Community Crime Watch Meetings

Community Crime Watch Meetings

September 5, Germantown Community Crime Watch, Germantown School at 6 p.m.

September 7, Bishopville Community Crime Watch, Bishopville Fire Dept. at 6 p.m.

September 14, Newark Community Crime Watch, Newark Fire Dept at 6 p.m.


September 19, Girdletree Community Crime Watch, Girdletree Fire Dept at 6 p.m.


September 28, Stockton Community Crime Watch, Stockton Fire Dept at 6 p.m.

From The Worcester County Sheriff's Office

Worcester County Sheriff's Office

Arrest Report

 Thursday, July 5th,2012, the Worcester County Sheriff's office responded to a Bishopville address for a reported 911 hang-up. Upon arrival, deputies met with a victim who had reported that a suspect, later identified as William Randall Lewis, white male, age 54 of Berlin, had assaulted her and attempted to steal her purse which contained money. Mr. Lewis had left the scene prior to the deputies arrival. Mr. Lewis was located a short time later in Berlin, Maryland and arrested by deputies from the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office. Mr. Lewis was charged with Robbery, and second degree assault. He was subsequently held on a $10,000.00 bond. He awaits trial on those charges.


Friday, 07-06-12, deputies from the Worcester County Sheriff's Office responded to an address in Berlin, Maryland for a civil complaint investigation. Upon arrival, deputies observed Joseph Daryl Webster, white male, age 50, of Ocean City, enter the property. Deputies were aware of a protective order in place that prohibited Mr. Webster from being on the property. Mr. Webster was then arrested by deputies from the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office for violation of a protective order. Webster was released on his own recognizance by a judicial officer until a trial date.

Lt. Edward C. Schreier
Worcester County Sheriff's Office

From The Worcester County Sheriff's Office

WORCESTER COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE

PRESS RELEASE

On June 20, 2012 around 8:00 pm Deputies from the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to near the Greene Turtle in West Ocean City. The reports were that an intoxicated person had wandered into the road and was lying in the roadway. When Deputies arrived they met with Karen Pledger 32 years of age from Delmar Md. who was very intoxicated and belligerent. Ms. Pledger was arrested for disorderly conduct and transported to the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office. At the office Ms. Pledger was processed and released on a criminal citation for disorderly conduct. Ms. Pledger was released to the care and custody of a male friend who had come to the Sheriff’s Office to give Ms. Pledger a ride home. Ms. Pledger became irate with the male and began to throw pieces of paper at him, and eventually threw a pen. Ms. Pledger was arrested again in the parking lot for assault. Ms. Pledger resisted the arrest and was eventually placed into custody once again. Ms. Pledger was later transported to the District Court Commissioner in Snow Hill and was released with a trial date of July 31, 2012 at 9:00 am in the Snow Hill District Court.

On 06/12/2012 at 0300 Worcester County Sheriff's Office Deputies received a call in reference to a disabled vehicle. The Deputies responded to the area and made contact with the defendant, Victor Evans II 22 years of age, of Temperancville Va. who was walking on the roadway attempting to purchase gasoline.
Upon the Mr. Evans returning to his car, Deputies observed marijuana and CDS paraphernalia in the vehicle. The Mr. Evans was placed under arrest and charged with, Possession of Marijuana, and Possession of CDS Paraphernalia. Mr. Evans was taken before the District Court Commissioner, where he was released on his own recognizance.

On 06/16/2012 at approximately 1750 hours, Worcester County Sheriff’s Office Deputies arrested Jeremy Wayne Snyder, 22, of Easton, Pennsylvania for a District Court Arrest Warrant issued on 05/29/2012 for Rape-Second Degree. Snyder was later taken before a District Court Commissioner and held at the Worcester County Detention Center on $25,000 bond.

