THURSDAY
LUNCH AND DINNER SPECIAL
LUNCH SPECIAL
Pit Beef Sandwich w/ Side
Drink ~ $7.95
DINNER SPECIAL
1/2 Rack of ribs
& 1/2 Chicken w/ 2 Sides
$17.95
HOPE SEE YOU THERE!!
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
From MD. Business For Responsive Government
Maryland Business for Responsive Government:
Governor, Legislature Failed to Lead
4.11.12Towson, MD - In the wake of the chaotic ending to the General Assembly session, Maryland Business for Responsive Government characterized the sloppy budgeting process - the primary duty of the Governor and the legislature under the state constitution - as a failure in leadership. And the business advocacy organization also noted that the likelihood of a special session only gives legislators and the Administration more time to argue about the details of a number of tax increases including those on gas, sales and income.
"It is an outrage that neither the legislature nor the Governor bothered to lead the state forward. " said MBRG President Kimberly M. Burns. "This session will be remembered by finger-pointing, dysfunction and chaos, and forgotten in this mess is any plan to help Maryland's working families and small businesses."
The state has been running $1 billion - plus structural deficits in recent years that have required either spending reductions or raising revenues, with the latter being the preferred option among the state's top elected officials. As a result of failing to reach a consensus on the budget measure, a so-called "doomsday budget," intended to give political cover for lawmakers to support more taxes, has been enacted by default.
"Ironically, the Governor and legislature could have called the doomsday budget a 'new day' budget, declared victory and gone home," said Burns. "But it was never intended to be taken seriously, and there will now be a mad scramble to continue government spending at record levels as a special session looms on the horizon."
The doomsday budget, which would slow government spending by over $500 million, goes against the philosophical underpinnings of the Administration and General Assembly leadership, hence the speculation on a special session. MBRG has repeatedly called for a bipartisan approach to scouring the budget line-by-line to identify spending reductions with which to address Maryland's structural budget deficits.
Poe House could operate as part of the B&O Museum
Partnership seen as key to keeping writer's house open
By Chris Kaltenbach
Under the proposal, visitors would pay admission and board vans at the B&O Museum, then be driven the half-mile to the Poe House, which they would tour in groups of 12 to 15. Part of the B&O Museum's gift shop would be dedicated to Poe-related merchandise.
"The concept has merit," said Courtney B. Wilson, executive director of the B&O Museum, who stressed that details remain to be ironed out. "Certainly, it's in the B&O Railroad Museum's best interests to see the Poe House succeed. We have wide-open ears."
The consultants estimated the proposal's cost at $140,000 for the first 18 months. Absent city funding, they said, money could be raised through sponsors, foundations and individual donations, and through merchandise sales and event income.
MORE STORY
By Chris Kaltenbach The Baltimore Sun
A consultant charged by city officials with exploring ways of keeping Baltimore's Edgar Allan Poe House & Museum open and making it self-sufficient is recommending that it be operated in partnership with the nearby B&O Railroad Museum."The concept has merit," said Courtney B. Wilson, executive director of the B&O Museum, who stressed that details remain to be ironed out. "Certainly, it's in the B&O Railroad Museum's best interests to see the Poe House succeed. We have wide-open ears."
The plan also calls for the establishment of Poe Baltimore, a nonprofit group to run the Poe House and promote Poe's legacy. A brief outline of the plan, put together by Mount Rainier-based Cultural Resources Management Group, was presented Tuesday to the city's Commission for Historical and Architectural Preservation.
The city, which owns and operates the Poe House, cut its annual $85,000 funding in 2010, citing budget constraints. It has remained open thanks to private donations and money raised through such events as the 2009-2010 Poe Bicentennial celebration.
The yearlong Poe Bicentennial celebration, one of the most popular events in the museum's history, brought in about $15,000 before expenses, curator Jeff Jerome said. The house attracts 3,000 visitors a year.
