Taffy Bricker has been a long time supporter/caller to the Dan Gaffney Show on WGMD.  It was Taffy’s husband, Gary Bliss who was shot to death by Delaware State Police in Oak Orchard this past Wednesday. 

I interviewed Taffy this morning about her loss.  Listen to it here:

http://www.wgmd.com/SOUNDS/FEATURES/061308-taffy-edit.mp3

Taffy praises the way the police handled the situation; she talks about how bad she feels for the officers who were visibly shaken after having to shoot her husband.  She also wanted to explain her husbands mental illness and Post Traumatic Stress he suffered after his years in Viet Nam.

I have met Gary Bliss, and always considered him to be a wonderful man.  His loss is a sad tragedy for him, and his wife Taffy.

Taffy, my prayers are with you.

SUBTITLE: WITH GREAT POWER COMES GREAT RESPONSIBILITY 

The Indian River School Board meeting in Executive Session tonight.

So, let’s just get right to it, the Indian River School Board met tonight in Dagsboro, and, as they warned WGMD News earlier in the day via e-mail… 

Tonight’s special meeting of the Indian River Board of Education was scheduled for the purpose of addressing the state budget crisis and its impact on our district. These discussions will take place in executive session, as will any discussion related to the situation at Sussex Central High School. There will not be a public comment session at this meeting. However, the board will host two public comment sessions at its next regular monthly meeting on May 27. 

…they went right into executive session.

Now, under the cirumstances, (you know, with Dana Goodman, the Sussex Central High School principal sitting in prison for allegedly having a sexual relationship with a student), you’d think they would have taken the time to at least speak to the small group of parents who showed up.  

Incidentally, the parents didn’t want to comment on Sussex Central principal Dana Goodman, either. In fact, the only thing the parents had to say was that they were there to, “support our school and our administration,” whatever that means. They could certainly learn a lesson from the parents in the Cape Henlopen School District who take the board to task on a regular basis.

It was pretty obvious from my short interview before the meeting with Board President Charles Bireley that no one wanted to discuss Principal Dana Goodman. AUDIO For the record, he denied that the Board ever received a formal complaint from anyone about Dana Goodman. No letters, no e-mails. Just “rumors.”

Dr. Don Hattier was more forthcoming when I spoke with him on his way in, saying that if the charges against Goodman are true, “he’s gotta go.” AUDIO Holy cow, what an understatement.

Superintendent Susan Bunting said she was advised not to discuss the situation other than it being a “personnel” issue.

Is this the same Indian River School Board that fought a religious lawsuit tooth and nail? I guess maintaining the label “Easter Break” on a vacation was worth the lawsuit, while commenting on a principal who may have been boinking a student just isn’t worth the hassle.

Or maybe the Indian River School Board just cares about things that they think are popular. Apparently religion in schools is popular and protecting students from a possible sexual predator is not.

We’ll see, since they’re supposed to release a statement today.

And while I’m at it, I want to point out this comment from our blog:

It’s about time someone questioned the behaviour of the ‘victim’. 

Yeah, a 17 year old girl. I guess this commenter doesn’t think that adult male human beings have the ability to restrain themselves.

We send our kids to school for like 7 hours a day, and we have to be able to trust the teachers and administrators who come in contact with them. I don’t care if the girl left school at the end of the day to turn tricks, when she walks into Sussex Central High School, she should be out of bounds for any adult.  

Good grief. Did I actually have to take the time out of my day to explain that to some of you? 

As Uncle Ben said in Spiderman “Remember, with great power, comes great responsibility.” We give a “great responsibility” to the schools we send our kids to, and when they fail us this miserably doors shouldn’t be closed to the public.

It was a great honor to help Irish Eyes and members of the Lewes Police Department promote a fundraiser for a new working police dog for the department.  Community spirit ran high and the event raise far more than needed.  (Over $15,000 and perhaps close to $20,000.)  The dog, a replacement for the police dog that died last fall, was said to cost $8,800.

