Dec 31, 2018
We definitely had a mix of weather over the past few days, with Sunday warming up nicely.
Today’s weather will be rain, mainly before 4pm. High near 52 and low around 43. Breezy, with a south wind 15 to 24 mph, with gusts as high as 48 mph. New Year’s Day will be a chance of light rain, mainly before 10am then mostly cloudy, with a temperature falling to around 38 by 5pm. Breezy, with a west wind 14 to 23 mph, with gusts as high as 39 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible. Overnight, a slight chance of rain, mixing with snow after 10pm, then gradually ending. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 30.
The State Police have been increasing roadside enforcement efforts during the holidays to ensure our safety. I have seen a bunch of folks pulled over by troopers the past few days. Please drive safely and respect the law during this New Year’s holiday.
The Garrett College Foundation has announced that Dr. Robert W. Smith has received the Dr. Jeanne H. Neff Award for Distinguished Service. He was nominated on behalf of the Garrett College Foundation Board for his strong leadership and tireless commitment to the students and future of Garrett College. Thank you for your efforts and congratulations Dr. Smith.
So many folks pledge to quit smoking for their New Year’s resolution I thought I would include this in Notes. The Garrett County Health Department can help you quit this year with three group classes scheduled to begin the first three months of the year. The three Tobacco Cessation Classes will be held at the Health Department’s Oakland office and leverage findings that indicate group sessions are more effective helping folks quit.
Every New Year the fireworks start around the lake about 10:00 pm and I don’t expect this year to be any different, so here’s some practical suggestions from the Maryland State Fire Marshall relative to fireworks if you don’t attend a public, professional fireworks event:
- Purchase the fireworks in the location where you intend to discharge them. Check with the local municipality to determine what fireworks are considered legal for use in that area.
- Read and follow label warnings and instructions.
- Do not allow small children to use fireworks.
- Do not consume alcoholic beverages while using fireworks.
- Have a bucket of water or hose available
- Fully extinguish the remains of fireworks in water before disposal.
Don’t forget that there are still plenty of outdoor and outdoor-related activities available around the lake this time of year. Here’s what’s available at the Deep Creek Lake State Park, including their First Day Hike on Tuesday.
Monday December 31
11:00 a.m. Hungry Critters
Meet us inside the Discovery Center as we feed the critters! You will be given a chance to touch a live reptile or amphibian!
1:00 p.m. Self-Guided Scavenger Hunts
Take this self-guided trip around the Discovery Center to answer questions like “What color eyes does a Box Turtle have?”.
Tuesday January 1
10:00 a.m. First Day Hike
Get outside and hike on this national day of hikes and walks for a guided hike of our Beckman’s Loop and finish off your experience with complimentary hot chocolate. Hike is approx. 2.5 miles and will take 2 hours.
Talk to you again on Wednesday! Have a great holiday.
Dec 28, 2018
New Year’s resolutions come and go, but quitting smoking is a resolution you can live with. The Garrett County Health Department has scheduled a series of three Tobacco Cessation Classes to be held at their Oakland office in early 2019.
“I see people smoking now, and I think, ‘I was like that,’ ” said Linda Rodeheaver, a class participant who successfully quit 10 months ago. “Now I won’t have to go outside to smoke in a blizzard, and I can use the money I’m saving from not smoking to buy something for myself, or take my grandkids swimming or out for lunch.”
New classes begin on Monday, January 7; Wednesday, February 27; and Monday, March 25. During these ten-week classes, which meet at 5:30 p.m., participants receive resources to help them change their habits, including a notebook, group support from others who are also trying to quit, and free cessation aids such as nicotine patches, nicotine gum, or the prescription drug Zyban.
Research has shown that involvement in a group increases the chances of success in quitting tobacco. “Meeting with others who are going through similar struggles give you the support you need to keep on going,” said Mike Wilburn, health educator at the Garrett County Health Department. “We really should call it a ‘nicotine cessation program’ because it is great for anyone wanting to stop smoking cigarettes, chewing tobacco, rubbing snuff, or using e-cigarettes.”
For more information about the class or to register, call the Health Department at 301-334 7730 or 301-895-3111. The classes and cessation aids are funded by the Maryland Cigarette Restitution Fund Program.
Dec 28, 2018
The Garrett County Health Department is the lead agency in a partnership to continue planning for the local response to the opioid crisis gripping the country.
The county received a federal grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration which is designed to assist with local planning. In addition to Garrett County Health Department, the partnership includes Garrett County Community Action Committee, Inc., Garrett Regional Medical Center, Mountain Laurel Medical Center, and the Area Health Educations Center West.
Money from this one-year-grant, called the Rural Communities Opioid Response Program Planning Grant, will be used to strategically plan the next steps for the county. Focus groups and key informant interviews will be conducted to address the gaps in the opioid use disorder prevention, treatment, and/or recovery services and access to care.
The groundwork was laid for the grant when the Stand Together Garrett County Consortium formed last year. This group is a grassroots effort comprised of concerned citizens and organizations dedicated to addressing drug use and abuse through prevention, intervention, treatment, recovery, and education.
The group sponsored Town Hall Meetings in Oakland, Grantsville, Friendsville, and Bloomington with over the last several months. They also promoted the screenings of the film Recovery Boys as well as the Garrett County Commission for Women’s showing of Heroin(e).
They used the Overdose Awareness Day in August as a way to announce a “Call to Action”, asking community members to get involved by taking a stand against drugs in Garrett County. The faith and business communities were also engaged and asked what kind of tools they needed to allow them to better help combat the opioid problem. Work within these communities is ongoing.
The consortium developed a speaker’s bureau of potential presenters who have life experiences related to or affected by substance abuse and addiction, or who are particularly educated or knowledgeable about substance abuse and addiction in the community. Then they had a training to make sure everyone was conveying the same message about local statistics and overdose information. This speaker’s bureau is available for presentations at community groups on the topics of prevention, treatment, recovery, and law enforcement. For more information about the Stand Together Consortium or the Speaker’s Bureau, contact Sadie Liller at 301-334-7730 or 301-895-3111.
Cutline: The Stand Together Garrett County Consortium is a grassroots effort comprised of concerned citizens and organizations dedicated to addressing drug use and abuse through prevention, intervention, treatment, recovery, and education. Some of the group is pictured above after a recent meeting. Seated in front from left to right are Sadie Liller, Sherry Freeland, Diane Donham, and Chris Duckworth. Standing are Judy Carbone, Barbara Rexroad, Brian Murray, Melissa Yommer, Paul DeKraai, Carrie DiSimone, Bob Stephens, Ruth Beitzel, Rick Perry, Dana Mason, Teresa Friend, and Gregan Crawford.
Dec 28, 2018
The Garrett College Foundation announced Dr. Robert W. Smith has been named a recipient of the Dr. Jeanne H. Neff Award for Distinguished Service. He was nominated on behalf of the Garrett College Foundation Board for his strong leadership and tireless commitment to the students and future of Garrett College.
The Dr. Jeanne H. Neff Award for Distinguished Service requires that the recipient must demonstrate the following criteria: sustained and extraordinary commitment, dedication and service to the Garrett College Foundation Board; sustained and extraordinary commitment to the academic and professional success of Garrett College students, faculty, and staff, as well as to Garrett College programming for the benefit of the greater Garrett County community, and exemplification of the mission and values of Garrett College and the Garrett College Foundation.
Dec 28, 2018
Garrett College is accepting applications for the next series of courses geared toward training individuals to obtain a commercial driver’s license. Training for both Class A (in 30 days) and Class B (in six days) will be provided. Applicants are encouraged to register early as seating is limited. Training for Class A, weekday will begin on January 14 and the weekend is slated to start on January 19. Class B training will be arranged to fit the individual’s schedule.
This skills-oriented program offers a professional truck driving curriculum for the purpose of qualifying students for entry-level positions as drivers in over-the-road or local driving vehicles. The curriculum consists of classroom, range skills, and over-the-road instruction to acquire the fundamentals for operating trucks and tractor trailers. Financial assistance and job opportunities may be available to qualifying individuals.
To assist students in obtaining their learner’s permit, a prep course will be held on a monthly basis (January 26 – 27). This two-day course will prepare students for the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA), Class A or B Commercial Driver permit exam. The course includes instruction on the following topics: general knowledge, air brakes, combination vehicles, study and test-taking skills. This course is taught through a combination of lecture, discussion, and hands-on activities.
Training is being held at the Garrett College Mountaintop Truck Driving Institute located in Grantsville. To register contact Terry Beachy at 301-895-4700 or terry.beachy@garrettcollege.edu.
Dec 28, 2018
The weather for today will be scattered showers, cloudy, with a high near 57 and a low around 32. Breezy, with a west wind 16 to 21 mph, with gusts as high as 37 mph. Saturday will be partly sunny, with a high near 34 and a low around 25. Sunday will be partly sunny, with a high near 39 and a low around 33. Chance of precipitation after 5am.
On Saturday, the Oakland Branch of the Ruth Enlow Library will be holding a Board Games event open to all from Noon until 4:00 pm. There will be many old and new games available or you can bring your own. Sounds like a fun way to play games and meet new people.
There are some good high school sports events at our local high schools this weekend. Check out our Events calendar for a listing of home and away events, including the Snowball Classic Basketball Tournament at Southern High School on Friday.
HART for animals is holding their Fur Ball Casino 2018 on New Year’s Eve at Dutch’s from 6:00 pm – 11:30 pm. These are great events and always a good time AND proceeds go to help support the great work HART does on behalf of our furry friends.
Here’s something different: Deep Creek Lake-based A Touch of Class Limousines has a Holiday Lights Group Tour leaving from the Marriott in Frederick on Saturday evening. The tours cover Seneca Creek State Park, Festival of Lights at the Mormon Temple and the National Christmas tree at the Ellipse. You can find more information on their website or by calling them at 301.845.5059.
The Maryland Department of Planning has sent a reminder and an apology for the broken links they had in their December 21st announcement, all pertaining to their Better Maryland Plan feedback and listening sessions. They have two online listening sessions scheduled for January 10th. Here’s the link to their page that covers the whole program including the updated links to register.
We are really lucky to have such great State Parks in Garrett County. Caroline Blizzard has sent over programs for Deep Creek Lake State Park for the remainder of this month and the beginning of January and I am listing them here. They are open every day through the holiday and have some nice programming planned:
Friday December 28
11:00 a.m. Snowshoeing for Beginners
Learn the basics of snowshoeing and join the Naturalist for a trek around the Discovery Center. Snowshoes are provided. Free—please call for reservations.
1:00 p.m. Hungry Critters
Meet us inside the Discovery Center as we feed the critters! You will be given a chance to touch a live reptile or amphibian!
Saturday December 29
11:00 a.m. Tracks and Trails Walk
Join the Naturalist for a 1-hour walk looking for animal tracks and signs of wildlife. Dress for the weather!
2:00 p.m. First Impressions
Some animals are born with a bad reputation. This interactive program shows that even creepy crawlies have their own important role in nature. Get the opportunity to meet one of the animals behind the misconceptions!
Sunday December 30
11:00 a.m. What’s that Reptile?
Come to the Discovery Center to learn about the reptiles and amphibians in the center and you may have a chance to touch these amazing cold-blooded creatures!
2:00 p.m. Aviary Feeding
Join us to learn some interesting facts, hear each bird’s story, and watch these amazing raptors eat!
Monday December 31
11:00 a.m. Hungry Critters
Meet us inside the Discovery Center as we feed the critters! You will be given a chance to touch a live reptile or amphibian!
1:00 p.m. Self-Guided Scavenger Hunts
Take this self-guided trip around the Discovery Center to answer questions like “What color eyes does a Box Turtle have?”.
Tuesday January 1
10:00 a.m. First Day Hike
Get outside and hike on this national day of hikes and walks for a guided hike of our Beckman’s Loop and finish off your experience with complimentary hot chocolate. Hike is approx. 2.5 miles and will take 2 hours.
Dec 27, 2018
The weather for today will be partly sunny during the day and then changing to rain tonight. A high near 41, falling to near 37 by 8pm, then rising to around 47 during the remainder of the night. Southeast wind 16 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%.
I saw “The Mule” last evening at Garrett 8 Cinemas with my wife Jean. Good movie, directed, produced and starring Clint Eastwood, and also starring Bradley Cooper. Certainly interesting, even if a bit “dark” in an effort, I think, to get viewers thinking about life and how they live it, along with the consequences of their decisions along the way.
It’s Team Trivia tonight at Mountain State Brewing Company in McHenry from 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm. It’s free and any number can play on a team and win prizes.
A reminder that the Allegany Arts Council’s Holiday Market Artisan Village is still running until December 30th at their gallery on Centre Street in downtown Cumberland. If you like nice artwork from local artists, you can see it and purchase it there.
Speaking of artwork, and this time much closer to home, don’t forget to check out the Garrett County Arts Council’s Gallery Shop on second street in downtown Oakland. They always have a great selection of locally crafted art at attractive prices. While you are there, don’t forget to check out some of the downtown museums and other local retail shops and eateries. You can easily spend a very nice few hours in downtown Oakland. Check it out!
Here’s one for our readers with serious artistic ability and you definitely have our stamp of approval. The State of Maryland Department of Natural Resources has announced the twenty-third annual Maryland Black Bear Conservation Stamp Design Contest. The contest is open to artists that submit an entry by March 8th. I know we have some very talented artists in Garrett County, one of which has already designed some US postage stamps.
OK, one last thing on the local arts scene, this time the performing arts. Our friend Mary Callis at the Garrett Lakes Arts Festival (GLAF) asked us to remind everyone that GLAF’s 2019 schedule is now set and tickets are for sale. If you enter the special code holiday18, Mary will even give you $10 off the season subscription price. Check out this link to GLAF’s site for “the scoop.” It will be another great season and I will be there as often as possible.
Dec 26, 2018
We hope you all enjoyed your holiday! We sure did! The weather today will be sunny with a high near 37 and a low around 27.
We have had some snow! Remember to check in with our snowfall page for periodic snowfall reports.
Look at this gorgeous “white Christmas” we had! Photo by Marissa M:
If you have about 20 minutes; Photographer Leo Beachy documented early life here in our area and Southwestern PA— here is the WQED documentary “Leo Beachy: A Legacy Nearly Lost” from writer/producer David Solomon, videographer/editor: Paul Ruggieri.
Dec 25, 2018
Merry Christmas to all…
Sarah and Mike
The weather for today will be partly sunny with a high of about 30 degrees. With the snow on the ground it is bright out there.
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Dec 24, 2018
The weekend had a mix of all types of weather for us, from sun, to rain, to snow. Today’s weather will be cloudy with a high near 29 and a low around 21. Breezy, with a west wind 17 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 34 mph.
Christmas Day will have a chance of light snow, mainly between noon and 2pm. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a high near 31 and a low around 26.
Well, Christmas Eve has finally arrived. I, along with all kids (you know who you are), am really getting excited for the visit from the big guy and all the presents he (hopefully) brings. That must be why the Walmart in Oakland was crazy-busy yesterday afternoon, with the parking lot almost full and the store the most crowded I have seen it. I was in Morgantown Saturday and our Walmart seemed much busier. Just my observation.
Apparently, Santa is running ahead of schedule, as he and his helpers will be making a stop at Taylor-Made Deep Creek Lake Vacations today from 10:00 am – Noon. They will have cookies and hot chocolate and opportunities for photos with Santa. Thanks Santa… and Taylor-Made!
Just a heads-up here: If you are planning on dining out Christmas Eve, note that a number of local establishments are closing early (or closed completely). A number appear to be closing at 6:00 pm or earlier, so please plan in advance. You can check our Area Dining Guide for phone numbers and website links.
Crossroads Church has announced that they will be hosting a Jingle Mingle Social Hour at 4:00 pm this afternoon followed by a candlelight service at 5:00 pm. NOTE: Both events are at the Garrett County Fairgrounds in McHenry.
Here’s a link to the State of Maryland Board of Public Works agenda for their January 2nd meeting in Annapolis. While state-wide in scope, these meetings and their topics definitely impact us here in Garrett County.
Speaking of the state, all citizens are invited to participate in one of two upcoming online listening sessions for the new state development plan, A Better Maryland. The online sessions are being held Thursday, January 10, at 1:00 p.m. and at 6:30 p.m.
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas… 🎶🎶
This photo from Marissa M.was taken yesterday;
Merry Christmas to all! Talk to you on Wednesday!
Dec 22, 2018
In the spirit of giving this holiday season, Garrett College Continuing Education and Workforce Development staff came together to support the college’s Students in Need Group. A variety of perishable food items were donated to aid in supplying the on-campus food pantry, organized by SING.
The Garrett College Students in Need Group (SING) is a volunteer group of Garrett College faculty, staff, and members of the community. SING is committed to student success by helping Garrett College students identify and connect with available resources both within the college and the local community.
Throughout the year, SING sponsors and organizes a variety of programs and activities open to all students, both on-campus and commuter students. Such activities include: peanut butter and jelly sandwich days, school supply giveaways, winter clothing drives, and more.
Dec 21, 2018
The Mountain Maryland Gateway to the West Heritage Area’s Mini Grant Program is now accepting applications on a rolling cycle. The mini-grant program is a dollar-for-dollar matching grant, up to $2,000.00, designed to provide funding for non-capital projects including innovative exhibits, tours, events, planning and projects which build upon interpretive themes identified in the Heritage Area’s Management Plan. The themes include: Transportation, Man and Nature, Historic Recreation, and Cultural Uniqueness.
“The rolling grant deadline offers a bit of flexibility for heritage projects that can be completed by May 2019”, said Jen Durben, Heritage Area & Groups Director. “Applications will be accepted and reviewed on a first come, first serve basis until our grant cap has been met.”
Projects should be located within the Heritage Area boundaries and seek to attract cultural and heritage tourists to the region. Non-profit organizations and local jurisdictions are eligible. Individuals and businesses with proposals fitting the guidelines may apply in partnership with non-profit organizations. Applications and guidelines are available online at www.garrettheritage.com/grant-opportunities.
Contact Jen Durben at jen@garrettchamber.com or 301-387-5238 for more information or to find out how your project fits the criteria.
The Mini-Grant Program is funded in part by the Maryland Heritage Areas Authority.
Dec 21, 2018
The weather for this weekend will be rain and snow – depending on how temperatures develop this evening and into tomorrow, especially, we could see some quick snow accumulation: Today will be rain with a high near 48 and a low around 30. Breezy with snow tonight with a west wind 11 to 21 mph, with gusts as high as 36 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches possible. On Saturday, snow showers likely, mainly before 11am and a high near 30 and a low around 26. Breezy, with a west wind 18 to 22 mph, with gusts as high as 37 mph. New snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches possible during the day. Sunday has a slight chance of rain and snow showers but, otherwise, partly sunny during the day with a high near 38 and a low of 26. Some snow showers expected through Sunday night.
Don’t forget that the LED Community Christmas Tree, with accompanying music you can receive on your car radio, will be up all weekend. The tree is in front of the Oakland Community center on 8th street. That is the “old armory building” for those that know that location.
Rural Matters, a digital publication of the Rural Community Assistance Partnership (RCAP) just came out on Thursday. They always have some good, relevant stories for communities such as ours. This issue, for example, has stories on community water sharing and the joy of retirement. Click here to go to their latest digital edition.
The Winter Mountain Fresh Farmers Market will be open on Saturday in the Community Action Building on Center Street in Oakland from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm. Always some nice, locally made/grown goodies available.
Here’s something different, inexpensive and family-oriented for you to consider this weekend: The Southern High School Boys Basketball team will be hosting Notre Dame (the high school, not the college) Saturday evening at 6:00 pm. Why not bring the family and any guests in town and root-on the home team.
The Mountain Maryland Gateway to the West Heritage Area’s Mini-Grant Program is now accepting applications on a rolling cycle. The mini-grant program is a dollar-for-dollar matching grant, up to $2,000.00, designed to provide funding for non-capital projects including innovative exhibits, tours, events, planning and projects which build upon interpretive themes identified in the Heritage Area’s Management Plan.
Governor Hogan has declared Monday, December 24, 2018, as a holiday and all state agencies will be closed.
John R Miller is playing at MoonShadow Friday evening at 8:00 pm. Day Old News is playing there on Saturday evening from 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm. And on Sunday, Jim Neville will be playing there at Noon for free. You can check out their live music schedule on their page and also on our events page.
I know, I know. It’s the weekend right before Christmas, so you are thinking about technology transfer and the National Security Agency (NSA). Aren’t we all? Well if you are a Garrett County citizen or business owner or thinking of becoming one, the NSA has a very rich tech transfer program that can connect you to their patents and inventions for you and your business to commercialize.
Dec 20, 2018
As the fall semester is nearing completion, Garrett College is gearing up for the next upcoming series of courses. Winter session will begin on January 2, 2019 and end on January 20, 2019.
A total of 18 classes are available, with eight of those being offered online, including a study abroad trip to Costa Rica.
Winter session presents an opportunity for current and visiting students to catch up or get ahead during the winter break. Students can also improve their academic standing by raising their grade-point average (GPA).
According to Mike Tumbarello, director of enrollment management, “winter session is often overlooked by students, yet is a great opportunity for intensive study to take core courses or electives, retake a course, or to utilize time while home from one’s regular institution.
In addition to advancing their studies, these courses at Garrett College can provide significant cost savings and allow students to complete a degree faster.”
Courses fulfilling a General Education Requirement (GER) include English composition I (ENG 101); college algebra (MAT 105); general psychology (PSY 101); and neotropical natural history (BIO 250), a study abroad trip to Costa Rica. With the exception of BIO 250 (scheduled for Jan. 2nd – Feb. 8th), all other GER courses will be offered online.
The following adventure sports program courses, cold weather outdoor living skills (ASI 117), eastern mountaineering (ASI 212) and ice climbing (ASI 226), will take place in White Mountains, N.H.
On-campus courses include: advanced first aid: wilderness first responder, introductory algebra, intermediate algebra, introduction to college reading, and a basic English workshop.
Phil Malone, Garrett County resident, will be instructing a one-credit course, Drone Technology and Flight Theory, in which participants will build and configure their own FPV tiny whoop racing drone. Early registration is encouraged for this course as there are limited seats available.
Current Garrett College students are encouraged to discuss financial aid opportunities and assistance for winter classes with the Office of Student Financial Aid.
Local residents attending other colleges also are welcome to enroll at Garrett College during winter session. Visiting students are encouraged to consult their academic advisor or the registrar at the college they attend for approval prior to registering for winter session at GC.
For real-time schedule information and to view the complete list of course offerings, visit my.garrettcollege.edu and click on ‘course search’. For additional information, contact the Garrett College Office of Admissions at 301-387-3044 or admissions@garrettcollege.edu.
Dec 20, 2018
Yesterday was a nice day at the lake. Today’s weather will be mostly cloudy with rain likely after 3pm; a high near 44 and a low around 40 degrees.
On Saturday, Garrett County hosted the 3rd Annual Police Providing Presents event. Volunteers from all five (5) Garrett County law enforcement agencies along with the Garrett County Department of Social Services, Garrett County Board of Education, Garrett County Health Department and AmeriCorps partnered together to help make the event possible. Here’s a photo of a few of Garrett County’s Finest with Santa. Thank you all for all you do every day.
Did you know you (and maybe a friend or two) 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 this afternoon from 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm at the Oakland branch of the Ruth Enlow Library? Well you can and it’s free and there is no registration necessary. To me, this is a kind of laid-back networking event for folks with needlework skills. Good idea.
Our Town Theatre opens their stage to anyone who has something to share this evening from 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm as part of Open Mic Night. Music, short stories, poetry, dance, skits, etc are all welcome. So come out and share your talent and have some fun.
The Allegany Arts Council is hosting their Holiday Market Artisan Village at their gallery on Centre Street in Cumberland through December 30th. There will be local handmade items, jewelry, goodies and seasonal activities for you to enjoy.
The Maryland Economic Development Association (MEDA) is hosting their 2019 Legislative Outlook for Economic Development Conference in Annapolis on January 10th from 8:00 am – 1:00 pm. Here’s a link to the draft agenda for the event. MEDA is THE organization for economic development in the state and I am sure there will be representatives from our county government there. I wanted to make sure our readers are aware as economic development is a critical topic in Garrett County and other parts of the state.