Apr 13, 2018
The weather today will feel like summer! sunny and a high of 74 and low of 55. We could see wind gusts of 34 mph. Tomorrow will be more sun, high of 72 and low of 56. Showers will roll in Saturday night and into Sunday. Showers mainly in the afternoon on Sunday with a high temp of 65 and a low of 39 degrees.
The Garrett County Health Fair will be at the Community Aquatic Recreation Center (CARC) in McHenry Saturday from 8:30am – 1:00pm.
Don’t forget to visit the Mountain Fresh Winter Farmers market this Saturday from 11:00am – 1:00pm at the Community Action/Mary Browning Senior Center in Oakland.
The Northern High School JROTC Cash Bash will be held at Garrett College Saturday afternoon from Noon to 4:00pm. Tickets can be purchased from cadets and parents for $20. Note: No alcohol and family friendly.
Lots of other events around the County this weekend. Check out our newly redesigned events page for all the details.
Garrett College will be offering a history course, Railroads of Garrett County: A History, on Thursdays, from April 19th to May 10th, from 3:30pm to 5:00pm. The class will be held at the B & O Railroad Museum in Oakland and will be taught by noted historian Dr. Neal Brooks. Call 301.387.3069 for more information or to register.
A recent study by WalletHub found that New York, (13.04%) and Hawaii (11.57%) have the highest state income tax burdens for individuals, while Alaska (4.94%) and Delaware (5.68%) have the lowest tax burdens. To find out where Maryland ranked, click here.
According to Only in Your State, Garrett County has more outdoor activities than any other county in Maryland. We love it!
The State of Maryland has recently purchased 2,000 acres of land along the North Branch of the Potomac River near Kitzmiller for, what will be, a new State Park. The State Park Superintendent says the service is looking for potential park names — if you have a suggestion, contact Nita Settina at 410-260-8157 or nita.settina@maryland.gov.
Hospice is co-sponsorng a free class on wills & estate planning on April 26.
The Garrett County Board of Education is in the process of developing a strategic plan and is seeking feedback on the preliminary report of strategic issues from community members, including parents, staff, students and Garrett County residents.
Apr 12, 2018
Cloudy, then clearing this afternoon; a high of 66 degrees and a low of 51 degrees. Winds could gust up to 45 mph.
You can bring your own needlework – whether it’s knitting, crocheting, cross stitch, embroidery, or lap quilting and join others for two hours of relaxation and fun at the Oakland library today from 2:00pm – 4:00pm.
The Chamber is hosting a Business After Hours this evening at the Ruth Enlow Library in Oakland from 5:30pm – 7:30pm.
Garrett College, in coordination with the University of Maryland Extension, is sponsoring a one-session course, Edible Landscaping, at the college’s Northern Outreach Center in Grantsville. The class will be held on Thursday, April 19th, 1:00 – 3:00pm. Call 301.387.3069 for more information or to register.
You may have new neighbors soon! Now is the time when black bears emerge from their dens. After hibernating for a few months, they are hungry and can be attracted to human food so please take precautions. There is a bear family that we have already seen out on Lakeshore Drive this year.
Always a great event, the 16th annual Taste of Garrett will be held on Sunday, May 6th from 4:00pm to 7:00pm at WISP Resort. Patrons can sample a variety of food offerings prepared by their favorite local eateries. All proceeds benefit Garrett Trails, a non-profit engaged in supporting the great trail network in Garrett County. New this year will be craft beers!
According to a recent study, 22% of Americans would switch political parties for a tax-free future. 37% would move to a different country and 24% would get an “IRS” tattoo in exchange for no taxes.
The lake is not too cold for this puppy. This photo, submitted by Keith and Sara B. of their dog Autumn, is a harbinger of things to come for us humans (after the lake warms up another 30+ degrees).
Apr 11, 2018
Yesterday turned out to be pretty nice. Today’s weather will be mostly sunny, too. A high of 48 degrees and a low of 38 degrees with a light wind at about 9-11mph.
An amended State Lakes Protection and Restoration Fund bill that was termed “a poor compromise” by The Friends of Deep Creek Lake was adopted by the General Assembly Monday in the very last hours of the session.
The Property Owners Association of Deep Creek Lake seemed a little less “disappointed” in their assessment of the State Lakes bill.
A quick thanks to Leah Diehl for her assistance last night!
Honest Abe is coming to town this evening. Dr. Duane Cummins from Johns Hopkins University is giving a lecture this evening on “Abe Lincoln: Roots of His Moral Integrity” at the Ruth Enlow Library in Oakland from 6:00pm – 7:30pm. To register, contact Bonnie at 301.334.3996 or email bonnie@relib.net
Tomorrow HABco is hosting a Lunch N Learn event where Jessica Fike will explain “Why Pictures Matter” for your business. Just $10!
Each year, the Maryland Forest Service responds to an average of 210 wildfires that burn about 2,325 acres, with the two peak seasons being Spring and Fall. Homeowners can help protect their land and homes before a fire breaks out by following tips from the DNR’s Firewise site.
Garrett College Continuing Education and Workforce Development is offering a course, Introduction to Wilderness Survival, at the college’s main campus in McHenry. The course is scheduled for Tuesdays, April 17th and 24th, from 5:30pm to 8:45pm. Call 301.387.3069 for more information or to register.
Speaking of the College, my colleague Jenny Meslener, Assistant Librarian at Garrett College put together this infographic in celebration of National Library Week. For example, did you know there were 119,487 libraries in the United States? Now you know!
From books to taxes… According to a recent study, nearly one-third of people (30%) say their biggest Tax Day fear is making a math mistake on their taxes, topping not having enough money (29%), identity theft (25%) and getting audited (16%).
Apr 10, 2018
After a snowy and icy Monday, the weather for today will be mostly cloudy with a high of 38 and a low of 26.
Three Garrett County women were honored at the Garrett County Women’s Commission Hall of Fame breakfast: Dr. Dana McCauley, Caroline Blizzard, and Melissa Rank (pictured below with Garrett County Commissioners Jim Hinebaugh, Larry Tichnell and Paul Edwards).
Just received word that CSX Transportation will be closing Swanton Hill Road for repairs at their rail road crossing from today at 9:00am until April 12th. If you have any questions regarding traffic control call Greg Bishop, Traffic Control Designer 304.993.8293.
A focus group is planned for this evening as an effort to understand consumer behavior for a potential new business in Oakland. If you are able to attend this evening and would like to be considered for participation in this informal discussion (to enjoy free pizza and salad), please complete the interest form by 1pm today.
Kids eat free (with an adult meal purchase) all day today.
Kathy Friend has been selected to fill the position of Executive Director of Maryland Salem Children’s Trust. Friend has been employed by Salem for 10 years.
Yesterday was “sine die” for the Maryland General Assembly; any legislation that did not pass by midnight last night will not go forward.
Two interesting events coming up at New Germany State Park: Weed or Wildflower will be held on April 16th (and a few other dates) and the Mountain Maryland Native Plant Festival will be held on May 12th.
On Monday, Maryland lawmakers approved legislation that expands the state’s medical marijuana industry in a way that gives minority-owned companies a better shot at opening a new cannabis business.
Roll the dice and take a chance! There may be an opportunity for Garrett County businesses that want to sell to Rocky Gap Casino and Resort. The Maryland Office of Small, Minority and Women Business is holding an information session on May 2nd where you can learn more about what Rocky Gap needs and also meet their buyers.
Did you know that Americans spend 8.1 billion hours doing taxes each year? The average person spends 15 hours and $270 completing his or her 1040. No wonder so many of us are grouchy! Seventy percent of taxpayers get a federal tax refund. The average refund in 2018 is $2,925, as of 3/23/2018. More on taxes over the next few days…
Apr 9, 2018
#StillWinter
New snow accumulation of 1-2 inches possible today and into the early evening. A high temperature of 36 and a low of 28.
Girl Scout Troop #10070 also enjoyed Footworks! In the morning, the group attended workshops to learn about dance steps, rhythm and about Appalachian and Irish heritage in the Garrett County area. Then, the girls were able to attend the Footworks performance that evening with their families. 
Tomorrow at 9:00am is one of two informational sessions to be held to review “Improving our Worker Pool” hosted at the Casselman Inn.
The Allegany Arts Council has a great event schedule this month in support of their Allegany National Photography Competition & Exhibition. They have designated April as “photography month” and even have a show on works by famed photographer A. Aubrey Bodine.
The Maryland Environmental Trust is offering a one-day volunteer training session for individuals interested in helping to monitor state conservation easements. The training session will be held 6:00pm to 8:00pm on April 17th at the Trust’s HQ in Crownsville.
Are you a small or medium size business owner? Did you know that, according to the National Cyber Alliance, more than 70 percent of cyber attacks target small businesses? Nearly 50 percent of small businesses have been hacked and, of those, as many as 60 percent go out of business after six months. There’s a free in-person/webinar on cyber security on April 25th. Looks like a strong agenda.
The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution will be presenting an evening of history and dinner on May 5th at 5:00pm at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Oakland. Tickets are $20 each and can be purchased from Sherry Georg (301.746.8357) or Denise Shay (301.334.1638).
The Ruth Enlow Library will host a discussion of Matthew Desmond’s Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City on Monday, May 7th, 6:00pm – 7:30pm at the Oakland Library. This is a very interesting book on the intersection of poverty and profit. To register for this program, contact Bonnie at 301.334.3996 extension 0117 or bonnie@relib.net
Maryland is the first state in the country to regulate political ads on social media sites. A bill approved by the General Assembly late Thursday would require social media platforms to track all political ads, keep copies of them and record which users are being targeted.
Apr 6, 2018
Weather today will be cloudy with a high of 49 and a low of 23. Tonight into Saturday we can see some snow with accumulation (maybe 1-2 inches). Saturday’s high will be near 31 and a low of 17. Sunday is expected to be mostly sunny with a high of 34 and a low of 26.
An Explore Garrett College event for prospective students and families will be held Friday evening from 6:00pm – 8:00pm in room 111 of the GIEC building. This is a great way to find out more about the college and its programs and meet staff and faculty in a relaxed environment. Placement testing is also available in the afternoon. All are welcome.
We have an interesting “Where Am I?” contest this month: take a guess and you can win!
The Department of Solid Waste and Recycling just announced that the County Landfill will resume full service hours on Saturdays from 8:00am until 2:30pm beginning April 21st. Normal fees will apply. If you have questions or need more information please contact the Garrett County Department of Solid Waste & Recycling at 301-387-0322.
The Adventure Sports Institute of Garrett College made it to Round 2 of the Blue Ridge Outdoors Top Adventure College contest – VOTE to support ASI!
Day Old News is playing Friday evening at 8:00pm at MoonShadow. They also have music Saturday evening and Sunday afternoon.
The Garrett County Women’s Hall of Fame is holding their induction breakfast Saturday morning at 9:30am at Ace’s Run. Congratulation to inductees Dana McCauley, Caroline Blizzard and Melissa Rank.
There are actually a lot of great events this weekend in the area. Check out our newly redesigned Events page for details. Have fun!
Serial entrepreneur Kevin Cuozzo, owner of A Touch of Class Limousines, just opened his second Doctor Tint and Details and this location is in Garrett County. He and his wife are great people and I am sure this venture will be another success for the dynamic duo! Best of luck and more to follow in the near future.
And, it’s not even Thanksgiving! The Junior Turkey Hunt begins on April 14th and the general hunt begins April 18th.
Both National Arbor Day (April 27th) and Maryland Arbor Day (first Wednesday) are celebrated in April. While Nebraska was the first state to declare an Arbor Day in the 1870s, Maryland, with 51% tree cover, is the only state with a Forest Conservation Act.
Save these trail clean-up dates:
May 19 – Fork Run Recreation
June 16 – New Germany State Park
July 24 – TBD
Apr 5, 2018
Clark, West Virginia state runner-up, also signs with Garrett
Northern Garrett High senior Jordan Day, the Maryland Class 1A/2A state champion at 152 pounds, has become the second state champ to sign with Garrett College’s new wrestling program.
“Jordan is a kid with a very high ceiling,” said Garrett College head wrestling coach John Chambers. “Even winning the state championship this year, Jordan’s still just touching his potential at the next level.”
“I’m just excited to be part of starting up a team and I’m looking forward to big things in college,” said Day, who indicated he’s interested in the college’s new Sport Management degree program.
Garrett signed its first state champion, West Virginia 152-pound titlist Davy Mundy, early in the recruiting season. Mundy, meanwhile, played a key role in recruiting Berkeley Springs High teammate Tanner Clark, who recently committed to the Lakers after reaching the 220-pound West Virginia finals.
“When I found out Davy was going there, he talked with me about it and how Garrett was going to be the first JuCo wrestling program in the state,” recalled Clark. “I thought it would be awesome to be part of that.”
Clark overcame an ACL injury, which kept him out for a significant portion of the season, to reach the state finals.
“It was pretty tough,” Clark said of the road back from the ACL injury. “I lost my first two matches when I came back. I told myself I was going to have to work my butt off in the wrestling room, in the weight room, and in physical therapy if I was going to be successful.”
The Lakers also announced the signing of Keyser High senior Steven White, this year’s third-place state finisher at 285 pounds.
“Steven’s really good academically,” Chambers said of White. “As far as wrestling goes, he has very raw talent – but he has the raw strength to go with it.”
Garrett Beaulieu, a teammate of Day’s at Northern Garrett, also recently signed with the Lakers. The two Northern Garrett grapplers will be joining forces with Southern Garrett standout Jacob Sweitzer, a fifth-place state tournament finisher at 126 pounds who signed earlier with the Lakers.
Alex Darr, who was a state qualifier in 2016 at North Hagerstown High, also recently signed with the Lakers.
“Alex is a quality kid and a quality wrestler,” said Chambers. “He has the ability to be really good at the next level between 184 and 197 pounds.”
Chambers said recruiting is going very well.
“We’re at 15 including signings and commitments, with virtually all of our weight classes covered,” said Chambers. “I’m very pleased with where we’re at, both in numbers and the quality of wrestlers. These kids are going to step on the mat and make us competitive right away.”
Apr 5, 2018
Very windy and wintery last evening. The weather for today will be mostly sunny and a high of 38. The temperature will drop to about 32 and we could see scattered rain and/or snow showers overnight. Little to no accumulation expected.
Allegheny Mountains Weather posted this possible forecast into Sunday. It’s all estimates now but potentially another 8-12″ of snow into Sunday.
The Women’s Networking Luncheon is today at Ace’s Run restaurant from 12:00 Noon – 1:00pm.
Make plans for Team Trivia this evening at Mountain State Brewing Company in McHenry starting at 6:30pm.
A nice desk listed in our Online Marketplace has been reduced in price! Check it out under the “furniture” category.
The Chamber is accepting applications for the 2018 Autumn Glory King & Queen. The applications are currently available at Northern and Southern High Schools. For more information about the Autumn Glory King & Queen, please contact Melissa Margraff at 30.387.5237 or melissa@garrettchamber.com.
The Chamber is also accepting nominations for the 2018 Heise Entrepreneurial Spirit Award. The award, given in honor of Helmuth & Evelyn Heise, is presented to a local entrepreneur(s) for their contributions to the economic growth of Garrett County. The award will be presented at the Chamber’s Annual Dinner on June 7, 2018.
The semi-famous MuttMinster Dog Show will be held this year on April 21st from Noon – 5:00pm at Garrett College. Go ahead, enter your pooch.
Feeling stressed? Well, you aren’t alone, though Maryland is relatively unstressed (less than California!) according to a recent study conducted by Wallet Hub. Check out the report to see where Maryland is on the scale. Louisiana, New Mexico and West Virginia were the top three stressed states based on the methodology employed.
TEDCO, the Maryland Technology Development Corporation, is reaching out to hear from entrepreneurs who have started or plan to start a for-profit, technology-based, product company located in Maryland, and researchers or scientists who are thinking about commercializing a technology in Maryland. If you are in either of these categories, please take a few minutes to participate in a research project.
Had the pleasure of hearing from a few of the college’s bright, energetic and interesting Adventure Sports Management students yesterday morning. They talked about their experiences in this nationally ranked program and a recent conference presentation on technology and adventure learning. Very impressive! Here they are with Professor David Erbe addressing the President’s Circle.
Apr 4, 2018
Today will be rainy this morning and a chance of showers this afternoon. Temperatures will fall to 27 degrees by the end of the day and a low of 21 overnight. Wind gusts could be as high as 50mph today. Slight chance of snow accumulation of an inch overnight.
This is a photo from my front porch Monday morning. Beautiful, but most of us are ready for sun and warm weather.
I heard the St. Peter’s Senior Moments 50+ Group will be holding their monthly lunch get together at Pizza Hut in Oakland today at 1:00pm. All are welcome.
New advertiser, Jessica Fike Photography is holding a second shooter workshop this weekend. A chance for you hobbyists to see if there is an opportunity in wedding photography or see how to be better at second shooting.
Note our new events format! You can see a list of upcoming events or view all events in a calendar format.
The Town of Oakland is opening their new dog park on May 26th and they are soliciting donations. While no donation is too small, donors of $1,500 get their name on a park bench! Contact Michelle Ross from City Hall at mainstreetgoba@gmail.com for more information.
GOBA also just announced their next meeting to be held at Oakland City Hall on April 17th at 6:00pm. The town of Oakland is also holding their Spring Clean the week of April 23rd where they urge all property owners to clear unnecessary debris and the town waives certain hauling fees.
According to the Baltimore Sun, officials from counties and towns across Maryland are pushing the General Assembly to change the laws governing the tax lien auction system to help combat blight. In cases where the debt exceeds the value of a property, the current system breaks down.
Calling all history buffs: The lecture on Pershing and Marshall together in France by WVU professor Dr. Gerald Pops will be held at the Ruth Enlow Library in Oakland this evening from 6:00pm – 7:30pm. Its free but call Bonnie at the library at 301.334.3996 to reserve your place.
April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), about 4.57 million people were injured in motor vehicle crashes in 2017, and fatalities topped 40,000 for the third straight year. In Maryland, fatalities were up 7 percent year over year in 2017. Be safe!
Local vacation rental company, Taylor-Made Deep Creek Vacations & Sales celebrates their10th Anniversary!
Apr 3, 2018
We can expect thunderstorms today; maybe a quarter inch of rain. Temperatures will be hovering around 57 degrees today and tonight.
We received about five inches of snow yesterday and it was beautiful all over the county. Some of the locals got an itch and went wake surfing…. thank you to Amanda Bosley for the photo of her husband Corey.
Due to a malfunction of an air release valve this past Saturday on Mayhew Inn Road, there was a sewer spill of approximately 4,500 gallons. Fortunately, the county’s crews arrived quickly, contained the spill and there was apparently no drainage into the lake.
Calling all kids (and their parents). Kids eat free today at The Greene Turtle in McHenry (when accompanied by a parent buying an entrée).
What’s New Around Town? The new Discount Duo retail store will be opening this week in Oakland next to Denny’s (exact day TBD). They will be offering brand name clothing, shoes, home décor, tools, bikes, accessories and more at a deep discount from mall prices. Here’s a photo from their Facebook page.
Speaking of new businesses in the county, we have seen the new Casselman bakery location coming to life on the corner of 219 and Glendale. Here’s a photo.
Good to see new businesses opening in the county.
April is Financial Literacy Month and the Small Business Administration has compiled 10 Steps to Staring a Business guide for those interested in taking the plunge.
Deep Creek Times does not get involved in political debates nor take a side. That stated, I thought this website by a Boston law firm (they sent the link to the press) was worth a share. It appears to be apolitical and lists some interesting facts about gun laws and guns. NOTE: They are not an advertiser, we are not endorsing them and we have not verified any of the information. You decide for yourself.
Apr 2, 2018
Launch Work Ethic Diploma Program
The Garrett County Chamber of Commerce announced today the creation of a Work Ethic Diploma program in partnership with Garrett County Public Schools. The purpose of the program is to address the workforce challenges by creating a pipeline of prospective employees who possess those quality attributes desired by employers. By meeting established criteria, local students will earn a Work Ethic Diploma upon graduating which will guarantee them job interviews and better wages.
“It is very exciting to announce the creation of the Work Ethic Diploma program,” said Laura Fike, Executive Director of Garrett Mentors and Chair of the Chamber’s Workforce Development Task Force. “The Chamber has been hearing for quite some time how difficult it is for businesses to find employees, especially those that are reliable and will show up regularly with the right attitude. We discovered the Work Ethic Diploma program being utilized by other communities and realized this would be a good fit to address the workforce challenges in Garrett County.”
