State of Delaware
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DSU ticket limits draw ire of students
DOVER -- At last year's "We're not callous to spring commencement, rainy students' concerns." weather forced Delaware State Some students said the University to hold three university could have done separate ceremonies indoors. more to involve students in The year before, DSU kept the process before they graduation outside in its became upset. football stadium, despite (2 of 2) inclement conditions. Many "I feel like the students and parents left administration is trying to early. Those who stayed were bamboozle us," said Daniel "cold and miserable," Provost Martin, a 23-year-old senior Alton Thompson said. who attended the meeting. So this spring, DSU will plan "They don't want to be the event for its gymnasium inconvenienced." to avoid similar problems. DSU leaders said they decided The school will hold four on the change because moving ceremonies over two days, a the ceremony indoors at the move that will split up last minute proved costly and students according to their difficult. And braving the majors and limit the number poor weather two years ago of friends and family each "took away from the dignity student can invite. and formality" of the event, The change has upset many DSU Thompson said. Although students. unplanned, many parents "I feel like we've been enjoyed the three indoor disrespected," said Kendra ceremonies DSU held last year, Mayers, a 21-year-old senior. Thompson said. "They didn't come and talk to "The comment I heard was, 'I us about it until after the could actually see my child,' decision was made." " Thompson said. "It was more The plan would restrict intimate." students to eight tickets. DSU administrators considered DSU prides itself on finding a larger indoor educating students who are facility elsewhere in the first generation in their Delaware, such as the Bob family to attend college. For Carpenter Center in Newark or those families, commencement the Center on the Riverfront has special significance, in Wilmington, but decided often leading to more than against it. eight people being interested Other colleges and in coming, several students universities hold multiple said. commencements. "This is a big deal for me The University of Delaware and my family," said Capri holds one commencement for Nugent, a 22-year-old senior. the entire graduating class "I'd be the second person in each May in its football my family to finish college." stadium, rain or shine. But More than 100 seniors held a it also holds 40 smaller contentious meeting with ceremonies for individual Thompson last week to voice departments. The University their displeasure. The of Maryland uses a similar meeting was closed to the approach. Pennsylvania State public, but students leaving University holds a the meeting described the commencement for each college graduation changes with harsh within its institution. The words, some of which can't be University of Pennsylvania, printed. on the other hand, holds one Thompson, who said he heard commencement -- outdoors, from several upset students, rain or shine -- at Franklin said he and the rest of the Field in Philadelphia. commencement committee, which Angela Crenshaw, a DSU junior, has student representatives, recalled attending multiple would consider adjusting some ceremonies when her mother aspects of the ceremony to taught at Hampton University address student objections. in Virginia. Although she He will explore creating a won't graduate until 2012, way for students who don't Crenshaw isn't worried about need eight tickets to give the format of future extras to those who need more, commencements. he said. "However they want to have, "I can feel the emotion and as long as my mom's there to the passion of the students. take a picture," the 20-year- It's well received," he said. old said.
Tags: draw, limits, students, Ticket
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Plenty of local passion on both sides during big game
Just before Sunday's Super at a cost of $3 million per Bowl coin toss, Fran Rizzo 30 seconds. walked around the Chestnut Eminem was everywhere, Street Cafe, the Wilmington Roseanne Barr took a big hit bar he owns, dressed in jeans from a log and Joan Rivers and a Green Bay Packers T- became a GoDaddy girl. shirt with green beads draped It was also hard to throw a around his neck. Pepsi can without hitting a Patrons sipped drinks and ate car commercial during Super rice, chicken and macaroni Bowl XLV between the and cheese. A section on the Pittsburgh Steelers and Green back wall of his place near Bay Packers. Automakers took the restrooms was a shrine to advantage of advertising's the team he has loved all his biggest showcase to try to life. show they're back after two "I used to work at a beer tough years for the industry. distributor, so when I first After avoiding the Super Bowl got this place, all I had up for two years as it went in were signs with beers, so I and out of a government-led figured I put something up. bankruptcy, General Motors It's nothing major," Rizzo came back with five ads for said coyly. Chevrolet. In one ad, a Then he talked about his seemingly mundane car affinity for the Packers. dealership ad is disrupted "When I was in first grade my when a Camaro suddenly morphs mom got me a Green Bay coat into the Bumblebee character on sale. I've been a fan ever from the "Transformers" since," Rizzo said. "That's movies. Chrysler was expected all I can recollect." to push the limits of how The funny thing about Rizzo, long a Super Bowl ad could be his cousin Anthony Episcopo -- with a two-minute commercial who had a big G shaved in the featuring Eminem. back of his head -- and his At Timothy's Restaurant on nephew, who wore a white-and- the Wilmington Riverfront, green Clay Matthews jersey as there wasn't a Packers jersey he served drinks from behind or T-shirt in sight. Hundreds the bar, is that they might of Steelers fans did what have been in the minority at they did every Sunday during their own establishment. the regular season. They Before kickoff, Steelers fans dressed in their favorite waved yellow towels, apparel and cheered their displayed Steelers tattoos team. and wore Steelers stickers as "We got between 400-450 face paint. people in there today," owner "Here we go, Steelers, here Mark Gosik said. "I don't were go!" a packed crowd think we have one Packers fan yelled from the back of the in here," Gosik said. bar where they congregated At Timothy's, the crowd and sipped beer. They shouted arrived early to tailgate and back even louder when Green talk with familiar faces. Bay fans up front yelled "Go, Rob Robinson of Wilmington Pack, Go!" came dressed in a Steelers Some topped it off by singing uniform, minus shoulder and the popular Pittsburgh rapper knee pads. Wiz Khalifa's song, "Black "Give me a cup and some pads and Yellow," which is an ode and I'm ready to go" Robinson to the city and team. joked. At 6-foot-2, 285 "We all knew we were going to pounds, he would have fit do it," said Eric Maldonado, right in with the team he from Wilmington. He wore a watched on several screens white, black and