The weather for this Memorial Day weekend looks like it will be beautiful (with just a chance of showers each day):

Today: Sunny, with a high near 77 with a chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 10pm with a low around 62.
Saturday: Partly sunny, with a high near 76; mostly cloudy overnight, with a low around 62. Chance of showers and thunderstorms.
Sunday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 76. Chance of showers and thunderstorms before 10pm, then a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 5am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 62
Memorial Day: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 78 and a low around 62.

There’s lots of stuff going on this holiday weekend.  See below for some select events and be sure to check out our events guide for even more.

The Kitzmiller’s “Farmers Market at The Park” is Friday afternoon from 4:00pm – 6:30pm on main street. This is a producer’s only market.

To celebrate the new artwork that will be in The Gallery Shop at the end of May, along with the first special exhibit, “Animal Friends,” Garrett County Arts Council will host an opening reception on Friday from 5:30pm to 7:30pm. The event is free with light refreshments served.

Make a run for it!  Or, just walk.  The “Fourth Annual Kendall Trail 5K Run, 3K Walk” along the Upper Yough will take place in Friendsville starting at 8:00am on Saturday. Great way to see Appalachia in Spring, meet people and get a little exercise.

After your run, walk or whatever, have brunch out at the Greene Turtle or lunch at one of our other local eateries.

A Touch of Class Limousines also has a wine and beer tasting tour on Saturday for $49.

The new Oakland Dog Park opens on Saturday. Bring Fido and check out the grand opening from 10:30am – 12:30pm. The new park is located on Oakland Rosedale Road.

The Friendsville Makers market is on Sunday from 1:00pm – 5:00pm. This has been a nice, relaxed event with some nice makers present since they started it a year or so ago.

The Town of Grantsville is holding their Memorial Day celebration on Monday with a parade, plus other activities.  Small town America…

We received a flyer from Herrington Manor State Park and Swallow Falls State Park yesterday with a listing of their activities for this weekend. Deep Creek Lake State Park and New Germany State Park also have some nice activities planned.

Gov. Larry Hogan has appointed Kenrick Johnson as the Director of the Office of Rural Broadband. In April, the state launched a pilot program here in Garrett County to expand access for 30,000 homes and businesses.

To reduce the number of drunken and drugged drivers on Garrett County highways, Maryland State Police reports that a sobriety checkpoint will be conducted sometime within the next seven days.

Here’s a wDCT.live report from our correspondent Marcia:

Have a fun, relaxing and safe Memorial Day weekend and please honor all the men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the U.S. military.  While Memorial Day is the unofficial beginning of Summer, they are the reason we celebrate the day. “Talk” to you again on Tuesday.

We had a nice day yesterday at the lake.  Today’s weather will be sunny with a high near 73 and tonight will be clear with a low around 56.

It’s been nice to see some pleasure and fishing boats out on the lake the past few days in between the rainy periods.  We expect a nice flotilla this weekend!

Garrett County Master Gardeners are presenting a “Getting Started with Herbs” session at the Grantsville library today from 2:00pm – 3:00pm.  Registration is required by calling Kim at the library or kim@relib.net.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is providing $12.5 million for 57 projects in Waterway Improvement Fund grants to enhance and improve public boating access, facilities and navigation. Garrett County will receive funding for two projects: dredging at Arrowhead Cove and for a new boat dock at Deep Creek Lake State Park.

HART for Animals is holding a “Have a Hart” guest bartender challenge at the Harbor Bar at Dutch’s this evening starting at 6:00pm.  The guest bartenders will be from Railey Mountain Lake Vacations.  Note this is also “Locals Night” upstairs at the restaurant.

Wallethub just put out a report on the “Best Places to Live in Maryland for Families.” Most all of us would say Garrett County is #1, but it seems they focused on larger cities within the state.  See the report for their methodologies and rankings.

The Black Bear is hosting their Karaoke night again this evening with DJ Dubya starting at 7:00pm and going until 11:00pm.