I’m now shocked at the petty, small minded and ungrateful attitude expressed by a select few Lewes Councilpersons.  Henry Evans of the Cape Gazette reports:

City Councilwoman Stephanie Tsantes said she was appalled to learn, after the fact, that an event to raise money to buy a dog for the Lewes Police Department was held at Irish Eyes in Lewes Feb. 21.
“I’m reading more about your department in the newspaper, and I’m blaming the lack of communication on you,” Tsantes told Gooch before he and Layfield explained their thinking and actions related to the successful fundraiser.
…..
Councilwoman Barbara Vaughan said she thought the police department’s lack of communication about the fundraiser “co-opted” the mayor and council’s discussion about a dog, which was particularly troubling because this fiscal year’s budget is tight.
…..
Tsantes said she was uncomfortable with the lack of information about the dog’s cost, pedigree, training facility credentials, amount of officer training time required and other ongoing costs, such as the need for an appropriate K-9 vehicle.
Tsantes questioned the city’s need for a police dog and asked Gooch and Layfield why the department isn’t obtaining a dog from the same kennel and trainer as that used by the Delaware State Police.
…

Councilmen Ted Becker and Victor Letonoff said they, too, would have preferred better communications with the police department, but they support purchase of a dog.

(Emphasis mine)
WGMD listener and outspoken Lewes guy Greg Ositko fired off this letter in response to certain members of the Lewes Council:

There’s nothing more gratifying than an assertive community effort overshadowing the ego of local liberal councilwomen with big egos.
The mission of a community effort accomplishing a remedial goal for law enforcement has taken a front running position in the Town of Lewes, and kudos’ to the Fundraisers and Police Chief ‘Beau’ Gooch – and don’t be shy Chief, they’re just two Councilwomen; they can be replaced.
As progressive Stalwarts to business and progress, I blame Tsantes and Commandant Vaughn for such a ridiculous call to order on this measure of good will; they again have shown their disenchantment of free business enterprise and community entrepreneurial spirit regarding the towns’ efforts to raise $16,000.00 for the purchase of a new police dog. Evidently Tsantes and Vaughn have more qualifications in choosing dogs and kennels where they come from than the Lewes police department.
Micromanaging is something that always has a way of getting under my skin; counterproductive and senseless egos undermining good ideals by overpowering confidence and self worth of individual and community.
These are the same ideals that liberal and democratic societies want to strip from this nation. It begins with small town government like Lewes, DE; an example of what liberalism wants locally and a vision of national democratic intent.
We should be inclined to see this as a lesson to what value and integrity you as an individual have, and our communities at large have as a right to raise money for whatever ‘common good’ reason desired.
It is with all my heart that this community, this state and states abound this great nation of ours begin to acknowledge the extreme language and rhetoric that faces us today, and become the mindset of truth about what is right and wrong in the public sector of responsible representation as small America and the USA.
I like the name “Gooch”, what do you think?

Greg Ositko

Go Greg Go!

!!UPDATE:  MORE COMMUNITY OUTRAGE

Cape Gazette Editor;
 
I was compelled to write after reading your March 7, 2008 article on the Lewes fundraiser for the new police dog.  I am honestly greatly dismayed to read, several weeks after the fact that members of city council were “appalled” to first learn of the event.  This strikes me as plain ignorance and standard political poppycock. 
 
The event was advertised in the Cape Gazette as well as extensively on WGMD radio up to and including the morning of the event.  I attended the event along with 5 other members of my family who all knew of the event prior to its happening.  Obviously, other members of the community knew of the event as well considering the time and effort put into the event, the donations generously given and the funds that were raised.
 
My family and I moved here recently from Washington DC where there was little if any sense of community no matter where you lived.  Part of the reason we settled in this area was because of the true sense of community!  It is my belief that these members were only miffed because they couldn’t attach their names to the event and therefore reap the benefits of good press.  Instead of applauding the community for reaching deep into their own pockets to come up with money so that the city wouldn’t have to, they have chosen to slap everyone down.  Instead of rallying behind one of its dedicated officers, they have decided to put him and the department on the spot.  Instead of supporting the need to replace a valiant and hard working member of the force, Iwan, they have decided to “question the need”.  This is insulting and offensive to those in the community who had only the pure desire to lend a hand for a good cause.
 
I understand the process of government and the need to go through proper channels.  However, with this event being advertised and broadcast to the community as it was, I find it extremely hard to believe that NO ONE on the council knew of the event.  Lastly, I find it seriously disheartening to learn that the council would ‘lash’ out at a community with so much integrity.
 
The council should not be appalled at the police department and the community supporting it, but at itself for its own lack of heart.
 
 
 
Sincerely,
 
Cynthia Cinnamon
Lewes, DE
 

Anthony Lofink, the son of State Representative Vince Lofink (R-Caravel Farms), may be going to the can for his part in the theft of $1 million from the State Department of Finance:   
         

Anthony J. Lofink, 29, pleaded guilty to wire fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and money laundering in the scheme, which prosecutors said involved conspiring with four other people to submit false claims for the return of abandoned property seized by the state.