yellow Troy around the restaurant. Polamalu jersey and Steelers As the score climbed to 21-3 face paint under his left eye. in favor of Green Bay, "We're on the stairway to Robinson shook his head a seven," Maldonado said, little. referring to the possibility "We still believe in the of the Steelers' winning Steelers," he said. "The their seventh Super Bowl ring, Steelers are No. 1, win or which would put them atop the lose." NFL. Wilmington resident "Steelers all day, baby." Moegodishu Walker saw the But after Green Bay scored Packers' lead climb to 18 and the first two touchdowns, smiled. noise at the front of the "The Steelers are a second- cafe was loudest. Rizzo and half team," he said. "We are Episcopo slapped hands in going to make history. It's excitement. going to be an exciting (2 of 2) second half. We are going to The noise was so loud, few score quick, get a runback were paying attention to the and then we'll be good. popular commercials or the Minutes later the Steelers spread of Packers cake, scored, making the score 21- Steelers cake or cupcakes 10, and Walker and everyone that Rizzo had people bring else inside Timothy's went in to share. crazy. While the ads may have been "We don't believe in the just background noise at the unfortunate happening around Chestnut Street Cafe, here!" he said of the advertisers were hoping possibility of Pittsburgh celebrities and humor wooed losing. the 100 million-plus viewers
Tags: both, during, Game, Local, passion, Plenty, sides
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Egyptian party leaders out, but Mubarak clings to power
CAIRO -- The leadership of Amr Hamzawy, a member of the Egypt's ruling party stepped Committee of Wise Men, a self- down Saturday as the military appointed group of prominent figures spearheading the figures from Egypt's elite transition tried to placate that is unconnected to the protesters without giving protesters but has met with them the one resignation they Suleiman to explore solutions demand, President Hosni to the crisis. "There seems Mubarak's. The United States to be a deliberate attempt by gave key backing to the the regime to distract the regime's gradual changes, proponents of change and warning of the dangers if allow the demands to Mubarak goes too quickly. disintegrate in the hope of But protesters in the streets [regime] survival." rejected the new concessions That could mean the crisis and vowed to keep up their could move into a test of campaign until the 82-year- sheer endurance, as old president steps down. protesters try to keep Many are convinced that the drumming out tens of regime wants to wear down thousands into Tahrir day their movement and enact only after day. superficial democratic The government and military reforms that will leave its have promised not to try to deeply entrenched monopoly on clear protesters from the power in place. square, and soldiers guarding Tens of thousands thronged the square continued to let Cairo's central Tahrir Square people enter to join the in a 12th day of protests, growing rally. waving flags and chanting, But there were signs of army "He will go! He will go!" impatience Saturday. At one Mubarak, who has ruled Egypt point, army tanks tried to with an authoritarian hand clear a main boulevard by for nearly 30 years, insists bulldozing away burned out he must stay in office until vehicles that protesters used his term ends, after a in barricades during fighting September presidential in the past week with pro- election. The military regime attackers. The move figures he has installed to prompted heated arguments lead the government -- Vice with protesters who demanded President Omar Suleiman and the husks remain in place in Prime Minister Ahmed Shafiq -- case they are attacked again. have offered in the meantime The troops relented only to hold negotiations with the after protesters sat on the protesters and the entire ground in front of the tanks. opposition over democratic There were also reports for reforms to ensure a fair vote. the first time of attempts by 'Make the right decision' A troops to prevent those day after President Barack entering from bringing food Obama pushed Mubarak to leave for protesters. "They want to quickly, the U.S. suffocate the people in administration changed tone Tahrir and this is the most Saturday with a strong obvious attack on them endorsement of Suleiman's without actually attacking," plans. said Mohammed Radwan after "It's important to support soldiers tried to confiscate the transition process some of the bread, cheese and announced by the Egyptian lunchmeat he was bringing in. government actually headed by (3 of 3) now-Vice President Omar Reforms, not resignations Suleiman," Secretary of State The resignation of the Hillary Rodham Clinton said leadership of the ruling at an international security National Democratic Party conference in Munich, Germany. appeared to be a new step by She warned that without Suleiman to convince orderly change, extremists protesters that he was could derail the process. sincere about reform -- or at A U.S. envoy who met Mubarak least convince the broader earlier this week, former public so support for the ambassador Frank Wisner, went movement fades. further still, saying it is The six-member party Steering "crucial" that Mubarak remain Committee that stepped down in place for the time being included some of the to ensure reforms go through. country's most powerful He pointed out that under the political figures -- and the constitution, a Mubarak most unpopular among many resignation would require new Egyptians. Among them was the elections in two months, party secretary-general, meaning they would take place Safwat el-Sharif, and the under the current rules that president's son Gamal Mubarak. all but guarantee a ruling State TV, announcing the party victory. resignations, still (2 of 3) identified Hosni Mubarak as His comment was an abrupt president of the ruling party change in message -- on in a sign he would remain in Friday, Obama called on authority. Mubarak to "make the right The protest organizers seek a decision." The State lifting of emergency laws Department later said Wisner that give the security forces was speaking as a private near unlimited powers, an end citizen since his official to restrictions on the mission to Egypt had ended. forming of political parties, America's confidence in guarantees of independent Suleiman is not shared by the supervision of elections and protesters, who doubt the the annulling of rules on who ruling party will bring can run for the presidency democracy unless they that all but rule out any continue their mass credible challenge of a demonstrations. They want the ruling party candidate. concrete victory of Mubarak's The current rules are key to removal -- though some appear the regime's lock on power, willing to settle for his backed by rampant rigging of sidelining as a figurehead -- elections, by security with a broadbased services widely accused of transitional government to corruption and a casual use work out a new constitution. of torture and by party "What happened so far does control of the powerful state not qualify as reform," said media.
