Deep Creek Lake MD News and Local Resources: Daily Notes

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!

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.

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:

1. Support Small Business Participation in Association Health Plans
2. Oppose Mandated Increases of Local Share Funding of Education
3. Support $1 Million Appropriation for Deep Creek Lake Dredging
4. Oppose Unnecessary Workplace Regulations Such as Predictive Scheduling & FMLA Insurance Fund
5. 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.

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!

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.

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.

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!

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 weather today will be rain or freezing rain before noon, then a chance of rain. High near 37 and a low around 34.

Saturday will be rain before 2pm, then rain and snow. High near 40 and a low around 29. South wind 5 to 10 mph becoming west 12 to 17 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 28 mph. New snow accumulation of less than a half-inch possible.

Sunday will be snow showers mainly before 7am. High near 32 and a low around 24. West wind 14 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.

By authority of Maryland State Police McHenry Barrack, and Maryland State Highway Administration, the Snow Emergency Plan is In Effect for Garrett County, Effective 0900 hours, Friday, December 13, 2019.

The following State Highways in Garrett County have been designated Snow Emergency Routes:

Interstate 68                    Maryland Route 38                   Maryland Route 495
U.S. Route 40                   Maryland Route 39                   Maryland Route 546
U.S. Route 50                   Maryland Route 42                   Maryland Route 560
U.S. Route 219                 Maryland Route 135                 Maryland Route 669

Angela Faye’s view at Deep Creek Lake, MD:

It’s Wisp’s opening day! The lifts will be open 9am – 9pm today and the Mountain Park will offer Snow Tubing and the Mountain Coaster from 1pm – 8pm. Here’s the first chair photo (courtesy of the Wisp and just like a first day of Kindergarten photo!)

The Garrett College Wildlife Club is selling 2020 calendars for $10 each featuring wildlife photos that were taken by the Natural Resources and Wildlife Technology (NRWT) students across the country. All proceeds support the Wildlife Club; contact Kevin Dodge at 301-387-3328 or kevin.dodge@garrettcollege.edu.

Check out all of the events and entertainment this weekend; here’s a few:

Tonight is the Wine Pairing Evening at The Manor Steakhouse; reservations please 240-488-1104

Garrett County’s High School Robotics Team 1629, GaCo, will celebrate National Hour of Code week by hosting its twelve annual FIRST LEGO League (FLL) qualification tournament at Northern Garrett High School on Saturday, December 14, 2019. Fourteen teams from Garrett County will be competing for top spots to advance to the Maryland State FLL Championship. As with all FIRST Robotics competitions, the tournament is free and open to all. During the day, teams will be competing with their EV3 LEGO…

The Oakland Express at the B&O Museum is a free event for children ages 4-9. Crafts, Snacks, and Santa! Reservations are required – (301) 334-2691.

The Garrett County Adolescent Wellness Group of the Garrett County Health Department is requesting help to identify needs in our community through a survey. Only available for adolescents or parents/guardians of 6th-grade level or higher students; it should take 1-3 minutes to complete.

The weather will be sunny with a high near 31 and a low around 24. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph.

There may be a narrow band of freezing rain and/or ice build-up starting early tomorrow morning according to AccuWeather.

The air temperature has gone “off-the-chart” … and the lake temperature is holding just above freezing,

The Dec 11 Fishing Report: “Fishing for a mix of walleye and yellow perch is good along some of the steeper and rocky shorelines of Deep Creek Lake. Live minnows are one of the best baits to use whether under a slip bobber or drifting in a boat. Casting crankbaits from shore in the evening hours is a great way to catch walleyes.”

A Toy Drive & Pictures with Santa is also tonight at Mlend in Dry Dock Plaza.

Other photo ops with Santa are here.

The Tundra Swans are still hanging out at Deep Creek — Vicki Schwinabart was able to share this close-up she took yesterday!

SAVE THE DATE: Becoming an Outdoors-Woman Weekend Workshop will be held in Garrett County​ on August 7 -9.  This is an outdoor skills workshop specifically for women — classes are designed to be as hands-on as possible, giving participants enough knowledge to further pursue their interests once the workshop is over.

The weather today will be mostly sunny with a high near 24 and a low around 15. West wind 14 to 17 mph.

Cynthia C. Farmer shared this video — very cool!

Wisp Resort is gearing up for their opening day and offering Misson: Four-dable passes! This is four unrestricted lift passes for $209.

Trout Stocking Activities have been posted — Youghiogheny River was stocked with 900 fish on December 3, 2019.

A gallery of Rural Opportunity Maps was just released — allowing anyone to find insight and opportunity related to small-town America. There is a map defining rural, opportunity zones, healthcare, etc. It’s interactive and pretty neat to delve deeper into Garrett County insights.

Our friends at Boal and Associates, CPA have shared their advice: Think about Year-End 2019

The weather today will be rain before 2pm, then rain and snow showers likely between 2pm and 4pm, then snow showers likely after 4pm. Temperature falling to around 32 by 5pm. West wind around 16 mph. Little or no snow accumulation expected during the daytime and snow accumulation of less than a half-inch possible overnight.

Tolliver Falls looks beautiful in this photo shared with us by Anthony Miller:

Tonight is Santa Claus for the Kiddos at Backbone Tavern. See the complete local Santa schedule here.

The MD Wildlife and Heritage Service will be raffling off the opportunity for two people to accompany wildlife professionals into the field as they visit a black bear den in March 2020. Raffle tickets are 1 for $5 or 3 for $10. All proceeds will be donated to the Dove Center (here in Garrett County) to provide support for victims of domestic violence; and the Ulman Foundation to support adolescent and teen cancer patients. You may give electronically via Venmo@ppeditto or Paypal using the friends and family option to: labsandcrabs@comcast.net. Winners will be drawn on/about December 16.

The next Garrett County Commissioner public meeting will be on Tuesday, December 17, 2019 at 6:00 p.m. at the Garrett College – GIEC – Room 111. After the Public Meeting, the Board of County Commissioners will conduct its annual County Update review.

There will be a Wilderness First Responder (WFR) class held at Garrett College beginning Tuesday, January 7 and ending on the 15th, from 8 AM – 6 PM each day. Please register with Sharon Elsey at sharon.elsey@garrettcollege.edu by December 18.

3-Free-Learn-to-Ski is Back at Wisp Resort! The package includes a Learning Area Lift Ticket, Ski or Snowboard Equipment Rental, and Group Lesson available on Saturday, December 14 through Sunday, December 22, 2019 9am – 3pm. Registration is only available online at: https://shop.wispresort.com/ (at least 48 hours in advance) and guests must select 3 different dates. The Reservation Fee is $5.

For graduates of the school, Wisp will offer a $299 19.20 Winter Season Pass and a $199 seasonal equipment rental.

The weather was cool, as expected, but not at all bad this weekend.  Today’s weather will be rain, mainly before 5pm. High near 51 and a low around 46.

Wisp Resort has announced its opening date: This Friday, December 13!

Here’s a little bit of Yuletide “hearth history” from the Wall Street Journal of all places. While yule log videos are now a part of many folks’ holiday traditions, they started way back in 1966! That year WPIX launched the first “The Yule Log,” a 17 second, somewhat jittery 16mm film loop that was broadcast to New Yorkers seeking a TV-sized “fire.” I (Mike) remember it fondly.

I recently had an opportunity to purchase a great book from fellow Deep Creek Lake Lion, Ed King.  Ed has done a superb job documenting Deep Creek lake history with his latest book: Deep Creek Lake: the Founders.  It is chock-full of information and fun-facts and is worth a read. To obtain more information about his signings or how to purchase his book, email edjeanking@verizon.net or call 301.616.5702. It would make a great gift for someone that loves the lake area and/or history!

Congratulations to FTC team 2818 G-FORCE! At the West Central Pennsylvania Qualifier Tournament this weekend, they ended the day as the finalist alliance and won the top award: The Inspire Award. They are also qualified for the Pennsylvania State Tournament on March 1st.

End of the line: The Garrett County Department of Solid Waste & Recycling has announced the holiday schedule for the landfill and six waste collection sites:

• All locations will close at Noon on Christmas Eve, December 24, 2019
• All locations are closed all-day on Christmas Day, December 25, 2019
• All locations are closed all-day on New Year’s Day, January 1, 2020
• All locations will be open on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Monday, January 20, 2020

The holiday waste collection schedule is also included on the county calendar located on the Garrett County Government website homepage at www.GarrettCounty.org. For additional information, please contact the Solid Waste & Recycling office at 301.387.0322.