The Dan’s Mountain State Park pool will reopen for the season this Saturday. It is a nice facility and not too far off our mountain.

Save the Date! The Oakland Downtown Jubilee will be held Friday, July 6 from 1-7pm. Sarah is coordinating the festival and she wanted to share that Alder Street (between Second and Third Streets and Liberty Street (between Second and First Streets) will be closed from 11:30am-7:30pm that day. Also, the planning committee is still taking on business, vendors, artists and performer participants. Email us if you’re interested and we’ll get your info to Sarah!

Here’s a nice video on the Civic Club from one of our wDCT.live! field reporters. Since the reporter was my wife, Jean, I should disclose that and also say that the Civic Club does some really great things for the community and is a great way to meet with and “hang-out” with some neat ladies.  I hope I get some brownie points for this.

Yesterday turned out to be a nice, sunny day by the afternoon. Today is rainy now with showers and possibly a thunderstorm before 1pm. A chance of showers and thunderstorms with a high near 70 and a low around 58.

You know you have thought about it, even planned for it, but you still have a bunch of important papers you need to shred. Boal and Associates in Oakland is sponsoring a free Community Shred Day today from 1:00pm – 3:00pm in their parking lot in Oakland.  Just do it!

The Spring Dispatch of the Property Owners Association of Deep Creek Lake is out with some timely and interesting news on a number of lake-related topics, including an interesting article on “DCL Version 4.0!”.

Don’t forget that the Oakland Dog Park Grand Opening is scheduled for Saturday, May 26th.  There will be live music, special treats and a dog parade.  The new park is located at 27 Oakland Rosedale Road. Arf!

The Garrett County Landfill will be closed on Memorial Day, but the Refuse and Recycling Sites will be open normal hours.

If you plan on renting a boat this summer, consider making a reservation soon. Here’s a link to pricing and boat types from Bill’s Marine.

The Habitat Home Store Community Fair (5411 Hutton Road in Oakland) will be held on June 9th, from 11:00am – 3:00pm. The Mountaintop Cruisers Car Club along with antique tractors will be set up in the parking lot.  Music will be provided and there will be food for purchase. Proceeds go to local non-profits.

The Maryland Natural Resource Photo Contest remains open for submissions through August. We see some great photographs submitted here at Deep Creek Times so we know we have some very talented shutter-bugs here at the lake.

The 2018 Mountain Maryland Writers Workshop is scheduled for July 26th – 29th at Garrett College. They have an impressive lineup of local, regional and national writers offering their expertise.

Bow riding, or sitting on the edge of a moving boat, is illegal in the State of Maryland. A propeller can inflict serious damage in less than a second, so please follow this rule and make sure your passengers do as well.

A “thank you” to Gary B. for his “Ying Yang” photo from his run at the Deep Creek Lake State Park:

While there was some rain and thunderstorms this weekend, there was really nice weather in between. Today’s weather will be a chance of showers and thunderstorms – mostly cloudy with a high near 73 and a low around 59.

There was a rock slide on Rt. 135 near Luke on Saturday.  The road was closed for a while as cleanup and hillside assessment continued. Last we heard one lane was now open with flaggers on-site.

We are sad to hear of the passing of local entrepreneur Rick Hartman.  He owned the Liberty Service Station/Food Mart in Accident and Curt’s Corner off 495.  Condolences to the family.

Garrett College celebrated its 41st commencement on Saturday.  I had the pleasure of being part of the proceedings and it was really nice to see all those fresh grads ready to take on the next stages of their life.  Here’s a photo of HR director Janis Bush, president Rich Midcap and dean JR Kerns as we were preparing for the big event. Check out the wDCT Live video (below) as well.

The Greene Turtle is hosting their last Senior Buffet of the season today from 4:00pm – 7:00pm.  The price is $8.99 for those over 55 (and you know who you are!).