Tags: clings, Egyptian, leaders, Mubarak, Party, power
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Admirers recall Reagan the man
Frank Ursomarso Sr. stood on Evans knew Reagan years a chair in the White House before he was elected press office on March 30, president. In 1976, Reagan 1980 -- 70 days after Ronald asked Evans to offer his Reagan's inauguration -- and seconding speech at the confirmed for the crowd of Republican Convention. But reporters that the president Evans said he had to decline had been shot. because, as a party leader, "It was a very long day," he he felt it was important to recalled Friday. support the seated president - As communications director in - Gerald Ford -- in his re- the first months of the election bid. They met again Reagan White House, Ursomarso, in 1977 and Evans told Reagan, now chairman of Union Park "Governor, I'm going to make Automotive Group in it up to you." Wilmington, worked closely Reagan asked him to chair his with the president. finance committee but Evans, Reagan was a direct and no- then the U.S. representative nonsense leader, said from Delaware, didn't want to Ursomarso, who recalled what give up his elected seat. happened when air traffic "Maybe I could do something controllers went on strike. else," he suggested. "He fired them and he didn't Evans did the seconding hire them back," he said. speech at the 1980 Republican "That was a classic example." Convention in Detroit. Then As the nation marks what he served in Reagan's kitchen would have been Reagan's cabinet as part of his 100th birthday Sunday, transition to the presidency. Delawareans who knew the man "Over the years, we became are reflecting on the good friends," he said. "One president and his legacy. of the best things about "Our favorite president," Ronald Reagan was he was a said Greenville resident and very good listener." former congressional Former Gov. Pete du Pont was candidate Michele Rollins, part of a small group of who with late husband John people who were asked to enjoyed many private dinners visit Reagan in the hospital with the Reagans at the White as he was recovering from the House. 1980 assassination attempt. "When his eyes met your eyes "He was in his pajamas," du and he clasped your hand, it Pont recalled. "But he had was like everybody else in stories. He had jokes.. . . the room disappeared," said When I think back on the Priscilla Rakestraw, the presidents, he was just the Republican National Committee most pleasant of all of them. Woman for Delaware. He was just a very good Explained former person." congressional candidate Glen Jim Brady, Reagan's former Urquhart, who worked on press secretary who now lives several of Reagan's in Rehoboth Beach, couldn't presidential campaigns: "He be reached for comment Friday. left you feeling more secure." Brady was shot and seriously "The Great Communicator," as wounded in the 1981 attempt Reagan became known, is often on Reagan's life, and he and considered the father of the wife Sarah later founded the modern conservative movement. Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun When he was nominated at the Violence. 1980 Republican Convention in (3 of 3) Detroit, the country was in Urquhart said that shortly self-doubt. after Reagan was elected Inflation, an energy crisis president, he was invited to and the storming of the U.S. a gathering in Virginia. He Embassy in Iran that resulted took his father along. His in 52 people held as hostages father, it turned out, had for 444 days had demoralized been Reagan's "boss" when the nation. Reagan was a spokesman for In his nomination acceptance General Electric. speech, Reagan said he would Urquhart said the president- "will not stand by and watch elect made a huge fuss over this great country destroy his father. itself under mediocre "He was extremely gracious," leadership that drifts from he said. one crisis to the next, DiMondi said his family felt eroding our national will and the same warmth. purpose." His late father, Frank, had The day after President Jimmy met Maureen Reagan when the Carter left office, the two were serving on a site hostages -- including Seaford selection committee for a native Gregory Persinger, who Republican convention. The had been serving as a Marine two became good friends and guard at the embassy -- were DiMondi said that when she released. learned of his father's (2 of 3) illness, she tracked him down. Rollins said she was She said: "Would you guys especially grateful to Reagan mind coming to D.C." to meet because her cousin, Michael J. the president? Metrinko, was one of the DiMondi didn't even ask his hostages who was released. dad. "Do I have a soft spot for a "I said Frank DiMondi Sr. great president? You bet I do, would love to come over and " she said. meet the president." The Rollinses met with the When the family arrived at Reagans many times. "It just the White House, they were felt good to be around him," briefed by a protocol officer she said. "You were proud to and ushered into an area just be an American." outside the Oval Office. Former U.S. Rep. Tom Evans "The double doors opened" and remembers the lessons Reagan there was President Reagan. taught the nation: "Most of "It was just us and him,"he all, he lifted our spirits." said. And Bill DiMondi, remembers His father and the president the kindness of the Reagans. discussed DiMondi's bison When his father, Frank -- a farm, politics and the former state Republican Party difficulty in energizing chairman -- was terminally volunteers to help with ill with a brain tumor, he campaigns. They talked for an received an invitation to hour. bring his father to the White "It was quite a thrill," he House to meet the president. said. "It was definitely the "He was such an affable, down- highlight of his political to-earth person," he said. life."
