Tuesday, January 28, 2014

Field Notes By Delegate Michael A. McDermott

 
Field Notes
Observations and Reflections on Legislative Activities
By Delegate Michael A. McDermott
Week 3 January 20-24, 2014
 
Monday Evening Session:
 
The House heard a presentation by Delegate Barbara Robinson (D-Baltimore City) in honor of Martin Luther King Day. It was requested that the delegates remarks be Journalized for the record (the entire speech will be included in the written record of the House of Delegates).
 
 
 
Tuesday Afternoon Judiciary Briefing:
 
A briefing was conducted to hear about the recent Court of Appeals decision  which addressed the DeWolfe v. Richmond decision and the rejection of the fix provided by the General Assembly in 2012. Chief Judge Clyburn made a presentation on the Task Force recommendations on eliminating the problems associated with defendants being entitled to representation during their Initial Appearances before the court (this is currently performed by District Court Commissioners without the presence of counsel). The Office of the Public Defender estimates the additional costs would be around $30 million. The judicial task force estimates they can provide services through a variety of changes and by utilizing video conferencing with judges for a cost of roughly $6 million in total costs. I have previously proposed expanding the ability of persons to be released on citation by law enforcement and I have called for my former bill (HB-119), which passed the House in 2012, to be revisited and considered as a means of dealing with some of these issues. It is clear that there will be additional costs associated with insuring people have representation at all phases of the court process, but Governor O’Malley failed to include any money in his budget appropriated for this purpose.
 
The House Republicans offered a few rule changes from the floor. The first change sought would require that every bill that is heard by a committee must be allowed an up or down vote by that same committee. Currently, many bills have a hearing and are never heard from again as the committee chairman will simply refuse to bring the bill out for a vote. It is a common practice known as “keeping a bill in the drawer”. I have written about this practice in the past. I spoke on the floor in support of the rule change as I do not believe that one delegate should be able to prevent a bill from receiving a vote that is offered by another delegate simply because they elect not to bring the bill forward. I believe the people of Maryland deserve better. This change was referred to the House Rules Committee where it will, no doubt, go to die.
 
Another proposed rule change would see the creation of a non-partisan House Parliamentarian. Currently, we are the only legislative body in the United States that has a Parliamentarian who is an appointed member of the majority party. Considering that this person makes decisions regarding the interpretation of rules that govern the conduct of the House, when the majority seeks to do something that the minority believes is against the rules, the Parliamentarian always takes the side of the majority. It is a ridiculous system. Even the Maryland Senate at least pretends to have a fair system by naming a Clerk as the Senate Parliamentarian (even though she merely provides advice to the President of the Senate and works on his payroll).
 
Wednesday Afternoon Judiciary Hearings:
 
HB-49 would create a uniform percentage of 15% as a “reasonable Attorney Fee” that could be charged in cases involving a Breach of Contract.
 
HB-59 would allow for the transfer of property and wealth (titles, etc.) by a person to another person that would take place upon the owner’s death. This would be similar to a “Life Estate” that currently exists within the law. It was said that this would help many elderly folks who do not desire to create a will or other type of document, but who do want to insure that their final wishes are implemented upon their death.
 
HB-83 seeks to codify the Common Law decisions that have been historically used to guide and govern Maryland in addressing Trusts. This bill was passed last year by the House and then was tied up in the Senate. The bill is a significant work that has been worked on in the House for a number of years.
 
HB-147 would allow Montgomery County to receive the same treatment as the state would in cases where the county acts on behalf of the state in cases arising out of the administration of a State Human Services program being administered by Montgomery County. It seeks to clarify the law as it is currently being carried out relationally between the state and Montgomery County.
 
Thursday Morning Session:
 
The session began with a  Special Order on HB-. This bill would offer an open ended extension of the Maryland Health Insurance Program in order to cover the massive mistakes made by Maryland Obamacare provisions. The bill would provide unlimited coverage for anyone who merely claims they tried to get insurance and were rejected prior to the deadline. This bill would provide direct payments to cover any medical issues experienced by these persons during the time that they “claim” they could not receive coverage through Maryland-Obamacare. They propose to tax the hospitals to cover the costs associated by this error. The Special Order will postpone the matter until Friday,
 
A joint session was then called to order as we invited the Senate into the House Chamber to hear Governor O’Malley’s State of the State Address. It should come as no surprise that the governor did a victory lap on his accomplishments.  You can find the Address here.
 
Here are some points that come to mind regarding the governor’s speech:
 
In a nutshell, Martin O’Malley thinks that he has been successful. He thinks our state is stronger than when he first stepped foot in the door. He believes our middle class is more vibrant, healthier, and prosperous than ever in our history. He believes that our state is friendlier for business and is a leader in the country for jobs.
The word “delusional” came quickly to mind.
 
The governor claimed he entered office “with a $1.7 billion structural deficit” when his predecessor, Gov. Ehrlich, had left him with a billion dollar surplus. Essentially, Governor O’Malley will leave office having increased our spending by over 32% and in debt up to our eyeballs. Quite a contrast.
 
He forever changed Maryland’s definition of marriage. He raised taxes and fees over 72 times to date. He redefined “rich” as any family making over $100,000 a year (and taxed accordingly), and he threw in driver’s licenses and In-State Tuition breaks for illegal aliens. He has managed to bring our agricultural industry to the brink, makes us all pay $5 a month to flush our toilets, hiked our tolls by 300%, and taxes us for the rain that falls on our roofs. He took away our rifles and did a jig on our 2nd Amendment Rights. He shut down our mental health care facilities on the shore, and he hiked taxes and fees on our Watermen by 400%.
 
