Category: MARYLAND

PETS ARE THE BEST

November and December are filled with holiday merriment, but an unexpected trip to the veterinary hospital can instantly spoil the cheer. There are many seasonal dangers for pets, including consumption of toxic foods and decorations, that can devastate a Thanksgiving, Christmas or holiday celebration.

Peyton Cleary/CNBNews graphic

From chocolate and turkey bones to tinsel and toys, veterinarians at

BluePearl Specialty and Emergency Pet Hospital

have treated dozens of dogs and cats who have gotten into holiday-related food and items. In fact, BluePearl, which has more than 80 hospitals in 25 states across the U.S., sees an approximate 69 percent increase in chocolate-related emergency visits on Christmas Eve.

Follow these expert tips to ensure a smooth and safe holiday season for your pets—and your guests:

Keep the food away.

While chocolate is a big part of the holidays for many people, it is toxic to dogs and cats. Be sure to keep chocolate, along with any other sweets and baked goods containing chocolate, away from pets. Also, be mindful of table scraps, including turkey, turkey skin, gravy, and meat fat. Even in small doses, these foods can cause a life-threatening condition in pets called pancreatitis. While you may know that Fido cannot have Turkey bones, other house guests may not. Make sure guests are aware of the “cans” and “can’ts.\”

Be mindful of decorations (and carefully dispose of gift wrapping).

Christmas trees, electric lights, water additives, ornaments, candles, tinsel, and potpourris all pose a threat to pets’ health during the holidays. If an ornament, tinsel, or other holiday decoration is consumed, it can cause intestinal blockages that may require surgery. Electric lights and candles can cause fires, pet burns (if chewed), or worse. Never leave an animal alone with an exposed flame. Gift wrappings should also be cleared away, as sparkly ribbon or glittered bows can be tempting for your pet to play with or eat.

Designate a comfortable, quiet place inside for pets to retreat.

Pets can become emotionally distressed with the commotion that accompanies a holiday gathering, so make sure to designate a private room or crate somewhere quiet. If a room or crate is not available, be especially mindful of the front door. As friends and family come and go, it is easy for pets to make a break for it out the door and become lost. Consider getting your pets microchipped.

If traveling, pack for the pet.

Remember to bring pet food, fresh water, medications, copies of their medical records, their ID tag, veterinarian information, a crate, bed/blanket, and toys. If traveling in a vehicle, safely restrain your pet using a secure harness or a carrier, placed away from airbags. Never leave your pet alone in the car or transport your pet in the bed of a truck.

Plan ahead.

Scope out 24/7 emergency veterinary hospitals along your travel route before there’s an emergency. Keep a digital and hardcopy list of the numbers to these hospitals in case of emergencies. You want to include:

Your primary veterinarian’s phone number

24/7 emergency veterinary hospitals along the travel route—phone numbers and addresses

The phone number to the

ASPCA Poison Control Hotline:

1-888-426-4435 (fees may apply)

Justice Dept Launches National Strategy to Address Murdered Native Americans

WASHINGTON—Attorney General William P. Barr launched a national strategy last week to address missing and murdered Native Americans. The Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP) Initiative places MMIP coordinators in 11 U.S. Attorney’s offices including the District of Oregon who will develop protocols for a more coordinated law enforcement response to missing cases. The plan also calls for the deployment of the FBI’s most advanced response capabilities when needed, improved data collection and analysis, and training to support local response efforts.

“American Indian and Alaska Native people suffer from unacceptable and disproportionately high levels of violence, which can have lasting impacts on families and communities. Native American women face particularly high rates of violence, with at least half suffering sexual or intimate-partner violence in their lifetime. Too many of these families have experienced the loss of loved ones who went missing or were murdered,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “This important initiative will further strengthen the federal, state, and tribal law enforcement response to these continuing problems.”

“The FBI recognizes the violence that tribal communities face and is fully committed to working with our federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement partners to provide support to those impacted by these crimes,” said FBI Director Christopher Wray. “We are dedicated to delivering justice and to the FBI’s mission to protect all the people we serve. We reaffirm our focus on allocating resources to serve Native American needs.”

“I’m proud to join Attorney General Barr and Director Wray in announcing this new effort by the Justice Department to address the important and urgent issues attendant to missing and murdered indigenous people. These are real crime victims and their families who have been impacted by inadequate data collection and jurisdictional gaps,” said Billy J. Williams, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon. “Pursuing justice on behalf of tribal communities in Oregon is a top priority for the U.S. Attorney’s Office. We have always been deeply committed to reducing violent crime in tribal communities, especially crimes against tribal women and children. Our Indian Country team works tirelessly to be good partners with tribal law enforcement and victim services.”

The strategy has three parts.

Establish MMIP coordinators

: The Department of Justice is investing an initial $1.5 million to hire 11 MMIP coordinators in 11 states to serve with all U.S. Attorney’s offices in those states, and others who request assistance. The states are Alaska, Arizona, Montana, Oklahoma, Michigan, Utah, Nevada, Minnesota, Oregon, New Mexico, and Washington state. MMIP coordinators will work closely with federal, tribal, state and local agencies to develop common protocols and procedure for responding to reports of missing or murdered indigenous people. The first MMIP coordinator is already on board in Montana.

Specialized FBI Rapid Deployment Teams

: The strategy will bring needed tools and resources to law enforcement. Upon request by a tribal, state, or local law enforcement agency the FBI will provide expert assistance based upon the circumstances of a missing indigenous persons case. FBI resources and personnel which may be activated to assist with cases include: Child Abduction Rapid Deployment (CARD) teams, Cellular Analysis Support Teams, Evidence Response Teams, Cyber Agents for timely analysis of digital evidence/social media, Victim Services Division Response Teams, and others. MMIP coordinators will assist in developing protocols.

Comprehensive Data Analysis

: The department will perform in-depth analysis of federally supported databases and analyze data collection practices to identify opportunities to improve missing persons data and share the results of this analysis with our partners in this effort.

More broadly, the MMIP Initiative will involve a coordinated effort by more than 50 U.S. Attorneys on the Attorney General’s Native American Issues Subcommittee (NAIS), the FBI, and the Office of Tribal Justice, with support from the Office of Justice Programs (OJP) and the Office on Violence Against Women (OVW).

Today’s announcement follows the August NAIS meeting in New Mexico and OVW listening session in Michigan, where Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons and violence against women in Indian country were prevalent topics of discussion by U.S. Attorneys, OVW officials, and tribal representatives.

Old American Water Co. Building in Voorhees Township Destroyed by Vandals ; Suspects Arrested

VOORHEES TOWNSHIP (Nov. 27, 2019)–On Monday, November 4th, 2019 at approximately 6:44 pm, Voorhees Patrol Officers were dispatched to 1025 Laurel Oak Road, formerly known as the American Water Company for a fire

alarm activation. Upon arrival, officers found evidence of criminal activity afoot within the recently vacated commercial facility. The on-scene investigation was turned over to Detectives from our Criminal Investigation Bureau.

This incident subsequently developed into a multi-jurisdictional effort between Voorhees Police Department and the Gloucester Twp. Police Department. As a result of this joint investigation, individuals were identified, arrested and charged accordingly.

The Voorhees Police Department announces the arrest of Miranda Ulmer (28yoa) 500 block of Erial Road, Sicklerville, NJ, Leon Dandy (35yoa) 800 block of Blackwood-Clementon Road, Pine Hill, NJ and Rahjahn Waters (24yoa) 2600 block of Kenwood Drive, Pine Hill, NJ. All were charged with 3rd-degree crimes consisting of (2) counts each of burglary, theft and criminal mischief. The estimated damage is at one million dollars. Residents are reminded to be vigilant and report ALL suspicious activity.

Impaired Driving Enforcement Crackdown to be Conducted Locally as Part of Statewide Year End Campaign

Lower Township — Law enforcement officials from the Lower Township Police Department will be cracking down on drivers impaired by alcohol or drugs as part of the annual end of year “

Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over”

statewide campaign.  Beginning December 6, 2019 and continuing through January 1, 2020, local and state law enforcement officials will conduct saturation patrols and sobriety checkpoints looking for motorists who may be driving while intoxicated.

The national

“Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over”

effort endeavors to raise awareness about the dangers of impaired driving through a combination of high-visibility enforcement and public education. “During the last five years New Jersey has experienced nearly 37,000 alcohol involved crashes resulting in more than 679 fatalities,\” said Chief William Mastriana.  “This is a critical law enforcement program that can save lives during a time of the year when social gatherings with alcohol increase the risk of impaired driving.”

Last year, 20% of all motor vehicle fatalities in New Jersey were alcohol-related. Nationally, 10,511 people died in 2018 in drunk driving crashes. The societal cost associated with these crashes is estimated to be $44 billion annually.

Law enforcement agencies participating in the

Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over

2019 Year End Holiday Crackdown

offer the following advice for the holiday season:

Take mass transit, a taxicab, or ask a sober friend to drive you home.

Spend the night where the activity or party is held.

If you see an impaired driver on the road, contact law enforcement. Your actions may save someone’s life, and inaction could cost a life.

Always buckle-up, every ride.  It is your best defense against an impaired driver.

If you are intoxicated and traveling on foot, the safest way to get home is to take a cab, have a sober friend or family member drive, or escort you to your doorstep.

Be responsible. If someone you know is drinking, do not let that person get behind the wheel.

Address/Location

Lower Township Police Department

405 Breakwater Rd

Cape May, NJ 08204

Contact

Emergency: 9-1-1

Non-emergencies: 609-886-1619

CNB Hunting/Fishing Pennsylvania: Firearms Deer Season Begins Saturday

A Saturday opener for the firearms deer season and the possibility of more older bucks throughout the Commonwealth have many Pennsylvanians excited about Nov. 30 and the weeks to follow.

Last year’s firearms deer season saw rainy weather nearly statewide throughout much of the opening day. But even then, 30 percent of the antlered deer harvested in the 2018-19 firearms season were taken on opening day. It was the best day of the season for buck harvest.

It’s likely that opening day will continue to be the best for buck harvest this year, when the season will open on a Saturday, said Christopher Rosenberry, supervisor of the Game Commission’s Deer and Elk Section.

“We expect the opening Saturday to become the biggest harvest day for bucks,” said Rosenberry. “The first Monday will play a lesser role, but how much less remains to be seen. The second Saturday, since it is concurrent with the start of antlerless season, will probably become the second-biggest harvest day for bucks.”

And there now is a third Saturday in the season, as well, since the season was expanded from 12 days to 13 to accommodate a Saturday opener in which more hunters likely will be able to participate.

Pennsylvania’s firearms season historically has drawn the biggest crowds of all hunting seasons and consequently has been the state’s principal deer-management tool for more than a century. Its coming preoccupies many Pennsylvanians through their Thanksgiving meals and sends many more to a variety of outlets to fill their last-minute needs.

“Every deer hunter wants to be afield for the opener,” noted Pennsylvania Game Commission Executive Director Bryan Burhans. “They spend days and days, scouting, buying specialized gear and getting their packs ready.

“When they’re sitting in the dark, waiting for daylight and hoping for a big buck to come, most deer hunters couldn’t be happier, particularly if their son or granddaughter is joining them. It’s a fulfilling experience, regardless of what happens.”

“Older, bigger-racked bucks are making up more of the buck harvest than they have for at least a couple decades,” Rosenberry said. “Hunters like the bucks in Pennsylvania today compared to what many of them saw 30 years ago.”

Every year, Pennsylvania hunters are taking huge bucks. Some are “book bucks,” antlered deer that make the Pennsylvania Big Game Records book or Boone & Crockett Club rankings. Others simply win neighborhood bragging rights.

But it’s important to remember, every deer matters when only about a third of hunters harvest whitetails during Pennsylvania’s slate of deer seasons.

“Whether it’s a young hunter’s first deer, or a big buck that fell to a hunter on a dark-to-dark sit, they all matter to these hunters, their families and the communities in which they live,” emphasized Burhans. “Hunting deer has been an exciting Pennsylvania pastime for centuries, and it’s sure to remain that way for many generations to come.”

STATEWIDE SEASON

The statewide general firearms season runs from Nov. 30 to Dec. 14. In most areas, hunters may take only antlered deer during the season’s first six days, with the antlerless and antlered seasons then running concurrently from the first Saturday, Dec. 7, to the season’s close. In WMUs 2B, 5C and 5D, however, properly licensed hunters may take either antlered or antlerless deer at any time during the season.

Rules regarding the number of points a legal buck must have on one antler also vary in different parts of the state, and young hunters statewide follow separate guidelines.

For a complete breakdown of antler restrictions, WMU boundaries and other regulations, consult the

2019-20 Pennsylvania Hunting & Trapping Digest

, which is available online at the Game Commission’s website,

www.pgc.pa.gov.

Hunters statewide must wear at all times a minimum of 250 square inches of fluorescent orange material on their head, chest and back combined. An orange hat and vest will satisfy the requirement. Nonhunters who might be afield during the deer season and other hunting seasons are asked to consider wearing orange, as well.

HUNT SAFELY FROM TREE

STANDS- WEAR A HARNESS

Wearing a full-body harness is essential to staying safe when using a tree stand, but a harness can prevent falls to the ground only if it is connected to the tree.

“That means you must wear your harness, and be sure it’s connected to the tree, at all times you’re in the stand, as well as when you’re getting into and out of the stand, or climbing or descending trees,” explained Meagan Thorpe, Game Commission hunter-education chief.

A hunter using a climbing stand should tie-in the safety rope or strap that pairs with the harness before beginning to climb.

BEAR SEASON\’S NOT OVER YET

As we are getting ready to close out the statewide firearms bear season, remember an opportunity to harvest a bear still exisits in many WMU\’s throught the state during the firearms deer season.

EXTENDED BEAR SEASON DATES

Nov. 30-Dec. 7, 2019

WMU\’s: 1B, 2C, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 4A, 4B,

4C, 4D, 4E, 5A

Nov. 30- Dec. 14, 2019

WMU\’s: 2B, 5B, 5C, 5D

From all of us here at the Pennsylvania Game Commission, Happy Thanksgiving. Good luck and hunt safely!

Increase in Calls to U.S. Poison Control Centers for Natural Psychoactive Substances, Driven by Marijuana Exposures

Newswise — (COLUMBUS, Ohio)

– Natural substances with psychoactive effects have been used by people for religious, medicinal and recreational purposes for millennia. Lack of regulation has led to an increase in their availability, especially online. Some psychoactive substances may be appealing to recreational users because of the

Gloucestercitynews.net blog files

perception they are safer because they’re “natural.” However, these substances can produce psychedelic, stimulant, sedative, euphoric and anticholinergic symptoms, which are cause for concern.

A new study conducted by the

Center for Injury Research and Policy

and the

Central Ohio Poison Center

at Nationwide Children’s Hospital found there were more than 67,300 calls to U.S. Poison Control Centers regarding exposures to natural psychoactive substances. The study looked at calls from January 2000 through December 2017, which totaled an average of 3,743 exposures each year, or approximately 10 calls every day.

“These substances have been associated with a variety of serious medical outcomes including seizures and coma in adults and children,” said

Henry Spiller, MS, D.ABAT

, co-author of this study and director of the Central Ohio Poison Center at Nationwide Children’s. The increasing rate of exposures to marijuana accounted for almost half of all natural psychoactive substance exposures and can be attributed, in part, to the increasing number of states that have legalized marijuana for medical or recreational use. “As more states continue to legalize marijuana in various forms, parents and health care providers should treat it like any other medication: locked up, away, and out of sight of children,” said Spiller. “With edibles and infused products especially, curious children are mistaking them for kid-friendly candy or food, and that poses a very real risk for harm.”

The study, published online today in the journal

Clinical Toxicology,

found that most exposures occurred among individuals older than 19 years of age (41%) and 13-19-year-olds (35%). The majority (64%) of cases occurred among males, and 91% occurred at a residence. The substances most commonly involved were marijuana (47%), anticholinergic plants such as jimson weed (21%), and hallucinogenic mushrooms (16%). Kratom, khat, anticholinergic plants, and hallucinogenic mushrooms were the substances with the highest percentages of hospital admission and serious medical outcomes.

Despite an increase in the overall rate of exposure to natural psychoactive substances, most substances showed a significant decrease in exposure rate from 2000-2017, except for marijuana (150% increase), nutmeg (64% increase), and kratom. Kratom demonstrated a nearly 5,000% increase from 2011-2017 and accounted for eight of the 42 deaths identified in this study. These findings support the need for increased efforts to prevent kratom-associated morbidity and mortality.

Of the 42 deaths identified in this study, seven were among children. Five of the deaths were to 13-19-year-olds and involved anticholinergic plants, hallucinogenic mushrooms, kava kava and marijuana. Both deaths among children 12 years and younger involved marijuana. Similar to previous studies, almost all cases among children younger than 6 years old were primarily exposures associated with exploratory behaviors. Children in this age group are mobile, curious and generally unaware of the potential danger of poisoning. Children younger than 6 years accounted for one-fifth of natural psychoactive substance cases, of which, the majority involved anticholinergic plants and marijuana.

Data for this study were obtained from the National Poison Data System, which is maintained by the American Association of Poison Control Centers (AAPCC). The AAPCC receives data about calls to poison control centers that serve the U.S. and its territories. Poison control centers receive phone calls through the Poison Help Line and document information about the product, route of exposure, individual exposed, exposure scenario, and other data.

The Central Ohio Poison Center

provides state-of-the-art poison prevention, assessment and treatment to residents in 64 of Ohio’s 88 counties. The center services are available to the public, medical professionals, industry, and human service agencies. The Poison Center handles more than 42,000 poison exposure calls annually, and confidential, free emergency poisoning treatment advice is available 24/7. To learn more about the Poison Center, visit

www.bepoisonsmart.org

.

The Center for Injury Research and Policy (CIRP) of The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital

works globally to reduce injury-related pediatric death and disabilities. With innovative research at its core, CIRP works to continually improve the scientific understanding of the epidemiology, biomechanics, prevention, acute treatment, and rehabilitation of injuries. CIRP serves as a pioneer by translating cutting edge injury research into education, policy, and advances in clinical care. For related injury prevention materials or to learn more about CIRP, visit

www.injurycenter.org

.

Owner Of Empire Pharmacy In Hudson County Admits Role In Multi-Million Dollar Conspiracies

TRENTON, N.J. – A Bergen County, New Jersey, man today admitted participating in conspiracies to commit health care fraud and to bribe a doctor, U.S. Attorney Craig

Carpenito announced.

Eduard “Eddy” Shtindler, 36, of Paramus, New Jersey, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Michael A. Shipp in Trenton federal court to an information charging him with one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud and one count of conspiracy to pay illegal kickbacks to a doctor.

According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:

From 2012 through at least 2017, Shtindler owned and operated the now-defunct Empire Pharmacy in West New York, New Jersey. Starting in 2015, Empire began filling prescriptions for expensive specialty medication that required “prior authorization” before being approved for reimbursement payment by Medical, Medicaid, and some private insurance providers. To entice doctors to use Empire to fill such medications, Shtindler planned to have Empire receive prior authorization approval more successfully than any other pharmacies. He directed Empire employees, including two pharmacists, to repeatedly falsify prior authorization forms for medications for different conditions, including psoriasis and Hepatitis C. Shtindler was captured on recorded conversations admitting to his and Empire’s practice of falsifying prior authorization forms in order to receive approval for medication that would not have otherwise been approved.

From 2012 through early 2017, Shtindler participated in a conspiracy to pay bribes to a psychiatrist in Hudson County, New Jersey, to induce the doctor to send prescriptions to Empire. Shtindler sent Empire employees to deliver some of the bribe payments to the doctor. On occasion, Shtindler secreted cash bribes, in $100 denominations, in pill bottles that were delivered to the doctor. In exchange for these bribes, the doctor steered patients to use Empire pharmacy, even though the patients used other pharmacies closer to their homes for all of their other prescriptions. In one recorded conversation between Shtindler and a concerned former Empire employee who had delivered a bribe to the doctor on Shtindler’s behalf, Shtindler was captured stating, “You think [the doctor]’s going to go to the FBI and rat himself out?” In another conversation with the same former employee regarding the same topic of bribe payment Shtindler had the employee deliver to the doctor, Shtindler was captured saying, “First off, I didn’t make you do it. I didn’t put a gun to your head. We all made money together.” Shtindler concluded, “It is business.”

As part of his plea agreement, Shtindler agreed to loss amounts between $1.5 million and $3.5 million for each of the charged conspiracies to which he pleaded guilty.

The count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud is punishable by a maximum of 10 years in prison and the count of conspiring to pay illegal kickbacks is punishable by a maximum of five years in prison. Both offenses are punishable by a $250,000 fine, or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense. Sentencing is scheduled for March 24, 2020.

U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Gregory W. Ehrie in Newark; special agents of the Department of Health and Human Services-Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Scott J. Lampert; and the N.J. Office of the State Comptroller, under the direction of Comptroller Philip James Degnan, with the ongoing investigation leading to today’s guilty plea.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joshua L. Haber of the Health Care & Government Fraud Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Newark.

Defense counsel: Albert Y. Dayan. Esq., Queens, New York

Pennsylvania Lawmakers Base Salary $88,610

The Center Square

Nov 25, 201

State lawmakers in Pennsylvania now draw a base annual salary of $88,610, in addition to mileage or travel outlays of 58 cents per mile, according to

a recent study by the National Conference of State Legislatures.

Gloucester City News blog files

Pennsylvania legislators receive per-diem payments consisting of $177 per day during sessions.

Lawmakers’ salaries can be set by statute, legislatures or compensation commissions, according to the NCSL, which collects information yearly on state lawmaker pay and per diems in the 50 states.

In addition to this compensation, legislators may also receive insurance and retirement benefits, as well as office and staffing allowances.

Legislator Salaries by State in 2019

State

Base Salary

Mileage in Cents per Mile

Session Per Diem Rate

Alabama

$48,123

58/mile

Up to $100/day depending on length of trip.

Alaska

$50,400

58/mile

$322/day

Arizona

$24,000

58/mile

$35/day for the first 120 days of the regular session and for special sessions and $10/day thereafter. Members living outside Maricopa County get additional compensation.

Arkansas

$41,394

58/mile

Current per diem rate for legislators who live more than 50 miles from the capitol in Little Rock is $149. Members who live within 50 miles of the Capitol are eligible to receive a reduced per diem (meals and incidentals, no lodging) of $55.

California

$110,459

53/mile

$201/day for each day in session.

Colorado

$40,242 for members whose terms began in January 2019; $30,000 for others.

52/mile

Up to $171 for members who live more than 50 miles from the capitol; $45/day for members who live 50 or fewer miles from the capitol.

Connecticut

$28,000

58/mile

No per diem is paid.

Delaware

$46,291

40/mile

No per diem is paid.

Florida

$29,697

44.5/mile

$163/day based on the number of days in Tallahassee (V).

Georgia

$17,342

58/mile

$173/day (U). Set by the Legislative Services Committee.

Hawaii

$62,604

Varies depending on distances and circumstances.

$225/day for members who don\’t live on Oahu.

Idaho

$17,879

58/mile; one round trip per week.

$139/day for members whose primary residence is over 50 miles from the statehouse; $55/day for members whose primary residence is less than 50 miles from the statehouse. (U)

Illinois

$65,836

39/mile

$111/session day.

Indiana

$26,490

58/mile

$181/day (U).

Iowa

$25,000

39/mile

$169/day; $126.75/day for Polk County lawmakers.

Kansas

$88.66/day (C)

58/mile

$149/day.

Kentucky

$188.22/day (C)

58/mile

$163.90/day.

Louisiana

$16,800 Senate; $22,800 House

58/mile

$161/day.

Maine

$10,131

44/mile

$38/day lodging (or mileage and tolls up to $38/day in lieu of housing). $32/day for meals. Set by statute.

Maryland

$50,330

58/mile

$47/day, meals. $106/day, lodging.

Massachusetts

$66,257

Members receive stipends based on distance.

No per diem is paid.

Michigan

$71,685

58/mile

$10,800/year expense allowance for session and interim (V). Set by the compensation commission.

Minnesota

$45,000

58/mile

$86/d for senators; $66/d for representatives.

Mississippi

$23,500

58/mile

$149/day.

Missouri

$35,915

37.5/mile

$119/day.

Montana

$92.46/day (L)

58/mile

$120.11/day.

Nebraska

$12,000

58/mile

$149/day for members residing 50 miles or more from the capitol; $55/day for members residing inside the 50-mile radius.

Nevada

$150.71/day for legislators elected in 2016, $146.29/day for midterm legislators

Travel allowances vary

$149/day.

New Hampshire

$200/2-year term.

Varies depending on distances.

No per diem is paid.

New Jersey

$49,000

None

No per diem is paid.

New Mexico

None

58/mile

$161/day or $184/day depending on month.

New York

$110,000

58/mile

$174/day (including overnight) or $61/day (no overnight).

North Carolina

$13,951

29/mile

$104/day (U). Set by statute.

North Dakota

$495/month

54/mile; one round trip per week.

$177/day.

Ohio

$63,007

52/mile

No per diem is paid.

Oklahoma

$35,021

58/mile

$156/day.

Oregon

$31,200

58/mile

$149/day.

Pennsylvania

$88,610

58/mile

$177/day.

Rhode Island

$15,959

54.5/mile

No per diem is paid.

South Carolina

$10,400

58/mile

$170/day.

South Dakota

$11,379

up to 42/mile

$149/day (L) (U).

Tennessee

$24,316

47/mile

$240/day for members residing more than 50 miles from capitol.

Texas

$7,200

58/mile

$221/day. Set by ethics commission.

Utah

$285/day (C)

54/mile

Up to $100 plus tax/day for members who live more than 100 miles round trip from capitol.

Vermont

733.04/week during session.

58/mile

$126/day lodging (including overnight) or $69/day (no overnight).

Virginia

$18,000/year Senate; $17,640/year House.

58/mile

$213/day.

Washington

$52,766/ year as of July 1, 2019.

58/mile

$120/day.

West Virginia

$20,000

48.5/mile

$131/day (U). Set by compensation commission.

Wisconsin

$52,999

51/mile

Senate: up to $115/day; Assembly: up to $162/day. The maximum number of days per year that per diem

can be claimed is 153 days.

Wyoming

$150/day

58/mile

$109/day (V). Set by legislature.

Abbreviations: C – Calendar day; L – Legislative day; (U) – Unvouchered; (V) – Vouchered

Source: National Conference of State Legislatures

published here with permission

European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS)

(Gloucestercitynews.net)(Nov. 27, 2019)–With the expansion and debatable success of the European Union, the supranational state has become evident that it’s possible to successfully coordinate policies across multiple jurisdictions. Trade wars and tax competition has always eroded the notion of collective behavior, but the E.U. proves this is not the case. The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), though not strictly the E.U., is evidence that coordinated policy can work too.

On September 5th, 2018, The European Council passed a regulation that would better control European borders. This system was designed to mitigate security threats to European countries by making sure Europe as a collective can identify who, when visiting or moving, may pose as a security threat. If this is the case, they can deny such people the authorization to travel.

So, what does this mean for visitors?

The systems mean that all visa-exempt countries are required to go through ETIAS –

https://www.etias.info/

. For a small fee, you can apply online, meaning the application is processed quickly. This isn’t exactly like a visa, it’s separate – as well as being faster and cheaper. In fact, it\’s a visa waiver program. In this sense, the E.U. is being generous here, maintaining an accessible system as well as high-level security.

Who needs an ETIAS visa waiver?

All in all, there are 60 nationalities that need an ETIAS visa waiver. That’s good news, as 60 countries need not apply for a visa. For a quick example, 7 of these origin countries include:

Australia

Hong Kong

USA

Canada

Argentina

Singapore

UAB

The link above shares the remaining 53 origin countries. So, if you’re from one of those and are looking to visit a European ETIAS country, then your life just got easier with a 5-minute application. It’s important to note that not every country in Europe or the E.U. uses ETIAS. For example, Monaco, Sweden, and Vatican City all use ETIAS, along with most European Union States, but not the UK.

It is known as the Schengen Area – the area in which 26 countries are a part of the ETIAS program. This is 22 out of the 24 EU countries, along with the inclusion of four non-EU countries. The Schengen Agreement was signed over 30 years ago in 1985 (at that point it was just 10 countries).

The entire process is designed to be hassle-free, with no necessity to go to a consulate or embassy. You can visit 400 million KM^2 with very little friction. Of course, you will need a valid passport – ideally with at least 6 months left on it. These details will be required to fulfill the ETIAS application.

Europe is a hugely popular holiday destination, with an extremely rich history and interesting economic developments. Not only is a great holiday, but a great blueprint of how to work in unison towards common goals, such as national security, green energy and taxation. Now it’s not just EU citizens that get to freely move about without a visa, but much of the rest of the world too. It’s important to keep an eye on the eligible origin countries for the ETIAS, as the list will continue to grow.

Delaware hunting and trapping seasons opening in December

A retriever brings back a snow goose taken by a Delaware hunter near Little Creek/DNREC photo.

Multiple opening waterfowl hunting seasons run into January

DOVER (Nov. 26, 2019) – Numerous Delaware hunting and trapping seasons open in December, including multiple waterfowl seasons that extend into or through January, coinciding with the influx of a variety of migratory waterfowl for the winter, DNREC’s Division of Fish & Wildlife announced today. Many other hunting and trapping seasons provide opportunities to enjoy the winter outdoors as temperatures drop and provide favorable hunting and trapping conditions.

Hunting seasons opening in December:

Beaver: Dec. 2 – March 20, 2020, private land only

Woodcock and common snipe: Dec. 7 – Jan. 21, 2020

Antlerless deer: Dec. 14 – 22, including all Sundays*

Waterfowl (ducks, coots, and mergansers): Dec. 13 – Jan. 31, 2020

Brant: Dec. 21 – Jan. 1, 2020

Canada geese (migratory): Dec. 21 – Jan. 21, 2020

*Archery and crossbow hunters may NOT take antlered deer during the December antlerless deer season.

Trapping seasons opening in December:

Red fox, coyote: Dec. 1 – March 10, 2020

Muskrat, mink, otter, raccoon, opossum, nutria:

o    New Castle County: Dec. 1 – March 10, 2020 (March 20 on embanked meadows)

o    Kent and Sussex counties: Dec. 15 – March 15, 2020

Beaver: Dec. 1 – March 20, 2020

Continuing hunting seasons include:

Bobwhite quail: through Jan. 4, 2020

Sea ducks in the special sea duck area: through Jan. 31, 2020 (See page 30 of the hunting

guide

for more information about the special sea duck area.)

Tundra swan: through Jan. 31, 2020, by permit only, issued via pre-season lottery

Snow goose: through Jan. 31, 2020, and Feb. 8, 2020

Mourning dove: through Jan. 31, 2020

Ring-necked pheasant (male only): through Feb. 1, 2020

Gray squirrel: through Feb. 1, 2020

Archery and crossbow deer: through Feb. 2, 2020, including all Sundays

Cottontail rabbit: through  Feb. 29, 2020

Red fox (hunt): through  Feb. 29, 2020

Coyote (hunt): through Feb. 29, 2020

Raccoon & opossum (hunt): through Feb. 29, 2020*

Crow: through March 31, 2020 (Thursday, Friday, and Saturdays only)

Red fox (chase) through  April 30, 2020**

Groundhog: through June 30, 2020 (open year-round)

*Raccoon and opossum may be hunted from 7 p.m. until midnight during the December and January firearm deer seasons.

**Red fox chase season closed during December antlerless season.

DNREC’s Division of Fish & Wildlife offers many hunting opportunities on state wildlife areas. Wildlife area maps and rules are available at

Wildlife Area Hunting Maps

.

A Delaware hunting license or License Exempt Number (LEN) is required to hunt, and most waterfowl hunters require a Delaware waterfowl (duck) stamp. More information on hunting license and Delaware waterfowl stamp requirements is available at

Delaware Licenses

. Waterfowl and other migratory game bird (except crow) hunters will need a Federal Harvest Information Program (HIP) number. To register for a LEN or HIP number, hunters can go to

Delaware Hunter and Trapper Registration

or call toll free 1-855-335-4868. For hunters age 16 and older, a federal migratory bird stamp is also required to hunt waterfowl.

To purchase a hunting license, either in person or online, hunters born after Jan. 1, 1967, must have a basic hunter education safety course card/number. Hunters who took a Delaware hunter safety course starting in 2008 can print their hunter safety card by going to

http://de.gov/huntersafety

. Hunters who took their Delaware hunter safety course before 2008 should call the Hunter Education Office at 302-735-3600, ext. 1 to obtain a hunter safety card.

Registered motor vehicles used to access designated wildlife areas owned or managed by the Division of Fish & Wildlife are required to display a Conservation Access Pass (CAP). Hunters can opt to receive one free annual CAP with the purchase of any Delaware hunting license. To obtain a CAP, hunters will need the registration card for the vehicle to which the pass will be assigned.

Delaware hunting licenses, Delaware waterfowl stamps, and Conservation Access Passes can be purchased online at

Delaware Licenses

, at the license desk in DNREC’s Dover office at 89 Kings Highway, Dover, DE 19901, and from hunting license agents statewide. Federal migratory bird stamps are available at U.S. Post Offices, Bombay Hook and Prime Hook national wildlife refuges, and online at

Federal duck stamps

.

For more information on hunting, click

2019-2020 Delaware Hunting & Trapping Guide

and

Wildlife Area Hunting Maps

. Hard copies of the guide and hunting maps are also available at the license desk in DNREC’s Dover office. More information on hunting licenses, season details, and the Conservation Access Pass is also available by calling the DNREC Division of Fish & Wildlife’s Wildlife Section office at 302-739-9912.