Friday, March 30, 2012
Salisbury Man Pleads Guilty To Using ATM Skimming Devices
BALTIMORE (AP) - The U.S. attorney's office say a Moldovan man has admitted to using an ATM skimming device to get debit and credit card numbers. Twenty-two-year-old Serghei Rotaru, who lives in Salisbury, pleaded guilty Thursday in U.S. District Court in Baltimore to conspiracy to commit access device fraud. He faces a maximum sentence of 7 1/2 years in prison at sentencing for May 11. According to his plea agreement, a Cambridge police officer questions Rotaru after he walked away from an ATM that he had accessed with a counterfeit device. Officers found $800 in cash, and a department store gift card with a pin number. Prosecutors say Rotaru also had several other gift cards encoded with stolen information.
Berlin To Open Super Wal-Mart
BERLIN, Md., - And the wait is over. The Super Walmart in Berlin is expected to open in the next couple of days, according to Wal-Mart. The new, 185,000 square-foot Super Walmart will replace the older store that has been located on Route 50 in Berlin since 1999. The new Wal-Mart will include a full-service grocery, an expanded electronics department, as well as a pharmacy and vision center. According to Wal-Mart officials, the store will have a newer Super Walmart layout.
Car Accident Sends 5 To Hospital
HOUSTON, Del. - Delaware State Police are investigating a multi-vehicle crash that sent five people to the hospital. It happened around 2:30PM Wednesday when a car traveling westbound on Milford-Harrington Highway. The driver attempted to make a left turn onto Deep Grass Lane, but did not see an oncoming vehicle traveling eastbound on SR 14. The two vehicles collided nearly head on in the middle of the intersection. The impact caused the first vehicle to strike the front driver's side of a stopped vehicle. All involved in the crash were taken to Milford Memorial Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
Somerset County announced the 2012 Teacher of the Year
PRINCESS ANNE, Md. - Somerset County Public Schools announced the 2012 Teacher of the Year Thursday evening at their annual banquet. This year's recipient is Social Studies teacher Kelly Butler. Mrs. Butler, is the advisor of the National Honor Society, has formed a team of teachers that identify students who are in danger of failing, as well as, working with at-risk students. She says "I have seen and experienced the power of being a listening ear, a place to land, a voice, an accountability, a cheerleader, and a motivator." Mrs. Butler will represent Somerset County at the Maryland State Teacher of the Year Gala in October.
Rash Of Burglaries In Berlin
BERLIN, Md., - 3 burglaries in just 10 days in Downtown Berlin. Now officials are speaking out about how you can protect yourself from becoming a victim.
Corporal Seibert of Berlin Police Department says, "If your going to leave your house for any period of time whether your just going to the store, or your going away on vacation, make sure your doors and windows are locked and secured."
A stern message from Corporal Seibert of Berlin PD. And after a string of burglaries in Downtown Berlin, Police officials are now sending a warning to all Worcester county residents.
"These burglaries occurred while the residents were away from the home, unfortunately during the time that they were away there residence were left unsecured", the Corporal continues by saying, "Perpetrators of this crime entered the residence and stole small items to include cash and jewelry and then left the scene."
"These burglaries occurred while the residents were away from the home, unfortunately during the time that they were away there residence were left unsecured", the Corporal continues by saying, "Perpetrators of this crime entered the residence and stole small items to include cash and jewelry and then left the scene."
While these burglaries are under investigation, Police are advising residents to keep an eye out for their neighbors homes. And to contact your local Police department if you're going away.
"If your going to be out of town for any extended period of time, notify your local police department. And let them know so they can do regular security checks on your home while you're not there", states the Corporal.
"If your going to be out of town for any extended period of time, notify your local police department. And let them know so they can do regular security checks on your home while you're not there", states the Corporal.
Mother Requests Aids on Buses in Somerset County
SOMERSET COUNTY, Md.- One parent says her son child was the victim of inappropriate behavior on a school bus in Somerset County. Her request for aids on the buses was eventually granted.
The woman, who requests to remain unidentified, said her son was sexually assaulted while on a school bus for months.
"My 7-year-old was sexually assaulted by a 6-year-old child on the school bus. He was doing very inappropriate things to my son," the woman said.
The woman said she found out because another child at her son's school told a school counselor. She was then told in a meeting and decided she wanted to take action to prevent this from happening to another child. She said she met some opposition from the Somerset County Board of Education.
"When I called the head of transportation his words to me, when I asked about putting a bus aide on the bus, he said, 'Where are we supposed to get it from? We don't have the money for that. Are we supposed to take it from the schools?' Then I said, 'Well I know the schools are being cut all the time. What am I supposed to do call congress and get something done?' He said, 'Well, you're only one voice.'"
After more effort the board decided to put aides on the busses.
"Inappropriate behavior on the school bus that was not clearly seen on the video tape resulted in an aid being placed on the bus. Our primary goal is the safety and welfare of our children (all) and it becomes vital that when any incident occurs that we address it immediately using established policies and procedures," said Renee McLaughlin, director of elementary student services for Somerset County Public Schools. .
McLaughlin said it is tough for the school district to do this.
"I believe every system in this state would love to be able to put aids buses;especially elementary; however, because of limited funding that is difficult to do," she said.
Salisbury Man Arrested for Armed Robbery
SALISBURY, Md.– Salisbury police have arrested a man accused of robbing a convenience store over the weekend.
Police said that at around 4:22 p.m. Saturday, March 24, 40-year-old Tracy Michael Rodwell entered Bradley's Market on Lake Street and demanded money from the clerk working behind the counter. According to police, Rodwell had one of his hands in his coat pocket and gave an indication that he was armed. Investigators said the clerk gave Rodwell an unknown amount of money before he fled the store.
Police said they identified Rodwell as a suspect after investigators took a photo of a police lineup and showed it to the clerk at the store.
Detectives said that on Wednesday they obtained a warrant for Rodwell's arrest and he was arrested early Thursday morning at his home on Mohawk Avenue. Rodwell was arrested on the charges of armed robbery, robbery and theft of less than $100. He was then turned over to the custody of Wicomico Central Booking
No Settlement in Md. Poultry Pollution Suit
BALTIMORE (AP)- A Perdue Farms spokeswoman says lawyers have not reached a settlement in a poultry pollution case filed by a University of Maryland environmental law clinic.
Attorneys in the case met Wednesday for a closed-door settlement conference in U.S. District Court in Baltimore.
The clinic represents plaintiffs suing Hudson Farm and Perdue Farms Inc., claiming the Salisbury-based poultry company and the Worcester County contract grower are polluting a nearby waterway. Farm groups say the suit could bankrupt Hudson Farm and set a harmful precedent for other family farms.
Perdue spokeswoman Julie DeYoung says while a settlement was not reached, settlement has not been ruled out.
Man Indicted in Shooting of Deputy
CAMBRIDGE, Del.- A Dorchester County Circuit Court grand jury has indicted a 23-year-old man for attempted first-degree murder and related charges in connection with last month's shooting in Cambridge that left a Wicomico County sheriffs deputy injured.
Tavon Dobson of Cambridge is accused of shooting 29-year-old Deputy Thomas Funk, who was a member of the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force attempting to serve an arrest warrant at a home on Hubbard Street in Cambridge.
Authorities said that at the time of the warrant service, Dobson was wanted by Cambridge police for assault, theft and forgery, as well as a parole retake warrant and a violation of probation warrant. He was also wanted by Delaware State Police for burglary and violation of probation.
Maryland State Police said Funk was one of the task force members who entered the Hubbard Street home after being admitted by a female inside. Other task force members surrounded the home when police say Dobson shot at Funk.
Wicomico County Sheriff Mike Lewis told WBOC that Funk returned gunfire and escaped out of a window and onto a roof, before jumping to the ground. Funk, who suffered a gunshot wound to his upper arm, was transported to Peninsula Regional Medical Center in Salisbury where he was treated and later released.
MSP said Dobson moved through the house, shooting at task force members outside. Police said several officers returned fire, but Dobson was not shot. A U.S. Marshals Service vehicle was hit, but no other officers than Funk were hit by gunfire.
After the shooting, a SWAT team surrounded the Hubbard Street home where Dobson had allegedly barricaded himself. After a more than two-hour stand-off with police, a Cambridge police officer was able to negotiate Dobson's surrender.
Dobson continues to be held without bond at the Dorchester County Detention Center
Boy, 12, Charged With Arson After Ignited Flare Sparks School Bus Fire
CHESTERTOWN, Md.- The Maryland State Fire Marshal's Office on Thursday announced that a 12-year-old boy is facing arson and numerous other charges for allegedly igniting a marine flare on a school bus filled with students, causing it to go up in flames in Chestertown earlier this month.
Investigators said that at approximately 8:20 a.m. Monday, March 5, while the bus was on its way to Chestertown Middle School, the flare gun ignited the pre-loaded flare, causing everyone to evacuate the bus along Chestertown Road (Route 20) in Chestertown.
Authorities said the bus driver quickly evacuated the students from the bus before it went up in flames. Seven students were treated for minor smoke inhalation injuries and were
released from Chester River Hospital Center. The remaining 21 students were evaluated at the scene by Kent County Emergency Medical Services and subsequently transported to Chestertown Middle School.
released from Chester River Hospital Center. The remaining 21 students were evaluated at the scene by Kent County Emergency Medical Services and subsequently transported to Chestertown Middle School.
The school bus is considered to be a total loss with an estimated $45,000 in damages.
Authorities said the investigation that followed revealed the 12-year-old had the loaded flare gun inside a bag in his possession when it was discharged and ignited the flare causing the immediate evacuation and subsequent heavy fire damage of the school bus.
The boy has been charged with first- and second-degree arson, first- and second-degree malicious burning, bringing a deadly weapon on school property, carrying/transporting a handgun, disturbing the peace and 28 counts of reckless endangerment. He has been referred to the Kent County Department of Juvenile Services and remains in the custody of his mother.
Maryland Seeks Certification for Crab and Rockfish
EASTON, Md. - Maryland is in the process of certifying their blue crabs and rockfish. The state is seeking certification as more people become concerned about where their food comes from and how the product affects the environment.
Snappers Restaurant in Cambridge will only use Maryland crab meat. "We won't use anything but Maryland crab meat and that's great," said Snappers owner John Sydnor. "I think it's great they are going to get a certification on it."
Sydnor isn't the only happy restaurant owner, Stephen Mangasarian says certifying crabs and rockfish will help the community's economy. "If customers can be absolutely sure they are getting real Maryland crab meat it's good for everyone and helps everybody," said Mangasarian.
With this new certification, people who are concerned with where their food comes from can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that it is caught fresh in Md. The Department of Natural Resources anticipates consumers are more likely to buy crab and rockfish and demand could drive up the price.
Becky Kroeger of East New Market would rather pay a little more to know she is getting real Maryland crab. "I like to know where my food is coming from and to make sure it is what they say it is," said Kroeger.
One man says if crab is out of your price range, splurge for something cheaper. "I am always saying if the crab meat is too expensive at the time, get a steak," said Seth Beatty of St. Michaels
Suspect Identified in Lewes Bank Robbery
LEWES, Del.- Delaware State Police have issued a warrant for the arrest of an Easton, Md. man wanted in connection with last month's robbery of a bank in Lewes.
Police said that in the incident that occurred at the Bank of Delmarva on Coastal Highway in Lewes on Feb. 6, 40-year-old Bruce L. Brummell approached the bank teller and presented a demand note for money. The teller complied and turned over an undisclosed amount of cash. Troopers said Brummell then ran out of the bank and took off in a gray sedan.
According to police, a further investigation revealed Brummell is suspected of committing two other robberies in Delaware including the Feb. 7 robbery of the Fulton Bank in Laurel and the March 14 robbery of the WSFS Bank in Milford. Police said that in both incidents, the suspect also presented a demand note for the money and was described as wearing a similar jacket as he was in the Lewes robbery.
Robberies were also investigated at the Harvest Community Bank in Pennsville, N.J. on Feb. 29, and the Fulton Bank in Carney's Point, N.J. on March 23.
According to police, a further investigation revealed Brummell is suspected of committing two other robberies in Delaware including the Feb. 7 robbery of the Fulton Bank in Laurel and the March 14 robbery of the WSFS Bank in Milford. Police said that in both incidents, the suspect also presented a demand note for the money and was described as wearing a similar jacket as he was in the Lewes robbery.
Robberies were also investigated at the Harvest Community Bank in Pennsville, N.J. on Feb. 29, and the Fulton Bank in Carney's Point, N.J. on March 23.
On Wednesday, March 28, the investigation led detectives to a home in Easton, where Brummell was located and taken into custody by the Easton Police Department on drug-related charges. He is currently being held in Maryland pending extradition to Delaware to answer to the charge of first-degree robbery.
Police have not yet indicated what charges Brummell may face in connection with the four other bank robberies.
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Jamal Woolford Sr. Latest
Hebron, Md., - Jamal Woolford Sr., is facing a laundry list of charges, stemming from the death of his four year old son who accidentally shot himself in the chest the night of March 5th. The gun believed to have been stolen, also injured the boys mother in their Hebron home.
State's Attorney Dykes says, "Grand jury this past Monday the 26th returned an indictment on Jamal Woolford Sr. for manslaughter, possession with the intent to deliver cocaine charges, and fire arm charges."
Being held without bond, Woolford Sr., sits in the Wicomico County Detention Center awaiting trial. Facing 15 charges, he could spend decades in prison.
State's Attorney Dykes says, "For the drug charges Woolford faces 20 years. That's the standard maximum penalty. However, if the court finds him to be a subsequent offender, the state believes that he is, he could face up to 40 years." "For the manslaughter charges he faces 10 years, and for the firearms charges there's a 5 year mandatory minimum up to a 20 year sentence", she continues.
State's Attorney Dykes says, "For the drug charges Woolford faces 20 years. That's the standard maximum penalty. However, if the court finds him to be a subsequent offender, the state believes that he is, he could face up to 40 years." "For the manslaughter charges he faces 10 years, and for the firearms charges there's a 5 year mandatory minimum up to a 20 year sentence", she continues.
Employee, Customer At Delaware Cell Phone Store Robbed
WILMINGTON, Del. (AP) - Delaware State Police are looking for a man who robbed a cell phone store in Wilmington. It happened about 5:45 p.m. Tuesday at the Metro PCS. Troopers say a man with a handgun walked into the store and confronted an employee and a customer. The suspect demanded and received money from the cash register as well as personal items from the employee and the customer. He then fled. No one was injured.
2 Arrested, Third Sought in Seaford Shooting
SEAFORD, Del.- Police have arrested two suspects and are looking for a third wanted in connection with last week's shooting that left a woman injured in Seaford.
Seaford police said that on Tuesday, March 27, two of the suspects were pulled over during a traffic stop in Greenwood. Greenwood police, who made the traffic stop, found out that the vehicle's two occupants were wanted by Seaford police.
The suspects- a 17-year-old Seaford male and a 15-year-old Seaford male- were transported to the Seaford Police Department where they were charged with first-degree assault, possession of firearm during commission of felony, possession of firearm by person prohibited, five counts of reckless endangering, four counts of aggravated menacing, six counts of second-degree conspiracy, two counts of criminal mischief and three counts of discharging a firearm in city limits. Both were turned over to the custody of the Stevenson House juvenile detention facility in Milford.
Police are still looking for a third suspect in the March 22 shooting that left a 22-year-old Laurel woman injured with a gunshot wound to the foot in the Chandler Heights II apartment complex. The third suspect in the shooting, 18-year-old Dallas O. Tingle of Seaford, is wanted on warrants charging him with the same offenses as the other two suspects.
The Seaford Police Department is asking anybody with information about Tingle's whereabouts to call (302) 629-6644 or Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333. Crime Stoppers of offering a reward for information directly related to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons involved
Town Of Hurlock Take To Court By Citizens
HURLOCK, Md. - The Ministers and Citizens Organization took the town of Hurlock, Md. to court. They wanted to see where the town's money was going. Group leaders say the town has refused to release their records.
"We decided to file a suit," said Monroe Qualies of Ministers and Citizens Organization. "We will let the courts determine what is available and accessible to the rights of the people".
After yesterday's ruling at the Dorchester County Courthouse, the town of Hurlock has 7 days to show their financial records. The reason these records weren't made available was due to previous investigations launched by the Ministers and Citizens Organization.
Hurlock officials say they would have provided their documents to the public, but couldn't. Due to a lawsuit battle between the Ministers and Citizens group and the town of Hurlock it would have been illegal for those records to be shown at that time.
Hurlock Mayor Joyce Spratt says they have nothing to hide and still questions why they want to see these documents.
"I don't know what they're looking for," said Mayor Spratt. "I would assume if the state prosecutor in a year and a half can't find anything then the Ministers and Citizens can't find anything either".
Since Mayor Spratt took office in 2010 the town of Hurlock has been audited twice. Both audit reports came back clean in 2010 and 2011
Wicomico County Officials Believe More People are Leaving the County
SALISBURY, Md. - Wicomico County officials believe a trend is taking place in the county. Director of Administration Wayne Strausburg says Wicomico County is "becoming a commuter county."
Officials say they believe decreasing property values and other factors are contributing to residents heading to neighboring counties like Worcester or Sussex.
"As our challenges continue to mount, we still are trying to find ways to make this a place that people want to come and stay and we're on the right track and we're making progress," says County Executive Rick Pollitt, minutes before presenting the 2013 fiscal year budget to the public.
Vicki Macabenta used to live in Wicomico County and say felt it was best to move to Ocean City, Md.
"I honestly think it's because of the crime. I think it's because of the gangs, there's no jobs there's no money. They're building up way too fast and there's not enough for everybody there so everybody's trying to leave."
Sussex Sheriff's Supporters Head to Legislative Hall
DOVER, Del. - The debate over the authority and role of sheriffs in Delaware returned to the state capital Wednesday.
Roughly a dozen supporters of Sussex Sheriff Jeff Christopher boarded a bus in Millsboro headed for Legislative Hall. The group opposes HB 290, a bill that would explicitly prohibit sheriffs from making arrests.
"This bill needs to be striken, not tabled," said Don Ayotte of Georgetown. "If it's tabled, it can be pulled to the floor at any time."
Rep. Danny Short, R-Seaford, tabled the bill during a House Administration Committee hearing Wednesday afternoon. Christopher's supporters still made the trip to Dover.
"We voted for the sheriff. He won overwhelmingly," said Carol Beth Lambert of Millsboro. "This is going against the people when you tell us our sheriff can't take care of us."
Christopher is locked in an on-going dispute with the county administration over the authority and role of his office. In Delaware, sheriffs traditionally conduct foreclosure sales and deliver court papers. The sheriff believes the state constitution makes him a law enforcement officer. The county administration disagrees. Last fall, the county ordered deputies to stop performing traditional police work over liability concerns.
The sheriff argues the bill is the latest attempt to eliminate his office.
On Tuesday, about 20 people protested against HB 290 outside the county administration building in Georgetown. Despite pleas from the sheriff's supporters, the county council stood by its unanimous support of the bill.
Sussex County leaders point to three opinions from the state Attorney General's Office saying sheriffs and deputies are not police officers in Delaware.
"There is a real indication there's a lot of misinformation out there and some of it, I think, is intentional information put out by folks who don't agree with this bill," Short said.
As lead sponsor, Short said he tabled the bill so house attorneys could explore ways to receive a state supreme court opinion on the matter. Sponsors hope the justices would shed light on whether the sheriff's listing as a conservator of the peace in the state constitution makes him a law enforcement officer and whether the position comes with arrest powers, Short said.
What is unclear is how to request an opinion from the state's highest court considering the bill has not yet passed, Short said.
When tabled, a bill can be called up in a committee meeting with approval of the chair.
Short does not believe the measure was pushed through the house too quickly and said he did not table the bill because of pressure from opponents.
"I think we need to put the record straight. I'm willing to do that. That's why I'm willing to table the bill," Short said. "But if someone wants to challenge me and say Danny doesn't have the gumption to do that, I'll be glad to run it out and see where the votes fall out."
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Father Charged in Connection With Son's Fatal Shooting
HEBRON, Md. - Maryland State Police say a Hebron man has been charged with manslaughter in connection with the fatal shooting of his 4-year-old son.
Twenty-nine-year-old Jamal Woolford Sr. was arrested Tuesday evening after being indicted by a grand jury in the shooting that occurred earlier this month. Woolford is also charged reckless endangerment, permitting firearm access by a minor, possession with the intent to distribute cocaine, possession with intent to distribute cocaine in a school zone, manufacturing cocaine, manufacturing cocaine in a school zone, possession of cocaine, two counts of possession of drug paraphernalia, possession/use of a firearm involving a drug trafficking crime, illegal possession of a regulated firearm, possession of a regulated firearm knowing it to be stolen, theft of a firearm, and use of a firearm in commission of a felony.
Police said that it was on the evening March 5 that Woolford's son accidentally shot himself in the chest and wounded his mother, 24-year-old Shanice A. Kellam, while they were asleep in their home on Old Railroad Road in Hebron. The boy was taken to Peninsula Regional Medical Center, where he was later pronounced dead.
Investigators determined that the boy got the gun from the bedroom where his father kept it.
Wooldford is being held in the Wicomico County Detention Center without bond.
WI HI Football Coach Arrested
SALISBURY, Md.- A Wicomico County Grand Jury on Monday indicted Wicomico County High School football coach David Nettles on child sex abuse charges.
The Wicomico County State's Attorney's Office says an arrest warrant was served Monday night around 5:30 p.m. Prosecutors said Nettles was arrested without incident.
According to the indictment, Nettles faces charges of child abuse by a custodian, third-degree sexual offense and several counts of fourth-degree sexual offense.
According to the indictment, Nettles faces charges of child abuse by a custodian, third-degree sexual offense and several counts of fourth-degree sexual offense.
Prosecutors said the investigation began in November of 2011 by the Child Advocacy Center. According to investigators, between Aug. 1, 1997 and June 30, 2001, David Nettles committed acts that are considered to be child abuse by a custodian and fourth-degree sexual offense.
Prosecutors also said a second individual alleged that between Jan. 1, 1998 and Dec. 30, 1998, Nettles committed an act considered to be a third degree sexual offense.
This investigation is active and ongoing and anyone who has any information related to this case is encouraged to call the Child Advocacy Center at (410) 713-3497.
Prosecutors also said a second individual alleged that between Jan. 1, 1998 and Dec. 30, 1998, Nettles committed an act considered to be a third degree sexual offense.
This investigation is active and ongoing and anyone who has any information related to this case is encouraged to call the Child Advocacy Center at (410) 713-3497.
Three Salisbury Residents Indicted in Bank fraud Scheme
BALTIMORE-Three Salisbury residents have been charged in a federal indictment in connection with a bank fraud scheme that spanned Maryland and Pennsylvania, and possibly other locations.
Prosecutors said the trio opened checking accounts and deposited fraudulent checks into the accounts, then used the associated check cards at ATM machines to make cash withdrawals. They also allegedly used the check cards to obtain services, such as utilities, cable, and cellular phone service, and make purchases at restaurants, grocery stores and gas stations.
Prosecutors said the defendants made fraudulent identification documents using the personal information of others to aid them in the scheme.
Tuesday's 10-count indictment charges Christopher Andre Devine, 33; Quanishia Williamson-Ross, 31; and Lenee E. Williamson, 22, with bank fraud conspiracy, access device fraud, aggravated identity theft, and possession of false identification documents.
No court appearance has been scheduled yet for the three defendants, who have all been detained.
Teen Hit By Car Attempting To Board School Bus
CAMDEN-WYOMING, Del. - A teenager is recovering after being hit by a car while attempting to board her school bus Tuesday morning. Delaware State Police say that the 16-year-old was struck by a sedan after it failed to notice the bus' red flashing lights as well as its stop sign. She was taken to Kent General Hospital with non-life threatening injuries. The driver of the sedan, who was not injured, was cited for Inattentive Driving and Passing a Stopped School Bus. The investigation is ongoing
Settlement talks in Md. poultry pollution case
BALTIMORE (AP) - Attorneys in a poultry pollution case filed by a University of Maryland environmental law clinic will try to settle the dispute during a conference in U.S. District Court in Baltimore.
The clinic represents plaintiffs suing Hudson Farm and Perdue Farms Inc., claiming they are polluting a nearby waterway.
Gov. Martin O'Malley has criticized the lawsuit. The governor wrote a letter to the dean of the university's law school complaining about what he called the "ongoing injustice" of pursuing costly litigation against the Worcester County farm.
Farm groups say the suit could bankrupt Hudson Farm and set a harmful precedent for other family farms.
The settlement conference Wednesday before Chief Magistrate Paul W. Grimm in Baltimore federal court is closed to the public
Inmate Fails To Return To Delaware Corrections Center
WILMINGTON, Del. (AP) - The Delaware Department of Corrections says an inmate has failed to return from an authorized pass from the Plummer Community Corrections Center in Wilmington. Corrections officials said Tuesday that 21-year-old Anthony Faulkner of Wilmington had failed to return. Faulkner was serving a sentence for 2nd degree robbery. Anyone with information is asked to call police.
Sussex Sheriff's Supporters Rally, Sponsor to Table House Bill
GEORGETOWN, Del. - The debate over arrest authority of county sheriffs in Delaware could be decided with help from the state supreme court.
Rep. Danny Short, R-Seaford, and Sen. Gary Simpson, R-Milford, announced plans Tuesday to table HB 290 to seek guidance or an opinion from the state's highest court on the constitutionality of sheriff's powers. The bill would clarify state law, prohibiting sheriffs from making arrests.
The announcement came just hours after about 20 supporters of Sussex County Sheriff Jeff Christopher gathered outside the county administration building in Georgetown to oppose the measure.
Roughly three dozen sheriff supporters, wearing blue badges, then crowded the county council chambers for a passionate public comment period in defense of Christopher.
"His men should be trained," said Rich Mutell of Laurel. "They should be able to do their job without the people in Dover doing a power grab against the people of Delaware."
The sheriff is locked in a debate with the county administration over the role and authority of his department. In Delaware, sheriffs traditionally conduct foreclosure sales and deliver court papers. Christopher argues the state constitution makes him a law enforcement officer. The county council disagrees. Last fall, the county ordered Christopher and deputies to stop performing traditional police work.
Christopher watched as nearly a dozen supporters pleaded with the county to withdraw support of HB 290; Eric Bodenweiser of Georgetown even dropped to his knees before county council members to make the request.
The sheriff's supporters covered a range of topics: crime, history of sheriffs, training of deputies and authority of the county council.
The council voted unanimously last week to support the house measure. On Tuesday, council members held their ground on the issue.
"The liability is a very big concern to us," said Council President Michael Vincent, R-Seaford. "The law says they cannot be police officers."
Vincent pointed to multiple opinions from the state Attorney General's office stating county sheriffs and deputies are not police officers. The president noted that police officers undergo special training and expressed a concern for the safety of deputies performing police work.
After the meeting, Christopher said the people have spoken and the county council needs to listen. He has urged co-sponsors of the bill in dispute to drop their support.
The bill was scheduled for hearing before the House Administration Committee on Wednesday afternoon.
"Senator Simpson and I, as prime sponsors of the bill, have received numerous inquiries about the sheriff bill over the past several days," Rep. Short, the bill's lead sponsor, said in a statement. "Because there is a great deal of misinformation circulating regarding this measure, we have decided it should not be heard in committee tomorrow."
Spokeswoman Stephanie Mantegna said sponsors are not abandoning the bill; instead, they are seeking more information before proceeding.
"Sussex County Council is committed to having this issue resolved once and for all, and if taking a step back on this legislation to seek further guidance is the most prudent way to go, then we will support that approach," Council President Vincent said in a statement.
DelDOT Worker Suspended for Confederate License Tag
The Delaware Department of Transportation is reviewing a letter it received from the American Civil Liberties Union in response to disciplinary action taken against an employee for having a Confederate flag license plate on his personal vehicle.
The ACLU says it was contacted by a union for state employees after DelDOT employee Tom Drummond was suspended earlier this month and told his license plate was inappropriate.
DelDOT issued a statement Tuesday explaining why it took the action that it did against Drummond.
"DelDOT's actions in this matter were prompted by a complaint from an employee who claimed harassment and our decisions were motivated solely by this concern," according to the statement. "As an employer our aim is to maintain a workplace that is productive and as free from acrimony as possible. We will review the ACLU's letter with our legal counsel and take whatever additional steps may be necessary."
The ACLU says flags and other symbols, including Confederate flag license plates, are entitled to First Amendment protection.
Newt Gingrich Pays Visit to Salisbury
SALISBURY, Md.- Former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich spoke to Salisbury University students and faculty Tuesday afternoon. Gingrich is hoping to drum up support in the Old Line State before next Tuesday's Maryland Primary.
Gingrich used that word "revolution several times during his speech. He spoke of using technology to get America back on track, and change things in Washington, which he calls "the hopeless center of willful ignorance."
Low on money and delegates, he is hoping for a big showing next week in Maryland where 37 delegates are at stake. Gingrich vows to stay in the race -- even as the flow of contributions has dropped off. Marylanders head to the polls on April 3.
Accomack County Fire Tax
PARKSLEY, Va. - People showed up in bright green shirts with "NO CHINCO FIRE TAX" on the front during a public input session held Tuesday night regarding the Accomack County budget.
The fire tax would cause a flat tax to be levied on all the fire companies of Accomack County. Wanda Thornton, member of the Accomack County Board of Supervisors, said, "In essence our $340,000 will fund three fire companies...at $104,000 each and have some left over. I mean if that seems fair to anyone I wish they would tell me how."
Thornton said smaller fire companies that support smaller populations will get more money than they need.
Thornton is perhaps the only member of the board who opposes the tax.
"I think we've got to start thinking of the county as a whole and not just out district or our area," says Grayson Chesson of the Board of Supervisors.
Chincoteague residents, as well as members of the Chincoteague Volunteer Firefighter Company, feel strongly that they do not need the tax. Denise Bowden, member of the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company, said, "Personally...I'm not going to give up fighting until every avenue has been exhausted. [I'm] not speaking on behalf of the town government, but I feel like they will run the same course. We won't give up until everything's been exhausted."
The budget containing the ordinance for the fire tax will be voted on by the board on April 4
Salisbury University Students Provide Perspective on Student Loan Debt
SALISBURY, Md.- One issue former House Speaker and GOP presidential candidate Newt Gingrich did not address at Salisbury University Tuesday was student loan debt. As of 2010, this particular debt has officially surpassed credit card debt in the US. Earlier this month, a Michigan congressman introduced the Student Loan Forgiveness Act. Part of the act would cap interest rates and improve loan forgiveness.
The goal is to help ease the burden on graduates, so they can help contribute to our economic recovery. Opponents argue the act would just spoil students and bail them out of being responsible adults.
We spoke with students at Salisbury University for some perspective on the issue, including junior Henry Hunt, who is currently about $20,000 in debt.
"I kind of choose not to think about when I graduate, how much money I'm going to have to pay back and how much I will owe."
Hunt said he chose Salisbury University because tuition was more affordable than other schools. He is happy with the school but says if loans weren't a factor, he would have explored other options, too.
"I kind of choose not to think about when I graduate, how much money I'm going to have to pay back and how much I will owe."
Hunt said he chose Salisbury University because tuition was more affordable than other schools. He is happy with the school but says if loans weren't a factor, he would have explored other options, too.
Hunt supports the idea of the government helping students like him manage all that debt.
"I think it would encourage students to seek degrees. It would encourage students to not only stop at Associate's Degrees or a community college level. It would encourage students to not just get a bachelors degree but to come back for a masters and maybe even a doctorate degree," he told WBOC.
But he thinks there would need to be some kind of a cap, saying, "If everybody is being forgiven on these loans, then we're in a sense providing education for free."
Sophomore Amanda Phimmasone is studying graphic design and plans on going to graduate school.
"I will be in a lot of debt," remarked Phimmasone.
She thinks the presidential candidates might have a political advantage if they address that debt issue.
"When Obama ran, a lot of college students got more active in voting. If they do address things like college loans and all that, more college students would definitely be interested in that, too, since it does address them," she points out
But he thinks there would need to be some kind of a cap, saying, "If everybody is being forgiven on these loans, then we're in a sense providing education for free."
Sophomore Amanda Phimmasone is studying graphic design and plans on going to graduate school.
"I will be in a lot of debt," remarked Phimmasone.
She thinks the presidential candidates might have a political advantage if they address that debt issue.
"When Obama ran, a lot of college students got more active in voting. If they do address things like college loans and all that, more college students would definitely be interested in that, too, since it does address them," she points out
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Comment Worthy Of A Post
Below you will see the Correct decision on the Heron Pond Project
Anonymous said...
If Howard was completely honest, he would have let you know that r. Marshall did NOT get what he wanted. What he wanted was to change Phase 1 AND Phase 3 from R-2to R-4. R-4 would allow for other dwellings besides single family units. Mayor Anderton asked why he wanted to do that and he immediately recognized that he was probably NOT going to get what he wanted. Therefore, the ordinance which had been written was amended before it was approved at the first reading. What he ALSO failed to mention was this must also come before a public hearing AND he must provide a findinbg a fact. Mr. Marshall, in his request for a zone change, contends that there was a mistake when it was zoned the first time. He MUST provide proof of this. So, I would not agree that the Mayor and Commissioner's are pushovers. This is NOT a done deal as Howard would have you believe. As far as the proposed houses are concerned, I believe Mr. Marshall was given approval to build three houses AND three houses ONLY at this time because it appears Planning and Zoning IS concerned about open space and wants to monitor that closely.
Regarding the signs, Verizon asked for "flutter" signs and they were granted that request to use for 90 days...NINETY days. They were not requesting a permanant ADDITIONAL sign for the building.
Trashy, Delmar, Delaware, huh? Well, if I'd had my druthers, I wouldn't have wanted a massage parlor or a host of payday loan places either. Unfortunately, if their are no restrictions against that type of business, there is really nothing one can do about free enterprise. Now, I suppose you could write more "rules", but I consider that micro-managing. Hell, since I don't like cats, perhaps we should disallow residents from letting their feline friends sit in the windows of their homes.
Anonymous said...Regarding the signs, Verizon asked for "flutter" signs and they were granted that request to use for 90 days...NINETY days. They were not requesting a permanant ADDITIONAL sign for the building.
Trashy, Delmar, Delaware, huh? Well, if I'd had my druthers, I wouldn't have wanted a massage parlor or a host of payday loan places either. Unfortunately, if their are no restrictions against that type of business, there is really nothing one can do about free enterprise. Now, I suppose you could write more "rules", but I consider that micro-managing. Hell, since I don't like cats, perhaps we should disallow residents from letting their feline friends sit in the windows of their homes.
Delmar Dustpans Howard Dickerson Said Delmar Has A Trash image
Howard beating up Delmar (calling our town trash)
Other items;
Verizon wireless sales office was given approval for flutter flags signs for 90 days. I am sure the flags will blend in well with the trash image of massage parlor, payday loans offices, pawn shops, and tattoo shops Delmar Delaware has.
Howard beating up the Maryland Commission
I had hopes for Heron Pond when I heard Doug Marshall was buying it but it is obvious he does not have a plan for the development of it. Even worst in spite of a poor record of dealing with developers the Maryland Mayor and Commissioners are going along with whatever he wants
Howards beating up our mayor
The two Mayors alternate each month as to whom will be the chairman of the meeting, tonight was Mayor Carl Anderton, Jr turn to be Chairman. Carl's usual enthusiasm was lacking tonight and he seemed tired. No doubt in my opinion it is because he knew he would have to approve the Heron Pond mess.
Howard beating up on Planning and Zoning
Back in January 2011 Yorkshire Estates sent two women over to P&Z and got approval for their project (new Home styles.) I would have to say if you want a project approved in Delmar you stand a much better chance if you have women make the request to Planning and Zoning instead of men. Take Note Dilip Katrodiva of Shayona Pharmacy.
Above are post taken from Howard Dickersons blog "Delmar Dustpan" this morning, I would like you to keep in mind Howard is serving on the Delmar utility commission and should be considered a rep for our town (Delmar). I would like to know how he is allowed by elected officials to publicly discredit our town,elected officials and community and get away with it.
Other items;
Verizon wireless sales office was given approval for flutter flags signs for 90 days. I am sure the flags will blend in well with the trash image of massage parlor, payday loans offices, pawn shops, and tattoo shops Delmar Delaware has.
Howard beating up the Maryland Commission
I had hopes for Heron Pond when I heard Doug Marshall was buying it but it is obvious he does not have a plan for the development of it. Even worst in spite of a poor record of dealing with developers the Maryland Mayor and Commissioners are going along with whatever he wants
Howards beating up our mayor
The two Mayors alternate each month as to whom will be the chairman of the meeting, tonight was Mayor Carl Anderton, Jr turn to be Chairman. Carl's usual enthusiasm was lacking tonight and he seemed tired. No doubt in my opinion it is because he knew he would have to approve the Heron Pond mess.
Howard beating up on Planning and Zoning
Back in January 2011 Yorkshire Estates sent two women over to P&Z and got approval for their project (new Home styles.) I would have to say if you want a project approved in Delmar you stand a much better chance if you have women make the request to Planning and Zoning instead of men. Take Note Dilip Katrodiva of Shayona Pharmacy.
Above are post taken from Howard Dickersons blog "Delmar Dustpan" this morning, I would like you to keep in mind Howard is serving on the Delmar utility commission and should be considered a rep for our town (Delmar). I would like to know how he is allowed by elected officials to publicly discredit our town,elected officials and community and get away with it.
CDC to conduct analysis of four student deaths at Polytech High
Dover, Del. —
The federal Centers for Disease Control & Prevention will conduct an analysis of the deaths of four Polytech High School students since the New Year began, a state health official said Friday.
The CDC is coming to the Diamond State to help investigate whether there is any connection between the four deaths, Delaware Department of Health & Social Services spokeswoman Jill Fredel said.
This federal agency monitors health, detects and investigates health problems and conducts research to enhance prevention, among other things, according to www.cdc.gov.
In addition, the state of Delaware is bringing in an expert from the University of Pennsylvania to address the post traumatic stress that Polytech faculty members are experiencing in the wake of four student deaths, Fredel said.
Delaware State Police this week began investigating the death of a 16-year-old Dover girl, state police Sgt. Paul Shavack said Thursday. The girl was a Polytech student.
The Polytech community also has lost two young men in mid February and a 16-year-old girl in January. State police have investigated these three previous deaths as apparent suicides.
“We have state, district and school counselors providing services to staff and students in need,” Polytech School District Superintendent Dr. Deborah Zych said in a statement that was on Polytech’s website. “The entire Polytech family shares in the grief in the loss of students.”
Several counselors from the state have been assisting staff at Polytech High, she said.
That includes staff from the Delaware Department of Services for Children, Youth and Their Families and the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services, Fredel said.
“Dr. Zych has asked for help from the state and we’re going to provide it,” Fredel said. “The state is working across departments to help Polytech. There’s something going on
The CDC is coming to the Diamond State to help investigate whether there is any connection between the four deaths, Delaware Department of Health & Social Services spokeswoman Jill Fredel said.
This federal agency monitors health, detects and investigates health problems and conducts research to enhance prevention, among other things, according to www.cdc.gov.
In addition, the state of Delaware is bringing in an expert from the University of Pennsylvania to address the post traumatic stress that Polytech faculty members are experiencing in the wake of four student deaths, Fredel said.
Delaware State Police this week began investigating the death of a 16-year-old Dover girl, state police Sgt. Paul Shavack said Thursday. The girl was a Polytech student.
The Polytech community also has lost two young men in mid February and a 16-year-old girl in January. State police have investigated these three previous deaths as apparent suicides.
“We have state, district and school counselors providing services to staff and students in need,” Polytech School District Superintendent Dr. Deborah Zych said in a statement that was on Polytech’s website. “The entire Polytech family shares in the grief in the loss of students.”
Several counselors from the state have been assisting staff at Polytech High, she said.
That includes staff from the Delaware Department of Services for Children, Youth and Their Families and the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services, Fredel said.
“Dr. Zych has asked for help from the state and we’re going to provide it,” Fredel said. “The state is working across departments to help Polytech. There’s something going on
Somerset County Allege Sex Abuse
SOMERSET, Co., Md., - A shocking case of alleged sex abuse here on Delmarva. And the alleged abuser, is in elementary school. The mother of the victim is speaking out to WMDT, saying "My son don't have a voice, but I have a voice and its going to be heard."
A Somerset County mom is now speaking out over the alleged sexual abuse of her 6 year old son, by another 6 year old boy.
The allege victims mom says, "Well I got a call from the school on Thursday the 15th, saying that they need a meeting with me, my son, and some other kid was involved in some sexual activity", "He was pulling my sons pants off, and getting on top of him and grinding", she continues. She also says, "We have to worry about adults as sexual predators, but now you got to look at children being sexual predators as well."
And if it wasn't for a fellow buss-mate of her son revealing the details to a guidance counselor, she may have never found out. Now, she is left with a broken child trying to piece their lives back together.
"He's not resting, he's hardly eating, he's having headaches", states the mom.
Taking immediate action, school officials launched a thorough investigation. The bus tape was reviewed and as a result, the students were put on separate buses. A bus aide has also been hired to help ensure the future safety of all students. School officials say they can't discuss any further action taken against the accused because student records are confidential.
The
Wicomico Co. Celebrates National County Government Month
WICOMICO CO, Md. - Wicomico County will be celebrating National County Government Month during April. There will be many events highlighting how essential county government programs, and services are to the public. This years theme is "Healthy Counties, Healthy Families."
Events will take place all throughout the month of April. Kicking it off April 2nd will be a Healthy Cooking, Healthy Families event at the Centre at Salisbury branch of the County Library. For the first week of the month, 2nd -6th, the Health Department will host a series of Lunch-n-learn workshops.
During the second week of the month, 9th-14th, National Library week will be celebrated with youth and family events at every branch. April 13th and 27th the Solid Waste Division of Public Works will open its doors and host public tours of the facility.
April 14th is County Government Day, departments will be on display at the Centre at Salisbury Mall from 11AM-2PM, along with mobile command centers, hazmat, and volunteer fire department apparatus
NASA launches suborbital rockets from Virginia
ATLANTIC, Va. (AP) - After several delays, NASA has launched five rockets from Virginia that are part of a study of the jet stream.
The rockets blasted off early Tuesday from NASA's space center on Wallops Island. Bad weather had postponed other planned launches last week.
The Anomalous Transport Rocket Experiment (ATREX) will help scientists understand the jet stream, which is located 60 to 65 miles above Earth's surface. The rockets were to release a chemical tracer to form white clouds that allow scientists and the public to visualize the winds
Laurel DE Man Arrested For Child Pornography
DELAWARE - A Laurel man is behind bars - for possessing child pornography.
Police arrested 46-year-old Bruce Dale - after a search of his home turned up over 25 pornographic images on his personal computer. Troopers also discovered that at least one attempt had been made to wipe the computers hard drive. Dale is facing 25 child pornography charges and is being held on $50,000 dollars bond
Police arrested 46-year-old Bruce Dale - after a search of his home turned up over 25 pornographic images on his personal computer. Troopers also discovered that at least one attempt had been made to wipe the computers hard drive. Dale is facing 25 child pornography charges and is being held on $50,000 dollars bond
Americans Want Zimmerman Behind Bars
SALISBURY, Md. - A CNN poll shows 3 out of 4 Americans believe police should arrest the neighborhood watchman who fatally shot 17-year-old Travon Martin.
Zimmerman claims it was in self-defense and that Martin repeatedly punched him and slammed his head into the sidewalk before he shot him.
WMDT took to the streets to see what locals had to say. "I think he should be arrested - I mean, definitely I think they need to look at it a lot more closely," said Bonnie May. "The family and the community deserves to know exactly what happened. In all fairness, an investigation should be done," said Roy Belfield. "At least from what we've been hearing in the news, things just don't sound right with the whole thing," said Pam Brodine.
Tuesday, University of Maryland Eastern Shore students will rally in support of Trayvon Martin's family - the protest will begin at 11AM at the Student Services Center.
Shots Fired into 2 Dover Homes
DOVER, Del.- Authorities are asking the public's help in identifying a suspect wanted for firing shots into two homes on Willis Road in Dover.
Dover police said that at around 2:25 a.m. Monday, March 26, officers responded to the 100 block of Willis Road to investigate a report of shots fired. When officers arrived on the scene, they met with a resident of an apartment who stated that an unknown male suspect knocked on her door. According to police, when she opened the door she noticed that the suspect was carrying a shotgun. When the woman slammed the door shut, police said the suspect fired into the front door. The suspect then walked across the street and fired another shot into a home on the unit block of Willis Road.
One person from each home was transported to Kent General Hospital and treated for minor injuries resulting from debris caused by the shots. According to police, the suspect is described as a short black male wearing a black Du-rag, heavy black coat, and black pants.
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the Dover Police Department at (302) 736-7111. Callers may remain anonymous. Tips can also be submitted to law enforcement through tip lines maintained by Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or online at www.tipsubmit.com.
2 Teens Charged With Hate Crime in Del. Vandalism Spree
REHOBOTH BEACH, Del.- Delaware State Police have charged two teens with hate crime and other offenses following accusations that they used spray paint to vandalize several cars, homes and fences in the Rehoboth Beach area.
According to police, the incidents occurred sometime between 9:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 22, and 7 a.m. on Friday, March 23. That Friday morning, troopers were called to a home on Fir Drive for a reported criminal mischief to a vehicle. One of the victims noticed a male suspect near his vehicle and was able to see him flee into a nearby home. Upon inspecting his car, the victim saw his tail lights had been spray painted red.
Troopers were able to locate the two suspects inside a home close to where the crime occurred and place them in custody. Police said a further investigation revealed the two still had red paint on their hands and face.
More victims were located in the area of Fir Drive and Shady Ridge Drive that had red spray paint on their cars, house windows and fencing. One victim on Shady Ridge Drive had anti-gay sentiments spray painted on his automobile and along the front of his house, according to police.
The two teens- one a 17-year-old male from Lewes and the other a 17-year-old male from Rehoboth Beach- were each charged with one count of hate crime, first- and third-conspiracy and six counts of criminal mischief under $1,000. They were arraigned at Justice of the Peace Court #5 and released to the custody of their parents pending a Family Court hearing.
Because of the age of the suspects, police are not releasing their names.
Anyone with information on this incident or any other similar incident is asked to contact Troop 7 at (302) 644-5020 or Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333. Information may also be provided via www.tipsubmit.com. Send an anonymous tip by text to 274637 (CRIMES) using the keyword "DSP."
According to police, the incidents occurred sometime between 9:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 22, and 7 a.m. on Friday, March 23. That Friday morning, troopers were called to a home on Fir Drive for a reported criminal mischief to a vehicle. One of the victims noticed a male suspect near his vehicle and was able to see him flee into a nearby home. Upon inspecting his car, the victim saw his tail lights had been spray painted red.
Troopers were able to locate the two suspects inside a home close to where the crime occurred and place them in custody. Police said a further investigation revealed the two still had red paint on their hands and face.
More victims were located in the area of Fir Drive and Shady Ridge Drive that had red spray paint on their cars, house windows and fencing. One victim on Shady Ridge Drive had anti-gay sentiments spray painted on his automobile and along the front of his house, according to police.
The two teens- one a 17-year-old male from Lewes and the other a 17-year-old male from Rehoboth Beach- were each charged with one count of hate crime, first- and third-conspiracy and six counts of criminal mischief under $1,000. They were arraigned at Justice of the Peace Court #5 and released to the custody of their parents pending a Family Court hearing.
Because of the age of the suspects, police are not releasing their names.
Anyone with information on this incident or any other similar incident is asked to contact Troop 7 at (302) 644-5020 or Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333. Information may also be provided via www.tipsubmit.com. Send an anonymous tip by text to 274637 (CRIMES) using the keyword "DSP."
Md. House, Senate Pass Health Exchange Bill
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP)- The Maryland General Assembly has passed a measure to create a framework for a health insurance market place to provide coverage to the uninsured.
The House of Delegates and state Senate voted 94-44 and 35-12, respectively, for the bill Monday.
The measure builds on legislation passed last year to create the health care exchange, a mandate of federal health care reform. It sets up standards and regulations to run the program. Maryland has about 700,000 uninsured residents.
Democratic supporters say the state needs to be prepared to implement the law by the January 2014 deadline under federal law.
Republican critics of the measure say Maryland is moving too fast, because the law is being challenged in the Supreme Court. The high court began hearing arguments Monday
Myths About Gas Prices, Busted by AAA
AAA does not believe gas prices will hit $5 a gallon, although they will peak to $3.96 in May before dropping between the Fourth of July and Labor Day.
Prices at the pump have already reached above $4 a gallon, but much of the frustration is misdirected, says AAA. The automotive club says the following are false:
- It is more fuel-efficient to turn off the air conditioning
- Station owners and operators are making a profit off of higher gas prices
- Fuel prices do not come down with demand
All eyes are on a possible closure of a Sunoco refinery in Philadelphia, to which AAA says, "Lord, have mercy on us." The plant handles almost a quarter of the refining capacity on the Eastern Seaboard.
Some driving habits that will help you:
- Go easy on the brake pedals
- Ease off the gas ahead of a red light
- Slowly accelerate when the light turns green
Stalking Suspect Arrested in Lewes
Lewis -Delaware State Police say a Georgetown man is facing charges related to a stalking complaint.
Police say 32-year-old Carlos Batres turned himself in Monday afternoon. He is accused of sending numerous text messages and making numerous phone calls last November to an unidentified 29-year-old woman. Police say in January, Batres called and harassed the same woman again and impersonated a law enforcement officer over the phone.
Batres is charged with stalking, two counts of harassment and criminal impersonation of a police officer.
He has been arraigned and committed to Sussex Correctional Center on $8,000 secured bond.
Maryland Hopes to Win Sales With Sustainable Crab
BALTIMORE (AP) - Deciding among the crab offerings at the supermarket can be daunting. Backfin or claw? Chesapeake, Gulf or Indonesian?
Competition is tough when it comes to the packaged blue crab meat many associate with the Chesapeake Bay but which often comes from the Gulf of Mexico, Venezuela and the Far East. That's one reason Maryland fisheries officials hope to set their catch apart by touting the state's sustainable fishing methods.
Maryland is in the early stages of seeking Marine Stewardship Council certification for its blue crab harvest, which one chef predicted would be "huge" in helping sales.
Maryland has seen its once-dwindling crab population bounce back since severe harvest restrictions were instituted in 2008. The changes included cutting the harvest by a third, shortening the season and protecting hibernating female crabs.
Monday, March 26, 2012
Easton Teen Charged With Attack on Mother
EASTON, Md. - A 14-year-old Easton girl is facing criminal charges following accusations that she assaulted her mother.
Easton police said that on the evening of Friday, March 23, officers responded to reported domestic disturbance that had occurred at a Village Street apartment. Police said the officers learned that the 14-year-old had punched her mother several times in the face after her mother had found her in a location of town where she was not supposed to go. According to police, the teen also had damaged a metal shoe rack upon her return home, and resisted the efforts of officers to take her into custody.
Thee teen was referred for second-degree assault, malicious destruction of property and resisting arrest. The Department of Juvenile Justice ordered her held at a juvenile detention facility pending further action
Jewelry Theft and Pawn In Pittsville
PITTSVILLE, Md. - Three young women face multiple theft charges after stealing jewelry and pawning it.
18-year-old Dakota Luffman and a 16-year-old female broke into a safe Thursday at a residence on Whitesville Road in Pittsville.
They reportedly stole jewelry and medication from the safe and gave the jewelry to 18-year-old Lori Ann McClain who then pawned it and gave the money to Luffman.
Luffman and McClain were arrested and transported to central booking. The 16-year-old girl was referred to juvenile services for processing
Seaford Father Gets Life Sentence for Infant's Death
A Seaford man has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for the abuse death of his infant daughter.
Jason R. Gallaway maintained his innocence in Superior Court on Friday. He was convicted last month of first-degree murder by abuse.
Prosecutors said that in December 2010, the 32-year-old man beat his 3-month-old daughter, Marissa, when her crying interurrupted his video game. Officers found the infant lying unresponsive on a coffee table, with no pulse. Mariassa, who sustained multiple skull fractures and massive head trauama, died at A.I. DuPont Children's Hospital in Wilmington.
Gallaway's wife asked the judge for a less harsh sentence, saying her whole family is gone now
Woman Wearing Face Paint Robs Delaware Bank
WILMINGTON, Del. (AP) - State police say a woman wore pink and purple face paint while she robbed a bank inside a supermarket in Wilmington. The robbery occurred shortly before 4 p.m. Saturday at the Citizens Bank branch inside the Acme Supermarket on Limestone Road in Wilmington. Police say the woman approached a teller and handed over a note demanding cash. The note implied that the woman was armed, although no weapon was seen. The teller handed over some cash, and the robber fled on foot. Police say she was wearing a dark jacket and black baseball cap, in addition to the pink and purple face paint. Police are searching for the woman, who's believed to be between 24 and 30 years old and 5-foot-2 to 5-foot-3 inches tall.
Woman Injured In Wrong-Way Crash
NEWARK, Del. (AP) - State police say a Pennsylvania woman was seriously injured after a vehicle going the wrong way on Interstate 95 collided with her car. The crash happened shortly after 5:20 a.m. Sunday in the northbound lanes of I-95 in Newark. Police say 21-year-old Jose Rodriguez of Wilmington was driving an SUV that was going south in the northbound lanes when he collided with a car driven by 69-year-old Phyllis Nilan of Tobyhanna, Pa. Nilan was trapped in her car for about a half-hour. She was taken to Christiana Hosptial with serious injuries. Her husband and Rodriguez were also hospitalized with injuries police call non-life-threatening. Three northbound lanes of I-95 were closed for about an hour. The crash remains under investigation, and police say charges against Rodriguez are expected.
Smyrna Woman Cited for Role in Middletown Crash
Delaware State Police say a Smyrna woman has been cited for her role in a Middletown crash that left a road closed for more than three hours.
Police say that at around 7:36 a.m. Sunday, 50-year-old Deborah A. Poore was driving ha Hyundai Sonata westbound on Boyd's Corner Road, when she drifted into the eastbound lane and struck the front of a Kenworth tractor-trailer driven by Alex O. Lopez of Homestead, Fla.
Authorities said Poore was treated for non-life-threatening injuries at the Christiana Hospital Trauma Center. Lopez was not injured in the crash.
Poore was cited for failing to remain in a lane of travel.
Salisbury Man Under Influence of Alcohol Tries to Flee Crash Scene
SALISBURY, Md.- A Salisbury man has been arrested following a single-vehicle crash Saturday night in the area of Snow Hill Road and Route 13 Bypass.
Maryland State Police said that while en route to the scene of the crash, troopers received reports that the driver of the vehicle was attempting to run away. Upon arrival, MSP say troopers located the suspected driver, later identified as Maurice Lawrence Ruarke, 49, and had reason to believe he was under the influence of alcohol.
Through the course of detaining Ruarke, police say a clear plastic baggie containing 9.4 grams of suspected powder cocaine was found at his feet. MSP say the baggie was observed to be dry, while the ground was wet from rain.
Police said Ruarke was subsequently found to be under the influence of alcohol and was placed under arrest, although he refused all tests.
Ruarke was charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance, cocaine and possession of controlled dangerous substance paraphernalia, in addition to several traffic charges.
Maryland State Police said that while en route to the scene of the crash, troopers received reports that the driver of the vehicle was attempting to run away. Upon arrival, MSP say troopers located the suspected driver, later identified as Maurice Lawrence Ruarke, 49, and had reason to believe he was under the influence of alcohol.
Through the course of detaining Ruarke, police say a clear plastic baggie containing 9.4 grams of suspected powder cocaine was found at his feet. MSP say the baggie was observed to be dry, while the ground was wet from rain.
Police said Ruarke was subsequently found to be under the influence of alcohol and was placed under arrest, although he refused all tests.
Ruarke was charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance, cocaine and possession of controlled dangerous substance paraphernalia, in addition to several traffic charges.
Drug Investigation Leads to 6 Arrests in Del.
DOVER, Del.- Delaware State Police, with the assistance of the Kent County and Sussex County Governor's Task Force, Dover Police Department, Camden Police Department, Smyrna Police Department, Milford Police Department, Bridgeville Police Department, and the Drug Enforcement Agency arrested six people following a two month investigation into the large scale distribution of heroin in Kent County.
Police said that on Thursday a search warrant was executed at the home of 34-year-old Akim Lewis and 36-year-old Tracy MacDonald in the 900 block of Tobacco Road in Camden. They also executed a second search warrant at Nu-Vision Detailing and Twisted City Customs, which Lewis owns on Cochran Road. Investigators said that as a result of the search, they seized approximately 23 grams of heroin (1,122 packets) with a street value of approximately $11,200. They were also able to seize over two grams of cocaine, more than a gram of marijuana, a military-issued rocket launcher, a sawed-off 20-gauge shotgun, a 410 shotgun, ammunition, and assorted drug paraphernalia.
Authorities arrested Lewis and MacDonald at a Wal-Mart Store parking lot located in Camden. A subsequent search of Lewis revealed that he was in possession of approximately 7 grams of heroin. Lewis and MacDonald were both charged and arraigned.
Lewis was then committed to the Department of Corrections for lack of secured bail. MacDonald was released on unsecured bail.
Investigators then continued their investigation Friday and executed a third search warrant at the residence of 41-year-old Keith Perkins, located in the 1600 block of South State Street in Dover. Investigators obtained the search warrant after contacting several individuals seen leaving Perkin's home and finding them to be in possession of heroin. Police arrested 48-year-old Gary Talbert, 30-year-old Brian Crossman, and 25-year-old Michael Bethard.
Authorities charged all three men after they said they were found to be in possession of a total of approximately 14.5 grams of heroin.
Upon searching Perkin's home, investigators located approximately 8 grams (416 packets) of heroin and 11.7 grams of marijuana. He was arrested and charged before being committed to the Department of Corrections after failing to post bail.
Saturday, March 24, 2012
Police Looking into Another Apparent Polytech Student Suicide
WOODSIDE, Del.- Students, staffers and members of the community are mourning the apparent suicide of another student at Polytech High School. Delaware State Police confirmed they are investigating the incident involving a 16-year-old girl. Her death marks the school's fourth apparent suicide of 2012.
Polytech's superintendent sent the following message to parents on Thursday morning:
"We regret to inform you that the State Police have confirmed the death of a Polytech student. We have state, district and school counselors providing services to staff and students in need. A parent informational meeting was held Thursday night at the Polytech Adult Education Conference Center. The entire Polytech family shares in the grief in the loss of our student."
According to Delteenspace.org, the Delaware Suicide Prevention line averages about 150 calls a month. That number includes adults. The organization has recently started a chat site, of which about 50 percent of those users are under the age of 19 and 10 percent of users are between 11 and 14.
In February, two Polytech students- including a 17-year-old boy- committed suicide. The school's first suicide of the year occurred in January and involved a female student.
Georgetown Man Catches Record-Sized Bass
DOVER, Del. (DNREC) – When James D. Hitchens of Georgetown set out yesterday for his favorite Sussex County fishing hole, he planned to catch largemouth bass, baiting his line with a live shiner minnow. However, he didn't expect to set a new state record for the size of the largemouth bass that took his bait. "I've never had one over eight pounds," Hitchens said. "So I was hoping for over eight pounds."
Hitchens got his wish and then some when he reeled in a 10-pound, 10-ounce female largemouth measuring 26 inches long and 18 3/4 inches in girth, as measured at Taylored Tackle Shop in Seaford and verified by DNREC Fisheries biologists Nathan Rust and Jordan Zimmerman. During the certification process, the tackle shop kept the fish in an aerated tank, and after it was measured and verified, Hitchens released it, alive, back into the pond where he caught it. "I put her right back where she came from," said Hitchens, a longtime Delaware angler. "I release all my big fish."
Fisheries staff applauded Hitchens' good sportsmanship in releasing his record catch. "We encourage catch and release fishing in Delaware, especially with larger fish like this one," said Fisheries biologist Cathy Martin. "Not only will this fish be back out there for other anglers to enjoy, it should also see another spawning season to pass on its good genes to another generation of largemouth bass and thereby improve our bass stock."
Division of Fish and Wildlife Fisheries staff monitor Delaware's freshwater ponds and their fish populations, Martin said. Biologists have a variety of tools for managing fisheries: specialized regulations such as slot limits, stocking programs to bolster the population, removing specific size groups to reduce overcrowding and balance populations, habitat changes such as removal of invasive species, and supplementing food supply, for example, by stocking shiners. "Having healthy fish the size of the new record-holder largemouth bass in our ponds is a good indicator of the success of these management practices," Martin added.
Since 1937, Delaware also has received funding from the federal Wildlife and Sportfish Restoration Program. Last year, the state Fisheries Section received about $3.5 million in federal matching funds to help support state fisheries restoration work, with Delaware fishing license fees supplying the match for the federal program.
"Later this year we will celebrate the 75th anniversary of this longstanding state and federal partnership, which is a great model for how to accomplish cost-effective resource management funded by those who directly benefit from the resource – the anglers. The general public benefits from this funding model and partnership as well," said David Saveikis, Director of the Division of Fish and Wildlife. "Meanwhile, we also look forward to more signs of success from our Fisheries management practices."
Eastern Shore Students to Receive Scholarships
One Hundred Maryland high school students are receiving scholarships this year through Comcast's "Leaders and Achievers" program. Yesterday, Interim State Superintendent of Schools Bernard J. Sadusky joined Comcast at a special event held at the Historic Inns of Annapolis to recognize the Maryland recipients this year. A few recipients are from the Eastern Shore and they are listed below.
Wicomico County: Casey Hawkins of Parkside Senior High School
Worcester County: Lynde Pepper of Worcester Preparatory School and Makya Purnell of Worcester Technical High School
Dorchester County: Khadijah Sampson of Cambridge-South Dorchester High School
Community Supports Toddler Fighting Devastating Disease
LEWES, Del. - One Delaware community comes to the aid of a toddler fighting a devastating disease.
Just after her 2nd birthday, Madison Handley was diagnosed with retinoblastoma, a cancer of the eyes. She has been undergoing chemotherapy, and although her prognosis was encouraging, just this week, she lost one of her eyes.
Friends of the family are hosting a fundraiser for the little girl and her family next Saturday, March 31st at the Lewes Fire Department - Station 3. They're asking for an entrance donation of $25 per person; children 12 and under get in free. The event will include food and drinks, music, a moonbounce, cotton candy machine and more. A silent auction will take place from 4 to 7:30 p.m. Auction items include a weekend getaway at a beach house in Rehoboth, Jungle Jim's tickets, restaurant gift cards, Kings Creek Country Club golf certificate, salon and spa packages, and much more.
Advance tickets may be purchased by calling Elizabeth Beck at 302-841-0917; tickets will also be available at the door.
Madison's mother, Erin Hall Handley, is a kindergarten teacher at H.O. Brittingham Elementary School in Milton, and her father, Rob Handley, is an information technology technician for Futurtech. They have been incurring many unexpected expenses and have to take leave from work to care for their daughter.
The community's support would be greatly appreciated in helping the Handley family through this extremely difficult time
One Killed, Two Injured in Caroline County Crash
FEDERALSBURG, Md.- Maryland State Police are investigating an early Friday single-vehicle crash in Caroline County that left the driver dead and his two passengers injured.
Police said that shortly before 2 a.m., a 2005 Hyundai Elantra was traveling north on Laurel Grove Road near Federalsburg, when the driver lost control attempting to negotiate a curve. The vehicle ran off the road, struck a telephone pole and overturned.
Police said the rear passenger, 23-year-old Victor Clifford Tindall 3rd of Salisbury, Md., was ejected from the vehicle. The driver, 31-year-old Jermaine Lamont Bolden, of Crownsville, Md., was found deceased in the driver's seat. The front seat passenger, 19-year-old Alina Renee Long of Hurlock, Md., was found injured in her seat.
Troopers said that as the fog prevented safe operation of MedEvac helicopters, Long was transported by ambulance to Peninsula Regional Medical Center in Salisbury with critical injuries. Tindall was transported by ambulance to Nanticoke Memorial Hospital in Seaford, Del., also with critical injuries.
Bolden's body was transported to the State Medical Examiner's Office in Baltimore for an autopsy.
An investigation into the cause of the accident is continuing. No charges have been filed.
Woman Arrested for Embezzling From Del. Employer
MILLSBORO, Del.- Delaware State Police have arrested a Salisbury, Md. woman accused of embezzling more than $400,000 from a Millsboro business where she worked as a bookkeeper.
Valerie D. Onley, 41, is charged with theft over $100,000; two counts of theft over $50,000 but less than $100,000; 25 counts of theft over $1,500; six counts of unlawful use of a credit card; second-degree conspiracy; 26 counts of falsifying Business Records; and two counts of failure to pay Delaware state taxes.
According to police, Onley was employed with Westwood Farms Inc. on Esham Lane in Millsboro since September of 2008 where she was a bookkeeper. Investigators said that between August of 2009 and August of 2011, she was the primary person in charge of payroll, paying bills, and all finances. Police said Onley then began to steal money from the company by writing checks to herself and her husband, using business credit cards for personal purchases, and using the company funds to pay her personal bills. Authorities said that in all, the theft totaled more than $400,000.
Police said Onley's husband, James A. Onley, 41, also of Salisbury, is facing the same charges as his wife, due to him cashing more than $20,000 worth of checks that were written to him on the business account. He is currently incarcerated in Maryland on an unrelated matter and will be processed on the charges upon his return to Delaware, police said.
Following her arrest on the aforementioned charges, Valerie Onley was ordered held in the Delores J. Baylor Correctional Institute on $24,500 secured bail.
Police said Onley's husband, James A. Onley, 41, also of Salisbury, is facing the same charges as his wife, due to him cashing more than $20,000 worth of checks that were written to him on the business account. He is currently incarcerated in Maryland on an unrelated matter and will be processed on the charges upon his return to Delaware, police said.
Following her arrest on the aforementioned charges, Valerie Onley was ordered held in the Delores J. Baylor Correctional Institute on $24,500 secured bail.
Easton Mail Processing Facility On The Chopping Block
EASTON, Md. - Talk of the Easton processing facility leaving the Eastern Shore is heating up again. Senator Barbara Mikulski wants a legitimate study completed on the issue.
Sen. Mikulski says she objects to this legislation, while the U.S. Postal Service continues a rushed study to close a needed mail center on the Eastern Shore. Mikulski placed a hold on the legislation that could send the mail facility across state lines to Delaware.
Vice President of the American Postal Workers Union Beverly Collins works at the Easton facility. She says right now, delaying the decision is all they can ask for.
"That simply means to us that were not one of the blanket stamped facilities that is just going to be consolidated," said Collins. "We are going to be looked at more closely."
The hold by Sen. Mikulski was an attempt to insure a fair review process was taking place. Then Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid filed a motion to hold a key vote on the postal reform bill as early as next week.
Collins believes a vote should wait until a more complete study is done.
"There has bee no process," said Collins. "We have not gotten our due process in this recent review for being moved to Delaware."
That vote will need the support of at least 60 Senators. The vote and the fate of the Easton mail processing plant could be delivered as early as Monday
Sussex Businesses Fear Another Summer of Route 54 Construction
SELBYVILLE, Del. - Businesses along Route 54 in Sussex County worry they may not survive another summer of construction on the highway.
"It's been awful," said Karen Fritz, general manager of Smitty McGee's Restaurant. "Last year, we didn't have a summer basically."
The Delaware Department of Transportation said the mild weather is working in favor of the contractor; however, spokesman Jason Lang said the expected completion date remains sometime this summer. The contractor continues to look for ways to finish the project early, Lang said.
Crews have been working since November, 2010 to widen the highway and make room for a center turn lane.
As summer visitors flocked to the area last year, the construction led to major congestion. Fritz said drivers who avoided the highway avoided businesses as well.
"We laid people off in the summertime," said Fritz. "They didn't make any money."
Last summer, DelDOT moved construction work into the overnight for several weeks to help ease congestion during the day.
Fritz said work needs to be finished by Memorial Day weekend this year or visitors will avoid the highway for the entire season.
"I want them to hurry up," she said. "Get it finished."
At a nearby package store, night manager Chad Hudson said it appears as though crews are making progress. He hopes to see work finished this spring.
"There's been days that I've sat in traffic so long where I've actually put my truck in park and turned it off," Hudson said.
DelDOT will take steps to minimize the traffic impact if work continues beyond Memorial Day, Lang said.
The contractor has completed excavation on the north side of the road and is finishing the stone base, Lang said. In the next few weeks, workers hope to begin placing the sidewalk and asphalt for the north side widening.
The project is expected to cost about $10 million, according to DelDOT.
Suspect Sought in Seaford Shooting
SEAFORD, Del.- Police are looking for a suspect wanted in connection with a shooting that left a woman injured in Seaford on Thursday evening.
Seaford police said that at around 6:28 p.m., officers responded to a reported shooting in the area of the Chandler Heights II apartment complex. When officers arrived on the scene, they found a 22-year-old victim had been shot in the foot. The victim was transported to Nanticoke Memorial Hospital where she was treated for non-life-threatening injuries and released.
Police said the ensuing investigation revealed that the victim and several young black males had become involved in an argument when the suspect produced a revolver and shot the victim in the foot.
Police searched the area for the suspect but were unable to locate him. However, the officers checking the area were able to locate a revolver laying on the ground that is believed to have been used in the incident.
The suspect was described as a black male, between 15 and 20 years of age, and wearing a gray shirt with no further description.
The Seaford Police Department is asking anybody with information about this crime to call (302) 629-6644 or Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333. Crime Stoppers of offering a reward for information directly related to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons involved.
Friday, March 23, 2012
Teacher Of The Year 2012-13
SALISBURY, Md., - Wicomico County named its newest teacher of the year, Susan S. Jones, a first grade teacher from Fruitland primary school was recognized for her outstanding work in the classroom. Jones is a Salisbury University graduate. She received both her Bachelor's and Master's degrees from Salisbury University.
US education secretary visits Delaware
WILMINGTON, Del. (AP) - U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan is visiting Delaware to discuss the state's progress in implementing its Race to the Top education reforms.
Duncan was to hold a roundtable discussion with Gov. Jack Markell, state education secretary Lillian Lowery and other officials Friday.
This month marks the 2-year anniversary since Delaware and Tennessee were selected as the first two states to win federal Race to the Top education grants.
Delaware was awarded $119 million over four years
Deputy Attacked Trying To Break Up Fight In Ocean City
OCEAN CITY, Md. - A Worcester County Sheriff's Deputy tries to break up a fight in Ocean city and ends up getting attacked.
Authorities say the incident happened on Sunday around 6:34 a.m.at the Alamo Hotel in West Ocean City. Officials say after arriving on scene the Deputy saw three people fighting in the parking lot, one of them being 19-year-old Isreal Haggerty II. As the Deputy was talking with Haggerty, a juvenile female approached him and stated that she had been assaulted, officials said. The juvenile allegedly became disorderly so the Deputy attempted to place her under arrest. However, officials say the juvenile assaulted the Deputy as he was placing handcuffs on her. The Deputy tried to restrain the juvenile but that's when officials say Haggerty attacked the Deputy. The Worcester County Deputy used his Tazer and subdued Haggerty and placed him under arrest.
Authorities say the juvenile along with 44-year-old Stephen Stark and 19-year-old Brent Monroe began to fight with another subject. The Deputy then placed those three subjects under arrest as well.
Officials also learned that Monroe and Haggerty broke into another apartment in the Alamo hotel.
Haggerty faces multiple charges including assault on a police officer and first and third degree burglary. He is being held on $50,000.00 bond. Monroe is facing first and third degree burglary charges. He is being held on $25,000.00 bond. Stark was charged with disorderly conduct and released. The juvenile female was charged with assault on a police officer, second degree assault and resisting arrest. She is being held in a facility in Laurel, MD.
Baltimore Source of Most Toxic Releases into Md. Waterways
A new report says industrial facilities dumped 1.36 million pounds of toxic chemicals into Maryland waterways in 2010, mostly in the Baltimore area.
The report was released Thursday by Environment Maryland, which said it obtained the figures from Environmental Protection Agency reports.
Major findings of the report include:
- Industrial facilities discharged approximately 922,688 pounds of chemicals linked to cancer into the Curtis Creek in Maryland.
- The Gunpowder-Patapsco Watershed is ranked 43rd in the nation for highest amount of total toxic discharges, with 1,339,183 pounds discharged in 2010. That is 98 percent of the toxic chemicals released into all of Maryland's waterways in 2010, according to the report.
The chemicals include arsenic, mercury and benzene, which the environmental group says have been linked to cancer and developmental and reproductive disorders. The report calls on industrial facilities to switch to safer alternatives and for tougher permitting and enforcement by federal and state environmental regulators.
"The bottom line is that Maryland's waterways shouldn't be a polluter's paradise, they should just be paradise. We need clean water now, and we are counting on the federal government to act to protect our health and our environment," said Ewa Krason, field organizer with Environmental Maryland.
Del. Rep. Atkins Resigns From Committee
DOVER, Del. (AP) - A Democratic lawmaker who sent an angry email to state police after being pulled over by a trooper for speeding has been removed from his seat on the public safety and homeland security committee.
House Speaker Bob Gilligan said Thursday that he removed Rep. John Atkins of Millsboro as vice-chair of the committee at Atkins' request.
Atkins refused to discuss his January email to a state police captain, in which he described the officer who stopped him in derogatory terms. The officer gave Atkins a verbal warning but no ticket.
Atkins also suggested in the email that the next time he was ready to act on a bill affecting the state police, the officer who stopped him should be sent to Legislative Hall to lobby on behalf of the police.
ACLU Opposing Dover's Sex Offender Ordinance
DOVER, Del. (AP)- The American Civil Liberties Union of Delaware is calling on the Dover City Council to oppose an ordinance that would place some living restrictions on registered sex offenders.
The group sent a letter to council members to oppose the proposal that would prevent registered sex offenders from living within 500 feet of licensed day care centers.
In the letter, the group's executive director says studies have shown that residency restrictions destabilize the lives of offenders by pushing them away from the support of family and friends.
The council could vote on the measure on Monday.
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Jets pulled off the deal with Tebow
NEW YORK -- Tim Tebow is coming to New York. Really.
After a big false start, the New York Jets pulled off a Tebow-like comeback Wednesday night, getting the quarterback who turned the Denver Broncos from an also-ran into a playoff team last season and became the NFL's most talked-about player -- for a fourth- and sixth-round draft pick.
Now, Tebowmania is opening on Broadway.
And there's sure to be plenty of drama -- just as there was from the moment the Jets pulled off the deal. Or thought they did, that
"I'm thankful they stuck with me through this whole crazy process," Tebow said during a call late Wednesday night, repeating several times that he was "excited" to be a member of the Jets and to play for coach Rex Ryan.
Eight hours after initially agreeing to a trade, the teams completed it. It was hung up when the Jets, sources told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter, balked at repaying Denver more than $5 million for a salary advance due Tebow. The two sides agreed to split that cost, and Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum said the team was "comfortable with the compensation," which included Denver's seventh-round pick in April's draft.
He said there was a disagreement about how to handle the salary advance after Denver received the papers.
"We knew what the contract was," Tannenbaum said in a separate conference call Wednesday. "We had read it. ... We felt it was one way; they felt it was another. Based on that, they were well within their rights to assess their different possibilities of what to do and their alternatives. And they did so throughout the day."
The Jets and Broncos originally announced the trade just after 1 p.m. ET Wednesday. But then Denver, according to sources, asked the Jets to pay back a portion of bonuses and salary already paid to Tebow.
Tebow was given a $6.2 million salary advance before the 2011 season, the sources said. Tebow's contract required the Jets to repay the advanced salaries for the 2012, 2013 and 2014 seasons, a total of about $5 million, according to sources.
The Broncos expected the Jets to pay those salary advances as per terms of the contract. The Jets balked at doing so, allowing the Jaguars to re-enter the picture.
Jacksonville offered the Broncos $3 million of the $5 million in question in Tebow's contract and a fourth-round draft pick, which, based on the draft "value chart" that teams use to determine how to use their picks, is more valuable than the picks the Jets offered, league sources told Schefter.
The Jets offered to pay $2.53 million of the $5 million in addition to the fourth- and sixth-round picks, sources told Schefter.
Tebow denied that he had final say in where he was going.
"Ultimately, I really didn't have any because the Broncos had all that power," Tebow said, adding that Denver was "gracious" in the way it handled the process. "I was just kind of watching and waiting -- kind of like everybody else. It was an interesting day."
Jaguars owner Shad Khan said in a statement Wednesday night that he asked general manager Gene Smith to look into a Tebow deal.
"I think we have a duty to consider all avenues of improving the Jaguars on and off the field, especially given the unique circumstances involving the player," Khan said. "I appreciate the high level of due diligence Gene and his staff dedicated to this matter, even as late as this evening, and I am very satisfied with the outcome. Our commitment to developing [2011 first-round pick] Blaine Gabbert was, and still is, central to our goal of returning the Jaguars to elite status in the NFL. We're looking ahead with zero regrets."
Tebow, a former first-round pick, went on the trading block Monday when the Broncos secured free agent Peyton Manning, who signed a five-year, $96 million contract.
Several teams expressed interest in Tebow, but the Jets -- perceived as a sleeper at the outset -- pulled off the splashiest trade of the offseason.
Tebow, who has three years remaining on his contract and a 2012 base salary of $1.1 million, will join a cast of backups behind incumbent Mark Sanchez, but his presence could ignite a quarterback controversy. Cornerback Antonio Cromartie tweeted Tuesday night that "we don't need Tebow," expressing his confidence in Sanchez and the current roster.
Tannenbaum emphasized that the team is committed
"Mark Sanchez is, has been and will be our starting quarterback," he said, noting that he had spoken to both quarterbacks and explained their roles.
Tebow said he had a "great conversation" Wednesday with Sanchez, adding that they've been friends for several years.
"My goal is to push him to get better and to push myself to get better every day," said Tebow, who won't be introduced publicly until Friday at the earliest. "But I think we'll have a great working relationship. We'll have a great relationship off the field, and we've had that the last few years. He's such a classy guy and handles himself so well, and I'll be very honored to call him my teammate."
Asked Tuesday what he thought it would be like to play with Tebow, Sanchez told Fox Sports Radio in Los Angeles, "I think Peyton [Manning] will do great; I think Tim will do great no matter what happens. He's either going to get a great chance to learn from one of the best quarterbacks to ever play, or he moves on somewhere else and he uses his skills on another ballclub. He definitely has talent. He knows how to win; he knows how to inspire players."
The timing of the trade is curious for New York.
Two weeks ago, the Jets gave Sanchez a three-year, $40.5 million contract extension, professing their faith in him even though he regressed last season. They signed former Detroit Lions backup Drew Stanton last week to be their No. 2 quarterback, handing him a $500,000 signing bonus. They also have former Alabama star Greg McElroy.
But the Jets see Tebow as a change-of-pace player with the ability to run the Wildcat offense. They have used the Wildcat in recent years but cut back last season with the departure of Brad Smith. The new offensive coordinator is Tony Sparano, who introduced the Wildcat to the NFL as coach of the Miami Dolphins.
"It is very clear: They want me to come in and compete and get better, and get better as a quarterback and to help the team any way possible," Tebow said. "Whatever that role is, I will do my best."
Tannenbaum said Tebow makes the Jets "a diverse, more dynamic offense that's going to make it more difficult for opposing teams to defend."
Hall of Fame quarterback Joe Namath, who led the Jets to their only Super Bowl title in 1969, was among those unhappy with the trade when it was announced earlier Wednesday.
"I'm just sorry that I can't agree with this situation. I think it's just a publicity stunt. I can't go with it. I think it's wrong," Namath told "The Michael Kay Show" on ESPN1050 in New York. "I don't think they know what they're doing over there."
Asked whether he hoped the deal would ultimately fall through, Namath said, "Absolutely."
"And I'm a Tim Tebow fan, but I'm a bigger Jet fan than I am a Tim Tebow fan," Namath said.
Ryan, however, wants the Jets to get back to being a power-running team, and New York has only one proven back, Shonn Greene. The 6-foot-3, 238-pound Tebow rushed for 660 yards last season, including a 20-yard touchdown in the final minute to beat the Jets 17-14 in a November game at Denver.
A few weeks earlier, Tebow beat Sparano and the Dolphins with one of his trademark comebacks, overcoming a 15-0 deficit to win in overtime 18-15.
There's also some thought that Tebow and his clean-cut image could help polish the negative perception of the Jets' locker room, torn by discord last season. But others close to the team said that was no factor in the decision.
The potential for backlash remains, however. Tebow brings with him a flock of fervent fans for reasons that have to do as much with his faith as his football skills. A devout Christian, he's been a role model since his days at Florida, where he led the Gators to two national titles and captured the Heisman Trophy.
Tebow's enormous popularity could turn into a distraction, especially for Sanchez. If Sanchez struggles, the fan base could turn on him and start clamoring for Tebow.
"We obviously know Tim has a magnetic following and he's a dynamic person, but every starting quarterback has a backup quarterback," Tannenbaum said Wednesday. "If you struggle, we understand the popularity of any backup quarterback. This one is a little more unique than others. Mark, in this market, has shown resilience and toughness."
This also will be an adjustment for Tebow as he returns to a backup role. He became one of the most popular athletes in the nation last season, replacing Kyle Orton and leading the Broncos -- seemingly dead after a 1-4 start -- to an 8-8 record and the AFC West title. He did it with a run of miraculous finishes, one more improbable than the next.
The Jets moved away from the "ground-and-pound" approach last season, but the addition of Tim Tebow could change that going forward.
Jets' Called Rush Percentages
Tebow won his first playoff game, beating the Pittsburgh Steelers with an 80-yard touchdown pass to Demaryius Thomas on the first play of overtime. The following week, Tebow crashed hard in a 45-10 loss to the New England Patriots.
Broncos executive vice president of football operations John Elway anointed Tebow the starting quarterback going into training camp, but that didn't prevent him from entering the Manning sweepstakes.
Clearly, the Broncos were troubled by his flawed mechanics as a passer. Tebow completed only 46.5 percent of his throws last season.
"As a former player, I know the last two weeks were not easy for Tim," Elway said in a statement Wednesday. "He was put in a difficult situation, and I commend him for how he handled it with the same first-class manner he displayed throughout his career in Denver."
It should be interesting to see how Tebow is welcomed in the Jets' locker room. During the run-up to last November's game, the Jets' defensive players weren't complimentary when discussing his passing skills. Cornerback Darrelle Revis said Tebow's unorthodox style as an option quarterback couldn't sustain long-term success in the NFL.
As it turned out, Tebow made the playoffs and Sanchez didn't. Sanchez struggled down the stretch, fueling speculation about his future. Publicly, team officials backed him, but also promised the quarterback depth chart would have a different look in 2012.
They weren't kidding
After a big false start, the New York Jets pulled off a Tebow-like comeback Wednesday night, getting the quarterback who turned the Denver Broncos from an also-ran into a playoff team last season and became the NFL's most talked-about player -- for a fourth- and sixth-round draft pick.
Now, Tebowmania is opening on Broadway.
And there's sure to be plenty of drama -- just as there was from the moment the Jets pulled off the deal. Or thought they did, that
"I'm thankful they stuck with me through this whole crazy process," Tebow said during a call late Wednesday night, repeating several times that he was "excited" to be a member of the Jets and to play for coach Rex Ryan.
Eight hours after initially agreeing to a trade, the teams completed it. It was hung up when the Jets, sources told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter, balked at repaying Denver more than $5 million for a salary advance due Tebow. The two sides agreed to split that cost, and Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum said the team was "comfortable with the compensation," which included Denver's seventh-round pick in April's draft.
He said there was a disagreement about how to handle the salary advance after Denver received the papers.
"We knew what the contract was," Tannenbaum said in a separate conference call Wednesday. "We had read it. ... We felt it was one way; they felt it was another. Based on that, they were well within their rights to assess their different possibilities of what to do and their alternatives. And they did so throughout the day."
The Jets and Broncos originally announced the trade just after 1 p.m. ET Wednesday. But then Denver, according to sources, asked the Jets to pay back a portion of bonuses and salary already paid to Tebow.
Tebow was given a $6.2 million salary advance before the 2011 season, the sources said. Tebow's contract required the Jets to repay the advanced salaries for the 2012, 2013 and 2014 seasons, a total of about $5 million, according to sources.
The Broncos expected the Jets to pay those salary advances as per terms of the contract. The Jets balked at doing so, allowing the Jaguars to re-enter the picture.
Jacksonville offered the Broncos $3 million of the $5 million in question in Tebow's contract and a fourth-round draft pick, which, based on the draft "value chart" that teams use to determine how to use their picks, is more valuable than the picks the Jets offered, league sources told Schefter.
The Jets offered to pay $2.53 million of the $5 million in addition to the fourth- and sixth-round picks, sources told Schefter.
Tebow denied that he had final say in where he was going.
"Ultimately, I really didn't have any because the Broncos had all that power," Tebow said, adding that Denver was "gracious" in the way it handled the process. "I was just kind of watching and waiting -- kind of like everybody else. It was an interesting day."
Jaguars owner Shad Khan said in a statement Wednesday night that he asked general manager Gene Smith to look into a Tebow deal.
"I think we have a duty to consider all avenues of improving the Jaguars on and off the field, especially given the unique circumstances involving the player," Khan said. "I appreciate the high level of due diligence Gene and his staff dedicated to this matter, even as late as this evening, and I am very satisfied with the outcome. Our commitment to developing [2011 first-round pick] Blaine Gabbert was, and still is, central to our goal of returning the Jaguars to elite status in the NFL. We're looking ahead with zero regrets."
Tebow, a former first-round pick, went on the trading block Monday when the Broncos secured free agent Peyton Manning, who signed a five-year, $96 million contract.
Several teams expressed interest in Tebow, but the Jets -- perceived as a sleeper at the outset -- pulled off the splashiest trade of the offseason.
Tebow, who has three years remaining on his contract and a 2012 base salary of $1.1 million, will join a cast of backups behind incumbent Mark Sanchez, but his presence could ignite a quarterback controversy. Cornerback Antonio Cromartie tweeted Tuesday night that "we don't need Tebow," expressing his confidence in Sanchez and the current roster.
Tannenbaum emphasized that the team is committed
"Mark Sanchez is, has been and will be our starting quarterback," he said, noting that he had spoken to both quarterbacks and explained their roles.
Tebow said he had a "great conversation" Wednesday with Sanchez, adding that they've been friends for several years.
"My goal is to push him to get better and to push myself to get better every day," said Tebow, who won't be introduced publicly until Friday at the earliest. "But I think we'll have a great working relationship. We'll have a great relationship off the field, and we've had that the last few years. He's such a classy guy and handles himself so well, and I'll be very honored to call him my teammate."
Asked Tuesday what he thought it would be like to play with Tebow, Sanchez told Fox Sports Radio in Los Angeles, "I think Peyton [Manning] will do great; I think Tim will do great no matter what happens. He's either going to get a great chance to learn from one of the best quarterbacks to ever play, or he moves on somewhere else and he uses his skills on another ballclub. He definitely has talent. He knows how to win; he knows how to inspire players."
The timing of the trade is curious for New York.
Two weeks ago, the Jets gave Sanchez a three-year, $40.5 million contract extension, professing their faith in him even though he regressed last season. They signed former Detroit Lions backup Drew Stanton last week to be their No. 2 quarterback, handing him a $500,000 signing bonus. They also have former Alabama star Greg McElroy.
But the Jets see Tebow as a change-of-pace player with the ability to run the Wildcat offense. They have used the Wildcat in recent years but cut back last season with the departure of Brad Smith. The new offensive coordinator is Tony Sparano, who introduced the Wildcat to the NFL as coach of the Miami Dolphins.
"It is very clear: They want me to come in and compete and get better, and get better as a quarterback and to help the team any way possible," Tebow said. "Whatever that role is, I will do my best."
Tannenbaum said Tebow makes the Jets "a diverse, more dynamic offense that's going to make it more difficult for opposing teams to defend."
Hall of Fame quarterback Joe Namath, who led the Jets to their only Super Bowl title in 1969, was among those unhappy with the trade when it was announced earlier Wednesday.
“Mark Sanchez is, has been and will be our starting quarterback.
”-- Jets GM Mike Tannenbaum
on Tebow trade affecting Mark Sanchez
"I'm just sorry that I can't agree with this situation. I think it's just a publicity stunt. I can't go with it. I think it's wrong," Namath told "The Michael Kay Show" on ESPN1050 in New York. "I don't think they know what they're doing over there."
Asked whether he hoped the deal would ultimately fall through, Namath said, "Absolutely."
"And I'm a Tim Tebow fan, but I'm a bigger Jet fan than I am a Tim Tebow fan," Namath said.
Ryan, however, wants the Jets to get back to being a power-running team, and New York has only one proven back, Shonn Greene. The 6-foot-3, 238-pound Tebow rushed for 660 yards last season, including a 20-yard touchdown in the final minute to beat the Jets 17-14 in a November game at Denver.
A few weeks earlier, Tebow beat Sparano and the Dolphins with one of his trademark comebacks, overcoming a 15-0 deficit to win in overtime 18-15.
There's also some thought that Tebow and his clean-cut image could help polish the negative perception of the Jets' locker room, torn by discord last season. But others close to the team said that was no factor in the decision.
The potential for backlash remains, however. Tebow brings with him a flock of fervent fans for reasons that have to do as much with his faith as his football skills. A devout Christian, he's been a role model since his days at Florida, where he led the Gators to two national titles and captured the Heisman Trophy.
Tebow's enormous popularity could turn into a distraction, especially for Sanchez. If Sanchez struggles, the fan base could turn on him and start clamoring for Tebow.
"We obviously know Tim has a magnetic following and he's a dynamic person, but every starting quarterback has a backup quarterback," Tannenbaum said Wednesday. "If you struggle, we understand the popularity of any backup quarterback. This one is a little more unique than others. Mark, in this market, has shown resilience and toughness."
This also will be an adjustment for Tebow as he returns to a backup role. He became one of the most popular athletes in the nation last season, replacing Kyle Orton and leading the Broncos -- seemingly dead after a 1-4 start -- to an 8-8 record and the AFC West title. He did it with a run of miraculous finishes, one more improbable than the next.
Back In Business?
The Jets moved away from the "ground-and-pound" approach last season, but the addition of Tim Tebow could change that going forward.Jets' Called Rush Percentages
Last Three Seasons
| Season | Pct. | NFL rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 41.5 | 13th |
| 2010 | 48.4 | 2nd |
| 2009 | 57.5 | 1st |
| * - Designed runs don't include scrambles | ||
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Tebow won his first playoff game, beating the Pittsburgh Steelers with an 80-yard touchdown pass to Demaryius Thomas on the first play of overtime. The following week, Tebow crashed hard in a 45-10 loss to the New England Patriots.
Broncos executive vice president of football operations John Elway anointed Tebow the starting quarterback going into training camp, but that didn't prevent him from entering the Manning sweepstakes.
Clearly, the Broncos were troubled by his flawed mechanics as a passer. Tebow completed only 46.5 percent of his throws last season.
"As a former player, I know the last two weeks were not easy for Tim," Elway said in a statement Wednesday. "He was put in a difficult situation, and I commend him for how he handled it with the same first-class manner he displayed throughout his career in Denver."
It should be interesting to see how Tebow is welcomed in the Jets' locker room. During the run-up to last November's game, the Jets' defensive players weren't complimentary when discussing his passing skills. Cornerback Darrelle Revis said Tebow's unorthodox style as an option quarterback couldn't sustain long-term success in the NFL.
As it turned out, Tebow made the playoffs and Sanchez didn't. Sanchez struggled down the stretch, fueling speculation about his future. Publicly, team officials backed him, but also promised the quarterback depth chart would have a different look in 2012.
They weren't kidding
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