Yes sir, he has been a true change agent…just don’t forget all those democrat votes that paved the way for his vision of America. I can only say I was glad to be a witness to his last State of the State Address.
 
Hearing on HB-26
 
I felt that I had a very successful hearing on my bill which would require the state to provide a fiscal impact statement on any regulations they bring before the AELR Committee (a joint, bi-partisan committee that reviews regulations when we are not in session). It is hard to believe that this is not generally required when you consider the significant impact these regulations often have on businesses and our people. No bill can be approved in the General Assembly without a fiscal note and it only makes good sense to require the same treatment on these regulations. Several folks from the agriculture community came into to testify in favor of the bill.
 
 The committee appeared to agree and I look forward to their taking action and approving the bill.
 
Thursday Afternoon Judiciary Hearing:
 
HB-73 would allow for a rebuttable presumption in cases of damages for injuries sustained from dog bites. It would stop a court from presumptions that a dog is inherently vicious simply because of the breed.
 
HB-80 would establish by law that the owner of a dog running at large is responsible for any damages caused by the dog whether or not the owner knew or should have known that the dog was dangerous. There are exceptions in this bill for service dogs and for dogs that were provoked prior to the attack.
 
*Note(HB-73 and HB-80 involved an extensive hearing that lasted several hours. There were folks on both sides of the issue. It was said by Del. Simmons, the sponsor of HB-80, that his bill and the senate bill being put forward by Sen. Frosh should be passed without amendments or they risk not being passed)
 
HB-93 would require that a person who is convicted of Cruelty to Animals may be held responsible by the court for any expenses incurred in the care, treatment, or relocation of the animal. It would apply to all offenses involving animal cruelty.
 
HB-151 seeks to expand the number of counties that would become part of the pilot program which was started in Baltimore City and Baltimore County. The pilot is an intervention program designed to provide alternatives for a Child in Need of Supervision as designated by the state. It has been utilized to keep children who qualify from unnecessarily advancing in the Juvenile Justice system without the benefit of other alternatives. Wicomico was brought in as a pilot county during this fiscal year. This expansion would continue until every Maryland county is included in this program.
 
Friday Eastern Shore Delegation Meeting:
 
Today we met with the School Superintendents from the Eastern Shore and with State Superintendent Lowry. The Superintendents introduced Dr. Memo Deriker  (BEACON) from Salisbury who relayed, for the second year in a row, the local benefit from tax dollars invested in our public schools. I commented that I felt the comparison could not really be made since the school system must first extract millions from our economy through tax dollars before it returns the money through various sources. Dr. Dericker was dug in on his position.
 
Much of the discussion was centered around the new Common Core standards that have been implemented in the public schools in every grade level. There was some solid debate regarding these concerns as the superintendents and Superintendent Lowery made an effort to defend the changes. Most of the discussion was anecdotal, but it was made clear that many states are rethinking their commitment and making significant changes to slow their process of implementation.
 
I asked Superintendent Lowery why Common Core was not phased in over time beginning with Kindergarten and First Grade. She stated that they felt it was in the best interest to adopt the standards system wide so as to give every student a better education (based upon the new standard).  I also asked her about certain standards which give students partial credit for wrong answers during Common Core testing. She agreed that this was the case, but she defended this credit by stating that students who show some degree of understanding, even though the final answer is wrong, should get some credit. I told the Superintendent that I hoped someone who got partial credit for a trigonometry response would not be a future builder of a new Bay Bridge.
 
Friday Morning Regular Session:
 
 
There was debate on HB-119 which has been presented as an emergency bill to address the failures of Maryland-Obamacare by covering the costs of any medical care received by anyone who merely claims they called and could not get through to the system, They could offer us no realistic estimate on what these costs might be or how long we would need to continue making this available.
 
So even though they received hundreds of millions to set up this system in Maryland as an “example” to the rest of the states…and even though this democrat bureaucracy under O’Malley-Brown had over 2 years to plan ahead and make it happen…and even though, when questions began to be raised and it appeared months in advance that this was completely in the weeds and not going to work out…we followed the Obama plan and rolled it out to our fellow Marylanders anyway!  To be fair, these liberals that voted for this thing did not let me down…it is exactly as we told them it would be and that’s why every House Republican voted NO!
 
It is tough living in a “Nanny” state when the Nanny does not show up for work. Well, the final vote on this fiasco will be on Tuesday morning…do I need to say how I will be voting?
 
 
 

Monday, January 27, 2014

WINTER STORM WATCH / VIRGINIA

INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...CHINCOTEAGUE...WALLOPS ISLAND...MELFA
 403 PM EST MON JAN 27 2014


...WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 1 PM TUESDAY TO 1 PM EST
 WEDNESDAY...

 THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN WAKEFIELD HAS ISSUED A WINTER
 STORM WARNING FOR SNOW...WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM 1 PM TUESDAY TO
 1 PM EST WEDNESDAY.

 * AREAS AFFECTED: VIRGINIA LOWER EASTERN SHORE.

 * HAZARDS: SNOW.

 * ACCUMULATIONS: 2 TO 4 INCHES.

 * TIMING: LIGHT SNOW WILL BEGIN BY TUESDAY AFTERNOON AND CONTINUE
 THROUGH EARLY WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON. A PERIOD OF MODERATE TO HEAVY
 SNOWFALL WILL OCCUR TUESDAY NIGHT.

