Apr 22, 2021
The Garrett County Health Department is accepting walk-ins for COVID-19 vaccinations on Thursday morning, April 22, at the MEDCO Building in the McHenry Business Park. Walk-ins will be accepted from 10:15 to 11:45 a.m. Appointments that are already scheduled during the morning remain unchanged.
Links to schedule vaccine appointments for upcoming clinics are posted on garretthealth.org for anyone age 18 and older. Persons who need help with scheduling an appointment may call the Health Department at 301-334-7698 for assistance.
Watch for announcements coming soon about additional clinics scheduled in various locations around the county.
Apr 21, 2021
The weather today will be cloudy with rain and snow showers likely. The temperature falling to around 33 by 10am; low overnight of 25. West wind 13 to 17 mph, with gusts as high as 32 mph. The chance of precipitation is 70% and total daytime snow accumulation of less than a half-inch possible.
For 22 years, the American Lung Association has analyzed data from official air quality monitors to compile the State of the Air report.
More trout have been stocked in Garrett County.
- Accident Pond: 750 golden and rainbow trout
- Deep Creek Lake: 1,500 golden and rainbow trout
- Herrington Lake: 1,500 golden and rainbow trout
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources was awarded a Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) State Highway Administration Federal Aid Grant to supplement funding to restore the Casselman River Bridge.
I received an alert that Shamoyia Gardiner is the new leader of the statewide advocacy group Strong Schools Maryland. In reading their website, I found this summary document related to the 2020 passage and 2021 veto override of the Blueprint for Marylands Future. This law creates the funding formula to implement the statewide Kirwan Commission Recommendations.
Talking about legislation, SB 66 (HB 97) Digital Connectivity Act was recently approved — this creates a Statewide Office of Broadband to ensure that every resident of the State is supported by high-quality, affordable broadband Internet service and has the tools necessary to take advantage of the Internet.
A skiff (I think that’s an Appalachian term) of snow has arrived this morning:
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Apr 21, 2021
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources was awarded a Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) State Highway Administration Federal Aid Grant to supplement funding to restore the Casselman River Bridge. These additional funds will help the department to fulfill one of its mission statement objectives, which is to preserve the state’s historic resources.
This project will consist of the restoration and repair to the bridge structure, wall repairs, stone removal and repair, repointing and pinning of the abutments/spandrels and barrel, epoxy injection of cracks in barrel stones, and repairs to a major portion of the roadway decking. The repairs are necessary to prevent failure of the bridge. The project’s limit of disturbance will be restricted to the area around the bridge and below the abutment slopes to prevent sediment and erosion into the stream. The picnic area will not be impacted by this project. However, access onto the bridge will be closed off during construction so that the decking can be repaired.
Apr 20, 2021
The weather today will be mostly sunny with a high near 62 and a low around 41. West wind 5 to 11 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph. Scattered showers before midnight, then scattered showers after 4am.
There is snow in the forecast for Wednesday morning.
There are several items listed in our online marketplace: A sailboat price is newly reduced and there is a new paddleboard and a large backyard trampoline for sale.
Trout stocking is continuing in Garrett County. Bear Creek had 3,000 golden and rainbow trout stocked and Casselman River (Delayed Harvest) had 2,500 rainbow trout stocked.
Make your guess in the April “Where Am I?” contest! Correct answers will be entered to win a $25 Ace’s Run gift card.
Garrett County Government has secured grant funds from the Maryland Economic Development Assistance Authority and Fund (MEDAAF) to provide grants to businesses that have incurred expenses to establish or expand online sales and/or telework assistance during COVID-19 (after March 1, 2020).
Also, Garrett County Government has secured grant funds from the Maryland Department of Commerce to be used to provide grants to certain food and beverage providers.
Here’s a photo from yesterday by Gena Sweeney. Just spectacular!!
Apr 19, 2021
The weather today will be mostly sunny with a high near 58 and a low around 41. Light southwest wind becoming west 5 to 10 mph in the morning.
The Garrett County Judy Center is holding a Family Fun Picnic on April 29 for Garrett County residents with children ages Birth-Kindergarten. ALL SPOTS ARE FILLED but here is the waiting list link: https://forms.gle/LKZWJNvBRvMCytvV6
SAVE THE DATE! The annual National Road Yard Sale will be held May 22.
The Garrett College Wrestlers that are headed to NJCAA Wrestling National Championship in Council Bluff, IA April 21-22, 2021 are: Brandan Myers – 125lb, Esdras Castillo – 133lb, Brady Villa – 141lb, Trey Weinell -149lb, Noah Korenoski -157lb, Justice Hefley – 165lb, Nickolas Kelbaugh – 174lb, Declan McCann – 184lb, Loic Tueguo – 197lb and Damon Lemin – 285lb. See the 2021 NJCAA Wrestling Championship Brackets here.
The Garrett College Men’s Basketball Team is headed to Danville, IL for NJCAA DIV II National Men’s Basketball Tournament. Lakers will face Dallas (TX) College- Richland Tuesday, April 20th at 10am in the first round of the tournament.
GO LAKERS!
Garrett County Public Schools selected Ms. Lindsay Krishner as the 2021-2022 Teacher of the Year.
Northern Garrett High School will be presenting “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare Abridged” from April 22-24, 2021, at 6:00 PM, in the Northern High School back parking lot. This is a hilarious interactive comedy making fun of Shakespeare’s entire body of work by donation only.
Creative COVID Fundraising Strategies will be offered on April 21 @ 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm.
Apr 19, 2021
Ms. Lindsay Krisher, Computer Science teacher at Southern Garrett High School, has been named the 2021-2022 Teacher of the Year.
Ms. Krisher began her career with Garrett County Schools in 2015. She serves Southern Garrett High School as a department head and a member of the school improvement team. She is also a mentor for FIRST Robotics Team 1629, FIRST Tech Challenge Team 12134 and FIRST Lego League Team 17899.
Ms. Krisher is a dedicated teacher who is passionate about diversifying the field of computer science. She earned a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Frostburg State University and a Bachelor’s degree in Education from Clarion University. Her computer science program is the 3-time recipient of the College Board Female Diversity Award. Ms. Krisher made significant contributions to the launch of the AP Computer Science Principles course and exam through her work with the College Board.
In addition to her teaching career, Ms. Krisher serves her community as a foster/adoptive mother and advocate for vulnerable children. Ms. Krisher describes her vision for education as one in which she will “foster strong relationships with my students that will encourage open minds and create a culture of innovation and inquiry, which will give students the confidence to see that they have the power to meet the challenges of their generation.”
Shown L-R: Mr. Paul Edwards, Director of Secondary Education, Mr. Steve Skipper, SGHS Assistant Principal, Ms. Barbara Baker, Superintendent, Ms. Lindsay Krisher, Teacher of the Year, Mr. Ryan Wolf, SGHS Principal, Ms. Karen DeVore, Executive Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Administration, and Dr. Nicole Miller, Director of Elementary Education
Apr 16, 2021
The weather today will be a chance of rain and snow showers before 11am, then a chance of rain showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 46 and a low around 34. West wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. Saturday will be mostly cloudy, with a slight chance of showers; a high near 52 and a low around 36. Calm wind becoming west 5 to 9 mph in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 20%. Sunday will be partly sunny with a chance of showers after 2pm. A high near 53 and a low of 36.
The Kennedy Center is streaming their 2016 production of The Marriage of Figaro through April 21! This is a story about one happy couple that just wants to get married and one unhappy couple that’s already married…and not doing so well. Watch now.
The Allegany Arts Council’s 7th Annual Allegany National Photography Competition and Exhibition is happening through April 24.
Garrett County is “pausing” the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine distribution per CDC recommendations.
There is a Blood Drive today from 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm at the Southern Garrett County Rescue Squad.
Penn Alps Restaurant and Craft Shop is having their all-you-can-eat Friday buffet today from 11-7 for $17.99!
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is considering several fishing regulatory ideas and proposals. The department is making the public aware of the issues and would like public feedback on these topics.
Shop local artists and enjoy a spring day with live music at the Cornucopia Cafe’s Spring Fling event tomorrow from 10am-4pm.
Grace from Lebanese Taverna has reopened the ordering for Deep Creek delivery tomorrow! Place your order by 5pm today.
Apr 16, 2021
Federal health agencies have called for a pause in the use of the Johnson & Johnson (Janssen) COVID-19 vaccine effective Tuesday, April 13, to investigate rare reports of blood clots occurring within approximately two weeks of vaccination.
So far, six cases of serious blood clots have been reported among the 6.8 million people who have received the J&J vaccine, so it is a rare occurrence but still warrants further study. The investigation will analyze whether these events have occurred at a rate higher than would be expected in the general population who did not receive the J&J vaccine. The vaccine effectively protects against COVID-19, a virus that has resulted in the deaths of over 500,000 people in the USA alone.
