FIELD NOTES By Delegate Mike McDermott

Field Notes

Observations and Reflections on Legislative Activities

By Delegate Mike McDermott

March 7^th –March 11^th, 2011

• Monday evening the Republican Caucus met prior to the evening session to discuss the upcoming debate and votes on the Gay Marriage legislation. We reviewed the previous weeks work in the Judiciary Committee and debated the proper strategy to utilize. At this time, the matter remains a matter of great debate.


• On Tuesday morning, the House began the debate on Senate Bill 116 which seeks to legalize gay marriage. This was the Second Reading of this bill and this is the time when the House offers and debates amendments to a bill. Several amendments were offered by both sides of the aisle. They addressed the following areas of concern:

1. Amendment 1 (543121/1) would address certain religious exemptions for adoption services and social service programs. It was simple and would have recognized the need for these objections for deeply held convictions. It was defeated on a vote of 58/79;


2. Amendment 2 (483026/1) would have provided for exemptions for religious held convictions as pertaining to training by teachers and participation by students in K-12 public school programs. This would address homosexual sex education and make provision for teachers, parents, and students not to participate in this type of training. It was voted down 54/86;


3. Amendment 3 (873228/1) would simply change the title of the bill to the “Same Sex Marriage Act” as opposed to its present title (Civil Marriage Protection Act). It was argued that the name was very deceiving and would continue to misdirect people when the bill goes to referendum. This amendment was defeated 52/85; and


4. Amendment 4 (223923/1) was offered by a democrat member and would require a statewide referendum be conducted prior to the law taking effect. This reasonable attempt was also shot down on a tight vote with a couple of democrats speaking out on the floor. The vote was 63/72.

With these amendment defeats, the bill remains intact and will next appear for Third Reader and a final vote. I must say I was very disappointed, particularly with the failure of amendments 3 and 4. The House is clearly divided and I have never seen good legislation pass under these circumstances. Clearly the ruling party’s leadership had been whipping their caucus and twisting arms to secure these votes. On the amendment votes, many of the delegates chose not to even vote! That was more shocking that all the rest. What a colossal failure of courage and conviction. This same legislative body debated slots and agreed to let the people decide “this monumental issue”, and then fails to think the people of Maryland should weigh in on the definition of “marriage”? What an outrage!

At this time on Tuesday, the final outcome remained unknown and both sides continued working hard. As a result, I strongly encouraged citizens to participate in the process with a focus on the House Democrats.

• On Tuesday, there were three Third Reader votes cast on the following bills:

1. HB- 24 : Third Reading Passed (138-2)


2. HB- 101: Third Reading Passed (89-50)


3. HB -302: Motion vote previous question (Delegate Minnick) Adopted Third Reading Passed (74-66)

• Tuesday afternoon, the Judiciary Committee heard testimony concerning the following bills:

1. HB-161: This bill would enhance the penalties when someone uses a firearm in the commission of a crime of violence or a felony. Further, it would expand the definition of “firearm” used in these types of crimes to include long guns and shotguns. This bill is supported by both sides as a way to get tougher on thugs.


2. HB-172: This bill would eliminate diminutive credits for inmates who violate firearms laws or commit crimes of violence. These are those “good time” credits inmates receive just for being incarcerated. These often serve to shorten their sentences. This bill received no opposition testimony.


3. HB-241: This bill would expand the definition of a firearm to include long guns and antique firearms and would place mandatory minimum sentences for the unlawful possession of these firearms. This bill is also supported by both sides and received no opposition.


4. HB-252: This bill would enhance the penalties for possession of a firearm that was loaded under any circumstances. It carries with it mandatory minimums. This bill had some problems as it could cause problems for those who make honest mistakes in the possession or transportation of a firearm under otherwise lawful purposes. It received significant opposition and will need to be amended if it has a chance of making it out of committee.


5. HB-382: This bill would remove diminutive credits when a firearm is used in the commission of any crime. It is simple and straightforward and goes further than HB-172 (which only removed one-half of the time).


6. HB-343: This bill would change the right to carry a firearm in Maryland from a “may issue” position by the State to a “shall issue” position. It would provide for law abiding Marylanders to be issued a concealed carry permit upon request if there was no clear reason why the permit should not be issued. Several folks testified from around the state. At issue is the position by the Maryland State Police interpreting the need for citizens to have “good and substantial” reasons for being issued a handgun carry permit, and that definition not being clear.


7. HB-803: This bill would make it a crime to possess a firearm in a hospital or institute of higher learning if they did not have a permit to do so. Of course, it is already a crime, but this bill would serve to place an exclamation point on the issue. I do not see that it is necessary, and I, for one, would rather have a professor armed on a campus that may be able to take immediate action to protect life than one who is a victim in waiting. This bill received significant opposition.


8. HB-519: This bill would copy the Federal regulations dealing with the removal or attempted removal of a serial number on a firearm which is currently not addressed by the state. It would also provide for additional regulations on ammunition for unregulated firearms. It would also criminalize some of the statues relative to those less than 21 years of age. The bill simply goes too far in many aspects and replicates what the feds are already performing now.


9. HB-1043: This bill again seeks to replicate many of the standards already in place and required by the federal government. This bill would allow the Maryland State Police to further regulate the licensing requirements of firearms dealers. The state seeks to increase enforcement in this area due to problems with some firearms dealers in the past. It increases reporting requirements in Maryland, many of which are already required under law.

10. HB-330/HB-1043: This bill seeks to limit the magazine capacity of firearms in Maryland. The magazine capacity is currently set at 20 rounds, but this bill would reduce that limit to 10 rounds. Reflecting on the previous Assault Weapons Ban conducted federally, these limitations simply do not do as they are intended, and that is control crime. This is the type of bill that is introduced which makes the delegate’s who provide them feel good, but they do nothing to stop violence in Maryland. As you would expect, many spoke against this type of ban.