 * IMPACTS: ROADS WILL BECOME SNOW COVERED AND ICY DUE TO
 TEMPERATURES BELOW FREEZING AND ACCUMULATING SNOWFALL.

 TRAVEL
 CONDITIONS WILL BECOME DANGEROUS...ESPECIALLY TUESDAY NIGHT
 DURING THE HEAVIEST SNOWFALL.

 PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
 A WINTER STORM WARNING FOR SNOW MEANS SEVERE WINTER WEATHER
 CONDITIONS ARE EXPECTED OR OCCURRING. SIGNIFICANT AMOUNTS OF SNOW
 ARE FORECAST THAT WILL MAKE TRAVEL DANGEROUS. ONLY TRAVEL IN AN
 EMERGENCY.

IF YOU MUST TRAVEL...KEEP AN EXTRA FLASHLIGHT...
 FOOD...AND WATER IN YOUR VEHICLE IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY.

Field Notes / By Delegate Michael A. McDermott

 
 Field Notes
Observations and Reflections on Legislative Activities
By Delegate Michael A. McDermott
Week 2 January 13-17, 2014
 
Monday Evening Session:  Here are the bills on First Reader.
 
Tuesday Morning Session:
 
We recognized several former delegates who passed away during the past year with brief eulogies on the floor delivered by several members.
 
Tuesday Afternoon Judiciary Hearings:
 
We heard a review of proposed marijuana possession law changes. The informational hearing did not address a particular proposed bill, but simply the potential for legalizing marijuana possession in Maryland.
 
HB-1 would require the courts to take “Educational Stability” into consideration when factoring on the needs of a Child in Need of Assistance (CNA).  We asked some questions regarding protections of Home School families and other choices in education as this would require the court to be more involved in educational aspects of a child’s life.
 
HB-38 would streamline some of the process for an appeal to the Court of Special Appeals and would eliminate some of the document demands currently required under  the process in place.  There was some opposition indicating that these changes may be problematic for certain groups who are often indigent.
 
HB-45  would allow for Judiciary reports, etc. to be posted on line as opposed to being made part of the Maryland Register since they are already maintained on the Judiciary website.
 
HB-79 seeks to establish certain procedures for a person seeking a Juvenile Expungement of a criminal record. While current Juvenile records are sealed, the Judiciary is seeing instances where these records are being brought into question by potential employers of these juveniles as they become adults. This would not be “shielding” of the records, but the complete removal. The State’s Attorney’s Association came in and opposed the bill. It seems that the current system of “sealed” records once a person reaches the age of 21 should remain in place.
 
Wednesday Morning Session: Here are the bills which were on First Reader.
 
Wednesday Afternoon Judiciary Hearing: We received a briefing from several policy people addressing access to health care and our current medical liability system. Much of the time was spent hearing from health care professionals speaking to a crisis in Maryland in delivering services while addressing litigation that has grown out of control in recent years. One primary example is the absence of OBGYN services being provided in many hospitals across Maryland due to litigation. It is tough in this committee to discuss tort reform  in a room full of defense attorneys.
 
Thursday Morning Session: Here are the bills introduced on First Reader. 
 
Thursday Afternoon Judiciary Hearing:
 
HB-31 this is a bill I introduced last session (HB-1382) which provides the victims of crime the absolute right to provide a Victim Impact Statement during the sentencing phase of any trial. The bill was supported by all of the victim rights advocates of Maryland as well as the Maryland State’s Attorney’s Assoc. and the Governor’s Office of Crime Control. I look for the bill to move quickly out of committee and to approval by the entire House as was the case in 2013.
 
HB-44 would allow a judge to require a person who is the subject of a temporary or final protective order to undergo an Emergency Evaluation. We heard testimony from victim advocates detailing several instances where victims were injured or killed by persons under protective orders who did not receive a mental health review.
 
HB-68 would restrict the ability of the courts to award child custody or visitation to an individual convicted  as a sex offender. This seems like a no brainer, but we have had a small number of judges that are allowing visitation and custody to child sex offenders.
 
Friday Morning Eastern Shore Delegation Meeting:
 
The delegation met with Sec. Dallas of the Department of Human Resources. He provided details on several welfare programs as well as some success in welfare to work initiatives.
 
We also heard from Sec. Skinner of the Department of Housing and Community Development. Most of the discussion focused on the recovery efforts his agency was involved with in Crisfield and Somerset County. He broke down the dollar amounts and some of the ongoing timetables and efforts. I told him about some complaints I had heard from contractors who have said they could build homes for quite a bit less money per square foot but the state is demanding compliance with many add on features that are driving the costs up by 50%. The Secretary acknowledged the costs but said it was necessary to comply with federal mandates. Quite frankly, talking to some of the guys in the know, these features are outrageous. (The sprinkler mandate from the state does not help with costs either).
We had an update from Colonel Brown of the State Police on certain reorganization changes that will severely impact local narcotics task forces on the shore. The changes will pull MSP detectives from these units and use them to investigate larger cases that lead out of the counties and state. Sheriff Bounds was there and stated that he saw this as an immediate problem for them to try and keep operations going effectively without the manpower. He was hoping to negotiate for some additional time before the transition. It is unclear how the rest of the shore will be impacted as the first change is on the mid-shore. It is something we must keep an eye on going into the future.
 
Friday Morning Session: Here are the bills introduced on First Reader.
 
 
 
 

Premiere Movie Night ~ NASA Visitor Center


The Past and Present Fundraiser For the Costen House

Past and Present Fundraiser for the Costen House Museum in Pocomoke City featuring Collections.


Saturday, March 29, 2014
 From 6 pm until 9 pm
 Pocomoke Elks Lodge
1944 Worcester Hwy.
 
The Past and Present Fundraiser will exhibit local collections.
 
Tickets are $15 and all proceeds go to structural repairs for the Costen House Museum.
 
 The Costen House is the Victorian Italianate home of Dr. Isaac Costen, the first mayor of Pocomoke.
 
 The museum was founded in order to exhibit the life of a small town and Doctor I. T. Costen and his family as they lived from 1870-1920. 
 
Hors d'oeuvres will be served.
 
If you would like to exhibit your collection or get tickets to this event go to costenhousemuseum.org, visit Market Street Boutique at 145-A Market Street or the Pocomoke Area Chamber of Commerce at 6 Market Street or call 410-957-1919. 

Donations for repair of the Costen House may also be made for a private donation matching funds grant for up to $5000, available until the end of February.

 The Costen House would like to thank First Shore Federal for its generous donation of $500.


FOR MORE INFO
Contact:
Rita Ullmann

FAMILY PET STILL MISSING - Please Help Locate

MISSING FROM HOME......

Older, white, (with a couple black spots) purebred Wirehaired Jack Russell Terrier who answers to the name PATRICK. (no photo available)

Missing in the Cokesbury- Wallace Taylor Road area.  Family pet has been missing since Friday afternoon.

If you have seen Patrick or have brought him in to keep him safe and warm PLEASE call Wayne -  443-614-5754 or leave a message here.

PLEASE keep your eyes open and help bring Patrick back home.

Thanks!

Beekeeping Classes To Be Held

5th annual Class for Beginning Beekeepers

When: February 8th and 15th 2014

Where: Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce in Melfa, Virginia

Cost: $20.00, covers materials, first family member; $10.00/ additional members of the household

Details: Learn everything you need to know about getting started and maintaining a beehive!

Register at bgesva.org or contact Linda Goldstine at 442-7767.

Hogan Kicks Off Campaign for Governor


Larry Hogan in the News

Larry Hogan announces candidacy for Maryland governor

Capital Gazette"Todd Eberly, a political science professor at St. Mary’s College in Southern Maryland, called Hogan’s entrance into the race a 'big deal.'

Meanwhile, Hogan was showing confidence out of the gate.



'I think the monopoly in Annapolis thinks they’re going to have a coronation in November,' Hogan said. 'But I think we’re going to give them the toughest fight they’ve ever had.'"

Read More


Gubernatorial candidate Hogan looks to Change Maryland

Delmarva Daily"The longtime business owner who touts his ability to have attracted hundreds of businesses and thousands of jobs to the 'Free State', joins an already crowded field of Republican and Democratic candidates for the vacant governor's position. On the Republican side of the aisle Hogan joins announced candidates, Harford County Executive David Craig, local businessman Charles Lollar and state delegate Ron George; while the democratic field consists of current Lt. Governor Anthony Brown, Maryland Attorney General Doug Gansler and state delegate Heather Mizeur.

Looking to replace the current term-limited democratic governor Martin O'Malley, Hogan says that while the democratic establishment expects a 'coronation' in November (the General Election), his campaign is poised to disrupt that notion. He'll first have to win his party's nomination in the June 24th Primary Election, which Hogan and crew believe is possible based on his organizations current membership. Having run Change Maryland for the past three years, and touting a 'grassroots army of 75,000 fed-up Republicans, Democrats and Independents looking to bring real change to the state'; Hogan doesn't think his late announcement will be a detriment to his success."
Read More

Snow can't stop Hogan from officially entering race for governor

The Daily Record"'An overwhelming majority of Marylanders, regardless of party, feel that we are way off track, heading in the wrong direction, and that new leadership is needed in Annapolis,' Hogan said in an emailed statement to supporters. 'And one thing is clear: we can’t change Maryland without changing governors. So after serious reflection, I have decided to answer the call, and step up to this challenge.'"
Read More


Md. GOP gubernatorial hopeful Larry Hogan postpones announcement rally due to snow

Washington Post"Hogan said in an interview Monday that he doesn’t believe anyone has a head start on him. For the past three years, he has led Change Maryland, a organization with 75,000 Facebook fans that has been a frequent critic of the administration of Gov. Martin O’Malley (D). He said he is confident he can prevail in the June GOP primary. 'I think, at least to date, nobody has put together a campaign that could compete in November, and we believe we can,' Hogan said."
Read More


Hogan announces bid for governor, cancels rally

Baltimore Sun"The former state cabinet member and successful real estate businessman plans to build on the advocacy group called Change Maryland that he founded three years ago. Hogan considered running for governor in the previous election, but dropped out of the race when former Gov. Robert. L. Ehrlich decided to challenge Gov. Martin O'Malley to a rematch.

Hogan was appointments secretary in Ehrlich's administration. Through a spokesman, Ehrlich said he was "proud and happy" Hogan is joining the race.
Read More


Hogan enters Md. governor's race

Hagerstown Herald-Mail"During the administration of former Republican Gov. Robert Ehrlich, Hogan was secretary of appointments. The 57-year-old real estate broker now leads a conservative, grassroots political organization called Change Maryland."
Read More


Larry Hogan announces run for Maryland governor

WBAL TV"Hogan described himself as a businessman who has and understanding of how state government works from his experience in helping appoint people to positions on all three branches of state government."
Read More


Hogan officially announces candidacy for Maryland governor

Carroll County Times

"Larry Hogan on Tuesday officially announced his candidacy in the race for Maryland governor by email, as he postponed a rally scheduled for later in the day because of snow.

