Maryland Archives - Page 11 of 50

Published June 22, 2022 at 9:53AM

COVID-19 vaccines are now available for Marylanders six months and older, according to the Maryland Department of Health. Visit https://montgomerycountymd.gov/covid19/vaccine/ for information on vaccine clinics in Montgomery County.

“We welcome having COVID-19 vaccines to help protect our youngest Marylanders against severe illness, hospitalization, or even death from this virus and strongly encourage parents to vaccinate their children,” said MDH Secretary Dennis R. Schrader. “We have been preparing to receive these COVID-19 vaccines and, utilizing our vast network of pediatricians, family practitioners, federally qualified health centers, pharmacies, and local health departments, will begin distributing them equitably across the state right away.”

Beyond MoCo

Beyond MoCo: Governor Hogan to Lead Economic Development Mission to France, Ireland

By Patrick Herron

Published June 19, 2022 at 11:05PM

“Maryland is open for business, and our economic recovery continues to be one of the very best in America,” said Governor Hogan. “This mission will be focused on expanding partnerships with key allies, promoting some of Maryland’s key industries, and fostering new opportunities to continue creating jobs and strengthening our economy.”

This is the governor’s first mission of this kind since September 2019, when he led a joint infrastructure and economic development mission to Australia during his time as chairman of the National Governors Association.

Maryland

Governor Hogan Presses For Progress on Launch of Mobile Sports Betting in Maryland

By Patrick Herron

Published June 15, 2022 at 8:02PM | Updated July 24, 2022 at 6:31PM

Read the governor’s mobile sports betting letter. “Instead of decisive action to implement the voters’ decision, you have allowed the process to stagnate and become mired in overly bureaucratic procedures that have needlessly delayed the state’s ability to maximize the revenue potential of this emerging industry,” wrote Governor Hogan. “Sports fans in Maryland simply want to be able to place bets on their mobile devices—that’s what they voted for, and they are angry and discouraged over SWARC’s inability to make it happen. … Our state and its citizens deserve clear and definitive action from SWARC and a legal, transparent framework to place mobile bets—not endless bureaucratic roadblocks that continue to hold back progress.”

Ahead of the legislative commission’s next meeting tomorrow, the governor outlines several definitive actions it can take to get mobile sports betting up and running:

Gaithersburg

Where to Watch Fireworks in Montgomery County This July

By Patrick Herron

Published June 15, 2022 at 11:41AM | Updated June 15, 2022 at 8:06PM

After the COVID-19 pandemic caused cancellations in 2020 and 2021, Independence Day fireworks and celebrations are back in a big way this year. Below is a list of all the MoCo fireworks displays that have been announced:

Sign language interpreter services and other auxiliary aids or services will be provided upon request with as much notice as possible, preferably at least three business days before the event. To request special accommodations, contact a therapeutic recreation specialist at 240-777-6870 or email [email protected].

Maryland

Rockville Barrack Commander Among Maryland State Police Troopers Who Apprehended Murder Suspect In Washington County Shootings

By Patrick Herron

Published June 13, 2022 at 7:09PM

The troopers helped apprehend Joe Louis Esquivel, 23, of Hedgesville, West Virginia. He is charged with three counts of first-degree murder, three counts of second-degree murder, five counts of first-degree assault, five counts of second-degree assault, three counts of attempted first-degree murder, three counts of attempted second-degree murder, two counts of first-degree assault, two counts of second-degree assault, two counts of reckless endangerment, one count of having a handgun illegally in a vehicle, one count of having a loaded handgun in a vehicle, one count of illegal handgun possession and two counts of using a firearm in the commission of a felony. He is being held without bond in the care and custody of the Washington County Detention Center.

The injured trooper has been identified as Detective Sergeant Phillip Martin. Detective Sergeant Martin is assigned to the Criminal Enforcement Division Western Region. He was transported to Meritus Medical Center in Hagerstown, Maryland, where he was treated and released on Thursday for injuries sustained in the shooting.

Maryland

Governor Hogan Launches $28 Million Chesapeake Bay Crossing Tier 2 Study

By Patrick Herron

Published June 10, 2022 at 1:34PM

“At my direction, we are immediately launching a critical $28 million Bay Crossing Tier 2 Study, which will not only study the new crossing, but also look at solutions for the entire 22-mile corridor from the Severn River Bridge to the 50/301 split,” said Governor Hogan. “This is the critical next step which is needed in order to move forward so we can make a new Bay crossing a reality in the years to come, and it is just one more way that together we are truly changing Maryland for the better.”

The Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) are following the well-established tiered NEPA process to study potential improvements. This process applies to all projects receiving federal funding or approval.

Maryland

Beyond MoCo: Shooting Investigation Underway After Washington County Homicide Suspect Shoots And Injures A Maryland State Trooper

By Patrick Herron

Published June 10, 2022 at 9:47AM

The injured trooper is not being identified at this time. He is a 25-year veteran of the Department and is assigned to the Criminal Enforcement Division Western Region. He was transported to Meritus Medical Center in Hagerstown, Maryland, where he was treated and released for injuries sustained in the shooting.

The gunman’s identity is being withheld at the moment pending charges being filed in this case. He was transported by ambulance for medical treatment where he remains under police guard. Charges are pending consultation with the Washington County State’s Attorney’s Office.

Health

Governor Hogan Announces COVIDReady Maryland to Guide Long-Term Preparedness Efforts

By Patrick Herron

Published June 9, 2022 at 8:06PM

ANNAPOLIS, MD—Governor Larry Hogan today announced COVIDReady Maryland, the state’s long-term preparedness plan to maximize the tools and treatments available to keep people healthy and out of the hospital, and maintain a state of readiness to respond to emerging variants and potential waves. The plan, which emphasizes infrastructure, awareness, and adaptability, builds on the successful data-driven strategies that the state implemented throughout the pandemic.

“Our state public health response has now fully transitioned from an emergency into an ongoing operation of state government,” said Governor Hogan. “As the next phase of our nation-leading response and recovery, we are announcing our COVIDReady Maryland plan to maximize all of the available tools and treatments for preventing severe illness and keeping people from being hospitalized, and to maintain an ongoing state of readiness over the long term so that we are prepared to respond to any emerging variants and any potential waves or surges.”

Chevy Chase

Man Arrested After Incident Near Residence of Justice Brett Kavanugh, Governor Hogan Releases Statement

By Patrick Herron

Published June 8, 2022 at 2:02PM | Updated June 8, 2022 at 2:29PM

According to Montgomery County Police, at 1:42 a.m. MCPD responded to a call for service in the area of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh’s home in Chevy Chase. An adult male from California was taken into custody and transported to a Montgomery County police station. The case was then transferred to the FBI. The Washington Post reports that the man was angry over the recently leaked Supreme Court draft decision that would overturn Roe V. Wade.

The suspect is described as being in his mid-20s, and according to the WaPo article was taken into custody by police “after telling officers he wanted to kill the justice” and that “he apparently did not make it onto Kavanaugh’s property in Montgomery County but was stopped on a nearby street and was found to be carrying a gun, a knife and burglary tools, these people said, speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss an ongoing investigation.”

Maryland

Governor Hogan Announces $7.5 Million in Accountability Resources Grant Funding Available Through Re-Fund the Police Initiative

By Patrick Herron

Published June 7, 2022 at 3:30PM

“This critical investment in public safety supports officers and law enforcement agencies by offering protection and increasing capacity to build trust in the communities they serve,” said Governor Hogan. “We will continue to provide this much-needed support through our Re-Fund The Police Initiative as we work together to make our communities safer and stronger.”

As part of the $24 million Accountability Resources Fund, the PACT grant supports law enforcement agencies across the state in developing effective accountability procedures while enhancing community relations and transparency. Funds are intended to increase safety and training for law enforcement, to promote safe communities, and to encourage engagement between law enforcement and the community.

Maryland

Maryland State Police Warn Public Of Online Scam Involving The Sexual Extortion Of Minors

By Patrick Herron

Published June 7, 2022 at 1:50PM

Investigators believe online predators may often give the impression they are romantically interested in the minor being targeted, to gain their trust. As the chats progress, the suspect user will request sexually illicit photographs of the minor, and might even send photographs back to the minor in return.

If a minor sends a sexually illicit photograph of themselves to the suspect account, the suspect user will proceed to demand the minor send them money, typically in the form of gift card and prepaid credit card numbers that are readily available at most stores. The suspect accounts advise that if money is not sent, the illicit photographs of the minor will be sent to family, friends, and posted online accompanied by distasteful comments about the minor. While not always, investigators have found that the suspect accounts typically originate from foreign countries which significantly limits the ability to formally identify a suspect.