The epidemic continues ..

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.