Ever wonder what the Civic Club does and why you should consider joining? The Civic Club of Oakland is holding an open house at the Mountainside Marina (near Lakeside Creamery) tomorrow, Tuesday, from 4:00pm – 6:30pm.  Note that some local ads had the day as Wednesday, but it is Tuesday. Email gfwc.oakland@yahoo.com for more information.

Here kitty, kitty…  If you hear what sounds like a baby screaming in the middle of the night it is most likely not a little-one in distress, but rather a call from a bobcat.  Unlike mountain lions which were forced-out of the area by the early 1900s, Garrett County is home to secretive, nocturnal bobcats.

This weekend’s weather will be showers and rain with a high near 64 and low near 55 degrees today. Warmer but chance of showers and thunderstorms on Saturday and Sunday. A high in the lower 70s and a low of 60 degrees both days this weekend.

Lots of localized flooding in the region. A part of Shallmar Road near Kitzmiller in Garrett County was closed at 6:00pm yesterday due to an active landslide in the area.  The closure affects approximately 34 houses and 60 people and residents are urged to evacuate.  This photo of the Great Falls area of the Potomac is downstream from Garrett County but gives a sense of the rainfall volume in the region.

Speaking of Kitzmiller, the Ruth Enlow Library’s Kitzmiller branch will be holding an Adult Maker Time from 10:30am – 11:30am Friday. Call them at 301.334.8091 to confirm.

Kitzmiller’s first Farmer’s Market of the season is tonight at 4pm in the school’s park.

Here’s the livestream link to the 2018 FLL (Robotics) Razorback Invitational. There will be matches today morning and afternoon and Saturday afternoon. GOOO NeXtGEN!

With the Wagon Train rolling through Northern Garrett County in Grantsville, we thought we’d share this clip about the National Road – West (Garrett County begins at 2:39):

MoonShadow has live music every day this weekend: Herb & Hanson at 8:00pm Friday evening, 18 Strings, Saturday at 8:00pm and Charles Wesley Godin on Sunday at Noon.

Saturday is Home Fire Sprinkler Day!  According to the Maryland State Fire Marshall, a home fire can become deadly in as little as two minutes due to today’s construction and furnishing materials. Check your fire alarms and sprinklers and consider installing them if you don’t have them.

The Garrett Choral Society is presenting their “Let All the World Sing Concert” at St. Mark’s in Oakland this weekend.

Lots of stuff going on around the lake and area the next few days. You can find out about everything from fish rodeos to community visioning to wine tastings at our events page.

Here’s a reminder for something different: The Belle Soiree – a Fancy Affair at Chanteclaire – will be held on May 30th as a celebration of the wedding industry in and around the Deep Creek Lake area. Open to all. Have fun, dress-up (or not), network and you can even get your hair and makeup done if you arrive early.

Here’s a little history.  We missed the anniversary of VE Day on May 8th, but better late than never! When looking out from our calm and beautiful Garrett County at today’s world, I always feel very lucky. Well, it was even crazier “over there” in the ‘40s.  Photo courtesy of Al Feldstein and of course, the Cumberland Evening News.

Was rainy on and off with thunder storms yesterday. The weather for today will be more of the same: showers, with a few thunderstorms possible. High near 66 and low around 56. New rainfall could be between a half and three quarters of an inch.

I had the pleasure of spending the past three days participating in the invitation-only Rural Rise Summit dedicated to creating ecosystem success in rural communities.  Lots of actionable ideas and connections made and it is really clear to me that collaboration will be key for rural communities like ours to grow and succeed.

Giddy Up! The National Pike Wagon Train is off and rolling.  They took off from Grantsville yesterday and will wind up in Uniontown. Here’s a photo of some of the wagons from their Facebook page.

Feel like getting out this evening?  Let’s see: The Greene Turtle has 50 cents Wing Night, Mountain State Brewing has Team Trivia starting at 6:30pm, and The Black Bear has Karaoke starting at 7:00pm.  For more options for a good meal, drink or snack, check out our lake area dining guide!

