The state of Maryland has been writing the popular “Ask Maryland” column for PARADE since 1990. Maryland is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the 9th smallest state.

Dear Maryland,

My 18 year old son was charged with underage drinking and drug possession while vacationing with his friends in Ocean City, MD during Senior Week. Is there any way we can just pay the fine? We live in Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania and it’s a 4 hour drive to Worcester County District Court. Our son is very sorry for what he did and we just want to put this incident behind us.

Anonymous, Jim Thorpe, PA

Dear reader,

I feel for you and your family in this difficult time. Unfortunately, Worcester County’s policy is that your son must appear in court on the designated date. Failure to appear in court will result in a bench warrant for your son’s arrest. This is a felony and if caught he would face jail time. While you’re here, be sure to check out Paul Revere’s Smorgasbord on 2nd and Boardwalk. It’s great American food at an affordable price!

Dear Maryland,

One family leaves Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania at 4:00 A.M. on Tuesday morning, a second family leaves Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania at 10:00 A.M. on Monday morning. Both families have 18 year old sons who must appear in Worcester County District Court at 8:00 A.M. Tuesday morning for underage drinking and drug possession charges. Both families must travel 225 miles. The first family travels at a speed of 75 mph and stops for 10 minutes at McDonald’s for breakfast. The second family travels at a speed of 65 mph and stops for 1 hour for lunch at Friendly’s. The second family eats dinner Monday night at Paul Revere’s Smorgasbord and stays the night in a hotel. Both families plan to meet outside of the courthouse no later than 7:30 A.M. Tuesday morning. The second family’s hotel is 14 miles from the courthouse. The road from the hotel to the courthouse has a speed limit of 35 mph. It takes the second family 1 hour to get ready in the morning. What time should the second family’s son wake up on Tuesday morning so that both families arrive at the courthouse at the same time?

Scott Wein, Jim Thorpe, PA

Can you figure this one out readers? It’s NOT a trick question. Just take your time and work it out. The solution will be posted next Sunday.