Tags: Admirers, Reagan, recall
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Delaware budget: Parole Board, crime victims plead for stay
DOVER -- Members of the in Legislative Hall would embattled Board of Parole abolish the board and split made an 11th-hour appeal its duties between the Thursday to save the board Department of Correction and from a death sentence, their the judiciary. arguments bolstered by a The department's parade of crime victims Institutional Release and pleading for the board to be Classification Board would saved. hold parole hearings. The Casting aside the differences existing board would be that at times have divided revamped, with four members the board members and appointed by the correction chairman Dwight F. Holden, commissioner, one each by the the board presented a united House and Senate correction front -- and an alternative committee chairs and one to Gov. Jack Markell's plan member of the victims' to abolish it. advocacy community appointed The board's proposal would by the speaker of the House cut $91,000 from the agency's and president pro tem of the current $529,200 budget, Senate. while maintaining its Rep. Bryon Short, D-Highland independence and preserving Woods and a sponsor of the it as the sole post- bill, said the revamped board conviction venue where crime would "protect both the victims can testify about the victims' interests ... and impact a criminal has had on the interests of the their lives. incarcerated." Ultimately, the 12-member Crime victims, though, said Joint Finance Committee -- it is crucial that the board which last year rejected a retain its independence and similar bid to abolish the not be tied to the Correction board -- will decide its fate. Department, which has a Parole was abolished when the vested interest in reducing Truth in Sentencing Act took prison population counts. effect in 1990, but the board Mary Faith Welch, who still has jurisdiction over survived being shot with a . almost 250 inmates convicted 357 Magnum wielded by a before parole was abolished. former boyfriend, begged the It also supervises those who JFC to keep the board in its are out on parole. current form. On Thursday, Parole Board "The sad truth is the members blasted the Truth in offenders have more rights Sentencing Act as a disaster than the victim," said Welch, that puts inmates back on the who has testified in nine street regardless of whether parole hearings for her they've been rehabilitated. assailant, Thomas Kibler. He Parolees have demonstrated to remains behind bars, thanks the board that they're likely to the board. to succeed on the outside. "The thought of abolishing "Truth in Sentencing removes the Board of Parole and the motivation for the inmate turning it over to the DOC to rehabilitate, because keeps me up at night," she there's no reward," board said. member William C. Pfeifer A rape victim who now lives told the panel. in North Carolina told the "The old system provided a panel that board chairman reward and punishment that Holden speaks with her TIS does not provide," frequently to make sure she's Pfeifer said, calling Truth OK. She was raped when she in Sentencing "an ineffective, was 10, and said she has money-sucking monster." tried to take her life as a Board member Joe Garcia result of the emotional pinned the high recidivism damage. rate -- more than 70 percent "He's been there for me," the in 2010 -- to Truth in woman said. "Will the Sentencing. Before that law Department of Correction do was passed, recidivism was that for me?" just 17.3 percent. Debra Puglisi Sharp, who was As Garcia cited statistics kidnapped from her Newark- that implied the more than area home and raped by the 187 percent growth in the man who fatally shot her prison population is due to husband of 25 years, said the the abolition of parole, Rep. board should be preserved. Dennis P. Williams, the JFC's "I know what it's like to be chairman, interrupted him. brutally raped. There are "I take exception to that. many rapists in our prison You have to look at the system. Who is to say that proliferation of handguns and these rapists will not all that," Williams said. reoffend? That decision (2 of 2) should be up to the Board of Garcia replied that he was Pardons," Puglisi Sharp said. simply citing the statistics. "Do not re-victimize those of "I take exception to that," us who are trying to reclaim Williams repeated. our lives and live with some Draft legislation circulating sense of normalcy."
Tags: Board, budget, crime, Delaware, Parole, plead, Stay, victims
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Mubarak backers ignite deadly clashes
CAIRO -- Bursts of heavy sharp turn for the worse gunfire rained into Cairo's almost immediately after Tahrir Square before dawn Mubarak rejected the calls Thursday, killing at least for him to give up power or three anti-government leave the country, stubbornly demonstrators among crowds proclaiming he would die on still trying to hold the site Egyptian soil. after an assault by His words were a blow to the supporters of President Hosni protesters. They also suggest Mubarak, according to a that authorities want to turn protest organizer. back the clock to the tight Sustained bursts of automatic state control enforced before weapons fire and powerful the protests began. single shots rattled into the Mubarak's supporters turned square starting at around 4 a. up on the streets Wednesday m., and was continuing more in significant numbers for than an hour later. the first time. Some were Protest organizer Mustafa el- hostile to journalists and Naggar said he saw the bodies foreigners. Two Associated of three dead protesters Press correspondents and being carried toward an several other journalists ambulance. He said the were roughed up in Cairo. gunfire came from at least State TV had reported that three locations off in the foreigners were caught distance and that the distributing anti-Mubarak Egyptian military, which has leaflets, apparently trying ringed the square with tank to depict the movement as squads for days to try to foreign-fueled. keep some order, did not After midnight, 10 hours intervene. after the clashes began, the Footage from AP Television two sides were locked in a News showed two bodies being standoff at a street corner, dragged from the scene. The with the anti-Mubarak health minister did not protesters hunkered behind a answer a phone call seeking line of metal sheets hurling confirmation of the deaths. firebombs back and forth with Throughout Wednesday, Mubarak government backers on the supporters charged into the rooftop above. The rain of square on horses and camels bottles of flaming gasoline brandishing whips, while set nearby cars and wreckage others rained firebombs from on the sidewalk ablaze. rooftops in what appeared to The scenes of mayhem were be an orchestrated assault certain to add to the fear against protesters trying to that is already running high topple Egypt's leader of 30 in this capital of 18 million years. Three people died in people after a weekend of that earlier violence and 600 looting and lawlessness and were injured. the escape of thousands of The protesters accused prisoners from jails in the Mubarak's regime of chaos. unleashing a force of paid Soldiers surrounding Tahrir thugs and plainclothes police Square fired occasional shots to crush their unprecedented in the air throughout the day nine-day-old movement, a day but did not appear to after the 82-year-old otherwise intervene in the president refused to step fierce clashes, and no down. They showed off police uniformed police were seen. ID badges they said were "Why don't you protect us?" wrested from their attackers. some protesters shouted at Some government workers said the soldiers, who replied their employers ordered them they did not have orders to into the streets. do so and told people to go Mustafa el-Fiqqi, a top home. official from the ruling The two sides pummeled each National Democratic Party, other with chunks of concrete told the Associated Press and bottles at each of the that businessmen connected to six entrances to the the ruling party were sprawling plaza, where 10,000 responsible for what happened. anti-Mubarak protesters tried The notion that the state may to fend off more than 3,000 have coordinated violence attackers who besieged them. against protesters, who had In one almost medieval scene, kept a peaceful vigil in a small contingent of pro- Tahrir Square for five days, Mubarak forces on horseback prompted a sharp rebuke from and camels rushed into the the Obama administration. anti-government crowds, "If any of the violence is trampling several people and instigated by the government, swinging whips and sticks. it should stop immediately," Protesters dragged some said White House Press riders from their mounts, Secretary Robert Gibbs. throwing them to the ground (2 of 2) and beating their faces The clashes marked a bloody. The horses and camels dangerous new phase in appeared to be ones used to Egypt's upheaval: the first give rides around Cairo. significant violence between The anti-Mubarak movement has government supporters and vowed to intensify protests opponents. The crisis took a to force him out by Friday.
Tags: backers, clashes, Deadly, ignite, Mubarak
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Delaware children: Learning to spot, and stop, abuse
DOVER -- The evil is evident at first, but a phone call a and all-too-present in few weeks later notified him Delaware, where charges of that his suspicion was child sexual abuse by a Lewes correct. Another incident had pediatrician became national occurred with the same child, news in 2010 and 6,500 officials told him. reports of child abuse and Bradley was arrested Dec. 16, neglect were reported to the 2009, and charged first with Division of Family Services raping one girl; days later, last year. Almost 1,400 of he was charged with several those reports were more rapes. At the time, substantiated. police said they had been Tuesday night, though, the investigating him for about a Champagne Ballroom of the year, but gave no indication Dover Sheraton was packed that multiple allegations had with hundreds of doctors, been made years earlier. nurses, attorneys, social The following month, after workers, law enforcement obtaining search warrant officials and child advocates documents over a judge's -- all gathered for mandatory objection, The News Journal training in recognizing and reported what police, reporting child abuse. More prosecutors, doctors and than 900 had registered for hospital administrators had the "summit" and it appeared not revealed. Bradley was there were few no-shows. investigated in 2005 by "For this many people from Milford police for excessive all walks to come together to kissing and improper touching, listen to professionals on and one mother complained of this -- it's monumental," a 1999 molestation. said Randy Williams, director (3 of 3) of the Children's Advocacy Beebe Medical Center, where Center of Delaware, which Bradley worked or had interviewed more than 1,500 privileges since 1994, knew children about abuses that of the Milford case. happened to them last year. Fellow doctors had concerns "I'm really encouraged by the about how he performed turnout." genital and vaginal exams. The conference is part of His sister tried to warn the Delaware authorities' Medical Society of Delaware response to the case of Dr. in late 2004 about complaints Earl B. Bradley, a Lewes of improper touching by pediatrician charged early Bradley and his deteriorating last year with rape or sexual behavior, only to be told by abuse of more than 100 child the trade association's patients. Legislators made president that it was a additional training mandatory, "family matter." and Gov. Jack Markell signed Investigations after Bradley eight other bills -- The day those revelations including increased civil were published, Attorney penalties for failing to General Beau Biden launched report abuse -- to strengthen an investigation into why the protections for Delaware kids. medical board was never "We know we can channel our notified after Bradley's anger and sorrow into changes sister's 2004 report and the that make things better for 2005 criminal investigation. kids," Lt. Gov. Matt Denn The next day, Markell told the gathering. "We've launched a separate probe done it before and with your into how Delaware's child- help we can do it again." protection and medical- In the keynote address, Dr. oversight system failed so Cindy Christian, co-director miserably. of Safe Place: The Center for While those inquiries were Child Protection and Health going on, Beebe officials at the Children's Hospital of revealed in an interview that Philadelphia, spoke on how in 1996, they had difficult it was to discern investigated a nurse's and treat child abuse, and complaint that Bradley sketched out the significant conducted too many toll abuse takes on the catheterizations. She individual throughout a complained about how he lifetime. positioned girls when "That was the most important examining them for labial thing -- talking about child adhesions and also was abuse as a public health troubled by his excessive issue and the effects it has kissing of girls and his later in life," said Cara sexist remarks about mothers. Sawyer, a planning supervisor Beebe cleared Bradley of any for the Domestic Violence wrongdoing. Coordinating Council and a The report by Biden's office former Philadelphia and the report for Markell by prosecutor. "It's amazing how Linda L. Ammons, dean of the many are here. They've made Widener University School of this an issue they care about. Law, were released in May and " castigated prosecutors, (2 of 3) police, Beebe, the Medical Christian spoke in medical Society, Scott and others. parlance, using acronyms and The 'Bradley Bills' Those terms the medical reports led the General professionals knew -- and Assembly to pass a package of responded to -- as she showed legislation known as "The graphic photographs of Bradley Bills" that tightened conditions kids have shown up oversight and discipline of with. Some were normal medical professionals. diseases or childhood The state also was required injuries. Some were inflicted to implement new procedures by adults. She showed how to ensure that medical difficult -- but not professionals are aware of impossible -- it was to their responsibilities to discern which injuries were recognize and report child inflicted and which were not. abuse. She urged physicians to be The criminal trial against diligent and thorough in Bradley, originally slated to their examinations and tests, begin next month, has been urged them to consider a pushed back to June 1 in New broad range of diagnoses and Castle County. to be honest with families Some physicians Tuesday night and other medical said the mandatory training professionals about their and some other legislative concerns. She urged them to changes seem more political be strong advocates for the in nature than substantive. kids they see. Addressing the real problems "Sometimes we are the only will take much more, some voice for that child," she said. said. One problem, Christian said, Linking systems together Dr. is that pediatrics is a Ross Megargel, an emergency "dream job" for a smart department physician at pedophile. And some practices Christiana Care and medical may be too small to have director of the state's chaperones for procedures Emergency Medical Services, that need them. said he and his staff would The American Academy of discuss the topic at a Pediatricians soon will meeting today. publish suggested protocols, "It never hurts to be she said. refreshed on these issues, "We pray this is something and this was a great incredibly uncommon," she presentation tonight on the said. "Most of us go into subtleties of pediatric medicine for honorable and sexual abuse," he said. "It good reasons." was enlightening and Attorney General Beau Biden, disturbing. It's important whose office was criticized for the whole system -- not for not pursuing only doctors but school investigative opportunities, nurses and others, linking said the training will help all these systems together." everyone do a better job, and Megargel said he has had to that "out of these tragedies, report cases of suspected hopefully good things will abuse. In one case the come." finding was unsubstantiated
Tags: abuse, children, Delaware, learning, spot, stop
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Federal abortion probe sought
WILMINGTON -- The Delaware not answer any questions. Family Policy Council on Last week, Delaware Attorney Monday called on U.S. General Beau Biden confirmed Attorney Charles M. Oberly that his office already is III to investigate Delaware conducting an investigation abortion provider Atlantic of Gosnell, who worked one Women's Medical Services in day a week at Atlantic, Dover and Wilmington. according to court papers. Evidence suggests that Dr. Theis urged Biden and Oberly Kermit Gosnell, an Atlantic to investigate Atlantic's employee, committed crimes Dover clinic as well as the that crossed state lines, the Wilmington clinic, saying group said, adding that it that whatever problems are believes one of the remaining discovered at the Wilmington doctors at Atlantic may be in location likely also exist at violation of federal drug the Dover clinic. laws. Also on Monday, state Reps. Council President Nicole Joe Miro, R-Pike Creek, and Theis said Dr. Arturo Ruth Briggs King, R- Apolinario -- whose listed Georgetown, called on phone number on several Delaware Health and Social medical websites is the same Services Secretary Rita as that for Atlantic's Landgraf to provide them with Wilmington clinic -- has let an "official response" as to his controlled-substances why the state does not license expire, meaning he conduct regular safety and could be in violation of sanitation inspections of federal drug laws if he has abortion clinics that are, if prescribed or administered not equal to those conducted any of the drugs since June at hospitals, at least equal 2009. to the kind the state A check of the Delaware state routinely conducts at website that tracks restaurants and beauty salons. professional licenses shows Department spokesman Carl that Apolinario has a valid Kanefsky said the secretary and active medical license would be responding to the but that his controlled- letter. substances license has lapsed In addition to being charged and he must re-apply. with murder in the deaths of Theis added that Apolinario several infants by is the only doctor other than Pennsylvania authorities, Gosnell who her organization Gosnell is also charged in knows is associated with the the death of one patient at Atlantic clinics. Gosnell, his West Philadelphia clinic whose license to practice in who prosecutors allege died Delaware was suspended last from an overdose of sedatives. year, is currently Over the weekend, the incarcerated in Philadelphia National Abortion on murder charges. Federationsuspended A Philadelphia grand jury Atlantic's membership in report, meanwhile, has their professional charged that Gosnell association and have stopped routinely started late-term referrals to Atlantic and abortions in Delaware at affiliated clinics in Atlantic's Wilmington clinic, Louisiana until procedures that were illegal investigations related to the under Delaware law, and then clinic are resolved. had his patients cross state The Philadelphia grand jury lines to complete the process that investigated Gosnell in West Philadelphia. recommended that the "The facts cry for a federal federation suspend Atlantic's investigation of this membership because of interstate operation," wrote Gosnell's activities at the Jordan Warfel of the Delaware Delaware clinic, which also Family Policy Council in a included getting paid at letter to Oberly. Warfel's Atlantic for abortions he conservative organization later completed in West opposes abortion. Philadelphia. The Philadelphia District Nine employees of Gosnell's Attorney's Office has charged are also facing criminal that Gosnell killed infants charges in Philadelphia, that were delivered alive including two Delaware during abortion procedures at residents, Lynda Williams, 42, his West Philadelphia Women's of Wilmington, and Sherry Medical Society by cutting West, 51, of Bear. their throats with scissors. According to court papers, The U.S. Attorney's Office Williams also worked at did not respond to calls Atlantic before she went to seeking comment on Monday. work for Gosnell full time in (2 of 2) 2008 at his West Philadelphia Leroy Brinkley, the owner of clinic. Atlantic who was answering Warfel noted that the federal the Wilmington clinic's drug law violations his group phones on Monday, declined to suspects as a result of comment on behalf of himself, Apolinario's license lapsing the clinic and Apolinario. are the same kind of "We'll let our lawyer deal violations investigators with it," he said. uncovered at Gosnell's West The clinic's attorney, Nino Philadelphia clinic and at Tinari, said Monday that he clinics owned by Brinkley in had not yet consulted with Louisiana. Brinkley and therefore could
Tags: abortion, Federal, probe, sought
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Sharing a sport they love
In a grass-covered blind in a The morning of this year's field of stubble, hunt was pitch-black, frozen professional outdoors guide hard at 23 degrees as hunters Al Dager coaxed a furious began to wheel into the riff of sound from goose wildlife refuge before 5 a.m. calls around his neck, The office air tasted of courting a noisy string of coffee, sausage, home fries geese. and eggs as hunters peeled Hunters Sonny Oakes Jr. and off camo and filled plates Wayne Carter quietly checked topped by biscuits in the their shotguns -- at the hearty hunter breakfast. ready by their wheelchairs. "We were up at 3 in the About two dozen geese made a morning cooking," said Dover wide turn, locking in their resident Irene Bibbins, who wings to land. has worked for the Smyrna Photo gallery: Wheelin' Diner more than 40 years. Sportsmen She and co-worker Brenda "Sonny, get your gun ready," Alexander of Smyrna, who also Dager said as Oakes lifted cooked and brought a chili his new Browning, joined and chicken-'n'-dumpling Carter in aiming and breathed lunch buffet, said the diner out. has donated food since diner- "Don't move, you guys," Dager regular Dager recruited its said in a hush. He made a few help years ago. more calls then whispered, "Seein' the fellas enjoy it, "Get 'em!" that's the best," Alexander BOOM. BOOM-BOOM. BOOM. said. "There's three of 'em down," Scott Ward, 47, of Milford, Dager said. As Dager is a quadriplegic whose neck retrieved the birds, Carter broke in a car crash 25 years said, "He's the man." ago. Hunting with friend John He has been for nearly a Metz of Sandtown, he said the decade, since he got a phone best part is "camaraderie. ... call from the National Wild Everyone's great and they go Turkey Federation. above and beyond, that's for Leaders of Bombay Hook sure." National Wildlife Refuge had Hunters are paired with contacted the nonprofit volunteers, wheeling in looking for ways to make the darkness to vans and trucks area along Delaware Bay more heading to blinds over accessible for people in hundreds of acres. Oakes and wheelchairs. The result was Carter were first to hit the the free, one-day-a-year two-bird limit of Canada outing called Wheelin' geese. Sportsmen. "We've never gotten done this It has drawn dozens of men, early," said Oakes, 56, of teens and even a few women Newark, whose legs were from as far as Connecticut. amputated after being burned Whether they use wheelchairs in 1983, when his pick-up due to war wounds, crashes, truck caught fire coming home limb loss, paralysis, from hunting. multiple sclerosis, polio or Carter, of South St. Georges, other issues, they share the was paralyzed when he wrecked outdoors with volunteers who a dirt bike in a race 37 see hunting as a rich life years ago. An avid hunter, he experience, Dager said. proudly showed off a buck's "If it wasn't for guys like symmetrical 10-point rack in Dager and all the volunteers his van from a hunt days behind this wheelchair earlier. hunting program, most of us Hunters Robert Kowalski, 51, wouldn't get to do this," and son Robert Jr., 14, of Oakes said. "Some of the guys New Castle shared a moment who come out have never been memorable to any hunter, as hunting before, and it's just the elder Kowalski felled two great to be here." geese in one shot. "Awesome," Charles Spray of Millsboro, his son said. president of the turkey "Once in a lifetime," said federation's Lower Delaware Lee Thomas, a professional Chapter, said last year's waterman from near Port Penn. event was canceled because of The elder Kowalski was too much snow. This year's paralyzed 39 years ago as he, also was postponed because of his father and brother got a December storm. ready to go hunting. "My (2 of 2) brother dropped a gun and it Donations fund equipment such went off," he said. as wheelchair-friendly blinds, And another father-son moment some built by volunteers, Boy is a treasured memory to Scouts and refuge staffers Thomas and Dager. In an Arthur Straughn and Jesse earlier Wheelin' Sportsmen Weigand. hunt, a teen with cerebral "It's a great opportunity to palsy, who had never hunted, get the guys out and enjoy was in a blind with them and what we enjoy all year, to his father, an avid hunter experience the outdoors," who longed to share the said volunteer Chris Donahue activity with his son. of Middletown, a leader of Dager, who devised gun- the Brandywine Chapter of holding adaptations, said Ducks Unlimited. they called geese for hours, "This is the most rewarding and finally, the boy felled thing," Donahue said. "You his first with a single shot. realize a lot of the time, "His dad fell to the floor you take things for granted crying," Thomas recalled. and the guys are so Dager said he and Thomas were appreciative." moved more than they expected Smyrna Diner donates food to be: "We cried like babies."