Persons who are scheduled to receive a Johnson & Johnson vaccine at a Garrett County Health Department clinic this week will be contacted by the Health Department before their scheduled time. Participants can choose to cancel their appointment, or to keep their appointment and receive the Moderna vaccine instead.
“We will not cancel appointments for next week in hopes that the CDC and the Food and Drug Administration are able to evaluate the risk and offer clear guidance moving forward,” said Garrett County Health Officer Bob Stephens. “Persons who have received the vaccine or who are hesitant to receive a vaccine can take comfort in the fact that the decision to ‘pause’ was based on six adverse reactions out of 6.8 million vaccines given.”
“We will continue to monitor the situation and cancel or reschedule appointments as needed,” Stephens added. The Moderna COVID-19 vaccination clinics will continue as planned. To schedule an appointment for the next available clinic, go to the Health Department website, www.garretthealth.org, or call the COVID-19 Hotline at 301-334-7698 for assistance.
People who have received the J&J vaccine who develop severe headache, abdominal pain, leg pain, or shortness of breath within three weeks after vaccination should contact their health care provider.
Apr 15, 2021
The weather today will be cloudy — a chance of showers — with a high near 47 and a low around 34. A chance of rain showers before 11pm, then rain and snow showers likely. West wind 7 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 29 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. Little or no snow accumulation expected.
The nearby Chesapeake and Ohio (C&O) Canal Towpath was recently named one of the “10 Best Recreational Trails” by USA Today. The towpath runs for 184.5 miles along the historic C&O Canal, once used by canal mules to tow boats along the waterway. This dirt and stone path makes it possible to walk, run, or bike between Georgetown and Cumberland, Maryland.
Here’s a virtual contest for students to help celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the C&O Canal National Historical Park: Winning projects will receive a scholarship from the park’s non-profit partner, the C&O Canal Trust. The Elementary/Intermediate Contest is open to all Grade 3-5 Classrooms. The Middle/High School Contest is open to all Grade 6-12 Students.
Learn about the Maryland 4-H Youth Development Program: 4-H provides a supportive and inclusive setting for all youth to reach their fullest potential in a diverse society and youth will learn beneficial and cognitive life skills. Garrett County 4-H clubs are located throughout the county and designed for youth ages 8-18 as well as Cloverbuds ages 5-7.
Are ya catchin’ anything? Anglers at Deep Creek Lake will see the walleye season open on April 16, with a daily limit of 5 fish per day. Many will be trolling Rapala type lures along deep rocky and grass edges. Drifting minnows down deep is also another popular way to fish for walleyes, with an added chance for large yellow perch and smallmouth bass. Floating docks are becoming more numerous each week and they provide great cover for largemouth bass to lurk in the shade…
Christopher Marwood sent us this sunset at Deep Creek Lake, MD:
Maryland Lt. Gov. Boyd K. Rutherford has ruled out a run for governor. Kelly Schulz, the state’s commerce secretary, however, announces she will run for governor in 2022.
Place your order with Lebanese Taverna this week! I know I am getting baklava… yummm…. Orders close at 5pm today and DELIVERY will be to Deep Creek on Saturday.
Apr 14, 2021
The weather today will be showers likely, mainly between 8am and 2pm. Increasing clouds, with a high near 56 and a low around 40. Southwest wind 3 to 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.
From the Garrett County Health Department; COVID-19 vaccination appointments are currently being scheduled for individuals in Phase 1 (including individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities), Phase 2, and Phase 3. Garrett County residents who are 18 and older are now eligible at Health Department COVID-19 vaccination clinics. Other sites that have the Pfizer vaccine may be able to vaccinate 16 and 17-year-olds.
The Garrett County Health Department’s COVID-19 vaccine equity plan is 11 pages and discusses significant challenges with the vaccine in Western Maryland. “Garrett County is geographically separated … [and] there is no public transportation to reach that site,” the plan states. “The entire county (614 square miles) has been designated a Medically Underserved Area … [and] has a “low income” designation.”
“The median household income is $52,617 compared to $84,805 in Maryland. The population density is 41 persons per square mile as compared to 594 for the State of Maryland.”
This tool can be used to see all Maryland vaccination sites.
The raffle by Maryland Public Television (MPT) is drawing to an end: purchase your tickets before 4pm on April 15 for a chance to win $10,000! Those who purchase 2 or more tickets will receive a one-year MPT membership, including access to MPT Passport for an on-demand library of public TV programming.
The Maryland State Parks annual State Parks and Trails Passport grants unlimited day-use admission and boat launching at state parks, and a 10 percent discount on state-operated concessions and boat rentals. The pass is $75 for Marylanders and $100 for out-of-state visitors.
This lovely photo was shared by Michelle Duez. WOW!
The Western Maryland Food Council’s virtual conference was recently held and three western Marylanders engaged in a follow-up session to discuss their roles in regional food accessibility. Charles DeBerry, president of Garrett Growers Cooperative, spoke about the co-op’s 11 member organization, established in 2010. “We try to make buying local food as easy as possible,” DeBerry said.
Apr 13, 2021
The weather today will be patchy fog before 9 am, otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a high near 61 and a low around 43. West wind 5 to 9 mph.
Garrett County Public Works will continue flushing fire hydrants on the Mt. Lake Park and Loch Lynn water systems from April 12th through April 23rd, weekdays between the hours of 7am and 3pm. Please check your cold water for discoloration before doing laundry or dishes and allow the cold water to run until clear if discolored.
Lebanese Taverna will be making a Deep Creek DELIVERY! Pick-up will be at 3:30 pm on Saturday, April 17 in McHenry.
West Virginia officials unveiled a new program on Monday to attract outdoor enthusiasts with remote jobs to the state; starting with the nearby City of Morgantown. After moving to the state, participants in the Ascend WV program will receive a package valued at over $20,000. The package includes a no-strings attached $12,000, outdoor recreation, coworking space and social events.
April 5th through 11th was National Public Health Week — a special “thank you” goes out to the public health practitioners protecting and improving the health of everyone in our community.
April is also Flood Safety Awareness Month. More details can be found on page 48 of the Garrett County Hazard Mitigation Plan.
Did you know? In 2020, the median price per square foot in Maryland increased by 5.93% in 2020 to $175.58 per square foot? According to Inspection Support Network, Maryland has the 16th most expensive homes per square foot. As always, we did not confirm the methodology for collecting this data but we thought it was interesting. Locally, and despite the significant increase in price, there has been a limited inventory available for purchase in Garrett County.
Apr 12, 2021
By Diane Lee, Public Information Officer, Garrett County Health Department
Over the past year public health has been in the news as workers first tried to slow the spread of COVID-19 across the nation, and then rolled out vaccines to protect the nation’s most vulnerable groups. National Public Health Week, April 5-11, 2021, is a good time to highlight the importance of Public Health in protecting and improving the health of everyone in the community.
National Public Health Week is celebrating its 26th anniversary. This year the American Public Health Association (APHA), the organization that sponsors the yearly celebration, is focusing on how to strengthen and support the very foundation of the nation’s health and communities.
“By working together, we can achieve health equity and, eventually become the healthiest nation,” their website states. “We need your help to get there. We don’t need to get back to where we were – we need to create connections and listen to community leaders who will help us build a strong society that prioritizes health for everyone.”
The year 2020 was challenging for everyone, including those in public health.
“The COVID-19 pandemic taxed the planet like never before,” said Georges C. Benjamin, MD, Executive Director of APHA. “However, public health practitioners were up to the challenge, and we now see the light at the end of the tunnel. National leadership, trusted research and a focus on sound public health and prevention principles have put us on a pathway to ending the pandemic and returning our nation to economic prosperity. Now we need to do the work to build, once and for all, the public health capacity that all Americans deserve.”
The Garrett County Health Department is the recognized Public Health agency in Garrett County. In addition to providing COVID-19 testing and vaccinations, the Garrett County Health Department provides programs and support for many aspects of health for the citizens of Garrett County.
The Health Department’s website, garretthealth.org, lists the many services available through their numerous programs. Some of the services include Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Programs; Early Care Programs for children and their families; Prevention Programs; Home Health Services; Personal Health Services; Dental Care; and Environmental Health Services. For more information about services at the Health Department, visit garretthealth.org, or call 301-334-7730.
Apr 12, 2021
The Garrett County Health Department is interested in hearing from persons who have a medical background and may be able to commit to assisting the Health Department in their vaccination efforts. As vaccine supplies increase, additional vaccinators may be hired as temporary contract employees.
“If you have a healthcare background and would be available to help vaccinate individuals for COVID-19, please contact us,” said Garrett County Health Officer Bob Stephens. “We are interested in speaking with current or retired nurses, paramedics, EMTs, physicians, pharmacists, nurse practitioners, dentists, etc. who have a desire and the time to assist us with our vaccination efforts.”
Anyone interested in discussing the possibilities of helping with the community vaccination program should call the Health Department at 301-334-7700.
Just over 30% of Garrett County residents have received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine. The current 7-day positivity rate for the county is 3.5%, with a case rate of 5.91 per 100,000. The total number of positive cases is 1,918 and a total of 61 deaths are attributed to COVID-19 and its complications.
Any Garrett County resident interested in receiving the COVID-19 vaccination should visit garretthealth.org and fill out the Garrett County COVID-19 Vaccination Interest Form. For those unable to access the interest form, call 301-334-7698 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for assistance. The form may be filled out by any Garrett County resident.
Currently, the Health Department is conducting free COVID-19 testing for persons with or without symptoms:
- On Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the MEDCO Building in the McHenry Business Park. Pre-registration is recommended. Visit garretthealth.org for more information.
- On Monday through Friday by appointment only at the Garrett County Health Department in Oakland. Schedule an appointment by calling 301-334-7697.
For COVID-19 related questions, or to report a COVID-19 compliance issue, call the local COVID-19 Hotline number at 301-334-7698.
Apr 12, 2021
The weather today will be cloudy with a high near 53 and a low around 43. A chance of showers. West wind 8 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. The chance of precipitation is 50%.
The Friendsville Days Committee is hosting a Poster Contest. Your poster must be/include:
● 22” by 28”
● Theme of RIVER WILD
● Name(Friendsville Days) year (2021)
● 40th anniversary
● Prefer use of color pencils
● Your name, and grade on the back of the poster
● Contact info on an attached paper( a way for us to contact 1st, 2nd & 3rd place
winners)
The Highland Thrift Shop is asking requesting Shop n Save bags for their bag sale (as these bags don’t split) and/or egg cartons (for the farmers). They are open 10 to 4 today and the sale this week is 75% off of books, records, VHS tapes, and audiotapes.
Dans Mountain State Park is now accepting applications for lifeguards. These are full-time or part-time, seasonal positions. Candidates must apply by April 20 at JobAps.com/md.
If you have a healthcare background and would be available to help vaccinate individuals for COVID-19, please contact us,” said Garrett County Health Officer Bob Stephens. “We are interested in speaking with current or retired nurses, paramedics, EMTs, physicians, pharmacists, nurse practitioners, dentists, etc. who have a desire and the time to assist us with our vaccination efforts.” Anyone interested in discussing the possibilities of helping with the community vaccination program should call the Health Department at 301-334-7700.
The American Red Cross and the Garrett County Health Department will host a blood drive on Friday, April 16, from 12 to 5 p.m. at the Southern Garrett County Rescue Squad at 200 Baltimore Avenue, Oakland, MD.
Apr 12, 2021
The American Red Cross and the Garrett County Health Department will host a blood drive on Friday, April 16, from 12 to 5 p.m. at the Southern Garrett County Rescue Squad at 200 Baltimore Avenue, Oakland, MD.
“The need for a supply of blood is constant,” said Landon Custer, AmeriCorps Volunteer at the Garrett County Health Department. “Someone across the nation needs a unit of blood every 2 to 3 seconds, and most of us will need blood sometime in our lifetime.”
The American Red Cross is testing all blood, platelet and plasma donations for COVID-19 antibodies. As part of that effort, plasma from whole blood donations that test positive for COVID-19 antibodies may now help current coronavirus patients in need of convalescent plasma transfusions.
The Red Cross is following FDA blood donation eligibility guidance for those who receive a COVID-19 vaccination, and deferral times may vary depending on the type of vaccine an individual receives. If you’ve received a COVID-19 vaccine, you’ll need to provide the manufacturer name when you come to donate. Upon vaccination, you should receive a card or printout indicating what COVID-19 vaccine was received, and we encourage you to bring that card with you to your next donation. In most cases, there is no deferral time for individuals who received a COVID-19 vaccine as long as they are symptom free and feeling well at the time of donation.
To donate blood, a person must be healthy, weigh at least 110 pounds, be at least 17 years old, (or 16 years old with parental consent form), and have not donated blood in the last 56 days.
Remember that using RAPIDPASS can save you up to 15 minutes.
Using RAPIDPASS is simple. On the day of the blood drive just:
- Visit www.redcrossblood.org/RapidPass
- Read the information
- Answer the questions
- Print the pass and bring along or email the pass to yourself and show on your smart phone
To schedule an appointment call Venessa at 301-334-7730 or 301-895-3111, or visit redcrossblood.org.