The Right Answer for Maryland ~ By Delegate Mike McDermott

 

“A Pathway to Prosperity in 2014”
By Delegate Mike McDermott

 

For years, Maryland has been losing ground on attracting and holding businesses and corporate expansion opportunities. The results can be seen in lost revenues and a state that struggles to keep up with their budget projections (currently we are over one half billion in the hole). The Brown-Obamacare roll out by the Maryland Senate has crippled future planning and expansion and left many without jobs, healthcare, or a future they can rely upon.

 

 General Assembly Republicans see a Maryland full of promise hidden behind the fog of failed policies and progressive-liberal misadventures. All of which have served to limit personal and corporate liberty.

 

 A bold agenda is called for, and Republicans will be offering solutions on all fronts. For starters, I am joining many of my colleagues in sponsoring a repeal of Obamacare to free Marylanders from this onerous law. Helping our fellow citizens address their health insurance needs can be accomplished without destroying our entire system.

 

 Maryland maintains the highest Corporate Tax rates (8.25%) in the region and some of the worst in the country. I am sponsoring a bill which will reduce our corporate rates to 6% by 2017. This act would stimulate our economy and make us a more inviting state in which to do business. Diminished revenue from lowered rates would be replaced by expanding revenue from new business and those choosing to remain and grow in Maryland.

 

 Our state is one of the worst when it comes to inheritance taxes. While most states have eliminated this final shakedown of the taxpayer, Maryland maintains rates that cause many of our citizens to flee to other states in their later years. To protect their families from this draconian tax, I have co sponsored a bill with other delegates to repeal the inheritance tax.

 

 When it comes to tax reform, there are many targets in Maryland. One area that I am focusing on with my colleagues is income tax rates. Our families deserve relief, not additional taxes. I’m joining my fellow Republicans in sponsoring a bill which would reduce income tax across the board by 10% for all Marylanders.

 

 We continue to be a grossly over-regulating state, and I am sponsoring several bills to curtail the effects of big government on businesses and people. I want to require the state to provide a detailed fiscal impact statement on the rules they move to adopt when we are not in session. This was on full display with the recent Phosphorus Management Tool being pushed by the Department of Agriculture. This is a far reaching problem.

 

 I have filed bills to address “no reason” permit denials by government as well as a penalty forgiveness bill for minor first offenses discovered during state inspections. Restoring the business community’s faith and confidence in government will encourage expansion and entrepreneurship in Maryland.

 

 Lip service will not grow our economy. We must be bold, and change the way we think.


New York Driver Stopped For Speeding ~ Arrests Made / Worcester County

Worcester County Sheriff's Office

On January 9, 2014 at 1010 hours a Worcester County Sheriff’s Office Deputy stopped a vehicle on Rt. 113 in Bishopville Md. for speeding. The driver of the vehicle was identified as Eric Matthews 36, from Central Islip New York and the passenger was identified as Tammy A Davis 38, from Holbrook New York.
     
 The Deputy could smell a strong odor of marijuana coming from the passenger compartment of the vehicle.  A search of the vehicle was conducted and marijuana and cocaine were found, along with a large amount of United States Currency.


 Mr. Matthews and Ms. Davis were placed under arrest charged with:  Possession Marijuana less 10 grams and 2 counts of possession of a controlled dangerous substance not Marijuana (Cocaine).   Matthews and Davis were seen by the District Court Commissioner at which time they we both released on an Unsecured bond of 25,000 dollars.

Lt. Edward C. Schreier

Worcester County Sheriff’s Office

Eastern Shore Arson Suspect Bundick On Trial

Thursday, January 9, 2014
Accomack County, Va. WTKR -Eastern Shore arson suspect Tonya Bundick will go on trial in Virginia Beach Monday.

Background information about the nearly 5-month long arson spree in Accomack County will be permitted as evidence, as the result of ruling made Thursday.

Bundick’s trial was moved to Virginia Beach from Accomack County.

The trial will only be for one count of arson and one count of conspiracy to commit arson for an April 2013 fire on Airport Drive in Melfa. Bundick was indicted on 62 additional counts by a Grand Jury in Accomack County in December.

In the final motions hearing before the trial, Bundick’s defense attorney Allan Zaleski sought to prevent evidence of the other charges from being introduced.

However, Commonwealth’s Attorney Gary Agar disagreed, citing exceptions in evidence law permitting the information if it pertains to a plan or scheme.

“It certainly highlights the fact that it’s not a mistake or accident,” Agar stated in court.  “It shows a plan, an intent and knowledge on this defendant’s part.”

Judge Glen A. Tyler denied the motion.

“If the Commonwealth puts a witness on who knows what the background is – that witness will be permitted to testify as to the background,” Tyler said in court.

A pool of 50 jurors has been called for the two-day trials. 22 will be initially brought in to the courtroom.

Defense attorney Zaleski says he is confident 50 potential jurors will be sufficient to seat a jury.

He also says he would be surprised if Bundick’s co-defendant Charlie Smith didn’t testify against her.

“She made no statement. Charlie made a statement. If he doesn’t testify against her- it’s the only evidence they have. No fingerprints, no DNA. It’s just one person’s word against another,” Zaleski stated.

WTKR

Craig, Haddaway Blast Emergency Obamacare Legislation

Craig, Haddaway Blast  Emergency Obamacare Legislation

Contact: Jim Pettit

301.704.1363

 

Maryland Lt. Governor candidate and state delegate Jeannie Haddaway pointed out fundamental flaws of the O'Malley-Brown Administration's emergency health care legislation which is intended to be a stop-gap measure for consumers experiencing enrollment difficulties on the state-run exchange.   The bill, SB 134, introduced today in the Maryland General Assembly, is the Administration's latest response to numerous technical challenges plaguing Maryland Health Connection.

“The O'Malley-Brown Administration's ill-conceived emergency legislation merely shuffles people from the failing state-run Obamacare exchange into another state-run insurance program for a limited amount of time,” said Haddaway. “Trying to fix bureaucratic problems with more bureaucracy just creates more confusion and makes it more difficult for consumers.”
The bill shuffles people from Maryland Health Connection to another state-run program, the Maryland Health Insurance Plan, a high-risk insurance pool the state created in 2002.  The legislation requires that people must provide evidence that they could not sign up for coverage.  It is unclear how government officials plan to deal with those who may not have such evidence or simply gave up due to computer screen freezes and crashes.
This transfer plan would only be in effect until March 31. That means consumers would have to apply for the Maryland Health Insurance Plan and then go back and re-apply to Maryland Health Connection.  The Administration is assuming that Maryland Health Connection would then by working properly.
"I am very concerned that people will fall through the cracks and wind up without access to healthcare," said Haddaway. "The Administration does not know how many people are affected, nor what the cost to the taxpayer will be.  Moreover, if Governor O'Malley's health care point man and Lt. Governor Anthony Brown had been on top of this, there would not be a need for so-called 'emergency legislation."

Harford County Executive and Maryland Governor candidate David Craig, along with Haddaway, have previously called on the Administration to drop the emphasis on Maryland Health Connection and instead inform consumers of their rights to sign up for coverage directly through carriers or utilize the assistance of insurance brokers.

"It is time to call on people who know what they're doing," said Craig.

The Administration has previously estimated the measure will cost up to $10 million affecting anywhere from hundreds to thousands of consumers. 

###

 

Here’s the bill:

Maryland Senate Bill 314, 2014

 

 

 

TIME MACHINE ... This Sunday's Preview

1899.. Record size Sea Turtle captured near Wallops Island; 1945.. Big fire loss at Pocomoke City; 1953.. Scheme is hatched aiming for an improved Somerset County roadway; 1969.. Pocomoke City native named State Police Commander; 1888-1895.. Wintertime reports from Onancock, Chincoteague, and Parksley. 

Although you may not find 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!　

T.E.A.M. Teaching Environmental Awareness In Maryland

 

Our volunteers come from different backgrounds, but all have a strong desire to help students understand and care for their natural environment. Their efforts provide an important link between DNR and schools around the state.

 

TEAM DNR began in the spring of 1998 with a pilot program in Anne Arundel County schools where TEAM was well received by teachers and students alike.

 

Since the 1998 pilot program, TEAM has annually recruited and trained volunteers to deliver our ever expanding services to schools around the State.

 

The TEAM program currently has 40 active volunteers working in public and private schools across the State. In 2013 TEAM provided over 250 programs for over 6,500 students in 55 schools from the Eastern Shore to Western Maryland.

 

Trained TEAM volunteers also go out to local community events and to special DNR programs, such as the annual Horseshoe Crab Release.

 

READ MORE....

Risks to Bees Funding to Three Universities

EPA Awards Almost Half a Million in Funding to Three Universities for Projects to Reduce Pesticide Risk Including Risks to Bees

Louisiana State, Penn State and University of Vermont at the forefront of groundbreaking technology

 

WASHINGTON --Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced agricultural grants for Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices to reduce the use of potentially harmful pesticides and lower risk to bees all while controlling pests and saving money.

 

“These collaborative projects can provide innovative solutions to reduce pesticide risks to pollinators and crops,” said James Jones, assistant administrator for the Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention. “Initiatives such as these will encourage others to adopt promising technologies and practices across the nation to reduce pesticide risks while maximizing crop production and protecting public health.”

 IPM relies on easy-to-implement, environmentally-sensitive practices that prevent pests from becoming a threat. These practices involve monitoring and identifying pests and taking preventive action before pesticides are used. If pesticides are needed, methods such as targeted spraying may be used.

 

These grants will expand public-private stewardship efforts and reduce pesticide risk in agriculture.

 

The Agricultural IPM Grants are awarded to:

The Louisiana State University project to minimize impacts to bees from insecticides used in mosquito control. Mosquito control is critical for public health; however, insecticides can be hazardous to bees. Bees are essential for crop production and ensuring a healthy food supply. Practices and guidelines resulting from the project will be distributed to mosquito control districts and beekeepers throughout the U.S.

 

The University of Vermont project to reduce pesticide use and improve pest control while increasing crop yields on 75 acres of hops in the Northeast. The awardees will also develop and distribute outreach materials to help farmers adopt these practices. The project’s goal is to reduce herbicide and fungicide applications by 50 percent while decreasing downy mildew, a plant disease

 

 

The Pennsylvania State University project to protect bees and crops by reducing reliance on neonicotinoid pesticide seed treatments and exploring the benefits of growing crops without them. IPM in no-till grain fields will be used to control slugs and other pests that damage corn and soybeans. Researchers will share their findings with mid-Atlantic growers and agricultural professionals.

 

Protection of bee populations is among EPA’s top priorities. Some of the factors that contribute to the decline in pollinators include: loss of habitat, parasites and disease, genetics, poor nutrition and pesticide exposure. EPA is engaged in national and international efforts to address these concerns. The agency is working with beekeepers, growers, pesticide manufacturers, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and states to apply technologies to reduce pesticide exposure to bees. These efforts will advance best management practices, enhance enforcement and ensure that real-world pollinator risks are accounted for in our pesticide regulatory decisions.

