Dec 31, 2019
The weather today and tomorrow will be snow showers with a high near 33 and a low around 25. Breezy, with a west wind 18 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Total daytime snow accumulation of less than one inch possible and total nighttime accumulation of around an inch possible.
New Year’s Day: Isolated snow showers before 8am. Cloudy through mid-morning, then gradual clearing, with a high near 34. Breezy, with a west wind 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 33 mph.
The Garrett County Health Department wants to help you quit tobacco and nicotine. Classes begin on Thursday, January 2nd, at the Oakland office of the Health Department, and Wednesday, January 8th, at the Northern Garrett Rescue Squad in Friendsville. Classes meet from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. on the designated days.
Our friends at First United Bank & Trust have been busy — we’re at the “tail-end” of their collection for pet items at their McHenry branch (open until 2pm today) and they were celebrating their People’s Choice Challenge Diamond win!
Here are the Deep Creek New Year’s Events! 🎉
🎊TUESDAY DEC 31ST 🎊
★ 12 Days of Christmas @ Wisp Resort
S’mores by the Fire Pit between DC’s and the Lodge at Wisp (4pm – 5pm)
Waffles and Hot Chocolate Bar in the McHenry Lodge (2pm – 4pm)
Loco Cocoa Bar in the McHenry Lodge (2pm – 4pm)
★ Pasta Night all day @ Ace’s Run Restaurant & Pub
12:00PM – 8:00PM
★New Year Eve Party! @ The Green Turtle
3 PM-midnight
Happy hour drinks specials start at 3PM. 6 PM Turtle Buffet. 8 PM music by Jason Shaw. Champagne Toast at midnight!!
★New Years Celebration for the Whole Family @ Wisp Resort
DJ Connor from 6 pm – 10 pm. Torch Light Parade at 9:30 pm on the mountain. New Year’s Eve hats and party favors will be given out for all to enjoy. Wisper’s & DC’s Bars will be open until 12:30 am.
★ 2019 HART for Animals, Inc. Fur Ball Casino
New Year’s Eve at Dutch’s at Silver Tree!
6:00PM- 11:30 PM
All benefits go towards HART for Animals
★New Year’s Eve @ The Manor Steakhouse
6:00PM – 11:30PM
Special Menu. Enjoy and Dance to the Music of Pat O’Brennen with Barry Dalton. Reservations Please!
★ Byron Six Six Cooper NYE Party @ Black Bear Tavern
6:00PM – 10:00PM
★New Year’s Eve Party at the Mooniverse @ MoonShadow
7:00PM – 1:00AM with the best live music!
★ Roaring 20’s NYE Bash @ The Black Bear Tavern & Restaurant
9:00PM -1:00AM
Fun & flapper-filled 20’s-themed NYE Bash featuring DJ THORO
🎊WEDNESDAY JAN 1ST 🎊
★ First Day Hikes @ local State Parks
== time varies ==
Spend some time outside!
HAPPY NEW YEAR! CELEBRATE SMART!
Dec 30, 2019
Stop smoking is one New Year’s resolution that makes it into the top 10 list each year. With all the news of lung illness and deaths from vaping, maybe stop vaping will make it to the list this year, too.
New Year’s resolutions are hard to keep, but the Garrett County Health Department hopes to help make your resolution to stop using any form of tobacco or nicotine easier to reach. Cessation classes at two different locations are scheduled in January to help start the new year off right.
“I’m excited to be a part of one the most important decisions you will make in your lifetime,” said Sharon Custer, tobacco treatment specialist at the Health Department. “I take my responsibilities very seriously and want to help you in every way possible. Why not give one of our upcoming classes a try? It doesn’t matter how long you have used tobacco there are health benefits to quitting.”
Classes begin on Thursday, January 2nd, at the Oakland office of the Health Department, and Wednesday, January 8th, at the Northern Garrett Rescue Squad in Friendsville. Classes meet from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. on the designated days.
Cessation classes are open to users of all types of tobacco, including cigarettes, smokeless, and electronic smoking devices like e-cigs, vapes and Juuls. Research has shown that involvement in a group increases the chances of success in quitting tobacco.
Throughout the course of the six-week class, participants will receive a number of resources to help them change their habits, including a notebook with many tools, group support from others who are also trying to quit, and free cessation aids in the form of nicotine patches, nicotine gum or lozenges, or one of the prescription drugs, Zyban or Chantix.
“Let us help you quit for good!” Custer said. “Let us help you plan how you will do it!”
Any Garrett County resident may participate in these classes. Other classes will be scheduled throughout the year.
“Group sessions are very beneficial, but for those who just aren’t able to attend a group class, we are able to arrange individual sessions when necessary,” Custer said.
Call the Garrett County Health Department at 301-334-7730, 301-895-3111, or email Sharon.Custer@maryland.gov for additional information or to register for a class. Pre-registration is encouraged. Or, visit the Health Department’s KickingTobacco.com website. You can also call the Maryland Quit Line at 1-800-QUIT-NOW for ongoing help.
Dec 30, 2019
The weather today will be a chance of showers before 10am. Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming sunny, with a temperature falling to around 45 by 5pm. Southwest wind 11 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Tonight is a chance of rain and snow showers with a low around 31.
It looks like LeAnn and her crew had a good time snow tubing at Wisp this holiday week:
Speaking of #good times and #deepcreektimes at Wisp, we will have a few lift tickets, rentals vouchers, and tubing tickets available for a few lucky readers! Stay tuned in 2020!
Have you signed up for our newsletter? One weekly email will be sent on Saturdays so you can Keep Up with the Times. If you’re already signed up, why not share it with a friend? https://deepcreektimes.com/newsletter-sign-up/
The U.S. Census has started sharing stories with its America Counts 2020 Census campaign. It’s critical that everyone in Garrett County is counted since Maryland, and our county, receive funding that is based largely on census population counts.
The Maryland Farm Bureau is offering five $2,000 scholarships for the 2020-2021 academic year. Applicants must be current high school seniors with plans to start college autumn semester 2020, or may be current full-time college students at any accredited community college or four-year institution. The deadline for application is February 10, 2020.
On December 27, Maryland Department of Natural Resources crews stocked 3,450 trout into the Savage River Reservoir.
Dec 27, 2019
The weather today will be a chance of showers, mainly before 1pm. Cloudy, with a high near 51 and a low around 40. West wind around 9 mph. Saturday will be partly sunny with a high near 52 and a low around 42. Sunday will be showers mainly after 1pm. High near 53 and a low around 46.
This was a special sunset at Deep Creek Lake, MD shared by Jenn Sherman:
Wisp Resort has an app! Download at: https://www.wispresort.com/wisp-app/
HART for Animals has two positions available as Kennel Assistants at the Bed ‘n Bark Inn pet hotel. Kennel assistants work with several important aspects such as animal care and treatment, customer service, and pet hotel cleanliness. Weekend and holiday hours are required and must be able to lift 50 lbs.
Taylor-Made Deep Creek Vacations and Sales has two new pages on Deep Creek Times — take a look at the TM real estate and TM rentals pages and share them with your friends and family! They still have a few home rentals available for New Year’s, too — call 301-387-5999.
Double Oak Farms is having a huge sale! Hamburger Patties on Sale from $5.99/lb to $4.75/lb while supplies last. They also have Brisket, Sirloin Steak, Cube Steak, Roasts, Ground Beef, Stew Meat, Soup Bones, Short Ribs, Baby Back Ribs, etc. Open Saturday from 9am to 6pm. Visit or send Megan and Josh a message.
AccuWeather is currently reporting that we may see some snow flurries in the forecast for New Year’s Eve.
What do you have planned?
Dec 26, 2019
The weather today will be mostly sunny with a high near 55 and a low around 40.
The days have been warmer but the evenings have been perfect for this (thanks to Jennelle Cyr for sharing her view!)
It’s a quiet day today – I think every one must be enjoying a little downtime.
Dec 25, 2019
Dec 24, 2019
The weather today will be sunny with a high near 47 and a low around 28.
Tomorrow, Christmas Day, will be mostly sunny with a high near 51 and a low around 37.
We had a gorgeous sunset last evening — Mike Tilley sent this one into us:
There are still TWO more opportunities to meet up with the big man himself today. One will be at Taylor-Made Deep Creek Vacations and Sales from 10am to 12pm and one at Wisp Resort from 1pm to 4pm. Both events are free for the community but bring your cameras!
With the holidays in full swing, check out all of the events and entertainment around town.
Quick fun: Remember to make your guess and enter your name to win in December’s “Where Am I?” contest. We are looking for the simple name for the “structure” seen through the trees….
We celebrate the Christmas Holiday here at DCT so we wish you and your family the very best; it’s such a special time of year! We will talk to you on Thursday!
Dec 23, 2019
After a sunny and warmer Sunday, the weather for today will be mostly sunny with a high near 51 and a low around 29.
Thanks to Beka Beka for sharing this neat pic with us:
I (actually, I mean Santa) went to Cashmere & Company and got some nice presents for my wife. Not an advertiser, but a nice new establishment at “The Fort” in McHenry, worthy of mention here. Nice women’s clothes at a good price point. Owner Marcia Warnick has done a nice job of merchandising her new store, which is open today “all day” and Tuesday until 2:00 pm. Check ’em out.
Speaking of shopping (and dining), please visit all of our great advertisers for your holiday and year-round needs. Their support helps Deep Creek Times continue to bring you the latest lake-area news and events. Here’s the link to our Deep Creek area guide and be sure to check out our specific area dining, shopping, and lodging guides as well. Please tell them Deep Creek Times sent you!
Have you heard of plogging? We can all try it — it’s picking up litter while jogging. And, you don’t have to be a great runner to try. There are groups that have been formed for just such an activity — I don’t know if there is a local group formed yet but let me know if you start the Deep Creek Plogging group!
The Deep Creek Watershed Foundation asked us to wish all a “Happy Holidays” and sends a big “Thank You” to everyone that donated so far this year. This organization does a great job helping us better understand and protect the Deep Creek Lake watershed and deserves our support. You can learn more and also can still make a 2019 donation very easily on their website. They truly deserve our support.
Dec 20, 2019
The Garrett County Chamber of Commerce has announced its 2020 Legislative Agenda which includes a focus on business climate, tourism, economic & community development, education, healthcare and infrastructure.
The issues included in the Chamber’s agenda are those items that the Garrett County Chamber believes could have the biggest impact through legislative action.
The top legislative priorities for the Chamber in 2020 are:
- Support Small Business Participation in Association Health Plans
- Oppose Mandated Increases of Local Share Funding of Education
- Support $1 Million Appropriation for Deep Creek Lake Dredging
- Oppose Unnecessary Workplace Regulations Such as Predictive Scheduling & FMLA Insurance Fund
- Support Additional $2 Million Annual Allocation for State Lakes Protection & Restoration Fund
“The Chamber’s Legislative Affairs Committee spends several months discussing what issues to include in the agenda and which ones to make our top priorities,” said Steve Green, Legislative Affairs Committee chair. “With only one Senator and one Delegate representing Garrett County in the Legislature, it is important that we are vocal about our priorities and that we are aggressive with our advocacy efforts in order to make an impact. Additionally, we have new leadership in both Chambers that may not be as familiar with Garrett County and our priorities as past leaders.”
“Our Committee and Board of Directors do a fantastic job developing a legislative agenda that helps to focus the efforts of our lobbyist, Dennis Rasmussen, and provides a guide of legislation for which to watch,” said Nicole Christian, Chamber President & CEO. “The legislature will consider more than 2,000 pieces of legislation and our local businesses do not have time to review every bill. The Chamber will track legislation and provide periodic updates on bills and hearings throughout the session via our General Assembly Update electronic newsletter. We will advocate for bills that positively impact Garrett County and oppose those that do not.”
This year, it is expected that a focal area of the General Assembly will be the Kirwan Commission’s recommendations. However, the Chamber also anticipates the return of some anti-business legislation that has been discussed in the past, and both topics could have significant negative impacts on businesses in Garrett County.
“It will be extremely important for Garrett County to be visible and be heard in Annapolis this session,” said Christian. “I commend those that get involved in the legislative process by contacting their Senator and Delegate, travelling to Annapolis to testify at hearings or submitting written testimony. It is so important for legislators to receive input from those directly impacted by the policy being made.”
To view the full Garrett County Chamber of Commerce 2020 Legislative Agenda and the 2020 Session dates, please log onto visitdeepcreek.com/pages/Legislative. The 441st session of the General Assembly convenes on January 8, 2020 and is scheduled to adjourn April 6. For more information on the Maryland General Assembly, visit mgaleg.maryland.gov.
Dec 20, 2019
The weather today will be sunny with a high near 34 and a low around 23. Tomorrow will be mostly sunny with a high near 40 and a low around 26. Sunday, more of the same; mostly sunny with a high near 43 and a low around 28.
Here’s a photo my dad, Larry, captured this morning:
Check out the wDCT.live page later today to see a drone video from yesterday (I don’t want to delay the publishing of the notes). It was quite the sight; ice was sparkling everywhere!
Don’t forget 25% off Ty characters at the Loar Auxiliary Gift Shop 10 Days of Christmas Sale. TODAY.
It’s a Caroling Elvis Tour collecting Toys for Tots from 5:00 – 11:00pm tonight. Here’s the map:
There’s still time to get your photo with Santa!
Mt. Fresh Winter Farmers Market is from 11:00am – 1:00pm tomorrow. In the Community Action Building Conference Room with fresh produce, winter storage veggies, baked goods, meats, eggs, jams & jellies, baked goods, crafts, and more!
The Oakland Express at the B&O Museum is tomorrow from 5:30pm – 7:30pm. It’s an event for children ages 4-9. Crafts, Snacks, and Santa! Reservations are required – (301) 334-2691
The Garrett County Chamber of Commerce has announced its 2020 Legislative priorities:
- Support Small Business Participation in Association Health Plans
- Oppose Mandated Increases of Local Share Funding of Education
- Support $1 Million Appropriation for Deep Creek Lake Dredging
- Oppose Unnecessary Workplace Regulations Such as Predictive Scheduling & FMLA Insurance Fund
- Support Additional $2 Million Annual Allocation for State Lakes Protection & Restoration Fund
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources invites everyone to join a First Day Hike, Maryland’s annual tradition for a fun, healthy kickoff to the New Year.
Dec 19, 2019
The weather today will be sunny! A high near 22. Wind chill values as low as zero and a low around 21.
Mike took these before and after photos from his place in Swanton. The ice really weighed the trees down!
Also, Mary Freese (top photo) and June McClosky (bottom photo) captured the sunrise through the ice yesterday morning:
Today is Coffee, Books & More… at the Accident Ruth Enlow Library from 1:30 – 2:30pm. Relax with your fellow book lovers at the Accident Branch Library on the third Thursday of each month and you just may discover a new favorite author!
Cheer for the HomeTown! It’s HomeTown Night at The Manor Steakhouse – enjoy a 10% discount on all dinner menu from 5 – 9pm.
This looks fun: Ornament Painting at MoonShadow from 6 – 8pm. $20 per person plus happy hour drink and food specials!
If you’re a First United customer, you can use Bill Pay for a chance to win $5,000 in the Merry Money Sweepstakes! Until Dec. 31, 2019, you can earn up to 10 entries! Contact your local branch for more info.
Governor Hogan Proclaims 2020 “Year of the Woman” in Maryland as the state prepares to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th amendment, which gave women the right to vote.
The Loar Auxiliary Gift Shop continues their Ten Days of Christmas Sale — TOMORROW will feature 25% off Frozen 2 Ty characters, Sven, Olaf, Princess Anna and Elsa.
Dec 18, 2019
The weather today will be snow showers likely, mainly after 1pm. Cloudy, with a high near 20 with wind chill values as low as zero. Breezy, with a west wind 18 to 22 mph, with gusts as high as 37 mph. Tonight will be a low around 12 with wind chill values as low as -3. New snow accumulation of less than an inch possible.
This is Deep Creek. From Allegheny Mountains Weather on Facebook:
The St. Peter “Senior Moments” group will be meeting at Ace’s Run Wednesday, December 18th, at 1pm for their Christmas ATTIRE Gathering. All are welcome but make your decision based on how you feel about driving!
Be “A Problem Finder!” at the Oakland Ruth Enlow Library today from 6:00-7:00pm. “Learn to pinpoint the root causes of issues in your life, and how to take the steps you need to fix them from speaker Jerry Frigaard!”
Or, if music is your style, attend the Acoustic Rock Jam at MoonShadow from 7:00pm-9:00pm. Bring your instrument and join in on the open jam!
Team Trivia at the Greene Turtle also happens tonight from 7:00pm-9:00pm. Team Trivia allows you and any amount of players on your team to compete and test your knowledge for some Greene Turtle prizes. It’s a six round game of trivia broken up by a halftime and final question for a total of twenty questions.
The Garrett County Board of Education voted to accept the Strategic Facilities Report (with recommendations of over $50 million in expenditures) at the Board’s most recent public meeting.
Here’s something interesting to read: December 2019 DNR Newsletter.
Late Resident Goose Hunt will take place Dec. 16–Mar. 10 with a bag limit of 5 per day (possession limit of 15). Scroll down this DNR page to see specific Garrett County bag limits and timing.
Dec 17, 2019
The weather today will be rain before 1pm, then snow likely. Temperature falling to around 30 by 4pm; overnight low of 21. Total daytime snow accumulation of less than a half-inch possible; overnight snow accumulation of less than a half-inch possible.
There are many power outages this morning — reported by First Energy:
Accident: 221 of 1,279
Bittinger: 62 of 63
Bloomington: <5 of 152
Deer Park: 173 of 449
Friendsville: 9 of 746
Grantsville: 644 of 2,332
Kitzmiller: 268 of 332
McHenry: 1,110 of 2,911
Oakland: 3,110 of 8,178
Swanton: 2,378 of 2,846
Kitzmiller Fire Department shared photos of their work last night:
Garrett County Public Schools and Garrett College are both closed today. We have seen that several businesses are without power, so check before you venture out today.
The Maryland Sport Fisheries Achievement Award will recognize an individual who has provided sustained efforts in habitat management, conservation, education, research, or other meaningful contributions that benefit fish and recreational fishing in Maryland. Read more.
Judy Center Early Learning Hubs celebrate.
The Maryland Insurance Administration wants to hear from you — the University of Baltimore is conducting a survey of Maryland residents who live in low-income, rural, or medically underserved areas in Maryland. The survey explores why some individuals don’t buy health insurance and why some other individuals who have health insurance don’t use their benefits.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced that hunters reported 8,061 deer taken on the opening day of the 2019 Maryland firearm season, Nov. 30. This represents a 29% increase over last year’s Saturday opener. The overall weekend harvest of 9,201 was down 9% from 2018 due to nearly non-stop rain and wind across the state on Sunday. The harvest total includes 4,248 antlered and 4,953 antlerless deer, including 147 antlered and 126 antlerless sika deer. The two-week deer firearm season runs through Dec. 14.
Stay safe and warm out there!
Dec 16, 2019
The weather today will be snow and freezing rain before 11am, then freezing rain likely between 11am and 1pm, then rain after 1pm. High near 33 and a low around 32. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. Total daytime ice accumulation of less than a 0.1 of an inch possible. Total daytime snow accumulation of less than one inch possible. New ice accumulation, overnight, of less than 0.1 of an inch possible.
WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 AM EST TUESDAY
The Deep Creek Lake Community Office of First United Bank & Trust is teaming up with the Garrett County Animal Shelter! Drop off your pet supply and monetary donations now through December 30. Most needed items are below but all donations are welcome and appreciated!
Dog & Puppy/Cat & Kitten Food – Dry and canine Cat Litter – Pellet and Clay
Blankets, towels and sheets
Dog & Cat Treats – Soft & Crunchy
This week the Loar Auxiliary Gift Shop will be continuing their Ten Days of Christmas Sale. Each day a different gift item will be on sale for 25% off. Items include purses, Santa and Snowman motif items. All Jewelry will be 25%, including Ginger Snaps. They will also be placing all Christmas Decor such as wind chimes and ornaments on sale for 25% off this week. On Friday they will be featuring 25% off Frozen 2 Ty characters, Sven, Olaf, Princess Anna and Elsa.
Does Alcohol Use Affect People Who Don’t Drink? by the Garrett County Health Department.
The Gift of Trees is a program where Marylanders purchase native trees — either a single tree or a grove of 10 trees — for planting in a public place to honor a celebration, commemoration, or observation. Orders must be placed by Dec. 17 to ensure delivery of a Gift of Trees certificate in time for the holidays. Read more.
The Mountain Maryland Gateway to the West Heritage Area was recently awarded $100,000.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources will host an online information session from noon to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 18 to solicit public input regarding the development of a work plan for the second phase of the State Lakes Protection and Restoration Fund. The fund is providing $1 million annually for three years to protect and restore 16 state-owned lakes throughout Maryland.
The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) has developed a winter-themed infographic to help homeowners keep everyone in the family, including family pets, safe during the winter months.
Dec 16, 2019
Alcohol is a part of society in many ways: festivals, sporting events, weddings, backyard barbecues, concerts… For many Americans, drinking is a normal part of spending time with friends or family. There’s nothing to worry about, right? As long as it doesn’t get in the way of normal life, and they always make plans to be safe when drinking, and they don’t have any health problems from it? Well, maybe not. The more you know about the problems connected to alcohol use, the more you begin to understand the burden of alcohol on society, regardless of whether you drink alcohol or not.
Take drunk driving, for example. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, among children 14 years old and and younger who were killed in motor vehicle crashes, almost one-fifth (19%) were killed in drunk-driving crashes. In addition to the human toll drunk driving takes on our country, the financial impact is severe: based on 2010 numbers (the most recent year for which cost data is available), drunk-driving crashes cost the U.S. $44 billion annually.
Another example of how alcohol misuse can affect non-drinkers occurs in the workplace. According to the National Safety Council, “Employees with an alcohol use disorder miss on average 34% more days than other workers and are more likely to experience workplace injury.” Non-drinking employees may be called on to work shifts left vacant by problem drinkers or may have to absorb the work of the absent workers.
About half of all sexual assaults on college campuses involve alcohol. (drugabuse.gov/sites/default/files/sexualassault.pdf) And, 69% involve alcohol use by the abuser. While alcohol use does not cause sexual assault, it can be a major contributing factor.
According to the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, the following are some additional ways problem drinking affects non-drinkers who may include family members, employers, colleagues, fellow students, and others:
- Neglect of important duties: Alcohol reduces a person’s mental and physical functions and this, at some point, will likely result in neglecting responsibilities at work, home, and/or school.
- Needing time to nurse hangovers: Alcohol has various short-term side effects, such as hangovers. The physical state of a hangover may be temporary, but it can definitely disrupt a person’s ability to keep commitments.
- Encountering legal problems: Drinking can increase the likelihood of getting into fights, being disorderly in public, driving under the influence, and becoming involved in domestic disputes or violence.
Prevention education and treatment services are available at the Garrett County Health Department for individuals struggling with alcohol use disorders. For prevention services, or to become involved in the Drug-Free Communities Coalition Action Team, call 301-334-7730 or 301-895-3111. For behavioral health treatment, call 301-334-7680 or 301-895-3111.