Maryland Loses 6,500 Small Businesses in Three Years

Annapolis - Change Maryland announced today that nearly 6,500 small businesses vanished or left the state since 2007 - more evidence of a sharp decline in the productive components of the economy.   As with other reports Change Maryland has produced, this publicly available data comes from government sources, namely the U.S. Census Bureau.

"Governor O'Malley says repeatedly the most important priority is 'jobs, jobs, jobs," said Change Maryland Chairman Larry Hogan.  "If we are to hold the Governor accountable to the standard he set, then by every objective measure he has failed miserably."

This latest Change Maryland report draws on census bureau economic research that quantifies the number of firms from one to 99 employees during 2007 to 2010, the latest year for which numbers are available.  Confirming earlier Change Maryland findings, government data shows the state's ability to support business, produce jobs and maintain its tax base is eroding. This report comes on the heels of Maryland leading the region in job loss this year and in out-migration of tax payers from 2007 to 2010.

Since 2007, in addition to losing 6,494 small businesses, Maryland has lost 31,000 residents of tax-paying households and 40,000 jobs. "The pattern here is unmistakable," said Hogan. "In record numbers, taxpayers, jobs and small businesses are fleeing state government's big-spending, over-taxed, over-regulated, anti-jobs agenda.”

Maryland's loss of small businesses is statistically tied with Delaware as the worst in the region, as a percentage of such firms that existed in 2007.  Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia saw relatively smaller declines in a period of economic activity marked by pre-recession, recession and feeble recovery.   On a percentage basis of firms lost, Delaware lost 4.72%, Maryland 4.71%, West Virginia 4.51%, Virginia 3.66%, and Pennsylvania 2.64%, Washington D.C., on the other hand, experienced a 2.59% gain in small businesses.

D.C. Councilmember Jack Evans, in widely reported remarks this Spring, said, "thank God Maryland keeps raising their taxes."  Earlier this month, Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell reminded Governor O'Malley in a joint appearance on CNN that “businesses and people are fleeing Maryland for Virginia because he’s raising taxes on just about everything that moves."

In a separate report this Spring , Change Maryland documented a record 24 tax and fee increases from 2007 to 2012 that remove an additional $2.4 billion from the economy annually.

"We are no longer able to compete in our region," said Hogan. "There should be no mistaking the fact that neighboring jurisdictions see our loss as their gain."

Change Maryland is the state’s largest and fastest growing non-partisan, grass-roots citizen organization with more than 18,000 Democrat, Republican and Independent members. It now has more than twice as many Facebook fans than the Maryland Democratic and Republican parties added together.

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background:

http://www.census.gov/econ/cbp/index.html

Suspect Charged in Crisfield Murder

John Richard Hill Jr

WBOC

CRISFIELD, Md.- A suspect is facing murder and related charges in connection with a weekend fatal stabbing that occurred at the Pines Motel on North Somerset Avenue in Crisfield.

At around 9:14 p.m. Sunday, July 29, Crisfield police officers responded to the Pines Motel for several 911 hangups and a possible stabbing. Police said that when officers arrived on the scene, several occupants of the Pines Motel were screaming that someone had just stabbed a man. Witnesses described the suspect as a white male wearing red pajama pants and a white T-shirt. Officers located the suspect and took him into custody pending further investigation.

Other officers went to the aid of the victim. Police said the victim, who was lying on the second floor landing of the motel, sustained approximately two stab wounds underneath the arm pit area of his body.

EMS personnel responded to the crime scene and transported the victim to McCready Hospital where he was pronounced deceased at 9:58 p.m. The deceased has been transported to the State Medical Examiner's office in Baltimore for an autopsy. The name of the victim is being withheld pending notification of the next of kin. The Maryland State Police Crime Lab processed the scene. The weapon used in the stabbing was recovered from the scene, police said.

According to police, an investigation revealed that there was an argument between the victim and the suspect that led to a fight, which led to the suspect picking up a kitchen knife and stabbing the victim.

The suspect in the stabbing, 39-year-old John Richard Hill Jr., of 220 East Main St., Apt. 1, Crisfield, was charged with first- and second-degree murder, attempted first- and second-degree murder, manslaughter, first- and second-degree assault, reckless endangerment and dangerous weapon with intent to injure.   

Hill is being held without bond at the Somerset County Detention Center.

This is the first murder in Crisfield since 2005, according to Police Chief Michael Tabor.

Source:

This Week! The Great Pocomoke Fair!!

NEW ATTRACTIONS THIS YEAR !

PIT STOP CHALLENGEEver wanted to feel the adrenaline rush of a NASCAR pit stop racing team? Here’s your chance! Race the clock or a friend to see who can change one or both tires the fastest. Includes real tires, air guns and racing sounds!

NASCAR Formula One Racing Test DriveSix to eight guests can race at one time on this NASCAR Formula One racing test drive! Can you handle the speed? Multiple video options.

UFO LASER TAGExciting laser tag for you and your friends! Enjoy the challenge. Includes obstacles, vest and laser gun.

Up to 6 guests at one time.

Fair Opens

Thursday  August 2, 2012

5:00 - 10:00

Admission:  $2.00

MORE ATTRACTIONS TO COME !

MOON BOUNCES

GIANT SLIDES

Wristbands are now available at the following locations:

First Shore Federal Bank, Market St., Pocomoke
Call 410-957-2626

The Mar-Va Theater  410-957-4230

Contact Stella Powers 410-957-0715

Sponsored by Aurora Agronomy

Pocomoke City, Maryland

Seaford, Delaware

Delmarva Discovery Center Presents the Social Event of the Season

Call to see if tickets are still available.

From Virginia Congressman Scott Rigell

The Rigell Report: Washington Round Up


Dear Friend,

It was a busy week in Washington, and I want to share with you an update on some of the work that we are doing to serve you:

Advancing American Energy
Last week, the House voted AGAIN to open up America’s energy resources in an environmentally responsible way.  Unfortunately, the President is standing between the 18,000 jobs that could be created from Virginia’s coastal energy and the struggling unemployed or underemployed Americans who need those jobs.  He has a full-stop moratorium on our off shore energy.  We can, we must, and we will offer Americans every opportunity to succeed in this great country.

Cutting Regulations and Red Tape for Small Businesses
The House passed a bill last week to provide regulatory relief and cut red tape for our nation’s small businesses.  The answers to our nation’s most challenging fiscal issues begin with letting entrepreneurs do what they do best: innovate, build businesses, and create jobs.  I know from personal experience that the best thing the government can do for these hard-working Americans is to get out of the way!

Holding Government Accountable at Every Level (Auditing the Fed)
We must hold every aspect of government accountable for the way it spends our tax dollars.  That is why I co-sponsored and the House passed a bill last week to require a full audit of the Federal Reserve.  Like so many Americans, I find it deeply troubling that the Fed has not been audited since its inception in 1913.  It is time for that to change.

Speaking Out About the Massive Defense Cuts
I had the privilege last week to speak from the floor of the House of Representatives about the defense cuts that will affect each and every American if they are allowed to happen.  I look forward to joining Senators John McCain, Lindsey Graham, and Kelly Ayotte at a public townhall in Norfolk on Monday about this very subject.  If you can, please come out and share your concerns about what effect these drastic – but avoidable – cuts will have on our nation and our region. There is still sufficient time for us to come together and do what is right: find the common ground to counter these defense cuts with other federal savings.

As always, I appreciate your concern for our nation, and I encourage you to leave feedback for us on our Facebook page.

Mindful that I work for you, I remain,

Yours in Freedom,

Scott

Human remains found in Snow Hill

SNOW HILL — On Sunday afternoon, police located a human skull and the rest of the body — which was about 20 yards away — in a water-filled ditch at the end of Woodland Court in Snow Hill.

At 12:24 p.m. that day, an individual had responded to the Snow Hill Police Department saying he had located possible human remains.

Members of the Worcester County Bureau of Investigation and a member of the Maryland State Police Homicide Unit responded and conducted an investigation. Other agencies assisted in this incident.

A search of the woods was done in the area. The body has not yet been identified pending an examination by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.


VIA; DelmarvaNow

Ocean City Police Seeking Public’s Assistance

Ocean City Police Seeking Public’s Assistance

 in Identifying Assault Suspect

The Ocean City Police Department is requesting the public’s assistance in locating the suspect in recent attempted sexual assaults that have occurred in poorly lit, semi-secluded areas near bar establishments. The most recent occurred on July 28, 2012 during the early morning hours.

