Field Notes By Delegate Mike McDermott

 

Observations and Reflections on Legislative Activities

By Delegate Michael A. McDermott

                      

Week 10  March 10-16, 2014

                           

Monday Evening Session:
Bills on Third Reader


Tuesday Afternoon Judiciary Hearings:

HB 235    Del K. Kelly, et al Criminal Law - Death Penalty - Law Enforcement Officers and Correctional Officers   HB 388    Del Carter, et al   Inmates - Life Imprisonment - Parole Approval   HB 601    Del Stukes Crim Procedure - Explanation of Expungement Provsns Relating to Proposed Dispn of Charge   HB 651    Del Impallaria    Courts - Aggravated Murder Court   HB 680    Del Carter  Public Safety - DNA Samples and Records - Collection, Use, Storage, and Expungement   HB 896    Del Rosenberg     Criminal Procedure - Expungement - Convictions   HB 1109   Del Swain         Criminal Procedure - Search Warrants - Procedures   HB 1166   Del Anderson     Maryland Second Chance Act of 2014 and Waldstreicher   HB 1185   Del Parrott, et al Criminal Law - Crimes Against Property - Right to Defend Property   HB 1189   Del Glass         Public Safety - Inappropriate Search of Minor by Public Servant - Penalties   HB 1304   Del Carter, et al   Law Enforc Officers' Bill of Rgts - Interrogation Rgt to Counsel - Suspension  Period and Appt   HB 1330   Del Swain         Task Force to Reduce Incarceration in Maryland   HB 1341   Del Mizeur        Sexual Assault Survivors' Right to Know Act

There was compelling testimony on HB-235 which would restore the Death Penalty for the murder of a law enforcement officer or correctional officers when the crime happens while they are working in the course of their duties as such.  It was pointed out that it has become increasingly difficult to manage inmates serving life and there have been several attacks on correctional officers as a result of the death penalty elimination. No one testified in opposition to this bill.
 

There were several bills addressing Expungment issues. One would require the court to instruct folks about the Expungment process before accepting any plea in a criminal case.  It was claimed that many accept plea agreements without realizing that they may not qualify for an Expungment in the future. Some of the bills would allow for Expungement of actual criminal records if certain time requirements were met.
 

HB-1341 would require a law enforcement agency to provide specific information to the victim of a sexual assault to the victim regarding any evidence uncovered and collected from a Sex Assault Kit. There were also bills to address the collection and storage of DNA samples.
 

Wednesday Morning Voting Session:

Bills on Third Reader

Wednesday Afternoon Judiciary Hearings:

HB-1271 would allow government entities to be sued over lead based paint claims.
HB-1389 seeks to create a task force to study the prevention of child abuse and neglect.
HB-1403

Wednesday Afternoon Judiciary Committee Voting Session:

Bills Moved Favorably

HB-79, HB-93, HB-116, HB-181, HB-286, HB-294, HB-397,  HB-410, HB-422,  
HB-599,  HB-656, HB-665, HB-667, HB-695, HB-697, HB-782, HB-807, HB-857,
HB-921, HB-957, HB-962, HB-985,  HB-1015, HB-1182, HB-1200, HB-1202,
HB-1212,  HB-1245, HB-1302

Thursday Afternoon Judiciary Hearings:

HB 879    Del Mizeur          Maryland Marijuana Decriminalization Act   HB 880    Del Anderson    Marijuana Control Act of 2014 (Jointly assigned to JUD and W&M)   HB 889    Del Impallaria    Marijuana Laws - Full Disclosure of Legal Employment, and Health Risks                                               (Jointly assigned to JUD and HGO)   HB 1016   Del Dwyer         Cannabis Freedom Act   HB 1371   Del Arora, et al   Crim Proc - Financial Crimes Against Vulnerable and Elder Adlts - Petition to Freeze Assets   HB 1416   Dels Mitchell and Clippinger   Crimes - Gang-Free Zones - Penalties for Gang Activity                HB 1449   Del Jones         Criminal Procedure - Marijuana Diversion Program   HB 1533   Del Dumais      Commission on Child Custody Decision Making -Extension

Today is Marijuana Day in Judiciary. The principle bills that were debated involved the legalization and decriminalization of marijuana. An interesting mix of those testifying on these bills…a room full of those in uniform and those who probably have marijuana (THC) in their system at the time of the hearing.  HB-1449 would mandate some type of Marijuana Diversion Program statewide. This has a significant fiscal impact on local governments most of whom are already engaged in diversion programs for minor offenses which include marijuana possession.
 

The legalization or decriminalization bills received the bulk of the testimony that went on for several hours. We heard from the law enforcement community and State’s Attorney’s Association about how this was as bad idea. Of course we heard from those who seek to legalize and/or decriminalize (just turn it into a Civil Infraction with a fine) and a few folks who think marijuana is a cure all for every ailment under the sun. Chairman Vallario does not seem inclined to move any of the marijuana bills at this time.
 

Friday Morning Session:

Bills on Second Reader

Bills Voted on Third Reader

Contested Bills:

HB-727 is the “Prevailing Wage” bill which would require local governments to pay much higher wages for projects which receive state funding. This is mostly seen in school building projects. This bill will increase the cost of building schools by 11%-25%. There was a Task Force assigned to study this issue and provide a report to the General Assembly this year. The final report has been stalled and it appears this has been intentional since the report is not expected to support the idea of moving the current bill forward.

 The information that is available makes it quite clear that the prevailing wage would significantly increase the cost of school construction. This is a union sponsored bill and since this is an election year, the democrats were lining up and voting lock step for this terrible bill. Several good amendments were resisted that would have minimized the damage to many jurisdictions around the state.
 

HB-1168 would stop the Bay Wind Project from moving forward in Somerset County as it would place an impact ring moving out from the naval facilities at the Patuxent Naval Air Station to a distance of 50-miles. In that area, no large wind turbines would be allowed without the expressed approval of the Department of Defense and Naval Operations. The restrictions would remain in effect until any studies were completed on the impact of the land based wind turbines on the ground based radar operating out of the PAX River facility. There are people in Somerset on both sides of the issue. Many are concerned over the impact to wildlife and potential nuisance and safety issues for people. The effect of the turbines economically would be significant. Tens of millions would come into the county coffers as well as the individual land owners and energy generated would be fed into the local grid at a reasonable market rate. Many were concerned about the potential impact on secret testing projects that are conducted by the Department of Defense and private contractors in southern Maryland. While this is certainly a concern for all of us, the delays on the wind project mean another company who played by the rules in Maryland saw those rules changed after they had sunk millions into a project. The bill moves to the senate for disposition.
 

Friday Afternoon Judiciary Hearing:

HB-1552 would increase the salary for Orphan’s Court Judges in from the current rate of $6400 per year to $9500 per year.

Friday Afternoon Voting Session in Judiciary:

Bills Approved Favorable by Committee

HB-83, HB-183, HB-912, HB-1109, HB-1161, HB-1403.HB-1533, HB-1552     

Saturday Morning Session:


Bills on Third Reader

Debated Bills:

HB-298 would dramatically alter the method by which hospitals operate as a part of Obamacare. Many believe these changes will lead to rationing of care and the death of patients as a direct result since the delivery system is not in place to accommodate these changes.

HB-579 would require the Maryland Dept. of Labor to provide enforcement services to counties who have different Minimum Wage salaries than the state. If counties want to go their own way, they should pay for any enforcement actions in my opinion.

HB-1025would mandate the method and form of replacing certain contractual jobs within the state.

HB-1026 would expand parental leave required for businesses to provide their employees and would expand the perimeters where the leave could be applied.

HB-1314 would allow the Maryland Attorney General to be compensated for any cases he prosecutes and wins relating to salary and wage disputes with a business.

HB-1417
HB-1545
Saturday Evening Session:
Bills on Third Reader
Debated Bills:
HB-1181 eliminates the sunset provisions governing the Labor Relations Board for public schools. Proof once again that the sun never sets in the Maryland legislature.

SUSPECT FATALLY WOUNDED BY TROOPER IN WICOMICO COUNTY

03/19/2014
Maryland State Police

(SALISBURY, MD) – Maryland State Police continue their investigation into a trooper involved shooting which fatally wounded a man who struck and dragged a trooper with his car to avoid further police investigation last night, at the Salisbury Barrack.

The deceased is identified as Winfield C. Fisher, 32, of the 6100 block of Westbrooke Drive, Salisbury, Md. Fisher was transported to Peninsula Regional Medical Center by emergency medical personnel from the Wicomico County Fire Department. He was pronounced dead by medical personnel at the hospital. The deceased will be transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner’s Office for an autopsy.

The preliminary information indicates Fisher entered the Salisbury Barrack around 8:30 p.m. on March 18, 2014 and asked the duty officer to check a vehicle repair made after receiving a safety equipment repair order. The duty officer went outside to the parking spaces in front of the barrack with the Fisher.

Moments later, the duty officer came back inside and requested the dispatcher to call for back up. As he returned to the vehicle, the dispatcher immediately contacted another trooper who had just left the barrack. That trooper returned to assist.

Details are preliminary but it is believed both troopers fired their Department issued pistols. The duty officer was found lying along the edge of the parking lot near the entrance to Rt. 13. He had sustained injuries consistent with being struck and/or dragged by a vehicle.

Fisher was found in his vehicle about 150 yards north of the barrack on Rt. 13. His vehicle had struck the center median guardrail on the northbound side of Rt. 13.

EMS personnel responded and transported the suspect and the duty officer to the Peninsula Regional Medical Center. Fisher was pronounced dead at the hospital. The duty officer has been treated and released.
Maryland State Police investigators obtained a search warrant for the vehicle. State Police crime scene technicians processed the vehicle and the barrack parking lot for evidence. Marijuana was recovered from the suspect’s vehicle.

Investigators from the Maryland State Police Homicide Unit responded and are conducting the investigation, which is procedure in police involved shootings. They will be reviewing evidence developed in this investigation. Investigators will also present the Wicomico State’s Attorney’s Office with their completed investigation for review, which is also procedure in police involved shootings.

Corporal Anthony Meyers is a nine-year veteran of the Maryland State Police. Trooper Jeffrey Wilkins is a three year veteran of the Maryland State Police. Both have been placed on routine administrative leave, which is procedure in police involved shootings. The State Police Internal Affairs Unit will also be conducting an investigation.  

All You Need For That Special Day: 1st Annual Wedding Expo

 

 ** $500 CASH GIVEAWAY*!!! **

Visit website at www.touch-of-elegance.org to pre-register and buy tickets.

 

Sponsored by:

Cowger Entertainment

 

 

Event to be held at:

Pocomoke Community Center

 

 

A&N Electric Cooperative ~ Beat The Peak

To: A&N Electric Cooperative Customers

 

BEAT THE PEAK

"Beat the Peak" is a voluntary program that encourages ANEC members to conserve or limit energy usage during peak times.   Why? Your Cooperative pays a monthly demand charge based on the peak hourly usage during the month. This accounts for a large percentage of the cost of electricity for our members.  By cutting back on the amount of wholesale power purchased during these peak periods, ANEC can reduce its total wholesale power costs. This will help hold down the cost for our members.   What do you need to do? Peak periods occur when the demand for electricity is the highest. Usually, these are periods when it is very cold or hot outside. During this time, members are asked to use energy wisely and follow these guidelines: During the cooling season, raise the thermostat 3 degrees and in the heating season, lower the thermostat by 3 degrees. Postpone the use of major appliances, such as clothes washers, dryers, and dishwashers. Delay using hot water during peak periods. Turn off all unnecessary lights. THIS IS HOW IT WORKS . . .  ANEC will alert you of the "Beat the Peak" period by email and/or text message. Included in the message will be the anticipated day and time of the peak period. It is important that you reduce energy consumption during this critical period. Notices will also be on Facebook and local radio stations, such as WESR 103.3 & HOT COUNTRY 99.3. VISIT OUR WEBSITE

FBI - Investigating Tax Refund Fraud

Investigating Tax Refund Fraud
FBI Works Cooperatively with Federal Partners

A Georgia woman was recently sentenced to 27 years in prison for stealing the identities of nursing home patients and using their information to apply online for about half a million dollars in fraudulent tax refunds from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

Criminals who use stolen personally identifiable information to line their own pockets perpetrate a wide variety of fraudulent financial schemes, like hacking into online accounts, submitting phony insurance claims, and applying for loans and credit cards. Increasingly, though, tax refund fraud using stolen identities is fast becoming a favorite money-making endeavor of the criminal element.

The IRS has reported a significant increase in identity theft-related tax refund fraud over the past several years. This type of crime is perceived by criminals and organized criminal enterprises as relatively easy, seemingly low-risk, and, ultimately, pure profit which can be used to fund other criminal activities…like drug trafficking, money laundering, public corruption, or even terrorism.

Anyone with a Social Security number could become a victim. But criminals who commit tax refund fraud seem to focus more on people who don’t normally file tax returns—the elderly, low-income families, students, patients at long-term health care facilities, and even the homeless. Perpetrators also target public figures like celebrities, athletes, CEOs, and politicians, as well as law enforcement, military, and government personnel…including Attorney General Eric Holder.

How a scheme works. The perpetrator fills out a federal tax return online with stolen identity information and phony wage and tax withholding figures, then informs the IRS how to provide the refund (a check mailed to a certain address, a direct deposit into a bank account he controls, or, more common these days, a deposit onto a debit card in his possession).

In simple tax refund schemes, one person usually handles everything—from obtaining stolen identities to collecting refunds. But in more sophisticated schemes, there are a number of individuals assuming different roles: “ringleaders” who organize entire operations, “sources” who steal identity information, “preparers” who file returns online, and “runners” who actually collect the proceeds.
Law enforcement response. The dedicated work done by IRS-Criminal Investigation professionals is a major component of that agency’s efforts to combat tax-related identity theft. And the IRS continues to make enhancements in fraud prevention, early detection, and victim assistance as well.

But the FBI—working with our partners at the IRS and U.S. Secret Service and through liaison efforts with banks—brings valuable investigative resources to the table: our years of experience investigating financial crimes, our focus on identifying and dismantling large criminal networks, and our use of sophisticated investigative techniques. We also share intelligence and information with other federal law enforcement partners to help link investigations of criminal organizations engaged in tax fraud schemes that may be tied to illegal drugs, weapons, terrorism, or other types of criminal activity.

All of these efforts are paying off—we’ve been part of many successful cases recently (see sidebar).

And the FBI will continue to work cooperatively to investigate stolen identity tax refund fraud—we take our role in identifying and arresting those responsible very seriously. These crimes not only victimize law-abiding individuals but all honest U.S. taxpayers who ultimately foot the bill for this stolen revenue. Read More...

SUSPECT FATALLY WOUNDED IN TROOPER INVOLVED SHOOTING

Maryland State Police
03/18/2014

 SUSPECT FATALLY WOUNDED IN TROOPER INVOLVED SHOOTING

(SALISBURY, MD) – Maryland State Police are investigating a trooper involved shooting that fatally wounded a man who may have struck or dragged a trooper with his car while trying to avoid further police investigation at the Salisbury Barrack tonight.

Details are few and are preliminary at this time. Maryland State Police investigators from the Homicide Unit and Criminal Enforcement Division are on the scene conducting the investigation. Crime scene technicians from the Forensic Sciences Division are processing the scene, which includes the front of the Salisbury Barrack and a segment of Rt. 13, requiring both north and southbound lanes to be closed. State Highway Administration personnel are on the scene and have arranged a detour.

The preliminary information indicates a man entered the Salisbury Barrack shortly before 8:30 p.m. tonight and asked the duty officer to check a vehicle repair he had made after receiving a safety equipment repair order. The duty officer went outside to the parking spaces in front of the barrack with the man.

Moments later, the duty officer called for assistance outside the barrack. Another trooper who had just left the barrack returned immediately to assist. At this time, it is believed both troopers fired their Department issued pistols.

The duty officer was found lying along the edge of the parking lot near the entrance to Rt. 13. He had sustained injuries consistent with being struck and/or dragged by a vehicle.

The man who had come to the barrack was found in his vehicle about 150 yards north of the barrack on Rt. 13. His vehicle had struck the center median guardrail on the northbound side of Rt. 13.

EMS personnel responded and transported the man and the duty officer to the Peninsula Regional Medical Center. The man was pronounced dead at the hospital. The duty officer is being treated for injuries.

State Police investigators are conducting interviews and preparing a search warrant. Their investigation will continue through the night.

Members of the Salisbury Police Department and the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene to assist. An assistant Wicomico County state’s attorney is on the scene for consultation with investigators. When this investigation is complete, it will be presented to the Wicomico County State’s Attorney for review.

Further information, including the identity of the deceased man, is expected to be provided tomorrow. The investigation is continuing. 

Hogan Release: Unemployment Report Confirms That Maryland Is On Wrong Track....

Tuesday, Mar 18, 2014
Hogan:  Unemployment report confirms that Maryland is on wrong track; calls for pro-growth agenda to lower costs on families and attract employers.

Annapolis, MD - March 18 - Gubernatorial candidate Larry Hogan said yesterday’s unemployment report confirmed what many Marylanders already knew, “More and more of our friends and neighbors are unemployed and our state economy remains stalled.  Clearly, the economic policies of Martin O’Malley and Anthony Brown have failed, and it’s time for new leadership and a new direction in Annapolis,” concluded Hogan.

The US Department of Labor report concluded that in January some 9,800 Marylanders joined the ranks of the unemployed.  The report also dramatically revised downward 2013’s jobs numbers for the state, concluding that last year was the worst for job creation since the 2008 - 2009 recession ended.

“The O’Malley/Brown Administration continues to drive taxpayers and job creators from Maryland and into the arms of better run, lower cost states,” said Hogan who noted that Virginia’s unemployment rate remains 16 percent lower than that of Maryland.  In fact, the overall cost of living and doing business is considerably less in Virginia where the price of energy and gasoline along with income and sales taxes are significantly lower than in Maryland.  

Hogan, a business leader and former Maryland state cabinet secretary, favors a pro-growth agenda that combines reigning in Annapolis spending, jump starting the economy by cutting taxes on workers and their employers, and aggressively courting larger employers which in recent years have left Maryland for Virginia and other states.

Delmarva Discovery Center ~ Easter Egg Hunt

Make an Easter Basket Craft at 1 pm and then look for eggs at our Easter Egg Hunt at 2 pm.

Find the two golden eggs and win great prizes!

The Easter Bunny will be here to share in the fun!

Free with paid admission and FREE TO ALL MEMBERS!

Membership has its benefits! 

Just two weeks until Election Day!

Just two weeks until Election Day In Pocomoke City!!

Be sure you don't miss the "Meet and Greet" event hosted by the Worcester County Commission On Aging on Monday, March 24, 2014 at the Pocomoke Senior Center.
 
 The informational afternoon will begin at 12:30 pm.  Local business woman Kim Jackson, Candidate for Pocomoke City Council, District 3,  will be on hand to answer any of your questions.

Also, invited for the afternoon to answer questions  will be Dale Trotter and J.D. Ervin - also in the running for Pocomoke City Council, District 3.

Coffee and snacks will be served. 

ALL are invited to attend.


Links to contact Kim Jackson:

Visit her website:  http://www.vote4kimjackson.org/

Like her page on Facebook: Kim Jackson For Pocomoke City Council, District 3
 
Or give her a call:  443-735-VOTE (8683)
 
Kim Jackson ~ "Bringing A New Perspective To Pocomoke"

Delegate Mike McDermott ~ PRESS RELEASE

March 18, 2014

“McDermott’s Bomb Threat Bill Passes Through the House”

(ANNAPOLIS) House Bill 234, sponsored by Delegate Michael McDermott (R - Worcester & Wicomico), unanimously passed through Maryland’s House of Delegates last week. The bill, entitled “False Statement Concerning Destructive Device or Toxic Material - Venue” allows law enforcement the option to charge bomb threat suspects in multiple locations.

“This bill simply allows law enforcement to charge individuals who make bomb threats - for whatever reason - where the threat was made or the location that was the subject of the threat,” Delegate McDermott stated. “So if an individual threatens a business in Worcester County, but the call comes from Anne Arundel County, law enforcement can charge that individual in Worcester County.”

As Delegate McDermott stated at the bill hearing, current Maryland law prevents this type of action. If an individual called in a bomb threat from a different county, that individual can only be charged in the county where the call was placed and it can often be difficult to determine where the threat originated.

“HB234 allows law enforcement to charge the individual who made the threat in either the county where the call was made, or the county where the bomb was suspected to be, if, for any reason, the two actions took place in different venues,” Delegate McDermott continued. “ In the age of cellular communications, establishing an exact location for charging purposes can be difficult to determine.”

Steven Kroll, Executive Director of the Maryland State’s Attorney Association, was also on hand to testify in support of the bill. Kroll stated how important this bill would eliminate any confusion over which jurisdiction should charge bomb threat suspects.

HB234 is almost identical to last year’s House Bill 719, which also passed through the House of Delegates. However, HB719 was hung up in the State Senate’s Judicial Proceedings Committee.

Delegate McDermott is hoping for a better outcome this year, though, as HB234 is awaiting a hearing in the Senate’s Judicial Proceedings Committee on Thursday, March 20.

David Craig Expands Ad Buy on Income Tax Cut

March 18, 2014

David Craig Expands Ad Buy on Income Tax Cut

David Craig announced today that his campaign for Governor is expanding its ad buy beyond the Baltimore market into rural areas on the Eastern Shore and Southern and Western Maryland.  This announcement comes on the heels of the campaign launching the first paid media buy among candidates for Governor earlier this month.

 

The 30-second spots running on WBAL and WCBM this month characterize the O’Malley – Brown record of raising taxes, fees and tolls and excessive regulation as a “job killer” that is causing Marylanders to flee to other states.

 

The expanded buy includes stations in a variety of formats including news/talk and country music.

 

“The Governor has direct control over taxes and the budget, and I plan to use this power responsibility, said Craig. “Maryland is losing the economic race in this region and with it thousands of businesses and jobs to neighboring states.  It is time politicians enable people to vote themselves a raise instead of being penalized for trying to make ends meet.”

In the ad, the Harford County Executive says, “I’m David Craig.  My plan will lower, and put us on a glide path to do away with the state personal income tax.  We’ll jump start economic growth, create jobs and keep Maryland families together.”

Craig announced February 18 a sweeping reform of the individual income tax code that would save taxpayers $2.55 billion in a phased-in approach that puts the state on a glide path toward eliminating the tax altogether.

According to the Congressional Budget Office, 94% of businesses pay taxes on personal returns as sole proprietorships, partnerships and certain types of corporations.

“Small businesses are the backbone of the economy and job creation nationally,” said Craig.  “Maryland’s high personal income tax is a major impediment to attracting, expanding and retaining jobs.  It is critical that we eliminate this job killer.”

As county executive, Craig twice reduced Harford’s main revenue source – the property tax - saving taxpayers $50 million while retaining a AAA bond rating. 

The radio buy will enable the campaign to amplify its tax message as Marylanders prepare for tax season.

State Police Drunk Driving Patrols During St. Patrick’s Day Weekend

Maryland State Police

STATE POLICE ARREST MORE THAN 100 DRUNK DRIVERS THROUGH WEEKEND

PIKESVILLE, MD) – State Police drunk driving patrols in every Maryland county during the St. Patrick’s Day weekend led to the arrests of more than 100 people who are suspected of driving under the influence.

From Friday, March 14th, through Monday, March 17th, Maryland state troopers arrested 120 drunk drivers during sobriety checkpoints, saturation patrols, and regular road patrols throughout the state. These efforts were in direct response to the known increase in drinking and driving resulting from holiday celebrations.

Troopers at the Berlin Barrack in Worcester County led the 22 State Police barracks with 17 DUI arrests, followed by the Golden Ring Barrack in Baltimore County with 13 arrests. The JFK Highway Barrack, where troopers patrol I-95 north of Baltimore and the Rockville Barrack in Montgomery County totaled 11 arrests each.

The full-time drunk driving enforcement team of troopers known as the State Police Impaired Driving Reduction Effort, or S.P.I.D.R.E., also made 11 DUI arrests during the period. The S.P.I.D.R.E. Team is funded by a grant from the Maryland Highway Safety Office.

Troopers also dealt with situations that were reminders of why drinking and driving must remain an enforcement priority. On Saturday, troopers from the Frederick Barrack found a vehicle that had driving off Interstate 70 into the median. The driver was arrested for DUI, which troopers learned was her fifth DUI arrest in the past year. In Harford County early Sunday morning, troopers responded to a crash that occurred when a drunk driver ran into the back of another vehicle on Rt. 7. Also that morning, a trooper in Charles County spotted a car traveling south in the northbound lanes of Rt. 301. The trooper found the driver was under the influence and arrested him for DUI.

Last night, a trooper from the North East Barrack responded a single vehicle crash on Rt. 285 in Chesapeake City and arrested the driver for DUI. Just after midnight, troopers in Queen Anne’s Co. responded to a single vehicle crash on Rt. 8 at Matapeake Middle School. The driver was arrested for DUI.

Fundraiser for Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

Most of you readers are familiar with my ordeal last summer with an aggressive type of Leukemia.  Even though my bone marrow transplant was a success there is always the chance it can return.  Lymphoma is no exception either as no cancer is.  I hope you can attend the Womanless Beauty Pageant and Silent Auction that Nicki Dodson is hosting.  If you are not able to attend it is my truest hope that you will be able to send a small donation in the attempt to keep research going and perhaps one day find a cure.  bw

Curing Cancer Womanless Beauty Pageant & Silent Auction!

 

 

 Lots of gentlemen from local fire departments competing to be the Cure Cancer! Queen!

 

Silent Auctions & Raffles!

 

 DJ FLEA will be MCing for entertainment!

 

A light buffet will be provided:

 Mini Sandwiches
 Cocktail Franks in BBQ sauce
 Meatballs
 Pasta Salad
 Fruit & Veggies
 Cheese & Crackers
 Assorted Deserts
 Sweet & Unsweet Tea

 Alcohol can be purchased from the Elks bar.

 

Get your tickets ASAP! Tickets are available at Cutting Edge & Hebron Savings Bank in Crisfield!

 

Tickets are $20 in advance & $25 at the door!

 

Hosted by:  Nicki Dodson

 

To make a donation:

 

My Fundraising Page

pages.teamintraining.org

 Facebook:  Curing Cancer Womanless Beauty Pageant & Silent Auction!

Inmate Sentenced For Assault on Correctional Officer

March 18, 2014
 The Office of the State’s Attorney for Worcester County

 SNOW HILL –  On March 14, 2014, Lawrence Eric Prince, a former inmate at the Worcester County Jail was convicted of Second Degree Assault and sentenced to two and a half years in the Department of Corrections to run consecutive to any sentence he is currently serving after a jury found him guilty. 

 On September 6, 2013, a Worcester County Jail correctional officer was assigned to the maximum security wing where he encountered Mr. Prince who was serving a sentence for credit card fraud. For unknown reasons, Mr. Prince urinated in a cup and threw both the cup and the urine onto the correctional officer. 

 Mr. Prince denied the allegations, claiming that a different inmate had been responsible. A jury rejected that claim in less than fifteen minutes and found him guilty. 

 At sentencing the prosecutor stated that assaults on any branch of law enforcement in the criminal justice system should not be tolerated. He added that a tough sentence in this case would send the appropriate message to the inmate population in Worcester County. 

Sitting in the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Judge Richard R. Bloxom, acknowledged that he “takes assaults on correctional officers very seriously”. He sentenced the defendant to two and a half years in the Department of Corrections to run consecutive, or after any sentence he is currently serving. 

 State’s Attorney for Worcester County, Beau Oglesby commented that “Correctional Officers keep the good people of this County safe by minding some of the worst – they deserve our unwavering support and gratitude.”

Defendant Sentenced to 30 years for Attempted Murder in Ocean City

 

March 11, 2014
The Office of the State’s Attorney for Worcester County

 SNOW HILL –  On March 11, 2014, Elvin Mendez-Espada, of PA, was sentenced to thirty years in the Department of Corrections with twenty years of active incarceration. The Defendant pled guilty on January 7, 2014 to one count of attempted second degree murder, two counts of first degree assault and one count of use of a firearm during the commission of a violent crime. 

 The State’s Attorney for Worcester County, Beau Oglesby stated in open court that this case was the poster child for why his Office instituted a policy of forwarding all cases involving handguns to the circuit court when he first assumed office. He noted that the Defendant had a license to carry a firearm in the commonwealth of Pennsylvania, but not in the State of Maryland. “Had this been a millimeter in one direction or the other, this would have been a homicide and not an attempted murder”. 

 Judge Thomas C. Groton III, said, “I view you as a dangerous person who has forfeited their right to be in society”. 

 Oglesby thanked the Ocean City Police Department and praised their hard work on this case.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/Worcester.History/711569832220364/?notif_t=group_activity

Pocomoke City Garment Factory: I have seen too many photos, otherwise priceless, end up in dumpsters because the people in them could not be identified. This photo shows the seamstresses who worked at the Garment Factory -- was it on 3rd Street? There are no names on the back of the photo, but I am able to identify one subject, Evelyn Farlow, front row, 2nd from left. Evelyn was a neighbor on Little Mill Road in the 40s and 50s. Evelyn, b. 1911, was the daughter of James Grover Maddox, Sr., and Lydia (Lyde) A. Watson. She and husband Milton Farlow produced three children: (1) Nadine, who married Jack Overholt; (2) Irma, who married Leroy Culp; (3) and Billy, who married Gloria K. Sturgis. The Farlow family owned the first farm on the left after turning onto Little Mill Road from Holly Swamp Road. It had formerly belonged to John Paradee, father of Mary Ingersoll of Girdletree. Bill and Jane Jones later owned the farm, and the fine old home vanished (burned?) about 1975. In more recent times the farm has belonged to the Franklin Holland family . . . sons Jimmy and Dale. Please study the faces in this photo and, using COMMENTS, give the names of anyone you recognize. The photo likely dates to about 1950. Remember, you can enlarge the photo by clicking on it. --RFJ

 Thanks

Bob Jones

Worcester County Recreation & Parks ~ After School Tennis

 

Registration deadline is Thursday, April 3, 2014

 Contact Kelly Buchanan, 410-632-2144 x103 for more information.

SUSPECT IN CUSTODY AFTER ATTEMPTED MURDER-SUICIDE

Maryland State Police

 SUSPECT IN CUSTODY AFTER ST. MARY’S CO. ATTEMPTED MURDER-SUICIDE

 

(LEONARDTOWN, MD) – A woman is being treated at a trauma center and her boyfriend is under guard by state troopers while he is hospitalized after an apparent attempted murder-suicide last night in St. Mary’s County.

James M. Young, 32, of the 22000-block of Washington St., Leonardtown, Md., is being guarded by troopers at the Medstar St. Mary’s Hospital, where he is undergoing treatment. Charges against him are pending.

The victim is identified as Lashawn M. Hurley, 34, of the same address. She is being treated for an apparent stab wound at the Prince George’s Hospital Center.

Shortly after 8:30 p.m. yesterday, Maryland State Police at the Leonardtown Barrack received a 911 call for a reported stabbing at an apartment in the 22000-block of Washington St., Leonardtown, Md. When troopers arrived, they were met by Young and Hurley, who were coming down the stairs to the apartment. Hurley was in obvious pain and told troopers Young had stabbed her and the knife was still in her back. Troopers saw what appeared to be the blade portion of a knife protruding from the victim’s back. Young told troopers he had ingested an unknown amount of pills in an apparent suicide attempt.

St. Mary’s County emergency medical services personnel responded to the scene. Two ambulances transported Hurley and Young to Medstar St. Mary’s Hospital. Hurley was later transferred to the Prince George’s Hospital Center.

Criminal investigators from the Maryland State Police Criminal Enforcement Division Central South Region and the Homicide Unit responded to the scene to continue the investigation. State Police Forensic Sciences Division crime scene technicians arrived to conduct evidence collection and scene processing.

A search warrant was obtained for the apartment. Investigators recovered items believed to be evidence, which will be forwarded to the Maryland State Police Forensic Sciences Division laboratory for examination.

The preliminary investigation indicates Hurley and Young have lived together at the apartment for about four years. A motive for last night’s attempted murder-suicide has not been determined at this time. Hospital personnel have told investigators both Hurley and Young are expected to survive.

Investigators consulted with St. Mary’s County State’s Attorney Richard Fritz throughout the investigation. Advice was provided regarding criminal charges against Young. State Police investigators will be applying for those criminal charges today.

The investigation is continuing.

SPCA Eastern Shore Neuter Scooter Schedule

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Worcester County Sheriff Office Recent Arrests

March 15, 2014 at 2118 hours, Worcester County Sheriff Office was Dispatch to  Bishopville Road, for a suspicious vehicle at a residence. 

The driver of the vehicle who was identified as Mansfield Edward Gott 3rd, 30 years old, of Selbyville DE was passed out behind the wheel with the car still in drive.  Mr. Gott appeared to have been drinking. Mr. Gott was arrested and charged with DUI.  Mr. Gott was released pending trial.

March 16, 2014 at 0020 hours a Worcester County Sheriff Office Deputy stopped a vehicle for speed in the area of Ocean Gateway West Bound near Jerry Mack Road.  During the stop a K-9 scan was done of the vehicle with a positive alert. 

The driver was identified as Dana Lee Seidman, 40 of Ridgely Maryland, Ms. Siedman appeared to have been drinking, She was arrested for DUI as well as possession of Marijuana. She was released pending trial.


 March 16, 2014 at approximately 11:42 hours a Worcester County Sheriff’s Office Deputy stopped a vehicle on Route 12 northbound, south of Stockton Road,  for 68 mph in a 50 mph zone, the driver was also operating a handheld telephone while the motor vehicle was in motion.  When the Deputy approached the vehicle they could smell  an odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle, a search of the vehicle reveled marijuana and paraphernalia used to smoke marijuana.

The driver and sole occupant of the vehicle was Kristie Nolana Dove, 41 years of age, from Severna Park, Maryland.  Ms. Dove was issued a warning for the speed violation, a traffic citation for operating a handheld device, and two criminal citations, one for CDS possession of marijuana less than 10 grams, and one for possession of paraphernalia. 

Ms. Dove was released pending trial.

Coast Guard Rescues Stranded Man From Island

Coast Guard rescues stranded man from island near Carrollton, Va.

PORTSMOUTH, Va. — The Coast Guard rescued a 33-year-old man Monday who was stranded while camping on Ragged Island near Carrollton, Va.

Rescued was Anthony Gontarz.

Gontarz called 911 dispatch when weather worsened, and the rising tide stranded him on the island he was camping on near Ragged Island Creek. 

Carrollton Volunteer Fire Department crews dispatched a boat crew but were unable to rescue Gontarz due to his location and weather conditions.

At approximately 1:30 a.m., fire department personnel contacted Coast Guard Sector Hampton Roads watchstanders requesting helicopter assistance.

An MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew from Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City, N.C., launched and arrived on scene at approximately 3:30 a.m.

Gontarz was hoisted into the helicopter and taken to a safe landing zone where he was transferred to an awaiting ambulance service and taken to Riverside Regional Medical Center in Newport News.

Gontarz was reported to be in good condition.

Worcester County Sheriff's Office ~ RECENT ARRESTS

Warrant and Harboring a Fugitive- Arrests

 03/09/2014 at approximately 2056 hours, members of the Worcester County Sheriff's Office arrested David Dwayne Dickerson, age 22, of Pocomoke City with a Circuit Court warrant for Rape-2nd degree and Sex Offense.

Dickerson is currently being held at the Worcester County Detention Center on $100,000 bond.

While serving Dickerson's warrant, it was learned that his mother, Tammy Terrail Copes, age 40, also of Pocomoke City, was attempting to hide Dickerson from the deputy.

 Copes was later charged with False Statement to a Police Officer and Harboring a Fugitive.


Disabled Vehicle - Arrest

03/11/2014 at approximately 1627 hours, members of the Worcester County Sheriff's Office stopped to render assistance to a disabled vehicle.

While identifying its occupants, it was determined that passenger Morris Edward Waters, Sr., age 47, of Pocomoke City had a Delaware warrant for Terroristic Threats and Disorderly Conduct.

Waters was placed under arrest and is currently being held in the Worcester County Detention Center with no bond pending extradition to Delaware.

Happy St. Patrick's Day

To ALL of my Irish friends and even those friends who will be Irish for the day....

 

 

 

 

 

May the road rise up to meet you.
 May the wind be always at your back.
 May the sun shine warm upon your face;
 the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again,
 may God hold you in the palm of His hand.
       ~Traditional Gaelic Blessing

1st Annual Scavenger Hunt!!

GET A TEAM TOGETHER TODAY !!

 

 

 

DON'T FORGET TO NAME YOUR TEAM !!

TIME MACHINE ... 1984, 1934, 1900, 1888, 1881, 2005

(READER FRIENDLY VIEWING OF NEWSPAPER ARCHIVES MATERIAL)
　
April, 1984
The Capital (Annapolis, Md.)

(Excerpts)

Candidates stump in Md.

Vote quest draws pair

PRINCESS ANNE, Md (AP) - The Rev. Jesse Jackson took his campaign to Maryland's Eastern Shore while former Vice President Walter Mondale picked up endorsements in Baltimore, with the state's primary only two weeks away.

About 1,200 supporters packed an auditorium at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore last night, having been treated to a gospel music program before Jackson appeared about an hour late.

But he brought the message of his "Rainbow Coalition" amid thunderous applause and cries of "run Jesse, run. "

Jackson told the audience he was running a "poor campaign" that had a "rich message." "If they (Hart and Mondale) had my budget, they could not compete and if I had their budget, they could not compete," he said. Before the night was over, Jackson picked up about $2,000 in pledges for his campaign.

August, 1934
Gettysburg Times (Gettysburg, Pa.)

Wear Rubber Clothes To Avoid Mosquitoes

Easton, Md.. Aug. 15— Mosquitoes were reported never to have been seen here on the Eastern Shore of Maryland in such quantities as they are now.

Pickers of tomatoes for the canning houses are harassed by them. In Dorchester county the insects are so bad that the pickers of tomatoes are clothed in rubber boots, rubber coats, gloves and head coverings.

The tomatoes are gathered daily, but,the mosquitoes are hampering the work to a great extent. The insects appear in clouds, millions of them swarming about the tomato pickers.

Footnote: February, 1934, saw more snow and cold than usual on the Eastern Shore, as did our February of 2014. Hopefully, the February weather wasn't a precedent for the summer mosquito population!

March, 1900
(Peninsula Enterprise- Accomac Court House)

Arrangements have been made by the Worcester Telephone Company, of Snow Hill, to extend the line to Girdletree and Stockton and thence to Pocomoke City, via the grange. This will give communications to the Virginia lines to Franklin City, Chincoteague, New Church, Bloomtown and all principal towns in Accomac County and in Northampton County as far as Cape Charles.

April, 1888
Rochester Republican (Rochester, Ind.)

A Handsome Blond Given Ten Tears.
PRINCESS ANNE, Md , April 20.—The jury in the case of Mrs. Emma Farlow, of Crisfield, on trial here for poisoning her husband on July 9 last, returned a verdict Thursday of manslaughter. She was sentenced to ten years in the penitentiary.  Mrs. Farlow is only 19 years old and a good-looking blond.

February, 1881 (Time Machine archive)
(The Denton Journal)

Since the Christmas holidays the price of eggs, instead of going down, as is usually the case, has been steadily going up. Eggs are selling in Baltimore for fifty cents a dozen, and in Philadelphia they are several cents higher than this. The price paid in this town (Denton) for several days has been 40 cents. It is said that the cause of the scarcity and the consequent high prices is owing to the cold weather and snow-covered ground from which the chickens can not find anything to eat. They are fed regularly, but it is said there is something in the ground which is peculiarly productive of eggs.

February, 2005

Pocomoke City received official word that it was being listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The designation would make Pocomoke property owners eligible for state and federal tax incentives. The listing would not affect what property owners could do unless they applied for federal assistance.


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!