BARRICADE ENDS PEACEFULLY IN FREDERICK

Maryland State Police Press Release
02/11/2014

(FREDERICK, MD) -- A fugitive who told police attempting to arrest him that he had a gun and refused to come out of his Frederick hotel room has surrendered peacefully and is in custody.

The fugitive is identified as David M. Fioramonti, 41, of Purcellville, Va. He is wanted on a federal warrant from the Eastern District of Virginia for violation of probation.

A police negotiating team from the Frederick County Sheriff's Office, assisted by a team from the Maryland State Police, had communicated with Fioramonti throughout the afternoon. Negotiators convinced him to surrender peacefully.

At about 5:15 p.m., Fioramonti walked out of his hotel room and was taken into custody by troopers from the State Police Special Tactical Assault Team Element. Troopers immediately noticed the fugitive had wounds to his torso and neck.
EMS personnel were summoned and treated Fioramonti for multiple self-inflicted stabbing type wounds. It is not known at this time what he used to stab himself. He was transported to a waiting Maryland State Police helicopter and flown to the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center where he is undergoing treatment.

Fioramonti has been turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshal's Service, since he was wanted on a federal warrant. Questions regarding the warrant should be directed to the U.S. Marshal's Service.

Maryland State Police criminal investigators will be obtaining a search warrant and will conduct a search of the fugitive's room. He had apparently been living at the hotel for several weeks. A firearm has not been recovered. 

Coast Guard To Establish Security Zone for Democratic Issues Conference

BALTIMORE — The Coast Guard will establish a temporary security zone Wednesday to Friday in designated waters of the Choptank River for the Democratic Issues Conference.

The security zone is scheduled to begin at 3 a.m. Wednesday and may limit or prohibit navigation by commercial and recreational waterway users.

The security zone will include a 500-yard perimeter surrounding the waterfront of the Hyatt Regency Hotel on the Choptank River in Cambridge. The security zone will impact waterway traffic under the Route 50 Bridge during this time.

Entering or operating in the security zone is prohibited unless authorized by the captain of the port of Coast Guard Sector Baltimore. Vessels already at berth, mooring or anchorage at the time the zone is implemented are not required to depart the security zone.
 
"Recognizing the temporary zone will affect mariners on the Choptank River, we have coordinated closely with our inter-agency and port partners to minimize impact," said Lt. Michael McGrail, a member of Coast Guard Sector Baltimore. "We do this while still meeting security requirements for the Democratic Issues Conference."

Anyone who desires to transit the security zone must first obtain authorization from the COTP or his designated representative. To seek permission to transit the area, call 410-576-2693 or use marine-band radio via VHF-FM channel 16.

BEAT THE PEAK ~ REDUCE YOUR USE

From:  A & N Electric Cooperative
                   (Facebook)

BEAT THE PEAK ~ REDUCE YOUR USE

Wednesday February 12th, 6-8 a.m.

Why: We're "beating the peak" tomorrow morning because of the very cold temps. During times of peak energy use your co-op pays a premium price for energy. By reducing how much energy ...you

are using in your home, you can lower your co-op's energy costs.

What Should I do? To lower your energy consumption during the alert period, please turn off any unnecessary lights and delay using appliances like your dishwasher or washing machine. Turning the thermostat down a few degrees can also significantly lower how much energy you are using.

MAN WANTED FOR VIOLATION OF PROBATION ....

Maryland State Police Press Release

MAN WANTED FOR VIOLATION OF PROBATION REFUSING TO LEAVE FREDERICK HOTEL ROOM

(FREDERICK, MD) -- Maryland State Police and Frederick County Sheriff's Office negotiators are continuing to talk with a man wanted for violation of probation who told police he was armed and is refusing to leave his hotel room.

At this time, the person is only being identified as a male in his 40's, who was staying at a hotel in the 5500-block of Spectrum Drive in Frederick. He is wanted on a federal warrant from the Eastern District of Virginia for violation of probation.

Shortly after 11:00 a.m. today, police with the Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force went to a second floor room in the two-story hotel, after their investigation indicated the fugitive may be staying there. This is a US Marshal's task force that includes state and local police officers who locate wanted persons and serve warrants.

When police knocked on the door, a male voice told them to go away. Police identified themselves and attempted to open the door, but the door was locked with the inside security hasp. The man told police he had a gun and again told them to go away.

Police began communication with the man through the door and called for police negotiators. Negotiators from the Frederick County Sheriff's Office and Maryland State Police responded and have been communicating with the man by phone throughout the afternoon. A tactical team from the Maryland State Police is on the scene.

It is unknown if the man has a firearm. No shots have been fired. No one has been injured.

There were about 30 guests at the hotel, all of whom where evacuated safely. A limited number of hotel staff remain. The hotel management has been completely supportive of police in their response to this situation.

The situation is contained to the one room on the second floor of the hotel. A secure police perimeter has been established around the hotel. Traffic is moving smoothly past the scene.

State Police are working to resolve this situation peacefully. Communication with the man is ongoing. 

Celebrate Valentine's Day With DJ Kay!

DON'T MISS "DJ Kay"

 

 

From the Desk of Pocomoke City Police Chief Kelvin D. Sewell

Pocomoke Police Department

PRESS RELEASE

January 1, 2014 - January 31, 2014

 

 

 1-1-14  Maurice Bishop, age 45 of Pocomoke was arrested by the
Pocomoke City Police Department and charged for an alcohol violation.

1-1-14  Cecelia Briddell, age 52 of Pocomoke was arrested by the
Pocomoke City Police Department and charged with disorderly
conduct.

1-2-13  Sheron Purnell, age 20 of Snow Hill, MD was arrested by the Pocomoke City Police Department and charged with theft less
Than $500.00.

1-5-14  Dallas Johnson, age 24 of Princess Anne, MD was arrested by the Pocomoke City Police Department and charged with Handgun in Vehicle, Handgun on person, CDS Possession – Marijuana, CDS  Possession – not marijuana, and CDS Possession with intent to  distribute.

1-6-14  Laura Wiggins, age 31 of Pocomoke was arrested by the
 Pocomoke City Police Department and charged with Credit Card
  theft.

1-8-14 Cecelia Briddell, age 52 of Pocomoke was arrested by the
 Pocomoke City Police Department and charged with Disorderly
 Conduct and disturbing the peace.

1-9-14 Francis Crippen, age 33 of Pocomoke was arrested by the
 Pocomoke City Police Department and charged with Disorderly
 Conduct, CDS Possession – marijuana, and Assault – 2nd Degree.

1-10-14 Eric Faya, age 43 of Pocomoke was arrested by the
 Pocomoke City Police Department and charged with theft less than
 $100.00.

1-12-14 Constance Roberts, age 30 of Pocomoke was arrested by the Pocomoke City Police Department and charged with CDS
Possession – marijuana and CDS Possession – paraphernalia.

1-15-14 Steven Lemon, age 39 of Temperanceville, VA was arrested by the Pocomoke City Police Department and charged with Theft less than  $500.00 and a Warrant thru Worcester County for a FTA.

1-16-14 Chad Collins, age 31 of Pocomoke was arrested by the
 Pocomoke City Police Department and charged on a warrant thru Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office for a FTA.

1-16-14  Michael Acevedo, age 29 of Pocomoke was arrested by the Pocomoke City Police Department and charged with CDS
Possession – marijuana.

1-16-14 Jason Adkins, age 33 of Greenwood, DE was arrested by the Pocomoke City Police Department and charged with Theft less than $500 value.

1-17-14 Kane Cottman, age 25 of Pocomoke was arrested by the
Pocomoke City Police Department and charged with Malicious
destruction of property.

1-18-14 Shawnteki Marshall, age 32 of Pocomoke was arrested by the Pocomoke City Police Department and charged with theft less than  $100.00.

1-20-14 Desiree Lyons, age 20 of Pocomoke was arrested by the
 Pocomoke City Police Department and charged on a warrant thru
 Worcester County for a FTA.

1-22-14 William Borum, age 23 of Pocomoke was arrested by the
    Pocomoke City Police Department and charged with Assault – 2nd Degree.

1-23-14 Thomas Simpson, age 23 of Greenbackville, VA was arrested by the Pocomoke City Police Department and charged on a warrant thru Princess Anne MSP for a FTA.

1-25-14 Myisha Dunson, age 26 of Pocomoke was arrested by the
 Pocomoke City Police Department and charged with theft less than
 $100.00 and on a warrant thru Worcester County for a FTA.

1-25-14 Taneisha Jones, age 38 of Pocomoke was arrested by the
 Pocomoke City Police Department and charged with theft less than
 $100.00.

1-25-14 Markay Collins, age 24 of Exmore, VA was arrested by thePocomoke City Police Department and charged with CDS
 Possession – not marijuana.

1-31-14 Duane Turner, age 30 of Atlantic, VA was arrested by the
 Pocomoke City Police Department and charged on a warrant thru
 Worcester County for a FTA.

1-31-14 Jernell Hargis, age 35 of Salisbury, MD was arrested by the Pocomoke City Police Department and charged with Assault – 2nd Degree.

1-31-14 Jeffery Bowden, age 36 of Pocomoke was arrested by the
 Pocomoke City Police Department and charged with theft less than
 $100.00.

JUVENILE  ARRESTS

A Pocomoke juvenile, age 14 was arrested for Theft less than $100.

A Pocomoke juvenile, age 13 was arrested for Theft less than $100.

A Stockton, MD juvenile, age 16 was arrested for Theft less than $100.

A Stockton, MD juvenile, age 13 was arrested for Theft less than $100.

A Pocomoke juvenile, age 16 was arrested for CDS Possession - Marijuana.

A Pocomoke juvenile, age 13 was arrested for Theft less than $100 and reckless endangerment.

A Pocomoke juvenile, age 11 was arrested for Theft less than $100 and reckless endangerment.

A Pocomoke juvenile, age 16 was arrested for Assault – 2nd Degree.

OTHER
Fourteen (14) additional arrests were made for various traffic violations during the month of January 2014.

Stockton, Md. Man Arrested For Child Pornography

Worcester County Sheriff’s Office Press Release

A search warrant was executed on Laiton Blake Witkowski’s residence, February 6, 2014.

Laiton Blake Witkowski

On Monday, February 10, 2014, Mr. Witkowski 41 of Stockton Md., turned himself in to the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office. Witkowski had an active warrant for Possession of Child Pornography and Distribution of Child Pornography.

 

The arrest was the result of the combined efforts of the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office, Maryland State Police Computer Crimes Unit and the Department of Homeland Security.  Through their affiliation with the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, Detectives learned that Witkowski had been sharing images of known Child Pornography. Mr. Witkowski was charged with One (1) count of Distribution of Child Pornography and one (1) count of Possession of Child Pornography.

 

   Mr. Witkowski was taken before a Maryland District Court Commissioner and released on a $50,000 unsecured bond.

 

                The Worcester County Sheriff’s Office is a member of Maryland Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force which is comprised of police agencies from around the state.  Its primary mission is to protect children from computer-facilitated sexual exploitation.  The Task Force works cooperatively with law enforcement agencies and prosecutors to provide resources to combat these crimes.  Additionally, the Task Force provides community awareness campaigns helping to prevent the spread of these crimes through education.

 

Lt. Edward C. Schreier

Worcester County Sheriff’s Office

Worcester County ~ Felon Sentenced To 12 Years

Eddie Alexis Collick

“Mr. Collick was a gun-carrying, convicted violent drug dealer who will now be off the streets of Snow Hill because of their efforts and the prosecutors who worked on the case.” - Beau Oglesby Worcester County States Attorney

February 11, 2014

Felon caught with gun sentenced to 12 years

SNOW HILL — A career criminal is back in jail because Snow Hill police caught the man driving on suspended license with a revolver in his possession.

A Worcester County Circuit Court judge convicted Eddie Alexis Collick, 38, on charges of being a felon in possession of a weapon, and for running away from police. The judge sentenced Collick to 12 years in jail, with half that sentence suspended, leaving him with six years of active jail time.


Collick has a rap sheet — including assault, failure to pay child support and seven separate convictions for drug possession or distribution — that dates to 1995 in Worcester County.

CONTINUE READING...

Famed Former Child Actress & Diplomat Shirley Temple Dies

(CNN) – Shirley Temple Black, who rose to fame as arguably one of the most well-known child actresses in Hollywood history, died late Monday night, her publicist said.

She was 85.

Temple died of natural causes at her Woodside, California, home, surrounded by family and caregivers, a statement from Cheryl Kagan said.

Continue Reading...

Somerset County Animal Control Spring Rabies Clinic

• 

   
•  
• Somerset County Animal Control Spring Rabies Clinic

 

Tuesday, April 1, 2014

6:00 pm until 8:00 pm

Clinic will take place at:

Mt. Vernon Volunteer Fire Co.

 (get directions)

The fee for each vaccination is $6.

 County Licenses will be on sale also!

 The price for 1 year license is $5 and $15 for a 3 year license.

For more information:

Somerset County Animal Control - Facebook

Accomack County Circuit Court Cases

Accomack County Circuit Court
Thursday,  February 6, 2014

Jonathan Tykot - sentenced to 12 months with six months suspended after pleading of indecent liberties with a child. Mr. Tykot was charged on April 1, 2013 for use of a communications device in an indecent manner. In a plea agreement charges were reduced to a misdemeanor in exchange for a guilty plea. This incident occurred at a New Years Eve party on December 31, 2012 in Quinby. At the time the victim had just turned 14 years old. The parents of the victim discovered communications on a Facebook page between the dates of December 31, 2012 and January 6, 2013.

Judge Revel Lewis accepted the plea agreement and sentenced the defendant to 12 months with six months suspended with the balance to be served on weekends.


Austin Parks - convicted on three counts of burglary and grand larceny, was sentenced to two years on each count. Parks was convicted on three counts December 12, 2013. He was in court for sentencing. Defense attorney Garrett Dunham explained that the defendant had been very cooperative, open and honest and therefore he was asking the court to understand this was the defendants first felony. He said the defendant should be sentenced to less than the guidelines. Assistant Commonwealth attorney Matt Brenner reported that the presentence report was full of drugs, fights and a long juvenile record and he was asking for a long suspended sentence like 20 years.

Judge Lewis sentenced the defendant to two years on each count to run consecutively with all but five months suspended. This would give Mr. Parks 22 months of active jail time.

Dana Davis - convicted of forgery. This case came from his signing traffic ticket and court documents with someone else's name. Mr. Davis speaking on his behalf explained to the court that he was trying to break his family cycle, asking for leniency. Documents from Tyson Foods were entered showing more than five years of continuous employment with a good work record.

 Judge Lewis sentenced Mr. Davis to three years with all but six months suspended and allowing a work release for that six months period.

Torey Duffy - charged with burglary and Petit larceny. Being convicted on July 25, 2013 at a bench trial Mr. Duffy was asking to be put in the diversion program which would allow him to work during this time to be served. Having already been in jail for 14 months and four days with a new six-month-old child whom he had never seen was his reasoning.

 Judge Lewis explaining that part of this burglary was third-generation jewelry which had been handed down from the great-grandmother which was irreplaceable.

Judge Lewis ordered $3782 in restitution and sentenced Mr. Duffy to 15 years on the breaking and entering charge and 12 months for the Petit larceny with all but five years suspended.

Lorena Villareal  - convicted of fifth offense of DWI was sentenced to five years. This was her fourth offense within a 10 year period Ms. Villareal was stopped on October 12, 2013 in the parking lot of Shore Shop and the Eastern shore news after driving over the curb.

With probation violations pending in Maryland the defendant was sentenced to five years with all but one year and five months suspended.

Source:

 

Craig Calls on O’Malley, Brown to Disclose Maryland Health Exchange Costs

 

Craig Calls on O’Malley, Brown to Disclose Maryland Health Exchange Costs

 

Harford County Executive and Maryland candidate for Governor David Craig called on the Administration to release the cost of Maryland’s health exchange as oversight hearings intended to uncover chronic problems are set to begin today in the General Assembly.  Noting the media has reported figures that vary wildly between $100 million to $200 million, Craig said providing basic cost information is an obvious and transparent step the O’Malley-Brown Administration must take to make the hearings useful.

“I am dumbfounded that legislators should even have to ask how much this thing costs,” said Craig. “This Administration prides itself on state-stat and modern government accountability programs, but when it comes to disclosing simple accounting information that might embarrass them, it takes an act of the state legislature to learn how much money is going down the drain.”

Craig said the hearing should not even start until the Administration provides the cost.

“It is ludicrous that legislators are going to sit around a table in Annapolis asking Administration officials to please tell taxpayers how much of their money is being wasted on Maryland Health Connection, when the amount should already have been made public,&rdq uo; he said.

In a misleading statement on the Maryland Health Benefit Exchange website,  the state organization that oversees Maryland Health Connection for consumers, the O’Malley-Brown Administration discloses that the federal government alone has provided $157 million in grants.    What is not mentioned is the cost of state funding going to the exchange including cost over-runs with contractors or recently-enacted legislation intended to address enrollment problems.

Lt. Governor and Administration health care point man Anthony Brown issued a press release after a bill signing ceremony implementing Maryland’s exchange stating that no state funds were needed to “create an exchange that fits the unique strengths and needs of our State.”

Maryland’s exchange is a national embarrassment.    Enrollment numbers are tracking well below other states implementing their own exchange.  Horror stories continue to mount of consumers seeking assistance being mistakenly directed to Washington State and Pennsylvania.  The General Assembly rushed through Administration-backed emergency legislation to shift consumers to another state-managed insurance program that is scheduled to be phased out without knowing the cost.  And most recently, leaders in the legislature waffled over whether to provide any dire ct oversight over the botched roll out of the exchange.  
Craig has previously called on O’Malley and Brown to stop wasting money and hindering access to health care and to promote direct enrollment options through insurance carriers and brokers.  The Administration then took a modest step in that direction by working with insurance industry leaders to develop a telephone help line.

###

Background:

Baltimore Sun: 2.03.14

Mr. Brown gets a reprieve [Editorial]

That may be true, but Maryland's $107 million exchange had one of the most troubled launches in the country.
http://articles.baltimoresun.com/2014-02-03/news/bs-ed-obamacare-hearings-20140203_1_reprieve-hearings-exchange

 

Washington Post: 1.11.14
Maryland officials were warned for a year of problems with online health-insurance site

More than a year before Maryland launched its health insurance exchange, senior state officials failed to heed warnings that no one was ultimately accountable for the $170 million project and that the state lacked a plausible plan for how it would be ready by Oct. 1.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/maryland-news/maryland-officials-were-warned-for-a-year-of-problems-with-online-health-insurance-site/2014/01/11/f094ad94-6a98-11e3-8b5b-a77187b716a3_story.html

 

 Maryland Reporter: 8.11.13
Md. health insurance exchange to open this fall at cost of $200M

The $200 million will pay for the program to get underway, and the state is kicking in more than $20 million of that, despite early assurances that federal funds would pay for implementation of the program.
http://marylandreporter.com/2013/08/11/md-health-insurance-exchange-to-open-this-fall-at-cost-of-200-million-24-million-in-state-funds/

 

Maryland Health Benefit Exchange
How is t he Maryland Health Benefit Exchange being funded?

Maryland has received four federal grants to support the implementation of a state-based exchange through the ACA, totaling $157.5 million.
http://marylandhbe.com/faq/

FCCLA Winter Blood Drive ~ Pocomoke High School

From:  Pocomoke High School Warriors  (Facebook)

 Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) are gearing up for their winter blood drive to be held in the auxiliary gym on Wednesday, February 12th.

Anyone who wants to donate can call the school before that date and/or come in the day of the drive.

It is during this time of year that donations seem to decrease and there is always a need for blood.

Time slots for appointments are available from 8:00 a.m. until 2:30 p.m.

Show someone you may never meet that you care and call 410-632-5180 to schedule an appointment.
 

Larry Hogan - Latest Press Coverage

Maryland Gazette: Hogan gets into gubernatorial race; Rutherford running with him

"Hogan, chairman of the nonprofit fiscal accountability group Change Maryland, and Rutherford, a former secretary of Maryland’s Department of General Services, filed Monday."

Read More

Baltimore Sun: Hogan to seek public financing in GOP primary for governor

"Republican gubernatorial candidate Larry Hogan said Monday that he will accept public financing in the GOP primary, becoming the second person seeking the office this year to participate in a system that had been dormant for almost two decades...

Maryland's public financing system, which applies only to the campaigns for governor, is not funded by taxes. The money comes from voluntary checkoffs on Maryland tax forms,"


Read More

Capital Gazette: Larry Hogan files for GOP primary for governor

"Republican Larry Hogan made his campaign for the GOP primary in the governor's race in Maryland official on Monday, announcing he will use public financing after filing his candidacy at the state election's board."

Read More



Washington Post: GOP gubernatorial hopeful Hogan says he'll participate in Md. public financing system"Hogan said that the 'matching funds level the playing field for grassroots campaigns like ours and enable us to compete with the out-of-touch monopoly in Annapolis.'"

Read More

Jewish Times: Hogan Announces Candidacy in Annapolis

 Emphasizing his background in business rather than politics, Hogan said he has spent the past three years traveling the state and speaking with residents. The common theme he ran into again and again, he said, is frustration with the current government.

"'We're hostile to the job creators,' he said at a Baltimore Jewish Council meeting the following day, pointing to the so-called 'millionaire’s tax' and 'rain tax.'

If he is elected, Hogan said he would require independent audits of every state agency in an effort to cut back on government spending."

Read More

 Hagerstown Herald-Mail: Hogan files for governor's race, will use public financing "Hogan officially kicked off his campaign last week and announced his running mate at the same event."

Read More

Washington Post: Ehrlich to appear at event for Maryland GOP gubernatorial hopeful Larry Hogan

"Larry Hogan, Maryland’s newest Republican gubernatorial hopeful, is expected to get a boost later this month from the state's only GOP governor of the past generation.

Former governor Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. (R) is scheduled to appear at a “headquarters grand opening party” with Hogan, who served as appointments secretary for Ehrlich."

Read More

Delmarva Discovery Center ~ REPTILE FESTIVAL 2014

Free with paid admission and as always, FREE TO MEMBERS!

Felon Sentenced to Six Years for Possession of a Handgun

The Office of the State’s Attorney for Worcester County

SNOW HILL –   On February 5, 2014, Eddie Alexis Collick, a felon living in the Snow Hill area, was sentenced to 12 years in the Department of Corrections with six years of active incarceration. The first five years are a mandatory/minimum with limited opportunities of parole for possession of a .32 caliber revolver.  He also received one year of incarceration for attempting to elude capture by the police.

On May 26, 2013 Pfc. Shay Waters and Christopher Boyce of the Snow Hill Police Department observed Collick operating a motor vehicle while his license was suspended. They initiated a traffic stop on his vehicle, at which time Collick immediately exited his vehicle and began to run through the streets of Snow Hill. He was eventually apprehended approximately one block from where he initially exited his vehicle. Officers retraced his flight path and located a .32 caliber revolver with four live rounds and one spent shell in the cylinder. In addition, Mr. Collick had $370 and two pocket knives on his person.

 Mr. Collick admitted the weapon belonged to him and ran because he knew they would eventually find it.

 Sitting in the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Judge Thomas C. Groton, III acknowledged that Mr. Collick had a “terrible” record.

For nearly two decades Mr. Collick has been committing crimes in Worcester County. He has three convictions for possession of marijuana, three convictions for possession of crack cocaine, one conviction for distribution of crack cocaine, one conviction for assault in the second degree, a violation of probation, multiple traffic infractions and has failed to pay child support for at least six years that he was obligated to do so. In 2007, Collick was also convicted for the exact same offense he was found guilty of today, being a felon in possession of a regulated firearm in 2007.

 State’s Attorney for Worcester County, Beau Oglesby thanked the Snow Hill Police Department for their extraordinary efforts in capturing Mr. Collick and said, “ Chief of Police Kirk Daugherty deserves credit for leading such a strong department of exceptional law enforcement officers.  Mr. Collick was a gun carrying, convicted violent drug dealer who will now be off the streets of Snow Hill because of their efforts and the prosecutors who worked on the case”.

William H. McDermott
Executive Assistant State's Attorney
State's Attorney's Office
Worcester County, Maryland

Hi Tied Gala / Pocomoke Boat Docking Challenge

 

 Pocomoke Boat Docking Challenge

(Facebook)

 

~POCOMOKE HI TIED GALA ~

(Facebook)

 

 

The Hi Tied Gala is less than one week away!

 

THIS EVENT HAS SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE!!

Saturday, February 15, 2014.
6:00pm until 1:00am.

 

 

- Menu:

 Prime rib, chicken, red skinned potatoes, green beans, salad and rolls. Appetizers and homemade desserts will also be provided.

 

 - Entertainment:

VA Beach's #1 Dance Band, HOTCAKES, will play a mixture of oldies, beach, dance and today's hit music. HOTCAKES has performed in the past locally at The Upper Deck and Club Car Café.

 

 - Auction:

Live and silent auctions will occur. Just to name a few items...an original Crockett painting, a Turner sculpture, an island trip to the Bahamas, numerous decoys, hotel stays in OC and Chincoteague, round of golf, fishing trips, jewelry, front row Orioles tickets, many gift certificates to local restaurants and businesses, and numerous gift baskets.

 

 

 - Gala is formal/semi-formal so you choose what's the better pick for you!

 

 TICKETS AVAILABLE AT SHORE BANK, THE ENCHANTED FLORIST, ONLINE AT EVENTBRITE.COM OR BY CALLING 443-366-2853.

 

Single tickets $50, table $450 (seats 10).

 

 GET YOUR TICKETS so you don't miss out on this event!!

 

2013 GUMBORO-CRISFIELD MUDBOG BANQUET

 

NOTICE UPDATE / REMINDER
 2013 GUMBORO-CRISFIELD MUDBOG BANQUET

 

The decision has been made that there WILL be a banquet for the 2013 Gumboro-Crisfield mudbogging season.

 

 Saturday, February 22, 2014 at the Crisfield Elks Lodge. Dinner will be at 6:00 PM.

 

 If you have not reserved your tickets please call Charlie Price ASAP! All money needs to be paid/mailed as soon as possible.

 Conatact Charlie - 410-330-6571 

 MAIL MONEY- ASAP
 Charlie Price
 1205 Stone Boundary Rd
 Cambridge, MD 21613
 ~Make checks payable to: Eastern Shore Mud Racing Association ~

 

**A final total of tickets is needed by Wednesday February 12, 2014 at 12:00 noon.**

 

 If possible you may leave your ticket money with Wright at KRW Auto & Golf Cart Sales on Route 13 in Pocomoke.

 

See you there!!

A Few Words From Pocomoke City Mayor Bruce Morrison

I would like to thank the citizens of Pocomoke City for allowing me to serve a second term as Mayor.

I have thoroughly enjoyed being Mayor of this great city and look forward to leading us in the next three years continuing to move Pocomoke in a forward direction.

  Thank you again for your confidence in me.

Mayor Bruce Morrison

Field Notes By Delegate Michael A. McDermott

 

Field Notes

Observations and Reflections on Legislative Activities

By Delegate Michael A. McDermott

 

Week 5 February 3-7, 2014

 

Monday Evening Session:

 

Bills on First Reader

 

Senate Bills Crossing Over on First Reader:

 

Of the Senate bills that crossed over, two stood out:

 

SB-6 would require certain certifications for mechanics performing preventative maintenance on automobiles.

 

SB-77 would increase the exemptions for certain farm vehicles as it relates to vehicle inspections.

 

Tuesday Morning Session:

Senate Bills on First Reader (two bills sent to House Rules which generally correct clerical errors in previous legislation.)

Tuesday Afternoon Judiciary Hearings:

HB-81 would restrict anyone from bringing a “telecommunications device” into a place of confinement and would expand the definition of a contraband device to include chargers, SIM cards, etc. The first offense would be a misdemeanor and a second or subsequent would be a felony.

HB-84 like some of the other bills heard today, this one would ban cell phones being introduced into a correctional facility, but it also goes further and identifies any contraband under the same restrictions and prohibitions.

HB-159 would also restrict telecommunications devices as several other bills heard today. Based upon testimony and questions, HB-81 seems to address more of the specific issues and concerns that folks had about the cell phones in our prisons.

HB-173 would permit the Department of Corrections to polygraph employees as a condition of employment. Surprisingly, the state is prohibited from utilizing this as a tool to insure that employees are not engaging in any inappropriate manner. There were many questions on this proposed change. The correctional officers union does not support the expansion  of the use of polygraphs.

HB-174 would change the name of the Internal Investigative Unit and would define who the unit reports to within the agency.

HB-175 would make it a misdemeanor for a person to “deliver” a telecommunication device to an inmate if signs are posted stating that such action is prohibited. This bill is one of several being offered in response to the Baltimore City Jail fiasco. This particular bill would only make the crime a misdemeanor.

HB-234

HB-289 would severely restrict the use of automatic license plate readers by law enforcement and would also restrict law enforcement dissemination of the information captured.

HB-294 is referred to as “Christopher’s Law” and it seeks to mandate certain law enforcement training specifically dealing with the recertification on CPR techniques. It would also mandate regular use of force and sensitivity training for law enforcement.

HB-364 would allow the office of the State Prosecutor to provide qualified immunity to a witness in order to compel testimony. This is a tool that the State’s Attorneys have as well as the Attorney General’s office but the State Prosecutor is not included on the list of those who can grant immunity for testimony.

 

 

My Bill Hearings Tuesday Afternoon:

HB-75 was heard in the Ways and Means Committee. My bill would exempt the first  I $50,000 of any Marylanders retirement income from  State Income Tax. I shared with the committee members of the significant migration of our people and their money which is proving devastating to our economy. Maryland has lost close to 70,000 folks in the past ten years along with their $5.5 billion in earnings. Many states have moved to retain their seniors and attract others in their later years by cutting or eliminating income taxes, and eliminating other inheritance related taxes (like death and estate). Maryland is currently classified as the “worst state in which to die” if you want to pass on anything to your children. I explained that this is just one part in a plan to move Maryland toward greater prosperity.

HB-218 as amended, this bill would allow any state worker (who have all been forced to join the union) to opt out of paying the union their service fee and, instead, pay the equivalent amount to any registered non-profit organization of their choosing. Current law allows for a “religious exemption” in order to do the same thing. The process of receiving this type of exemption  is convoluted and this bill would simply recognize that anyone, for any reason, can  have their money go toward a non-profit as opposed to going to the union (that uses the money to support the democrat machine politics that is Annapolis).  Getting the democrats to vote against their own custom made slush fund is beyond wishful thinking, but shameful things like this need to be exposed and I hope the folks are paying attention. This bill was heard in Appropriations, so let’s see if Chairman Conway puts it up for a vote and then we can see where delegates stand on the issue.

HB-234 was heard in Judiciary. It would allow a person who makes a bomb threat to be charged in the jurisdiction where the alleged bomb or destructive device was rumored or said to be placed. With cellular communications and computers, it can be difficult to know exactly where a bad guy was located when he made such a threat. Current law requires a person to be charged in the jurisdiction where they conveyed the threat. I was able to get this bill out of the House last year, but it failed to move in the Senate.

 

 

Wednesday Morning Session

 

Senate and House Bills on First Reader

There were several bills from the House Economic Matters Committee which were on 2nd Reader. There was no debate on any of these bills as most were simple administrative changes to the law.

Wednesday Afternoon Judiciary Hearings:

HB-108 would create many new and increased fees applied to cases filed in the Court of Appeals Court of Special Appeals, and the various Circuit Courts. The money collected will be utilized to bring the courts into the digital age. There will be a significant increase in public accessibility of records and electronic filing of documents and requests will become common place. Case files will also be available online for viewing. The printing costs are simply going to be handed down to the local level where they will have to be absorbed by the Sheriffs and their respective counties.

HB-228 is directed at certain record keeping procedures conducted by the Register of Wills and was technical in nature.

HB-345 would alter the statute pertaining to Certificates of Merit involving court action/claims that are filed against licensed design professionals when a negligent act is alleged. It would require someone who wants to file a claim to have the work reviewed by a “qualified expert” licensed in Maryland who agrees with the complaint filed before the matter could go forward. It was brought up that it may be difficult to find an expert in Maryland who would be willing to testify against another fellow design professional (engineer, etc.).

HB-376 would make it illegal to sell any vehicle that it is illegal to operate in Baltimore City. It was said that they have a big problem with people operating “dirt bikes” within the city limits. I raised the issue of 4-wheelers while Delegate Kelly asked about folks who have a bike they want to ride out in the county. This type of transportation is said to be a big problem in the city, but this seems to be a very restrictive approach to address the problem. This is another bill that will take away liberty from Marylanders.

HB-385 would expand the coverage under law for many folks who would be considered “bloggers” as to their ability to protect information or sources. In essence, it would provide certain protections that traditional media currently utilize. There was an interesting discussion on the issue with some of the media representatives on the panel and it highlighted the different direction being taken by traditional media outlets.

HB-386 would assess points on a Maryland Driver’s License for anyone caught and convicted of littering in Baltimore City.

HB-395 would redefine some of the definitions concerning certain providers of medical care.

Thursday Morning Session:

 

Senate and House Bills on First Reader

 

Thursday Afternoon Judiciary Committee Hearings:

 

HB-120 is an administration bill which would create additional judgeships in the state. None of those positions is on the Eastern Shore (although a position was added last year). It was stated that this would cut back on the number of hours that retired judges are utilized in these jurisdictions.

HB-315 would grant juvenile status to illegal aliens to the age of 21 for those who claim abused, neglected, or abandoned status in this country. Currently, those here illegally who are under 18 years of age can apply for permanent residency if they show that they suffer, or would suffer from abuse or neglect if they were sent back to their country of origin or that they have been abandoned in this country by a parent or guardian. There were many questions about this system as it seems ripe for abuse by those seeking residency in the United States.

Currently, New York is the only state to have extended juvenile status to those that fall into this category. The committee did not seem convinced that this was a good idea.

HB-383 would change the required age for babysitters. Currently, one must be at least 13 years of age to watch other children. This bill would require one to be at least 15 in order to babysit a child under the age of 3. I think the bill is well intended, but I saw reluctance to change the law by other committee members. There are often tragic events that produce bills such as this one, but most of the time such events are the exception to the rule.

HB-407 would limit the ability of the state to detain any juvenile under the age of 12 for a crime unless the charge was: 1st Deg. Murder/Attempted Murder, 1st Deg. Rape, or 1st Deg. Sex Offense. There were many questions about the logic of releasing an 11 year old who has committed an Armed Robbery (or other violent crime) back into the community under certain circumstances. Our urban areas of the state are dealing with younger violent offenders and many on the committee do not want the ability of the courts to confine someone who represents a violent threat simply because the law would demand their release. An 11-year old who sticks a gun in a clerks face and takes the cash receipts is no longer a “child” and they did not arrive their overnight. I felt this was not simply a bad bill but a dangerous one as well.

 

 

Friday Morning Eastern Shore Delegation Meeting:

 

We met with Secretary of Agriculture Buddy Hance and heard a brief presentation. He indicated that a thorough economic impact study was under way on the PMT regulations and should be accomplished by summer. Frankly, this seems to be a moot point. Although there has been a lot of bloviating on this issue, the administration has made it clear they are moving forward with these regulations before the end of 2014. I heard nothing from Secretary Hance that alleviated those concerns. The secretary really did not have that much to say. He referenced some other programs and talked about the success of our cover crops; and he responded to several questions regarding the PMT and the governor’s comments the previous evening at an agriculture dinner which disparaged DPI Executive Director Bill Satterfield. The delegation demanded an apology from the governor for those comments.

The Delmarva Poultry Industry (DPI) was also on hand and made a presentation. They expressed their concerns over the proposed “Chicken Tax” and said they were pleased to hear the governor say he would veto such a bill if it passed. The regulatory environment of Maryland was mentioned regarding the growth of the industry on the shore. The growth of the industry in Delaware and Virginia continues while Maryland declines. We discussed the effect that even proposed regulations have on an industry when an uncertain future is on the horizon.

We also had a brief presentation from LEAD Maryland Foundation by Dale Brown and Wendell Meekins. This is a leadership training institute that many in the agriculture industry have attended and there were many members present in the audience from the foundation.

Many Eastern Shore Mayors attended the meeting as a part of their winter conference. It was nice to see Pocomoke City Mayor Bruce Morrison, Berlin Mayor Gee Williams, and Crisfield Mayor P.J. Purnell. They were led by Delmar Mayor Carl Anderton who is also the President of the Maryland Municipal League. I asked the mayor’s their top budget priority and they all stated the restoration of Highway User Funds. Since the state stripped away 90% of that money, all of our local governments are suffering mightily from the loss. Delegate Conway took the opportunity to kid with me about voting for his budget if those funds were restored and I told him it all depended upon where he came up with the money. The proposed budget by the governor includes a $1.8 billion dollar increase in spending and I am quite certain I could never vote for that type of increase.

Friday Morning Session:

 

House and Senate Bills on First Reader

 

Here are the bills that passed on Third Reader.

 

HB 35

Third Reading Passed (133-0)

 

 

 

 

 

HB 98

Third Reading Passed (133-0)

 

HB 99

Third Reading Passed (132-0)

 

HB 130

Third Reading Passed (129-3)

 

HB 141

Third Reading Passed (132-0)

 

HB 221

Third Reading Passed (131-0)

 

HB 257

Third Reading Passed (130-1)

Saturday Morning Meeting with Wicomico County Council and Executive:

 

We met again with Executive Pollitt and the County Council to hear an update on their budget and for them to share their concerns. The news was bleak for the most part. Wicomico County is simply not recovering from the recession at anywhere near the pace of other jurisdictions. This is clearly being driven by the jobs market, which has been very poor. Maryland policies are not helping the Eastern Shore, and specifically Wicomico County. As our hub of business and industry, we need Wicomico to prosper and that is simply not happening. There have been some efforts at the local level to address some tax issues and concerns, but they simply pale in comparison to enormous burden from the state that we must shoulder. This does not even take into account other crush factors like Obamacare that will impact all of us by the end of this year in a significant way; nor does it take into account the blow that the new Phosphorus regulations will have on our agricultural base. My Democratic colleagues from the Eastern Shore have gone along with the O’Malley administration on their spending and their jobs plan; and all of it has been a miserable failure with the shore suffering the most. We must change the way we think, and our current leadership is not getting the job done in Annapolis.

When you find yourself at a table celebrating jobs from one company that were announced 2-years ago that have yet to happen, it’s time to take a hard look in the mirror.

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