Program Trains State Law Enforcement Leaders to Combat Impaired Driving
Per the Maryland Department of Transportation: Twenty-nine officers from 15 law enforcement agencies in Maryland graduated today from the University of Maryland’s DUI Institute, a rigorous 40-hour program that develops leaders in the enforcement of alcohol-impaired driving laws.
Minimum wage for large employers (51 employees or more) in Montgomery County is set to increase to $16.71 an hour on July 1, 2023. The current minimum wage for large employers in Montgomery County is $15.65. The state of Maryland minimum wage is $13.25 an hour, while the federally-mandated minimum wage is $7.25 an hour.
Per Montgomery County: The minimum wage will again increase in Montgomery County on July 1. Sponsored by then-County Council member, and current County Executive, Marc Elrich and signed into legislation on Nov. 17, 2017, Bill 28-17 raises the minimum wage incrementally each July 1. Based on the consumer price index for all urban wage earners and clerical workers (CPI-W) for Washington-Baltimore, the Montgomery County Chief Administrative Officer has set the rate for the increase of minimum wage for July 2023 for large employers (those with 51 employees or more) at $16.71 per hour.
This is the final weekend for Big Bounce America, the largest touring inflatable event in the entire world, which has been at the Rosecroft Raceway in Fort Washington (Prince George’s County) since May 20th. “We’ve created an action-packed day out suitable for all ages and featuring some of the most unique and exciting custom-built inflatable attractions ever made.”
Per Big Bounce America: “Covering an area of just over 16,000 square foot and towering 32ft from the ground to the tip of our candy-colored turrets we’ve worked hard to ensure there is never a dull moment in this, the World’s Biggest Bounce House. We’ve created a crazy inflatable landscape filled with some of the most amazing, completely customized attractions you’ll have ever seen. Not only does our massive bouncer look spectacular, it really does have something for everyone within its four walls of fun.
Per the Maryland Department of Natural Resources: Graduations and school dismissals anglers are setting our younger anglers free to spend more time outdoors. Be sure to carve out time for some fishing adventures in Maryland’s varied waters.
Maryland will host the second of three license-free fishing days June 10. During a free fishing day, a person may catch and possess finfish in the tidal and nontidal waters of Maryland for recreational purposes without an angler’s license, Chesapeake Bay sportfishing license, or any fishing stamp normally required by the Department of Natural Resources. All other fishing laws and regulations will apply on those days. Maryland’s free fishing days are the first two Saturdays in June and the Fourth of July. Ask a neighbor or friend who doesn’t fish to join you and pick up this great pastime.
Per the State of Maryland (6.8.23): Today, Governor Wes Moore signed an executive order to promote Maryland’s economic future through the creation of the Maryland Economic Council. The council will be the command center for analysis and recommendations for the Moore-Miller Administration to effectively implement economic policies that achieve growth, diversify our workforce, and merge our state’s assets and growing industries.
“For too long, Maryland has underutilized its assets because it lacked a cohesive economic strategy. This council will change that,” said Gov. Wes Moore. “The Maryland Economic Council will help build the robust economic strategy our state needs and our state deserves. For the next decade to be Maryland’s decade, we must invest in the infrastructure, technology, and workforce to grow the industries that will dominate the next half century of the world economy.”
The Maryland beer scene recently received big news when Flying Dog announced it was sold and will be moving production Frederick to New York. DuClaw Brewing Company has made a joint announcement with River Horse Brewing Company that it has been acquired by the New Jersey brewer. The full joint statement can be seen below:
“Attention NJ & MD craft beer lovers- we have an announcement! New Jersey’s River Horse Brewing Company, in Ewing, NJ has acquired DuClaw Brewing Company of Baltimore, MD. The powerful combination of two beloved brands that each boast a legacy of over 25 years of great beer will ensure the continued success of these products.
The Independent Investigations Division (IID) of the Office of the Attorney General today released its interim investigative report of the July 20, 2022, fatal officer-involved shooting in Montgomery County.
On July 20, 2022, at approximately 9:30 a.m., Montgomery County Sheriff’s Deputy Domenic Mash along with nine other task force officers assigned to the U.S. Marshals Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force were attempting to serve an arrest warrant on Hamed Ghorouni Delcheh in Gaithersburg. The officers located Mr. Delcheh inside a townhome and positioned themselves outside. After several minutes, according to officers, Mr. Delcheh threw a large kitchen knife out of the home’s front window, then jumped out himself and picked up the knife. One officer deployed his Taser, but Mr. Delcheh was able to run up the street past Deputy Mash, who began following him. According to witnesses, Mr. Delcheh then turned toward Deputy Mash with the large kitchen knife raised. Deputy Mash fired at Mr. Delcheh, striking him. Officers provided medical aid until paramedics arrived, but Mr. Delcheh died on scene. A second man was also shot and taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. No officers were injured.
Kassie Cardona, a pupil personnel worker (PPW) at John F. Kennedy High School, has been named 2022-2023 Maryland State PPW of the Year.
Colleagues say she is a compassionate, dedicated and knowledgeable staff member, which has earned her a reputation as the go-to PPW with the answers. With a background as an ESOL counselor, Cardona is a strong advocate for equality for students and families, and she also works to build strong relationships and partnerships between schools and the community. She has worked with a number of organizations outside the school system, which have provided services to the Hispanic community. She has advocated at the state level for more inpatient resources to help teens with substance abuse issues.
The Maryland Department of the Environment is advising Marylanders to expect unhealthy air conditions today through at least Thursday as smoke and fine particles produced from the wildfires continue to spread over the region. Air quality is currently at unhealthy levels for everyone. Marylanders should consider limiting time spent outdoors and avoid prolonged or heavy exertion until air quality improves. Anyone sensitive to air pollution, including young children, older adults, people with respiratory problems such as asthma, or people with heart conditions should avoid outdoor exertion altogether. People who must be outside, such as outdoor workers, should be alert for symptoms such as difficulty breathing. Air quality information is always available at mde.maryland.gov.
The Maryland Department of Health is advising Marylanders to follow the Air Quality Action Guide, which includes information on preventing adverse effects of polluted air. For a red alert, everyone should limit strenuous outdoor activity when the air is unhealthy to breathe.
The Big Dill, which describes itself as the “#1 Pickle Party in the World”, returns to Power Plant Live! at 34 Market Pl in Baltimore on September 23 and 24. The two day event will include pickle sampling, concerts, carnival games, a pickle eating contest, a brine chugging competition, and an appearance by “Dilly” the pickle. Pickle flavored cupcakes, donuts, fudge, ice cream, and pizza are a few of the items that will be available for purchase at the event.
Per the Big Dill: The Big Dill World’s Largest Pickle Party® is the premier pickle event of the year, featuring a pickle garden with 10+ handpicked artisan pickle companies sampling and selling a variety of pickles from all over the country. After the festival, attendees will receive a survey to vote for their favorite pickle company that will win The Best in Show. Entertaining guests throughout the weekend is a modern country, pop, and rock-themed live stage production with performances by musicians, actors, comedy routines, and choreographed dancers. Guests are also entertained by the crowd’s favorite, The Pickle Eating Championship featuring competitive eaters and the hilarious Brine Chug Challenge.
To ensure a continuing supply of new telephone numbers, the Maryland Public Service Commission has approved an all-services area code overlay for the 240/301 area code region which serves all or portions of Aspen Hill, Bethesda, Bowie, Frederick, Gaithersburg, Germantown, Hagerstown, Potomac, Silver Spring, Waldorf, Wheaton, and many other small communities. The new 227 area code will serve the same geographic area currently served by the existing 240/301 area codes.
What is an Area Code Overlay? An overlay is the addition of another area code (227) to the same geographic region as an existing area code region (240/301). The overlay does not require you to change your existing area code or phone number, or how you dial your calls. You will continue to dial the area code and phone number for all local calls, as you do today, within and between the 240, 301, and new 227 area codes.