11. HB-730: This bill seeks the creation of a task force to examine the issue of mental illness when applied to the purchase or control (sales) of firearms in Maryland. The bill is being amended to this end and the task force will include a variety of professionals who can weigh in on this issue. I can say that I am concerned about the study of one particular industry or particular customer base as being genuine in application. We need to keep our eye on the results of any sanctioned study.

• On Wednesday morning, the House began the debate on Senate Bill 116 which seeks to legalize gay marriage. This was the Second Reading of this bill and this is the time when the House offers and debates amendments to a bill. Several amendments were offered by both sides of the aisle. The first three addressed the following areas of concern:

1. Amendment 1 (543121/1) would address certain religious exemptions for adoption services and social service programs. It was simple and would have recognized the need for these objections for deeply held convictions. It was defeated on a vote of 58/79;


2. Amendment 2 (483026/1) would have provided for exemptions for religious held convictions as pertaining to training by teachers and participation by students in K-12 public school programs. This would address homosexual sex education and make provision for teachers, parents, and students not to participate in this type of training. It was voted down 54/86;


3. Amendment 3 (873228/1) would simply change the title of the bill to the “Same Sex Marriage Act” as opposed to its present title (Civil Marriage Protection Act). It was argued that the name was very deceiving and would continue to misdirect people when the bill goes to referendum. This amendment was defeated 52/85; and


4. Amendment 4 (223923/1) was offered by a democrat member and would require a statewide referendum be conducted prior to the law taking effect. This reasonable attempt was also shot down on a tight vote with a couple of democrats speaking out on the floor. The vote was 63/72.

With these amendment defeats, the bill remains intact and will next appear for Third Reader and a final vote. I must say I was very disappointed, particularly with the failure of amendments 3 and 4. The House is clearly divided and I have never seen good legislation pass under these circumstances. Clearly the ruling party’s leadership had been whipping their caucus and twisting arms to secure these votes. On the amendment votes, many of the delegates chose not to even vote! That was more shocking that all the rest. What a colossal failure of courage and conviction.

The final outcome remains unknown and both sides are working hard. As a result, I strongly encourage citizens to participate in the process with a focus on the House Democrats.

• On Wednesday, the following bills were heard in the Judiciary Committee:

1. HB-806: This bill would consolidate several existing charges concerning suspended or revoked driver’s license and would reduce the number of points assigned by the MVA to a person’s license. State’s Attorney’s spoke out against making the change as a lesser charge already exists in the law.


2. HB-657: This bill would allow the MVA to create a special registration plate for persons convicted 3 or more times with DUI convictions. This was an interesting proposal that has come to the committee for several years in a row now. It is a Scarlet Letter for drunk drivers and I like it.


3. HB-698: This bill would allow the MVA to accept valid US Military Identification as one of their valid IDs when securing a driver’s license. This one seems like a no brainer and I cannot imagine why the MVA would not accept a military ID as opposed that are of a more questionable nature.


4. HB-1069: This bill would allow the MVA to place a special notation on a person’s driver’s license once they have been convicted of DUI three times. It was testified that this bill would help those who sell alcohol act with greater caution when someone seeks to purchase alcohol.


5. HB-957: This bill would make it a separate offense for anyone previously convicted of DUI to refuse to take a breath or blood test for alcohol on a subsequent arrest. I like the idea of this bill as it would provide a greater penalty when someone refuses a test.


6. HB-318/360/1012/1276: All of these bills address additional requirements for the mandatory use of ignition interlock devices for those convicted of drunk driving. These are devices which require the driver submit a breath sample which is alcohol free before the vehicle can be operated. All of these bills propose variances with the same goal. Most of the bills focus on action being taken by the MVA, while one of the bills (360) requires the judge in the case mandate the interlock device. It appears clear that the committee is going to embrace a modified bill which takes all of these issues into account.

• On Thursday morning, the following bills were passed on Third Reader in the House:


• On Thursday, the Judiciary Committee heard testimony on the following bills:

1. SB- 454: Third Reading Passed (138-0)

2. SB -455: Third Reading Passed (138-0)

1. HB-878: This bill would require a defendant in a court proceeding to receive notification of their right to having their records expunged under certain conditions. It would simply clarify for defendants the rights they are assured under law but with which they may not be familiar.


2. HB-1072: This bill would require further regulations on the sale of Salvia requiring those who sell the product to verify the age of the purchaser and to post various regulations in their store addressing Salvia sales. This is just one of several bills addressing certain aspects of Salvia sales and distribution.


3. HB-919: This bill would institute a pilot program in Maryland similar to one already in existence in Texas. It is aimed at reducing the prison population by developing enhanced standards of parole and probation supervision. It provides various programs and incentives for inmates and reduces the technical violations often the reason for probationers being violated. The goal of the program is to reduce the number of inmates and create an incentivized program for success for probationers. If it is as successful as it has been in Texas, it would reduce the cost of corrections in Maryland.


4. HB-862: This bill would create a separate theft statute for the theft of mail. It is already covered under the current theft article, but the sponsor wanted to make provision for mail theft as a separate offense.


5. HB-964: This bill would create a pilot program called Recidivism Reduction Program and is designed to reduce the recidivism rate in Maryland prisons. It is a foundation program for HB-919 working in concert to achieve the same end results.


6. HB-971: This bill seeks to change the charge for abandoning a refrigerator from a criminal charge to a civil offense. It was testified that the modern refrigerators do not latch as the former models for which the law was established in the 1950’s and it would be more appropriate to charge as a civil infraction as opposed to a misdemeanor crime.


7. HB-967: This bill would increase the penalties for Malicious Destruction of Property. This bill would essentially double the current penalty for a violation.


8. HB-794: This bill would mandate a date certain by which the Division of Parole and Probation would have to conduct hearings for inmates incarcerated in local jails. The timeliness of these hearings has been brought into question in recent months. This bill seeks to rectify this issue.


9. HB-874: This bill would create a Truth in Sentencing Task Force. The task force would report on the use of diminution credits, early parole, and other aspects used in controlling inmate behavior.

