Oct 30, 2017
Showers today; highs in the low 70s. Chance of rain 100%.
Traffic fatality. In the early hours of Friday morning, a tractor trailer travelling eastbound on I-68 pulled over with mechanical trouble around the two-mile marker and the 28-year-old driver of a 2011 Kia ran into the rear of the trailer and was pronounced deceased on-site by troopers.
Show YOU the money! There is an information session at Northern High School this evening at 6:00pm for parents wishing to learn more about financial aid opportunities for their children currently enrolled in high school. Financial aid experts from both Garrett College and FSU will be present.
Calling all parents and high school students! The Garrett County College Expo will be held on the Garrett College campus on Tuesday, October 10th, from 9:00am-12:00pm. Over 50 colleges, universities, technical schools and branches of the military will be on hand. There will also be special panel discussions on financial aid and opportunities after high school.
West Virginia citizens voted Saturday and approved the Roads to Prosperity Highway Program that will fund $1.6 billion in upgrades to state roads and bridges and hopefully aid in job creation.
On Saturday, the Property Owners Association of Deep Creek Lake stated their position on two important lake-related issues: 1.) the State Lakes Preservation and Restoration Fund (SLPRF) that was established in law this year by the state legislature; and 2.) planned dredging of portions of Deep Creek Lake.
“Take a chance” to help out the town of Oakland. Check out the new GOBA 50/50 raffle and know the net proceeds are going to help promote Oakland.
The Board of County Commissioners has announced the public meeting agenda for the next meeting on October 17 at 6:00pm in the Bittinger Volunteer Fire Department.
Read about Preservation Maryland supporters Diane and Jeff Caslow’s adventure in Western Maryland on their mission to visit all of Maryland’s twenty-four counties.
Oct 30, 2017
Partly sunny with a 40% chance of showers; highs in the high-60s today. We are due some rain… and it’s likely we will get those showers both Saturday and Sunday and only reach 61-62 degrees this weekend.
Many local homeowner associations (HOAs) are holding their annual meeting this weekend, the last weekend before Autumn Glory. Check out your association to see when and where they are holding theirs.
The Garrett County Commissioners and other dignitaries spoke at a ribbon cutting ceremony in Oakland to honor Internet service provider NeuBeam on Thursday. NeuBeam provides high quality internet access to the County’s non-served and underserved geographic areas.
The Board of County Commissioners will be hosting the Maryland Department of Transportation’s Consolidated Transportation Tour meeting today, October 6, at 11:00am in the Board of Garrett Commissioners Public Meeting room.
Garrett County Habitat for Humanity home dedication to be held today at 6 PM for Kelly Shahan and her family. Everyone is welcome to come out and meet Kelly and her family and celebrate with them! Light refreshments will be served by the Hospitality Committee. The address is 190 Frank Custer Drive, Oakland. It’s located in Hopeland Village off of the Broadford Road.
MoonShadow will be jamming with The Masons, a high energy husband/wife acoustic Americana duo, at the cafe’s new Deep Creek Lake location tonight starting at 8:00pm.
Frostburg State University is hosting the Russian String Orchestra at the Pealer Performing Arts Center this Saturday at 7:30pm.
Way to go Ann! The Civic Club of Oakland presented Ann Rebele with a Service Award certificate, a bouquet and lifetime membership in the club as recognition for her 60 years of service to the General Federation of Women’s Clubs and the Oakland Civic Club.
Our neck of the woods has won, too! Western Maryland has been named to the Reader’s Digest Top 11 Fall Foliage Roadtrips list.
Professional photographer Crede Calhoun of All Earth Eco Tours in Friendsville will be conducting two Fall Photography Workshops and Safaris one each on October 15th and October 22nd.
October is National Cyber Security Awareness Month. With some of the large breaches at giants such as Equifax and even the Securities Exchange Commission, we all need to be aware and protect ourselves and our data.
Did you know that 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men will experience severe physical violence by an intimate partner in their life time? October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month the Dove Center will be holding various public awareness activities will take place this month, including window displays, information tables, newspaper articles, and presentations.