 

IPM grants will supplement these efforts as well as providing solutions to maximize crop production while minimizing the unintended impacts from pesticides.

 

For more information on the EPA’s Regional Agricultural IPM Grants: http://www.epa.gov/pestwise/grants/regionalaggrants.html

 

 

Cards Requested For Soldiers Deployed

A message from:
Team Britt's Support Our Troops Project

If you'd like something to do with your kids or students...I have the perfect thing. You can have them make, color, draw, and write to soldiers that are deployed. They need our love and support and what better way then to get love from a child.

These can be general thank you cards with positive/inspiring quotes or even valentines day is coming up. They could use a valentine:) you can even write a letter thanking them if you'd like. It truly means so much to them. Please let me know if you have cards done or if you can do them with a class.

Also   /Enchanted-Florist-Pocomoke is still a drop off if you'd like to donate items or money..she also has some t shirts for sale there. (Enchanted Florist located on Market Street in downtown Pocomoke City)

Thank you all!!

Rocket Launch Set For Today

Orbital Sciences has confirmed it will proceed with a launch attempt from NASA's Wallops Flight Facility in Wallops Island, Va. at 1:07 p.m. EST Thursday, Jan. 9 of its cargo resupply mission to the International Space Station, pending closeout of all remaining prelaunch reviews and tests.

More Information NASA TV streaming video, downlink and scheduling information

Ocean City Police Department Names "Officer Of the Year ~ 2013"



"Officer Of the Year ~ 2013"
Ocean City, Maryland

From L to R: Lt. Mark Pacini, Ofc. Daniel McBride, Cpl. James Runkles,

Lt. Scott Harner and Cpl. Allen Hawk


(January 8, 2014) – On Tuesday, January 7, 2014, the Neighborhood Watch Associations of Ocean City gathered at the Roland E. Powell Convention Center Bayfront Ballroom for their annual “Officer of the Year” recognition dinner.  Nearly 140 guests attended the event, including Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan and all seven city council members. Also in attendance were OCPD employees, Ocean City residents and members of the eight Neighborhood Watch Associations in Ocean City, which consist of the Boardwalk Association, Bayshore Drive Association, Caine Keys II Association, Caine Woods Association, Edgewater Avenue Association, Little Salisbury Association, Montego Bay Association and Sundowner Park Association.

Ocean City Corporal (Cpl.) James Runkles was selected to be the honorable recipient of the Ocean City Neighborhood Watch Association’s 2013 “Officer of the Year” award. Also nominated were Ocean City Police Lieutenant Scott Harner, Lieutenant Mark Pacini, Corporal Allen Hawk, and Officer Daniel McBride.

Runkles is originally from Baltimore, MD. He served our country in the United States Marine Corps from 1999 until 2004, where he deployed to the theater of operations during Operation Enduring Freedom and again in Africa. Cpl. Runkles began his OCPD career in 2007 and has been assigned to the patrol division since his start. He was promoted to Police Officer First Class in 2010 and Corporal in 2012. Cpl. Runkles became a K-9 officer in March of 2011. He and his K-9 partner, “Breki,” have been instrumental in the seizure of narcotics, weapons and suspects. As an OCPD officer, Cpl. Runkles has received an Excellent Police Performance commendation, a Unit Citation, a Bronze Star and was recognized by the OC Elks Lodge as their Ocean City Law Enforcement Officer of the Year in 2010.

Also recognized during the ceremony were the members of the Ocean City Police Department and Neighborhood Watch groups that passed away in 2013. The families of officers Joshua Adickes, Thomas Geoghegan and Animal Control Officer Donald Spence received memorial items from Chief Ross Buzzuro and Ocean City Fraternal Order of Police. OCPD K-9 officer, Pfc. Kevin Flower, was also given a commemorative urn from his former partner “Tacko” who passed away this year. Finally, Dan Donatelli and Dorothy “Dot” Healey were also remembered as dedicated members of their Neighborhood Watch groups for many years.

Numerous officers received commendations for distinguishing themselves by going above and beyond what is normally required during various incidents that occurred throughout 2013.  These officers were awarded through unit citations, awards of excellent performance and meritorious services. Lastly, six employees from the OCPD were also recognized for promotions.
Receiving recognition for promotions were:

• Police Officer First Class: Joshua Adickes, Amy      Gutowski, Richard Gutowski, Justin Hoban and Christopher Wrench
• Sergeant: Charles “Josh” Kelley

“The Ocean City Police Department would like to thank the citizens of Ocean City and the eight Neighborhood Watch Associations for taking their time to recognize the officers of the OCPD at last night’s event,” said Ocean City Police Chief Ross Buzzuro.  “We are extremely thankful for the time these citizens take throughout the year to maintain the very special partnership that exists between the citizens of Ocean City and their police. We are lucky to live in a community with an outstanding police department and extraordinary residents. It’s a great team!”

Submitted:  Ocean City Police Dept.

Tickets Available For "Princess Tea Party"

 

~ Sponsored by The Soroptimist  International

 of Pocomoke City ~

Pocomoke River State Park to Host Bald Pocomoke Program

When: Saturday, January 11, 18 & 25, 2014  from 2 to 5 p.m.

Where: Pocomoke River State Park, 3461 Worcester Highway, Snow Hill

Cost: $10/person for the program, $20 additional for boat ride

Who: Open to the public

Contact: 410-632-2566 x106

 A naturalist will introduce participants to the bald eagle and bald cypress plant as they explore and learn about the exciting natural world that lies within the Milburn Landing Area of Pocomoke River State Park.