10. HB-875: This bill would allow for prosecution of drug dealers who are laundering money less than $10,000.00 by creating a misdemeanor charge for transactions of less than $10,000.00. There is already a felony charge for transactions exceeding this amount.

11. HB-1024: This bill seeks to expand the protection of a pregnant woman and her fetus by expanding the time period whereby a person could be charged with Murder or Manslaughter of a Fetus. Currently, the law only applies to acts committed against a fetus who is “viable” outside of the womb of the mother. The law is constructed so as not to inhibit abortion. It is supported by Maryland Right to Life and the Maryland Catholic Conference. It was opposed by NARAL (pro abortion) and the ACLU. Needless to say, they turned it into an “abortion bill” even though the Attorney General has ruled that this bill would not violate the current abortion standards in Maryland.

12. HB-879: This bill would expand the venue of counterfeiting laws so charges could be filed in other jurisdictions.

• On Friday, we voted on a number of bills which lacked any controversy as follows:

· HB-354 : Third Reading Passed (137-0)

· HB -357:Third Reading Passed (139-0)

· HB- 378:Third Reading Passed (140-0)

· HB- 460: Third Reading Passed (140-0)

· HB -503: Third Reading Passed (140-0)

· HB -529: Third Reading Passed (140-0)

· HB -709: Third Reading Passed (140-0)

· HB -37: Third Reading Passed (140-0)

· HB -61: Third Reading Passed (140-0)

· HB -68: Third Reading Passed (140-0)

· HB -204: Third Reading Passed (140-0)

· HB -281: Third Reading Passed (138-0)

· HB -306 : Third Reading Passed (139-1)

· HB -329: Third Reading Passed (140-0)

• The final vote of the day was to be on SB-116, the Gay Marriage Bill. The debate was civil and primarily taken on by democrats opposing and democrats in favor. Only a couple of Republicans spoke. It became quite clear that the votes to pass it were not on the floor. They stalled the vote as long as they could and then Chairman Vallario (Judiciary Committee) requested the bill be remanded back to the committee. Essentially, that ends the bill as it is highly unlikely it will be brought back out during the session and this can be interpreted as modest victory of the process.

I must say, there was an awful lot of political capital spent in the past two weeks on this issue. The broken and twisted arms are clearly apparent. The process also showed that a dynamic minority working together can build bridges with other members across the aisle. We will need to keep this matter before us while it remains in committee until the end of the session. The other interesting thing to watch is the long term impact the actions of the past week will have on many members and their relationship with House leadership. So much pressure was brought on freshmen members and those in various junior leadership positions, the failure to move the bill on the floor looks like a wasted fight. The matter is not going away, but for today in Maryland, the definition of marriage being between one man and one woman remains the law of the land.

• The following bills were voted on in the Judiciary Committee Friday afternoon:

Unfavorable: HB-137, HB-256, HB-423, HB-501, HB-797, HB-892, HB-1019, HB-1126, HB-1136

Favorable: HB-507, HB-667, HB-729, HB-749, HB-837, HB-1018

HYMN SING THIS SUNDAY

HYMN SING

SUNDAY MARCH 13, 2011

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH

31027 Depot Street

New Church, Virginia

6: 00 PM until 9:00 PM

FCB Praise Team and Greg Fentress leading off with praise and worship.

Singers for the evening: Brian and Monique Linton, Kindred Spirit, Cliff Jester, Earnie Ray Mears.

Refreshments will follow.

A love offering will be taken for Courtney Bloxom. Please plan to attend and bring a friend so that the family will know that the community cares and are praying so very hard for Courtney's recovery.

~BRING YOUR VOICE OF PRAISE~

For information: (757)824-0493

Please continue to pray for Courtney. She is making progress every day but recovery is slow. Your prayers do help and continue to be uplifting for the family.

Pocomoke Warrior's Still Winners Even If They Did Lose In Semifinals.

Pocomoke High School Warriors Boy's Basketball team took their game to the University of Maryland Comcast Center on Friday to play the Williamsport Wildcats in the MPSSAA 1A semifinals.

Our Pocomoke Warriors lost that game with the final score of 67-48. Here's a quote I found in the Daily Times from the Warrior's coach Derrick Fooks and what he had to say about his hardplaying team. "We just never got anything going today, no rhythm at all."

Gosh! No rhythm?? Coach Fooks you made those boys sound like they went onto the arena floor with two left feet and minus thumbs to play the game! Surely you could have said something better than that!

Let's just call it an "off" day on the wrong day. There's no doubt in my mind that the members on that team worked themselves into exhaustion to get ready for Friday. And it's very apparent that they worked quite hard all season to achieve once again this year what has been achieved so many years before in the name of basketball and for Pocomoke High School.

Eight members of the basketball will probably return next year for another chance at the playoffs and the title. Sadly, four seniors played for the last time and leave with no championship under their belts for the 2011 Basketball season. That's very disappointing.

But what comes out on top is that the members on the Pocomoke High School Warriors Basketball Team are NOT losers at all! THEY are the winners too! In order for a team to get as far as they did and to have accomplish what they did two things have to go right while making the formula for winning: You need a great team that is willing to work hard, care about themselves and care about others to make all things work. And you need a great coach to make sure it gets done! That's just what happened.

Pocomoke Warrior's team ended the year with a 18-6 record. To have gone so far all of you had to be dong everything right. You should all be very proud.

Williamsport lost to Dunbar on Saturday - 64-43

~Don't Forget!~ Time Changes Sunday

The old adage is "Spring ahead, fall back."

Daylight Savings Time begins early Sunday morning at 2:00 AM so don't forget to set your clocks ahead one hour.

REMINDER: NOW is the time to change the batteries in your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors.

Virginia State Police Offer Rewards With New Program

The Virginia State Police Help Eliminate Auto Theft Program (H.E.A.T) is looking for the publics' help in putting an end to the illegal towing of abandoned, disabled or otherwise unattended vehicles. This state-wide problem is the result of the rising price of scrap metal. In an effort to combat this problem, the H.E.A.T. Program is offering rewards up to $25,000 for information about illegally towed vehicles or salvage yards that are purchasing these vehicles.

These vehicles are being towed from the side of the road and private properties as well as from public parking lots. It only takes eight seconds to a couple of minutes for a tow truck to pick up a car and drive off. The cars and trucks that are being stolen are generally older, heavier vehicles. Ultimately, these cars are sold to salvage yards or demolishers for their scrap metal value.

Imagine waking up in the middle of the night to find an unmarked tow truck getting ready to haul off your vehicle. When questioned, the driver says he's at the wrong address, but can't provide the correct address. Or, your car has some engine trouble, so you pull off the highway, call a friend to come pick you up so you can get help, and when you get back to your car, it is nowhere to be found.

These are just two examples of how unscrupulous tow truck drivers get away with stealing abandoned or unattended vehicles. If you have any knowledge about illegal towing, contact the H.E.A.T. Hot Line at www.heatreward.com or 1-800-947-HEAT (4328). If you have information that leads to an arrest, you may be eligible for a H.E.A.T. reward of up to $25,000 and you will remain anonymous.

The H.E.A.T. Program is also offering the following advice to help Virginia citizens hang
on to their vehicles.

Drivers should always lock your vehicle and take the keys.

Park in a well-lit area.

If you have a front-wheel-drive vehicle pull in to the parking space. Rear-wheel-drive vehicles should be backed in to the parking space. Always set the
emergency brake.

Don't leave disabled vehicles abandoned on the side of the road. Call a reputable
tow truck operator or contact local law enforcement or the Virginia State Police.

Tow truck operators may attempt to coerce drivers into surrendering their vehicle,
which may result in the vehicle being shredded or held for exorbitant storage and
recovery fees.

Drivers should record all information about the tow truck, including tow truck company name and phone number, the truck's tag number, the operator's name and the tow truck's description.

The company name and phone number must be displayed on the side of the truck. Drivers should not let anyone tow their vehicle if that information is not prominently displayed.

If you have any knowledge about illegal towing, other vehicle thefts including motorcycles, or information about chop shops, contact the H.E.A.T. Hot Line at www.heatreward.com or 1-800-947-HEAT (4328). If you have information that leads to an arrest, you may be eligible for a H.E.A.T. reward of up to $25,000 and you will remain anonymous.

Source; www.shoredailynews.com

MAYORAL CANDIDATE DUFFY HOLDS EVENT

Event: FREE DONUT MUNCHKINS & COFFEE

Date: SATURDAY, MARCH 12 th

Time: 8 AM - UNTIL RUN OUT !!!

Location: next to Holy Name of Jesus,

across from EVEREST MEDICAL OFFICE,

1604 MARKET STREET, POCOMOKE CITY

Toddler Dies As Result of Traffic Mishap On Private Property

By Linda Baylis Spence

According to Sgt. Michelle Ayana of the Virginia State Police, On March 10, 2011 at approximately 12:46 p.m., Virginia State Police was called to the 24000 block of Dreamland Way in the Dreamland Trailer Park of Accomack County to investigate a possible fatality as a result of a traffic crash.

At approximately 1:00 p.m., Virginia State Police received a call from the Eastern Shore 911 dispatch Center, stating that the subjects left the scene and were currently in Onley, VA en route to the hospital with an injured child. An ambulance was currently en route to their location.

Trooper R. C. Brown was called to investigate and found the following; Edgar Perez, 24 years of age, was backing up a 1998 Nissan Van when he hit two year old Dayme Robelo.

Mr. Perez and Adela Roblero, Dayme's mother, took Dayme from the scene and were en route to Riverside Shore Memorial when they were intercepted by an ambulance that assisted in reviving the child.

Dayme Robelo died of her injuries and was pronounced dead at Riverside Shore Memorial.

The accident occurred on private property and no charges will be placed.

Source; www.shoredailynews.com

Jury Finds Son Guilty Of Second Degree Murder In Mother's Death

~~During the first day of this trial there was testimony from a caseworker that stated she had visited the home of Emily Molin and had found her wearing urine soaked clothing and eating at a table sharing utensils with cats. The caseworker made frequent visits to the home and determined that Emily Molin should be placed in a nursing home. Whether Ms. Molin was able to get into a cleaner facility or not she still couldn't escape from the one person that cared nothing about her. ~~

Written by: News Editor, Shawn J. Soper
SNOW HILL -- After deliberating nearly five hours yesterday, a Worcester County jury returned a second-degree murder verdict on a Pennsylvania man charged with running over his elderly mother several times near Berlin last August.

Steven Frederick Molin, 58, of Darby, Pa., faces a maximum of 30 years in jail after a Worcester County jury late yesterday found him guilty of second-degree murder in the death of his elderly mother on a dark, rural road. According to the facts of the case, and hours of testimony over two days this week, Molin ran over and backed over his mother as many as three times, resulting in the injuries that caused her death.

From the beginning, Molin described the incident as an accident, telling police his elderly mother, Emily Belle Molin, 85, also of Darby, Pa., had fallen out of the passenger side door damaged during another accident early in the day. Molin told investigators he merely backed over his mother as he reversed the vehicle in an attempt to pick her up, but evidence collected at the scene ran counter to his explanation of the events from the beginning.

The trial began with jury selection on Tuesday and both the state’s and defense’s cases were wrapped up by Wednesday afternoon. Both sides presented closing arguments early yesterday morning and the jury got the case around 10:30 a.m. The jury had several options to consider, including first- and second-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter, and deliberated for several hours before returning a guilty verdict on the middle charge.

One juror, speaking on condition of anonymity immediately following the reading of the verdict, said there were considerable gaps in opinion to overcome in order to reach a verdict amenable to everyone.

“There wasn’t a consensus initially,” she said. “It took a couple of go-rounds before we could come to an agreement. It wasn’t a cut-and-dried situation. There was a lot of evidence that was hard to interpret.”

The juror said the jury was able to close the gap after going over the testimony and the evidence repeatedly.

“There were a couple of people hanging around involuntary manslaughter and there were more than a couple that wanted a first-degree murder conviction,” she said. “There were two camps, basically, and we were finally able to come around to a middle ground.”

For many on the jury, the case boiled down to pre-meditation, an essential requirement for a first-degree murder conviction. The anonymous juror said yesterday no one on the panel agreed with Molin’s claim the incident was just an unfortunate incident.

“Everybody felt certain she did not fall out of the vehicle by accident,” she said. “The real question was whether or not he planned it. I’m not sure any of us thought it was pre-meditated in the end. He was clearly very stressed and we weren’t able to say for sure if he drove here that night with the intention of killing his mother.”

Worcester County State’s Attorney Beau Oglesby, who prosecuted the case on behalf of the state, said immediately after the reading of the verdict, he was somewhat disappointed with the outcome despite the second-degree murder conviction. However, Oglesby, who used the words “uncomfortable, unthinkable, unimaginable and inconceivable” to describe the crime during the three-day trial, respected the jury’s decision in the end.

“While I don’t entirely agree with the verdict, I respect the verdict,” Oglesby told Delaware County Times (Pa.) reporter Gil Spencer immediately following the trial. “We really believed we presented a strong case for first-degree murder, but I respect the jury’s decision. I truly believe justice was served.”

Shortly before midnight on Aug. 31, the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office responded to a serious motor vehicle accident on Carey Rd. in Berlin just north of Ocean Pines. The victim, Emily Belle Molin, was transported to PRMC in Salisbury where she succumbed to injuries sustained from being run over by a motor vehicle.

From the beginning, Steven Molin did not deny running over his mother as many as three times, but has claimed the incident was an accident, caused in part by a faulty passenger side door on the 2008 Chevy work truck damaged in an different accident earlier in the day.

However, a Worcester County Sheriff’s Office accident reconstructionist, after reviewing the physical evidence and interviewing Molin, determined the victim had been run over three times despite ample opportunity by the suspect to avoid hitting her again after the first collision.

The accident reconstructionist, Worcester County Sheriff’s Office Sgt Ed Schreier, testified on Tuesday if the victim had fallen out of Molin’s truck, he would have had to back up as far as 30 yards, or 90 feet, to run her over by accident.

In the end, the jury found Molin guilty of second-degree murder and a pre-sentence evaluation and psychological evaluation were ordered. Judge Thomas C. Groton denied Molin’s emphatic request to address the court following the reading of the verdict.

www.mdcoastdispatch.com

Massive Earthquake and Tsunami Hit Japan

TOKYO (Reuters) - The biggest earthquake to hit Japan since records began 140 years ago struck the northeast coast on Friday, triggering a 10-meter tsunami that swept away everything in its path, including houses, ships, cars and farm buildings on fire.

The Red Cross in Geneva said the wall of water was higher than some Pacific islands and a tsunami warning was issued for the whole of the Pacific basin, except for the United States and Canada, but Hawaii ordered the evacuation of coastal areas.

At least 22 people were killed in the quake and tsunami, Kyodo news agency said, and the extent of the destruction, and the forecast for the tsunami, suggested the death toll could rise significantly.

The 8.9 magnitude quake caused many injuries, sparked fires and the wall of water, prompting warnings to people to move to higher ground in coastal areas.
Source; wtkr.com

Nationwide Search For Baby Beleived To Be In Resort Area

Written by: Nancy Powell

Associate Editor

(March 11, 2011) A missing baby that is the subject of a nationwide search is believed to be in the Ocean City area.

According to The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, Ethan Santee was last seen Nov. 29, in Topeka, Kansas.
He may be in the company of his mother, Angelique McCarty, 39, who left her Topeka home with him in a 2001 maroon Dodge Intrepid bearing Missouri tag HE4GIR. The baby is described as white, 2 feet 3 inches tall with brown hair and blue eyes.
Kansas news organizations reported that the baby’s father has no idea where they are and is concerned about the safety and welfare of the baby, who was born July 18, 2010.
The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children said the mother and child were believed to be in Ocean City late last month and could still be in the area.
McCarty has reportedly used the last names of Medley, Huffines and Santee.
Anyone with information is asked to call The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at 1-800-843-5678, the Topeka Police Department at 1-785-368- 9200, or the Ocean City Police Department at 410-723-6610.
Source; oceancitytoday

Vehicle Accident In Somerset County Claims Life Of Local Man

Hearts are heavy in many local communities upon hearing of the recent death of one of Christopher Lee McCready of Crisfield and an employee of Eastern Correctional Institution.

The single vehicle accident occured Wednesday afternoon at the intersection of Rehobeth Road and Cornstack Road (eastbound, Md. Route 667). Deputies from the Somerset County Sheriff's Office said that McCready struck a tree while driving his 2000 Ford Expidition.

Three other passengers were in the vehicle with him at the time of the crash. Both McCready and Anne Christine Goodrow, passenger in the front seat, had to be extricated from the vehicle. Goodrow was flown by Maryland State Police Medivac Helicopter- Trooper 4 to PRMC and later transfered to University of MD. Shock Trauma Center in Baltimore, MD.

Christopher Lee McCready was flown to PRMC via Maryland State Police Medivac Helicopter- Trooper 7, where he was pronounced as deceased from injuries resulting from the crash.A toddler and an infant riding in the backseat of the vehicle were transported to PRMC by the Lower Somerset County Ambulance and Rescue Squad for treatment of non-threatening injuries.
　
Fire departments from the Marion and Crisfield, as well as the Lower Somerset County Ambulance and Rrescue Squad and Princess Anne EMS were on scene for approximately four hours.

The Sheriff's Office was assisted by Maryland State Police, Princess Anne Police Department, and Maryland Natural Resources Police.

The cause of the accident is under investigation.

Thoughts and prayers go out to the family and many friends.

"Missing someone gets easier every day because even though it's one
day further from the last time you saw each other, it's one day closer to the
next time you will."
~~Author Unknown~~

Pocomoke City Mayor and Council Meeting

Written by: Bill Kerbin

POCOMOKE CITY -- In adopting an automatic residential fire sprinkler system rebate ordinance, the Pocomoke mayor and council have moved in a different direction on home-sprinkler regulations than other towns and counties in Maryland.

Many other subdivisions have voted to allow a Maryland law that requires sprinkler systems in new single family homes to take effect for them, or have voted to opt out of the rule. In a compromise, Pocomoke will not require the sprinkler systems to be a part of new homes but will reward homeowners who decide to put them in.

The town will give a rebate to any homeowner who decides to install a sprinkler system in his or her newly constructed home during the next three years. The owner will receive a rebate of $2,000 or 50 percent of the annual real property tax, whichever is less. The system must be on the building's plans and, after being installed, be certified by the fire marshal.

At a town meeting, Will Stevenson made a request for funding assistance for the Mar-Va Theater in the coming fiscal year. He said that heating and electricity are the largest costs for the theater, where its financial books are up more than $7,000 over last year just through the end of February. He thinks that part of the reason is that the theater is having more performances, and guessed that cold weather this winter helped convince people to seek entertainment indoors. He added that there has been a problem with the new heating equipment, which he hopes will be corrected with a grant that the city obtained for the theater.

Councilman Bruce Morrison told Stevenson that the council will take up the request when the budget for the 2011-2012 fiscal year is discussed in coming weeks.

The city manager presented a plan from the EnerNoc Company to enter as an interface between Pocomoke City and Delmarva Power concerning power for the wastewater treatment plant. If the agreement is signed, Pocomoke City would turn on its generator at peak times during the year. The town should receive about $15,000 a year for making this move.

City Attorney Mark Tilghman raised some questions including the possibility of liability. He plans to contact the company to learn more about the agreement before the council takes any action.
The council also approved a bid from Renshaw Engineering for $1,791 for engineering services for the installation and wiring of power pedestals along the city dock.

Andrew J. Bowen, executive director of the Maryland Rural Water Association, was at the meeting to present the second-place National Rural Water Association award for the best tasting water in the country's rural areas. After winning the Maryland competition outright, Pocomoke's entry was sent to the national level where it won second place.

Under other business, the council authorized proclamations for Arbor Day and Fair Housing Month; authorized the renewal of a mutual aid agreement between the Pocomoke City Police Department and the Crisfield department; approved a proposal from PKS for auditing the town's books for the next three years; and authorized a full-page ad in the program for the Delmarva Firemen's Association Convention, to be held this year in Pocomoke City.
Source; delmarvanow.com

Amber Alerts May Soon Be Displayed On VA. Lottery Signs

Lottery displays in stores across Virginia could soon help state law enforcement locate missing or endangered children under a new partnership between the Virginia Lottery and the Virginia State Police.

Gov. Bob McDonnell said Wednesday that the Lottery has agreed to flash Amber Alert information on in-store displays on more than 5,000 clerk-operated machines and about 700 self-service vending machines at stores across Virginia. The idea was the result of a citizen suggestion submitted to McDonnell by e-mail.

During an Amber Alert, the electronic displays that normally show jackpot amounts and other marketing messages will show the location of the alert and instruct people to go to the Virginia Amber Alert website for more details about the child or abductor.

Messages will be automatically generated by the Lottery's data center when notified by the Virginia State Police, so retailers won't have to do anything when an alert is issued.


"Every second counts and the message needs to be spread quickly," McDonnell said in a news release.


While officials hope the help would never be needed, the Lottery is happy it can use its equipment and partnerships with retailers across the state to help law enforcement, said Executive Director Paula Otto.


The displays won't give descriptions of the child, the abductor or information like the abductor's car.

For example, if someone at a gas station is filling up next to a car holding the missing child or abductor, they wouldn't be able to identify them from the displays unless they went to the Amber Alert website.

But State Police spokeswoman Corinne Geller said simplicity is best when notifying the public and that many people have access to mobile devices to look up more detailed information.

The Virginia Amber Alert Program was established by the General Assembly in 2002. It has been used to issue 29 alerts for missing and endangered child cases that met criteria for activation. The public is notified through broadcast media as well as various alert systems and websites.

http://www.shoredailynews.com/

Accomack County Police Announce Citizen's Police Academy

Major Todd Godwin announced today that the Sheriff's Department will be conducting its 13th Citizen's Police Academy.

The Citizen's Police Academy will consist of 9 two hour classes involving classroom and practical instruction by certified instructors from the Accomack County Sheriff's Department. The instruction will consist of an overall view of the operation of the Sheriff's Department including patrol, criminal, investigation, courtroom familiarization, jail and communications.

Students will receive classrom instruction on laws of arrest, patrol with uniformed deputies, work through a mock crime scene with Investigators and crime scene technicians.


Citizens will also visit the department's firing range with the opportunity to fire department issued specialized weapons. This will be with the supervision of a Certified Fire Arm Instructor. Citizens will also witness a demonstration of the department's Swat Team and K-9 Unit.


The Academy Classes will be held at the Eastern Shore Community College Workforce Development Center on Wednesday evenings at 6:30 PM beginning March 30, 2011 and concluding May 25, 2011. Anyone interested in applying for the Academy is asked to contact Lieutenant David A. Rogers at 787-1131 or 824-5666.

The class will be limited to 20 students.
 

At The Marva Theater

Starbucks Celebrates 40th Anniversary

"Customer Tribute Days" at Starbucks

Starbucks is celebrating 40 years since they opened their first coffee store in 1971.

They will be offering a free Starbucks Petite treat for each customer that buys any beverage between March 10 through 12, 2011, between the hours 2 pm through 5 pm (local time) at participating US and Canada locations.

Starbucks Petites are a treat that is served on a lollipop stick. They are also called cake pops and they come in Birthday Cake, Rocky Road and Tiramisu flavors.

The free Starbucks Petite treat is only while supplies last.