U.S. Attorney Colm Connolly said Lofink, son of state Rep. Vincent Lofink, used some of the money to buy luxury cars, clothing, jewelry and cosmetic surgery.

‘What motivated Mr. Lofink was greed,’ Connolly said.

Lofink, who worked in a Division of Revenue unit that processes claims for abandoned property, also known as escheat, is scheduled to be sentenced May 8. He faces a maximum penalty of 60 years in prison and a fine of $2.4 million — double the amount that was stolen.

Ouch, that hurts.  This came in today from Joe Fulgham at Legislative Hall:

The following statement is from State Rep. Vince Lofink regarding the guilty pleas entered by his son, Anthony J. Lofink, in U.S. District Court today on three felony charges.  This is the only comment Rep. Lofink will make on this subject:

“Even when your children are fully grown and responsible for their own actions, you never stop being a parent.  As Tony’s father, I’m saddened and disappointed that he has committed crimes against the residents of this state and betrayed the trust that so many people placed in him.  Tony needs to pay for the shameful things he’s done.  I hope he uses his time in prison to reflect on his transgressions and that he’ll emerge as someone who wants to become a productive, law-abiding citizen.” 

We’ll keep you up to date as this story unfolds….

Every December media outlets recap their favorite and/or biggest stories for the year. In that same tradition, I’ve decided to put up some of my favorite blog pictures of the year and 10 posts I’ve made that I feel changed the course of world history and, of course, saved all of humanity.

My Favorite Pictures of 2007

A beautiful day at Tower Road.

A Civil War Reenactment during Milton’s 200th Anniversary.

Governor Ruth Ann Minner running away from me and out of the Georgia House in Millsboro the night of the 41st District special election.

Even after his resignation from the State House for ethics issues, John Atkins’ supporters launched a failed write in campaign to send him back to Dover. His campaign signs cropped up all over the 41st.

The table where Laura Bush ate breakfast at the Royal Treat on Wilmington Avenue in Rehoboth Beach.

The Cohen brothers, they found the ill fated Rissos dolphin washed up at Tower Road.

The Rissos dolphin dying on the beach at Tower Road.

The SINKING South Side approach of the “new” Indian River Inlet bridge and the road it tried to pull down with it.

John Andretti, I met him. How cool.

The “Dic Dang” sandwich at the Corner Market Bistro in Milton.

Lighting the balloons up like lanterns during Milton’s 200th Anniversary celebration.

Joe Biden talking about Iraq at Browseabout Books on Rehoboth Avenue.

Jared Morris and Dan Gaffney having fun at the Best of Delaware celebration in Dover. (And yes, Dan always has that light shining above him, it’s the most amazing thing…).

The French invade Rehoboth Beach.

Disheveled Barbies from Washington DC spotted loitering on Columbia Avenue after their Dream House furniture was recalled.

Dr Wray and Stell Parker Selby changing seats at the Cape Henlopen School Board meeting in December after Wray resigned the Presidency.

My Favorite Posts of 2007

# Ten: Your Sussex County Council

# Neuf: The French visit Rehoboth

# Eight: The Atkins Scandal

# Seven: The Indian River Inlet Bridge

# Six: Biden at Browseabout Books

# Five: European Football

# Four: Laura Bush visits Rehoboth Beach

# Three: My interview with John Andretti

# Two: Toy Recalls

# One: The Global Warming

Delaware Attorney General Beau Biden seen during an August 2007 press conference in West Rehoboth.

We covered the press conference in West Rehoboth when Delaware Attorney General Beau Biden announced he would “aggressively pursue” the “newly enhanced Drug Nuisance and Social Vices Abatement Act,” and now we’re seeing the results.

A property in West Rehoboth is the “first residential property in Delaware to be judicially declared a nuisance under the Nuisance Abatement Act.” According to a press release from the Attorney General’s office:

In his ruling Judge T. Henley Graves ordered that several conditions must be met within 15 days, including:

- Any tenant on the property besides the property owners must be evicted

- Two apartments on the property must be vacated and shuttered

- Only the property owners and a limited number of specific family members are permitted on the property at any time

- Signs must be posted stating that loitering, trespassing, and illegal drug sales are prohibited

Biden’s DOJ also filed another lawsuit against a neighboring house. The Act allows the State to take action against properties declared a “nuisance.” Actions can include “closing” or even bulldozing a property.

Earlier today, WGMD News reported the story of three men arrested by the Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife for spotlighting deer:

Three men have been charged with spotlighting and killing deer in Fenwick Island. Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Agents arrested 28 year old Manuel Galvan, 32 year old Ariosto Lopez and 36 year old Javier Mendez on Wednesday after receiving a complaint about spotlighting. Each of the men face a variety of charges and officials also seized a truck and .22 caliber rifle as evidence. All three are being held at SCI in default of $3500 dollars secured bond.

Since then, and after making more phone calls than a teenager on a Friday night, WGMD has learned that the trio of deer poachers were in the United States illegally. Here’s what we know so far:

- The Department of Immigration and Customs Enforcement had to make the determination as to whether or not the men were legally in the USA.

- The men are “Mexican nationals.” This was determined by ICE (much cooler name than “INS,” by the way), as the men sat at the Sussex Correctional Institution.

- Only one of the men had a driver’s license. The license was from Florida. Florida is one of the few states that will issue a driver’s license to an illegal immigrant. Big thanks to the Sunshine State for aiding a series of criminal acts with their slacker policy.

- The three were caught in Fenwick Island “spotlighting” deer, which is illegal. No one had a hunting license. They killed an antlerless deer that did not have a tag. Some of the other charges against them are shooting near a road, hunting out of season, and conspiracy. They were hunting with a .22 caliber rifle, which is also illegal.

- They were apparently not shooting from their truck, but they did throw the deer in the truck, and the truck has been seized.

- The .22 caliber rifle was the only weapon they were caught with. But that still begs the question as to how people in the USA and Delaware illegally got their hands on a rifle like that.

- The Delaware Fish and Wildlife officers were unable to communicate with the armed criminals because of a language barrier. They had to get an officer from Laurel to translate. What an incredibly dangerous situation for our men and women at Fish and Wildlife, fully armed people who can’t understand each other face to face in the middle of a crime scene.

- According to Michael Gilhooly from Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the men may be entitled to a hearing, but when the State is finished with them, ICE will take them into custody and deport them, which is eerily similar to the way law abiding citizens of the United States want situations like this to be handled.

Dramatic reenactment of the deer’s final moments.

So “thank you” to Delaware Fish and Wildlife and ICE for administering some much needed justice. At a time when Delawareans are getting ready for a wave of regulations and financial costs associated with the State’s new Salt Water Fishing License, it’s nice to know that this is at least one area where being a lawful US citizen is an advantage. I’m sure that deer would totally agree with me.

The new seating arrangements for the Cape Henlopen School Board. (From left to right: Coveleski, Wray, Brittingham, Stone, Parker Selby, Redden, Conlon, Prettyman)

Ms. Stell Parker Selby in her new, maybe temporary position as Cape Henlopen School Board President.

As earlier reported, Cape Henlopen School Board President, Gary Wray, has resigned his leadership position, and Board Vice President Stell Parker Selby will be taking that seat until a new President is chosen.

“Remember that we are elected to serve our school community. That is my motto.” - Acting Cape Henlopen School Board President Stell Parker Selby AUDIO

Outspoken Board member, Noble Prettyman, called on Dr. Wray to resign last month after a particularly contentious meeting citing ethics violations:

“Dr. Wray’s actions last night give me no choice but to ask that he be removed as president of the school board,” Prettyman said during an interview Friday, Nov. 9. “As parents spoke, he put his glasses on his head and rolled his eyes in a degrading way. It is unacceptable behavior, and I absolutely feel he cannot be allowed to be the board’s president any longer.”

In addition to inappropriate behavior to Cape’s parents and taxpayers, Prettyman said, Wray’s conduct in taking unilateral action, violating the trust of the taxpayers and soliciting unilateral action by the Stone violated the ethical requirements for board members.

After Wray’s resignation Thursday night, Prettyman had this to say:

“I know he did the right thing, because it’s not about Dr. Wray.” - Board member Noble Prettyman AUDIO

 

Cape Henlopen Educational Foundation Mini grant Award Winners were on hand last night to tell parents, teachers, board members and the public how they are spending their grant money in the classroom. Milton Elementary School second grade teacher Jackie Shockley tells the crowd how she spends the money she received:

“I use the grant money to purchase sound systems for all of the second grade classrooms…to help at risk kids.” - Second Grade Teacher Jackie Shockley AUDIO

Last October a young criminal broke into the home of a 72 year old Lewes woman, tried to rape her, failed, smashed her in the head with a hammer a few times, robbed her then made her drive him to Rehoboth Beach. Well, the nasty pig who allegedly committed that heinous crime was caught by police with the help of a Cape Henlopen School District teacher, Bob Maull.