The Garrett County Department of Health is holding Flu Clinics throughout the county where free Influenza vaccines are available to all at no out of pocket expense. For additional information about influenza vaccinations call the Flu Information Hotline: (301) 334-7697 or (301)-895-3113.
Grow West has received approvals to locate their medical marijuana operation from Grantsville to the former Kelly Springfield building in nearby Cumberland,MD.
Oct 30, 2017
Weather today will be party cloudy, warm, with highs in the lower 70s.
But winter is coming! AccuWeather is forecasting a chilly winter is in store for the Northeast and mid-Atlantic, particularly when compared to last year. For most of both regions, this will translate to an above-normal snow season.
The Garrett County Chamber of Commerce Kick-Off Dinner for the 50th Annual Autumn Glory Festival is next Wednesday, October 11, 2017. The registration deadline is this Friday, October 6th.
Governor Larry Hogan announced yesterday that the Board of Public Works unanimously adopted a Maryland Department of Natural Resources recommendation approving 17 Rural Legacy Program grants – totaling over $23 million. One of the grants, for $1.3 million, will go to the Bear Creek Legacy Area in GARRETT County.
Check out the Department of Natural Resources Fall Foliage and Festival report for this weekend. It looks like Garrett County foliage will be perfect for Autumn Glory!
Best of luck to a new business in downtown Oakland. The Downtown Bakery and Fresh Market opens this weekend at 221 Alder Street in Oakland. The hours are Wednesday through Saturday 8:30am to 2:00pm. Fresh pastries, pies, breads and cookies are available daily, plus other goodies too.
Bill’s Marine Service is holding their annual Customer Appreciation Weekend October 14th and 15th. Join them from 12:00pm – 5:00pm for refreshments at their Garrett Highway location. They can be reached at 301.387.5536 for more information.
According to the Department of Natural resources, cooler water temperatures at Deep Creek Lake have smallmouth and largemouth bass more active and roaming in transition areas. Tubes, spinnerbaits, small crankbaits and jigs are good choices near deep grass, rocky bottom and the few remaining floating docks. Cooler temperatures throughout the state are creating fishing opportunities.
Juli McCoy has been named the new Executive Director of the County United Way – serving Garrett, Allegany, Mineral and Hampshire Counties.
Garrett College recently announced that Mr. Aaron Clark, Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefit Specialist, will be at Garrett College, on Wednesday, October 11, 9:30am – 1:30pm. Clark will also make future visits to GC the second Wednesday of every month. Additional support staff will also be visiting at various times each month to help Veterans. This support is open to all in the area. Contact Kathy Fauber at 301.387.3057 for more information.
Oct 30, 2017
National Taco Day (today!) will be sunny and warm with highs in the mid-70s.
The Mountain Fresh Farmers Market is open this morning and every Wednesday and Saturday through October 28th in Oakland. They are open from 10:00am-1:00pm and also just announced they will be holding a Winter’s Market on select dates in the Mary Browning Senior Center.
Congratulations to Brian and Crystal Boal! They were announced as Garrett County’s Most Beautiful Person award winners at the Garrett County Commissioners meeting on Tuesday.
The Maryland Environmental Trust is now accepting applications for funding through Keep Maryland Beautiful — comprising five grants. More than $200,000 available throughout the state, with applications being accepted until November 15th.
The Springs Folk Festival is a celebration of the arts, skills and labors of our forefathers. They will have food, crafts, experiences and music for all ages on October 6 and 7. Admission is $5 for adults.
If you own a certified historic property in Maryland, you may have the opportunity to earn a state income tax credit on qualified rehabilitation expenditures via the Maryland Historical Trust. Attend their workshop on Wednesday evening, October 18th in Oakland to find out more.
Sausage making, gardening, bee-keeping and TED talks are all on-tap this month from The Garrett Institute for Lifelong Learning (GILL) at Garrett College in October. Call 301.387.3069 for more information or to register.
In an effort to make online resources available to students in Garrett County, the Ruth Enlow Library and Garrett County Public Schools (GCPS) have partnered to provide a library card to all students enrolled in the county schools. Students must only show their student ID to obtain the new card and to gain access to online resources. For questions about this program, contact the Oakland main library at 301-334- 3996.
The Rolling Pin Bakery in downtown Accident opens this morning at 6:30am!
Oct 30, 2017
Highs in the upper 60s today!
Our thoughts and prayers are with all those impacted by the tragedy in Las Vegas. We know it can happen anywhere, but we just seem a little safer here in Garrett County…
In light of the events in Las Vegas, President Trump has cancelled his visit to nearby Morgantown.
The Accident Library will hold Children’s Story Time today from 11:00am-12:00pm. Children’s Story Time is open to children ages 2-5. Join them for stories, crafts, and activities.
The Garrett Community Concert Band invites new members to join their multi-generational band.. There are no auditions; just dust off your old instruments and come out to rehearsals for the Christmas concert beginning today (and following Tuesdays) from 7:00pm-9:00pm in the auditorium at Garrett College. The Christmas Concert is Dec. 3 at 2:30 p.m. in the college’s auditorium.
And for you older folks, the Accident Library will be holding a gardening class about Microgreens on Tuesday, October 23, at 2 p.m., presented by the Garrett County Master Gardeners from University of Maryland Extension. To sign up, contact Kim Cecil at 301-746-8792 x0131 or kcecil@relib.net.
Don’t forget to vote for Deep Creek Lake in USA Today’s 10 Best Travel Destinations Reader’s Choice Contest.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources just announced their grants to volunteer fire departments in the state. Both the Eastern Garrett County Fire and Rescue and the Kitzmiller departments received $3,000 grants. Way to go!
Oysters in the lake? No oysters in Deep Creek Lake but they are in the Chesapeake Bay. Oyster season started yesterday and runs through March 31st.
The Governor’s Office of Small, Minority & Women Business Affairs is holding a Technical Training Classroom on Friday, October 20, 2017 in Crownsville. This two-part event is free, requires separate registrations and is relevant for small and minority business enterprises that wish to learn more about doing business with the state. Registrations:
1. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mbe-rights-and-responsibilities-tickets-38357244551
2. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/amp-up-your-small-business-tickets-38265223313
Oct 30, 2017
Another great weekend! Today will be SUNNY with highs in the upper 60s.
The Mayor & Town Council of Oakland wish to notify Oakland Water Customers in the South Third St., Second St., and Oak Street areas that the water will be temporarily shut off throughout the day on Monday, October 2 due to ongoing water line upgrades. Questions may be directed to Oakland City Hall.
The first Monday of October every year is “Blue Shirt Day – World Day of Bullying Prevention” which signifies the importance of National Bullying Prevention Awareness Month each October. Both adults and kids can buy a shirt and also visit their website for tips and help on how to deal with bullying.
Teens are welcome to attend a “One Maryland” book discussion at the Ruth Enlow library in Oakland this evening from 6:00pm-7:30pm. The book being discussed is “Purple Hibiscus” by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.
This past Saturday, officers from the State Police Barracks in McHenry responded to a report of a burglary at two commercial enterprises in Oakland. Upon investigation, they identified a suspect, obtained evidence, received a confession and took the individual into custody. Good job and a big thank you from your citizens!
Did you notice a group of people gathering around Hospice of Garrett County at 12-noon Saturday? We can’t begin to explain the game but, yes, Pokemon Go is still a “thing” in Garrett County. Join the Facebook group if you’re interested!
Prospective visitors to Deep Creek Lake and Garrett County, Maryland can now explore 15 of the area’s attractions using 360-degree photos and videos thanks to the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce.
What can you do with your pumpkins after Halloween, you ask? Well, there are a few things according to Maryland Department of Resources.
President Trump will be nearby this week. Fox News announced Saturday that Trump will join Sean Hannity in Morgantown, W.Va. this Wednesday, where the two men will discuss tax reform and the economy, among other topics, and take questions from an audience.
Garrett College Continuing Education and Workforce Development has scheduled a course, How to Navigate the Social Security System, at the Northern Outreach Center in Grantsville. The course will be held on Wednesdays, October 11 and 18, from 6:30pm to 9:00pm. Contact the College at 301.387.3069 for more information or to register.
Six participants collectively lost 101 pounds over the course of four months as part of the year-long Prevent Type-2 Diabetes Education Program at Garrett Regional Medical Center. An information session will be held on Tuesday, October 17th, prior to the start of the next “Prevent Type 2” session. For more information or to register, contact Mitzi Wiltison, at 301.533.4271 or Ruth Chisholm, at 301.533.4010. You can assess your risk athttps://doihaveprediabetes.org/.
Friends of Deep Creek Lake are looking for volunteers with boats, kayaks canoes and other watersports related items for the Autumn Glory parade on October 14th.
Oct 30, 2017
Mostly sunny, cooler again today, highs in the low 60s. This weekend will be partly to mostly sunny but cooler yet again with highs in the 50s tomorrow and low 60s on Sunday.
Happy #NationalCoffeeDay! Trader’s Coffee House is giving away a free extra espresso shot in your drink and free mug refills (if you bring your own mug) today!
Learn tips to birding by ear and listen for distinctive songs as we stroll through Friend’s Delight. Meet at the kayak launch at 8:00am Saturday. Bring binoculars and wear waterproof hiking boots. Walk is medium difficulty and will last approx. 2 hours.
Go to our newest State Park to celebrate and attend Fall Fest this Saturday at the Friends Store from 10:00am-1:00pm, with the new sign to be dedicated at 1:00pm.
The Deep Creek Lions Club is holding the fourth annual Bark in the Park 5k race (off-road and pet-friendly) on Sept 30, 2017 at their dog park on Bumble Bee Road. Registration will be from 8:00am-8:30am and the race will start at 8:45am.
Get your fresh vegetables at Saturday’s Mountain Fresh Farmers Market in Oakland from 10:00am- 1:00pm.
Dave Bruffy offers some great art, photography and music at his Smoke – N – Mirrors gallery in downtown Oakland. TheJones’ Bones with Cole Leathers will be performing this Saturday, September 30 from 6:00pm-9:00pm. $10 per person.
Nearby Frostburg, MD is holding the Annual Frostoberfest with live entertainment, German food and vendors from 1pm-11pm in CityPlace and Main Street.
Fuzzy dice and fire drills? Here is a list of the new Maryland laws taking effect on October 1.
Why not play some Fall golf this weekend? The Golf Club at Oakland has some nice all-inclusive autumn pricing for their beautiful course.
Talking Turkey! Thanksgiving will be here before we know it and that means the annual Festival of Trees will be here to make the holiday weekend complete. The Festival will be here November 24 and 25, at the Fairgrounds Exhibit Hall on Hwy. 219 in McHenry, general admission is $5 per person. Put this family-friendly event on your calendar now.
We recently met with members of the GOBA Marketing and PR revitalization committee to continue planning the 50/50 raffle to celebrate 50 years of Autumn Glory and raise funds to promote the town. Tickets go on sale October 1 and we are still looking for some sponsoring organizations to help with ticket sales.
Speaking of money, WalletHub just released their latest report on the most and least financially savvy states. Maryland came in… Well, I’ll let you find out in the link to the study. Lots of juicy factoids there.
Oct 30, 2017
Partly cloudy today, cooler, high in the mid-60s.
We have so much beauty in the mornings here at Deep Creek! Photo captured by Mrs. Lisa Malone:
The picture is not so bright in Puerto Rico, where officials say the aftermath from Hurricane Maria has set the island back 20 to 30 years.
Bittinger Fire Department reported a response to a small structure fire at Moonshadow early this morning. Units were on scene for approximately 1 hour.
Flowering Shrubs will be the topic of a workshop today at the Garrett College Northern Outreach Center in Grantsville. The course, offered in cooperation with the University of Maryland Extension, will be held today from 2:00pm-4:00pm. Call the Garrett College CEWD registration desk at 301387.3069 for more information or to register.
The DNR’s weekly fishing report came out yesterday and reports centered on fishing deep grass edges and rocky bottom for a mix of large yellow perch, walleye and smallmouth bass. There is some largemouth bass and smallmouth bass holding near floating docks, and trout feeding in streams.
In the last tournament for Southern Garrett Bass Slayers, here are the results:
1st place: Michael Mayles 8.12
2nd place: Nick Ponceroff & Garrett Henry
3rd place: Trent Lohr & Quinn Iden
4th place: Cameron Pomeroy & JT Mullins
5th place: Joe Embleton & Evan Paugh
6th place: Peyton Missimer & Evan Germain
7th place: Issac Graham & Darren Cosner
And, still another fish tale… The DNR also just confirmed that a Carroll County teenager set a state record with an 18-poundSheepshead caught off Ocean City a few days ago.
Arts Connection, which is sponsored by the Garrett County Arts Council, will be held at Friends Store at the new Sang Run State Park this evening from 6:00pm-8:00pm. Bring something you have harvested or made to share at the harvest table and meet other artists and friends of the arts.
Found this photo on Appalachian Life Facebook site courtesy of a Mr. David Weiser and it just “spoke to me.” Then and now, lest we forget our regional heritage…
The Maryland Insurance Administration will be in Garrett County at the Wisp to offer a variety of consumer materials on all types of insurance products from annuities to title insurance and health, auto and homeowners insurance. Trained staff will be available on October 4th (2:00pm-5:00pm) and 5th (8:00am-1:00pm) to answer consumer questions.
Oakland Storage Center is a new business offering secure boat, RV, camper and ATV storage. Keep your boat protected from the inevitable upcoming winter weather! Call now to make your storage arrangements – 240-321-2008.
Oct 30, 2017
Patchy fog this morning … then mostly sunny with highs in the lower 80s.
Governor Hogan has designated September 25-29 as Maryland Homegrown School Lunch Week, when students in public schools in Garrett County and across the state will get a taste of fresh, Maryland-grown and produced food in their lunches. The kick-off this week was held at Crellin Elementary School.
Speaking of fresh and homegrown food, the Mountain Fresh Farmer’s Market will be in downtown Oakland today from 10:00am-1:00pm at the Pavilion. Stop on by as only about month or so left until it closes for the season.
Another opportunity for fresh fruit is to glean apples at a local orchard in Allegany County today. The apples are being donated by the orchard owner and his wish is for the apples to be put to use or given as a donation. Volunteers are needed to pick apples today from 9:00am to 6:00pm at the orchard: 11101 Mount Fairview Rd., Cumberland, MD 21502.
And as mentioned in previous Notes, don’t forget the free “Chasing the Dragon” film about the growing epidemic of prescription drug and heroin abuse in America today at 12:00pm at the Garrett County Health Department in Oakland. Also, the AAUW meet-up to review and discuss “Deeper in Debt: Women and Student Loans” is tonight. The AAUW event is also free and open to the public starting this evening at 5:30pm at Garrett College’s GIEC building, room 111. Both are important issues locally and nationally.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources just announced the continuation of their Tree-Mendous program to provide affordable and attractive trees and shrubs to community groups to plant on public lands in the state. Over 3,000 community groups have already participated in the past!
Garrett County Department of Solid Waste & Recycling announced yesterday that the 2018 Residential Refuse Permits will be available beginning October 2, 2017. The Permits cost $50 per year and utilize a radio frequency identification system (RFID) that allows the permit to be scanned for validity at each collection site.
Oakland Storage Center is a new business offering secure boat, RV, camper and ATV storage. Keep your boat protected from the inevitable upcoming winter weather! Call now to make your storage arrangements – 240-321-2008.
We’re proud of our students! Friendsville Elementary students recently held a drive to collect school supplies to help victims of the hurricane that hit Houston.
Oct 30, 2017
Partly cloudy to mostly sunny and highs approaching 80 degrees today.
“Chasing the Dragon” a powerful film about the growing epidemic of prescription drug and heroin abuse in America will be shown for free at a lunch and learn at Noon today and tomorrow at the Garrett County Health Department in Oakland.
Today a Special Business Session of the Board of Education will be meeting to discuss the FY2017 Financial Statements and Single Audit Results.The meeting will be held at Central Office in the Board Room at 6:00pm.
MoonShadow on Mosser Road in McHenry announced yesterday that they will be providing a 10% discount for all Garrett College students. Just show them your ID.
A busy agenda for the Board of County Commissioners meeting to be held on Monday, October 2nd.
Did you know? The top three YouTube “how to” searches are: 1.) How to kiss; 2.) How to tie a tie, and 3.) How to draw…
A Deep Creek Lake fishing map is available that shows HD contours of the depth.
Take a ride. Taste some wine. Adopt a fur-ball! Bring your furry friend for a day out in the autumnal beauty and celebrate the16th Annual Ex-PAWS-ition on October first. Food, fun and clinics and the Fayette Friends of Animals will be there looking for their furever homes.
Garrett County ATV and Snowmobile permits go on sale October 1. You can purchase online or in-person.
A new poll released by Goucher College shows about 62% of state residents approve of the job Governor Hogan is doing as governor.
Oakland Storage Center is a new business offering secure boat, RV, camper and ATV storage. Call now to make your storage arrangements – 240-321-2008.
Oct 30, 2017
Great weather this weekend and more to follow into mid-week… high of 78 degrees today!
Our Town Theater is holding auditions this evening from 7:00pm-9:00pm for Ghost Walks.
An introduction to the game of Mah-Jongg and its strategies is scheduled for Wednesday, September 27 at the GIEC building on the Garrett College McHenry Campus. The day starts at 10:00am and wraps at 4:30pm, with various sessions and panels. Contact the Continuing Education Department at 301.387.3069 for more information.
The AAUW-Garrett College Student Chapter, in collaboration with AAUW-Garrett Branch, is sponsoring a meet-up to review and discuss “Deeper in Debt: Women and Student Loans”, the newly published research report from AAUW-National. This event is free and open to the public on Wednesday, September 27 at 5:30pm at Garrett College’s GIEC building, room 111.
The Maryland Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring their Business Policy and Competitiveness Conference on September 28-29
The leaves they are a changing… The State of Maryland keeps track of foliage changes throughout the state.
Congratulations Garrett County Public Safety Chief of Communications Ken Collins for being selected by the Mid-Eastern APCO as the 911 Director of the Year for the state of Maryland!
Did you know that 70% of drug abusers get medications by stealing from family? The Garrett County Drug Free Communities Coalition now has three locations within the County to drop off your unneeded prescription drugs. Oakland City Hall, Garrett County Sheriff’s Office and the McHenry State Police Barracks.
We announced the opening of the new Monkey Business Adventure Park over the weekend. If you get a chance, drive by and check it out as it is quite impressive and looks like fun. It’s on Deep Creek Drive.
We know you don’t want to think about it, but you have to protect your boat from the harsh winter weather! Oakland Storage Center is a new advertiser with us offering secure boat, RV, camper and ATV storage. Call now to make your storage arrangements – 240-321-2008.
The Adventure Sports Institute held a rock climbing course over the weekend. Check out this video of the class location:
Oct 21, 2017
The Cornucopia Café organized a highly successful donation drive for “It’s in the Bag” in October 2016 and repeated it this August as a back-to-school fundraiser. The Grantsville restaurant and their guests helped the organization start the school year off with a bang.
“It’s in the Bag” is a weekend and holiday take-home food program for at-risk elementary school children. This program, administered by the Episcopal Church of Garrett County, seeks to fill the nutrition gap between weekly school meal programs and the dietary deficit often experienced by children over weekends and during school holidays. Each Friday, backpacks are anonymously sent home with 250 qualifying children from seven Garrett County elementary schools.
It costs approximately $280 per year to supply each child with a backpack. That’s less than $7 a week to help a student to perform well by arriving to school with a full stomach on Monday morning.
With the generous support of their patrons, The Cornucopia Café donated over $3,000. If you would like to donate or volunteer with “It’s in the Bag,” please call (301) 334-2510.
Oct 21, 2017
Recently, I sat down for lunch with some new friends to find out about how, 35 years ago, a great tradition began. In 1982, David Eichelberger, his brother and “some” friends found their way to Deep Creek Lake for a guys-only fishing trip. 
Back when Deep Creek Lake was “Maryland’s Best Kept Secret” and there were no large mountain homes and just a few stores, the guys rented a tiny cabin near the State Park and fished all week for bass, walleye, northern pike, crappie, yellow perch, and others. This adventure had the perfect company and unspoiled fishing, so the men made a pact to come back to Deep Creek Lake.
