Field Notes By Delegate Mike McDermott

 

Observations and Reflections on Legislative Activities

By Delegate Michael A. McDermott

 

Week 9 March 3-7, 2014

 

Monday Evening Session:

Bills on First Reader

Tuesday Morning Session:

Bills on First Reader

Third Reading Calendar (House Bills) #15

HB 240
Third Reading Passed (80-56)

HB 740
Third Reading Passed (95-41)

 

Special Order Calendar HB 401 Third Reading Passed (131-6)

HB-240 is a bill which will place mandates on local government as it relates to recycling numbers when it comes to waste disposal. This centralized approach is going to cost Marylanders when county governments will have to change policies to meet set goals by the state. Interestingly enough, it was also highly opposed by many environmental groups who objected to some of the burning standards attached to the bill. While most republicans voted no, we were also joined by several democrats. Sadly, the bill was not defeated.

HB-740 involves another infusion of state money into cyber security efforts to encourage more of these companies to come to Maryland. This is truly crony capitalism in that it favors and promotes one type of business over every other business in the state. In fact, this is one sector of our economy that is growing and thriving on its own and does not need additional incentives. The vote was along party lines with the republicans voting against this type of favoritism.

Tuesday Afternoon Judiciary Committee Hearings:

There were 30 bills addressing various firearm regulations. They were set up in 9 groupings: Crimes-4 bills; Handgun Permits-7 bills; Assault Weapons and Detachable Magazines-4 bills; Purchase of Firearms-4 bills; Handgun Qualifications Licenses-2bills; Handgun Safety Measures-2 bills; Disqualifiers for Ownership/Possession-2 bills; Bow Hunting-2 bills; Miscellaneous-3 bills.

HB 36     Del Smigiel    Public Safety - Handgun Permit - Applicant Qualifications  HB 42     Del Cardin     Public Safety - Firearms - Application Approval Before Sale, Rental, or Transfer  HB 60     Del Smigiel    Repeal of the Firearm Safety Act of 2013 (Jointly assigned to JUD and HGO)  HB 62     Del Smigiel  Rgltd Frarms-Lic Issued by Delaware, Pennsylvania, Virginia, or West Virginia - Reciprocity  HB 90     Del Simmons    Regulated Firearms - Disqualifying Crime -Domestically Related Crime  HB 94     Del Arora     Crim Law - Prohib on Manufacture of Detachable Magazine or Firearm Receiver - 3-D Printing  HB 115    Del Conaway    Task Force to Study Firearms and Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) Devices  HB 122    Del K. Kelly   Public Safety - Assault Weapons and Detachable Magazines - Possession or Transport by Nonresident  HB 215    Del Cluster    Public Safety - Handgun Permits - Renewal Period for Retired Law Enforcement Officer  HB 262    Del Beitzel,   Bow Hunting - Possession of Handguns for  et al          Protection  HB 286    Del Valentino Criminal Law - Use of Handgun in Crime of Violence Smith, et al   or Felony - Statute of Limitations  HB 521    Del Haddaway      Firearms - Handgun Permit Requirements - Handgun Riccio         Qualification License Holders  HB 623    Del Simmons   Public Safety - Crim Justice Information System - Integration With Md Automated Firearms System  HB 659    Del Szeliga    Public Safety - Regulated Firearms - Transport Through State  HB 712    Del Smigiel    Crimes - Use of a Firearm in the Commission of a Crime - Diminution Credits and Sentencing  HB 713    Del Smigiel    Public Safety - Handgun Safety Devices - External Safety Locks  HB 715    Del Smigiel       Public Safety - Handgun Identification Requirements - Repeal  HB 716    Del Smigiel    Public Safety - Handgun Qualification License - Qualified Handgun Instructors and Permit Holders  HB 717    Del Smigiel    Public Safety - Firearms Safety Training - Demonstration Component  HB 719    Del Smigiel    Public Safety - Firearms - Probation Before Judgment  HB 720    Del Smigiel    Public Safety - Handgun Permits - Training Requirement  HB 800    Del K. Kelly, Public Safety - Handgun Permits - Training  et al          Requirement for Renewal Applications  HB 818    Del Smigiel    Regulated Firearms - Lic'd Dealer or Secon Seller - Natl Instant Crim Bkgd (NICS) Check  HB 919    Del K. Kelly   Public Safety - Transport of Weapons on School Property - Retired Law Enforcement Officer  HB 934    Del Smigiel    Firearms - Application for Prchs and Reqd Registr- Use of Term "Voluntary" Registrant Prohibited  HB 995    Del Dwyer      Firearms Freedom Act  HB 997    Del Beitzel    Criminal Law - Competition Shooting and Match Shooting - Firearms Exemption  HB 1005   Del Bromwell   Firearms - Handgun Permit Requirements - Retired Military  HB 1199   Del Clippinger Possession of Loaded Handgun or Regulated Firearm - Enhanced Penalties  HB 1356   Del Glass      Bow Hunting - Possession of Handguns for Protection

The hearings began at 1pm and continued until 11:30pm. There are clearly some issues that need to be addressed in Maryland which some of the bills spoke to today. The first is the issue of Maryland becoming a “shall issue” state when it comes to Conceal Carry laws. The “good and substantial” reason applied by the Superintendent of the State Police severely limits the issuance of any permits. It has left many to consider going to an “Open Carry” with their rifles and shotguns (which has been verified as legal by Attorney General Gansler). Many expressed their frustration with the state and their thoughts of moving to Open Carry if the state does not allow for greater permitting of residents.

 

There were a couple of bills designed to strengthen punishment on offenders who utilize a firearm in the commission of their crimes. We also listened to bills that would eliminate “good time” styled credits for prisoners who are serving a sentence involving a gun crime.

 

We also heard about several bills to modify last year’s SB-281 regarding training requirements and other needed modifications. It is apparent that the State Police have adapted some of the components of the bill in a way that was never intended by the General Assembly. Some of these include clear amendment changes that I offered in committee and on the floor in shaping this bill. The current training requirements are a good example and some of these bills sought to move the state back to the original intent expressed last year.HB-623 bears watching this year. The bill would require the MSP to link their gun database with the Criminal Justice Information System database. Due to some of the changes in law over the years, it is estimated that upwards of over 100,000 gun owners in Maryland may unknowingly be disqualified from possessing certain firearms. The bill calls for an expansion of the MSP to provide personnel for the purposes of tracking down these owners and seizing their firearms. The bill remains in committee at this time.

Wednesday Morning Session:

First Reading of Senate Bills Introduced

Bills on Second Reader

 

 

HB 295 Floor Committee Amendment { 123291/1 Adopted Floor Committee Amendment {703028/1 Adopted Floor Amendment (Delegate Davis) {403525/1 Adopted Floor Amendment (Delegate Bromwell) {583927/1 Rejected (45-87) Floor Amendment (Delegate George) {223625/1 Rejected (43-91) Floor Amendment (Delegate McDermott) {423829/4 Rejected (47-89) Floor Amendment (Delegate Fisher) {763626/1 Rejected (45-88) Floor Amendment (Delegate Boteler) {603523/1 Rejected (46-88) Floor Amendment (Delegate Krebs) {343720/1 Rejected (47-83) Floor Amendment (Delegate McDonough) {583621/1 Rejected (42-90) Floor Amendment (Delegate McDonough) {183927/1 Rejected (45-83) Floor Amendment (Delegate Bates) {363222/1 Rejected (46-89) Floor Amendment (Delegate Parrott) {703723/1 Rejected (43-87) Floor Amendment (Delegate Hogan) {773521/1 Rejected (44-84) Floor Amendment (Delegate Mizeur) {343920/1 Rejected (8-124) Floor Amendment (Delegate Ready) {433426/1 Rejected (43-89) Floor Amendment (Delegate McMillan) {463721/1 Rejected Second Reading Passed with Amendments This is the Minimum Wage Bill.(Press Release) It will raise the wage to $10.10 over the next two years and is one of the signature bills for the O’Malley administration this year.    Today, there were a series of amendments offered on the bill. They all attempted to address the concerns of businesses across the state. It became clear that the Six Flags Theme Park in Prince Georges County was exempted from this bill and for the same reasons (seasonal employment), I sought to exempt similar workers in Ocean City. There was a strong debate on the issue and the exchange is a great example of how the sausage is made in the Maryland General Assembly. Here is a link for you to listen. Ultimately, my amendment was defeated, as was the case with all of the floor amendments offered. The bill now goes onto Third Reader on Friday morning.

Wednesday Afternoon Judiciary Hearings:

HB-635 would allow a health care provider to offer an apology to a patient or grieving family member and not withhold these types of statements for fear of being sued and held liable for inferred guilt due to an offered apology. Sadly, this is a needed bill.

HB-809 would remove protections from liability for local government in cases where an injury and claim arise out of the use of an artificial turf field which is owned and maintained by a government entity.

HB-930would alter the amount of damages that could be sought for non-economic damages in civil cases. The new limit would be $500,000. We heard from some folks who were severely injured and the current limits did not cover their needs.

HB-996 would make certain written records of health care officials accessible and usable for civil suit purposes. Currently, some of these types of records are shielded.

HB-1009 this is similar to HB-930 relating to catastrophic injuries.

HB-1221 provides for the methods for acquiring information from internet source providers when a tortuous complaint is being alleged from an anonymous source.

HB-1271 would address notifications on lead paint.

HB-1302 would void and eliminate certain requirements for civil claims contained within certain contracts. In particular it would eliminate the requirement for a party to pay for attorney fees associated under certain actions.

HB-1344 would establish a task force to study the prevention of sexual child abuse. I don’t think we need to fund a study, but we could use more money for law enforcement and victim services.

 

Thursday Afternoon Judiciary Hearings:

HB 29      Del Gutierrez Maryland Law Enforcement Trust Act  HB 539    Del Rosenberg Task Force to Study the Implementation and Use of                  Body Cameras by Law Enforcement Officers  HB 633    Del Conaway    Baltimore City - Law Enforcement Officers - Video Cameras  HB 785    Del George     Drones - Unauthorized Surveillance  HB 847    Del Rosenberg, Criminal Procedure - Government Drone Use - et al  Limitations  HB 912    Del Smigiel,   Courts - Electronic Communications - Privacy et al  HB 1003  Del McDonough Crim Procedure - Individual With Immigration                  Detainer (Md Law Enforc and Public Saf Trust Act)  HB 1074  Del Smigiel    Fourth Amendment Protection Act  HB 1126  Del Haddaway   Criminal Law - Synthetic Marijuana - Prohibition Riccio  HB 1161  Del Waldstreicher, et al        Criminal Procedure - Electronic DeviceLocation                                      Information - Warrant              HB 1188   Del Carter     Law Enforcement Officers - Alcohol and Drug Testing - Required  HB 1200   Del  Pena-Melnyk,           Public Safety - Eyewitness Identification - Procedures              HB 1202   Del Riccio   Crim Law - Distrib of Faked Controlled Dangerous Substance -                 Substantially Similar Chemical Struc  HB 1234   Del Swain      Criminal Law - Drug Paraphernalia - Penalties  HB 1316   Del Swain      Crms - Sale of Drg Paraphernalia to a Mnr - L  Law Authorzng                              Bsns Lic Revoc for Subq Violation

There was much discussion and debate on the issues pertaining to electronic surveillance as they relate to the protections under the 4th Amendment which were the subject of several bills today. One in particular seeks to address the use of drones by the government.  Many of the bills sought to provide guidance for emerging technology being utilized by the government. I do not believe we will see any of these bills come out this year unless it is in the form of an issue study.

We also has a couple of immigration bills that address any contact that law enforcement has with illegal aliens. HB-29 would make significant changes to the manner and dealings that law enforcement has with illegal aliens they encounter.  In fact, it would make the entire state of Maryland a sanctuary state for illegal aliens. I would prefer to see these issues addressed locally based upon area needs and community desires. The idea of not allowing local law enforcement to not communicate with Immigration authorities is absurd. The bill has a lot of amendments and appears on a fast track for passage so it is one to be watched.

 

Delegate Pat McDonough offered an alternative bill to HB-29 which is HB-1003. This bill seeks to further enhance law enforcement efforts ongoing in Maryland as the public safety sector seeks to deal with illegal aliens.

 

There were a couple of bills that would require law enforcement officers to wear body cameras while on duty. If a local department wants to fund this and implement it as policy, by all means do it-but to mandate the entire state to do so is over the top.

 

There were also a couple of CDS bills to address synthetic marijuana and paraphernalia items. I do not sense that any of these bills will move in the committee.

CONTINUE READING....

Human Body Remains Identified

Worcester County Sheriff's Office

The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for the State of Maryland has identified the human remains that were discovered on Sunday March 9th2014 in South Point as Mrs. Helen David. Mrs. David had gone missing from her Carefree lane home in South Point on Memorial Day weekend 2013. Several extensive searches were conducted for her throughout the past year.

Mrs. David suffered from a form of dementia and had been known to wander off from time to time.

The investigation into the cause and manner of her death is still continuing.

We would like to acknowledge and thank all of the allied agencies that assisted in the search and investigation of Mrs. David’s disappearance. We would also like to thank the community and the media for their support in attempting to locate Mrs. David.

Delegate McDermott Questions Smart Meter Program Implementation‏

Press Release
March 11, 2014

 

Delegate McDermott Questions Public Service Commission and Delmarva Power on Smart Meter Installation

 

(ANNAPOLIS) As power companies across the nation are implementing “smart” meter systems in an attempt to better manage their customers’ energy usage, Maryland power customers are raising concerns about the safety of these new meters.  According to Delegate Michael McDermott (R - Worcester & Wicomico), power companies are installing the meters without sufficiently notifying their customers of program “opt out” options.

 

“I understand that the Public Service Commission posted a notice on their website informing customers of the opt out option, but that action really is insufficient. I have been receiving calls from constituents who do not want these smart meters and were never aware of the option to opt out or found out when it was too late. Expecting people to be suitably notified while browsing the Commission’s website is unrealistic - there needed to be further notice,” Delegate McDermott stated.

 

Additionally, Delegate McDermott expressed concern over Delmarva Power’s handling of the issue. While Delmarva Power has stated that they have given their customers notice, Delegate McDermott believes that the power company did not do its due diligence when notifying their customers of their ability to opt out of the smart meters.

 

“It is my understanding that the company posted a note on their website giving the customer’s notice to opt out, while the notices sent to their customers merely talked about the pending installation of the smart meters,” Delegate McDermott said. “While that measure may seem adequate to their company, sufficient notice was not personally given to Delmarva Power customers.”

 

“The notification process has been wholly inadequate and further action needs to be taken by both the Public Service Commission and Delmarva Power,” Delegate McDermott added. “The fact that customers have to pay $75 to opt out of something they were given insufficient notice about is completely absurd. While I do not approve of the opt out fee, if the commission is going to charge it, they have to make it their duty to adequately inform Maryland customers of all available options.”

 

“At the end of the day, I do not agree with how the customers were notified of their ability to opt out of smart meters. More importantly, I do not agree with customers being charged to reject something that they do not want,” Delegate McDermott concluded.

Delegate Glen Glass (R - Harford & Cecil) has sponsored HB-332 which would eliminate opt out fees. The bill is awaiting a vote in the House of Delegates.

 

Delegate McDermott is awaiting a response from both the Public Service Commission and Delmarva Power. A website (marylandsmartmeterawareness.org) has been established to provide assistance to those wishing to opt out of smart meter installation. Forms and addresses are available on the site.

Maryland Internet Crimes Against Children Child Pornography Arrest

Members of the Maryland State Police, Computer Crimes Section, Maryland Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) conducted an online investigation into individuals distributing child pornography.

On March 11, 2014, Alex R. Tringali, 24 of the 300 block Nectar Court, Westminster, Maryland was arrested and charged with four counts of distribution of child pornography and ten counts possession of child pornography. Tringali is currently being held on $55,000 bond at the Carroll County Detention Center.

A trooper assigned to the Maryland Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force began the investigation several months ago after locating a computer sharing what was believed to be child pornography on a file-sharing network. The investigator was able to trace the computer activity back to Tringali’s Westminster residence.

During the investigation, the suspect was identified as Alex R. Tringali. The investigation led to the search of Tringali’s residence. During the search, investigators located digital evidence confirming he was in possession of child pornography and had been distributing it over the internet. In addition, numerous items of digital media to include computers, cameras, CD/DVD’s were seized and turned over to computer forensic examiners for further analysis.

The Maryland Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force 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.

Maryland State Police

Pocomoke City Police Respond To Walmart For Shoplifter

Pocomoke City Police Department
On March 10, 2014 Pocomoke City Police responded to Wal-Mart in reference to a shoplifter in custody.

 Upon arrival Police learned the suspect had concealed several items and attempted to leave the store passing all points of sale without paying for the merchandise.

Arrested was Renee Knox, age 54 of New Church Virginia, she was charged with Theft less than $100.

Frank Voss Memorial Spaghetti Dinner

FBI - Stopping a Dangerous Insider Threat

Dead drop site used by Robert Hoffman;
 the black bag containing the
encrypted thumb drive can be seen
in the hollow of the tree.
FBI Photo

Naval Espionage
Stopping a Dangerous Insider Threat

As a sailor with a top secret clearance, a sensitive job on a submarine, and 20 years of service in the Navy, Robert Hoffman possessed a tremendous amount of knowledge about the U.S. nuclear fleet and its operations—knowledge he was willing to sell to the Russians.

“It’s almost impossible to say why someone would become a spy,” said Special Agent James Dougherty, who investigated the case from our Norfolk Division, but Hoffman represents a classic example of the insider threat. “When a U.S. citizen with classified information threatens to betray his country,” Dougherty explained, “the resulting damage to national security and loss of American lives can be catastrophic.”

Investigators speculate that Hoffman may have blamed his divorce on the Navy, along with his failure to gain promotion. The FBI and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) became concerned in 2011 when, nearing retirement, Hoffman told friends he was going on a “man-cation” to Belarus to see Russian women he had previously met when he was stationed in Bahrain—even though he knew the women would not be there.

“He had some sort of motivation to travel to Belarus that didn’t seem logical,” said Dougherty. In addition, Hoffman ignored the requirement to alert military security officers that he would be traveling out of the country, and he failed to adhere to other security rules of reporting any suspicious incidents while overseas. However, Hoffman did post items on social media channels saying he met the president of Belarus. “All of that added to our suspicion,” Dougherty noted.

Using court-authorized surveillance, wiretaps, and other investigative tools, FBI and NCIS investigators began monitoring Hoffman’s movements at his home in Virginia Beach following his retirement from the Navy in late 2011. Soon after, our undercover operatives made contact with him to assess his intentions.

Then, in September 2012, a female FBI undercover agent posing as a Russian operative knocked on Hoffman’s door and delivered a message ostensibly from Russian intelligence officials.

“He received instructions from the woman, who asked him to respond by e-mail within one week,” Dougherty said. “We didn’t want to pressure him. We wanted him to make a conscious decision, knowing he would be dealing with the Russian intelligence service.”
Hoffman didn’t wait a week—he responded within hours. He agreed to answer a series of questions on an encrypted thumb drive that was to be left in a hollow tree in a park—a hiding place known in the spy world as a dead drop. On the third such drop, Hoffman divulged top secret national defense information.

“American lives could have been lost based on the information he was willing to give up,” Dougherty said. “He had access to things that were highly, highly sensitive.”

In August 2013, a jury in Norfolk found Hoffman guilty of attempted espionage; last month, the 40-year-old was sentenced to 30 years in prison.

“The insider threat is very real,” said Dougherty, explaining that in these types of cases, there are often people who are suspicious of a friend or colleague’s statements or behavior but who don’t act on those suspicions.

“One of the things we teach in insider threat training,” Dougherty said, “is that if you see something, say something. Often, people don’t want to rock the boat,” he added, “but if you see something that doesn’t seem right, it’s your legal obligation to report it. Let the FBI sort it out. That’s what we get paid for.”

Source: 

OceanCity ~ Traffic Delays Can Be Expected During St. Patrick's Day Festivities

(March 10, 2014) – The Ocean City Police Department is reminding citizens to expect traffic delays this St. Patrick’s Day weekend, as the Delmarva Irish-American Club host their 33nd Annual Parade and Festival. The tradition, which has become one of the largest St. Patrick’s Day parades in Maryland, will take place on Saturday, March 15, 2014. The parade begins at 12 noon at 61st Street and marches south on Coastal Highway to the 45th Street Shopping Center.

In order to offer an ample amount of space for the parade’s participating floats, bands and motorized units, southbound traffic with be reduced to one lane from 63rd Street to 43rd Street. Northbound traffic will remain open, however, no left turns or U-turns will be allowed along the parade route from the northbound lane including 62nd Street.

Residents and visitors will see traffic delays on southbound Coastal Highway as early as 10 a.m. and should expect congestion until after 2 p.m. To avoid traffic delays, viewers and visitors are urged to arrive before 10:30 a.m. and to view the parade from 58th Street south to 45th Street. Ocean City Police are recommending motorists entering the Town of Ocean City use Maryland Route 50, as traffic is not expected to be as heavy in the south end of town.

In addition, heavy pedestrian traffic is also expected along the parade route and in surrounding areas. Pedestrians are encouraged to use crosswalks and cross with caution.

Ocean City Police Dept.

Passed Out Driver Charged With DWI and Concealed Weapon Charges

On Sunday, March 9, 2014, the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to the area of Mt. Olive Church Rd Snow Hill, MD. for a suspicious vehicle parked in the roadway. Upon arrival they observed a 2004 Chevrolet Suburban parked at the stop sign at Mt. Olive Church Rd and Snow Hill Rd. The Suburban was parked with no head lights illuminated and engine running.

Deputies observed an adult male, later identified as Calvin Henry Harmon, Jr., 32 years of age from Salisbury, MD, passed out behind the wheel.

Deputies detected an odor of an alcoholic beverage emanating from the passenger compartment of the vehicle and on Harmon’s breath.

 Deputies asked Harmon to exit the vehicle to perform some sobriety tasks, to which Harmon agreed. Based on Harmon’s performance of the sobriety tasks, Deputies placed him under arrest for DWI. A subsequent search of Harmon’s vehicle revealed a set of brass knuckles. Harmon was also charged with a carrying a concealed weapon.

Harmon appeared before a District Court Commissioner and was released on his own recognizance pending trial.

Worcester County Sheriff's Office
Reggie Mason, Sheriff

Be an Asteroid Hunter in NASA's First Asteroid Grand Challenge Contest Series

NASA’s Asteroid Data Hunter contest series will offer $35,000 in awards over the next six months to citizen scientists who develop improved algorithms that can be used to identify asteroids.

This contest series is being conducted in partnership with Planetary Resources Inc. of Bellevue, Wash. The first contest in the series will kick off on March 17. Prior to the kick off, competitors can create an account on the contest series website and learn more about the rules and different phases of the contest series by going to:

http://bit.ly/AsteroidHunters

 

Managed by the NASA Tournament Lab, the entire contest series runs through August and is the first contest series contributing to the agency’s Asteroid Grand Challenge.

“For the past three years, NASA has been learning and advancing the ability to leverage distributed algorithm and coding skills through the NASA Tournament Lab to solve tough problems," said Jason Crusan, NASA Tournament Lab director. "We are now applying our experience with algorithm contests to helping protect the planet from asteroid threats through image analysis.”

The Asteroid Data Hunter contest series challenges participants to develop significantly improved algorithms to identify asteroids in images captured by ground-based telescopes. The winning solution must increase the detection sensitivity, minimize the number of false positives, ignore imperfections in the data, and run effectively on all computer systems.

“Protecting the planet from the threat of asteroid impact means first knowing where they are,” said Jenn Gustetic, Prizes and Challenges Program executive. “By opening up the search for asteroids, we are harnessing the potential of innovators and makers and citizen scientists everywhere to help solve this global challenge.”

Gustetic and Jason Kessler, Grand Challenges Program executive, will host a panel March 10 at the South by Southwest Festival in Austin, Texas titled “Are We Smarter than the Dinosaurs?” to talk about how open innovation can meaningfully engage people in discussions on and research into space exploration and help us solve problems of global importance. They will provide an outline of the Asteroid Data Hunter contest series and other efforts to detect asteroid threats, as well as ideas for mitigating these threats.

“Current asteroid detection initiatives are only tracking one percent of the estimated objects that orbit the Sun. We are excited to partner with NASA in this contest to help increase the quantity and knowledge about asteroids that are potential threats, human destinations, or resource rich.” said Chris Lewicki, President and Chief Engineer of the asteroid mining company Planetary Resources, Inc. “Applying distributed algorithm and coding skills to the extensive NASA-funded Catalina Sky Survey data set will yield important insights into the state of the art in detecting asteroids.”

Through NASA's asteroid initiative, the agency seeks to enhance its ongoing work in the identification and characterization of near-Earth objects for further scientific investigation. This work includes locating potentially hazardous asteroids and identifying those viable for redirection to a stable lunar orbit for future exploration by astronauts. The Asteroid Grand Challenge, one part of the asteroid initiative, expands the agency's efforts beyond traditional boundaries and encourages partnerships and collaboration with a variety of organizations.

The algorithm contests are managed and executed by NASA's Center of Excellence for Collaborative Innovation (CoECI). CoECI was established at the request of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy to advance NASA open innovation efforts and extend that expertise to other federal agencies. CoECI uses the NASA Tournament Lab (NTL) for its advanced algorithmic and software development contests. Through its contract with Harvard Business School in association with Harvard's Institute of Quantitative Social Science, NTL uses the topcoder platform to enable a community of more than 600,000 designers, developers and data scientists to create the most innovative, efficient and optimized solutions for specific, real-world challenges faced by NASA.

For more information on NASA's Center of Excellence for Collaborative Innovation, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/coeci

For more information on Planetary Resources, Inc., visit:

http://www.planetaryresources.com

For more information on NASA's asteroid initiative, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/asteroidinitiative

Police Urge Parents To Monitor Their Teen's Mobile Apps

WASHINGTON - Three teens are accused of posting more than 50 nude photos on Instagram of other students.

The three Prince William County teens have been charged with computer harassment.

Police say the case is an example of a growing problem and that parents need to take a greater role in monitoring their children's online and mobile activity.

"I would say that there's not a school that's not affected by this behavior," says 1st Sgt. Robby Holland with the Virginia State Police High-Tech Crimes Division.

"As far as how often it occurs, I would say it's exploded. Instagram, Snapchat and Kik App. Kik App is a really big one right now of these type of activities going on where images are being shared," he says.

Holland says that parents should take advantage of parental controls. Parents shouldn't just hand over a smart phone to a child without setting boundaries.

"You can set parental controls and all these apps are rated. So you can set it to where they can't download 17-plus rated apps, " he says.

Kik App for example is rated 17+. He says he's been getting calls from parents with 11- and 12-year-old children who have Kik on their phones. The app is frequently used by adults sharing sexual content, he says.

When children primarily used Facebook, parents seemed more connected to what their children were doing online. But he says more and more young people have migrated to apps like Kik, Snapchat and Instagram - apps their parents aren't following.

With greater numbers of children ages 9, 10 and 11 getting smart phones and tablets, parents have to be proactive in order to protect their children online. Parents should restrict Internet access and discuss computer safety with their children.

He says one of the best way to guard against child predators is to make sure that your child doesn't talk to people nor friend or accept friend requests from people they don't know.

Parents can find more tips at bewebsmart.com.
Source:

Mommy and Me; Daddy too! Preschool Program

Delmarva Discovery Center

Mommy and Me; Daddy Too! Preschool Program

 

Wednesday from 10:30-11:00.

Come join us for a half hour of fun learning through crafts, songs, and much more. We are having a wonderful response to this new program and would love to see your preschool age child there. $5 for one adult and one child. $2 for each additional child.

 

 Family memberships are also available!

Hogan Organizes in Anne Arundel County

March 10, 2014

ANNAPOLIS – The Hogan for Governor campaign will be hosting an Organizational Meeting for members of the Anne Arundel County community who wish to become involved in the campaign.

The meeting will take place at 7:00 pm on Tuesday, March 11 at the Hogan campaign headquarters, located at 2635 Riva Road, Suite 100, in Annapolis. Individuals who are unable to attend but are interested in volunteering or who would like more information are encouraged to contact Chris Cavey at the Hogan campaign headquarters – (443) 221-4450.

www.HoganforGovernor.com
www.facebook.com/ChangeMaryland
@Hogan4Governor

Hogan Organizes in Frederick County

March 10, 2014

FREDERICK – The Hogan for Governor campaign will be hosting an Organizational Meeting for members of the Frederick community who wish to become involved in the campaign.

The meeting will take place at 7:00 pm on Monday, March 10 at Barley & Hops, located at 5437 Urbana Pike in Frederick. Individuals who are unable to attend but are interested in volunteering or who would like more information are encouraged to contact Chris Cavey at the Hogan campaign headquarters – (443) 221-4450.

www.HoganforGovernor.com
www.facebook.com/ChangeMaryland@Hogan4Governor

Authority: Larry Hogan for Governor,

John C. Wobensmith, Treasurer.

CELEBRATE SAFELY THIS ST. PATRICK’S DAY

(March 10, 2014) – On Saturday, March 15, Ocean City will again be garbed in green for the annual St. Patrick’s Day parade and festivities. This is always a joyous weekend but the Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) is reminding party-goers to celebrate safely and designate a sober driver.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 269 people have been senselessly killed nationwide in crashes involving drunk drivers during the St. Patrick’s Day holiday from 2007 to 2011. This St. Patrick’s Day, the OCPD is partnering with the Maryland Highway Safety Office to combat impaired driving offenses and will be heavily enforcing drunk driving throughout the holiday weekend.

“We hope that all of our residents and visitors enjoy Ocean City during this St. Patrick’s Day weekend,” commented Chief Ross Buzzuro. “However, we want everyone to be safe and smart during their celebration. Designate a sober driver ahead of time, call a taxi or ride the municipal bus.”

The Ocean City Police Department recommends the following tips to ensure you have a safe St. Patrick’s Day.

Before the festivities begin, plan a way to safely get home at the end of the night.

Before drinking, designate a sober driver and leave your car keys at home.

If you’re impaired, use a taxi, call a sober friend or family member or use the municipal bus to get home safely.

If you see a drunk driver on the road, never hesitate to call us at 410-723-6600.

If you know someone who is about to drive while impaired, take their keys and help them make other arrangements to get where they are going safely.

Ocean City Police Department 

Worcester County Sheriff’s Office / PRESS RELEASE

PRESS RELEASE
The Worcester County Bureau of Investigation is currently investigating a case of a recovered body in the South Point area. Sunday at about 1742 hrs. a waterman was working in the area of Bay Landing Rd. in South Point when he discovered what appeared to be a body. The subject called 911 and the Maryland State Police responded to the scene and confirmed a body in an extreme state of decomposition, was in the water at that location.

The Worcester County Bureau of investigation and the Worcester County Sheriff’s office also responded to the scene to begin an investigation and recovery efforts.

The Identity of the body and the cause of death have not been determined. The body has been transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Baltimore for further investigation.

 

The Worcester County Sheriff’s Office along with the Maryland State Police, the Maryland Natural Resource Police, and the Worcester County Bureau of investigation has been investigating the disappearance of a Mrs. Helen David form the South Point area since Memorial Day 2013. It is unknown if the body recovered is in fact the body of Mrs. Helen David.

Mrs. Helen David
Missing since May 2013

 

 

 

The Medical Examiner will determine the identity of the body. Until then the Missing person case for Mrs. David will remain open.  

Worcester County Sheriff’s Office

Reggie Mason, Sheriff

UPDATED: The Worcester County Sheriff's Office Confirms Human Remains Were Found

UPDATE On Remains Found:

The Worcester County Bureau of Investigation is currently investigating the discovery of human remains located in South Point, Berlin, Maryland.

 Detectives are currently collecting evidence to be sent to the Medical Examiner's Office for possible identification.

These remains were located by a waterman last night in a small ditch area not far from where Ms. Helen David disappeared. At this time, no positive identification can be made.

The investigation continues at this time.

#########

The Worcester County Sheriff's Office confirms that human remains were found in a marshy area near the South Point area of Worcester County.

They were discovered Sunday night. 

The remains have decomposed so it will take time to positively identify the remains. 

The sheriff's office did say the remains were found not far from Carefree Lane - where 77-year-old Helen David went missing last Memorial Day. 

No confirmation on if the remains are that of the missing David.

WBOC TV 16 Delmarva's News Leader

David Craig Announces New Addition to Campaign Team

Mon, Mar 10, 2014

David Craig announced today that Stephen J. Salamon, a former Chairman of the Maryland Health Care Commission, will assume the official duties of campaign finance chairman.

As an adviser to the campaign prior to being officially named as finance chairman, Salamon has already had a wide-ranging impact on the Craig campaign by enabling it to launch the first paid commercials of the 2014 gubernatorial elections that highlight sweeping reform of Maryland’s budget and tax policies.  He also has been a policy adviser on implementing the Affordable Care Act, leveraging his 33 years of insurance industry experience to allow the Craig campaign to develop solutions to reduce the effects of the bungled implementation of the law in Maryland.  And he led the campaign decision making process in accepting public financing.

 

“There is no one better to take over the reins of our finance operation at this critical juncture as the General Assembly is a month away from adjourning and our campaign moves forward full speed ahead, “ said Craig.  “As Jeannie Haddaway and myself travel to every corner of the state, we now have a trusted professional who can help us raise the funds to get our message out through paid media as we continue to build our grassroots momentum.”

Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. appointed Salamon to the Health Care Commission in early 2003. The Governor then named Salamon chair the next year serving through the first term.   His vast insurance industry experience again overlapped in political circles where Salamon led the National Association of Health Underwriters Political Action Committee prior to Ehrlich’s election in 2002. 

“David Craig is leading the policy agenda in the GOP primary with bold proposals to cut the income tax and improve the implementation of health care reform in Maryland, “ said Salamon. “As county executive, a state legislator and mayor, there is no one more qualified among any of the candidates to reform state government and enable economic opportunity.  Serving as Maryland’s governor is not an entry-level position.”

The campaign’s recent decision to accept public financing will reduce the influence of entrenched political machines during the general election and build a war chest with matching contributions during the primary season.  The state program allows the campaign to accept a dollar-for-dollar match at specified limits.

Salamon resides in Hunt Valley and continues to serve his clients as a senior employee benefits consultant.   

Costen House Benefit

 

 

Do you have a collection of old ad posters, photos, decoys, stamps, dolls, ect.? We would love for you to share them during our Past and Present event!

 

To LIKE the page on Facebook:  Costen House Museum

Worcester County Sheriff's Office ~ Press Release/Arrests

Worcester County Sheriff's Office

March 2, 2014 at approximately 1643 hours Deputies were dispatched to the area of 11931-BLK Back Creek Rd for reported reckless driving. The caller stated a white Ford F-150 was operating in a reckless manner, doing burn outs, and possibly struck a sign.

 The vehicle was later located and found to be operated by Mark James Bell of Bishopville. Bell exhibited signs of being intoxicated and was asked to submit to a battery of Standardized Field Sobriety Tests.


After unsuccessfully performing these tests Bell was arrested for Driving Under the Influence. Bell was later released on multiple Maryland Uniform Traffic Citations.

March 6, 2014 at approximately 1657 hours Deputies received a call from dispatch to respond to 11513 Saint Martin’s Neck Rd in reference to a physical domestic complaint.

 Upon arrival Deputies made contact with the victim who advised his wife, Paulette Curtis, had assaulted him.

 Deputies observed obvious signs of an assault on the victims face. Curtis was arrested and charged with 2nd Degree Assault.

Curtis was later released on her own personal recognizance.

  March 7, 2014 at approximately 2111 hours, Deputies responded to the area of Hall Drive in Berlin for a suspicious vehicle parked in a driveway at a residence.

The residence was posted as “No Trespassing”. The owner and driver of the suspicious vehicle was located at a party in the area.

The owner was identified as 18 year old Vincent Paul Vitilio of Berlin, Worcester County, Maryland.

Vitilio was arrested and taken to the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office where he was charged with trespassing on posted private property, and released on a criminal citation.

March 11 Statewide Tornado Drill In Virginia

RICHMOND, Va. – To help residents of Virginia practice tornado safety, a Statewide Tornado Drill will be held Tuesday, March 11, at 9:45 a.m. So far, more than 391,000 people have registered for the drill.

Registration for the tornado drill is not necessary, but people can learn more and show their support by signing up at www.ReadyVirginia.gov. Everyone in Virginia can participate, including businesses and organizations, schools and colleges, and families and individuals. 

“It’s vitally important to know what to do when a tornado warning is issued for your area. The Statewide Tornado Drill gives everyone an opportunity to practice,” said Brett Burdick, acting state coordinator of emergency management. “Knowing what to do can save your life.”

The annual drill is a joint effort of the Virginia Department of Emergency Management and the National Weather Service.

“Tornadoes in Virginia don’t have a season. In fact, three tornadoes hit southeast Virginia Jan. 11,” said Bill Sammler, NWS warning coordination meteorologist. “Tornadoes are possible in Virginia any time of year.  Every tornado warning should be taken very seriously, and if a warning is issued for your area, then you need to take cover.” 

To start the tornado drill, at 9:45 a.m. March 11 the NWS will send a test tornado warning that will trigger a tone alert and broadcast message on NOAA Weather Radio. The message will be picked up by TV and radio broadcasts, simulating what listeners will hear during an actual tornado warning. 

When the test tornado warning is sounded, people should move as quickly as possible to a safe area in a sturdy building. Safe areas are basements and interior rooms on the lowest level of a building such as bathrooms, closets or hallways. In choosing a safe area, stay away from windows. Once in the safe area, people should crouch down or sit on the floor facing down, and cover heads with hands.

In case of widespread inclement weather March 11, the Statewide Tornado Drill will be held March 13.

“If you don’t have a NOAA Weather Radio, then make a point now to get one,” said Sammler.  “One of the fastest ways for people to get a tornado warning is by Weather Radio. With a Weather Radio, you get information directly from the nearest National Weather Service office.  When we issue a tornado warning, the Weather Radio sounds an alarm or flashes lights and then gives information on where the storm is, which way it’s moving, and telling people in its path to take cover. This radio could be a lifesaver.”

NOAA Weather Radios with SAME alerts that target warnings to specific areas of the state are available at electronics and sporting goods stores, discount and department stores, and online.  They come in battery-powered models, and many also have AM/FM bands. A special needs NOAA Weather Radio is available as well. The special-needs NOAA Weather Radio can warn deaf and hard-of-hearing persons of hazardous conditions, giving them around-the-clock, up-to-the-minute weather information.

For help in conducting a tornado drill and to register for the statewide drill, go to www.ReadyVirginia.gov.

Here’s a look back at tornadoes in Virginia during 2013:

• 5 tornadoes were recorded (4 EFO and 1 EF1).
• There were no reported injuries.
• Property damage was nearly $72,000.
• One tornado occurred in April and four struck in June.

During 2012:

• 11 tornadoes were recorded (8 EFO and 3 EF1).
• There were no deaths, but six people were injured.
• Property damage totaled $3 million.
• The highest number of tornados occurred in June (6).

During 2011:

• 51 tornadoes hit, the second highest number on record (87 struck in 2004).
• In April, 10 people died and more than 100 were injured.
• Most tornadoes occurred during April, but tornadoes also were recorded in March, May, August, September, October and November.
• In April, 212 homes and 17 businesses were destroyed; more than 1,050 homes and businesses were damaged.
• Nearly every part of Virginia experienced tornadoes, including mountain areas.
• One-third of the tornadoes struck at night when people were asleep.

Source:

Painter Man Arrested For Setting Fire To Home With Occupants Inside

Accomack District Court
A Painter man was arrested late last week and charged with breaking into a house and deliberately setting it on fire while occupants were inside, according to records filed in Accomack
General District Court. (Thursday, February 27, 2014)

Charles Allen Watson, 48, of Linhaven Circle is being held without
bond in Accomack Jail for the alleged Feb. 27 crimes.

The suspicious blaze at 15490 Ethel Ln. near Painter was reported early last Thursday morning, according to Painter Fire Chief William Campbell.

Four companies responded. The fire is believed to have originated in the living room.

Source:

Coast Guard medevacs 93-year-old man from cruise ship in Chesapeake Bay

Mar 9, 2014

PORTSMOUTH, Va. — The Coast Guard medevaced a 93-year-old man Sunday from a cruise ship in the lower Chesapeake Bay.

The crew of the Grandeur of the Seas, a 915-foot cruise ship, contacted Coast Guard Sector Hampton Roads Command Center watchstanders via VHF-FM at approximately 9 p.m. Saturday reporting a passenger suffered a possible head injury and was in need of medical assistance.

Watchstanders dispatched a Coast Guard crew along with several Virginia Beach Fire Department personnel aboard a 45-foot Response Boat - Medium from Coast Guard Station Little Creek to assist.

The crew arrived on scene at approximately 1:30 a.m. Sunday, transferred the man and his wife aboard the Coast Guard boat and took them to Station Little Creek were the man was transferred to local emergency medical services and taken to Virginia Beach General Hospital in stable condition.

United States Coast Guard

TIME MACHINE ... 1990, 1932, 1941, 1905, 1958, 1894

(Reader-friendly viewing of newspaper archives material)


December, 1990
The Frederick Post (Frederick, Md.)

(Excerpt)

Toll road to skirt I-95 envisioned

Proposal greeted by sticker shock

NORFOLK (AP) — A transportation planner's proposal for a $2.5 billion, 250-mile toll road from Wilmington, Del., to Rocky Mount, N.C., has received a mixed reaction from politicians and highway officials.

William C. Mann says the proposed toll road would allow motorists to skirt traffic-choked Interstate 95. The highway would start at Interstate 295 in Wilmington, run down the Eastern Shore of Maryland and Virginia, through Hampton Roads on existing highways, and tie into 1-95 at Rocky Mount.

Mr. Mann acted on his own when he sent his proposal to lawmakers and highway officials in Virginia, North Carolina, Maryland and Delaware. Although none have made any promises and some are skeptical, many encouraged him to keep pursuing his idea.

Mr. Mann proposed financing the road by cutting the one-way toll on the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel for Virginia residents from $9 to $8, but making the one-way fee $20 for all others. Truckers would pay a higher toll. The money could be distributed among four state highway departments for construction of the new East Coast highway.

March, 1932

The widespread search for the kidnapped Lindbergh baby included the Eastern Shore area following newspaper reports that the baby was on a yacht in Chesapeake Bay. New Jersey law officers were reported to be searching the Eastern Shore of Maryland and stopping boats in Chesapeake Bay.

August, 1941
(Salisbury Times)

Two Blue Marlin Boated Off Ocean City, First In History

Ocean City, famed white marlin center, added a new record to her long list and at the same time made fishing history when two blue marlin were boated off the port over the weekend. It took a 13-year-old boy to land the first of the giant spear fish ever caught north of Cape Hatteras.

Fishermen have been trying for years along the Atlantic coast north of the famous North Carolina fishing grounds to hook and successfully gaff a blue marlin, a fish which is one of the main figures in the happy hunting ground dreams of deep sea fishing fans.

During the past eight years at Ocean City, 12 blue marlin strikes have been recorded but each time the fish either slipped the hook or else shredded the tackle. The resort guides out for the smaller white marlin were not prepared to handle the larger members of the family.

However, with the usual white marlin tackle, Harry Tellam Jr., 13, Baltimore, ended the long hunt on Saturday when he successfully struck and boated a 350 pound blue marlin.

Weighing only 90 pounds himself, young Tellam fought the fish for two hours and twenty five minutes. It measured 11 feet three inches and had a tail spread of 47 inches. The fish was displayed on the boardwalk yesterday and was hauled away today to be mounted.

He was fishing from the Empress II with Captains Jim Whaley and Paul Mumford. The rod had a 12 ounce tip and was equipped with a '24 thread line. The fish was landed at the Jack Spot, a few miles south of the resort.

The second blue marlin, landed yesterday, was also caught from the Empress II by another Baltimorian, Lewis Hamel. He fought the 285 pound fish for three hours and forty-five minutes during which time it jumped 30 times. It measured ten feet, four inches, with a tail spread the same as the other one.

Another blue marlin was hooked shortly afterwards from the same boat while a white marlin and a tuna were on but a rush from the tuna cut the line and freed the big fish. Two other blue marlin were played by other boats but they failed to hold the fish.

A Mako shark with an estimated weight of 400 pounds was landed by Peat Neal, Baltimore, and Dan Trimper, Ocean City, Saturday while aboard the Evelyn with Captain Josh Bunting. It took them over three hours to boat the fish.

White marlin fishing also picked up over the weekend with 11 landed yesterday. This brings the total for the year to 97, far below the 1939 record when 171 were landed in one day alone, for a season's total of 1,343.

October, 1905
(Peninsula Enterprise- Accomac Court House)

Mr. and Mrs. Claude B. Nottingham went to Princess Anne, Md., in their automobile last Saturday. They made the run in three hours and a half.

July, 1958 (Time Machine archive)

Johnnys & Sammys in Salisbury was advertising a Wednesday 85-Cents Lunch Special: Chicken & Slippery Dumplings served with hot rolls and butter, and choice of coffee or hot tea.

May, 1894
(Eastern Shore Press- Onancock)

The newly elected Onancock Town Council are hoping for many new things, such as the enforcing of the laws on our statute books; the maintenance of good order and the building of a lock-up in which to place all who require a few hours to collect their thoughts after a night out with the boys; wider and more level streets, with better drainage and a good street sprinkler with which to keep down the dust during the summer months; the purchase of a number of new street lamps, so that pedestrians may not get lost within the town limits at night -- in fact an entirely new town.

Our citizens seem to differ in opinion regarding the question of whether cattle and hogs shall dispute the right of way with the ladies on our sidewalks, insomuch that our town daddies may have to attempt the difficult task of carrying water on both shoulders if they would please "both merchants and citizens."


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!

Baltimore City Police Officer Saves Kitten - Photo Goes Viral

The softer side of being a police officer....

BALTIMORE (WJZ) — A tough Baltimore City police officer shows his softer side, and it’s going viral.

Jessica Kartalija explains.

It all started because he helped to give a stray cat a better life. And it doesn’t hurt that he’s a very good looking guy.

Big guy, little kitten–major attention. Officer Jon Boyer, 26, had no idea this photo would be so popular.

“I heard some kitten yelps from the vacant house. I saw the kitten, I picked her up. She was kind of snuggled right here,” Boyer said.

And that’s when things went a little crazy. Staff at Baltimore Animal Rescue and Care Shelter took and shared the picture.

“And it just kind of snowballed from there… wasn’t expecting all the attention I’m getting now,” said Boyer.

To say the least. There’s now a Facebook page, “I Love Jon Boyer,” where women express their love and admiration for the cat lover, who has three, by the way.

Clearly it isn’t the first time a Baltimore City police officer has rescued an animal. But it is the first time it’s been this popular.

“Honestly, we all do it. I just got attention for it,” Boyer said.

There’s been some gentle teasing within the department, but the positive message is being well received.

“We have people who come to this job to save lives, and part of saving lives is obviously the human lives that we work to save, but the animal lives are just as important,” said Lt. Eric Kowalczyk, Baltimore City Police.

Boyer has become a good friend to BARCS, joining Maryland athletes like Orioles catcher Matt Wieters in the “Show Your Soft Side” campaign. He’s also been a model for their annual “Pawject Runway” event.

Officers Boyer says it’s all in a day’s work.

“I am really just out here to do my job, to protect the citizens of Baltimore and the animals, and to make sure we all go home at the end of the day and the citizens are safe,” Boyer said.

Sorry to say, Officer Boyer is not releasing whether or not he is in a relationship.

Officer Boyer has been with the city police department for three and a half years.

Source/VIDEO

Hope You Remember To Set Your Clocks !

 

Besides sending a reminder to set our clocks ahead the Stockton Vol. Fire Company has included some other information many may not be aware of.

Stockton Vol. Fire Company :

Get ready to roll your clocks FORWARD into Daylight savings time.

It's a good idea to replace the Batteries in your Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors, or maybe its time to replace that smoke detector.

The State of Maryland has a new law that went into effect in July 2013 requiring homeowners to replace any battery-operated smoke alarm more than 10 years old with a unit powered by a 10-year sealed-in battery.