Congratulations to Ginny Grove and the Civic Club of Oakland for being recognized by the Western District of the Maryland Federation of Womens Clubs for their great work with the international students at Garrett College.

Best of luck to the Phil Malone and all the Garrett County “robot kids” (and their parents) on the way to the Razorback Invitational First Lego League tournament in Arkansas. We are very fortunate to have such a vibrant multi-grade STEM-related program in our County.

Garrett County is holding their annual property tax sale on June 10th.  Wanted to make our readers aware just in case they know someone with a property inadvertently for sale.

Deep Creek Lake’s Little Free Library is open for the season!

Looking for something relatively close-by but a little different to do this weekend? Check-out Frostburg’s Pig Out in the Park BBQ and music event this Saturday, May 18th.

From the Garrett County Government: PHONE SCAM: The Garrett County Sheriff’s Department is warning local residents of a phone scam in which the caller claims to work for Potomac Edison. The caller then threatens to shut off the electricity to the person’s residence unless they purchase a money card and use it to pay the caller. The sheriff’s Department wants people to know the calls are not being made by Potomac Edison, and instead are part of a scam. Extreme caution should be used whenever callers request any funds, bank account information, credit card information or personal data, and none of it should be provided to callers, deputies warn.

Partly sunny today with more showers and thunderstorms likely. High near 78 and wind gusts up to 26mph. Tonight, more showers and thunderstorms before midnight, then showers likely; low around 58.

Kids eat free today at The Greene Turtle in McHenry…

The County Commissioners Public Meeting will be held this evening at Crellin Elementary School starting at 6:00pm.

Here’s a link to a copy of the County Commissioners Economic Development Overview presented last week. Some good information in there.

Did you know that the Maryland Natural Resource Police force is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year?   They have a very rich history after being formed to combat pirate ships (really!) that were plundering oyster beds in the Chesapeake Bay.

Cindy’s Fund Cancer Support Group meets this evening at 6:30pm in the hospital boardroom. It is open to everyone – people with cancer, caregivers, kids, relatives, friends, anyone. We sit and vent and laugh and eat, etc. It’s very informal and comforting.

Deer been munching on your garden plants? Ready to put a “salad bar” sign on your lawn? The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has some suggestions for some native (non-invasive) species for your garden. These are all naturally not attractive to deer.

A perfect day at the lake yesterday! Today will change to rain with a chance of thunderstorms. A high of 69 and low of 51.

The Chamber is hosting their monthly Business After Hours this evening at The Greene Turtle in McHenry from 5:30pm – 7:30pm.

It’s Team Trivia Night at Mountain State Brewing Company in McHenry this evening from 6:00pm – 8:00pm.

Black Bear in McHenry is hosting their Karaoke this evening from 7:00pm – 11:00pm.

Congratulations to Garrett College baseball coach Eric Hallenbeck on reaching his 300th career win. A great guy and coach and a nice article on his reaching the milestone earlier this season.

The new Casselman Bakery at the Lake officially opened yesterday at the corner of 219 and Glendale.

Also, A Great Small Town has announced there will be a new record store and lounge in Downtown Oakland.

Mr. Matthew Paugh, Board President, recognized Teacher Appreciation Week, May 7 – 11, 2018, with a proclamation. Mr. Patrick Damon, GCEA President and teacher at Accident Elementary School, and Stephanie Lewis, Southern High School teacher, accepted the recognition on behalf of all teachers in Garrett County.

Yesterday turned out to be a beautiful day at the lake! Today will be a high of 71 degrees with increasing clouds. Chance of showers and thunderstorms tonight with a low of 57 degrees.

Congratulations to Sara Huelskamp of Northern Middle School.  Sara recently won the Award for Excellence in Civic Action and Engagement, sponsored by the Maryland Council for Social Studies.

Governor Hogan signed SB 445 into law yesterday. The legislation requires drivers to slow down and safely change lanes when approaching solid waste and recycling vehicles from behind.  industry. Makes sense to me.