The "Golden Voice" Ted Williams - The Voice Of Fashion Week In Baltimore

Ted Williams, the homeless Ohio man who became an overnight sensation earlier this year, will be bringing his "golden voice" to Charm City in August when he serves as announcer for Baltimore Fashion Week, the event's executive director, Sharan Nixon, confirmed.

Williams signed a contract Tuesday morning that results in him live announcing designers each day of the four-day event. In addition, Williams will do radio spots and attend promotional events associated with Baltimore Fashion Week, which runs Aug. 18-21.

"When we finally found his information, and his agent said he wanted to come, I just started crying because I couldn't believe it," Nixon said. "Having someone of his magnitude say they are willing to be a part of my event is just fabulous."

Williams achieved instant celebrity in January after the Columbus Dispatch posted on its website a video interview of him where he demonstrated his voice by doing a mock radio announcement. The video hit YouTube and went viral — making him a household name. He has recorded voice-overs for various national brands and he's been offered a job announcing at games for the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Williams has also had his share of troubles, including being detained in Los Angeles by police after an altercation with his daughter, and a brief stay in rehab for alcohol abuse after appearing on "Dr. Phil."

Nixon said she is not concerned that Williams' personal troubles will affect his appearance at her event.

"His agent has assured me that he will be fine," she said. "There won't be any problems. Everybody has their problems in life. It is not my place to wonder if he is going to handle himself accordingly as a special guest of Baltimore Fashion Week."


Williams is excited to attend Baltimore Fashion Week, according to his agent, Alfred Battle.

"We have not been in the Baltimore area," said Battle, who has known Williams for the past 25 years. "Surely there are some people who have been touched and affected by his story in that area. We want to make a personal appearance by those people."

Battle stressed that Williams would be ready for his trip to Baltimore. In fact, Williams is scheduled to begin taping a reality television show "Second Chance At Life," which will chronicle his life as well as allow him to give other homeless people a chance at redemption, according to Battle.

"Ted is doing wonderful," Battle said. "He is living in a sober living environment in Los Angeles. He's doing a good job with it, too."
The addition of Williams is the latest in an attempt to elevate the event's image, according to Nixon.


In January, Nixon announced that she was moving the event back to Baltimore after holding it at the Sheraton Baltimore North in Towson. The new site — a parcel of land near the Morgan Stanley building in Harbor East — will provide Nixon with the type of location she envisioned when she first launched the event, she said.




To Read More>>>Overnight sensation Ted Williams to be the voice of Baltimore Fashion Week

'Promises- A Prom Boutique' Needs Your Help

The organizers of Promises- A Prom Boutique are looking for donations of gowns and accessories of all kinds to make this year's event to be held on March 18-20 a huge success.

Your tax deductible donations will enable young women with financial hardships to attend their proms.

All kinds of dressy apparel and jewelry may be dropped off at any Hospice Thrift Store, the Lighthouse Ministries Thrift Shop or the Foodbank Thrift Store, just tell them it's for the Prom Boutique.

Easter Bunny To Be Unusually Late This Year

You will have plenty of time to dye Easter eggs this year.

Easter falls on April 24, the latest it has arrived in 68 years, according to the U.S. Naval Observatory in Washington.

Easter hasn't come this late since 1943 and won't be this late again until 2038.

"In both 1943 and 2038 Easter occurs on April 25, which is as late as it can theoretically be," said Geoff Chester, an astronomer and public relations officer with the observatory.

Easter last occurred on April 24 in 1859, and it will not fall again on the 24th until 2095.

"The earliest possible date for Easter is March 22," Chester said.

Easter is generally the first Sunday after the full moon that follows the vernal equinox.

That is the case this year but not every year, because the precise definition — used by Christian churches under rules going back to the 1500s — is more complicated.

For example, that definition fixes the vernal equinox — the first day of spring — as March 21, although that date can vary. The equinox comes this year on March 20.

You'll have to work on those eggs earlier the next couple of years. Easter falls on April 8 in 2012 and March 31 in 2013 before falling back to April 20 in 2014.

Source; timesdispatch.com www2.timesdispatch.com/news/2011/mar/08/tdmain01-easter-will-be-unusually-late-this-year-ar-889628/

International Women's Day - 2011

2011 United Nations Theme: National Women's Day

Equal access to education, training, and science and technology. Pathway to decent work for women.

2011 year marks the 100th anniversary of International Women’s Day. The day was commemorated for the first time on 19 March 1911 in Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland, following its establishment during the Socialist International meeting the prior year. More than one million women and men attended rallies on that first commemoration.

In 1975, during International Women's Year, the United Nations began celebrating 8 March as International Women's Day. Two years later, in December 1977, the General Assembly adopted a resolution proclaiming a United Nations Day for Women's Rights and International Peace to be observed on any day of the year by Member States, in accordance with their historical and national traditions. The Day is traditionally marked with a message from the Secretary-General.

Why dedicate a day exclusively to the celebration of the world's women? In adopting its resolution on the observance of Women's Day, the General Assembly cited two reasons: to recognize the fact that securing peace and social progress and the full enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms require the active participation, equality and development of women; and to acknowledge the contribution of women to the strengthening of international peace and security. For the women of the world, the Day's symbolism has a wider meaning: It is an occasion to review how far they have come in their struggle for equality, peace and development. It is also an opportunity to unite, network and mobilize for meaningful change.

Text from Women Watch www.un.org

"So make a difference, think globally and act locally !! Make everyday International Women's Day. Do your bit to ensure that the future for girls is bright, equal, safe and rewarding." www.internationalwomen'sday.com

The "Safe Haven for Heroes Act"

Rep. C. A. Dutch Ruppersberger will introduce (on Tuesday) new legislation that would make it illegal to protest at military funerals within the state of Maryland.

The "Safe Haven for Heroes Act" comes after the decision last week by the Supreme Court that says funeral protests, such as those by the Westboro Baptist Church, are permitted under The First Ammendment.

“We need to thank God for the service and sacrifice of our American military fighting for our freedom,” Ruppersberger said in a statement. “The right to free speech is a valuable liberty that we all cherish as Americans. While I respect the recent Supreme Court decision, I wanted to find a way to stop groups like Westboro from using military funerals as occasions to promote their own political agenda and inflict incalculable harm on the grieving families of our troops.”

Ruppersberger stated that the bill would enable groups such Westboro to exercise their right to free speech without disrupting the funerals themselves or forcing funeral participants to encounter the protesters.

According to the Anti-Defamation League and the Southern Poverty Law Center the Westboro Baptist Church protestors has been identified as a hate group. Westboro Baptist Church has protested nearly 600 military funeral in over 20 years.

Who: Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger
Maryland Veterans

What: Ruppersberger to Announce Legislation to Prevent Protests at Military Funerals

When: Tuesday, March 8, 2011
12:30 p.m.

Where: Linthicum Veterans Memorial
Camp Meade & Maple Road
Linthicum, Maryland

HYMN SING Sunday

HYMN SING

SUNDAY MARCH 13, 2011

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH

31027 Depot Street

New Church, Virginia

6: 00 PM until 9:00 PM

FCB Praise Team and Greg Fentress leading off with praise and worship.

Singers for the evening: Brian and Monique Linton, Kindred Spirit, Cliff Jester, Earnie Ray Mears.

Refreshments will follow.

A love offering will be taken for Courtney Bloxom. Please plan to attend and bring a friend so that the family will know that the community cares and are praying so very hard for Courtney's recovery.

~BRING YOUR VOICE OF PRAISE~

For information: (757)824-0493

Please continue to pray for Courtney. She is making progress every day but recovery is slow. Your prayers do help and continue to be uplifting for the family.

Riverside Shore Memorial Hospital To Open New Suite

On March 9 Riverside Shore Memorial Hospital will open their newly remodeled, digital mammography suite. Digital mammography offers better visibility of the breast and improved detection rates.

According to President Kristin Webb, Several Riverside Shore Memorial Hospital Auxiliary volunteers worked many hours to raise $125,000, underwriting 1/2 the costs.

Mammograms play a central part in the early detection of breast cancer. The newer digital mammography uses computers and specially designed digital detectors to produce an image that can be displayed on a high-resolution computer monitor for analysis and interpretation.

Because there is no film, patients can expect shorter exam times enabling Riverside to serve more patients quicker.

Digital exams also require less exposure time, resulting in a lower dose of radiation for the patients, an added benefit over a lifetime of screening exams.
www.shoredailynews.com

Body Found On Assateague Identified.

The Maryland Medical Examiner has positively identified a body that was found at Assateague National Seashore last November as 36 year old Jung Han Lee of Silver Spring, Maryland. In late October, Dewey Beach Police found numerous personal items belonging to Lee on the beach, but an extensive search turned up no sign of the man. Lee was identified through a DNA sample and the ME says there was no sign of foul play.

NEWS RELEASE
Date & Time: November 6, 2010 @ 3:08 pm
Case #: 10-240
Location Occurred: Assateague National Seashore
Victim: Jung Han Lee Korean Male, 36 years of age Silver Spring, MD

Narrative:UPDATE

Through investigation of the unidentified body that washed up on Assateague National Seashore, it was learned that the Dewey Beach Police Department was investigating a missing person. Several personal items were left on the beach belonging to Lee and family members had not heard from Lee in several days.

Lee had been under mental duress for several years due to being unemployed. The items left on the beach were forwarded to the Worcester County Bureau of Investigation. During an examination of the body at the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Baltimore, MD, no signs of foul play were noted.

Contact was made with family members who reside in Silver Spring, Maryland and an interview was held in December with those members. A DNA sample was obtained from Lee’s mother for comparison with the remains.

After comparison and analysis by a Virginia forensic lab, it was determined that the two samples matched. Investigators were able to positively identify the remains as those of Jung Han Lee. Family members were notified on February 11, 2011 which brings closure to this case.

The Dewey Beach Police Department closed their missing person investigation after receiving positive identification through DNA of Lee. Any further questions can be referred to the Dewey Beach Police Department at (302) 227-6363.

www.wgmd.com

Registration For Pageant Has Been Extended

Registration for the Miss Hope Eastern Shore has been extended until March 18th!

Looking for participants 11 to 12 years old.

For registration information go to www.bringyourbling.net Registration form can be filled on line.

REGISTER TODAY! TIME'S RUNNING OUT!

100% of the proceeds from this pageant will be donated towards the care of Courtney Bloxom.

Pocomoke City Mayor and Council Meeting Tonight

AGENDA

POCOMOKE CITY MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEETING

7:30 P.M., MONDAY, MARCH 7, 2011

CITY HALL

1. Call to Order, Prayer, and Pledge of Allegiance.

2. Review and approval of minutes from meeting of February 7, 2011.

3. Review and approval of bills to be paid.

4. Representatives of National Rural Water Association to present trophy recognizing Pocomoke City’s water as second place winner in a recent nationwide taste competition held in Washington, D.C.

5. Representatives of MarVa Theater and Performing Arts Center to discuss budget request.

6. Authorize Vice President of the City Council to sign Proclamations:

A. Arbor Day- April 6, 2011

B. Fair Housing Month (April)

7. Authorize renewal of Mutual Aid Agreement Between Pocomoke City Police Department and Crisfield Police Department.

8. Review and approve proposal from PKS for three year extension of auditing services contract.

9. City Manager to present proposal from EnerNoc Company for electricity cost savings at Wastewater Treatment Plant.

10. Review proposals from electrical engineering firms for design of electric improvements for new pedestals on Municipal Docks.

11. Authorize placement of advertisement in program for upcoming DELMARVA FIREMEN’S ASSOCIATION CONVENTION, which will be held in Pocomoke City from April 28-30.

12. Authorize repairs to surplus truck recently donated by the Maryland Forrest Service to the Pocomoke VFC.

13. City Manager to present 8 month budget status report.

Comments from the Audience

Mayor and Council items.

Adjourn

AGENDAS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE UNTIL THE TIME OF CONVENING.