Maybe, some say, there was a beer or bourbon or two involved.
Over the course of that first week and formalized over the first few years, a friendly fishing tournament evolved as the “Brothers and Friends Challenge”. In just a few short years thereafter, the contest to catch the biggest fish was updated to simply the “Brothers Challenge”. 
The core group, Drew “Big Fella” Eichelberger, David “Ike” Eichelberger, Drew “Dox” Doxzon, Andy “Mot” Motsko, Chuck “Chucky” Motsko, Edmund “Nebbie” McFadden, and Michael “Slick” McFadden, continue their traditions. It is an established rule that a member is only allowed to miss the annual trip for one of two reasons: death or birth. Even if one of the two reasons apply, you should attempt to get to DCL as soon as possible.
Back in the day, the trip began by arriving at Deep Creek Lake and purchasing 75 dozen minnows from Johnny Marple (of Johnny’s Baithouse fame).
“We love Johnny and I think he loves us,” said Ike. In 1988, the tournament was official with the brothers creating their own unique t-shirt or hat for each year’s contest. I was impressed that Johnny was able to make it to the luncheon with Deep Creek Times just a few weeks ago and he wore his 1999 edition “Challenge” hat. It was an awesome gesture to celebrate the brothers.
Over the decades, the specific rules and the significance of the challenge have evolved a bit as “Biggest Fish” was measured with official scales at Johnny’s Baithouse until the Baithouse was sold about 15 years ago. (And, rumor is that Johnny stuck his foot on the scale a few times to favor “The Big Fella”…)
Now that the Baithouse is closed, Dox has a scale on his boat and he takes the official measurements. Some specifics of the tournament are:
- A quorum of the group must be present to begin the tournament
- A 3 lb minimum (because Pickerel would be too long and skinny)
- The winner has to carefully care for the trophy until next year
Through the years, Mickey has earned the title of the “Biggest All-Time Fish”: a 7.5lb northern pike. Other members of the group have earned other titles through the years such as the
“Smartest” (Chuck) and “Crabbiest” (Dox).
Unfortunately, Mot is the only member to have earned “Not-Won-the-Tournament-Yet” title. Ike attributes this to him being the last one out on the lake most days. That’s ok though,
Mot truly loves Garrett County and had a home here for a time. Also, his son’s name is Garrett!
With brothers as fun, comical and upbeat as this group, there is never a dull moment. Practical jokes, pranks and general shenanigans make the week memorable and create camaraderie. Not to mention, this group has collected hundreds of hilarious stories to share.
The brothers are also happy to report that there have only been two emergency room visits so far. “Not counting the hair emergency,” says Andy. A round of laughter rolls around the table again.
Every late September to early October, you can find this group and their three boats cruising the waters of DCL. Not much has changed since those early days but, according to Ike, “we’re
maybe getting on the water a bit later and turning in for the night a bit earlier”.
We laughed and laughed as the boys and Johnny told old tales and it was a great lunch. I was so happy to meet this group, delighted that they love Deep Creek Lake as much as I do and I can’t wait to toast the 2018 “Brothers Challenge” winner!
-Sarah Myers, Owner/Editor, Deep Creek Times
Oct 16, 2017
Sheriff Rob Corley has announced that the month of November will be designated as No Shave November for the employees at the Garrett County Sheriff’s Office. In 2016 the Sheriff’s Office joined forces with the Maryland State Police, Natural Resources Police and the Oakland Police Department to raise funds for the Garrett County “Police Providing Presents Christmas Project”. This program allowed underprivileged kids to go Christmas shopping with law enforcement officers. Last year countless donations were received by the community to help fund this program and make it a huge success.
No Shave November will require each employee from the Sheriff’s Office, 911 Center and Detention Center to pay $25 for the luxury of not having to shave for the entire month. All proceeds will be contributed to the 2017 “Police Providing Presents Christmas Project”. that will take place in December.
If anyone else is interested in donating to the program, contributions will be collected at the Garrett County Sheriff’s Office for the entire month of November. Please make checks payable to the GCSO. Cash will also be accepted and receipts for donations will be provided.