In each case, a female victim was under the influence of alcohol, alone and walking home when an unknown male initiated a conversation with the victim. After initiating conversation, the unknown male suspect then forces the victim to the ground and attempts to sexually assault them.

The suspect is described as a white male, approximately 5’10”, approximately 170 pounds, and in his mid-20’s to early 30’s.
Ocean City Police are asking anyone with information about similar incidents, and/or the suspect involved to please contact Detective Simpson of the Ocean City’s Criminal Investigation Division at 410-520-5349. Those providing information may remain anonymous.

The OCPD is reminding residents and visitors to use the buddy-system and not walk alone, avoid excessive alcohol consumption, be aware of your surroundings, and walk in highly traveled public areas.

Ocean City Police Department News Release

TIME MACHINE ... Crisfield Woman's Startling Confession Reported

(Reader-friendly viewing of newspaper archives material)

May, 1879

(The Chicago Tribune)

The little town of Crisfield, in the lower part of Maryland, is at present exercised by a singular sensation, which proves only too terribly the old axiom that the innocent are oftentimes made to suffer for the crimes of the guilty. The startling story is the death-bed confession to-day of a dying woman, that she and her son, the latter recently deceased, were the murderers of a well-known merchant near Crisfield about eighteen years ago, for which crimes two negroes were convicted and hanged. The woman, who is alleged to have made the confession, the authorities for the present keeping the matter quiet, is one Patty A. Ward, living a few miles from Crisfield. She is dying with a cancer, and is said to be in great terror of meeting her Maker with so awful a crime upon her soul. It is understood that she has freely confessed the full details of the horrible affair, in which she discloses the fact that she, together with her son, murdered Azariah Dougherty, who was found dead lying in his store in the latter part of the year 1862. When her son died a few months ago, in his last moments he gasped to his friends surrounding his bedside, that he wished to reveal something, but a gesture from his mother prevented him. The object of the murder was plunder. At the time the tragedy was committed, suspicion rested upon two colored men, who were arrested and suffered the death penalty for the crime, as above stated. It was known that Mr. Dougherty had considerable money, but none of it was found after the murder, either in the house or in the possession of the colored men. A penknife, however, was found in the pocket of one of the men which had belonged to Mr. D., and that was the strongest point of circumstantial evidence. On the scaffold both men protested their innocence to the last, and one of them declared in a speech from the gallows that the real perpetrators of the crime would be some time discovered. Although the story of the crime and the execution of the colored men had long been forgotten, it is now revived with great excitement in the country town and in this city, further developments being anxiously awaited.

　

July, 1919

(The Denton Journal)

WANTED

Male attendants and female nurses at the Eastern Shore State Hospital. Salaries, male attendants, $30.00 and female nurses $22.50 per month, including board, room and laundry. Phone or write Dr. Chas. J. Carvey, superintendent, Cambridge, Md.

　

June, 1956.

(The Salisbury Times)

(Excerpts)

Dryden To Be New Purina Sales Chief On Delmarva

Pocomoke City - Clifford M. Dryden of Pocomoke City will be the new Purina sales manager in the Delmarva Division with headquarters here.

He has served as a poultry specialist, as manager of the dairy department, and in sales management. He has been closely associated with the growth of the great Delmarva broiler industry, both in promoting modern poultry feeding and management techniques and in merchandising Delmarva broilers to the consuming public

Mr. Dryden is a veteran Purina salesman. He joined Purina in 1939 and has been Purina district salesman working out of Pocomoke City since that time. Two years ago he was honored as the outstanding Purina salesman of the year on the basis of service to feeders in his area. At that time he was made president of the general sales managers advisory board, the highest company honor available to a Purina salesman.

May, 1976

Jack Peacock of Pocomoke City caught an 82-pound black drum in Chincoteague inlet to claim a citation in the Virginia salt water tournament.

　

Do you have a local memory to share with PPE readers.. such as a big snow storm, a favorite school teacher, a local happening, something of interest your parents or grandparents told you about? It can be just a line or two or more if you wish. Your name won't be used unless you ask that it be. Send to tkforppe@yahoo.com and watch for it on a future TIME MACHINE posting!

Community Crime Watch Meetings

Community Crime Watch Meetings

September 5, Germantown Community Crime Watch, Germantown School at 6 p.m.

September 7, Bishopville Community Crime Watch, Bishopville Fire Dept. at 6 p.m.

September 14, Newark Community Crime Watch, Newark Fire Dept at 6 p.m.


September 19, Girdletree Community Crime Watch, Girdletree Fire Dept at 6 p.m.


September 28, Stockton Community Crime Watch, Stockton Fire Dept at 6 p.m.

The Eastern Shore Drug Task Force Seeks Information

The Eastern Shore Drug Task Force is seeking information related to the recent rash of graffiti throughout Accomack County.

A cash reward is being offered for information leading to an arrest.  Individuals who provide information are NOT required to testify and may remain anonymous.

Anyone with information related to the graffitti investigation, ongoing drug activity or any other drug activity is asked to contact the Eastern Shore Drug Task Force @ 757-387-2515.

TIME MACHINE Preview ... Crisfield Woman's Startling Confession Reported

The year is 1879 and the town of Crisfield "is at present exercised by a singular sensation," according to a Chicago Tribune newspaper article. A confession was reported to have been made by a dying woman regarding the death of a well-known Crisfield merchant in 1862.. a crime for which two men were convicted and given the ultimate penalty.

Read more about it this Sunday on the Pocomoke Public Eye!

　
Do you have a local memory to share with PPE readers.. such as a big snow storm, a favorite school teacher, a local happening, something of interest your parents or grandparents told you about? It can be just a line or two or more if you wish. Your name won't be used unless you ask that it be. Send to tkforppe@yahoo.com and watch for it on a future TIME MACHINE posting!

Volunteer Needed For "Community Giving Garden"

Photo/City of Pocomoke/facebook

Fresh fruits and vegetables from these raised beds  will go to the Samaritan Shelter in Pocomoke City.

VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED.

Pocomoke City Volunteer Fire Company: "Save room for more chicken"

The Next Pocomoke Fire Co.
Bar B Que Chicken Sale

Saturday, August 4
Market & 14th Street

HALF A CHICKEN & A ROLL...ONLY $6
Chicken will be ready at 9 a.m.

87th Chincoteague Island Pony Penning ~ 2012

The first foal to step ashore during the 2012 Chincogeague Island Pony Penning was crowned King Neptune.  He wore the number 53 on the tag around his neck.  I couldn't find him in penned area on the Chincoteague grounds.  But that little guy raised over $5,800 for the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company.

Not only could I not find him the firemen and Saltwater Cowboys  couldn't seem to get him to appear on stage at the carnival grounds. But lucky KaylaJo McDanolds didn't seem to care when Denise called the winning number.  So, unless KaylaJo  decides to give King Neptune back to the fire department this little foal will travel to Bangor, Pennsylvania to live.

Chincoteague Pony Penning began 87 years ago (1925) as a way to raise money for new firefighting equipment.  It is part of the tradition to hold the auction of the ponies the following day of their arrival to the carnival grounds.


Pony Penning auction for 2012 raised over $90,000 for the Chincoteague Vol. Fire Company.  Of the sixtyseven ponies bought Thursday morning at the auction eight were "buy-back" ponies.  These ponies are re-released to live with the herd on Assateague.

Finally, today, following tradition, the Saltwater Cowboys will round up the remaining ponies from the carnival grounds and herd them down the streets to Assateague Channel where they make their swim back to their home. 

I've lived on the Eastern Shore all my life and have never witnessed a Pony Penning but I have been to their return.  I'm sure there's less hoopla and fanfare on returning day  but nonetheless exciting to see.  Whether you want to see the actual swim back or just The Saltwater Cowboys herd them down Main Street and around the corner to the channel it's still awesome.  In fact, you can sit right across the street from the carnival grounds and watch them leave. 

The pony return will be today around 10:00 a.m. - depending on slack tide.

Even though the ponies are gone from the carnival grounds until next year there is still another tradition in full swing on Chincoteague Island!  The carnival!

There's still a few more days left!!

2012 National Night Out In Pocomoke City

Man Arrested After Assaulting Officer With Vehicle

Corey John Martini

On Tuesday, July 24, 2012, at approximately 10:51 p.m., a uniformed bicycle patrol officer initiated a traffic stop in the area of 8^th Street and Philadelphia Avenue after witnessing a traffic violation.  The officer witnessed a Jeep Grand Cherokee, which was driven by Corey John Martini, 20, of Wickhaven, PA, make a right hand turn and come all the way into the far left lane, completely crossing the double yellow line.

While speaking with Martini, the officer detected alcohol emanating from his breath and noticed a plastic bag of marijuana in the center console of the vehicle.  Officers asked Martini to exit the vehicle, at which time he turned the vehicle toward the officer and accelerated.  The officer, who was struck by the passenger side of the vehicle, was knocked off his bicycle.

Martini, who proceeded to leave the area, accelerated his vehicle at a high rate of speed, traveling northbound in the southbound lane of St. Louis Avenue. As officers followed Martini, witnesses told police he had entered a condominium building in the area of 11^th Street.  Officers apprehended Martini after a foot pursuit.

Martini was arrested and charged with first and second degree assault, assault on a law enforcement officer, malicious destruction of property, resisting arrest, possession of marijuana and position of paraphernalia.  In addition, Martini was charged with 14 traffic violations, including driving under the influence of alcohol, negligent driving, reckless driving, speeding and failure to remain at the scene.

Martini was transported to the Public Safety Building where he was seen by an Ocean City District Court Commissioner.  At the time of this release, Martini was being held on a $5,000 bond.

Ocean City Police Dept. News Release

Tailgate Auction Saturday

**The concession stand will be manned by the members of the Pocomoke City Vol. Fire Company.  ALL proceeds go to the fire department.**

3rd Friday Arts Stroll ~ Downtown Pocomoke City

Mark Smith Accused of Murder Gets New Trial

Attorney Terry Bliss was in Accomack County Circuit Court this week with a motion to withdraw as defense counsel for Mark Smith, who was accused in the February 26th shooting death of Vladimir Sadin in a home near Parksley.

According to court documents, the attorney-client relationship was irreparably harmed when Mr. Smith contacted police officers and the Commonwealth about his case without informing his attorney, and wrote letters that made it difficult for Ms. Bliss to continue as his attorney.

Assistant Commonwealths Attorney Matthew Brenner did not object to the appointment of a new attorney, but expressed concerns about possible delays as a result. The Court granted the request, and appointed Carl Bundick as Mr. Smiths new attorney.

Mr. Smiths trial for second-degree murder, discharging a weapon in an occupied building, and related firearm offenses, is set for September 25.

Source:

Mom Leaves Baby In Sweltering Car, Goes Shopping

A 25-year-old mother was taken into police custody after authorities found her 4-month-old baby alone in a sweltering car.  According to ABC News, the mother pulled up to a Toda Moda clothing store, rolled up the windows and casually went inside to do some shopping. Meanwhile, the baby girl sat in the vehicle as temperatures inside rose to 140 degrees.  Fortunately, a mall employee saw the baby and called authorities. An officer quickly arrived on scene and helped yank the window down and pull the baby out. The baby was motionless and the rescuers thought they may have lost her. The officer tried reviving child for several minutes. When the mother finally came out of the clothing store, she found her baby near death and police officers all over the scene.  According to a witness at the scene, the mother did not start crying until she was put in handcuffs. The baby was taken to a local hospital and is expected to make a full recovery. Source; CLICK HERE>>

TIME MACHINE Preview ... Crisfield Woman's Startling Confession Reported

The year is 1879 and the town of Crisfield "is at present exercised by a singular sensation," according to a Chicago Tribune newspaper article. A confession was reported to have been made by a dying woman regarding the death of a well-known Crisfield merchant in 1862.. a crime for which two men were convicted and given the ultimate penalty.

Read more about it this Sunday on the Pocomoke Public Eye!


　
Do you have a local memory to share with PPE readers.. such as a big snow storm, a favorite school teacher, a local happening, something of interest your parents or grandparents told you about? It can be just a line or two or more if you wish. Your name won't be used unless you ask that it be. Send to tkforppe@yahoo.com and watch for it on a future TIME MACHINE posting!

BINGO !! ~ Friday Night

Riverside Grill ~ Thursday Specials

Thursday All Day Specials

Vegetable Beef Barley Soup w/ 1/2 deli sandwich or side salad 5.99

 

NC Pulled Pork BBQ w/ cole slaw and hush puppies 6.99

Ale-Battered Fried Shrimp Platter w/ FF and slaw 9.99

 

Cold Plate w/ Shrimp, Chicken, and Pasta Salads 7.99

 

Apple-Cranberry Salad 7.99

 

Starting at 8 pm: $3.50 Bacardi drinks

 

Telephone:  410.957.0622

 

 

Delegate Mike McDermott: 2nd Ammendment Ruling

Let Freedom Ring Out...One Round at a Time

by Delegate Michael A. McDermott

There are always challenges living in a free society. Perhaps the first is ensuring that freedom continues to prosper corporately, and the second is to ensure that one’s personal freedom is not ravaged by those who may seek to do harm.

Our wise founders took care of both in declaring our freedom and then establishing our collective Constitution to protect the essence of that liberty. Like many liberal states in the Union, Maryland has long rejected the rights of individuals to protect themselves and their loved ones from harm through the use of a firearm concealed on their person. Denying them this liberty became the subject of a lawsuit known as the “Woollard Case”.

In recent days, the Hon. Judge Benson Legg of the Federal Court of Appeals has issued his awaited order in the case declaring that Maryland’s “good and substantial cause” standard represents an unconstitutional burden for Marylanders.

The court has clearly stated that our people do not need a “good and substantial” reason to exercise their God given (and Constitutionally recognized) right to protect themselves and their loved ones with a firearm at all times. The burden does not rest on the individual to prove they have a need, and this ruling will require the Maryland State Police to come up with new standards when it comes to the issuance of Carry Permits.

This is not the end of the fight, but it represents a true milestone in the battle to have Maryland join the majority of states which do not stand unnecessarily in the way of their citizens right to wear and carry firearms. Kudos to those who have fought the good fight. Particular praise should be ascribed to Delegate Michael Smeigel (R-Cecil) who has been rock steady in raising the questions in the House Judiciary Committee in recent years. His work has not gone unnoticed and has truly defined the position of the Maryland State Police when it comes to the issuance of Handgun Carry Permits on the record.

States that have trusted their citizens with the right to carry firearms have benefitted from lower murder rates and fewer violent crimes. States that have stood in the way of their people continue to struggle.

The bottom line in Maryland is this: If you want to protect a piece of gold on your way to the bank, the state will allow you, as a merchant, to have a permit to carry a firearm while making the deposit. If you want to transport diamonds from one place to another, the state will allow you to protect your property with a concealed firearm. Yet, up until this decision, the same state police will not allow you to conceal a firearm to protect your family when you take a trip to the mall.

There is something terribly skewed when we place greater value on jewelry and money than we do on those we love. Is there any question of “greater value” in these cases? While carrying a firearm may not be the choice of everyone, it should be recognized as a precious right of a free people. It should not be up for debate.

A government “of the people” should not fear those same people and their right of self protection. When government steps in to differentiate between certain rights over others, the red flags should go up in the hearts of all who love freedom.

I encourage all who desire one to file the required paperwork for a Wear and Carry Permit with the Maryland State Police. Clearly, the burden for a citizen to prove a need has been lifted. The burden now rests with the state to find a legitimate reason to deny the right.

The battle is far from over, but Judge Legg has ruled in favor of the Constitution, and that is good news for Marylanders. Now on to the Supreme Court for an exclamation point!

Riverside Grill ~ Downtown Pocomoke

WEDNESDAY  SPECIALS

Vegetable Beef Barley soup w/ 1/2 deli sandwich or side salad 5.99

Cold Plate with Shrimp, Chicken, and Pasta Salads 7.99

Tropical Salad: Iceberg, chilled shrimp, strawberries, mandarin oranges, pineapples, cucumbers, and tomatoes 8.99

Tonight is Ladies Night!

Starting at 8 pm

$3 house wines, $5 cosmos, and $2 coors light draft



ABLE Vacation Property Maintenance - Hosting Business After-Hours

Photo/Jen Rafter

On Friday, July 27th from 5 pm to 7 pm, ABLE Vacation Property Maintenance will be hosting a business after-hours at the home of business owners John & Jen Rafter.  

The address is 913 Market Street, Pocomoke City MD 21851.  Light food and drink will be served.  If you are interested in having a home office, come see ABLE's beautiful built-ins!

Photo/Jen Rafter

ABLE can do many jobs of all sizes and types- we know that just because you can do a project yourself doesn't mean you have to!  Let us make your life easier with prompt and professional results.  Stop by to learn more or just to visit.  

We hope to see you there!

John & Jen Rafter
ABLE Vacation Property Maintenance
410.957.2710

Worcester County - James Edward Ballard Will Have Retrial

Written by

Brian Shane

SNOW HILL -- A Pocomoke City man convicted last year of murder won his appeal and will have his case retried in Worcester County Circuit Court.

James Edward Ballard, 31, was convicted last spring of second-degree murder in the September 2010 stabbing death of 18-year-old Russell Matthew Bailey III.

Police said the men knew each other and were involved in an ongoing neighborhood squabble. Ballard had been harassed earlier that day by the victim and his friends, which included allegations of rock-throwing, in the area of Pocomoke Middle School.

According to court testimony, Ballard and Bailey ran into each other immediately after that confrontation. Ballard eventually chased after Bailey, who slipped and fell. It was then that Ballard allegedly stabbed Bailey in the chest, police said.

Police had originally charged Ballard with first-degree murder, a charge that implies premeditation. Ballard had told police he was defending himself.

The case went to trial. In any jury trial, the judge gives the jury specific instructions as to what they may or may not consider when deliberating a verdict.

During Ballard's trial in April 2011, his attorney asked the judge to consider a specific jury instruction: That jurors should view Ballard's act of stabbing as a form of hot-blooded self-defense rather than premeditated murder.

Judge Thomas Groton denied that request by public defender Burton Anderson. Ballard went on to be convicted.

However, Ballard appealed, saying his case should have included the jury instruction on what's known as an imperfect self-defense.
Perfect self-defense, legally speaking, means a person would have not done anything wrong while using an act of deadly force to defend his or her own life. Imperfect self-defense means the accused may have been in the wrong in some way.

The Maryland Court of Special Appeals agreed with that public defender that the jury instructions should have been read and overturned Ballard's conviction.

The court's May 9 opinion also notes that imperfect self-defense may mitigate a charge of premeditated murder to voluntary manslaughter.

Worcester County State's Attorney Beau Oglesby tried that case, and he said he plans to retry Ballard using the same evidence as before. He also said there's no telling whether that specific instruction from the judge to jury would have changed any jurors' minds.

A retrial date has not yet been set, but it's likely to be scheduled for later this year, according to Oglesby's office.

Source:

Visit The Delmarva Discovery Center

The Delmarva Discovery Center is now open late three nights a week.  Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays the center is open until 7:00 PM. 

And there is something happening 7 days a week at the Delmarva Discovery Center.

WEDNESDAY - 11:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m./ History, stories and legends of the Delmarva Peninsula.  Each week a 30 minute presentation will focus on a different  historical area and area of the museum.  These guided talks are geared towards adult audiences.

Early Pony Swim...

According to Suzanne Taylor of the Chincoteague Chamber of Commerce, the ponies are expected to make their swim Wednesday morning between 8:30 and 9:30 am. The Chincoteague Fire Company's salt water cowboys allow the ponies to rest and make sure the tide has stopped running completely before herding them across the channel.

As is customary the ponies will then be herded to the carnival grounds where they will rest and receive medical treatment before Thursday morning's auction. WESR will have live reports from the swim on Wednesday and Thursday's auction.

Parking will be very limited at the event and those who are headed to watch the annual event are encouraged to park at the High School and ride a bus to Tom's Cove. The Chincoteague Trolley will also be operating throughout the island.

The Chincotegue Volunteer Fireman's Carnival will be open during the day of the swim and the auction and will open evenings through Saturday night this week and will open for their final weekend Augut 2, 3 and 4.

Source: