Jun 18, 2019
The weather for today will be cloudy with a chance of showers, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 2pm. A high near 68. Tonight will be a chance of showers and thunderstorms until midnight; just a chance of showers after midnight. Low around 63.
Have you seen the Deep Creek Times June Photo of the Month?! ….an incredible scene captured by Marcia Chocinsky!
Tonight is the Cancer Support Group at Garrett Regional Medical Center. Meets the first and third Tuesday of the month at 6:30 pm in the hospital boardroom. It is open to everyone – people with cancer, caregivers, kids, relatives, friends, anyone. We sit and vent and laugh and eat, etc. It’s very informal and comforting.
Wisp Resort has recently joined the NSAA Climate Challenge — an effort to reduce carbon emissions and energy usage across the resort.
The Garrett County Health Department reminds us to know our teens’ whereabouts this summer. Also, discuss the dangers of substance abuse regularly and establish summertime rules to keep them safe.
The Airmen of Note is the premier jazz ensemble of the United States Air Force and will be performing a free concert on Wednesday, June 26 at the Garrett College CARC. The show begins at 6:00pm. Reserve your ticket today!
Maryland Humanities is pleased to bring Jacques Cousteau, Matthew Henson, and Grace O’Malley to life through the Chautauqua living history series. This series called “Making Waves” and is part of the Chautauqua “Then and Now” festival to be held in Mountain Lake Park, MD (the original home of Chautauqua in Maryland) — including three full days of activities and special presentations.
Garrett College’s Adventure Sports Management program now offers Stand up Paddleboard (SUP) instruction as a result of a grant awarded from the Maryland Agricultural Education & Rural Development Assistance Fund (MAERDAF). The grant provided for the purchase of SUP equipment; a professor of adventure sports to become a certified American Canoe Association (ACA) SUP Instructor; and funding for a group of four students to also become certified ACA SUP instructors.
Jun 18, 2019
Garrett College’s adventure sports management program is offering Stand up Paddleboard (SUP) instruction as a result of a grant awarded from the Maryland Agricultural Education & Rural Development Assistance Fund (MAERDAF), administered by the Rural Maryland Council and the Maryland Department of Agriculture.
The grant provided for the purchase of SUP equipment; support for Terry Peterson, GC’s associate professor of adventure sports, to become a certified American Canoe Association (ACA) SUP Instructor; and funding for a group of four students enrolled in the College’s adventure sports program, to also become certified ACA SUP instructors.
Peterson developed a SUP instructional curriculum of three courses including: Introduction to SUP, SUP Techniques Development, and SUP Instructor Development.
These courses will be offered on a regular basis and are open to the general public, either as a college credit course or as a continuing education course. For more information, contact the adventure sports program at Garrett College at 301-387-3330.
Jun 17, 2019
June is here, and with it comes summer break for most teens. Many parents see it as a break for them, too – a break from the routine of making sure teens get up and off to school, stay caught up with homework, and prepared for quizzes and tests. But parenting is a year-round job, and more free time might mean your teen will engage in more risky behaviors, including alcohol or experimenting with drugs for the first time.
Surveys have shown that during the school year most risk-taking behaviors for youth happen between the hours of 3 and 6 pm. Summertime increases that window of risk because supervision and structured time decreases as freedom and time with friends increases. Teens ages 12 to 17 who are often bored are 50% more likely to smoke, drink, get drunk, and use illegal drugs than their non-bored peers, according to a survey conducted by the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse.
The Prevention Action Alliance offers the following tips to try to help your teens make good choices:
- Be aware: Know that substance use increases in the summer months.
- Discuss the dangers of substance abuse: Children whose parents talk with them regularly about the dangers of drinking, smoking and using other drugs are up to 50% less likely to use in the first
- Establish summertime rules: This includes summer curfew, rules on friends coming over when adults are away, requiring them to answer your call or text when it comes, etc. Put the summer-specific rules on paper and post it as a reminder, that way, there’s no excuse for
- Monitor their whereabouts: Be sure they give you the Who, What, Where, When, Why & How before they head out the door: Who are they going to hang out with? What will they do? Where are they going? When are they leaving and when will they be back? Why are they wanting it? How are they planning to get there and get home? Let them know that you understand that plans can change, but if they do, they must run it by you before they go forward with those
For more information on how to help children stay alcohol and drug-free, visit kNOwDRINKING.net, or call the health department at 301-334-7730 or 301-895-3111.
Jun 17, 2019
All five PGRI resorts have signed on for the industry effort to promote sustainable slopes
When the National Ski Areas Association put out the call for member resorts to join in the NSAA Climate Challenge this year, Wisp Resort answered with a resounding, “Yes,” along with the other four ski areas in the Pacific Group Resorts, Inc. portfolio. NSAA’s Climate Challenge initiative has been around for several years, and more regional destination resorts are starting to be in a position to join industry stalwarts such as Aspen, Deer Valley and Sugarbush in the efforts to reduce energy usage and thus carbon emissions. Geraldine Link, Director of Public Policy at NSAA, exclaimed in her emailed response about Wisp and the other PGRI resorts’ involvement, “NSAA is excited to see all these ski areas enter the Climate Challenge. It is awesome!”
Jerry Geisler, General Manager of Wisp Resort, noted the resort has already named a steering committee of staffers to develop and implement the eco-friendly programs, and he has named a “sustainability champion,” Aaron Holochwost, who would be leading the efforts at the resort. Geisler also indicated the committee had drafted the initial list of actions to be executed over the next several years to reduce waste and energy usage with the objective of eventually getting to a carbon neutral footprint.
Wisp’s spokesperson for the environmental initiative, Maggie Moran, explained it is important to approach the NSAA Climate Challenge as a collaborative effort involving guests as well as resort operations. “We can reduce idling time for our groomers and buses, and we can buy carbon credits, plant trees, recycle and switch from printed materials to digital versions. We can even ask our suppliers to reduce the amount of cardboard used when they ship items to us, but those efforts won’t get us all the way to our goal. As part of our sustainability effort, we will be educating our guests in how they can help by respecting the no idling zones in our drop off areas and making sure they participate in the recycling programs and use refillable water bottles instead of single use plastic containers. Our pitch to them is pretty simple – we’re all in this together, so let’s all pitch in.”
Vern Greco, President and CEO of Pacific Group Resorts, Inc. is an established supporter of environmentally sustainable programs in the ski industry. “The health of the environment is something I have been sensitive to for a long time going back to my time on NSAA’s Board of Directors a couple decades ago when I served on the environmental committee. I’m very pleased we’ve been able to bring Wisp and the other four PGRI properties to the point where they can collectively be a meaningful contributor to NSAA’s Climate Challenge efforts.”
Jun 17, 2019
The Healthy Families Garrett County program received the 2019 Maryland Department of Health Exceptional Team Performance Award, which recognizes outstanding teamwork within a group of employees who made significant, observable changes, and accomplishments in public health. Healthy Families Garrett County (HFGC) is a program of the Local Management Board located in the Early Care Programs unit at the Garrett County Health Department.
Early Care Programs provide an array of family and children services including the HFGC home visiting program. The Early Care team received this recognition as a result of their dedication to improving the lives of families and children throughout the community. In Fiscal Year 2018 Early Care Programs HFGC developed an action plan, implemented additional program strategies, and in Fiscal Year 2019 was awarded funds to serve additional families under the Evidence-Based Home Visiting for High Risk Pregnant and Women and Children up to Age 2 Pilot Program Expansion opportunity. Expansion services were initiated July 1, 2018, and continue for Fiscal Year 2020.
“I am so proud of the Healthy Families staff,” said Health Officer Bob Stephens. “Through their teamwork and determination, and the assistance of the IT and finance staff, they are now able to enroll additional high-risk families and provide high-quality home visiting services. It involved a lot of additional up front work, but it’s providing a great benefit to the citizens of Garrett County.”
The evaluation committee said the team met the criteria for the award by demonstrating extraordinary team spirit, making significant and observable changes or accomplishments, and providing exceptional service and support beyond normal job requirements.
“We are truly blessed to have so many hard working and compassionate staff who make a difference each day in all of our programs and services,” Stephens said. “It is wonderful that the Healthy Families Team is receiving this recognition from the Maryland Department of Health.”
Several representatives from Healthy Families will be accepting the award at the Maryland Department of Health Employee Recognition Ceremony on Thursday, June 20, in Baltimore.
The Healthy Families Garrett County Team has received the 2019 Maryland Department of Health Exceptional Team Performance Award. Healthy Families is a part of Early Care Programs at the Garrett County Health Department. Pictured above from right to left front row – Marilyn Kight, MCHP; Natasha Coddington, MCHP; Morgan Sanders, Family Support Specialist; Deb House, MCHP; second row – Alisha Martin, MCHP; Lacy Coffren, Community Health Nurse; Tonya Beckman, Family Support Specialist; Michelle Ford, Community Health Nurse Supervisor; Marcia Ashby, MCHP; Theresa Cavalier, HFGC; back row are Bonnie Paugh, MCHP; Maria Friend, Early Care Programs- Program Director; Caroline Shiflett, Community Health Nurse; Hailey Knotts, MCHP; Erin Marsh, Community Health Nurse; Karen Keefer, Coordinator of Special Health Services; Jennifer VanPelt, Community Health Nurse. Not available for the photo was Joanne Roberts, Community Health Nurse; Jessica Cummings; Community Health Nurse; Katie Welch, Community Health Nurse Supervisor; Karen Matthews, Community Health Nurse; James Browning, IT; and Tammy Skiles, Fiscal Administrator.
Jun 17, 2019
The weather today will be cloudy with showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 3pm. A high near 71 and a low around 64.
A special thanks to Linda Dacierno for sharing her sunrise view:
Troopers from the McHenry Barrack are currently investigating the theft of a KTM 50 SX mini motorcycle. The vehicle was stolen on 6/13/19 or 6/14/19 and was parked in the front yard of the residence when it was stolen. Anyone with any information is asked to contact TFC Whetzel of the McHenry Barrack at 301-387-1101.
Spend some time today at the Deep Creek Lake Discovery Center fishing with the naturalist or learning seed-starting 101.
I’m getting excited for the Garrett County Gran Fondo! I’m doing the 44-mile ride this Saturday!
Also coming up this Saturday, is Yasmin Williams at Music at Penn Alps (at 3pm). Tickets are available for $20 at the door, in the gift shop at Penn Alps Restaurant, or online. [Persons 19 and under are admitted free.]
Back in November, the Deep Creek Lake Lion’s Club donated to Aaron Cuppet’s Eagle Scout project to create a public memorial site for the crew of Buzz-14, a B52 bomber carrying nuclear weapons which crashed in Garrett County in January 1964. In late May, there was a dedication ceremony for the site at 7747 Westernport Rd.
Ms. Barbara Baker, Superintendent of Schools, is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. John Hummel to the position of principal at Southern Middle School beginning in the 2019-2020 school year. Mr. Hummel holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Youth Ministries from Grace College in Winona Lake, Indiana, and a Master of Education Degree in School Counseling from Frostburg State University. He also holds a Maryland Advanced Professional Certificate with Administrator I and II, and School Counseling endorsements.
From the Maryland DNR: Please allow us to introduce one of the more interesting species found in Maryland. The Eastern Hog-nosed snake is non-venomous, but has a couple of tricks, one of which may make you think twice if you encounter it. If threatened, it will initially hiss and spread its neck like a cobra’s hood. If that doesn’t work then it’ll go in the other direction and roll over and play dead (even letting its tongue hang out).
Jun 14, 2019
The weather for today is cool: sunny, with a high near 63 and a low around 53. West wind 16 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 32 mph. Saturday will be mostly sunny, with a high near 72 and a low around 64. Sunday will be showers mainly before 10am. High near 73 and a low around 65. West wind 14 to 17 mph.
Thanks to reader Cathy, she reports: a mama black bear and two babies in their yard on Hazelhurst Road around 11:00pm Thursday evening.
This little lady Laceyn was having a great time here at the Lake feeding the ducks!
From the Baltimore Sun – “But, away from the lake and its restaurants and amusements are other places, preserved in state parks and forests, worth getting on the itinerary next time you head for the hills.”
The most recent presentation made by Scott Weeks on the proposed Garrett County Fiscal Year 2020 Budget has been posted online here.
Please plan on joining us at the 2019 Walk For Hospice this Sunday at 2:00 at the Glades Town Park in Oakland! A generous $50.00 and up contribution to their mission will get you an event hoodie! There will be raffles, food, music, corn hole tournament and much more!
Make sure to check out all of the events happening this weekend! It’s a full weekend! Note: Our list of events is being a little wonky this week 🙁 Click through to “Next Events” (at the bottom right of the events section) to see the full weekend, but, if you don’t see the full list click “Previous Events” (at the bottom left of the events section) to see the complete list. We do have a ticket into our tech team on this!
The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) has started construction on the realignment of U.S. Route 219 (Chestnut Ridge Road) between I-68 (National Freeway) and Old Salisbury Road in Grantsville. This isn’t about traffic issues but, rather, interconnectivity between states.
A Touch of Class Limousines is offering a special Father’s Day Deal: Purchase a $250 Gift Certificate for $200 for his next special event or any hourly services.
See the recording of the Garrett County Board of Education Meeting Live Stream from June 11, 2019 here.
Jun 13, 2019
The weather for today will be showers, with thunderstorms also possible after noon; a high near 61 and a low around 44. Breezy, with a west wind 18 to 21 mph, with gusts as high as 36 mph.
Tonight is the first Pocket Park movie of the season! Mary Poppins Returns will begin at dusk in the Mountain Fresh Pavilion in downtown Oakland.
The Garrett County Arts Council 2019 Annual Membership Meeting and Reception is tonight at Ace’s Run from 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm.
Deep Creek Times is happy to congratulate Hugh Umbel as the winner of the 2019 Entrepreneurial Spirit Award for success in local business as well as strong community support. Hugh owns or has founded a number of local businesses including Bear Creek Traders and has been active in the Deep Creek Lake area for decades. Well deserved Hugh!
So, this happened yesterday…. note the bike’s speed in the lower left corner. Thanks Phillip Fadul for sharing:
On our ride today James stirred up the local wildlife while bombing down Oakland Sang Run Road, while Jeff and Mike used their excellent handling skills and nerves of steel to avoid em.
Posted by Philip Fadul on Wednesday, June 12, 2019
Maryland State police have located a missing girl, Ruth Evelyn Harlow, this morning. She was a runaway from Salem Children’s Trust.
The WGW Benefit Golf Tournament is coming up on June 20, 21 and 22 and the Landon’s Library basketball league is in need of baskets for the basket raffle! If you are willing to put together a basket, please drop it off at Boal and Associates at 317 E Oak Street by Wednesday, June 19th.
The Town of Oakland is holding a public meeting on its new Downtown Wayfinding Project at Oakland City Hall on Monday, June 17 at 2pm. This project will make it easy for visitors to navigate around downtown as well as highlighting its attractions and offerings in an appealing and informative manner. The Town is looking to discuss the overall wayfinding approach and to receive input regarding 3 design options for new pedestrian signs and kiosks.
Jun 12, 2019
The weather today will be mostly sunny, with a high near 68 and a low around 53. Showers possible after 3am. Southeast wind 11 to 15 mph.
Wow. By photographer Gordon Fisher:
The Grand Opening for the Believe in Tomorrow home is today from 3-5pm. Stop by if you can.
Tonight at 6:00 p.m. in the Garrett College Auditorium is the Public Hearing on the Proposed FY2020 Budget. The public invited to attend and public comments will be allowed.
DID YOU KNOW? Ticks can be as small as a poppy seed?! There were 5 ticks in yesterday’s muffin photo…. sorry to ruin your breakfast! Advice from the CDC on how to prevent tick bites and protect yourself is here http://bit.ly/2WcRqnr.
This weekend, the BlueShift dance group is coming to Deep Creek to share a workshop, masterclass, and a performance. The workshop on Saturday (Into to Modern Dance for Non-Dancers) is open to the public, ages 13 & up and no experience needed.
2019 Art, Wine, and Beer Festival Tickets are available! Visit the festival website to buy tickets, register to volunteer and get your discounted volunteer tasting ticket, and to learn about wine pairing dinners and accommodation specials. The fest is on September 7!
Do you ever wonder what the current Lake water temperature is? We have you covered with our temperature gauge! The blue line is the water temperature and the red line is the air temperature.
Jun 11, 2019
The weather today will be SUNNY! A high near 65 and a low around 49. North wind around 6 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Today is the last day of school for Garrett County Public School students! Also, apparently it’s National Corn on the Cob Day and National German Chocolate Cake Day! Let’s celebrate!
Friends of mine, Bill and Sally, are avid birders and are sharing their morning bird walks — meet at the park in Friendsville at 8 am. Friendsville has a habitat is ideal for the yellow-throated warbler, Black-throated green warbler, yellow warbler, blue-gray gnatcatcher, great crested flycatcher, kingfisher, wood ducks, solitary sandpiper, Baltimore oriole, and more! Connect with them via the event link.
It’s Ladies Lounge at Sipside Lounge and Team Trivia at MoonShadow tonight!
Special shout out to Cash Vansickle for collecting donations for the adoptables at HART for Animals instead of presents for his 7th birthday! What a generous gift!
Here’s a photo of a poppyseed muffin from the CDC. Do you have any idea why? We’ll tell you the full story in tomorrow’s notes!
Clear Mtn Bank has announced its annual photo contest! The bank is requesting photos of our local community — if your photo is a winner, it could be published in the 2020 calendar and you could win $50! Deadline for submission is July 31.
Check out this trailer video for Mark Stutzman’s upcoming Mountain Chautauqua Stories. This is a series of “digital films that illustrate a vibrant Victorian resort founded on Christian values, neatly nestled in the Appalachian Mountains of Maryland. From the original founders of 1881 to the Chautauqua’s decline in the 1930s, director, Mark Stutzman assembles a collection of archived postcards, family photos, documents, and captivating interviews from historians, residents, and eye-witnesses.” The project is funded in part by the Maryland Heritage Area Authority, the Mountain Maryland Gateway to the West, and the Town of Mountain Lake Park.
Jun 10, 2019
The weather for today will be scattered showers (possibly a thunderstorm after noon) with a high near 69 and a low around 49.
“Through the Willows” was shared with us by @bstuck1 on Instagram.
Tomorrow is the last day of school for Garrett County students! Have a great summer!
Garrett County Public Schools has announced the details of the summer feeding sites — please share with those in need.
There is a new opportunity for Appalachia through the Workforce Opportunity for Rural Communities (WORC) program. the program will support workforce development activities that prepare eligible participants for good jobs in high-demand occupations aligned with a state, regional, or community economic development strategy. Vist the link for more on how to apply by July 15.
There is a cancer screening program available for Garrett County residents ages 50-64 who are uninsured or underinsured and meet income guidelines. Breast, cervical, colorectal, prostate, oral, and skin cancer are evaluated by local participating providers. Appointments are required — call the main number 301-334-7770 for more information.
The Garrett County Chamber has announced the 2020 Chamber Trip from March 21-28, 2020 will go to Peru: Ancient Land of Mysteries! if you may be interested, mark your calendar and register for the trip preview on August 12.
If your church or if you know of a church doing vacation bible school, please send us a message so we can share the details on our calendar!
Jun 7, 2019
The Garrett County Public Schools is participating in the Summer Food Service Program. Meals will be provided to all children without charge. Acceptance and participation requirements for the Program and all activities are the same for all regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. There will be no discrimination in the course of the meal service.
The Garrett County Board of Education would like remind parents that free meals for children 18 and under are available at the following locations:
Dennett Road School – 770 Dennett Road, Oakland, MD June 12th – August 23rd, 2019
Monday – Friday: Breakfast – 8:30 – 9:00 Lunch – 11:30 – 12:00
Liberty Mews – 451 Liberty Street Oakland, MD June 17th – August 16th, 2019
Monday – Friday: Lunch 11:00 – 11:20
Crellin – 57 Crellin Street Crellin, MD June 17th – August 16th, 2019
Monday – Friday: Lunch 11:35– 11:55
Garrett College (gym area) – 695 Mosser RD, McHenry, MD 21541 June 17th – August 16th, 2019
Monday – Friday: Breakfast 8:00 – 9:00
Monday – Friday: Lunch-12:00-12:30
*New* Mountain Village West – 175 Pysell Road, McHenry, MD 21541 – June 17th – Aug. 16th
Monday – Friday: Lunch 11:00 – 11:20
Friendsville Elementary School – 841 First Avenue, Friendsville, MD 21531 June 17th – Aug. 16th
Monday – Friday: Lunch 11:50 – 12:10
Grantsville Elementary School – 120 Grant Street, Grantsville, MD June 17th – August 16th,
Monday – Friday: Lunch 12:40 – 1:00
Loch Lynn – 319 Roanoke Ave. Loch Lynn MD (pavilion) June 17th – August 17th, 2019
Monday – Friday: Lunch 11:00 – 11:20
Deer Park – 198 Frank Custer Drive Deer Park, MD June 17th – August 16th, 2019
Monday – Friday: Lunch 12:45 – 1:05
Kitzmiller Community Park – 290 W. Main Street, Kitzmiller, MD June 17th – August 16th, 2019
Monday – Friday: Lunch- 11:45 – 12:05
Oakland Town Parking Lot – 103 Town Park Lane, Oakland, MD 21550 June 17th – August 16th, 2019
Monday – Friday: Lunch 12:10 – 12:30, Wednesdays 11:00 – 1:00
Bloomington Park – 334 North Branch Ave., Bloomington, MD – June 17th – August 16th, 2019
Monday – Friday: Lunch 12:20 – 12:40
Don’t forget to download the new mobile app in the app store or at Google Play.
In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA.
Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.
Jun 7, 2019
The weather today will be mostly cloudy, with a high near 72 and a low around 57. Saturday will be partly sunny, with a high near 73 and a low around 57. Sunday will be mostly cloudy with chance of showers, with thunderstorms also possible after noon. High near 67 and a low around 59.
Today is national donut day! Glazed & Confuzed Donuts is doing a FREE cinnamon sugar donut all day! Tell em Deep Creek Times sent ya! 🍩
A group of road cyclists take on a climb near Deep Creek Lake, MD yesterday.
Today is the Shawny Marley for Cindy’s Fund Lions Club Chicken Barbecue at the Oakland American Legion from 11am-7pm. Chicken dinners will be available for delivery to businesses, pick up or dine in at the Oakland American Legion.
Tonight is the Relay For Life of Garrett County United from 6:00-11:00pm at the Garrett County Fairgrounds; honoring the strength and courage of every cancer survivor and lighting a luminaria for every life taken too soon.
The State Parks have several events, there is entertainment each night and there are many other events this weekend. To name a few: the Discovery Center at the Deep Creek Lake State Park will do an Aviary Feeding today at 2:00pm, tomorrow is a Board Game session at the Accident Library with the Mountaintop Table Top Club, and Sunday is Family Day at Spruce Forest Artisan Village.
Tomorrow, Saturday, is also the second Maryland License-Free Fishing day and the Maryland Symphony Orchestra and tickets are still available!
The 2019 Spring DCL Property Owners’ Dispatch is posted
here. The current topic is the Water Appropriation Permit (WAP) which governs how much water can be withdrawn from Deep Creek Lake for a variety of purposes. The WAP is renewed every 12 years by the Maryland Department of Environment (MDE) and a renewal will take place this year.
A delegation from Garrett County travelled to Washington, D.C. to meet with Congressional members and federal agency leaders on four priorities for Garrett County: (1) funding for the Oakland-Trout Run Combined Sewer Treatment Plant, (2) funding for Required Infrastructure Projects for Small Rural Municipalities (3) Better data of existing Broadband and funding for continued development, and (4) Market-rate Workforce Housing Development funding assistance.
Garrett College – President’s Office will be hosting the June Chamber Business After Hours next Thursday, June 13th from 5:30 pm- 7:30 pm.
Jun 7, 2019
On May 23, a delegation from Garrett County travelled to Washington, D.C. to meet with Congressional members and federal agency leaders on four priorities for Garrett County.
The delegation discussed:
(1) funding for the Oakland-Trout Run Combined Sewer Treatment Plant
(2) funding for Required Infrastructure Projects for Small Rural Municipalities including the Grantsville Sewer Treatment Plant, the Mountain Lake Park-Loch Lynn Water Distribution System Rehab Project and the Mountain Lake Park Stormwater Mitigation Project
(3) Better data of existing Broadband and funding for continued development
(4) Market-rate Workforce Housing Development funding assistance.
Issue papers on these priorities were developed and shared with officials and staff during the meetings. Garrett County’s delegation included: Mayor Peggy Jamison, Town of Oakland; Emily Newman Edwards, Town of Grantsville; Duane Yoder, Community Action; Cheryl DeBerry, Garrett County Economic Development; Nicole Christian and Holly Lane, Garrett County Chamber of Commerce. The delegation met with Senator Chris Van Hollen, Representative David Trone, staff from Senator Cardin’s office and top leaders for U.S. Dept. of Agriculture and the Environmental Protection Agency. By all accounts, the trip was a success. Not only was the delegation able to promote and garner support for these community priorities, they gained insight on potential funding sources. The delegation is in the process of following up on outstanding items from the meetings. The trip was organized by the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce. The issue papers can be found on the Chamber’s website at www.visitdeepcreek.com/pages/legislative.
Jun 6, 2019
The weather for today will be partly sunny, with a high near 71 and a low arounnd 57. Isolated showers before 11am.
Tonight is the Watershed Moments: The Past, Present, and Future of Climate Change event at the Appalachian Lab at FSU (6:30-8:30pm).
Purchase your tickets now for the Maryland Symphony Orchestra on June 8th starting at 7:30 pm. A a romantic summer program will feature works by Rachmaninoff and Tchaikovsky, with Queen Elisabeth Piano Competition finalist Yuliya Gorenman as soloist.
What’s New Around Town? Slopslide Market in McHenry just installed new Maryland Lottery machines. Also, The Rooster’s Nest restaurant is now open in Grantsville.
Garrett County reported the highest harvest numbers during regular spring and junior hunt seaons with 429 turkeys. Overall, Maryland hunters reported harvesting 4,002 wild turkeys.
Garrett College has announced their rescheduled Resource and Success Fair which will now take place at the college on June 25th. They have an interesting program for all impacted by the Verso plant closure, including information on job hunting, starting a small business, educational opportunities, financial aid and much more.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is pleased to announce the award of 19 Community Parks and Playgrounds grants, totaling $2.5 million, to municipalities across the state. Garrett County was awarded over $158,000 to construct a walking trail, waterfalls and historical signage at the Leo Martin Memorial Park in Mountain Lake Park.
Governor Larry Hogan declared 2019 the Year of the Veteran and MD DNR has several programs and special rates for military veterans, active duty service members, and prisoners of war including:
- Any active duty military personnel, Maryland National Guard member, or veteran can enter any Maryland state park day-use area without paying the entry fee.
- If you are a resident of Maryland on active duty with the armed forces and are on leave with official leave orders, you may fish without a fishing license in Maryland.
- A complimentary lifetime hunting license is available to Maryland residents certified as a former prisoner of war or a disabled American veteran.