Hogan, the Republican founder of Change Maryland, planned to make his announcement at an event scheduled at Mike's Crabhouse in Riva on Tuesday night. That event has been postponed until Jan. 29 at 7 p.m.
Read More


GOP's Hogan Running for Governor, Says Upbeat State Is Ready for Change

CBS Baltimore"Hogan, who served as the appointments secretary in former Republican Gov. Robert Ehrlich’s cabinet from 2003 to 2007, said in an interview at his campaign headquarters in Annapolis that he understands it will be an uphill battle to win the governorship in a state where registered Democrats outnumber Republicans by a 2-1 margin . Still, Hogan said he is confident the state is ready for a change of direction, similar to when Ehrlich was elected the state’s first Republican governor in 36 years."
Read More


Hogan Makes Bid for Governor Official, Cancels Tuesday Rally
Edgewater Patch
Read More


GOP's Hogan running for governor, postpones event
ABC 2 News
Read More


GOP's Hogan running for governor, postpones event
Fox Baltimore
Read More


GOP's Hogan running for governor, postpones event
Fox DC
Read More


GOP's Hogan running for governor, postpones event
Star Democrat
Read More

International Law Enforcement Efforts Result in Charges Around the World....

International Law Enforcement Efforts Result in Charges Around the World Against Operators and Customers of E-Mail Hacking Websites        

   
LOS ANGELES—As part of an international law enforcement operation involving Romania, India, and China, federal prosecutors have charged two operators of a United States-based e-mail hacking website, as well as three customers of other hacking websites based in other nations, with computer fraud offenses.

In a series of cases filed in Los Angeles earlier this week, prosecutors charged all five domestic defendants with obtaining unauthorized access to e-mail accounts. All five defendants are expected to plead guilty in the coming weeks.

The domestic cases were announced today after authorities in Romania, India, and the People’s Republic of China arrested six defendants on various computer hacking charges.

The five domestic defendants were charged in four cases filed earlier this week in Los Angeles. One Los Angeles-based defendant is scheduled to make his first appearance in United States District Court this afternoon.

In the first case, Mark Anthony Townsend, 45, of Cedarville, Arkansas; and Joshua Alan Tabor, 29, of Prairie Grove, Arkansas, who operated the e-mail hacking website needapassword.com, each were charged with a felony violation that carries a potential prison sentence of five years. According to court documents, customers of the website operated by Townsend and Tabor provided names of e-mail accounts, and Townsend and Tabor would obtain the passwords to those accounts. The customers made payments into PayPal accounts and nearly 6,000 e-mail accounts were affected by the scheme.

The other three defendants charged this week each face misdemeanor offenses for hiring computer hackers. These customers, who face up to one year in federal prison, are:
  • John Ross Jesensky, 30, of Northridge, California, who paid $21,675 to a Chinese website to get e-mail account passwords and who is expected to be in federal court in Los Angeles this afternoon;
  • Laith Nona, 31, of Troy, Michigan, who paid approximately $1,081 to get e-mail account passwords; and
  • Arthur Drake, 55, of Bronx, New York, who paid approximately $1,011 to get e-mail account passwords.
These charges are the product of an international investigation coordinated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, which received the assistance of the United States Air Force/Office of Special Investigations and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service.

 During the investigation, the FBI coordinated with the Directorate for Investigating Organized Crime and Terrorism (DIIOCT) and Directorate for Combating Organized Crime (DCCO) of Romania, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) of the Republic of India, and the Ministry of Public Security (MPS) in the People’s Republic of China.
In Romania, the DCCO, under the authority of DIICOT, has conducted searches of three residences associated with individuals operating the websites zhackgroup.com, spyhackgroup.com, rajahackers.com, clickhack.com, ghostgroup.org, and e-mail-hackers.com. Four individuals have been charged and detained in connection with the operation of those websites. Approximately 1,600 e-mail accounts were affected by the scheme operated by the subjects in Romania between February 2011 and October 2012.

The Central Bureau of Investigation in India has arrested Amit Tiwari for operating the websites www.hirehacker.net and www.anonymiti.com and conducted searches of the residences of Tiwari and his associates. Operators of the two websites are responsible for obtaining unauthorized access to approximately 935 e-mail accounts (of which 171 belonged to victims in India) between February 2011 and February 2013.

The MPS in China has arrested Ying Liu (劉颖), also known as “Brent Liu,” for operating website hiretohack.net. Liu is responsible for obtaining unauthorized access to approximately 300 e-mail accounts between January 2012 and March 2013.

Source:

Sunday, January 26, 2014

David Craig on Gov. O'Malley's State of the State Speech


Harford County Executive and candidate for Governor David Craig released the following statement today about the Governor's State of the State speech:

"The O-Malley-Brown years leave a sad legacy for those interested in basic government competence, fiscal responsibility and individual freedom.  

"While Governor O'Malley acknowledged the failure of his Administration and Lt. Gov. Brown to implement Obamacare, there are important facts missing among the many statistics he likes to choose.  The Administration has a long way to go on providing transparency on health care including an accurate number of how many consumers are obtaining actual coverage, the number of people dropped from private plans and the total cost. 
 "We have heard for several years now the growing amount of money in so-called 'cuts' to the budget, when in fact the budget has grown $10 billion during the O'Malley and Brown terms.  Over 70 tax, fee and toll increases are hurting the economy, reducing employment compared to other states in the region and is taking more money for more government." 

Worester County Sheriff's Deputy Investigates Two Accidents In Same Area

Worcester County Sheriff’s Office  Press Release

On Sunday 1-26-2014 at about 1033 in the morning a Worcester County Sheriff’s Deputy was investigating a crash on Meadow Bridge where a vehicle overturned.

A tow truck had arrived on the scene and the operator was in the process of removing the overturned vehicle.

 A red Ford Explorer, driven by Mr. Richard Potts of 62, of the Princess Anne area, crashed into the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office patrol vehicle.

 It then subsequently struck the tow truck driver Robert Webber 42 of the Princess Anne area.

Mr. Webber was transported to PRMC in Salisbury for non life threatening injuries sustained in the crash.

The Deputy was not injured.

 The investigation in continuing and charges are pending against Mr. Potts.

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

Worester County Sheriff's Office PRESS RELEASE

On January 25, 2014 at approximately 0830 Worcester County Sheriff’s Office Deputies observed two vehicles traveling south on Rt. 113 in the area of Rt. 12 in Snow Hill, at 79 miles per hour in a posted 55 mile per hour zone. Both vehicles were stopped.

An odor of Marijuana was smelled coming from within one of the vehicles.

That vehicle was being driven by Traye C Mcpherson 19 years of age from Hempstead NY and a front seat passenger, Shanice A Pierre 20 years of age also from Hempstead NY.  In the glove box of this vehicle Deputies located a zip lock bag of Marijuana.  Ms. Pierre admitted to Deputies that the Marijuana was hers.

Ms.Pierre was charged with Possession of Marijuana less than 10 grams and she was released on a Criminal Citation.

Mr. Mcpherson was issued a traffic citation for 79/55.


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

Last of the Original Female Munchkins From "The Wizard of Oz" Dies

LAS VEGAS  — Ruth Robinson Duccini, the last of the original female Munchkins from the 1939 movie "The Wizard of Oz,"  died on Thursday, January 16, 2014 at the
age of 95.


With her death this leaves only one actor who played one of the original 124 Munchkins in the movie.

TIME MACHINE ... 1977, 1944, 2001, 1897, 1873


(READER-FRIENDLY VIEWING OF NEWSPAPER ARCHIVE MATERIAL.)
 
March, 1977 (Time Machine archive)

An article published in the Salisbury Daily Times was headlined "Pocomoke City Points To 1976 As Best Productive Since 1878." City officials pointed to numerous accomplishments including improvements to 21 streets...a new paved roadway into Cypress Park...hard surfacing a bicycle path and two parking areas...new playground equipment at Cypress Park...an architectural study for improvements to the downtown business district...construction of a new dock and boat ramp at Laurel Street and at Winter Quarters Drive...establishment of an Industrial Development Committee...installation of new filters at the two water pumping plants...a major reconstruction program at Winter Quarters Golf Club...approval of new mercury vapor street lights and traffic control signs...new housing code standards...outside painting improvements at City Hall...formation of a Medical Advisory Committee to seek improvements in health care facilities...and the First Annual Pocomoke City Cypress Festival. 
  
June, 1944
(Salisbury Times)

POCOMOKE MILK DELIVERY STOPS

Price Increase Recommended By Panel

Pocomoke City, June 1- Some 3,200 residents of Pocomoke City were without milk delivery service today as two dairies, seeking a price increase from the O.P.A. , suspended deliveries.

John M. Stevens of the Stevens Dairy, said about 50 or 60 customers appeared at his plant this morning where milk will be sold at retail. Some women brought their small children and babies with them.

Stevens said his route affected about 600 purchasers. A second dairy, that of C.J. Ardis, just outside Pocomoke City, also halted deliveries. The dairymen are seeking a price of 15 1/2 (15 and a half) cents against the present price of 14 cents per quart.

Stevens' deliveries in nearby Virginia communities, where he gets 17 cents per quart under O.P.A. regulations, continued.

Stevens said the price panel of the local ration board answered a demand from the Mayor and Council and Pocomoke Lions Club last night, with a recommendation that the price be raised by a cent and a half.

With all retail milk stopped, settlement of a price dispute apparently rested with Stabilization Director Fred M. Vinson in Washington.


July, 2001

The price of gas was in the news and because the cost was more than $1.60 a gallon in the counties near Washington, Maryland's average gas price was higher than the national average. However, the Eastern Shore along with some of the other western shore counties were reporting prices averaging at or below $1.45 a gallon. The national average of $1.43 a gallon was down from $1.63 a gallon the previous month.  

 
April, 1897
(Peninsula Enterprise- Accomac Court House) 

To Confederate Veterans of the Peninsula

The Charles S. Winder Camp of Confederate Veterans, having been duly organized in Easton, Maryland, it is earnestly requested that all of the old soldiers who wore the gray send at once their names and addresses to Adjutant Owen Norris, Easton, Talbot county, Md.
The fee of membership and annual dues are but nominal, within the limit of all, and all ex-Confederates on the Peninsula sending 20 cents to the Adjutant will be enrolled as members of the Charles S. Winder Camp.

In each case the rank and command must be given. 

  
July, , 1873

The Hagerstown (Md.) Herald And Torch Light reported that a group of prominent Marylanders visited the Synepuxent Beach near Berlin with the view of locating there "a fine large summer hotel, which will cost about $25,000." During the decade the area would come to life as Ocean City. 

 
Do you have a local memory to share with PPE readers.. such as a big snow storm, a favorite school teacher, a local happening, something of interest your parents or grandparents told you about? It can be just a line or two, or more if you wish. Send to tkforppe@yahoo.com and watch for it on a future TIME MACHINE posting!

School Calendar For Accomack County Changes Due To Bad Weather


Accomack County's Superintendent Bruce Benson announces that due to the closing of schools for three days for inclement weather has made it necessary to make some important changes in their school calendars.

Parents should be aware that the first semester exams will be on January 29 and 30 with one hour and forty-five minutes early dismissal.

January 30 will be the end of the second nine weeks and first semester.

Friday, January 31, will be a teacher work day with no school for students.

 The third nine weeks and second semester will begin on Monday, February 3, 2014.
Source:

Celebrate A Special Woman In Your Life - You Could Win A FREE Lunch

 

20% OFF NONSALE Items AND....Purchase a Ticket To Win......

PURCHASE A CHANCE FOR
BUYER'S CHOICE POPCORN FAMILY....
 
All money raised will be donated to Pocomoke MarVa Theater to help with the expense of new digital equipment desperately needed.
 

Saturday, January 25, 2014

MISSING FAMILY PET - Please Help Locate

 MISSING FROM HOME......

Older, white Jack Russell Terrier who answers to the name PATRICK.

Missing in the Cokesbury- Wallace Taylor Road area.  Family pet has been missing since Friday afternoon.

If you have seen Patrick or have brought him in to keep him safe and warm PLEASE call Wayne -  443-614-5754 or message privately here on the PPE.

Please keep your eyes open and help bring Patrick back home.

Thanks!

TIME MACHINE ... This Sunday's Preview


 
1977.. Article notes many Pocomoke City accomplishments during previous year; 1944.. Milk price dispute halts deliveries in Pocomoke City; 2001.. Gasoline prices grab the public's attention, exceed $1.60 a gallon in some Maryland locations; 1897..New veterans group seeks membership of ex-Confederate soldiers on Eastern Shore; 1873.. Large summer hotel considered for Synepuxent Beach (pre- Ocean City).

Although you may not find all of these items in a history book, they are a part of our local history and you can read more about it this Sunday right here at The Pocomoke Public Eye! 

Do you have a local memory to share with PPE readers.. such as a big snow storm, a favorite school teacher, a local happening, something of interest your parents or grandparents told you about? It can be just a line or two, or more if you wish. Send to tkforppe@yahoo.com and watch for it on a future TIME MACHINE posting! 

The 18th Annual Polar Bear Plunge ~ CANCELED

The 18th Annual Polar Bear Plunge 2014 in support of the Specaial Olympics  held by the Maryland State Police has been canceled according to organizers of the event.

Organizers cited high waves on the bay along with poor weather conditions.

IMPORTANT NOTICE
 In all events that we conduct, the health and safety of all involved are at the center of all important decisions related to continuing or canceling all or a portion of the activity.


After careful assessment of all contributing factors related to conducting the 18th Annual MSP Polar Bear Plunge, Special Olympics Maryland, in consultation with the Maryland State Police and Maryland Park Service, have made the decision to cancel this year’s Plunge. A combination of high winds gusting up to 25 mph has created three-foot waves.

Combined with freezing temperatures, this has created a large build up of snow and ice on the shore resulting in unsafe conditions for Plungers.

 Additionally, high winds are expected to continue throughout the day with 1-2” of snow is also in the forecast. Conditions are only expected to worsen throughout the day.

Given the commitment of over 7,000 plungers, hundreds of volunteers, sponsors and other stakeholders, we considered all possible scenarios for conducting today’s event and determined that there was no safe way to facilitate 7,000 people plunging. We also considered all the related implications that result from cancelling the event. We concluded that the severity of the conditions and corresponding implications that threatened safety of all involved dictated that we cancel. Because of the magnitude of the event, including park access, venue set up and expense, there are no alternative dates that could accommodate re-staging the Plunge.

As the single largest event to raise funds and awareness for Special Olympics Maryland, we are indebted to so many people that make it happen and understand the widespread disappointment that will result from this decision. We hope that everyone is able to take pride in knowing that even without plunging their efforts will have a profoundly positive impact on 6,500 Special Olympics Maryland athletes throughout the state. The event is on track to raise about $1.8m which is short of our goal of our $2.5m goal.

Plungers with pledges can turn their money into Special Olympics Maryland via a state police barracks or the Special Olympics Maryland office.

Source:

PERMANENT DRUG DROP-BOX YIELDS 243 POUNDS OF UNUSED MEDICATIONS IN 2013

(January 23, 2014) – The Ocean City Public Safety Building lobby has housed a permanent 24-hour drug drop-box since May of 2012. In 2013, 243 pounds of unused and unwanted medications, including controlled pain medications, depressants and stimulants, were turned in to the drop box. These turned-in medications have a street value of nearly $25,000.

Another permanent drug take back drop box is located at the Ocean Pines Police Department. Combined, the two drop boxes yielded a total of 657 pounds of medication containing 12,598 controlled pills having a street value of $70,592.