On 06/16/2012 at approximately 1750 hours, Worcester County Sheriff’s Office Deputies arrested James McKinley Brown, 49, of Willards, Maryland for (4) District Court Arrest Warrants. Mr. Brown is being charged with Burglary-Second Degree, and Theft-$1,000 to $10,000 for the first warrant issued on 05/05/2012. Mr. Brown is also being charged with Burglary-First Degree and Fourth Degree for the second warrant issued on 08/06/2011. Mr. Brown’s also being charged with Burglary-First Degree and Fourth Degree, along with MDOP-Less than $500. Mr. Brown’s fourth warrant was issued on 08/29/2011 for Assault-Second Degree. Mr. Brown was later taken before a District Court Commissioner and held on $15,000 bond for each of the first three warrants and released on his personal recognizance for the fourth warrant. Mr. Brown has two additional warrants through Wicomico County and a detainer was sent from Baltimore City Police Department for Violation of Parole. Mr. Brown is currently held at the Worcester County Detention Center Pending Trial.

Pocomoke Police Department Nearing Complete Move

Pocomoke City Police Department

Market Street Location

May 31, 2012

Just a little more time and the Pocomoke City Police Department will be opening in the new location on Market Street.

This building is quite different from the current police station on Second Street. From the first step inside the front door (or the back door if that seems to be your preference) the new facility is astounding! I've watched this building go from a body shop to the professional establisment that it is. I know how excited everyone is ..... including myself.


Photo above was taken in what will be the conference room. At the present time it is serving for the delivery of office furnitue.

The Pocomoke City Council alloted a certain amount of funds to be used to purchase new furniture and supplies. The monies have been used very wisely and Angel Thornes, the Executive Administrative Assistant for the Pocomoke City Police Dept., has done a grand job in her selection of office supplies, desks and chairs for the various offices. Angel has also been one of the many that have poured their heart and soul into this move. She deserves so much credit and on the day Councilman Malloy and I stopped by she took the time to give us the tour just to show us how much progress has been made.

I'm not going to tell everything I learned from Angel - I'm going to let the police department brag on their new facility. The most amazing room in the new station? The radio room. The department has bigger screens that produce larger images making it easier to see what cameras in various parts of town send. Because of the location of the new police department radio transmissions will be clearer. One of the images will be of the bay area located in the back of the station. The dispatcher will be able to view the officer as he approaches. With the touch of a button - just like a garage door opener- the doors open in the back of the building, freeing the time an officer would have to spend fumbling for keys to unlock the doork, get back in his patrol car and pull into the garage..... a feature the police department has never had before.


My venture would never be complete without stopping by the current police department.
It's always a pleasure to see Chief Sewell and on this day met Officer Perkins. What a great person and true asset to the department.

I also need to say this. I've watched the new station become a reality. I've met some of the most wonderful people in the past few months. These are good, hard working men. I've seen them hanging from metal beams, walking on stilts, crawling on their knees.....never complaining. I've been locked in a cell, tip toed around newly glued tiles and watched wax dry.

In the past months I've seen the changes in the Pocomoke City Police Department. Recently I had the occasion to meet more of the police officers. This IS a new and improved department! And based on what has been happening in Pocomoke City lately you can believe they "work well with others" .

Other agencies from Virginia, Worcester County Sheriff's Dept., Maryland State Police, Worcester County State's Attorney Beau Oglesby- (I've forgotten many) ALL fit into the equation of fighting crime together. And it shows!

My best to all of you. Keep up the good work!
And thankyou, Chief Sewell and Angel for all of you kindness in the past months.

From Pocomoke City Police Chief Kelvin D. Sewell

ARREST REPORT

POCOMOKE CITY

POLICE DEPARTMENT

MAY 1 - 31, 2012

05/01/2012 While conducting routine patrol in the area of Fifth Street and Young Street Pocomoke City Police observed a vehicle traveling with an inoperative tail light. Upon stopping the vehicle, the Officer was notified the operator’s license was Suspended. Arrested was Shadae Harmon, age 18 of Pocomoke MD. She was issued a citation for Driving on a Suspended license and released.