Poe, an early master of the horror genre and one of the most important American literary figures of the 19th century, lived in the West Baltimore rowhouse for about three years, before leaving in 1835 at age 26 to move to Richmond, Va. He returned to Baltimore sporadically thereafter, for the final time in 1849, when he was found wandering the streets, incoherent and wearing another man's clothes. He died shortly thereafter and is buried in the Westminster Burying Ground.
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
PEDESTRIAN STRUCK ON COASTAL HIGHWAY
On April 7, 2012, at approximately 5:45 p.m., Ocean City police responded to the area of 81st Street and Coastal Highway for a vehicle collision involving a pedestrian. The pedestrian, a 47-year-old man from Lititz, PA, was attempting to cross Coastal Highway from east to west, when he was struck by a northbound vehicle.The pedestrian, who was not in a crosswalk at the time of the collision, was taken by Maryland State Police helicopter to Peninsula Regional Medical Center for non-life threatening injuries. The driver of the vehicle, who police learned was driving with a suspended and revoked license, was identified as John Edward Cropper, 47, of Ocean City.
Cropper was arrested and charged with operating a motor vehicle on a revoked license. He was seen by an Ocean City District Court Commissioner and released on his own personal recognizance.
Currently no charges have been filed against the pedestrian; however, the investigation is on-going.
May We Never Look The Other Way.....
For my daughter who dedicates herself to bring hope and a new way of life to every homeless and hopeless animal that comes her way.
RED FLAG WARNING FOR TUESDAY
Severe Weather Alert:
Wind Advisory & Red Flag
A RED FLAG WARNING MEANS GUSTY WINDS AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY LEVELS WILL CREATE EXPLOSIVE FIRE GROWTH POTENTIAL!
PLEASE AVOID ALL OUTDOOR BURNING UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE, AND AVOID THE POTENTIAL RAPID SPREAD OF UNMANAGEABLE AND OUT OF CONTROL FIRES.
Structure/Woods Fire Being Investigated
State Police arson investigators are looking at a combination brush/woods fire on Friday.
Units from Saxis, Bloxom, Atlantic, New Church and Oak Hall responded at 1:46 PM to the fire at 8512 Wessells Farm Road near Tempranceville.
Firemen arrived to find the building fully involved and the fire was threatening a camper parked in the yard and the surrounding woodsland.
Officers from the Accomack County Sheriff's Department and the State Police Arson Investigation unit are trying to determine the cause of the blaze.
Source:
Pocomoke City Chamber of Commerce Has New Director
Welcome to Pocomoke City Lauren Iman!
Written by
Brian Shane
Staff Writer/Daily Times
POCOMOKE CITY -- The Pocomoke City Chamber of Commerce has named Lauren Iman to its executive director position after a two-month vacancy.
"I'm very excited to have this position," she said. "I've already met a bunch of wonderful members and organizations in town that I really look forward to doing business with. I hope we can have a great outcome, and this can be a good year for the Pocomoke City Chamber."
Former Executive Director Denise Wagner left the Chamber in January after holding the job for three years. Chamber President Joshua Nordstrom, who works in public relations for Midway car dealership, had been working as interim executive director since Wagner's departure.
Iman won the job over two other finalists. She had a bit of a coming-out party at the Chamber's 60th anniversary party on March 31, Nordstrom said. He hopes to introduce her to all the executive directors of other Lower Shore chambers.
"They have valuable advice to offer. Anytime you're in a new position, in a new field, you try to glean some wisdom from people who have been there," he said.
The Chamber selected Iman because of her background in social marketing and degree in digital media, and other experience in customer service and retail. She last had worked at Baysys on Wallops Island before losing her job to layoffs, Nordstrom said.
He said one of the main reasons she was hired was for her personality.
"We wanted somebody personable. She's very nice and very sweet, and you wouldn't even meet her without seeing how nice she is. But she's got a good head on her shoulders, and she's not intimidated by this job. That's important when you're the face of the business community -- the face of Pocomoke, in a sense."
She also won the position in part, Nordstrom said, because she was local; Iman makes her home in the Captain's Cove community of Greenbackville, Va.