“I’m excited about connecting the business and education worlds together to mutually benefit our community. This is a great opportunity for our students to realize that things like attendance, leadership, attitude, etc., all matter and that this work ethic is prized in the ‘real world’. I hope this becomes a motivator for students to focus on these intangibles in order to become more marketable in their respective futures,” said Paul Edwards
The program is launching this spring and the 2019 graduating classes of Northern and Southern High Schools will be the first to have the opportunity to earn a Work Ethic Diploma.
During the launch, the Chamber will be announcing the program and explaining how businesses can become a partner. Two informational sessions for all businesses interested in finding quality employees have been scheduled:
Tuesday, April 10
9:00-10:00 a.m.
The Casselman Inn
Monday, April 16
5:30-6:30 p.m.
Oakland Armory
“The concept for a regional Garrett County Work Ethic initiative was brought to the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce by employers that felt students were not completing high school with the soft skills needed to be successful employees,” said Nicole Christian, Chamber President & CEO. “With the input of area educators, business leaders, and post-secondary representatives, standards were developed to measure work ethic in students.”
“The key for the program to be successful is the commitment of the businesses and students,” Christian continued. “If that happens, it will be mutually beneficial and everybody wins.”
The Work Ethic Diploma Program is designed to address the workforce challenges by:
- Supplying Garrett County employers with skilled workers.
- Producing an emerging workforce prepared to face the challenges of a global marketplace.
- Be a filtering for hiring and selecting candidates that have demonstrated knowledge, skills, abilities, and commitment to work.
- Reinforcing the value of positive Work Ethic and commitment to successful employment.
- Recognizing a common, identifiable metric of work habits.
- Developing and improving soft skills of Garrett County students.
“The long term economic sustainability for Garrett County will be dependent on our ability to source qualified employees to meet the staffing needs of our local businesses,” said Chuck Olsson, Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer for First United Bank & Trust. “The Work Ethic Diploma will serve as a key development program for our high school children, and provide businesses with a pipeline of graduating seniors prepared to enter the workforce and successfully contribute.”
For local high school students participating in the program, they are guaranteed an interview as long as they meet job related qualifications for open positions.
For those that earn a Work Ethic Diploma, they are not only guaranteed an interview, but will receive a higher starting wage if hired.
To qualify for a Work Ethic Diploma, students must earn a minimum of points in the following criteria: Discipline Standard, Attendance Standard, Absence Standard, Work Experience, Community Service/Internship Project Standard, Overall Grade Point Average Standard, Team Work Standard, Drug Free (optional), Exit Interview (Seniors Only).
Lauren McCann, owner of Silver Tree Marine, added, “Finding entry level employees with the necessary skills to enter the workforce straight out of high school or during high school has proven to be difficult. The work ethic diploma is a great tool for a potential employee to highlight important skills such as attendance, reliability, responsibility and respectfulness to a potential employer. Trade skills are able to be taught on the job, but the work force diploma can show an employer, before hiring, that the potential employee has proven he or she is equipped with these basic entry level skills.”
The Chamber also hopes that by promoting the fact that being drug free can help our young people secure a job and earn better money, they can help to combat the opioid crisis ravaging our communities.
Brenda McDonnell, owner of Brenda’s Pizzeria/Trader’s Coffee House/Ace’s Run, commented, “It’s getting a little more difficult every season to find staff who are engaged and really want to work. This diploma will zoom in on the ambitious young adults who want to work. We will take them as a serious applicant and hopefully hire them and make them part of our Hospitality Family.”
Students will be receiving information from their respective Principals and Guidance Counselors in the coming months.
For businesses interested in learning more about the program, please attend one of the aforementioned informational sessions or contact Nicole Christian at 301.387.8745 or nicole@garrettchamber.com. You can register for the informational sessions online at www.visitdeepcreek.com or by calling Holly Lane at 301.387.6171.
Apr 2, 2018
Garrett Regional Medical Center’s Emergency Department (ED) wants potential patients to know that the hospital uses evidenced based practices in its approach to prescribing antibiotics to people coming to the Emergency Room for sore throats, fevers, and other ailments.
