onto the roof where they cornered him and were able to arrest him. During the foot chase, the deputies recovered a knapsack dropped by Bowling. Inside that knapsack they located a loaded 9mm semi-automatic handgun, a half pound of marijuana and digital scales. The amount of marijuana, along with the scales, led to Bowling being charged with Possession of Marijuana with the Intent to Distribute. Additionally, Bowling faces charges relative to illegal possession of a handgun. It was also discovered that the handgun had been reported stolen in a previous burglary currently being investigated by the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office and the Wicomico County Bureau of Investigation

Bowling was transported to the Central Booking Unit at the Wicomico County Detention Center where Bowling was processed and charged with the outstanding violation of Probation warrant along with the charges from this incident. After an initial appearance, Bowling was held without bond in the Wicomico County Detention Center.


Incident: Possession of Crack Cocaine
Date of Incident: 20 June 2008
Location: 500 Block of Plover Road, Salisbury, MD
Suspects: Steavon Tyrone Williams, 33, Salisbury, MD


Narrative: On 20 June 2008 at 5:30 PM, a deputy stopped a vehicle in the 500 Block of Plover Road after receiving information that a wanted subject was inside the vehicle. As the deputy approached the vehicle, the deputy observed that the occupant threw several baggies containing what was later identified as crack cocaine from the vehicle. The deputy positively identified the occupant as Steavon Tyrone Williams and arrested Williams on an outstanding arrest warrant for Assault and Reckless Endangerment stemming from an April 2008 incident. That warrant was currently held by the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office. Additionally, the deputy recovered the crack cocaine thrown from the vehicle and Williams was charged with the Possession with the intent to Distribute Crack Cocaine.

Williams was transported to the Central Booking Unit at the Wicomico County Detention Center where Williams was processed and served the arrest warrant and booked on the Cocaine charges. After an initial appearance before a District Court Commissioner, Williams was detained in the Detention Center on $7,500.00 bond for the Assault Warrant and $75,000.00 bond for the Cocaine charges.


Incident: Assault
Date of Incident: 22 June 2008
Location: 700 Block of N. Westover Drive, Salisbury, MD
Suspects: Terry Eugene Tate, 36, Salisbury, MD


Narrative: On 22 June 2008 at 1:00 AM, deputies from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office responded to a reported assault occurring inside a residence in the 700 block of N. Westover Drive. Upon arrival, deputies met with a victim who reported an assault by a known assailant. The victim had signs of fresh injury that coincided with the victim’s account of the incident. The assailant, identified as Terry Eugene Tate, was detained by the Sheriff’s deputies, interviewed about the incident and arrested.

Tate was transported to the Central Booking Unit at the Wicomico County Detention Center where Tate was processed and charged with second degree assault. After an initial appearance before a District Court Commissioner, Tate was held in the Wicomico County Detention Center on $5,000.00 bond.

Wicomico Republican Club Meeting Tonight

State Delegate Jeannie Haddaway will be the keynote speaker for this month's Wicomico Republican Club meeting. The meeting will be held at the Salisbury Chamber of Commerce Building with social time starting at 7pm and the start of the meeting at 7:30.

This is open to the public and all are cordially invited to attend.

Letter To The Editor

Joe,

I just got around to reading Salisbury News after a very busy weekend and wanted to thank you for your article on The Car show at the Chicken Festival. We registered 145 cars and donated $2044.00 to Maple Shade Youth Services. Then that evening we hosted the Salisbury Cruise-in at K-Mart and help the ladies of Spery Van Ness raise close to $1000.00 for a co-worker.

Not a bad day.

Steve Mixter
President
Wheels that Heal Car Club
www.wheelsthatheal.com

Gas Prices Take All The Fun Out Of Vacations


Would you believe this is only 1/4 of a tank on the Motor Coach? Sam's Club only allows $100.00 at a time, unless you put the hose back and start over again and again and again! Have you also noticed how slow gas pumps are spitting out gasoline? It's almost like they want you to feel like you're getting more for your money. Spit it out and get it over with, is what I say! Have fuel prices driven you to stay closer to home this year?

The Who's Who Of Wicomico County


This image reflects the who's who of the Eastern Shore, so to speak. It was nice to see so many interested politicians at the opening ceremony.

Can Louise Smith Look Anyone In The Eyes?


While the President of the County Council, (John Cannon) says hello to Louise Smith, she was obviously looking elsewhere, similar to Citizens who confront her at Council Meetings.

Weebles Wobble But They Don't Fall Down

Today's Wildlife Photo?


I took this picture at the Chicken Festival last Friday. For what it's worth, I've never seen an animal hatch from an egg and this was really cool.

Whatever You Do, Don't Start/Catch A Fire


Our friend Mandy shows the Draw Bridge up at 9:11 AM this morning, just moments ago. How's that 99.5% working for you now Comegys, See & Gordy?

Farewell To America's 'Counter Culture' Funny Man, George Carlin


Santa Monica, CA. Sunday, George Carlin comedian, actor and inventor of the 'Question Authority' culture; died of heart failure. He was 71 years old.

Carlin was probably most famous for his routine on the 7 words that you absolutely cannot say on TV. He recorded an album including this particular skit and when a radio station played the album they became entrenched in a legal battle that went all the way to the Supreme Court. The court found the material 'indecent', but not 'obscene'.

Born in New York, and Air Force Veteran, Carlin got his start in 1956 doing a radio show in Shreveport, Louisiana.

Carlin was a comedian that made you realize the ridiculousness of our daily routines, over most recent years he did many HBO specials, that highlighted the futility of our everyday lives.

Carlin was just selected last week by the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, to receive the annual Mark Twain prize.

Carlin had suffered with his health since the 1970's including heart issues. He is survived by his second wife, and daughter Kelly.

The status quo sucks. George Carlin

God Speed, George!

Wicomico Youth & Civic Center Welcomes Montgomery Gentry With Lady Antebellum for Their SummerFest Tour.

(Salisbury, MD) The hot country SummerFest starring Montgomery Gentry with Lady Antebellum is coming to the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center on Thursday, August 14. Tickets for the 7:30pm show go on sale this Friday, June 27 at 10:00am.

Montgomery Gentry’s journey into the front ranks of American music has been one of the most gratifying sagas of the past decade. With the release of their latest album Back When I Knew it All, they have taken the next step forward. The CD upholds the band’s focus on blue-collar outlooks, sunup-to-sundown work ethics, rootedness in God, country and family and the ability to celebrate life and endure hardship. Now in their 10th year, Montgomery Gentry’s musical career has led them to gold and platinum albums, Country Music Awards, Academy of Country Music Awards, a Grammy nomination and highly successful tours.

We are excited that Lady Antebellum will join Montgomery Gentry on stage this August. This trio, earned “Top New Group” honors at the 2008 Academy of Country Music. Their unique blend, which mingles classic country, 1960s R&B soulfulness and the heart-on-the-sleeve openness of 1970s singer-songwriters, is presented with a sharp contemporary edge.

This show promises to be a great night of contemporary country music for fans of all ages. Ticket prices range from $29.75 to $37.75 plus applicable taxes and fees. A special Civic Club ticket is also available for $62 and includes dinner prior to the show by Encore Catering. Tickets can be purchased online at www.WicomicoCivicCenter.org, by phone at 410-548-4911 or in person at the Civic Center Box Office open Monday through Friday from 8:00am to 5:00pm.

Question of the Day, Mon 6/23

I'm sure today's comments are going to be broad, hope you guys have fun with it:

Today is "Let it go" day.

What do you want to say/do to just "let it go?"

The Much Needed Mini Vacation


The Wife and I took off this past Friday morning in the Urban Assault Vehicle and once again headed down to Cherrystone Campground in Virginia and met up with some friends and had a blast!

The rates have gone up slightly this year but it always seems to be worth it. One the way back we stopped at Trails End Campground in Horntown Virginia as we had been told lots were going really cheap down there and trust me when I tell you this Folks, I can see why! That place is a dump!

We have been considering purchasing a lot somewhere and simply park the Motor Coach there for the season and simply travel by car down there. Trails End, (on paper) sounded like a great deal. Driving through there I felt like Jed Clampit from the Beverly Hillbillies driving through the Hood!

Look, I'm NOT trying to claim to be better than ANYONE else but this place was a dump! There's obviously no property/homeowners association and normally I'm against those kind of things but when you see the mix/match of properties down there it makes you beg for such a thing.

Then we started thinking about what it would cost for a lot verses the gas and fee to stay at a place like Cherrysone and we'll take the daily fee over a fixed lot any day! If you've never been to Cherrystone, GO HERE and check out what they have to offer. It's only about 1 1/2 hours away from Salisbury and they have cabins you can rent for a very reasonable rate too. I believe they also have campers you can rent too.

Oh, one of the most impressive parts this year verses last year is that the cell phone/wireless card reception down there is like night and day now. I got all 4 bars on both the cell and the wireless card. I know, I know, you're not supposed to be concerned about stuff like that, until you have to moderate comments on your Blog. Sorry for the delays over the past 3 days but it was a great trip and we can't wait to go back again.

SPD Press Releases

On June 13, 2008, Officers of the Salisbury Police Department received a call to respond to a business on Albert Avenue for the report of a stolen vehicle. Upon arrival, the officers were advised that a fork lift had been stolen from the rear area of the business. On the same date, officers observed a tow truck operated by the two (2) below listed suspects transporting a fork lift matching the description of the fork lift reported stolen. The tow truck was stopped and the owner of the business responded, positively identifying the fork lift. The fork lift was returned to the business and warrants were obtained for the suspects charging them with the burglary of the business and theft of the fork lift.

ARRESTED # 1: Charles William Shrieves, 39 years of age Salisbury, Maryland

ARRESTED # 2: Michael David Packard, 22 years of age Salisbury, Maryland

CHARGES (both):
Theft (over $ 500)
4th degree burglary
4th degree burglary for theft

DISPOSITION: Both released to Central Booking CC # 200800020673

On June 18, 2008 at approximately 2:00 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police Department were on routine patrol in the area of Baker Street when they observed the below listed suspect trespassing on posted property. The officers made contact with the suspect, who was found to be wanted on an outstanding bench warrant from Worcester County. The suspect was arrested and a search of the suspect, incident to arrest, revealed a quantity of suspected marijuana on his person.

ARRESTED: Lawrence Edward Wilson, Jr., 44 years of age Salisbury, Maryland

CHARGES:
Worcester Co. District Court Bench Warrant-
Failing to make a court ordered payment
Possession of marijuana
Possession of cds/paraphernalia

DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking CC # 200800021365, 200800021369

Motivational Poster of The Day



What do you think the motivational text should say?

Editors note;

I know there are many great groups and individuals in the area who make a huge impact and difference. This is not a knock to diminish their work or their commitment to our Community. I thank them for what they do. But still some things need to change, improve, and straight get out of our area. You cannot ignore the bad side of things.

MICHELE OBAMA.....First Lady?


In her senior thesis at Princeton, Michele Obama, the wife of Barack Obama stated that America was a nation founded on crime and hatred. Moreover, she stated that whites in America were ineradicably racist. The 1985 thesis, titled "Princeton-Educated Blacks and the Black Community" was written under her maiden name, Michelle LaVaughn Robinson.

Michelle Obama stated in her thesis that to "Whites at Princeton , it often seems as if, to them, she will always be Black first..." However, it was reported by a fellow black classmate, If those "Whites at Princeton " really saw Michelle as one who always would "be Black first," it seems that she gave them that impression.
Most alarming is Michele Obamas use of the terms separationist and integrationist when describing the views of black people.

Mrs. Obama clearly identifies herself with a separationist view of race.
By actually working with the Black lower class or within their communities as a result of their ideologies, a separationist may better understand the desperation of their situation and feel more hopeless about a resolution as opposed to an integrationist who is ignorant to their plight.

Obama writes that the path she chose by attending Princeton would likely lead to her "further integration and/or assimilation into a white cultural and social structure that will only allow me to remain on the periphery of society; never becoming a full participant."

Michele Obama clearly has a chip on her shoulder.

Not only does she see separate black and white societies in America , but she elevates black over white in her world.

Here is another passage that is uncomfortable and ominous in meaning:
There was no doubt in my mind that as a member of the black community, I am obligated to this community and will utilize all of my present and future resources to benefit the black community first and foremost.

What is Michelle Obama planning to do with her future resources if she's first lady that will elevate black over white in America?

The following passage appears to be a call to arms for affirmative action policies that could be the hallmark of an Obama administration.

Predominately white universities like Princeton are socially and academically designed to cater to the needs of the white students comprising the bulk of their enrollments.

The conclusion of her thesis is alarming.
Michelle Obamas poll of black alumni concludes that other black students at Princeton do not share her obsession with blackness. But rather than celebrate, she is horrified that black alumni identify with our common American culture more than they value the color of their skin. I hoped that these findings would help me conclude that despite the high degree of identification with whites as a result of the educational and occupational path that black Princeton alumni follow, the alumni would still maintain a certain level of identification with the black community. However, these findings do not support this possibility.

Is it no wonder that most black alumni ignored her racist questionnaire? Only 89 students responded out of 400 who were asked for input.

Michelle Obama does not look into a crowd of Obama supporters and see Americans. She sees black people and white people eternally conflicted with one another.
The thesis provides a trove of Mrs. Obama's thoughts and world view seen through a race-based prism.

This is a very divisive view for a potential first lady that would do untold damage to race relations in this country in a Barack Obama administration.

Michelle Obamas intellectually refined racism should give all Americans pause for deep concern.

Now maybe she's changed, but she sure sounds like someone with an axe to grind with America . Will the press let Michelle get a free pass over her obviously racist comment about American whites? I am sure that it will. But it shouldn't.

FYI: I am not a supporter of any of the candidates for president. In fact, they all leave a bad taste in my mouth. However, I am definitely sick of the main stream media (MSM) feeding us all this crap about Obama being an agent of change.
Has anyone stopped to think what kind of change; really?

PS:We paid for her scholarship.

WCLCB - When Is An "Attack" the Truth?

Last Thursday we were treated to a marvelous op-ed in the Daily Times (you may open a PDF here) by Justin Collis, General Manager of the Wicomico County liquor dispensary system. His argument is so persuasive that it is imperative that our County Council dig deeper into the WCLCB's affairs rather than reduce their efforts.

Mr. Collis is under the delusion that restaurant owners, bar owners, and those of us who choose to partake of distilled spirits somehow owe him and the other employees of the WCLCB a job:
"I find it disappointingly amazing that a few people in the community would like to put 30 people out of work in this economy..."
No Mr. Collis, I bear no ill will to you or the other who work at the WCLCB. That said, what is the basis of your claim that we somehow owe you employment?

Mr. Collis also makes the false claim that taxes will have to be raised to make up for lost revenue IF the dispensary system reverts to private enterprise. Higher licensing fees should more than make up for any lost revenue from closing the WCLCB.

Of course Collis continues his argument with no evidence to back it up. In the world of Mr. Collis "we are in need of more than $1 million to balance the county budget." It's strange; I was at the council meeting where the budget was passed and I was sure that they passed a balance budget. Sure, Rick Pollitt wants to spend more money; so does the Board of Education. In fact, every government department wants to spend more. That doesn't mean that we can, nor should. It certainly doesn't mean that the Wicomico County budget is somehow $1 million out of balance simply because Justin Collis imagines that it is.

Of course, what can we expect from someone who actually uses a term like "$400,000 of free money". There's no such thing. As we all know, someone (or some group) ALWAYS pays.

My personal favorite statement in Justin's Adventures in Wonderland is his assertion that the dispensary system returns $400,000 to taxpayers AND that this is a 58% increase over the last five years.

As noted in a previous post, FY 2003 was the last time that the WCLCB forwarded over $400,000 to the taxpayers. Since then we have seen a precipitous drop of over 37%:




Now we don't know how much will be coming in THIS fiscal year (the year isn't over yet). I'm quite sure that they are trying hard to get over that $400,000 hurdle.

It doesn't matter. There will be revenue to replace it when we finally wave goodbye to this antiquated system. Perhaps Mr. Collis can take up practicing law in Salisbury City Attorney Paul Wilber's firm. His grasp of the truth would certainly serve the Tilghman administration well.

cross posted at Delmarva Dealings

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Since When Does WET Speak for Me?

In Sunday's Daily Times we are treated to a letter to the editor from John Groutt calling for Salisbury Mayor Barrie Tilghman to appoint "a blue ribbon panel of experts and citizens to review the accidents (the recent spills at the Salisbury WWTP). Groutt happens to be the past-president of the Wicomico Environmental Trust (WET).

Buried at the bottom of Groutt's warm and fuzzy monologue is the following:
Groutt writes on behalf of the Wicomico Environmental Trust and Wicomico County citizens. -- Editor
With all due respect Susan, since when does Mr. Groutt or WET speak for me? The last time I checked, I was still a citizen of Wicomico County.

How many spills have there been in recent years at the WWTP? Where has WET been up until recently? It's been people like Joe Albero who have been beating the drum and getting called a "crackpot" for their trouble.

Now Groutt and his comrades want a "blue ribbon panel". I can only imagine the type of panel that would be appointed by Tilghman. We need to remember that she appointed a slum lord to chair the board regulating rental housing in Salisbury. The Salisbury taxpayer has just finished paying tens of thousands of dollars to lose a lawsuit defending the behavior of Tilghman appointees at the Salisbury Historic District Commission.

Of course that doesn't matter to these people who are supposedly speaking for me. No. What matters is getting ink. What matters is getting grants. What matters is media exposure that will eventually convince a mind numbed populace that groups like WET really do have their best interests at heart.

That's OK John. Politics is politics. Just next time do me a favor; ask Susan print an accurate bio line:
Groutt writes on behalf of the Wicomico Environmental Trust and lefty, tree hugging Wicomico County citizens. -- Editor

cross posted at Delmarva Dealings

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