Nov 13, 2019
The weather today will be mostly cloudy through mid-morning, then becoming sunny, with a high near 28 and a low around 19. Wind chill values as low as zero. West wind 5 to 7 mph becoming calm.
Warm and sunny to cold and icy…
Here’s a Deep Creek Lake, MD status report from Philip Alexander:
I have a meeting with the Advisory Committee of United Way of Garrett County today — under the County United Way umbrella, our United Way fights for the education, financial stability, and health of every person in Allegany, Garrett, Hampshire, and Mineral Counties. We are always recruiting new committee members; message me if you’re interested in serving!
A couple who are part-time residents of the Deep Creek Lake area have established a $1 million estate gift to the Garrett College Foundation to be used in connection with either the college’s proposed performing arts center or a future student center.
To help feed those in need this Thanksgiving, MARTIN’S Food Markets donated 500 turkeys to Maryland Food Bank’s Western Branch in Hagerstown. Even though we don’t have a MARTIN’S store here, some of those turkeys will make their way to Garrett County families.
The Garrett County Board of Education held its regular monthly meeting last night on Tuesday, November 12, 2019 but the Strategic Facilities Committee (SFC) Recommendations and Final Report, originally scheduled to be presented at that meeting, has been postponed until the December 10, 2019 Board Meeting. The SFC’s final report and recommendations will be available prior to the December 10th Board meeting; the public is welcome to send concerns regarding school facilities to: sfc@garrettcountyschools.org.
Nov 12, 2019
We had some accumulation overnight; maybe the official tally will be about an inch.
The snow showers are likely to continue today with an additional daytime snow accumulation of 2 to 4 inches possible. Overall, cloudy, with a high near 27 and a low around 11 (wind chill values as low as -1). Northwest wind 14 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 31 mph.
It’s going to get frosty tonight!
The Manor Steakhouse has earned a designation at the Top Steakhouse in Garrett County by TripAdvisor!
Don’t forget to vote for Katie; help HART for Animals win $20,000.
The Trader’s Coffee House Cookie Party is tonight! Cookie. Party. What else is there to say?!
Maryland Area Health Education Center West — best known as AHEC West — has launched a dental access project specifically for adults in recovery.
Is there a future farming opportunity for Garrett County? Learn more about the Garrett County Hemp projects by discussing how to grow hemp, the different varieties of hemp, and the production of hemp at the Garrett County Hemp Conference. Presented by Garrett College Continuing Education and Workforce Development on December 5.
Nov 12, 2019
McHenry- and Accident-based HART For Animals has been selected as a finalist in the Healthy Paws Pet Insurance and Foundation’s Rescue Race for a chance to win up to $20,000 in grants – and they need the community’s help to bring it home! There are six non-profit organizations racing, and after an online “race” lasting over the next week and a half, the organizations are awarded between $5,000 – $20,000 ($70,000 total). The one with the most votes takes home the largest grant.
You can help this charity and their pets in need by casting their vote for their favorite happy tale – and to help HART For Animals continue its important mission in the community.
Voting ends November 19, 2019.
How to cast your vote:
To vote, visit https://www.healthypawspetinsurance.com/rescue-race and:
STEP 1: VOTE for your favorite Happy Adoption Tale
STEP 2: SELECT YOUR STATE at the bottom of the page
STEP 3: SUBMIT your vote
Nov 11, 2019
Home of the free because of the brave…
Today we take a moment to celebrate and honor our Veterans. Thank You for your service.
The weather today will be partly sunny with a high near 50 and a low around 25. Southwest wind around 11 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph. Overnight, there will be rain before 2am, then rain and snow between 2am and 3am, then snow after 3am. Low around 25. New snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.
Nov 8, 2019
The weather today will be a bit colder; the high only reaching 29. Some scattered snow showers before 1pm and a low of 19. Tomorrow will be partly sunny with a high of 39 and a low of 30. Sunday will be warming up: mostly sunny with a high near 49 and and low around 37.
We got the snow that was forecasted … just a skiff on my deck!
There’s several awesome entertainment acts planned around the county this weekend.
Want to learn more about a REALLY unique event? The Oakland Ruth Enlow Library is holding a “Cybersecurity Capture the Flag competition” tomorrow. Hosted by the Mid-Atlantic Gigabit Innovation Collaboratory (MAGIC), you can solve puzzles online as a team, earn points, and see if Garrett County can take the prize! Registration is required, and the event is limited to five people – first come, first served!
Saturday is also the Garrett County Snowdrifters‘ first meeting of the season!
The Western Maryland STEM Festival is this Saturday, Nov. 9, 10am to 2pm at FSU.
The Wisp Resort Job Fairs are scheduled! meet the Managers from different departments and learn what position fits you best! Saturday, November 16th (9am – 12pm) and Wednesday, December 4th (5pm – 7pm)
Maryland DNR shares safety reminders for those participating in bow season:
• Always identify your target and background before you shoot.
• Never walk or climb a tree with a knocked arrow in a vertical bow or a crossbow loaded with a bolt.
• Unload or uncock your crossbow before transporting. An unloaded crossbow does not have a bolt or arrow in the firing position. Uncock it by using an uncocking device or by shooting into a safe backstop.
• Keep your fingers and thumb down on the crossbow forearm out of the path of travel for the string and cables.
• Never shoot if there is a doubt about the shot.
• Never shoot if the animal is alert and excited.
• Know exactly where the arrow or bolt will hit before you pull the trigger or release the string (practice, practice, practice).
• Limit shots to distances you are accurate and comfortable with (typically 40 yards maximum for crossbows and 30 yards for vertical bows).
• Always use manufacturer recommended arrow or bolt weights.
• Practice with the same type broadhead you plan to hunt with.
There is a fundraiser happening for the Deep Creek Watershed Foundation — their mission being “to Support, Promote, And Advance Scientific Study, Environmental Protection And Educational Programs Relating To The Deep Creek Watershed. We want to enjoy our breathtaking surroundings for many years to come!” Donate right within Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/donate/527369114660495/10221149524990106/
“A few remaining red oaks are still clinging to their leaves,” says Potomac-Garrett State Forest Manager Scott Campbell. This is without a doubt the end of the fall foliage season in the most western parts of Maryland…
There’s a snowblower listed in our online marketplace — go ahead, get a head start on winter.
Someone shared this recipe for edible cinnamon ornaments on Facebook. Are these an Appalachian / East Coast thing? These are the ornaments we made when I was a kid and most of those same ones still make it on my parents’ tree. It really got me thinking about the holidays.
Nov 7, 2019
We may see our first measurable snow overnight. Rain today before 5pm, then rain and snow. High near 46 and a low around 21. West wind 9 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. Little or no snow accumulation expected.
Instead of thinking about what’s in store, let’s throwback to a nice Deep Cfeek Lake, MD fishing scene by Kellie Zbignewich:
The Maryland DNR reports “This is a great time of year to fish at Deep Creek Lake. A mix of large yellow perch, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, walleye, and chain pickerel can be found in the shallower grassy coves feeding on bluegill sunfish fry. They offer excellent fishing when fishing out of small boats or canoes with various lures or live minnows”
Our lake temperature gauge is back in service. Looks like the water is hovering at about 50 degrees.
It’s HomeTown night at The Manor Steakhouse — earn a 10% discount from 5:00-9:00pm tonight.
This afternoon at the Grantsville Ruth Enlow library, it’s “make it club” a new club where there is new craft to make each month. All materials will be provided. Registration required.
Speaking of the library, experience 3D printing technology in action for yourself! Both the Grantsville and Kitzmiller branches of the Ruth Enlow Library have printers available for public use. You can now print a variety of small objects from our online list, such as game pieces or cookie cutters, with more options to be added soon!
The November Business Before Hours is scheduled for Tuesday, November 19, 2019 at 8:00am. It will be the Chamber’s annual Tourism Update featuring Tom Riford, Assistant Secretary overseeing the Marketing and Communications Division, including the Office of Film, Tourism and the Arts for the Maryland Department of Commerce. Email Holly to register holly@garrettchamber.com.
Nov 6, 2019
The weather for today will be sunny with a high near 47 and a low around 35. West wind 7 to 10 mph. Southwest wind around 6 mph.
Here’s a glimpse of the “Autumn Beauty” in Deep Creek Lake, MD by Mark Richards:
The Northern High School Thespian Society will be presenting “Mary Poppins” Nov. 14, 15 and 16 at 7pm in the NHS cafeteria. Tickets are $5 at the door for patrons 6 and older. The show is good for all ages.
There is a proposed whitewater park is in development for Downtown Cumberland. According to the Cumberland Times-News, the river park would be located on the North Branch of the Potomac River behind Canal Place would include two access points for boaters, a whitewater course, riverside trail, viewing area, parking, and a fish passage ladder.
Continuing Education and Workforce Development of Garrett College has added trumpet and low brass studies to their offerings. Both classes will be ten, half-hour individualized segments by appointment. Call 301-387-3069 for more information or to register.
HART is one of 6 animal welfare organizations that could win up to $20,000 from Healthy Paws Pet Insurance & Foundation. VOTE FOR KATIE.
The Coal Bucket cafe in Kitzmiller, MD (hint-hint 🙂) is serving Turkey Dinners from noon till 4:30 pm on Thanksgiving Day (November 28th). Turkey, Mashed Potatoes, Gravy, Dressing, Sauerkraut, Green Beans, Cranberry Sauce, Roll and Drink for $10.
Nov 6, 2019
Continuing Education and Workforce Development of Garrett College is pleased to announce the addition of trumpet and low brass studies at the College’s main campus in McHenry. Both offerings will feature ten, half-hour individualized segments by appointment.
Trumpet studies will provide instruction of both fundamentals as well as music theory for beginning, intermediate, and advanced students (age 10 and up). Beginning students will develop skills in reading musical notation and basic trumpet technique with special attention to rhythm, tone quality, range, musical phrasing, intonation, and style.
Intermediate and advanced students will further develop their technique through varied key and meter signatures, and keys, while exploring a variety of music from different stylistic periods. Intermediate and advanced students will gain knowledge in analyzing music, composition, and transcribing their own works. Students must have access to a trumpet to practice assignments on a daily basis. The instructor for the course is Cameron King, who obtained his degree from Mansfield University of Pennsylvania. He is an elementary music instructor in Garrett County, Md.
Low brass studies will provide instruction to include tuba, trombone and euphonium, for beginner, intermediate and advanced students (age 9 and up). The sessions will focus on creating a solid sound, proper instrument breathing, and flexibility throughout the instrument, with special attention to rhythm, tone quality, range, musical phrasing, intonation, and style.
Students will be introduced to music from different stylistic periods and demonstrate the ability to perform music in varied key signatures, clefs, transpositions, and signatures to include all major and minor scales in the designated format. Students must have access to a low brass instrument to practice assignments on a daily basis. The course is being instructed by Mr. Brandon Houtz, an elementary music instructor in Garrett County. He also obtained his degree from Mansfield University of Pennsylvania.
For additional information or to register, please call the Continuing Education Division of Garrett College at 301-387-3069.
Nov 5, 2019
The Garrett County Traffic and Transportation Advisory Committee reminds motorists that wildlife, especially deer, are on the move right now. Be extra cautious, especially at dawn and dusk, when light levels decrease visibility. Drivers who scan the area ahead, maintaining good situational awareness, may prevent significant property damage and personal injuries. Removal of deer killed on the travel portion of the road is important for the safety of all motorists. To report roadkill in Garrett County for removal assistance, call 301-334-1911. Give the dispatchers as much information as you can, such as address (if it’s near a house), mile markers (on I68), distance and direction from road intersections, etc. The dispatcher will call the appropriate agency to safely remove the animal and improve road safety for other motorists.
Nov 5, 2019
The weather today will be mostly cloudy, a chance of showers afernoon, with a high near 47 and a low around 30. West wind 9 to 11 mph.
Sorry folks, it looks like our lake temperature gauge has gone down — we are working to get this fixed as soon as possible.
Keith Brown shares “the best time of the year at Deep Creek”
Have you read Mike’s Cover Story? We are so proud to celebrate our 2019 People’s Choice Winners!
The Garrett County Snowdrifters club is holding their first meeting of the season on Saturday, November 9 at 6 pm, Dutch’s at SIlvertree, in the basement room behind the bar. The meeting is open to everyone and there is no charge to attend. GCS promotes camaraderie and responsible snowmobile riding amongst the membership and plans group events during the season (weather permitting).
Wisp Resort is hosting the November Business After Hours on Thursday, November 14th, from 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm.
The Garrett County Traffic and Transportation Advisory Committee reminds motorists that wildlife, especially deer, are on the move right now. Be extra cautious, especially at dawn and dusk, when light levels decrease visibility. Also, to report roadkill in Garrett County for removal assistance, call 301-334-1911.
Nov 4, 2019
By: Mike Tumbarello
Having just held the 2019 People’s Choice Challenge Celebration party where we announced the winners in each of 40 categories, I thought it important to reflect on the awards, why they are important to the community and what they mean to Sarah and I.
The categories themselves are key, as they reflect the diversity and the greatness of this wonderful four-season lake-area. Whether great products or services provided by our small businesses and non-profits, experiences available to all in this mountain wonderland or recognition for the service providers that support locals and visitors alike, they all help comprise and reinforce the winning mosaic that is the Deep Creek Lake area.
Garrett County has a population of less than 30,000 individuals and has under 1,000 businesses. Compared to Baltimore County, for example, with its 700,000 plus population and 20,000 plus businesses, we are tiny, if not in size, in commerce. Yet, our small population, over one million annual visitors, strong not-for-profit ecosystem when combined with our natural beauty and small-town charm, make for a truly special place.
The People’s Choice Challenge is our way of showcasing and celebrating all that is great about this area, from the people, small businesses and support services to the wonderful natural wonders available. Sarah and I, when we came up with this idea, wanted to acknowledge and encourage dialog about what makes this area so wonderful to live or visit. The sum is certainly greater than all of the parts combined in the case of the Deep Creek Lake area.
Please take a minute to review the nominees and winners in the guide below and think about how you can continue to support them, whether by hiking that trail, making a donation or visiting that establishment. Enjoy the guide, feel free to save and circulate, congratulate the winners, visit all of the nominees and winners and don’t forget to tell them Deep Creek Times sent you! Finally, we thank all of the thousands of locals and “friends of the lake” that nominated and voted over the past few months.
Thank you for being engaged and caring.
View the GUIDE here.
Nov 4, 2019
A crisp and clear weekend definitely made up for some of the rain/winds we had Thursday evening. The weather for today will be mostly sunny with a high near 52 and a low around 38. South wind 7 to 11 mph.
Here’s a photo taken by Rick Egtvedt, showing the slight dusting of snow we received during the Halloween weather we had last Thursday evening.
Before it turned cooler, I was seeing a lot of these fuzzy critters on the move all around the area (and definitely “on the move”). Check out the photo below and let us know what type of caterpillar it is and send a photo of the moth/butterfly they will come (or just a link to a photo) and if we draw your name, we will send you some Deep Creek Times “bling.” Send us your thoughts to info@deepcreektimes.com. Thanks!
Congratulations to Kathleen Green for winning the October “Where Am I?” contest … try your guess at this month’s quiz!
There is a Burnham LP Gas Boiler (130,000 BTU) for sale in our online marketplace. More details under “Miscellaneous”.
Fall is a great time to visit the Deep Creek Lake area and this past weekend was especially nice. Here’s a photo of some nice ladies that visited this weekend and got to meet the bear at Bear Creek Traders in McHenry.
In other news; there was a fatal shooting over the weekend in nearby Terra Alta and, at the time of publication, the suspect is wanted and considered armed and dangerous:
“On Sunday, November 3, 2019, the Preston County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a person shot at Shorthorns Saloon in Terra Alta, WV. The shooting resulted in the death of 38-year-old Grant Felton of Terra Alta, WV. The investigation revealed Mr. Felton was shot by Mr. Aaron Glenn Hoard, 33, of Morgantown, WV. Mr. Hoard fled the scene and is currently wanted for murder. It is believed Mr. Hoard is with his significant other, Ms. Machaela J. Jeffries, and possibly their one-year-old child. Mr. Hoard drives a 2018 black Dodge Ram, pictured below. At this time there is reason to believe Ms. Jeffries is aiding Mr. Hoard in evading arrest. They should be considered ARMED AND DANGEROUS. If seen call 911. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO CONTACT THEM. Any further inquires should be sent to Lt. J. G. Rodeheaver at 304-329-1611
Nov 1, 2019
The weather Thursday afternoon and evening was quite “interesting.” We had a significant drop in the temperature, combined with some serious wind and clouds and then torrential rains. It impacted a large swath of the east coast, with a number of areas postponing Halloween activities. Jean and I though our door might blow inward at one point last night. We have several power outages in the area and some areas report a little snow accumulation, seven years after Hurricane Sandy!
Here’s the weather outlook for this weekend (much better): Friday will be cloudy early, then gradual clearing, with a high near 36. Breezy, with a west wind 14 to 21 mph, with gusts as high as 31 mph and a low of 28 degrees. Saturday will be sunny, with increasing cloudiness, with a high of 46 and a low of 28. Sunday will be partly sunny, with a high of 39 and a low of 27. Certainly feels like winter in the air especially with most of the leaves off the trees.
Speaking of winter, Wisp Resort has announced its new “Mission: Four’dable” promotion taking place from November 1st to November 24th. The mission includes four unrestricted extended day lift tickets (printed on 4 new one-way non-reloadable RFID cards) for only $189. This deal must be purchased online at: https://wispresort.com/mission-fourdable
There are some really neat Halloween activities and music going on at Mountain State, Black Bear Tavern, MoonShadow, Roots Yoga and some good music at Sipside on Friday evening. There is certainly something for every taste. And if local football is your thing, Southern is at Northern High School this Friday evening, with a halftime show commemorating the champion SHS marching band. Check it all out on our events section.
Here’s a reminder for the local Maker’s Fall Market hosted by Shabby Patina – it’s Saturday on Sang Run Road. Here’s the link.
We’ll be posting the official People’s Choice Challenge Guide over the weekend (see yesterday’s Notes for the list of winners) and be sure to check out the November Lake-Front magazine where all are listed in a special section. Here’s a post from Local Finance Professional winner Brian Boal that he posted on Facebook. Much more to follow…
People’s Choice Winner Brian Boal