Physicians and other health professionals in the ED and throughout the 55-bed hospital take a prudent approach to antibiotic use. The overuse of these prescriptions can lead to resistant strains of bacteria, leaving patients more vulnerable to the bacteria’s impact. This can be especially problematic for patients with weakened immune systems as well as those who are elderly or very young.
“People who have viruses can think an antibiotic will help them heal more quickly; however, that’s simply not the case,” says Dr. Bob Corder, the head of GRMC’s Emergency Department. “Antibiotics are to be used with bacterial infections, not viral infections. We have Point of Care testing here in the ED that we use in determining a limited number of diagnoses, such as influenza, Strep, or urinary tract infections. This allows us to very quickly determine if the problem with a particular patient is viral or bacterial. Once that’s determined, we look at various treatment options.”
Dr. Corder notes that those ED patients who have a primary care provider tend to be well aware of what antibiotics can alleviate and what they cannot. Local physicians have done a good job of educating their patients, thus making it easier for hospital personnel to explain why an antibiotic won’t work for a certain condition.
Patients, however, sometimes request an antibiotic when presenting with a condition that could be caused by a virus or bacteria, such as a sore throat.
“We do see patients who think their sore throat is Step throat, and so an antibiotic is necessary,” says Lance Rhodes, GRMC’s Director of Pharmacy Services. “But it’s important to test for Strep before prescribing anything; it can very difficult for the patient to tell the difference between a sore throat resulting from a virus, versus a sore throat resulting from Strep. Strep warrants a prescription for an antibiotic, while a sore throat stemming from a virus does not.”
Testing to determine the root cause of a patient’s symptoms can be important, according to Dr. Corder.
“The Point of Care testing is a very useful tool in determining the course of treatment,” he says. “If more testing is needed, we may do a culture, which can take anywhere from 24 to 48 hours to get the results. In those cases we will defer treatment until the results are in-hand, and then we’ll contact the patient with the preferred course of treatment. We want our patients to receive the best care possible; using antibiotics conservatively is part of that.”
CDC Chart: Viruses or Bacteria: What’s got you sick? Source: https://www.cdc.gov/antibiotic-use/community/about/should-know.html
Apr 2, 2018
The Garrett County Democratic Club cordially invites you to our annual Roosevelt Kennedy Dinner (formerly Jefferson Jackson) on Friday, June 8, 2018 with a social hour beginning at 6pm, program and dinner beginning at 7pm at the Hen House Restaurant, 18072 National Pike, Frostburg Maryland. Tickets are $45 per person, cash bar. You may purchase tickets ONLINE or call Patrick Hunt, 717-513-5123 or send to his attention at PO Box 31, Oakland, MD 21550. Make all checks payable to Garrett County Democratic Club. The deadline for tickets is June 4, 2018
We have a fantastic evening planned for your enjoyment:
Keynote speaker. Musical entertainment provided by Terah Crawford & Friends. Comedy. Presentation of the first annual Doris Goldsborough award. Candidates will have 2 1/2 minutes to speak during the program.
All the best,
Betty Pritt
Garrett County Democratic Club President
Apr 2, 2018
First United Bank & Trust is pleased to announce Sam Lewis as the winner of its “Simplify Your Life” contest. Over 1 million entries were submitted during the six-week contest which invited customers to use some of the bank’s more popular digital money management tools. Services such as mobile deposits, debit card transactions, Apple Pay, Samsung Pay and person-to-person payments each resulted in an entry for a chance to win a new iPhone X.
Apr 2, 2018
On Thursday, March 29, a ribbon cutting ceremony was held for Brookside Health & Wellness at 6500 Thayer Center in Oakland, Maryland.
Local dignitaries spoke to welcome proprietors Rachel Friend-Lantz and congratulate her on this endeavor. Nicole Christian, President of the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce, presented Rachel with a First Dollar of Profit Certificate.
“We are delighted to welcome Brookside Health & Wellness as the newest member of the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce,” said Nicole Christian. “With the opening of Brookside Health & Wellness, we are pleased to say that Garrett County now has another healthcare provider available to assist the residents of our community.”
Brookside Health & Wellness is a 2,000-square-foot space that can house three patient exam rooms, ADA compliant exam tables and a laboratory. Also, an advanced electronic medical records system is in place to support Brookside Health & Wellness capabilities to provide preventative and diagnostic medical care to patients of all ages.