Pocomoke City Police Ask Motorists To Please Stay Off Roads

POCOMOKE CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT
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Pocomoke City Police Chief Kelvin Sewell would like to remind everyone that as temperatures drop to below freezing conditions, the roads are going to become very icy and dangerous.

Please stay off of the roads if at all possible!

**Reminder:  All Worcester County schools are closed tomorrow March 4, 2014.**

A & N Electric Cooperative ~ BEAT THE PEAK

From A & N ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE
                    (facebook)

Beat the Peak:
Tuesday March 4th, 6-8 a.m.

 

Why: We're "beating the peak" tomorrow morning because of the record breaking cold! 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.

 

Because A & N Electric Cooperative is member owned, those savings are passed on to you.

 

 What To Do During a Fall/Winter "Beat the Peak"

 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.

Pocomoke Mayor and Council Meeting Rescheduled

The Pocomoke City Mayor and Council meeting scheduled for tonight has been rescheduled for
Monday, March 10, 2014 at 7:30 PM.

Mayor Bruce Morrison

SPCA Eastern Shore Neuter Scooter Schedule

Maryland State Police Aviation Command Will Also Recognize 2013 Pilot of the Year

The Maryland State Police Aviation Command's rescheduled ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the new helicopter assigned to the Salisbury Section will be Wednesday, 3/5/14 at 1pm.

Speakers will include Col. Marcus Brown, MSP Superintendent, Dr. Richard Alcorta, State EMS Medical Director, Delegate Norman Conway, District 38B,  Mayor Rick Meehan, Town of Ocean City, and a patient/survivor.


 Mr. Stan Finch, 2013 Pilot of the Year, will also be recognized.

####

MARYLAND STATE POLICE AVIATION COMMAND ANNOUNCES

2013 PILOT OF THE YEAR

Mr. William S. “Stan” Finch, Jr.

 

(MIDDLE RIVER, MD) -- The Maryland State Police Aviation Command (MSPAC) has selected Mr. William S. “Stan” Finch, Jr. as the 2013 Pilot of the Year.  Mr. Finch is assigned to the Salisbury Aviation Section based at the Salisbury-Ocean City Wicomico Regional Airport.  He was selected by his peers for this annual award based on proven performance, dedication, and commitment to the MSPAC mission. 

     Mr. Finch has been a member of the Maryland State Police Aviation Command for over 30 years.  During his tenure he has served as an Aviation Trauma Technician (precursor to Flight Paramedic), Pilot, Sergeant, Instructor Pilot and Civilian Pilot.  In 2013 he was named the Lead Instructor Pilot for the statewide transition into the new, state of the art, AW139 multi-mission helicopter. In this role he was responsible for drafting a Training Syllabus and Training Manual in compliance with FAA guidelines. Mr. Finch then coordinated and supervised the training of pilots on the new AW139 helicopter. As a result of his tireless work and dedication to duty, MSPAC has transitioned the first three Sections into the new helicopter with the fourth transition session beginning next week.  Thanks to Mr. Finch’s efforts across the state, MSPAC continues to serve the State of Maryland with the most advanced and capable multi-mission helicopter available. It is the highlight of his 40 years of dedication to Maryland.

 

Personal Background

Name:  William S. “Stan” Finch, Jr.

 

Assignment: Instructor Pilot – Salisbury Aviation Section

History: Over 40 years of service to the MSP; 25 years as a Trooper/Pilot and 15 years as Civilian Pilot. Over 30 years of service to Pocomoke Volunteer Fire Company. 

 

Hobbies: NASCAR, Hunting and driving to Marshall University.

 

Family: Resides in Pocomoke, Worcester County with his wife Cathy.
###

Congratulations Stan!!!

Ceremony For AW 139 Helicopter Ceremony Rescheduled For This Week

Closings~ Delays Monday March 3, 2014 UPDATED

 

 

3/3/14

Closings and Delays

 

Eastern Shore Auto Body, Body Shop & Accessories Store closed at Noon today. But its tow truck is still running
24 hr. towing at 710-0499

Accomac Optometric, Onley closed at 12 Noon. Listen to WESR tomorrow for opening information

Onancock Building, Eastville & Onancock, closed at 12:30

Accomack Juvenile & Domestic Relations Court closed Tuesday

E.S.Printers closed today

Division of Rehabilitative Services closed today

McCaleb-Metzler Insurance closed at 12 Noon

Accomack & Northampton County Health Departments closed at 10:15 AM today

The Main Library in Accomac & the Northampton Branches closed at 10 AM. Island Library closed today. Cape Charles Memorial Library closed at noon

Associated Insurance Centers closed at 1 PM

Book Bin closed today at 11:30 AM

Central Shore Lions Club meeting tonight canceled

Perdue Monday's third shift tonight, please contact your supervisor. First Shift on Tuesday will have a 2 hour delay
ESO Art Center, Belle Haven, closed today

E.S.A.A.A. closed today

Hare Valley Senior Center closed today

Perdue- No second shift today
 

Boys & Girls Club closed today

 

Belle Haven United Methodist Women's Pancake Supper has been postponed to Thursday, March 13th at 5 PM

 

E.S. Chiropractic, Belle Haven, Closed today

 

Veterans Services, Accomac, closed today

 

E.S.Center for Independent Living closed today

 

Hospice Grief Support Meetings canceled today

 

NASA Federal Credit Union, Oak Hall, closed today

 

Northampton County Circuit Court closed today

 

Accomack County Circuit Clerks office closed

 

E.S.Animal closing at 1 PM today

 

Atlantic Hospital, Accomac, closing at 10 AM

 

Tyson's Night Shift Department will not work

 

Adult Probation & Parole office for Accomack & Northampton Counties closed today

 

Town of Exmore's Council meeting canceled today and will be held Monday, March 10th. Also the town office will close at 12 Noon

 

Accomack District Court open today

 

Kerr Place, Onancock, closed today

 

Garry Drummond Insurance, Nelsonia, closed today

 

Northampton County Offices closing at noon today

 

Runninger's Pharmacy, Parksley, closed today

Accomack County offices closing at 10 AM

 

NMA Credit Union in Parksley closing at 10:30 this morning

NMA Credit Union, Cape Charles closing by Noon today

NMA Credit Union, Exmore, Closed today

H & R Block, Onley, closed today

Star Transit Green & Orange Routes will be ending at Noon today
The remaining routes will have their last run by 2:30 today

Tabernacle Baptist Church, Horntown, postponed its council meeting tonight until next Monday night, March 10th

USI Insurance, Exmore, closing at 11 AM

E.S. Community Services board closing at 11 AM today

Wallops Flight Facility is Closed today to all noncritical non-emergency personnel; only essential personnel on file with the Wallops Security office will be admitted to Wallops. Employees should continue to monitor 824-1000 for the latest status

The USDA Service Center, Accomac will close at 10 AM

Waterford Printing will be closing at Noon today

Accomack Juvenile & Domestic Relations Court canceled today Will let us know the status for tomorrow

All PNC branches closing at 11 AM

Due to the predicted inclement weather for the Eastern Shore, the Accomack County School Board announces that all superintendent search interviews and meetings that were scheduled with Hazard, Young, Attea, & Associates
(HYA), today, Monday, March 3 and tomorrow Tuesday, March 4 are rescheduled for next Monday, March 10 and Tuesday March 11.

Cub Scout Pack 300 at Grace United Methodist Church has been canceled tonight

DMV, Onancock, closed today

Belle Croft,Accomac, and Volney Hall Pre-Schools closing at Noon today

Hall-Richardson Insurance closing at 11 AM

Market Street United Methodist Church,Onancock, canceled Monday Yoga Class, Praise & Worship Committee Meeting and Drive-by Ashes on Wednesday, March 5th due to the Pastor's illness

Accomack & Northampton County NAACP meeting tonight at New Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Painter
canceled

Cub Scout Pack 314, Exmore, canceled its meeting tonight

Attitudes Fitness Class, Onancock, canceled tonight

Bingo at the Elks Lodge, Accomac, canceled

Eastville Town Council Meeting tonight has been postponed until a later date

Coast Guard Auxiliary B.S. & S. Class canceled tonight at Captain's Cove Marina Club in Greenbackville


E.S.Rural Health Centers closing at noon today

2A Court Service Unit, Accomack & Northampton Couties closing at 12 today

The Chincoteague Town Council Meeting Scheduled for tonight, Monday, March 3rd, has been postponed until Wednesday, March 5, 2014 at 7 PM

All Shore Bank branches closing at 11:30 today

Bank Coffee House, Onancock, closing at 11:30 today

E.S.Physians & Surgeons closing at 1:30 today. Will open tomorrow at 10 AM weather permitting

Suntrust Bank, Painter & Onancock closed. Suntrust Bank in Cheriton closing at Noon

Town of Onley's Council Meeting is postponed until March 13th.
H & R, Belle Haven, closing at Noon today

Northampton General District Court closing at 11:30 today

Accomack General District Court closing at 11:30 today

Riverside Gastroenterology Specialist closing at 12 Noon today. Will open tomorrow at 10 AM Weather permitting

Riverside Surgical Specialist closing at 12 Noon today. Will have a late opening tomorrow at 10AM weather permitting

Sharp Energy, Belle Haven, closing at 12:30

All BB & T branches closed. Please listen tomorrow about opening time

Riverside Metompkin Medical Center Closing at 12 Noon. Will open tomorrow at 10 AM

Merrill Lynch, Accomac, closing at 12 Noon today

Eastern Shore YMCA closing at 1 PM
 
E.S. Community College, Melfa, closed today

Boys & Girls Club closed today

Belle Haven United Methodist Women's Pancake Supper has been postponed to Thursday, March 13th at 5 PM

E.S. Chiropractic, Belle Haven, Closed today

Veterans Services, Accomac, closed today

E.S. Center for Independent Living closed today

Hospice Grief Support Meetings canceled today

NASA Federal Credit Union, Oak Hall, closed today

Northampton County Circuit Court closed today

Accomack County Circuit Clerks office closed

E.S.Animal Hospital, Belle Haven, closing at 1 PM todayShore Christian Academy closed Monday

 

Broadwater Academy closed

 

Holly Grove Christian School, Westover closed

 

Project Headstart in Accomack & Northampton Counties closed today

 

St. Paul on the Shore, Hallwood, closed today

 

Accomack County Schools closed today

 

Northampton County Schools Closed today

 

Central Baptist Academy closed today

 

Onley Pre-School closed today

 

ESO Art Center, Belle Haven, closed today

 

E.S.A.A.A. closed today

 

Hare Valley Senior Center closed today

 

No Limits closed today

 

Perdue- No second shift today

 

NASA ~ Current/Upcoming Public Programs

Winter Storm Warning For DelMarVa

Photo/BW

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HAS ISSUED A WINTER STORM WARNING FOR ALL OF DELMARVA LATE SUNDAY NIGHT INTO MONDAY.

 EXPECT TO SEE CONDITIONS DETERIORATE AS THE RAIN THAT STARTS TONIGHT WILL TRANSITION TO A PERIOD OF SLEET BEFORE IT TURNS TO ALL SNOW.

EXPECT ACCUMULATIONS FROM 4-12+ INCHES OF SNOW.

DRIVING CONDITIONS WILL BE HAZARDOUS...

TIME MACHINE ... 1935, 1957, 1941, 1891, 1895

(Reader Friendly Viewing Of Newspaper Archive Material)
January, 1935
The Daily News (Frederick, Md.)


CREDITORS TO MEET

Management Committee To Be Named For Harrlson Nurseries.

Snow Hill, Md. Jan. 4. —A general meeting of all creditors of the Harrison Nurseries, at Berlin, Md, will be held in the courthouse here on Tuesday when a management committee will take over the affairs of the company. Permanent plans for conducting the business for the next three years will be made. The committee will be composed of representatives of the family, of bondholders, unsecured creditors, and of the Union Trust Company of Baltimore.

It was stated by interested parties here that many conditions have combined to injure the business of the nursery. Founded more than thirty years ago, it is one of the largest nurseries existing. Four hundred men are currently employed, and during spring and summer months the total reaches 700.

March, 1957 (Time Machine archive)


With the dualization of the nine mile stretch of U.S. 13 from just north of Princess Anne to Salisbury completed, plans were in the works to dualize the stretch from Pocomoke City to Princess Anne. By-passes for Pocomoke and Princess Anne were also being planned. 1956 saw the completion of a new railway overpass near Pocomoke that replaced a dangerous Route 13 grade crossing.

Digging out tons of sand and gravel for the overpass created a quite sizeable man-made body of water, perhaps about a quarter of a mile across, just to the east of the overpass. This became known as Merrill's Beach and with the help of one of Pocomoke City's civic organizations it was maintained for a number of years as a popular local swimming and bathing area. Merrill's Beach eventually had to close because Health Department water standards could not be maintained.


November, 1941
(Hagerstown Daily Mail- Hagerstown, Md.)


Force Of Shuckers Reduced By Strike

CRISFIELD, Md., Nov. 19.- The oyster packing industry in this "seafood capital" of Maryland's Eastern Shore operated on a greatly curtailed basis Tuesday as more than 600 unionized oyster shuckers continued on strike for the second day.

The walkout reduced the forces of the 27 packing plants by an estimated 75 percent, but some operated with skeleton crews and one leading seafood packer said that pre-Thanksgiving rush orders already had been filled.

Local 19600, United Oystermen's Union (AFL) , called the strike on Monday after packing house operators failed to sign a labor contract by the Sunday night deadline.

June, 1891
(Peninsula Enterprise- Accomac Court House)

Greenbackville- Mr. John Bishop and Miss Eva Derickson, both of Chincoteague Island, were married at the State line on the night of the 6th inst., by the Rev. R.S. Williamson. The arrival of a runaway couple after night, in our quiet village, for the purposes of being made "one," created some little excitement on the streets.


Footnote: For many decades couples would come to the Virginia-Maryland state line near Pocomoke City to be married, where Maryland's age requirements for marriage were less restrictive then Virginia's. At one time there were said to be three "marriage trees" at the site under which the marriage ceremonies were performed.

In 1937 the Maryland State Roads Commission placed a historic marker just off Route 13 with the inscription: "Boundary Line Maryland-Virginia. 500 feet East of this point near the Boundary Stone is a large white gum, one of the old Marriage Trees under which Virginia and Maryland couples married."

To PPE commenter Slim: Didn't you attempt to find this location when we originally posted an article about it? What were your findings?

November, 1895
(The Free Lance- Fredericksburg, Va.)

(Excerpt)

The Margaret Academy, the chief institution of learning on the Eastern Shore (of Virginia), is located at Onancock. Mr. Frank B. Brent is the able principal, and he has associated with him a fine corps of teachers. This school was established in 1807, and is under the supervision of a board of trustees composed of prominent citizens of the two counties. It has 150 students this session, and is in a flourishing condition.


From the beautiful grounds of the Academy can be seen the handsome old estate, "Only," the home of that fine Virginia politician and statesman, Henry A. Wise, at the time he was elected governor of the state.

Footnotes:

The Margaret Academy chartered in 1756 was built near Bobtown. When it was closed Onancock School got the title in July 22, 1893.

The Eastern shore (of Virginia) has had one Governor, Henry A. Wise of old Only on Onancock Creek.
Footnotes Source: GHOTES -Genealogy & Historie Of The Eastern Shore (of Virginia.)

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

MD. Small Business Week ~ CHAMBER CHALLENGE

 

Chamber Challenge voting starts today!

 

  Go to http://www.mdsbwawards.org/nominate-a-business/chamber-challenge.html and vote for the Pocomoke Area Chamber of Commerce!

TIME MACHINE ... This Sunday's Prevew

1935.. Financial woes dealt to one of Eastern Shore's largest nursery operations; 1957.. Pocomoke City's "Merrill's Beach;" 1941.. Strike curtails oyster packing in Crisfield; 1891.. Another "Marriage Tree" visit near Pocomoke; 1895.. Onancock's Margaret Academy.

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



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





 

Delegate Mike McDermott - PRESS RELEASE: Revenge Porn Bill Passes House

2/28/2014

  “REVENGE PORN BILL PASSES

HOUSE OF DELEGATES”

 

Delegate Mike McDermott

 

(ANNAPOLIS) -- Today House Bill 43, entitled “Criminal Law - Harassment - Revenge Porn Bill,” passed the House of Delegates. Delegate McDermott’s bill, House Bill 204 was merged into House Bill 43. Delegate McDermott (R-Worcester & Wicomico Counties) joined the efforts to supprt House Bill 204,  one of the so called “Revenge Porn” bills that the Judiciary Committee heard this year.

HB 43 makes it a misdemeanor for a person to disclose sexual images of another person without the consent of that person. However, this bill does not address the extortion issues that Delegate McDermott sought to address in HB 204.

Delegate McDermott’s “Revenge Porn” bill made it illegal for any individual to hold a person’s sexual image against them in return for goods or services, accounting for the emotional damage upon the extorted person. Not only would HB 204 protect individuals from their past sexual images getting released to the public, but it would also work to prevent anyone from using a person’s images against them.


“House Bill 43 is an important step in making sure that a person’s past cannot come back around to haunt them,” Delegate McDermott said. “I would have liked if the bill that was passed through the House covered extortion, but overall, I’m pleased to see that this issue is being addressed.” There have been a growing number of extortion cases in which an individual’s phone or computer were hacked and their sexually explicit images were stolen. Some victims of the hacking were then forced to pay money or provide a service to the hackers. While extortion is already illegal, Delegate McDermott’s bill would have enforced against any extortion in the growing cyber world.

“When certain relationships end, there are sure to be some hurt and vengeful people involved,” continued Delegate McDermott. “House Bill 43 addresses this concern and is a much needed law in this growing cyber world. While this is not the precise bill I sponsored, I am still pleased that a growing concern is now being acknowledged in this state,” Delegate McDermott concluded.

House Bill 43 awaits a vote in the Senate.

Snow Hill PUBLIC INPUT Meeting Scheduled

POCOMOKE CITY MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEETING

A G E N D A

 

POCOMOKE CITY MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEETING

 

7:30 p.m., Monday, March 3, 2014

 

City Hall

 

1. Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance.
2. Review and approval of minutes from meeting of February 3, 2014.
 3. Review and approval of bills to be paid.
 4. Presentation of Special Recognition Plaque to Dr. Ritchie Shoemaker for his leadership efforts in the original construction and the recent extension of the Cypress Park Nature Trail.
 5. Authorize Mayor to sign proclamations:
 


1. Girl Scout Week (March 9-15, 2014).
2. Arbor Day (April 2, 2014).
3. Golden Teacher Appreciation Proclamation. (Elva Burns, Lewis Connelly, Harold Curry, Winifred Dutton, Jessie Cottman Smith).
 
1. Discuss request from Great Pocomoke Fair Committee for one day Beer Permit during Truck and Tractor Pull event June 28, 2014.

2. Mayor Morrison to discuss proposal to purchase artificial Christmas tree for downtown area.
 3. City Attorney to discuss possible amendments to City Code concerning annual license fees applied to vacant buildings in the Downtown Business District.
 4. Authorize application to Worcester County Liquor Control Board for permission to sell beer and wine at Fourth Friday events in downtown area in 2014.
 5. City Attorney to discuss proposed lease agreement for Eastern Shore Communications to utilize space on the City’s Seventh Street water tower for a new antenna.

6. Discuss proposal by Delegate Mike McDermott to include Pocomoke City in legislation to allow the Worcester County Liquor Board to license Class D beer, wine and liquor sale establishments in Pocomoke City.

 

 

Comments from the Audience

Mayor and Council items.

Adjourn to Executive Session to discuss personnel, real estate, and legal matters as permitted under the provisions of Sec. 10-508 (A), (1), (7), (8) of the State Government Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland and perform executive actions.

AGENDAS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE UNTIL THE TIME OF CONVENING.

LOCALS APPRECIATION WEEKEND ~ Saturday and Sunday....

 

 

~LOCALS APPRECIATION WEEKEND ~

 Delmarva Discovery Center

 

Residents from ACCOMACK COUNTY receive

FREE ADMISSION

 

 All other locals receive 50% OFF regular admission prices!

 

Visit SATURDAY ~ 10am - 4pm
 SUNDAY ~ 1pm - 4pm. 

 Visit the 'Wallops Through The Ages' Exhibit from NASA Wallops Flight Facility. Running now through April 2014.

 

The Delmarva Discovery Center on the Pocomoke River serves as a source of learning and discovery for the public through the preservation and interpretation of its cultural and natural heritage.

 

 

More info:

www.delmarvadiscoverycenter.org

 

Delmarva Discovery Center Museum Store

(Facebook)

~Family Memberships are only $40 -
Unlimited admission for a year!!!~

NASA Honors Astronaut Neil Armstrong with Center Renaming

Two generations of aerospace engineering excellence will come together Saturday, March 1 when NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center in Edwards, Calif., is redesignated NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center.

The agency's center of excellence for atmospheric flight research is being renamed in honor of the late Neil A. Armstrong, a former research test pilot at the center and the first man to step on the moon during the historic Apollo 11 mission in 1969.

The late Hugh L. Dryden, the center's namesake since 1976, will continue to be memorialized in the renaming of the center's 12,000-square-mile Western Aeronautical Test Range as the Dryden Aeronautical Test Range.

"I cannot think of a more appropriate way to honor these two leaders who broadened our understanding of aeronautics and space exploration," said NASA Administrator Charles Bolden. "Both Dryden and Armstrong are pioneers whose contributions to NASA and our nation still resonate today. Armstrong was the first person to walk on the moon. Dryden's expertise at the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics and then at NASA established America's leadership in aerospace, and his vision paved the way for Armstrong to take those first steps."

The redesignation of the center, which is located on Edwards Air Force Base in Southern California, was directed in legislation authored by Rep. Kevin McCarthy of California's 22nd district. The resolution was passed unanimously by the U.S. House of Representatives in early 2013, with the Senate concurring in early January, followed by President Obama's signing it into law Jan. 16.

Armstrong had significant ties to the center, both before and after his days as a NASA astronaut. He served as a research test pilot at the center from 1955 to 1962, amassing more than 2,400 flight hours in 48 different models of aircraft at the center, including seven flights in the rocket-powered hypersonic X-15. Armstrong was part of a team that conceptualized the Lunar Landing Research Vehicle, a flight test craft that evolved into the Lunar Landing Training Vehicle.  Armstrong and the other commanders of Apollo lunar landing missions trained in that vehicle for their descents from lunar orbit down to the surface of the moon.

Following Apollo 11, Armstrong left the astronaut corps and became NASA's Deputy Associate Administrator for Aeronautics, overseeing aeronautical research programs being conducted at the center, particularly its pioneering work on developing digital electronic flight control systems.

Dryden, considered an aeronautical engineering genius, focused on high-speed flight during his tenure as an aeronautical scientist with the National Bureau of Standards. Involved in NACA research from his doctoral research days, Dryden's first NACA Technical Report was published in 1924 and after World War II he moved from the Bureau of Standards to take charge of the NACA in 1947.

  Under his deft leadership, the NACA rapidly pushed the boundaries of high speed flight and organized the research that led to our first steps into space. Dryden continued with the agency after NACA became NASA in late 1958, serving as deputy administrator of NASA until his death in 1965.

Dryden's quiet, but visionary leadership of the NACA is what prepared that organization to become NASA in 1958, and to have an achievable plan for a human expedition to the moon when President John F. Kennedy called for it in 1961. The organizational genius of Dryden was at the root of Armstrong's most spectacular flight achievements, from the X-15 to Tranquility Base.

The renaming of a NASA center is not without precedent. In 1999, the Lewis Research Center in Cleveland was renamed in honor of Sen. John Glenn, the first American to orbit the Earth in the Friendship 7 Mercury capsule in 1962.

A formal public ceremony to mark the redesignation of the center and its test range is planned for this spring.

For more details on the lives and careers of Dryden and Armstrong, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/Biographies/Pilots/bd-dfrc-p001.html

http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/FactSheets/FS-018-DFRC.html

For additional perspective on Armstrong's seven years as a research test pilot at the center that will now bear his name, visit:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BsMes3CPEMI

Week 8: Delegate McDermott's Field Notes

 

Week 8 Field Notes

Field Notes

Observations and Reflections on Legislative Activities

By Delegate Michael A. McDermott

 

Week 8 February 24-28, 2014
Monday Evening Session:
House Bills 1477-1496 on First Reader
Tuesday Morning Session:
House Bills on Second Reader
House Bills on Third Reader:

Third Reading Calendar (House Bills) #9 HB 296 Motion vote previous question (Delegate Minnick) Adopted Third Reading Passed (100-35) HB 453 Third Reading Passed (129-6) HB 583 Third Reading Passed (99-36)

Third Reading Calendar (Senate Bills) #3 SB 183 Third Reading Passed (136-0) SB 184 Third Reading Passed (137-0)

Tuesday Afternoon Judiciary Committee Hearings:
HB-500 would create 12 additional District Court Judgeships on the western shore. The total expense is estimated at around $4 million per year.

HB-537 is one of several submitted bills which seeks to address the Richmond II court case requiring defendants to be allowed legal representation at any stage before the court. This bill would require a mandated appearance before a District Court Judge within 24 hours. The cost is said to rise from over $5 million in 2015 to over $21 million in 2019.

HB-705 would provide for minors and the disabled who are victims of crimes to have legal advocates who can request criminal injuries compensation before the court.

HB-746 seeks to create an evidence based risk assessment in determining pretrial release for criminal defendants.

HB-803 would increase fees and charges in the courts for the purpose of funding the Victims Criminal Compensation Fund. The fees collected are raised by roughly 50% or greater.

HB-810 would change the definition of “undue influence” as it relates to crimes against the elderly if the victim is at least 68 years of age. The expanded definition would cover issues such as property transfers that do not directly benefit the victim.

HB-897 would enhance the penalties for a person convicted of Malicious Destruction of Property for a 2^nd or subsequent offense.

HB-967 would remove the defense in cases of Malicious Destruction of Property that a person was a co-owner of the property if the actions committed deny the other owner(s) of use of the property.

HB-985 would repeal a section of law which requires the representation and appearance of the Public Defender to represent a defendant “provisionally” as required.

HB-1186 would repeal a significant section of law which created the District Court Commissioners in 1971. This is one of the bills seeking to address a portion of the DeWolf court decision.

HB-1232 would create a new Division of Pretrial Detention to be utilized to conduct Administrative Hearings as a means of releasing defendants prior to their seeing any officer of the Court in a criminal matter. This also seeks to address the DeWolf decision.

HB-1245 would provide certain protocols for receiving and submitting certain notifications and forms to the courts through digital means and through the designated court system.

HB-1277 would provide that if a Public Defender represents an individual before a judicial official for the purpose of a bail or bond review, the representation of the individual ends at the conclusion of the hearing.

Eastern Shore Delegation Meeting with Gov. O’Malley:
The delegation met with the governor in the Signing Room adjacent to his office. The meeting focused on the Phosphorous Management Tool (PMT) and the impact it could have on the state and specifically on the Eastern Shore. Most contributed to the dialogue and the governor seemed engaged. It appeared that some of the information we confronted him with was being heard for the first time or at least in a context that required some degree of reflection. I told the governor that he was “a bold governor” and that his actions were often not built upon a foundation properly laid for those who the regulations and changes fall upon. I told him our farmers and our watermen feared the administration and felt their futures were uncertain as a result of his actions. He stated that that President Theodore Roosevelt once said, “If you are going to lead from the front, make sure your people do not lose sight of you…”. In response, I told the governor that “farmers and watermen are having a hard time even seeing you with binoculars”.  He did not disagree and he stated that perhaps his administration had moved too fast in some areas. He did appear to be genuinely concerned on the loss of confidence the Eastern Shore appears to hold in regard to his policy enactments. Delegate Conway told him they needed to slow down the process and not be in a hurry in their decision making. We spoke at length about the proposed Fiscal Impact Study that if going to be conducted by the Department and is due for completion by July. I asked the governor to carefully consider the impact statement when it is completed lest our people consider the process as nothing short of “smoke and mirrors”. He said, “I give you my word…the study will be reflected in our actions going forward”.

We also advocated for an increase in the funding levels that are being applied to the community colleges verses the funding levels being provided to the 4-year schools. The governor expressed a desire to build up the community colleges and recognizes their importance to local jobs.

There was a limited discussion on the land based big wind project ongoing in Somerset County (Bay Wind) and concerns that the concerns expressed by the Southern Maryland Delegation may derail this project which promises to bring significant revenues to Somerset County and the lower shore. The governor seemed perplexed that this was being held up under the circumstances.

Wednesday Morning Regular Session:
House Bills 1497-1503 on First Reader

Senate Bills on First Reader

Wednesday Afternoon Judiciary Hearings:

HB-682 would create an automatic Expungement of certain records of the Motor Vehicle Administration that are now performed manually. It would also allow for Expungement of a record even if there are other charges pending.

HB-733would establish special penalties for any Maryland State official who is convicted of DWI or a related penalty. The minimum sentence would be 60-days for a first offense. The bill is ironically being offered by Delegate Don Dwyer  who has been convicted of DWI while serving as a delegate from Anne Arundel County.

HB-835 would create alter the charge of Criminally Negligent Manslaughter by Vehicle to make it Criminal Negligence Resulting in Death. It would eliminate the “failure to perceive” portion of the bill. According to some who testified, this standard has made it difficult to prosecute. Others opposed the changes to the bill.

HB-957 seeks to increase the penalties for third offense DWI laws as well as an increase in penalties when a minor was a passenger in the vehicle. It would expand the ability of the judges to utilize incarceration as a penalty tool.

HB-1014 would allow a Preliminary Breath Test (PBT) for alcohol concentration to be utilized for the purposes of probable cause testimony in court. It would also allow it to be used in a probation revocation hearing. These tests are often used at the roadside to determine blood alcohol concentrations before making an arrest for DWI.

HB-1015 would require anyone convicted of DWI while transporting a minor to be subject to the installation of an Ignition Interlock System as a part of their penalty.

HB-1053 seeks to provide specific penalties for the failure of a worker in established professional capacities to fail to report suspected child abuse. The bill would also set up a Task Force to study certain training requirements for those professionals who are “mandatory reporters” (teachers, nurses, etc.) under the law.

HB-1212 would increase the penalties and create a new law for those convicted of driving while texting who are involved in a motor vehicle accident which results in death or serious injury. A conviction would result in a 12 point assessment on a driver’s license and a potential 3-year sentence.

HB-1244 would change the age by which a person may apply to the Criminal Compensation Board to the age of 25 as opposed to the current age of 21 (if the offense occurred when the minor was 17).

HB-1284 would require the Department of Human Resources or the local Department of Social Services to notify the primary care physician of a child specific information relating to the child which may impact on the continued and ongoing care of the child.
Thursday Morning Session:

Bills on First and Second Reader

Third Reading Calendar (House Bills) #10 HB 25 Third Reading Passed (127-0) HB 43 Motion Special Order until 2/28 (Delegate Dumais) Adopted HB 45 Third Reading Passed (128-1) HB 315 Motion Special Order until 2/28 (Delegate Szeliga) Adopted HB 355 Third Reading Passed (129-0) HB 416 Third Reading Passed (130-0) HB 420 Third Reading Passed (130-0) HB 428 Third Reading Passed (130-0)	Third Reading Calendar (House Bills) #11 HB 104 Motion Special Order until 2/28 (Delegate Kipke) Adopted HB 125 Third Reading Passed (129-0) HB 165 Third Reading Passed (130-0) HB 172 Third Reading Passed (131-0) HB 175 Third Reading Passed (130-0) HB 176 Third Reading Passed (131-0) HB 243 Third Reading Passed (109-21) HB 246 Third Reading Passed (131-0) HB 265 Third Reading Passed (128-3)
Third Reading Calendar (House Bills) #12 HB 439 Third Reading Passed (130-0) HB 454 Third Reading Passed (119-12) HB 460 Third Reading Passed (127-1) HB 461 Third Reading Passed (130-0) HB 530 Motion Special Order until 2/28 (Delegate Anderson) Adopted HB 552 Third Reading Passed (130-1) HB 641 Third Reading Passed (131-0) HB 660 Third Reading Passed (130-0)

Thursday Afternoon Judiciary Committee Hearings:
HB-631 would remove the provisions in the law which prohibit a court from refunding a bail bond unless certain criteria are met. A judge may have a bond refunded up to 180-days from the court date with just cause and if extensions are requested. This would extend that date indefinitely.

HB-695 would prohibit the tampering with any evidence at a crime scene or potential crime scene.

HB-697 would make it a crime to make a threat to commit an act of mass violence. Some examples were provided about threats made online by individuals which created significant havoc in a community and school system.

HB-714 would prohibit a person from attempting or using an interactive computer service to obtain information for the purposes of committing identity theft of another.

HB-782 would create an additional crime of Third Degree Sex Offense while Committing a Burglary.

HB-787 would create a commission to study the use of “isolated confinement” in our state corrections facilities.

HB-807 would create the crimes of Home Invasion and Armed Home Invasion. We heard from many victims about these types of crimes. Currently, there are many charges that are applicable and cover the various elements of a home invasion (such as Kidnapping, Armed Robbery, 1^st Deg. Burglary, etc.)

HB-921 would authorize the Department of Corrections to issue a Certificate of Completion for inmates who may successfully complete their parole or probation. It is viewed as an incentive and a means of assisting inmates as they attempt to gain employment.

HB-955 would prohibit a person from using another person’s personal identifying information (various forms) to solicit another person to commit a crime. The example would be someone posing online as another person and providing confidential information to another person in an effort to entice the person to commit a crime against another.

HB-962 the bill would require a person who desires to be hired as a state correctional officer to submit to a polygraph exam.

HB-993 would prohibit a Registered Sex Offender from participating in any Halloween activities.

HB-1105 would disallow a person from being able to participate in a Home Detention Program if the person was convicted of committing a crime while on Home Detention.

HB-1137 would clarify that one who robs an individual of a illegal drugs, or breaks in a house to steal drugs, etc. is still a crime even though the target of the robbery or theft was an illegal substance.

HB-1141 would repeal the termination date for the law which authorizes a Parole Commissioner to impose any unserved portion of a sentence on an inmate that was originally imposed. We heard testimony from the department that this was a very effective tool for the department to use for violators.

HB-1183 would expand the application of Felony 2^nd Degree Assault to include emergency workers, firefighters, etc.

HB-1187 would prohibit the trafficking (sale, offering for sale, etc.) of human organs (living or deceased).

HB-1264 would require a police officer (if requested by a mortuary science practitioner) to remain at a location where an individual has died and the body is present until the body has been removed from the scene.

My Bill Hearing on HB-858:
Currently, a judge in Maryland is restricted as to the probation time period they may impose for persons convicted of crimes. There are a few crimes where a probation may be extended by several years if the judge determines it would be appropriate. This bill would add the charges involving Child Pornography to the list of charges where probation could be extended at the courts discretion. There was no opposition to the bill and I was joined at the table by the State’s Attorney’s Association, and victim advocates.

Bills Voted Favorable in Judiciary Committee on Thursday Evening:
HB-27, HB-49, HB-151,HB-185, HB-307,HB-309, HB-352, HB-385, HB-647, HB-781, HB-1004      
Friday Morning Session:
Special Ordered Bills:

House Resolutions Special Order Calendar HB 43 Third Reading Passed (130-0) HB 104 Third Reading Passed (113-19) House Resolutions Special Order Calendar HB 315 Third Reading Passed (83-48) HB 530 Third Reading Passed (132-0)

Friday Morning House Bills on Third Reader:

Third Reading Calendar (House Bills) #13 HB 6 Third Reading Passed (132-0) HB 105 Third Reading Passed (100-32) HB 150 Third Reading Passed (131-0) HB 203 Third Reading Passed (132-0) HB 255 Third Reading Passed (131-0) HB 401 Motion Special Order until 3/4 (Delegate Braveboy) Adopted HB 467 Third Reading Passed (127-1) HB 475 Third Reading Passed (130-2) HB 476 Third Reading Passed (131-0)

Third Reading Calendar (House Bills) #14 HB 480 Third Reading Passed (112-20) HB 487 Third Reading Passed (131-0) HB 556 Third Reading Passed (130-0) HB 617 Third Reading Passed (131-0) HB 628 Third Reading Passed (132-0) HB 704 Third Reading Passed (129-0) HB 765 Third Reading Passed (125-6) HB 1057 Third Reading Passed (124-6) HB 1147 Third Reading Passed (129-0)

There was a bill on the floor regarding veterans.  Here is what I had to say about veterans funding in the state of Maryland.
Questionable Bills Passed Friday:
HB-315 changes the law so that illegal aliens who claim that they were the subject of abuse, neglect, or some level of abandonment, are to be viewed as “juveniles” in Maryland. This distinction allows them Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) as a designation under federal law to assist certain undocumented children in obtaining lawful permanent residency. It was brought up that a 20-year old who is kicked out of the house because they don’t want to work would be considered “abandoned” under the code and could then achieve residency status. Again, illegal aliens are allowed greater provision than citizens who cease being a juvenile in most cases at the age of 18.

HB-104 changes the requirements for the position of “Budget Analysts” hired by the state to perform services for the people of Maryland. I say it “changes”, but, in fact, it eliminated any of the statutory requirements. Before this change, a person who was going to provide these services to the state and our $35 billion budget had to have at minimum:
(i) have at least 3 years’ experience in personnel and other 1 subjects that are related to the operation of a business organization;  
(ii) be a graduate of a recognized school of business 3 administration or have the additional experience that the Secretary requires; and
(iii) meet any other qualifications that the Secretary sets.
The changes to the law strike all of the qualifications! Changes such as these are ripe for political abuse as persons can be hired with zero qualifications and no experience based upon provisions of state law. This was quite striking.
Friday Afternoon Judiciary Committee Hearings:
HB-760 would establish that any civil union entered into by another state or country are subject to the laws dealing with domestic relations in Maryland. This would include annulment, separation, and divorce.

HB-958 would allow a man to be excluded from  having any legal standing as a father of a child for purposes of guardianship or adoption  if the child was conceived as a result of his rape of the mother.

HB-1007  would establish a Grandparent Visitation Right in Maryland. Many grandparents feel displaced and cut off from their grandchildren following a divorce or separation involving their married children. This would provide certain visitation rights to grandparents.

HB-1052 would establish the Maryland Uniform Collaborative Law Act. In short, this is a legal process whereby the two parties in dispute (domestic related or other) agree to collaborate. When this occurs, all of the communications are confidential between the parties and cannot be used against either one in court. The process is designed for candid agreements between parties to forgo more extensive litigation. If the collaboration breaks down, the attorneys cannot represent their clients in court on the matter.

HB-1270 would require the Department of Human Resources to be responsible to pay for the needs of a child in their custody and not charge the child or create a debt on the child’s behalf. Currently, Maryland government will utilize any payments or revenue a child receives to off-set the cost of their upkeep while in custody of the state.

HB-1294 would require a Juvenile Court to hold any juvenile in a juvenile facility and would eliminate the flexibility given to the judges in these cases. Often, juveniles over 15, depending upon the charges, are held in adult corrections facilities pending hearings .

HB-1295 would repeal a section of the law which does not allow a court case which has been moved into the criminal courts to be brought back to the juvenile courts (a reverse waiver).

HB-1301 would allow a court which is determining the child support amounts in a case to also consider custody and visitation arrangements.