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New Md. Law Will Change Traffic Ticket Process

New Md. Law Will Change Traffic Ticket Process

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) -- People who get traffic tickets in Maryland will have three options under a new law taking effect in January.
Now, drivers automatically have trial dates scheduled, but that won't happen under the new law.

They will be able to either pay the fine, ask for a waiver hearing instead of a trial or request a court date for a trial.

Drivers will have to comply within 30 days or risk having their driver's license suspended by the Motor Vehicle Administration.

Payable traffic violations like speeding, failure to obey a traffic signal, or failure to stop for a school bus are affected by the new law. Violations like driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs or under a suspended license are not.

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County Executive Dedicates New 911 Call Center

County Executive Dedicates New 911 Call Center

UPPER MARLBORO, MD – Prince George’s County Executive Jack Johnson today joined Public Safety Director Vernon Herron and several public safety officials to dedicate the new 911 Call Center in Bowie.

“When I became County Executive eight years ago, I knew that we needed to improve our public safety communications,” Johnson said.  “With the opening of this brand new facility and our new 700 megahertz radio system, we now have the best communications system in the country.”

Construction of the 40,000 square foot, $36 million facility began in March.  Officials expect to have the entire building operational by February 2011. The new facility will increase Fire/EMS and law enforcement dispatchers from 20 to 29 and also includes 32 console positions to process 911 calls. 

Md. Pension Commission To Consider Changes Dec. 13

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) -- A state commission reviewing how to get a handle on large unfunded liabilities in Maryland's pension and health benefit system for state employees is scheduled to begin voting on recommendations Dec. 13.

Casper Taylor, Maryland's former House speaker who chairs the Public Employees' and Retirees' Benefit Sustainability Commission, said Monday he hopes the commission will be in position to vote on a preliminary report during the week of Christmas to present to Gov. Martin O'Malley and the Legislature, which convenes in January.

One major proposal under consideration includes a five-year freeze on cost-of-living adjustments for retirees. The commission also is aiming to reduce state health care costs by 10 percent.

Prince George's Council Member Charged With Assault

UPPER MARLBORO, Md. (WUSA) -- Another Prince George's County politican is facing charges.

Council Member Marilynn Bland has been charged with assaulting a council employee earlier this month.

W. Randy Short, the executive director of the council's Youth Commission, has accused Bland of grabbing his collar and screaming, yelling and cursing at him.

Short says Bland was upset because he started a meeting without her.

Bland faces up to 10 years in prison or a $2500 fine if convicted.

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Upper Marlboro Pizza Hut Gutted By Fire

UPPER MARLBORO, Md. (WUSA) -- Firefighters in Prince George's County battled a blaze at an Upper Marlboro restaurant early Tuesday morning.


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Officials say firefighters responded to the 7600 block of S. Osbourne Road around 4:39 a.m. where they found flames showing from a Pizza Hut.

The building appears to have been destroyed by the flames.

Maryland Council Member Charged with Assault

Prince George's County (AP)- A Prince George's County Council member is facing an assault charge after allegedly attacking a county employee.

A charging document filed Sunday says Marilynn Bland grabbed the individual and started screaming and cursing at him on Nov. 17 when he started a meeting without her. The individual making the complaint, W. Randy Short, is the director of the Prince George's County Council's Youth Commission.

The charge carries a penalty of up to 10 years in prison or a $2,500 fine.

A message left at the County Council's office early Tuesday was not immediately returned.

Wife of Liquor Store Owner had $400k in Her Closet

Prince George's County (AP)- Prosecutors say the wife of a liquor store owner arrested along with three police officers in a federal sting had $400,000 stashed in a closet.

Ravinder Mehli and her husband, Amrik Singh Melhi, are accused in an extortion conspiracy case alleging they paid county officers to ensure transport of untaxed cigarettes and alcohol in Maryland and Virginia.

Prosecutors revealed the hoard of cash at a hearing Tuesday in U.S. District Court in which Mehli and her husband were ordered held without bond. Federal prosecutors said the case is linked to the recent arrest of Prince George's County Executive Jack Johnson, but did not elaborate.

Melhi's attorney, Gabriel Christian, said the allegations had yet to be proven.