The program includes a Scales & Tales live animal show, a guided hike and eagle watching stop, and an optional boat tour with the Pocomoke Canoe Company. 

Call today to learn more and to make a reservation!

Somers Cove Marina Wins Readers Choice Award

By K King
Somers Cove Marina, owned by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, has earned the Delmarva Media Group’s 2013 Readers Choice Award for best marina in the Delmarva Peninsula.

“We try really hard to give our customers a great experience at Somers Cove, so we are really thrilled to be voted Reader’s Choice,” said Manager Mary Taylor. “All of us who work here know what a special place Crisfield and the waters here are. It’s just nice to be recognized by the customers.”

Located in Crisfield, the marina boasts more than 500 slips, and is a favorite stop for boaters traveling the Intracoastal Waterway, and the Tangier and Pocomoke sounds. Among its many amenities are a pool, fuel dock, pumpout station, and boat launch ramps.

Somers Cove is managed by the Somers Cove Marina Commission in cooperation with DNR. Home to numerous working watermen’s boats, the marina was christened in 1962 by then Governor, J. Millard Tawes. Somers Cove remains a key part of the Crisfield community, hosting the annual Tawes Crab and Clam bake, the Hard Crab Derby and July 4th fireworks in conjunction with city and county partners. To learn more about Somers Cove Marina, visit somerscovemarina.com or call 800-967-3474.

The annual Delmarva Media Group’s Readers Choice Award invites readers to vote on their favorites throughout the Delmarva area in a number of categories.

Source:

Military Helicopter Crash Off Virginia Beach Coast

Photo/ U.S. Marines

The U.S. Coast Guard has confirmed that a U.S. Navy helicopter has gone down off the Virginia Beach coast, approximately 18 miles from Cape Henry.

The U.S. Navy has confirmed that a CH-53E is the helicopter involved. Search and rescue efforts are underway.

According to Navy spokesman Mike Kafka, five people were on board the helicopter. Two have been taken to a local hospital. Two others are still in a life raft. One is still unaccounted for.

The Coast Guard is also responding from Little Creek with a 25-foot response boat and the Coast Guard cutter Shearwater is also headed to the scene.

Source:

Recount Pending In Virginia Election

WESR
In what is becoming a familiar refrain in Virginia another election night as ended in a dead heat and will likely be decided by a recount. Lynwood Lewis of Accomac is clinging to a 22 vote lead as the result of yesterday's Senate District 6 election. Lewis has an unofficial total of 10,197 votes with challenger Wayne Coleman getting 10,175. If the lead holds, Lewis will swing the balance in the Virginia Senate to the Democrats. The results of the election should be certified sometime next week.

Interestingly enough, both candidates lost on their home turf with Lewis losing in Accomack County 3382 to 3191. Chincoteague, Atlantic, Greenbackville, Bloxom, Parksley, Saxis, Accomac, Tangier and Wachapreague precincts went to Coleman with Oak Hall, Mappsville, Rue, Onancock, Onley, Bobtown, Melfa, and Painter going to Lewis. In Norfolk Lewis defeated Coleman 4909 to 4502.

In Northampton Lewis defeated Coleman 1387 to 961 with Lewis winning four out of five precincts. There were only four precincts in Virginia Beach with Coleman winning 108 to 90. Matthews County went strongly for Coleman who got 1222 votes compared to 620 for Lewis.

Should Lewis retain his lead, that would trigger another election to replace him in the House of Delegates. However the 2014 session of the General Assembly begins today and it is a 60 day session. It will be unlikely that there will be enough time to have a primary and a special election this session which will mean that Virginia's 100th district in the House of Delegates will be vacant during the 2014 session.

We should find out very soon if the Coleman camp will officially request a recount.

Election Results

Sick Kitten Adopted ....

Here's something to warm your heart ....

This little kitten was found a few days ago sick and starving in the Eastern Shore Public Library parking lot in Accomac, Virginia.

The kind folks from the library took the kitten to the vet to be checked over and decided to adopt him as the resident "Library Cat".

His name?  "Oliver Twist". 

SPCA Eastern Shore Virginia

Ballet Theatre of Maryland To Perform ~ Mar-Va Theater

Fundraiser For Fire Victim

Somerset County (MD) Sheriff's Office ARREST REPORT

Somerset County Sheriff’s Office Most Recent Arrests

James Hinman Sr, of Marion, arrested 12-14-13 for driving on a suspended driver’s license, and failing to obey a traffic control device. Hinman was released on signatures pending court actions.

Lance Harrison Harvey, of Montgomery Village Maryland, arrested 12-14-13 for driving on a suspended driver’s license, driving impaired by alcohol, driving under the influence of alcohol, driving on an expired license, and a stop sign violation. Harvey was later released on signatures pending court actions. The arrest was the result of a traffic stop conducted by deputies in the area of Charlotte Ave, Crisfield.

 Rayvon Leonard, of Princess Anne, arrested 12-20-13 for possession of CDS not marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of CDS with the intent to distribute narcotics, and CDS distribute within 1000 feet of a school. Leonard was later held on a $75,000 bond. The arrest was the result of a warrant sweep conducted by the Sheriff’s Office in the Somers Place Apartment complex in Princess Anne, where deputies recovered suspected powder cocaine, and heroin from Leonard.

Anthony Tyrone Staten, of Princess Anne arrested 12-21-13 on warrants for failing to appear in court. Staten was held on a $105,000 bond.

David Allan Lambert, of Salisbury, arrested 12-21-13 on a warrant for failing to appear in court. Lambert was held on a $500.00 bond.

 Kourtney Lashae White,  of Princess Anne, criminal summons served for theft less than $1,000. White was released on signature pending court actions.

 Michael Lee Mullican, of Princess Anne, arrested 12-27-13 for driving under the influence of alcohol, driving under the influence of alcohol per se, and driving while impaired by alcohol. Mullican was released on signatures pending court actions. The arrest was the result of a traffic stop conducted by deputies in the area of Somerset Ave, Princess Anne.

Tijuana Leshea Bowen, of New Church Virginia, arrested 12-30-13 for driving on a suspended driver’s license, and unsafe lane changes. Bowen was released on signatures pending court actions.

Gregory Lamont Cottman, of Princess Anne, arrested 12-30-13 on three warrants for failing to appear in court. Cottman was held on a $1,500.00 bond.

Megan Nicole Parker, of Princess Anne, arrested 12-31-13 for driving on a suspended driver’s license, driving on a revoked license, driving without a license, failing to display a license, and an equipment violation. Parker was released on signatures pending court actions.

Edward Alley 3rd. of Chincoteague, Virginia, arrested 1-5-14 for driving under the influence of alcohol, driving while impaired by alcohol , and driving under the influence of alcohol per se. Alley was released on signatures pending court actions. The arrest was the result of an investigation conducted by deputies of a truck parked on the shoulder of Ocean Highway, Westover.

Antares Rocket Launch from Wallops Island Postponed

The Antares Rocket Launch from Wallops Island scheduled for this afternoon has been Postponed due to solar activity.

Early this morning the Antares launch team decided to scrub today's launch attempt due to an unusually high level of space radiation that exceeded by a considerable margin the constraints imposed on the mission to ensure the rocket's electronic systems are not impacted by a harsh radiation environment. The solar flux activity that occurred late yesterday afternoon has had the result of increasing the level of radiation beyond what the Antares engineering team was monitoring earlier in the day. 

Overnight, Orbital engineers,  who are experts in the field,  ran numerous models to ensure that all possibilities to preserve the launch were examined. 

However, due to significantly elevated flux levels, the Antares team decided to postpone the launch to spend the day further examining the potential effects of the space radiation on the rocket's avionics suite.


Today, in consultation with NASA and outside experts in the field of "space weather," Orbital will continue to monitor the levels of space radiation with a goal of setting a new launch date as soon as possible. If we are able to launch on Thursday, the launch targeted launch time would be 1:10 p.m. (EST), with Cygnus arriving at the ISS Sunday morning, January 12.

Source:

Motion Hearing Thursday For Tonya S. Bundick

Tonya S. Bundick may be in court twice this week.

 On Thursday there will be a motion hearing in Accomack County court where Bundick's lawyer made a motion to exclude evidence from the majority of the other cases for which she was indicted during Mondays trial in Virginia Beach. Bundick will face those charges at a later date.

The trial, currently scheduled for Monday will be for two charges resulting from the apprehension of Bundick and her partner Charles Smith on April 1, 2013 after they set a fire in Melfa. Since then the Commonwealths Attorneys office has charged Bundick in the other 67 arson cases attributed to she and Smith.

 The trial for the additional charges hasn't been scheduled.

Bundick and Smith were apprehended after being observed setting a fire just before midnight on March 31, 2013 at a home in Melfa. Bundick and Smith were arrested after Bundick picked Smith up at the scene and proceeded to Melfa where the pair was stopped by the Accomack County Sheriff's Department.

Source:

"The Current Problem of Heroin Abuse Is Apparently Much Worse...."

Emily Lampa and Channel 47 WMDT news station did a wonderful job with the 5 part series of interviewing the State's Attorney for Worcester County,  Beau Oglesby. 

A huge thank you to Beau Oglesby - and all others involved-  for keeping the people informed and continuing in the interest of  protecting the public and Worcester County!

Emily Lampa
Stopping The Scourge Of Heroin On Delmarva: Part 1

WMDT 47 NEWS - Heroin abuse is an escalating issue on Delmarva, a reflection of what's happening all over the country.
"This is a horrific drug," states Beau Oglesby, State's Attorney for Worcester County, Maryland. "It's something that destroys your life, the lives of your family, it affects your entire community."
Oglesby invited WMDT to a roundtable meeting with state prosecutors, health experts, law makers, narcotics officers and undercover detectives to warn the public about this scourge on local communities and to explain where it's coming from...prescription drug abuse.

Assistant State's Attorney, Ajene Turnbull, prosecutes felony narcotics cases in Worcester County, "You always hear the story of, you know, 'I had a legitimate injury. I had a legitimate issue. I learned about another doctor. I began getting other pills, and then once those pills became unavailable, I moved to heroin."

Tracy Simpson, coordinator of the Worcester County Drug Court Program, tells WMDT, "I've never worked with a person, yet, that started with heroin, that has a heroin addiction. They have all started with some prescription medication and it has led them down this path."

Simpson tells us she sees about 80 people cycle through the program each year. On average, 65 percent of those people are addicted to opioids, like painkillers and heroin. But a percentage of their most recent clients shows that number escalated to 83 percent, and the majority of those people are now heroin addicts. "Really understanding what prescription drugs do, how addictive they are," stresses Simpson, "I think those messages need to come more. So that parents and kids, and everyone knows how quickly you can move from taking a prescription opiate, to end up intravenously using heroin."

But the current problem of heroin abuse is apparently much worse than originally thought because more of the addicts being arrested for using and dealing this drug are young adults.

Watch VIDEO

PART 2 "OPERATION CIRCLE OF TRUST"

David Craig: Federal Government Exchange is no Remedy for Troubled Maryland Exchange

Zip Code Glitch Affects Health Care Consumers in all 14 States with Exchanges

Contact: Jim Pettit

301.704.1363

@jamesmpettit


The David Craig campaign addressed two issues today regarding the federal health care exchange which has become part of the debate over how to solve problems with Maryland’s troubled state exchange.

The first issue stems from yesterday’s announcement in which the campaign discovered a software glitch that directs people seeking in-person assistance with Obamacare to surrounding states instead of to organizations near where they live.   Originally assumed to be a problem isolated to Maryland, the “local help” feature on the federal government’s healthcare.gov site is directing people in 14 states which operate their own exchange to other states.  It appears the software is not coded correctly and nobody thought to integrate federal and state information, so the website is incorrectly defaulting to send consumers to other states that opted to use the federal exchange.   The misleading data in Baltimore, for example, would cause people to believe they must drive to Virginia or Pennsylvania to seek the assistance of so-called navigators. Even more logistically challenging, people in Denver, Colorado are shown listings of navigator resources in Kansas and Wyoming.

“If misleading data is produced on the front end, then I shudder to think what this thing looks like on the back end,“ said Maryland candidate for Governor and Harford County Executive Craig, referring to the federal exchange.

The issue takes on greater importance as U.S. Rep. John Delaney (MD 06) recently called on the O’Malley –Brown Administration to consider eliminating the under-performing Maryland state exchange and divert consumers to the federal exchange.  Gov. Martin O’Malley and healthcare point man and Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown have not ruled out migrating to the federal exchange.  They are submitting emergency legislation to deal with thousands of people who believe they properly enrolled for insurance, but may not have actual coverage due to data transfer problems between the state exchange and insurance carriers.

The second issue is that the federal exchange, like Maryland,  is experiencing back-end enrollment problems, and the U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services does not disclose the number of people who paid their first month’s premium and received a health insurance card.  This could mean that Marylanders will again experience the same problem of thinking they have insurance when they do not.

In remarks similar to those he made to the Daily Record newspaper in Baltimore yesterday, Craig said,  “Nobody can be confident in critical back-end procedures with the federal health care site until the federal government discloses how many people actually get insurance.  The Congressman’s proposal only kicks problems up to the federal government, increases the mass confusion already surrounding Obamacare and empowers bureaucracy, not consumers.”

Craig has previously called on the Administration to re-allocate up to $150 million in taxpayer funds for the marketing and outreach of Maryland Health Connection and instead launch a public awareness campaign letting consumers know they can sign up for coverage directly through insurance carriers or brokers.

On the matter of the software glitch on the federal site, the Craig campaign entered zip codes for the largest cities in the 14 states running their own exchanges. Entering a place name, i.e. “Baltimore,” directs a person to the state exchange.  Yet, when a Baltimore zip code is entered the search results lists only out-of-state organizations.   Actually, a non-profit organization serves Baltimore with health care navigators, and if the site worked similar to a basic web-based store finder application the listing would appear however search terms are entered.

In some states, listings show no search results.  In most large cities, however, ranging from Boston to Las Vegas, users are directed across state lines.  HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius promoted the “local help” feature to Marylanders seeking  “in-person assistance” in a Baltimore Sun op ed January 1,  and identical versions ran in other newspapers across the country.

###

Background: yesterday's release:

Craig calls on Sebelius, O’Malley and Brown to Work Together to Fix Zip Code Bug

http://davidcraigpressroom.pr.co/67903-craig-calls-on-sebelius-o-malley-and-brown-to-work-together-to-fix-zip-code-bug?reheat_cache=1

Worcester County Sheriff's Office - Identity Theft

Greetings Citizens of Worcester County;

This is the best method I have found for you to combat Identity Theft. Take a few minutes and get the free report so that “you” can insure your identity has not been stolen. This is undoubtedly the best protection against becoming a victim; that is to keep your Credit Report up to date and insure it is accurate.

The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) requires each of the nationwide credit reporting companies — Equifax, Experian, and Trans-Union — to provide you with a FREE copy of your credit report, at your request, once every 12 months. The FCRA promotes the accuracy and privacy of information in the files of the nation’s credit reporting companies. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the nation’s consumer protection agency, enforces the FCRA with respect to credit reporting companies.

 A credit report includes information on where you live, how you pay your bills, and whether you’ve been sued or have filed for bankruptcy. Nationwide credit reporting companies sell the information in your report to creditors, insurers, employers, and other businesses that use it to evaluate your applications for credit, insurance, employment, or renting a home.

 Here are the details about your rights under the FCRA, which established the free annual credit report program.
 
Q: How do I order my free report?
 The three nationwide credit reporting companies have set up a central website, a toll-free telephone number, and a mailing address through which you can order your free annual report.

 To order, visit annualcreditreport.com, call 1-877-322-8228. Or complete the Annual Credit Report Request Form and mail it to: Annual Credit Report Request Service, P.O. Box 105281, Atlanta, GA 30348-5281. Do not contact the three nationwide credit reporting companies individually. They are providing free annual credit reports only through annualcreditreport.com, 1-877-322-8228 or mailing to Annual Credit Report Request Service.

 You may order your reports from each of the three nationwide credit reporting companies at the same time, or you can order your report from each of the companies one at a time. The law allows you to order one free copy of your report from each of the nationwide credit reporting companies every 12 months. And if you have attended my seminar, you will recall that I suggest you use the service once every four months, to maintain a constant vigilance on your credit and Identity Theft prevention. For example, January 2014 use Experian, May 2014 use Equifax and then September use Trans-Union and repeat it afterwards. 

 **Also, please mark your calendar for the Identity Theft Prevention seminar, a very informal fun presentation; that will be show cased at the Knights of Columbus Lodge facility at 100th Street in Ocean City on February 13, 2014 at 10 a.m. Presented by Taylor Bank, Bank of Ocean City and the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office. I hope that you can attend. **

Report all suspicious activity and show you care by watching out for your neighbor.

Citizens and Government Working Together

Worcester County Sheriff's Office Facebook

PLEASE Remember Your Animals Outside!

FRIGID TEMPERATURES TODAY !!!!!

 

 

PLEASE REMEMBER YOUR PETS !!

 

And another reminder:

Check on your elderly neighbors!

 

REMINDER: Antares Launch Scheduled Jan. 8, 2014

 

NASA Photo

The NASA Wallops Flight Facility and Virginia’s Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport are set to support the launch of Orbital Sciences’ Corp. Antares rocket at 1:32 p.m. EST, Jan. 8.
The Antares rocket will carry Orbital’s Cygnus cargo spacecraft to the International Space Station.

The cargo craft will be filled with 2,780 pounds of supplies for the station, including vital science experiments to expand the research capability of the Expedition 38 crew members aboard the orbiting laboratory, crew provisions, spare parts and experiment hardware. Also aboard the flight are 23 student experiments that will involve more than 10,000 students on the ground. These experiments will involve life sciences topics ranging from amoeba reproduction to calcium in the bones to salamanders.

The launch may be visible, weather permitting, to residents throughout the mid-Atlantic region from New York City to North Carolina.

Public viewing of the launch will be available at the NASA Visitor Center at Wallops and at the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge/Assateague National Seashore.

Visitors are reminded that alcohol and pets are not allowed on the Visitor Center grounds.

For more information about the Visitors Center, including directions, see: http://www.nasa.gov/centers/wallops/visitorcenter

Live coverage of the mission is scheduled to begin at 8:45 a.m. on the Wallops Ustream site at:

http://www.ustream.tv/channel/nasa-tv-wallops

Launch updates also are available via the Wallops Facebook and Twitter sites:

www.facebook.com/NASAWFF

www.twitter.com/NASA_Wallops

Android users have the option of downloading the “What’s Up at Wallops” app, which contains information on the launch as well as a compass showing the precise direction for launch viewing. The app is available for download at: http://go.nasa.gov/17veCYT.

Launch coverage on NASA TV will begin at 1 p.m. For NASA TV streaming video, downlink and scheduling information, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/nasatv

For more information about International Space Station, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/station

Source:

Maryland State Police ~ TROOPERS URGE CAUTION....

TROOPERS URGE CAUTION AS OLD MAN WINTER BLOWS

(Pikesville, MD) – Maryland State Police are urging drivers to use caution and to think twice before heading out during the expected blast of cold weather from ‘old man winter’.

Colonel Marcus L. Brown, Superintendent of the Maryland State Police has directed all personnel to be on high alert for disabled vehicles with the anticipated record low temperatures. Troopers will be working with the State Highway Administration’s, Coordinated Highway Action Response Team, to assist disabled motorists as quickly as possible.

With cold weather advisories across the state and weather forecasters predicting bone chilling temperatures, state troopers are encouraging motorists to make sure they and their vehicles are prepared and properly equipped. Motorists ought to keep a survival bag in their car which should include a blanket, a flashlight (with batteries) or flares, jumper cables, and an extra bottle of antifreeze and windshield washer fluid.

The cold weather can wreck havoc on a vehicle, so check the following before traveling:
o Check the tire pressure and tread
o Check the battery
o Check the car fluid levels
o Make sure you have a good spare tire

Drivers are reminded their cell phones can be used to call 9-1-1 in emergencies or #77. Additional personnel have been reassigned to assist with road patrol duties to supplement regular patrol forces across the state.

Submitted:  Maryland State Police

VIRGNIA ~ Tuesday Delays ~ UPDATE

Accomack Schools and Broadwater Academy will be 2 hours late.

Northampton Co. Schools will open 2 hours late Tuesday.

Eastern Shore Community College will open at 10:30.

Head Start in both counties will be 2 hrs. late.

The Ag conference at Eastern Shore Community College will be held as scheduled.

Tuesday Delays ~ Virginia

 

Delays For Tuesday, January 7, 2014

Accomack Schools         2 hrs. late
Northampton Schools    2 hrs. late
Broadwater Academy    2 hrs. late

Ag Conference at ESCC will be held as scheduled

Change Maryland Releases Findings on Investigation of Unethical Relationship Between O’Malley-Brown Administration and State Contractors

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 6, 2014

Contact:

Steve Crim

scrim@changemaryland.org

(410) 353-3116

 

ANNAPOLIS – Change Maryland today released the final report on their independent investigation into allegations of unethical relationships between state contractors and the O’Malley-Brown administration during the Governor’s leadership of the Democratic Governors Association (DGA).

 

Change Maryland identified over five million dollars worth of questionable donations to the DGA from 28 state contractors in multiple industries including healthcare, energy, gambling, transportation, and communications between 2011 and 2013. It was during this time that Governor O'Malley led the fundraising efforts of the national political organization.