Have a great start of the week folks.  And, please be Merry!

The weather today will be rain likely after noon, mixing with snow after 4pm. Cloudy, with a high near 43 and a low around 22. West wind 11 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. Little or no snow accumulation expected.

But isn’t it “…red in the morning, sailors take warning…” ? Because, look at this — Just spectacular views from the Railey Realty webcam this morning — scroll down the “other area webcams” page to see several views around Deep Creek Lake, MD and Garrett County.

The rest of the weekend looks to be partly sunny. Saturday will have a high near 34 and a low around 23. Sunday will have a high near 41 and a low around 32. Rain and snow showers likely after 1am; new precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.

There are a few new things “New Around Town” — we’ver heard grading has begun on what will be a new Dollar General Store in Deer Park. CNN just published an article saying DG will be adding over 1,000 new stores in the next year. Also, a grant has been awarded to create a memorial park in Mountain Lake Park.

The holiday events and entertainment are in full swing this weekend!

2019 Christmas Charity Tour of Homes is this evening from 4:00 pm – 9:00 pm and only $10. Proceeds from this tour will benefit Garrett County Habitat for Humanity.

It’s Christmas in the Village — stroll through the Spruce Forest Artisan Village listening to live music and browsing the selection of artists and vendors located throughout the Village and the Great Hall of the Penn Alps Restaurant. Food, crafts, a scavenger hunt, free popcorn, and apple cider and more ….

Join the Town of Oakland for A Great Small Town Christmas, December 6th and 7th, 2019. A tree lighting ceremony is tonight at 6pm.

The last night of the annual Joy of Christ Celebration continues tonight. FREE performances, food, and LED light show outside!

Shabby Patina Winter Market is tomorrow! Featuring local crafters and producers, it’s an indoor vendor event. Tell Tina Deep Creek Times sent you!

We have also compiled a list of where you can get your photo with Santa this month at Deep Creek Lake, MD.

Garrett County residential waste disposal permits are now available for renewal. The $75 fee can be paid online and there is no need for a new sticker.

Love this photo by Holly Slusser Kern‎:

Now that the winter weather has arrived…. to learn about local closings and delays please listen to local radio stations, check the organizations’ websites and social media. Garrett County Public Schools update their Facebook page, Garrett College updates Facebook and their weather line at 301-387-3198, and the County Government will update their Facebook and their weather line at (240) 212-0403.

Be sure to note the following #MDWinterSafetyWeek Winter Driving Tip:
Stopping distance for vehicles will change as the weather worsens. For a car going 35mph, the est. stopping distance is:
・60-100ft on a dry road
・120 ft+ on a wet road
・180 ft+ on a packed snow road
・600 ft+ on an icy road

The weather will be a chance of snow, mainly before 11am. Partly sunny, otherwise, with a high near 31 and a low around 28. West wind around 17 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Total daytime snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.

It was a snowglobe in downtown Oakland last night….

Bill’s Marine will begin taking Summer 2020 Reservations on Thursday January 2nd! ???? They are open 8:30am to 5:00pm.

The Future of Hemp in Garrett County is tonight from 7:00 pm – 9:15 pm — Learn more about Garrett County hemp projects including how to grow hemp, the different varieties of hemp, and the production of hemp. Is there a future farming opportunity for Garrett County? The cost is $15 per person

Nominate young people ages six through 17, who are making a positive impact in U.S. Cellular communities as a “Future of Good” winner. Each will receive $10,000 each to put toward a cause they care about.

The 2019 National Preparedness Report highlights the diverse range of preparedness challenges the Nation faces—from terrorism and active shooter incidents, to cyber attacks, to natural disasters, as well as how stakeholders across the Nation are using preparedness grant funding to invest in preparedness improvements.

Western Maryland Farmers were recently featured on MPT’s Maryland Farm & Harvest program. Beginning at 2:08 in the linked video, learn more about how ALL Produce uses the internet to remotely monitor their farm and crops.