as out-of-town vacationers continue to make Garrett County and Deep Creek Lake too dangerous for residents to enjoy. Thankfully, some of these people are being arrested and charged, but given the large numbers one has to wonder how many more are out there endangering the safety of everyone else. We can only hope that each of them is being prosecuted to the full extent of the law and not just getting off with a slap on the wrist if they are in fact found guilty. After some of these trial dates pass I will give an update to see just what penalties were imposed.
I've copied the following from the DNR Police Blotter update of 8/5/08 as a follow-up to a previous posting on one clear downside of unregulated tourism in Garrett County.
Garrett County – On Friday, August 1, at 8 p.m., the Maryland Natural Resources Police charged Brian A. Blough, 29, of Odenton with operating a vessel while under the influence of alcohol on Deep Creek Lake near the Route 219 Bridge.
NRP stopped Blough after observing a passenger on his pontoon boat riding with their legs hanging off the stern of the vessel. During the course of the stop Blough was arrested and charged with operating a vessel while under the influence of alcohol, operating a vessel while impaired by alcohol, operating a vessel while impaired by alcohol and or drugs and negligent operation. He was released on his signature.
Garrett County - On Friday, August 1, at 8:45 p.m., the Maryland Natural Resources Police charged Scott J. Scherbenske, 47, of Chantilly, Va. with operating a vessel while under the influence of alcohol on Deep Creek Lake.
NRP stopped Scherbenske for allegedly not displaying proper navigational lights on his vessel. Scherbenske was arrested and transported to the Maryland State Police McHenry Barrack for processing and charged with operating a vessel while under the influence of alcohol, operating a vessel while impaired by alcohol, operating a vessel while impaired by alcohol and or drugs and operating a vessel between the hours of sunset and sunrise without proper navigation lights. He was released on his signature. A court date of Oct. 22 has been scheduled for Scherbenske in Garrett County District Court.
Garrett County – On Saturday, August 2, at 8:45 p.m., the Maryland Natural Resources Police charged Cheryl L. Hanna, 41, of Mars, Pa. with operating a vessel while under the influence of alcohol on Deep Creek Lake.
NRP stopped Hanna for allegedly not displaying proper navigational lights on his vessel. Hanna was arrested and transported to the Maryland State Police McHenry Barrack for processing and charged with operating a vessel while under the influence of alcohol, operating a vessel while impaired by alcohol, operating a vessel while impaired by alcohol and or drugs and operating a vessel between the hours of sunset and sunrise without proper navigation lights. She was released on her signature. A court date of Oct. 22 has been scheduled for Hanna in Garrett County District Court.
Don't forget to check back to Dan's Deep Creek Blog for future updates.
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
The epidemic continues ..
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2 comments:
Hi Dan - just found your blog and am enjoying reading the archives. I'm kind of on the fence about the "scourge" of tourism. All the tourons can be a real pain and even a hazard, yes, but there's a lot of amenities we have because of the touro-dollars. I'm not trying to rub your face in it, but some of the sponsored ads on your blog are for DCL vacation homes - so indirectly, tourism is supporting your blog.
Anyway, keep up the great blogging - I completely agree that GC needs some fresh perspectives on the issues in the area.
Hi Chris and welcome.
Thank you for your comment. Just let me add that I am not 100% against tourism or anything else for that matter. I only hope to make people question what they believe or what others are telling them to believe and think about what is best for the citizens of Garrett County. It is my opinion that all other media sources in the area are playing for the same team and not asking such questions so I only hope to do my part to encourage a more balanced dialogue. To that end, I strongly encourage you and others to share your thoughts here as well.
And yes, it is somewhat ironic that tourism is indirectly supporting this blog while I question it at the same time. However, selling out and taking a more pro-tourism stance would likely prove more lucrative. Rest assured that is not my objective.
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