 

"Our research reveals a disturbing pattern from this administration that is at the very least unethical and inappropriate," said Larry Hogan, founder and Chairman of Change Maryland.  "The people of Maryland deserve to know the truth about these donations and the state decisions that may have been influenced. Did the Governor solicit large contributions to help further his national aspirations and reward those donors with huge state contracts and favorable decisions?”

 

Recognizing the inappropriate and unethical nature of these relationships, state law prohibits state contractors from making contributions to an elected officials campaign account.  The evidence in this report indicates the possibility of a deliberate, coordinated effort by this administration to to circumvent the intent of the law by soliciting unlimited contributions to a federal, rather than state account.

 

"Allowing a 'pay-to-play' culture of corruption to take a stronghold in our state government threatens every business and individual in Maryland," Hogan said.  "Even the perception of this practice prevents an honest and fair bidding process for all job creators who may wish to contract with the state. It allows complicit politicians to hijack millions, and even billions in taxpayer dollars that could serve a greater purpose, both in the government and in the wallets of struggling Maryland families.”

 

“Unfortunately, this culture of corruption is enabled when you have a political monopoly with no checks and balances," Hogan continued.  "For almost eight years, this administration has run amuck without any accountability, and it's Maryland's working families who have paid the price.  This is just the tip of the iceberg – we believe these allegations seriously warrant further investigation."

 

Change Maryland was founded by Hogan in 2011 to advocate for fiscally responsible government and provide an opportunity for average Marylanders to hold their elected officials accountable. The organization gained national recognition in 2012 for its Tax Migration Study that showed 31,000 Marylanders leaving the state following the O’Malley-Brown administration’s historic tax increases. The group has released several other investigative studies detailing the economic decline in Maryland, including a comprehensive report of 40 consecutive tax increases, 6,500 lost small businesses, and a 100% increase in unemployment.

###

www.ChangeMaryland.org

fb.com/ChangeMaryland

@ChangeMaryland

LINKS:

Change Maryland DGA Investigation Final Report:

http://www.changemaryland.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Change-Maryland-DGA-Investigation-Final-Report.pdf

Craig calls on Sebelius, O’Malley and Brown to Work Together to Fix Zip Code Bug

Contact: Jim Pettit

301.704.1363

@jamesmpettit

Harford County Executive and Maryland candidate for Governor David Craig urged U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley and Administration healthcare point man and Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown to solve a problem on the federal health care website which sends Marylanders to other states to seek in-person assistance.  The so-called navigator program and other iterations such as application assisters are provisions of the Affordable Care Act intended to help people sign up for health insurance coverage.

Sebelius wrote in the op-ed, “A happy, healthy New Year,” which ran in the Baltimore Sun January 1, that people could seek “in person” assistance by consulting a local help section on health care.gov. 

The section allows consumers to enter a zip code to get assistance in person if they are having difficulty with the Maryland exchange.  Entering a Baltimore zip code, however, sends consumers to distant areas including York, Pennsylvania and Alexandria, Virginia.

“This should be a relatively easy fix for the two Administrations to work together on to incrementally reduce mass confusion over the Affordable Care Act,” said Craig. “The federal and state government should be directing people to the correct resources in a consistent and accurate manner, and the misleading data on the federal website only makes matters worse for people already having trouble getting health insurance in Maryland.”

It turns out Baltimore zip code 21201 is served by an organization on 201 E. Baltimore St within that same zip code.  The non-profit has received 30 major grants, $23 million in cumulative funding and $8 million in taxpayer funds from the Maryland Health Benefit Exchange which administers Maryland Health Connection.  Maryland is one of 14 states administering their own exchange.

It appears a software glitch causes zip code searches to direct people to neighboring states that opted to use the federal exchange.   The David Craig campaign used a live chat customer service feature on the federal site attempting to clarify if it is the government’s intention to send Maryland consumers to Virginia to seek in-person assistance. When asked if it was required to go to Virginia to seek assistance, the federal government’s live chat representative said, “Yes that is correct.”

“This is unacceptable,“said Craig. “Federal and state information need to be integrated at least on a basic level, or they need to disable the zip code search function.”

Typing in “Baltimore” on some computers directs consumers to a link to Maryland Health Connection, where ultimately resources can be found within the state.   Many individuals, however, are accustomed to providing zip codes in daily transactions, which in this case, will either send people across state lines or cause them to give up on seeking assistance.

###

Background:

Sebelius Op Ed:

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/opinion/oped/bs-ed-sebelius-20131231,0,2355924.story

Healthcare.gov “local help:”

https://localhelp.healthcare.gov/

In-person assistance in Baltimore City:

http://www.healthcareaccessmaryland.org/healthcare-reform/enrolling-in-health-insurance/

Live chat session transcript:

[4:25:44 pm]: Thanks for contacting Health Insurance Marketplace Live Chat. Please wait while we connect you to someone who can help.

[4:25:49 pm]:  Please be patient while we're helping other people.

[4:26:19 pm]: Welcome! You're now connected to Health Insurance Marketplace Live Chat.

Thanks for contacting us. My name is (redacted) To protect your privacy, please don't provide any personal information, like Social Security Number, or any other sensitive medical or personal information.

[4:27:06 pm]: CALLER

It says when I type in a Baltimore zip code for local help with my insurance application that I should go to Alexandria, VA - is that correct?

[4:28:14 pm]: (redacted)

Yes that is correct

[4:30:30 pm]: '(redacted)' has left the chat session.