05/02/2012 Pocomoke City Police received a call for a fight in progress in the 200 block of Laurel Street. Upon arrival Police observed three people walking away from the area. As Officers approached the individuals they became belligerent and started yelling profanities towards the Officers. Arrested was Kane Cottman, age 23 of Pocomoke MD. Cottman was charged with intentionally harm/threaten/damage property with the intent to retaliate against a victim or witness for giving testimony in an official proceeding. Also, arrested was Keith Gray, age 21 of Pocomoke MD. Gray was charged with Disorderly Conduct.

05/07/2012 Pocomoke City Police arrested Justin Curtis, age 21 of Pocomoke MD. Curtis was charged with Possession of Paraphernalia. Curtis is pending trial.

05/05/2012 While conducting radar detail in the area of Eighth Street Pocomoke City Police observed a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed through the area. Police initiated a traffic stop, upon contact with the operator Police learned her license was Suspended. Arrested was Jennifer Hughes, age 21 of Westover MD.

05/08/2012 Pocomoke City Police received a complaint in reference to violation of an interim protection order. Upon arrival Police made contact with the victim of the order who advised she was having problems with the defendant of the protection order. The suspect has returned to her residence after being served the interim protection order and was escorted off of the property. Arrested was Dennis Howell, age 25 of Pocomoke MD.

05/08/2012 Pocomoke City Police arrested Derrick Collick, age 22 of Philadelphia PA. Collick was charged with 2nd degree Assault, Reckless Endangerment and 1st degree Assault. The charges were related to an incident that occurred on April 9, 2012. Collick was held at the Worcester County Detention Center on $75,000 bond.

05/11/2012 While conducting patrol on Route 13, Pocomoke City Police observed a vehicle travel over the white center lines of the highway several times. Upon contact with the operator of the vehicle Police could detect a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage upon his breath. After further field sobriety tests were conducted and failed. Arrested was Jonathan Hernandez, age 45 of Salisbury, MD. Hernandez was charged with Driving Vehicle While Impaired by Alcohol, Driving Vehicle Under the Influence and other traffic related citations.

05/11/2012 While conducting Seatbelt Enforcement detail in the area of Market Street, Pocomoke City Police observed an individual not wearing their seatbelt. Upon contact with the operator Police learned their license was Suspended. Arrested was Joseph Nelson, age 21 of Snow Hill MD.

05/14/2012 While conducting radar detail in the area of Route 13 & Sheep-house Road; Police observed a vehicle traveling 70 mph in a 55mph zone. Upon stopping the vehicle Police learned the operator’s license was Suspended. Arrested was Darrell Martin, age 53 of Cambridge MD. He was charged with Driving on a Suspended License.

05/17/2012 While conducting routine traffic detail in the area of Linden Avenue; Police were alerted from their License Plate Reader of a Suspended Driver. After comparing the photos from MVA to the License Plate reader the Officer was able to positively identify the driver. Upon contact with the operator police verified their license was suspended. Arrested was Marcus Hamilton, age 28 of Deal Island MD.

05/17/2012 Pocomoke City Police received a call for Theft of cab services rendered. Upon contact with the victim Police learned the cab driver transported the suspect from Fruitland MD to Pocomoke City. The suspect tried to exit the cab without paying his required fare. Arrested was Michael Edmondson, age 22 of Beltsville, MD.

05/17/2012 Pocomoke City Police received a complaint in reference to drug activity in the area of Fourth & Second Street. Upon arrival Police observed the vehicle matching the description given by the complainant. A traffic stop was initiated on the vehicle. Upon contact with the driver Police could detect an odor of alcohol upon his breath. The suspect was given several field sobriety tests which were all failed. Arrested was Jeffrey Myers, age 47 of Pocomoke MD.

05/18/2012 While conducting traffic detail in the area of Route 13 & Ocean Highway; Pocomoke City Police stopped a vehicle for failing to move their vehicle in the far lane while the Officers vehicle was on the side of the road as required by the State of Maryland. Police initiated a traffic stop on the vehicle. Upon contact with the driver Police learned their license was Suspended. Arrested was Maria Curtis, age 25 of Mount Holly, NJ.

05/19/2012 While conducting routine Patrol in the area of Route 13 Pocomoke City Police observed a vehicle traveling with expired registration stickers. Police initiated a traffic stop on the vehicle. Police made contact with the driver who stated to the Officer he did not have a license. After further investigation the Officer conducted a search of the vehicle. Upon searching the vehicle Police located a 2 inch long knife, a glassine baggie containing suspected CDS, and several other CDS Paraphernalia devices. Arrested was Donald McCall, age 52 of New Church, VA. McCall was charged with CDS Possess-NOT Marijuana, CDS Possession Paraphernalia, False Statement to Police, Driving unregistered Motor Vehicle, Driving uninsured Motor Vehicle, and other traffic charges. McCall was held on $5,000 bond. David Dickerson, age 39 of Mappsville VA was charged with CDS Possess-NOT Marijuana and Eddie Savage, age 48 of New Church VA was charged with CDS Possess-NOT Marijuana.

05/21/2012 While conducting routine traffic detail; Pocomoke City Police observed an operator driving without a seatbelt. Upon stopping the vehicle the Officer learned the operator had a Suspended License. Arrested was IBN Brown, age 28 of Newark New Jersey.

05/23/2012 While conducting routine patrol Pocomoke City Police observed a vehicle traveling with expired registration stickers. Upon stopping the vehicle the Officer learned the driver had a suspended license. Arrested was Harry Johnston, age 59 of Atlantic VA.

05/26/2012 Pocomoke City Police responded to Fourth Street Pocomoke City to attempt to serve an Arrest Warrant for Baltimore County. Upon arrival Police located the suspect; the Warrant was confirmed for Failure to Appear. Arrested was Jeraldine Narman, age 47 of Jacksonville FL.


05/28/2012 Pocomoke City Police received a call to respond to the area of 1018 Lynnhaven Drive for a Violation of Protection Order. Upon arrival Police learned the victim had obtained a Protection Order for the suspect to stay away from her and her residence. The suspect continued to call and text her as well as come to her residence. Arrested was Terrance Gale, age 29 of Pocomoke MD.

05/30/2012 Approximately 1930hrs, Members of the Pocomoke City Police Department, Criminal Enforcement Team & The Worcester County States Attorney Office executed a search and seizure Warrant at 1902 North Old Mill Drive, Pocomoke City MD. Arrested was Toan Chi Huynh age 26 of Pocomoke City, MD. The following items were recovered from Mr. Huynh residence:

- 1,207 grams of Marijuana (High Grade)
- 61 grams of Powder MDMA
- 16 tablets of Ecstasy MDMA
- Various items of paraphernalia to include commercial heat sealer and scale
- $1,075 in US Currency
- 2 Flat screen TV’s
- 2007 Honda Civic
- Other miscellaneous documents
Huynh was charged with the following charges:- Possession of Marijuana
- Possession with intent to distribute Marijuana
- Possession with intent to distribute Marijuana (School Zone)
- Possession with intent to distribute powder MDMA/Molle
- Possession with intent to distribute powder/Molle (School Zone)
- Possession of Ecstasy/MDMA
- Possession with intent to distribute Ecstasy/MDMA
- Possession with intent to distribute Ecstasy/MDMA (School Zone)
- Possession of Paraphernalia

Worcester County Animal Control Annnouncements

Worcester County Animal Control 

 Spay and Neuter Clinic

Two days each month, the Worcester County Animal Control hosts a spay/neuter clinic for cats and dogs. The cost is only $100.00 for dogs and $50.00 for cats.

Rabies vaccination service will be provided for a $10.00 fee.

Appointments are required.

Call Worcester County Animal Control at 410-632-1340 to make an appointment.

Worcester County Animal Control

and

Health Department

Rabies Clinic

The Worcester County Health Department and Animal Control have TWO remaining rabies vaccination clinics for this spring.The clinics are scheduled 5:30-7 p.m.:

Wednesday, May 9: Bishopville Fire Hall,
10709 Bishopville Rd., Bishopville

Thursday, May 10: Worcester County Animal Control The county continues to offer low-cost pet rabies clinics to assist citizens with keeping their pets’ protected against the ongoing problem of rabies locally. The county had four laboratory confirmed cases of rabies, each in raccoons, in February.

The cost for a rabies vaccination is $5 per pet for Worcester County residents and $10 per pet for non-Worcester County residents.

Proof of residency is required. Vaccinations are available for dogs, cats and ferrets. Below are additional requirements for the clinics:
If this is not the pet’s first rabies vaccination, written proof of the previous shot in the form of a rabies certificate must be provided in order to receive a three-year booster shot. Otherwise, a one-year shot will be given.

To receive a vaccination, dogs must be on a leash under the control of an adult, and cats and ferrets must be in a carrier or box with air holes.

Keeping pets’ required rabies vaccinations current is the best way to prevent the spread of rabies from the wild animal population to the domestic animal population.

For more information on the clinics or to report animal bites or possible rabies exposures to pets from wild animals contact the Worcester County Health Department at 410-352-3234 or 410-641-9559. If an incident occurs after normal business hours, contact your local law enforcement or the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office.

Museum Program & Luncheon

Tickets are on sale for the Purnell Museum's special program Maids & Mistresses at the Nassawango Country Club on May 19th.

Live models will help us explore the realities of Victorian women's lives by taking a close look at the styles they wore.

An elegant lunch is included in the ticket price of $25. Call the museum for more details: 410-632-0515.

MISSING....

OCEAN CITY POLICE SEEKING PUBLIC’S ASSISTANCE LOCATING MISSING MAN

Ocean City Police are asking for the public’s assistance in locating a missing 22-year-old man.  Lance Corey Gaines, who was visiting Ocean City with his family from upstate New York, was last seen on April 21, 2012at approximately 1 a.m.at The Sandbar on33rd Street and Coastal Highway.

Gaines, who was reported missing by his family, has brown hair, blue eyes and was last seen wearing a grey hooded sweatshirt.  He is approximately 6’-4” and approximately 190 pounds.

Ocean City Police are asking anyone who has seen Gaines or who has had contact with him to notify Detective Carl Perry with the Ocean City Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division at 410.723.6604.

Worcester County Honors Its Most Beautiful People

Tuesday, April 17, the Worcester County Commissioners and Volunteer Services Manager Cyndy Howell recognized the contributions of area volunteers during the 2012 Worcester County’s Most Beautiful People (WCMBP) Volunteer Awards Ceremony.

This celebration honored 21 individuals and two organizations recognized by Worcester County for their ongoing service to the community.

Individuals recognized by Worcester County included Mickey Ashby, Winette Dennis and Greg Frostrom of Pocomoke City, Ed Colbert, Stacy Schaffer, and Helen Rasmus and Mary W. Smith of Berlin, Jack “Graham” Caldwell, Mike Corcoran, William “Bill” Long, Diane McGraw and Mary M. Stevens of Ocean Pines, Phillip “Phil” I. Houck, and Jackie Disharoon and Jo Miller and Timothy Garett Roe of Ocean City, Christy O’Connell, and Mary and James Waters of Snow Hill, and Git R Done Cleaning Services of Newark

The two groups recognized included Instructional Volunteers for Outreach of the Veterans Memorial of Ocean Pines and the Community Church at Ocean Pines Choir


These outstanding individuals and organizations are among the 1.3 million Maryland volunteers whose combined volunteer hours represent a worth of $4 billion this past year.


"This collective group today serves countless hours throughout Worcester County providing needed services that enhance the lives of our residents,” said Howell. “Our human capital is our greatest resource here!”


