MARYLAND BRIEFING

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

ALTERNATIVE ENERGY

Ocean Wave Tech Firm Opens Annapolis Office

Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley yesterday announced that Wavebob, an Irish company that specializes in ocean wave energy conversion, is opening an Annapolis office.

Executives from the company, which has patented a device that harnesses the energy of the ocean to produce electricity, appeared with O'Malley (D) at an afternoon news conference. The governor said the company's mission is consistent with his goal of increasing Maryland's use of more environmentally friendly energy sources.

"With our highly educated workforce and commitment to environmental stewardship for future generations, Maryland is the ultimate business address for today's alternative energy entrepreneurs," O'Malley said.

Wavebob, a privately held company established in 1999, said it plans to have 15 employees in place in Annapolis by 2011.

-- John Wagner

ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY

Glen Burnie Woman, 53, Killed in Collision

A 53-year-old Glen Burnie woman died Monday after the car she was driving collided head-on with a sport-utility vehicle on Crain Highway near Ritchie Highway, Anne Arundel County police said yesterday.

Brenda J. Johnson was pronounced dead at Baltimore Washington Medical Center, police said in a statement.

The accident occurred shortly after 8:30 p.m. Monday when Johnson, who was driving a 2002 Nissan Maxima north on Crain Highway, "failed to negotiate a right curve" and drifted into the southbound lane, the statement said.

Johnson's car collided with a southbound 2002 Lincoln Navigator, police said.

-- Raymond McCaffrey

HOWARD COUNTY

Man, 21, Arrested in Fatal Columbia Shooting

A 21-year-old man was arrested yesterday in the fatal shooting of a Columbia man, police said.

Ronald D. McConnell, who has no fixed address, was arrested in front of a relative's Columbia home and charged with first- and second-degree murder, assault and reckless endangerment in the death of Jason Batts, 23, about 2:50 a.m. Saturday, police said.

Investigators received "information from various people" indicating that McConnell was involved in the slaying and had been seen with a shotgun matching the one at the scene, the statement said. Detectives think the shooting was connected to an ongoing dispute, police said.

-- Raymond McCaffrey