“I called Bob and he was there in seconds….As soon as he looked at it he told me who these people were.” - Lewes Police Detective John Miller AUDIO

The alleged hammer weilding, attempted rapist, Devonaire Augustus Jones of Milton, was also identified as one of two young men who allegedly broke into the home of a Milton woman last January and raped her at gunpoint. Maull identified Jones and another man, Robbie Robinson, also of Milton, in that crime, too.

Way to go Mr. Maull!

From left to right: Dr. Ed Seibert, Superintendent George Stone, acting Board President Parker Selby.

Cape Henlopen Business Director, Dr. Ed Seibert, was recognized last night for his years of hard work for the Cape Henlopen School District. Seibert, who filed a complaint of “retaliation” against Superintendent George Stone this month with the School Board, was all smiles as Dr. Stone and Acting President Stell Parker Selby honored his hard work.

“…for six years and four months of outstanding service to the Cape Henlopen School District.” - Superintendent George Stone reading Dr. Seibert’s plaque AUDIO

The historic Milton Theatre on Union Street in downtown Milton.

On January 12th, the Cape Henlopen School Board is invited to attend the opening of a time capsule from 1958. The event is open to the public and will take place at the historic Milton Theatre.

Holy teacher shortage, Batman! HO Brittingham Elementary School only has TWO 4th grade teachers. And, yes, this is the same school that had 12 out of the 14 violent felonies committed by students in the district last year.

Why the shortage? Well, apparently one 4th grade teacher requested to be sent back to 1st grade, and the open 4th grade position wasn’t filled, sound familiar?

While giving their presentation on the “H.O. Brittingham Elementary School Improvement Report,” 4th grade teacher Tracey van Rees took the opportunity to ask for…no, not another teacher…but an after school math program for at risk students.

Just thought I’d mention that little tidbit…it’s kind of funny since the district doesn’t seem to be hiring. See above.

Sarah Ross, a Cape Henlopen School Distrit teacher and a member of the Cape Henlopen Education Association, addressed the Board Thursday night about teachers “drowning” in paperwork from federal, state and local regulations and initiatives passed without input from teachers. Delaware State Education Association President Barbara Groff, attended the Board meeting Thursday night to show support for the Cape teachers and voice her concerns:

“They have more to do then they can possibly accomplish.” - Barbara Groff, President, Delaware State Education Association AUDIO

Groff also said that teachers around the state are, “worried about their Cape counterparts.”

Even though other board members seemed to share his doubts, Pete Coveleski was the only “no” vote on the Cape Henlopen School District’s new “Bullying Prevention Policy,” saying it would be “folly to approve this as written.” Coveleski’s reason for voting “no” is that the policy is written too broadly:

“They policy as it’s written now is really open to interpretation.” - Board member Pete Coveleski AUDIO

The School Board can re examine the policy at a future meeting.

Our opinions on most topics are based on a combination of personal experience and education.  When I heard the topic of the school “drill” on Dan’s show today I had mixed feelings.

It seems that the kids in Sussex Central High School were put in a lock-down situation without any advanced warning that it was a drill.  Police were present almost immediately, adding to the stress.  Some folks were locked in storage rooms.  Pretty dang scary situation in an age when school shootings are becoming more prevelent.  Kids were calling their parents on cell phones, whispering as though a loud noise may draw the attention of an armed lunatic.  Staff, also not informed of the drill, were phoning loved ones with a detectable level of fear in their voices.

On one side, I say drills are a crock.  Always have been, always will be.  People most certainly act differently during a fire drill than they would if they saw flames or smoke.  I always wondered why teachers knew it was a fire drill in advance.  I thought to myself; “What a dog and pony show this is, I wonder how calmly we’d line up and leave the school if flames were lapping the roof?”

Well, now I see the other side of that coin.  If you don’t tell folks it’s a drill you get panic and fear mixed in with a very real picture of how the school and it’s workers and students would react in a REAL situation.

So, which is better?  I don’t know.  I’m still working it through.

Former Sussex County realtor, Joe Connor, plead guilty today to charges stemming from a May 2007 DUI that ended in a police chase on Rt. 17 in Selbyville.

Connor will pay close to $10,000 in fines and restitution, and serve 60 days in prison for the DUI and an additional 365 days in prison for other charges related to the incident. He will undergo treatment during that time and is eligible for parole and a work release program. Upon completion, he will be on level 3 probation for 24 months, with “zero tolerance” for drug and alcohol abuse.

In court today Connor was remorseful stating, “I want to apologize to the people of Sussex County…” and in particular, “…any citizen on Rt. 17 that night.” He also said, “Nobody is responsible for what I did but myself.”

State Prosecutor Marty Cosgrove called the agreement, “adequate.” Connor began serving his sentence immediately.