Those in attendance during the county’s 2012 WCMBP ceremony represent only a small sample of the hundreds of volunteers whose efforts sustain vital programs that otherwise could not be made available in our area.


Worcester County Government is extremely grateful for each of the countless volunteers who dedicate their time, talent, and resources day in and day out to improve the lives of those around them. It is these individuals and groups, whose good works often go unnoticed by the general public, who make Worcester County such a wonderful place to call home.


For more information on volunteering in Worcester County, contact Cyndy Howell at (410) 632-0090.

http://www.co.worcester.md.us/Articles/ViewArticle.aspx?ArticleId=1059

BURN BAN STILL IN EFFECT

Effective immediately (April 16, 2012), ALL outdoor burning is banned for an indefinite period of time in Worcester County. Worcester County Fire Marshal Jeff McMahon issued the burn ban today. (Monday)

The ban applies to all outdoor ignition sources with the following exceptions: Proper use of gas and charcoal grills, campfires at the County’s commercial, State and Federal campgrounds, permitted official Ocean City bonfires, private property recreational campfires which are limited to a fire area of 2 feet with a height of 3 feet, public fireworks displays and volunteer fire company training exercises.
http://wcfmo.org/images/stories/PR/2012/2012burnban.pdf

The New Pocomoke City Restaurant- Moving Right Along......

The New Pocomoke City Restaurant

 ~ In Progress ~

Thursday, April 5, 2012

It still isn't time for cocktails on the deck but it will be before we know it!  Some of the brickwork  was being done and I must say that the brickwork being laid will certainly do alot to add to the charm of this most beautiful restaurant.

It might not be very appealing right now but it will be.

Lots of progress has been made inside too.  Probably the most noticable was that the walls had all been given a base coat.  - With light through the windows and all white walls I don't think I've ever seen anything so white!  I can't wait to see what colors they choose to paint the walls.

Kitchen area...  We found this guy hard at work by himself and quiet as a mouse.

 

Last two photos were taken from Cypress Park.

One of the great things about the new restaurant is that parking is FREE.  It doesn't matter if you come by car or by boat or even jet ski.  There's no charge.

There will also be no charge for the magnificent view!

Emergency Alert Signals To Sound Saturday

Worcester County residents:

 Saturday, April 7, Worcester County emergency alert signals will sound from area fire sirens. Officials say to expect a steady alert tone at 10A.M.  lasting for one minute.

These signals are tested the first Saturday of each month. In the event of an actual emergency, the sirens would be used to warn of danger

Second Day of Spring ~ Downtown Pocomoke City

DOWNTOWN POCOMOKE CITY, MARYLAND

TUESDAY, MARCH 20, 2012

I have been asked many times why the tyveck still remains over the window in the new restaurant.  And NO it is not still covered due to vandalism.  A different type of window has been ordered for that area of the building to make it easier for serving customers on the deck. 

Legislative Updates By Delegate Mike McDermott

Feb. 25th, 2012

Field Notes

Observations and Reflections on Legislative Activities

By Delegate Michael A. McDermott

Week 7 February 20-24, 2012

Monday Evening-President’s Day Speech
According to House traditions, the House Democratic Caucus selected one of their members to deliver the President’s Day Speech to the members. Delegate John A. Olszewski, Jr.was chosen and provided a reflection on President Washington which implied that he liked taxes. I’m quite sure I do not share the good delegate’s opinion of Washington...but maybe he was referring to Washington DC.
Challenge to Vote Count
Minority Leader Tony O’Donnell voiced a challenge to the recorded vote on the O’Malley-Brown Same Sex Marriage bill (HB-438) which occurred on the previous Friday. As I previously reported, the vote count on the board at the final call showed 71 in favor and 67 opposed. After the session, the Speakers Office released a press release stating that Delegate Bohanan (D-St. Mary’s Co.) had voted in favor of the bill but his vote was, somehow, not counted. This is highly irregular and, when it occurs, the delegate is required by House Rules to stand immediately on the floor and make this known to the Speaker. Delegate Bohanan did not do so. The Speaker blamed it on a mechanical failure within the computer voting system. We are, to say the least, highly skeptical of this explanation. Bottom line, it appears that the delegate’s vote was not needed and he cleared his vote from the board. Since his green vote was seen on the board by the media, this “explanation” was laid out in the aftermath of the vote. As a result of the challenge to the vote, the days journal has not been agreed to and is currently standing in limbo.
On a side note...I was behind a couple of IT guys going into the State House building on Tuesday morning with their equipment in tow. They were talking about finding this “missing vote”. I said to them, “you guys here to solve that missing vote problem?” to which they looked at each other and one said, “yeah...ha ha...right”.
Conclusion: there is no missing vote problem...just a case of some missing integrity.

Judiciary Committee Hearings, Tuesday: Gun Day
Today is traditionally referred to as “Gun Day” on the committee as this is the day when we review all of the bills filed which have to do with gun rights or restrictions. The star for the day on the pro-gun legislation were several bills all similar to HB-45. This bill seeks to make Maryland a “shall issue” state as it relates to Gun Permits issued by the Maryland State Police. Currently, the law requires a citizen to provide a “good and substantial reason” to show a need to protect themselves with a pistol carry permit. The proponents of the bill believe, as is the case in 40 other states, that the burden should be upon the state to show cause why a permit should not be issued as opposed to the burden being on a citizen to show they have a good reason.

The Chairman has refused to allow these types of bills to come out for a vote, even if they are well supported on the committee. That appears to be the case this year as well. There is a clear demand from many citizens from all over the state that they should be allowed to protect themselves and their families no matter where they travel in Maryland. Some of the bills sought reciprocity agreements with surrounding states for their permit holders. Liberals are always interested in restricting 2nd Amendment rights in Maryland and we will continue to be a very unfriendly state for gun owners. The pro-gun bills included:HB-45, HB-256, HB-300, HB-396, HB-430, HB-488, HB-579
There were a few regulatory bills regarding firearms. Some dealt with mental health issues and the ability to purchase firearms, the criminal use of firearms during criminal acts, and the possession of stolen firearms. The regulatory bills included:HB-618, HB-856, HB-968, HB-1100, HB-1104, HB-1113, HB-114, HB-1135
There was a bill to restrict the sale of certain compounds that are currently marketed for explosive targets. The components are purchased and then combined together to create something that can be detonated as a target shot by a firearm with significant velocity. There was debate abut information available on line about other common compounds readily available. The State Fire Marshall has come back again this year with HB-875 to address the potential misuse of this one particular binary compound by determined individuals.
Judiciary Committee Hearings Conducted Wednesday
Today was DWI Day in the committee. All filed bills that address aspects of driving under the influence were heard. Most seek enhanced penalties for certain acts committed while driving under the influence such as having children in the vehicle or causing death or serious injury. Those seeking enhanced penalties included:HB-535, HB-608,
Those bills addressing deaths resulting from motor vehicle accidents included enhancing penalties, making them must appear offenses, and mandating drug and alcohol testing under certain circumstances. These bills included:HB-469, HB-462, HB-649, HB-1022
HB-778 seeks to expand the definition of “operator” of a motor vehicle in cases of vehicular manslaughter when the actions of a driver create a dangerous situation that results in the death of another.HB-1179 seeks to expand the definition for a police vehicle for purposes of charging an individual with fleeing and eluding police.HB-1082 seeks to address a problem in Carroll County with the use of Drug Recognition Experts. While they are accepted across the state, it seems a certain judge is holding up decisions in his county due to his interpretation of the law concerning these trained law enforcement experts.
Judiciary Hearings Conducted on Thursday
Today was Family Law Day. Standing room only crowd for the previous two days and today was the same. We took up bills that involve child custody, divorce law, adoptions, and child support issues. Most of these bills were heard in previous sessions with some modifications hoping for traction this year. The following bills addressed aspects of custody arrangement including HB-459 which seeks a task force to study joint custody of children:HB-485, HB-761 (grandparent visitation), HB-1165
HB-719 seeks to alter access and record searches for adoption records. It would make it easier to search for birth parents by those so inclined and would expand access to adopted individual 18 years of age or older.HB-873 seeks to address some issues surrounding Reproduction Agreements where surrogates carry a baby on behalf of a couple who cannot otherwise have children. This is a comprehensive bill and there was a lot of witnesses in support of some of these changes.
There were two bills addressing Protective Orders. HB-883 seeks to place an actual distance within a Protective Order whereby a person must keep their distance. HB-971 would allow a person seeking a Protective Order to not necessarily need a fixed address for a Respondent. HB-1010 was back for a second year. It would allow a parent who was in arrears with child support payments to take up a second job to get caught up without altering their original payment order amount.
Judiciary Voting Session on Thursday
The following bills received a “Favorable” report from the committee and will bime sent to the House floor for 2nd Reader:HB-96 Probation Before Judgement allowance for second CDS arrest with successful completion of Drug Court and probation.HB-318 Lowers eligibility amounts for small estate settlements.HB-398 Adds the investigation of Theft Schemes to the list of enumerated crimes where a wire tap can be utilized by law enforcement.
On the Senate Side Thursday...
The senate voted quickly on the O’Malley-Brown Same Sex Marriage Bill. They also created two legislative days out of one calendar day and passed the bill in the afternoon. No amendments were accepted onto the bill by the democrats which could have at least made the bill better. These included amendments to address homosexual-same sex marriage curriculum in public schools and a prohibition on a minor being able to enter into a same sex marriage. As a result of these rejections, when the governor signs the bill into law next week, a 16 year old boy will be able to marry a 40 year old man and our schools will be forced to instruct that same sex marriage is a normal option.

As a result, the referendum process has begun. The people of Maryland will have the last word when we force the issue into the ballot box. In the coming weeks, I will provide detailed information on how to get involved in the referendum. For those who helped in the referendum on Illegal Alien In-State Tuition last year, it will be the same process. We will now be on guard in the House for legislation that will seek to make the referendum process more complicated and arduous for the people. We know it is coming.
House Voting Session Friday
In the interest of space, I will highlight bills during voting sessions and share the link where you can see all of the bills voted on during this particular session. Today, my first bill cleared the House and moved onto the Senate. It is HB-251 which allows for criminal history checks to be performed on taxi driver applicants. We also passed HB-104 which makes texting on a cell phone while driving a primary offense.
Judiciary voting Session on Friday
This was a big day for me as two of my bills were up in the voting session. HB-119 will allow law enforcement officers in Maryland the ability to charge most misdemeanor offenses by issuance of a citation instead of requiring them to be taken before a District Court Commissioner for release. This will save the state millions and limit the down time for law enforcement officers tied up waiting on the District Court. This is a companion bill to HB-112 and HB-261 which I introduced to address the problems associated with providing Public Defender access at the Initial Appearance those charged with a crime have before a District Court Commissioner. The bill guarantees a right to counsel in the District Court appearance before a judge but does not require it before a Commissioner. This will save the state anywhere from $30 million to $100 million based upon estimates from the Public Defender’s Office, States Attorneys, and the Department of Legislative Services. Wicomico State’s Attorney Matt Maciarello helped me craft this bill and I also received support from Worcester State’s Attorney Beau Oglesby and Somerset State’s Attorney Dan Powell. The bills have been worked on by many in our committee along with representatives from the Governor’s Office. Both of these bills will now move to the House for Second and Third Reader next week.

Progress on the New Restaurant- Downtown Pocomoke City, Maryland

Friday, February 10, 2012

Pocomoke City, Maryland

At this point all windows have been installed....

you can tell that they have been covered.