Tags: love, Sharing, sport, they
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Delaware crime: Six shot at bowling alley
Two groups separated by eight "It was really jumping over to 10 lanes at First State there," she said. Bowling Alley in Fox Point First State owner Rita were arguing shortly before Justice, who served as New midnight Friday when shots Castle County executive from were fired, wounding six 1985 to 1989, said she has people and sending bowlers owned the business since 1972. scrambling for cover. "It's just tragic that People near the cafeteria society has this element that were seen on surveillance doesn't do the right thing," video ducking under tables. she said. "We do have Bowlers using the lanes security and we're going to farthest from the entrance beef it up even more. But ran into restrooms, the there's no way to know if billiards room or even onto they have a gun when they the lanes themselves. Workers come in. We have taken fled into back offices. precautions, however. We have "They were running every cameras all over the place." which way," said Bob Bowers, County police officer John the alley's general manager, Weglarz Sr. said the video who described the scene after from the surveillance cameras reviewing security footage may help solve the case. that was turned over to There have been two other police. shootings at First State. In the end, six people were A man was fatally shot March wounded. Four were 1, 2008, when a fight erupted transferred to Christiana between his friends and Hospital, according to county another group. The shooter paramedic Cpl. Peter Small. has not been identified, Two suffered serious injuries according to News Journal and the wounds of two others files. were not life-threatening, Another happened Dec. 13, officials said. Two others 2008, when a man was wounded were grazed and refused after a fight broke out in medical treatment. the parking lot. New Castle County police The crowds that come Friday detectives had no information and Saturday nights about suspects Saturday night occasionally include but released surveillance troublemakers, said Bowers, photos of three men they want who is Justice's son-in-law. to question. Their "It's a travesty," he said. description of what happened "They're not the groups you said only that an altercation see during the week, where I broke out between two groups. have a pretty good league Night manager Allen Ridgaway base." was behind the counter when There was a 212-hour wait for he heard what sounded like lanes Saturday afternoon, firecrackers. Bowers said. "I said, 'Who would have On Saturday, Quenna Neal of firecrackers?' " he said, New Castle said she never adding that two bullets hit experienced any problems in the counter's plexiglass. the 15-plus years she's been "I hit the floor and dialed bowling there. She said she 911 on my cell phone and has even left her 7-year-old locked the register with my daughter, Savannah, there to other hand," said Ridgaway, play while she runs errands, who has worked at the bowling under the watch of the alley for 35 years. managers. Nikki DiOria said she was "Everyone here is like a sitting with friends at a family," she said. "I can birthday party at Lane 7 when trust them, and it's sad what the gunfire erupted. the shooting does to this "It happened real fast," the establishment. ... I hate the 21-year-old Claymont woman fact that you get slime that said. "I hit the floor, then can come into an organization ran with a guy sitting with and break it down. It really us to the office. Normally, bothers me." it's a great place to be with Tomika Winfrey of Wilmington no problems. I come here to said that even if she moved bowl every Sunday." to a different town, she Members of the Chester (Pa.) would still bowl only at High School class of 2002 First State. She also said were having a reunion when she'd feel comfortable the violence broke out. leaving her 14-year-old Ridgaway said there is daughter, Morgyn, there to usually a police presence at bowl on her own. Winfrey also the bowling alley on said she's hosting a alternating weekend nights. tournament at the alley in No officers were on site May and won't consider Friday night, when business canceling. is usually slow. But a county "I hope the business here officer was scheduled to work doesn't suffer," said Winfrey, three extra hours there who has never witnessed an Saturday night. altercation during 20-plus (2 of 2) years of visiting the alley. The trouble is, teenagers "It's definitely safe." usually use Facebook or Mike Renshaw, of Brandywine Twitter to alert their Hundred, who was bowling with friends when no police are his wife and four kids there, Ridgaway said. Saturday night, said he Nicole Harris, who lives in wasn't deterred by the the nearby Colony North incident Friday night. Apartments, said she didn't "We go bowling about twice a hear any of the gunshots but month and have a good time," could see a lot of activity Renshaw said. "It made me and taillights in the parking think, but it was probably lot. one of those rare incidents."
Tags: Alley, Bowling, crime, Delaware, shot
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