Spam Bill Signed
An anti-spam bill sponsored by Sen. Rob Garagiola (D-15) was signed into law on May 26. Spam, or junk e-mail, is estimated to cost businesses $8.9 billion per year, according to Garagiola.
The bill is designed to allow state law enforcement officials to target spammers, and introduced new criminal penalties. The law goes into effect on Oct. 1.
Suicide at Bridge
An adult male jumped to his death from the Union Arch Bridge on Monday, May, 24. Montgomery County Police have ruled the death a suicide, said Police spokesperson Lucille Bauer. "It was witnessed," she said.
The bridge is the one-lane bridge on MacArthur Boulevard which is also part of the Washington Aqueduct. Police had to direct traffic on the Cabin John Parkway during the incident which took place at 4:50 p.m.
Members of Cabin John Park Volunteer Fire Department Station 10 responded to the call and pronounced the man Dead upon their arrival, said Eugene Roesser, spokesperson for the station.
Feldman Wins Award
Del. Brian Feldman (D-15) has been selected by the law firm of Semmes, Bowen & Semmes as the recipient of its Legislator of the Year Award for his work on legislation relating to workers compensation fraud. Feldman was presented with the award on May 25.
Tax Vetoed
County Executive Doug Duncan (D) vetoed an increase in the amusement tax passed by the County Council on May 20. The council voted 7-2 (Howard Denis (R-1) and Phil Andrews (D-3)) to increase the tax rate on items like movie tickets, concerts and greens fees from seven to 10 percent.
The increase was expected to generate approximately $1.3 million The Council now has the opportunity to override the veto, if it chooses to do so. The proposed tax increase got enough votes when it first passed to override a veto.
Strong Arm Robbery
A 40-year old Alexandria, Va. man was in the parking lot at Montgomery Mall on May 6 at 12:05 p.m. when two suspects approached him. The suspects forced the man to the ground and took his wallet and other personal items, then fled in an unknown direction, say Montgomery County Police.
The victim refused treatment for a bruised jaw.
Both suspects were described as black males 20-29, 5-feet-10 inches, 150-170 pounds with short, black hair. One was wearing a white shirt, the other a black shirt.
Aggravated Assault
A 21-year old Bethesda man was the victim of an aggravated assault on May 17 at 1 p.m. say Montgomery County Police.
The man was at 7103 Democracy Boulevard when he saw four suspects pointing at him. As three of the four came walking towards him, one displayed a machete, say police. The victim ran and locked himself in an office. An employee came and was able to get the suspects to leave.
All four suspects were black males. One was 23-25 years old, 6 feet, 170 pounds, wearing a gray shirt and black pants. The second was of a similar build, wearing a black shirt and jeans.
The third, of an unspecified size, was wearing a red shirt and jeans and the fourth was identified as 22 years old.
Candidates Sought
The Montgomery County Council is seeking applicants for a four-year term on the County Board of Appeals. The term of Donald Spence (Democrat) expires in September. Spence also serves as chairman of the board and has indicated that he will not apply for reappointment. Letters of application to serve as chairman and/or member of the board, including a resume, should be addressed to Steven Silverman, council president, and must be receved no later than Wednesday, Sept. 1, at 5 p.m., in the Office of the Montgomery County Council, Stella B. Warner Council Office Building, 100 Maryland Ave., Rockville, MD 20850. For information about the position and how to apply, call Justina Feber at 240-777-7938.
Wootton’s Prom
Photos from Wootton High School’s prom will appear in next week’s issue of the Almanac.