Many candidates were willing to relocate for the job, but the board of directors wanted someone who was already familiar with the area and would be accepted in close-knit Pocomoke as a from-here, not a come-here.
"We didn't want to set up anybody to fail," Nordstrom said.
The Pocomoke City Chamber of Commerce has about 100 members. Nordstrom and Iman said they hope to convince more businesses of the benefits of membership.
Iman says she's going to get in touch with businesses that are no longer members, and see what it takes to get them interested again.
She also hopes to find newer businesses in the area that would join.
The position, they say, is one that will have a renewed focus on events and fundraising. The Chamber does not receive funding from Pocomoke City. Planned events include a fall festival and costume party for Halloween, a golf tournament, and a continuation of the Cypress Festival. They also have plans to develop a young professionals club within the Chamber.
Source:
Written by
Brian Shane
Staff Writer/Daily Times
POCOMOKE CITY -- The Pocomoke City Chamber of Commerce has named Lauren Iman to its executive director position after a two-month vacancy.
"I'm very excited to have this position," she said. "I've already met a bunch of wonderful members and organizations in town that I really look forward to doing business with. I hope we can have a great outcome, and this can be a good year for the Pocomoke City Chamber."
Former Executive Director Denise Wagner left the Chamber in January after holding the job for three years. Chamber President Joshua Nordstrom, who works in public relations for Midway car dealership, had been working as interim executive director since Wagner's departure.
Iman won the job over two other finalists. She had a bit of a coming-out party at the Chamber's 60th anniversary party on March 31, Nordstrom said. He hopes to introduce her to all the executive directors of other Lower Shore chambers.
"They have valuable advice to offer. Anytime you're in a new position, in a new field, you try to glean some wisdom from people who have been there," he said.
The Chamber selected Iman because of her background in social marketing and degree in digital media, and other experience in customer service and retail. She last had worked at Baysys on Wallops Island before losing her job to layoffs, Nordstrom said.
He said one of the main reasons she was hired was for her personality.
"We wanted somebody personable. She's very nice and very sweet, and you wouldn't even meet her without seeing how nice she is. But she's got a good head on her shoulders, and she's not intimidated by this job. That's important when you're the face of the business community -- the face of Pocomoke, in a sense."
She also won the position in part, Nordstrom said, because she was local; Iman makes her home in the Captain's Cove community of Greenbackville, Va.
Many candidates were willing to relocate for the job, but the board of directors wanted someone who was already familiar with the area and would be accepted in close-knit Pocomoke as a from-here, not a come-here.
"We didn't want to set up anybody to fail," Nordstrom said.
The Pocomoke City Chamber of Commerce has about 100 members. Nordstrom and Iman said they hope to convince more businesses of the benefits of membership.
Iman says she's going to get in touch with businesses that are no longer members, and see what it takes to get them interested again.
She also hopes to find newer businesses in the area that would join.
The position, they say, is one that will have a renewed focus on events and fundraising. The Chamber does not receive funding from Pocomoke City. Planned events include a fall festival and costume party for Halloween, a golf tournament, and a continuation of the Cypress Festival. They also have plans to develop a young professionals club within the Chamber.
Source:
Supreme Court OKs Strip Searches For Even Minor Offenses
In case you didn't know....
April 2, 2012
Washington — The Supreme Court refused Monday to limit strip searches of new jail inmates, even those arrested for minor traffic offenses.
Dividing 5-4 along ideological lines, the high court said jail guards needed the full authority to closely search everyone who is entering a jail in order to maintain safety and security.
It would be “unworkable,” said Justice Anthony M. Kennedy, to make an exception for persons who are arrested for minor offenses. County jails often must process hundreds of new inmates a day, he said.
"Experience shows that people arrested for minor offense have tried to smuggle prohibited items into jail," Kennedy said. And officials cannot take such a risk, he added.
The decision is a defeat for civil liberties groups and a New Jersey man who was strip-searched twice after he was stopped on a highway and taken to jail over an unpaid fine.
Albert Florence was held for six days and finally released when he showed the fine had already been paid before he was arrested. He then sued county jail officials for violating his privacy and subjecting him to a humiliating strip search.
A judge ruled in his favor, but he lost before the U.S. Court of Appeals. In delivering his opinion, Kennedy said violent criminals sometimes are arrested for minor traffic offenses.
He cited the example of Timothy McVeigh,the man who bombed the federal building in Oklahoma City in 1995. He was stopped and taken to jail for a traffic violation. Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr.and Justices Antonin Scalia, Clarence Thomas and Samuel A. Alito Jr. joined with Kennedy.
In dissent, Justice Stephen G. Breyer said it was unreasonable to subject possibly innocent persons to humiliating searches, particularly when they are not suspected of a serious crime.
"In my view, such a search of an individual arrested for a minor offense that does not involve drugs or violence is an unreasonable search forbidden by the 4th Amendment," he wrote. Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Sonia Sotomayor and Elena Kagan agreed.
The case was Florence vs. Board of Chosen Freeholders of Burlington County.
Source:
Washington — The Supreme Court refused Monday to limit strip searches of new jail inmates, even those arrested for minor traffic offenses.
Dividing 5-4 along ideological lines, the high court said jail guards needed the full authority to closely search everyone who is entering a jail in order to maintain safety and security.
It would be “unworkable,” said Justice Anthony M. Kennedy, to make an exception for persons who are arrested for minor offenses. County jails often must process hundreds of new inmates a day, he said.
"Experience shows that people arrested for minor offense have tried to smuggle prohibited items into jail," Kennedy said. And officials cannot take such a risk, he added.
The decision is a defeat for civil liberties groups and a New Jersey man who was strip-searched twice after he was stopped on a highway and taken to jail over an unpaid fine.
Albert Florence was held for six days and finally released when he showed the fine had already been paid before he was arrested. He then sued county jail officials for violating his privacy and subjecting him to a humiliating strip search.
A judge ruled in his favor, but he lost before the U.S. Court of Appeals. In delivering his opinion, Kennedy said violent criminals sometimes are arrested for minor traffic offenses.
He cited the example of Timothy McVeigh,the man who bombed the federal building in Oklahoma City in 1995. He was stopped and taken to jail for a traffic violation. Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr.and Justices Antonin Scalia, Clarence Thomas and Samuel A. Alito Jr. joined with Kennedy.
In dissent, Justice Stephen G. Breyer said it was unreasonable to subject possibly innocent persons to humiliating searches, particularly when they are not suspected of a serious crime.
"In my view, such a search of an individual arrested for a minor offense that does not involve drugs or violence is an unreasonable search forbidden by the 4th Amendment," he wrote. Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Sonia Sotomayor and Elena Kagan agreed.
The case was Florence vs. Board of Chosen Freeholders of Burlington County.
Source:
Monday, April 9, 2012
***RED FLAG WARNING***
THE FIRE DANGERS THAT FORESTER ROB CLARKE HAS ALERTED US TO ALL WEEKEND STILL STAND!
PLEASE USE CAUTION!
A RED FLAG warning is in effect from noon today until 8:00 PM this evening for wind and low relative humidity for the Lower Eastern Shore. A red flag warning means conditions leading to an increased risk of fire.
The strongest winds and lowest relative humidity values are generally expected between 12 noon and 6 PM. Winds will be out of the west, 15-25 mph with gusts up to 35 mph. Relative humidity will fall to 20-25% this afternoon.
Fire danger should be elevated due to the gusty winds and very dry conditions. Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly.
Outdoor burning is strongly discouraged.
Be alert and be careful!
Only you can prevent forest fires!
Pocomoke City Mayor and Council Meeting Tonight
A G E N D A
POCOMOKE CITY MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEETING
7:30 p.m., Monday, April 9, 2012
City Hall
- Call to Order, Prayer and Pledge of Allegiance.
2.Review and approval of minutes from meeting of March 5, 2012.
3. Review and approval of bills to be paid.
4.Mayor Morrison to swear in Councilmembers Tracey Cottman (three year term), Rob Clarke (three year term), and George Tasker (one year term).
5.Selection of First and Second Vice President of the City Council for the coming year.
6.Introduction of new Police Officer Damien McGlotten.
7. Consider request from Assateague People of Delmarva for use of Cypress Park for Pow Wow on May 19-20, 2012.
8. Public Hearing on proposed annexation of property located at 1139 Ocean Highway (Pocomoke Animal Hospital).
9. Second Reading of Res. A-12-01 to approve annexation of property at 1139 Ocean Highway into the corporate limits.
10.Public Hearing to obtain comments regarding the proposed re-designation of the City’s Enterprise Zone by the State of Maryland.
11. Emergency Res. No. 456 to authorize submission of Enterprise Zone Application to State of Maryland.
12. Authorize Mayor to sign proclamation for Fair Housing Month (April 2012).
13. Review bids received for new ambulance. (Bid opening 11:00 a.m., April 9, 2012)
14.First Reading of Res. 457 to authorize U.S.D.A. loan for purchase of new ambulance.
15. First Reading of Res. 458 to refinance loan for new Police Department building with U.S.D.A. funds.
16. Discuss recommendation from Housing Coordinator Harvey Davis for repair or demolition of property at 523 Young Street (Allen Blount, owner).
17. Discuss possible dates for reception with members of City Boards and Commissions.
Comments from the Audience.
Mayor and Council Items.
Adjourn.
AGENDAS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE UNTIL THE TIME OF CONVENING.
Easter and Springtime Hazards For Cats and Dogs
Lilies, chocolate and easter grass pose problems for petsAh, spring. It is nice to have a little color after a long winter. Easter and springtime decorations (and edibles) liven the scenery, but also pose a potential hazard to pets. Who knew that plastic Easter grass could be dangerous, even deadly?
Spring is a great time to take an inventory of potential pet hazards. It's better than the alternative of spending time at the veterinary hospital. Here is are a few Quick Tips on what to watch for this spring.
Easter Lily (and related Lily plants): The Easter Lily is a common finding this time of year. This plant, and related plants in the lily family, are highly toxic to cats if ingested.
The first signs seen are vomiting and lethargy, and if untreated, may progress to kidney (renal) failure and death. Please call your veterinarian immediately if you suspect that your cat has eaten any part of a lily plant.
Another spring flower often used in cut flower arrangements, daffodils, are also toxic to cats.
Easter grass: Cats love anything that moves. This stuff moves easily in the breeze, makes interesting sounds, and, for some cats, it is simply irresistible and must be eaten. Stringy things like Easter grass or tinsel at Christmas, pose a deadly threat if ingested, creating something called a Linear Foreign Body. The first signs seen, aside from the material being visible from the mouth or anus, are vomiting or straining to defecate and a painful abdomen.Learn more: Lily toxicity
Trying to pull out visible grass or string is not recommended, as this can cause more damage if the piece is long and trapped far inside the body. Call your veterinarian if you suspect that your cat has sampled the Easter grass. While Linear Foreign Bodies are more common in cats, dogs may also ingest non-food material, and the same rules apply.
Chocolate: This is more of a dog hazard, as many dogs have a sweet tooth, a great nose, and the determination to find chocolate -- hidden or not. The toxic components in chocolate are theobromine and caffeine, and the level of toxicity is based on the type and quantity of chocolate consumed.
Different types of chocolate have different amounts of theobromine and caffiene; dark chocolate contains the highest concentrations and white "chocolate" contains the least. Early clinical signs are vomiting, diarrhea and trembling.
Related Reading: All About Chocolate ToxicityXylitol: It is important to note that xylitol, an artificial sweetener used in many candies, chewing gums and baked goods, is potentially very toxic to dogs and ferrets.
Spring is also a great time to do a little of that "spring cleaning". Here are some tips on spotting potential pet hazards around the home.
MORE
Legislative Updates From Delegate Mike McDermott
Field Notes
Observations and Reflections on Legislative Activities
By Delegate Michael A. McDermott
Week 13 April 2-7, 2012
Monday Afternoon SessionSecond Reader, Third Reader
SB-48 will require those serving as Orphan Court Judges in Baltimore County to be members of the State Bar Association. I did not support this bill as historically these elected positions have never required a person to be an attorney; rather it required one to have good common sense. Other counties in the metro areas are moving in this direction. The bill passed 105-30.
Tuesday Morning SessionSecond Reader, Third Reader
SB-853 allows expanded collective bargaining for Baltimore County School Employees. It was approved along party lines. SB-153 created additional state debt of over $15 million for the Inter Agency Committee that funds certain school construction projects. Once again, in these tough economic times, we continue to plunge the state into more debt as we continue to max out our “credit card”. Once again, by a party line vote the bill passed.
Judiciary Committee Hearing Tuesday
The following are Senate cross filed bills with their matching House Bill numbers:SB-203 (HB-484), SB-334 (HB-673), SB-799 (HB-776)SB-80 would allow a vehicle repair estimate to be acceptable as evidence during civil litigation. This would eliminate the need for adjusters to testify.
Judiciary Voting Session Tuesday
The following bills were voted favorably by the committee:SB-70, SB-640, SB-650, SB-691
The following bills were voted unfavorably by the committee:
HB-1012
Wednesday Morning SessionSecond Reader, Third Reader
Judiciary Committee Hearing Wednesday
The following are Senate cross filed bills with their matching House Bill numbers:SB-397 (HB-773), SB-489 (HB-742), SB-558 (HB-921), SB-678 (HB-708), SB-787 (HB-772), SB-889 (HB-349)SB-76 is a synthetic cannabinoids (marijuana) bill which seeks to ban several different drugs identified as synthetics. They are truly different than marijuana and certain synthetics are being reviewed by the FDA, and some of them have been placed on the schedule of controlled dangerous substances. Worcester and Baltimore Counties have adopted local ordinance to address these drugs. This bill was rejected last year in committee. SB-422 was a conference bill amended by the Senate and House to address the Public Defender crisis created by the DeWolfe decision requiring representation at all court levels, including a District Court Commissioner Initial Appearance. The bill also expands the use of citations by police officers for petty crimes carrying 90-days or less sentencing guidelines. The controversial part of the bill dealt with the inclusion of simple possession of marijuana as an offense which would require release from custody by use of a citation unless certain criteria (uncooperative, identification issues, public safety, etc.) were present. Clearly, any large quantity of marijuana would generally be interpreted as possession with intent to distribute (which is a felony). Some argued thinking that police officers cannot determine the difference. I supported the measure, which will potentially save taxpayers $27-$100 million and will keep police from getting bogged down waiting on District Court Commissioners. The bill passed on a vote of 81-58.
Friday Morning SessionSecond Reader, Third Reader
Debated bills included SB-602 (companion to HB-366) which requires a complete sprinkler system in every new home built in Maryland. Since the bill references the building code, any new code established after this bill is signed into law will become law. It will drive up the cost of building a home from 8-20 thousand dollars and will, no doubt, take thousands of Marylanders out of the market place. 16 counties wanted no part of this bill, but that did not matter to the other 8 counties. It passed 100-38 on party lines.HB-113 was yet another tax/fee increase of 20% on each commercial scale or measuring device used by a business. This just constitutes another “unfriendly” business practice for Maryland. The bill passed 95-45. SB-236 is one of the more egregious bills of the session. The title, Sustainable Growth and Agricultural Preservation Act of 2012, seems to say one thing while actually doing another. This bill moves the state into the business of local planning and development as part of the O’Malley-Brown Plan Maryland Act. It will take away many local decisions and make them subservient to the whims and demands of various state agencies. As stated on the floor by Environmental Chairman McIntosh, the concept is simply to, “control the growth and development and insure that people move toward cities and not develop in the rural areas”. It will place tremendous caps on septic systems and will disallow future development in much of Maryland. It is reasonable to draw conclusions from this bill that this spells the end of rural development in Maryland. It will devalue farmland and place farmers who must borrow against their land for the next planting season to have land that is not worth anywhere near what it is in today’s market. This destructive bill is the camel’s nose under the tent. It was approved on a largely party line vote 93-45 (as was also the case in the senate).
Judiciary Committee Voting Session Friday Afternoon
Bills Voted FavorableHB-15, HB-214, HB-797,
Saturday Morning SessionSecond Reader, Third Reader
Bills debated included HB-167 which will ban the use of Roxarsone or any other feed additive which contains Arsenic. This will impact many companies on the shore who utilize this FDA approved treatment in chicken feed. It will drive up costs which will be transferred to consumers at the food store. Consumers always pay for the folly of the General Assembly. The bill passed 101-31. Despite our best efforts to educate those in the General Assembly, they have difficulty connecting the dots on the effects of balancing the environment with our delicate farm economies. Farmers continue to lose in Annapolis.
Saturday Afternoon SessionSecond Reader, Third Reader
Debated bills included SB-309 which will require the registration of motor scooters as well as requiring insurance documents be kept on hand and the rider wear a helmet. This will be a real cost factor for many rental businesses at the beach. It will also hinder many who rely on this as a cheap form of transportation to work in the metro areas. It passed 95-31. SB-296 provides tax breaks for employees of high security companies who must apply for Security Clearance as a part of their job. It is corporate welfare to high end wage earners who could certainly afford to pay for such a clearance as part of their job. We do not pay for teachers and folks who must get fingerprinted as part of their job, and I think this is simply wrong headed. It is a couple of million that we could have saved. After some thorough questioning on the floor, the House passed this bill 93-29. SB-794 was the closest vote of the day (passed 76-44) which provides much needed relief of $1 million dollars for our horse industry. It will specifically provide relief to race tracks for purse money used to cover ongoing races. The money is being transferred from other portions of the Horse racing budget. There are many in the House who do not believe we should be subsidizing this industry, yet they will subsidize anything else that comes along. Locally, we have many who are employed or otherwise involved in the industry and I have always supported their efforts at building back this traditional Maryland business. This transfer will go to cover some of the lost purse money that Ocean Downs has endured in the past two years. My Misdemeanor on Citation Bill (HB-119) was drastically changed in the Senate and was assigned to a Conference Committee in the House. This is my second Conference Committee assignment this year and I am excited about trying to restore this bill to its original intent. There won’t be much time on Monday to make it happen.
Gaming Bills
Bills that would alter the original gaming legislation enacted two years ago were moving all over the place on Friday and Saturday. They include creating a 6th casino in Prince Georges County and allowing table games in all Maryland casinos. I have been attempting to secure language in the new legislation that would limit changes at Ocean Downs while still allowing them to bring in table games. So far, we have been able to secure the language which would prevent a convention center or motel facility from being located at the casino site, but we continue to press on the other provisions in the current law. Like the budget issues, this one could fail completely, be a complete disaster, or be modified to our liking. We work the problem, but time will tell.
We waited on many other potential bills to move over from the Senate, but none were forthcoming. I watched many of the members of the House Appropriations Committee moving off the House floor as the Conference Committee on the budget and revenue bills continue to grind out their issues. While some compromise was reached, I understood the bulk of the division still centered on the revenue bills and where they were going to tax. We face a Sine Die (Monday) that will be full of challenges and Marylanders will be the ones holding the bag at the end of the day.
Sunday, April 8, 2012
**FIRE WARNING UPDATE**
***RED FLAG WARNING***
From Forester Rob Clarke:
The entire DelMarVa Peninsula is now under a RED FLAG WARNING! Humidity today & tomorrow could be as low as 20% with sustained winds 15 to 25 MPH, gusting to 40.
Residents should not do any outdoor burning and be extremely careful with all possible sources of ignition.
http://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=phi&wwa=red%20flag%20warning
Be alert and be careful! Only you can prevent forest fires!
*FIRE WARNINGS*
AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM FORESTER ROB:
Fire Watch/Red Flag Warning
We are currently experiencing extreme conditions (very low humidity and high gusty winds) conducive to the ignition and rapid spread of natural cover fires. Everyone is encouraged to avoid any open burning until we have some soaking rain and to be extremely careful with all sources of ignition. Discarded woodstove ashes and charcoal, welding slag, campfires, burning trash or brush and under these extreme conditions even discarded tobacco products can all be sources of ignition.
Fire weather link: http://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=phi&wwa=red%20flag%20warning
Remember, Only You Can Prevent Forest Fires!
TIME MACHINE ... Mandatory Church Attendance Leads To Incident On Tangier Island.
(Reader-friendly viewing of newspaper archives material)
May, 1920
(The San Antonio Light- San Antonio, Texas)
(Excerpts)
It happens that the residents of Tangier Island are an extremely religious community. One of their local statutes is that everybody should attend church if possible. Their law compels the attendance. It further provides that no person on the island shall, on any Sunday, show himself on the street, in his yard, or on the porch of his residence unless he shall be on his way to or from church. The act constitutes a clear case of religious observance enforced by law.
The religious law of Tangier Island had never been brought before a court because, such people as who did not like it went elsewhere to live and such people as remained on the island approved of it; nobody else cared anything about it.
It happened, however, that on a recent Sunday a young man sat upon a front porch. He was ordered by a police officer (town constable) to go inside. He refused. The officer sought to arrest him and a struggle ensued. The officer deliberately placed a revolver against the back of the young man and fired, inflicting what is believed to be a mortal wound. There was no argument as to the facts when the officer was arraigned in court and he was released on a normal bond. This action aroused the resentment of the younger element of the island and a political campaign is now in progress with the avowed object on the part of the younger people to make Tangier Island more in harmony with other parts of Virginia and the nation, and the determination on the part of the elder people to retain their institutions as they now are.
It will come as a surprise to the people of the United States that there is, anywhere in the country, a community where people are compelled by law to attend church or remain inside their homes. The inconsistency of the laws of Tangier Island are, however, another matter, and before they have been put through the courts it is probable that the community will be instructed that a man has the right to move about his own property as he likes every day of the week.
May, 1920
(Appleton Post-Crescent- Appleton, Wis.)
TANGIER ISLAND IN THE LIMELIGHT AGAIN
By United Press Leased Wire
New York- Tangier Island jumped into the limelight again today. Gustave G. Rickarby, cameraman for a motion picture weekly news corporation here, was driven from the island off Crisfield, Maryland when he attempted to photograph the inhabitants, according to a message to the company's offices.
Rickarby's camera and films were destroyed.
Rickarby said he left the island on the advice of a minister, the Rev. Mr. Godwin, who told him he might be lynched if he attempted to remain.
The people of Tangier recently received wide publicity for their stern religious beliefs when the town constable shot a boy who refused to go to church on Sunday.
February, 1881
(The Denton Journal)
Since the Christmas holidays the price of eggs, instead of going down, as is usually the case, has been steadily going up. Eggs are selling in Baltimore for fifty cents a dozen, and in Philadelphia they are several cents higher than this. The price paid in this town (Denton) for several days has been 40 cents. It is said that the cause of the scarcity and the consequent high prices is owing to the cold weather and snow-covered ground from which the chickens can not find anything to eat. They are fed regularly, but it is said there is something in the ground which is peculiarly productive of eggs.
September, 1910
(Colorado Springs Gazette- Colorado Springs, Col.)
SHAME THE WHITTLERS
From the Baltimore Sun
The women of Pocomoke are having the streets cleaned and the weeds pulled up and the fences whitewashed while the men whittle.
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