“The drop box was donated to the Ocean City Police Department in May 2012 by the Ocean City Elks Lodge and has served as a safe place for citizens to bring their unused and unwanted medications ensuring that the medications never end up on the streets of Ocean City,” said OCPD Chief Ross Buzzuro. “We strongly encourage citizens to take their unwanted medications to the drop box and not flush their medication or throw them away. Disposing of medication properly prevents the medication from entering our waterways and landfills.”

The Maryland Executive Board members of the National Association of Drug Diversion Investigators (NADDI) have hailed this effort as a success in keeping unwanted and unused prescription drugs out of the hands of those who shouldn’t have them as well as out of Maryland coastal bays and waterways.

If you have any questions or would like more information about this free and confidential program, please contact the OCPD Public Affairs Office at: 410-520-5395.

Ocean City Police Dept.

Friday, January 24, 2014

Maryland State Police Polar Bear Plunge - SAFETY A TOP PRIORITY

PLUNGE SAFETY A TOP PRIORITY - LIST OF PLUNGER PREP TIPS

Maryland State Police

(ANNAPOLIS, MD) -- The organizing team of the Maryland State Police Polar Bear Plunge for Special Olympics is reminding all those participating in or visiting the event tomorrow that their safety is a top priority and it is vital to heed safety precautions.

  Conditions for tomorrow's 18th annual Plunge are not the coldest they have been, but the medical support team, headed by the Johns Hopkins Department of Emergency Medicine, is advising those participating and visiting to use common sense and adhere to safety tips. All persons attending the Plunge are reminded to dress warmly and stay warm until it is time to take their quick dip into the Bay. The Plunge announcer will be instructing participants to change into swim attire in the heated changing tents no sooner than 15 minutes before the 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. plunges. Plungers should keep skin exposure to a minimum. Some show up at the venue in their swim attire in the morning. This is NOT recommended, due to the cold temperatures and wind expected tomorrow.

In addition to dressing warmly, everyone is encouraged to visit one of the many heated tents throughout the venue that will be open and warm all day. These include the Carnival Funfest tent, the Rams Head Ice Lodge, the 98 Rock Hot Spot, and the Astro Family Fun Zone.
Other components of the Plunge medical team include professionals from the Anne Arundel County Fire Department and Maryland State Police tactical medics, as well as personnel from several volunteer fire companies. Medical teams will be roving throughout the venue to assist anyone in need of medical attention and will be on the lookout for persons not heeding our advice to stay covered and warm. A red and white striped medical tent will also be staffed with professionals and is located at the entrance to the event venue.
Other advice for plungers includes making sure shoes are worn for the plunge. Old athletic shoes are the best. Flip flops are not recommended.

There is no requirement regarding how 'wet' you get when you plunge. It is fine if you only get your ankles wet. No one is measuring how far you go in. If you have signed up, but would prefer not to plunge, that is fine too. If you have raised the minimum of $75, you will get your plunge sweatshirt and know you have supported a very worthwhile cause, whether or not you plunged.

The Plunge team is recommending that no one go all the way under. One absolute is that there should be NO DIVING! The water is much too shallow and any type of headfirst dive could be very dangerous.

There is snow throughout the Plunge venue. Those attending are urged to use caution and refrain from running.

The medical team is also reminding participants that cold weather and alcohol do not mix well. Alcohol is prohibited in the venue except at three specific locations. Officials will be verifying IDs and monitoring individuals to attempt to ensure excessive alcohol use does not occur. Police will be patrolling all areas of the venue and issuing citations or making arrests for alcohol use and or disorderly conduct.


Persons who think they may need medical attention are urged to visit the medical tent, or to contact any of the dozens of state troopers, police officers, or security personnel who will be in uniform and patrolling throughout the venue. Each will have communication with the State Police Command Post, which will dispatch assistance immediately.

Additional tips and advice can be found by visiting the Plunge website at www.plungemd.com.

  Pledges can still be made to sponsor plungers registered on the website. 

Worcester County Library ~ Pocomoke City Branch

Tot Time
 January 30, 2014 - 10:30 am
Pocomoke Branch

A variety of fun and educational activities for children 3 to 5 years old.

Registration is necessary.
 Call 410-957-0878 to sign up.


 

Are Too Many Sodas Harmful ?

Consumer Reports: Too many sodas contain potential carcinogen

(CNN) -- A chemical found in many sodas may be dangerous to your health, Consumer Reports says. And no, it's not sugar (this time).

The golden-brown color of many soft drinks comes with a dose of the chemical 4-methylimidazole, or 4-MeI. On U.S. product labels it appears simply as "caramel coloring."
 
Those who say the chemical may possibly cause cancer include the World Health Organization's International Agency for Research on Cancer and the state of California, which now limits manufacturers to 29 micrograms of exposure for the average consumer per day.
 
Foods exceeding that limit have to carry a warning label that reads: "WARNING: This product contains a chemical known to the State of California to cause cancer."
 
But when Consumer Reports purchased sodas in California and had them analyzed by a lab, it found that one 12-ounce serving of Pepsi One or Malta Goya exceeded the levels permitted without a warning label.
 

Police Seeking Man Who Exposed Himself

Police are looking for a man in the Exmore, Virginia who exposed himself to a woman in one of the town's businesses.

Local police are seeking a black man who is between 5' 9" to 5" 10", small build who rides a bicycle. 

Anyone with any information should contact the Police Department at 442- 5405 or the Northampton County Sheriff's Department at 678-0458.