Planning your Garden’ will be presented by the Garrett County Master Gardeners from University of Maryland Extension today. This class is free, but registration is required. It will be at the Friendsville Town Hall from 4:00pm – 5:00pm.

The Commissioners will be holding an Economic Development Forum this evening from 6:30pm – 8:30pm at the Garrett College Auditorium.  This event is open to all who wish to learn more about economic development and related efforts in the county.

The next open meeting of the County Commissioners will be held at 6:00pm on Tuesday, May 15th at Crellin Elementary School.

The fast-growing aquatic invasive plant hydrilla was first found in the lake in 2013 and DNR has been treating affected areas of the lake with an herbicide annually since 2014. 2018 planned treatment dates are as follows: June 4th and 26th, July 24th and August 21st.

The Mountain Maryland Writers’ Institute will kick-off its second year in Garrett County this summer, July 26th – 29th, 2018.  Workshops will be led by a variety of authors, historians, and storytellers and are designed to provide a nice palette of experiences and skills to attendees.  Learn more online at https://www.garrettcollege.edu/writers-workshop.php or contact Mike Logsdon at 301.387.3333 or michael.logsdon@garrettcollege.edu.

I keep hearing that the real estate market is looking better, and Railey Realty just sent some numbers that appear to back that up.  The average sold price of lake-oriented residential properties is up 10% from the previous year. Closed sales and new pending sales were also up from the five-year average by 23% and 14% respectively, while inventory is down 20%.

Landmark Bill Signed today by Governor Larry Hogan makes Maryland the 17th to have a statewide College Promise program. Starting in academic 2019, many low and middle-income students may attend community college full-time tuition-free.

Check out our online marketplace for the new boat and Seadoo listing (we had made an error on one of the listings).

The weather today will be partly sunny until about 3pm and then there is a chance of showers. A high near 66 and a low of 50 degrees.

There’s another Life After Forty-Five (L.A.F.F dinner this evening starting at 6:00pm, with location TBD. Contact Beth Colville at b.colville1974@gmail.com for more information.  The dinner is organized by Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church and is open to all.

There are some good programs for children and their parents today at the Oakland, Kitzmiller and Accident branches of the Ruth Enlow Library.

The search is over! The County Commissioners announced yesterday that Michael E. Hough has joined the County Government as the new Director of Economic Development. Formerly regional president at BB&T Bank, he will be relocating to Garrett County from Hagerstown.

Spring cleaning is really getting underway and that means increased loads of debris headed for the Garrett County Landfill. The county is reminding citizens that hauling debris to the landfill requires that your load be tarped to minimize the chance of litter or bulky items blowing off of your truck. There also fines for a lack of tarping.

Late spring is the prime birthing time for white-tailed deer and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources reminds anyone who encounters a fawn to avoid disturbing it. While young deer often appear to be orphaned, in most cases, the doe is nearby feeding and will return to care of her young.

Do you Seadoo? Be sure to check out our online classifieds.  We have a newly listed Seadoo watercraft and a 2000 Supra boat listed for sale (under “Boats”) just in time for the Summer.

The End-of-the-Line Bookstore in Oakland opens for the 2018 season on Wednesday, May 23, at 11:00 AM. Open hours are Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM. All books have been donated and are sold for $1 or less. All proceeds go to support programs of AAUW-Garrett Branch and Girl Scouts #55004 for their programs that support empowerment and equity of women and girls.

Maryland State Police McHenry Barrack is seeking assistance from the public of a malicious destruction of property that occurred off of Chestnut Ridge Road in Grantsville the evening of May 5th.  Unknown suspect(s) keyed a pickup truck between the hours of 10:00pm on the 5th to 9:30am on the 6th.  If anyone has any information regarding this case, please contact the McHenry Barrack and speak to TFC. Whetzel at 301.387.1101.

Here’s an awesome rainbow we captured near Ace’s Run Restaurant: