Deep Creek Lake MD News and Local Resources: Daily Notes

The weather today will be sunny in the morning, then becoming partly –highs in the upper 40s. Southwest winds at 5 to 10 mph, with gusts up to 20 mph.

Will you follow me on the clock app? I’m just posting some fun videos over there. Keeping it casual! 🙂

Deep Creek Times TikTok Winter Profile Link

Get ready for an exciting season on the water! The 2025 Maryland Guide to Fishing and Crabbing is your ultimate resource for fishing licenses, regulations, species identification, and the best fishing spots across the state.

Lake&Lure wants to feature customers in a special video! Share a quick clip about how soft and comfy their clothing is for a chance to receive a $25 gift card. Submit your video via Facebook or Instagram by February 28, 2025!

Public skate sessions at JTF Ice Rink are wrapping up soon—don’t miss your chance to hit the ice. This week is the last week!

The Special Olympics Winter Games finals are happening today at Wisp Resort. The best of the best are hitting the slopes—who will claim victory? Be there to witness the action and cheer them on! Know that the Deep Creek Dunk funds raised go to the local athletes participating.

Start your week with fun programs at Ruth Enlow Library.  There’s something for all ages—check out the list of programs today!

Friday, February 21; Saturday, February 22; and Sunday, February 23, 2025: Cloudy with a chance of snow Friday morning, then partly sunny in the afternoon with little or no additional snow accumulation. Highs will be in the upper 20s, except in the lower 20s at higher elevations. West winds will be 15 to 20 mph, with gusts up to 35 mph. The chance of snow is 50%, and wind chill values could be as low as -7°F in the morning. Saturday will be mostly sunny, with highs in the lower 30s and west winds at 5 to 10 mph. Sunday will be partly sunny, with highs in the mid-30s and west winds at 5 to 10 mph, gusting up to 25 mph.

We’ve received over 101 inches of snow for the season!

Note: my shirt is a “foam finger” that says Garrett County Athletes are #1 🙃

Buy 2 nights at Wisp Resort and get the 3rd free! 🏔️ Call 855-596-6563 to book.

Missed the Deep Creek Boat Show? Boat show pricing is still available through tomorrow, Saturday, February 22! Save on new and pre-owned boats, explore fresh trade-ins, and snag deals on used inventory. Custom orders are still open—reserve your build slot now! Contact Bill’s Marine Service now!

Public skate sessions at JTF Ice Rink are open this weekend! Click here for the full schedule!

GOOSEBUMPS wine & beer tasting happens tonight from 6:00 – 9:00 PM! 🎶 $20 entry benefits Special Olympics MD, with live music by The Honi House Band at 8 PM!

The 26th Annual MSP/NRP Deep Creek Dunk is happening Saturday—take a daring dip ❄️ into the frozen Deep Creek Lake to support the 19,871 athletes and Unified® teammates of Special Olympics Maryland! Registration opens at 11:00 AM in the UNO Pizzeria and Grill parking lot. Arrive early to skip the rush and make the most of the great music and fun!

Smoke N Mirrors Photography is hosting a free wine tasting in the Gallery on Sunday! Wine will be available for purchase by the bottle or glass, and the Tapas menu will be offered during the tasting.

With the Deep Creek Dunk happening this weekend, the fun doesn’t stop there! From state park adventures to live entertainment, get ready for a weekend packed with excitement!

The weather today will feature snow showers with an accumulation of around an inch. Highs will be in the lower 20s, except around 16°F at higher elevations. Northwest winds will range from 15 to 20 mph, with gusts up to 35 mph. The chance of snow is 80%. Wind chill values may drop as low as -7°F in the morning.

Do the Dunk! ❄️ Here is last year’s dunk – check out 0:55 for proof I went under!

The Oakland Library is hosting a Clothespin Snowflake craft on Saturday, February 22, from 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM. Materials provided. Registration required!

Garrett College seeks nominations for the Outstanding Contributions Award, presented at commencement. Submit by March 7, 2025, to Ms. Marcia Knepp at 301-387-3056 or marcia.knepp@garrettcollege.edu.

Maryland Public Television and the Maryland Civic Education Coalition present a free virtual screening of Citizen Nation on Monday, March 10, at 7:00 PM. Watch teens compete in a national civics contest and discuss how civic learning strengthens democracy. Registration is recommended.

PD Parlor is a free monthly Parkinson’s webinar with Priya Cardone, DO, hosted by the Parkinson Foundation of Western PA. Held every third Thursday from 1:00–2:00 PM on Zoom, each session covers key topics in PD care and treatment for patients and caregivers.

Hope you’ve reserved your spot for tonight’s Friends and Couples Wine Tasting—it’s fully booked! Smoke N Mirrors Photography invites you to enjoy five wine pairings with light fare at 6:00 PM in the Gallery.

Pirates, Poets, & Scribes sets sail at MoonShadow Café tonight at 6:00 PM.

The weather today will be cloudy with a 50% chance of snow. Snow accumulation of up to 1 inch is possible. Highs around 20°F with north winds at 5 to 10 mph. Wind chill values as low as -7°F in the morning.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announces that the In Need of Conservation – Freshwater Mussels & Housekeeping regulation is now effective as of February 17, 2025, following the scoping and proposal process.

Neurosurgeon Paul Gardner, MD, will share UPMC’s approach to treating pituitary and skull base tumors in an online event on March 6 at noon. Register now! Did you know, Dr. Gardner performed a surgery on me about 12 years ago?! I have to say I am very thankful for his skill and expertise.

Arrowhead Market is looking for kitchen and deli staff! Apply in person or online today!

Let Deep Creek Shuttle take your group to Wisp’s snow tube park for a fun day on the slopes! Round-trip rides are $36 per person—book your spot through the app!

Get $2 off any large Wedgie for Wedgie Wednesday at Fox’s Pizza Den in Oakland. Have you tried the chicken, bacon, ranch? Or, my personal favorite, the roast beef (with everything on it). Tell ’em Deep Creek Times sent ya and get a free cheese bambino pizza!

Play indoor pickleball with the DCL Pickleballers at the Ag Hall, Garrett County Fairgrounds! Sessions run on Wednesdays through March 19.

Enjoy Pasta Night at Ace’s Run Restaurant and Pub every Wednesday from 4:00 PM to 8:30 PM!

Head to MoonShadow for SoundCheck Music Bingo tonight at 7:00 PM! Wisp Season Pass holders get 15% off meals while competing for prizes in this fun mix of bingo and music.

The weather today will be mostly sunny, with highs around 19°F. West winds will be 15 to 20 mph, with gusts up to 40 mph, decreasing to 30 mph in the afternoon. Wind chill values may be as low as -14°F in the morning.

❄️ Take the plunge! The MSP/NRP Deep Creek Dunk kicks off with the Cool Schools and Community Dunk on Thursday, February 20, followed by Goosebumps, Grapes, and Growlers on Friday, February 21. The main event happens on Saturday, February 22—all at Uno’s and Honi-Honi on Deep Creek Lake. Every splash stays here with Special Olympics Maryland – Garrett County programming!

Did you know? The National 119th Congressional District Wall Map (44.5” x 33”) is now available, showing district boundaries, county names, and members of Congress as of January 21, 2025. State and individual district maps will be released in the spring.

The Maryland Senate will hold a hearing on SB 345/HB 386, which aims to phase out PFAS “forever pesticides” to protect public health. The hearing is scheduled for today at 1:00 PM in Room 2, 2 West Miller Senate Office Building, Annapolis, MD.

The Board of County Commissioners’ public meeting will be held today at the Garrett County Courthouse and will also be livestreamed on their Facebook page.

Check out today’s programs at the Ruth Enlow Library—there’s something for everyone, from kids to adults!

The weather today will feature areas of blowing snow in the morning. Mostly cloudy with numerous snow showers in the morning, then partly sunny in the afternoon. Total snow accumulation of 4 to 8 inches. Windy and much cooler, with highs in the upper 20s, except in the lower 20s at higher elevations. West winds 20 to 30 mph, with gusts up to 50 mph. The chance of snow is 70%. Wind chill values as low as -6°F in the morning.

Garrett County Department of Emergency Management has issued a Travel Advisory last evening; the local office is urging everyone to exercise caution and avoid unnecessary travel.

Please note that Garrett County Public Schools is closed today. Twelve-month employees have the day off as it is a scheduled holiday.

Today is known anecdotally as Presidents Day, but the federal government has designated the third Monday in February as a holiday to commemorate our first president George Washington’s birthday. “The concept of Presidents Day is a confusing mishmash of ideas,” Hunter Abell, a Republican state legislator from Washington state, said recently. “By celebrating all the presidents, I believe that we inadvertently celebrate none.”

Maryland deer hunters harvested 84,201 deer during the combined archery, firearms, and muzzleloader seasons from September 6, 2024, to February 4, 2025. Check the linked article for more details.

Good oral health is key to overall well-being, helping prevent cavities, gum disease, and serious conditions like heart disease and diabetes. A recent study shows improved adult dental care access in the U.S. over the past five years. However, Maryland ranked 35th in dentists per capita. Check the full report on the linked article.

As travel habits change with age, many seniors prefer domestic winter getaways for accessibility and comfort. A survey of 3,003 senior travelers identified top destinations, with five in Maryland among the most recommended.

Ruth Enlow Library branches are closed today for Presidents’ Day.

JTF Ice Rink is open today for Presidents’ Day! Public skate sessions are from 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM and 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM.

🎿 Wisp Resort is seeking expert skiers, snowboarders, and families who can confidently handle black diamond or blue-level terrain for a photo shoot today and tomorrow, February 18! DM Wisp Resort on Instagram or Facebook for details.

Stop by the New Germany Lake House today for Make-and-Take Bird Feeders! Learn about native birds and craft your own feeder with natural materials. Then, from 1:00–3:00 PM, explore a hands-on display with Ranger Noah featuring furs, feathers, and skulls. Test your knowledge of local wildlife and discover their unique traits. Drop in anytime!

The weather today will be rainy, with freezing rain likely in the morning, followed by a chance of freezing rain, snow, and rain showers in the afternoon. Little or no snow accumulation is expected, with ice accumulation around a trace. Highs will be around 50°F, except in the mid-40s at higher elevations, before dropping into the upper 20s in the afternoon. West winds will be 15 to 20 mph, with gusts up to 40 mph. The chance of precipitation is 90%.

Here’s the Truth about Valentine’s Day.

Venus, the brightest planet visible from Earth, will reach peak brilliance on February 14, 2025. Look west after sunset around mid-February—it’ll shine so brightly that some may mistake it for a UFO! 🌟

MSDE recommends higher reimbursement rates for most Child Care Scholarship providers under the 2024 Market Rate Survey. Set for September 1, this supports growing CCS participation, now serving 41K+ children—nearly double since 2023!

GCPS is seeking feedback on the proposed 2025-26 school calendar. Share your thoughts by noon on March 7, 2025, for Board review.

Nearly 50 community members gathered on January 24 to share their vision for the new Garrett County Food Bank and Resource Hub. To further shape its services, those who will use the hub are invited to an open house on March 28, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at 360 West Liberty Street, Oakland. Light refreshments will be served.

Love to sing? Join the Garrett Choral Society! Spring rehearsals are Sundays, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Oakland. Our 46th year of bringing vocal music to the community. Concert on May 18 at 3:00 PM at Garrett College Performing Arts Center.

Hope you booked your Valentine’s Day Boudoir Mini Session at Smoke N Mirrors Photography—today is the last day! Enjoy a 30-minute shoot with six professionally retouched images in a private online gallery to share with someone special. 📸

Sweetheart Special at Deep Creek UNO! Get a three-course meal for two—appetizer, two entrées, and dessert—for just $69.99. Available all day today!

Celebrate Valentine’s week with friends! Decorate sugar cookies, play games, and unwind at Cookie Decorating & Games for Teens today from 4–5 PM at the Accident Library. Snacks and drinks included!

The weather today will be a chance of snow with a slight chance of sleet in the morning. Cloudy, with a chance of freezing rain. Little or no snow and sleet accumulation. Ice accumulation of up to a tenth of an inch–highs in the lower 30s. Southeast winds of around 15 to 20 mph. Gusts up to 30 mph, increasing to 40 mph in the afternoon. The chance of precipitation is 50%.

With the snowfall in the last 24 hours, we have received over 88 inches of snow (by my measurements in Oakland) for the season!

Maryland Department of Natural Resources crews have stocked 3,600 trout.

Garrett County Public Schools will conduct a Virtual Learning Day (with live instruction) today, February 12, 2025. Schools will be closed for in-person learning.

GRMC is launching an 8-week Patient Care Tech trainee program this summer (June–August 2025). Gain hands-on clinical experience for a healthcare career. Apply by April 7, 2025!

Spring rehearsals for the Garrett Community Concert Band are underway for the April 27 concert. New players welcome—no auditions needed. Tuesdays, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM at Garrett College Auditorium.

The Electrifying Community Buildings Grant Program helps cover electrification costs for community buildings like hospitals, schools, nonprofits, and local governments. Applications are due by March 14, 2025!

Get $2 off any Large Wedgie at Fox’s Pizza Den in Oakland for Wedgie Wednesday!

The DCL Pickleballers welcome players for indoor pickleball fun! Play every Wednesday (10:00 AM – noon) & most Fridays at Ag Hall, Garrett County Fairgrounds, through March 19.

Oakland’s Family Caregiver Support Group meets today at Mary Browning Senior Center, 2:30 PM – 4:00 PM. Held every second Wednesday. All caregivers are welcome!

It’s Pasta Night at Ace’s Run Restaurant & Pub! Every Wednesday, 4:00 PM – 8:30 PM.

Learn about the history of food at Oakland Library! From ancient broths to modern bites, discover fascinating facts tonight at 6:00 PM in the Oakland Library.

The weather today will likely bring snow in the morning, followed by steady snowfall in the afternoon. Snow accumulation of 2 to 4 inches is expected. Highs will be in the upper 20s, with southeast winds at 5 to 10 mph. The chance of snow is near 100%.

On February 10, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources crews have stocked 3,000 trout.

Education unlocks better careers, higher earnings, and new opportunities. A study ranks Maryland as 2025’s 2nd most educated state in America.

A study shows a record 25.9 million American seniors are single this Valentine’s Day, with Maryland ranking No. 33 for single seniors.

GCPS is now accepting applications for kindergarten and Pre-K programs for 3- and 4-year-olds for the 2025-26 school year.

Exciting news! Mountain Fresh Farmers Market has opened applications for the 2025-26 season! 🌽🍓🌿 Vendors can showcase fresh produce, handmade crafts, and delicious treats while being part of a welcoming community. Apply now and spread the word!

Need some last-minute Valentine’s goodies? 💕 All Valentine’s items are 50% off! Stop by Pick of the Litter Thrift Shop and check it out!

Come to the Garrett Jazz Ensemble’s swing dance on March 29 at Garrett College’s Performing Arts Center! 🎶 Enjoy live big-band music from the ’30s and ’40s, with vocalists Debi Beachy and Dave Callis. Admission by donation to benefit Cindy’s Fund. Drinks and snacks available for purchase. Fun for all from 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM!

Ranger Noah will be at New Germany Lake House today at 10:00 AM for Take a Hike Tuesday! Get ready for a challenging 4-mile hike and experience the revitalizing effects of outdoor exercise.

The Garrett County Board of Education meets today at 4:00 PM at Dennett Road Educational Complex. Open to the public and live-streamed.

Enjoy the “Snow Moon” on a 1-mile hike with Ranger Noah tonight at 6:30 PM at New Germany Lake House. Bring a flashlight or headlamp!

The weather today will be mostly sunny, with a chance of flurries in the morning. Highs will be in the lower 30s. West winds will range from 5 to 10 mph, with gusts up to 20 mph.

Garrett County Community Action Committee Inc. welcomes Cody Kroll as the new GTS Director, effective January 2, 2025. With expertise in transportation and leadership, he aims to enhance public transit for Garrett County residents.

The Maryland DNR is gathering input on fisheries-related regulations. Share your ideas by 11:59 PM on February 20, 2025.

The Friends of the Ruth Enlow Library introduced a $500 annual scholarship for each Garrett County high school, supporting students in library science, literacy, education, or creative writing.

Cozy up with February specials at Taylor-Made Deep Creek Vacations—love and savings are in the air! 💘

Share a slice of love this February! ❤️ Call 301-334-3212 or order online at Fox’s Pizza Den – Oakland.

Oakland Library hosts STEAM activities on early dismissal days for Garrett County Public Schools. The next session is February 14 from 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM. Open to ages six and up; registration required.

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a 30-minute boudoir session at Smoke N Mirrors Photography, available until February 13. Includes six retouched images in a private gallery with an app link. Prints are available for purchase, and low-resolution images are included.

It’s Bus Week! Be part of Learning Beyond the Classroom with this month’s theme: Hearts & Shapes! ❤️🔺

See what’s happening at Ruth Enlow Library branches with fun activities for all! 📚✨

The weather today will be rainy, with possible freezing rain, sleet, and thunderstorms likely in the morning, followed by a chance of rain in the afternoon. Precipitation may be heavy at times in the morning. Little or no sleet accumulation is expected, with ice accumulation of up to a tenth of an inch. It will not be as cool, with highs in the lower 50s. South winds of 10 to 15 mph will shift westward at 15 to 20 mph in the afternoon. The chance of precipitation is near 100%.

The following map shows just over 1,500 First Energy customers without power this morning in Maryland.

Garrett County Master Gardeners are asking for your input to help shape the residential horticulture outreach program with University of Maryland Extension in Garrett County. Survey respondents will be entered into a raffle for a repotting/transplanting mat.

Garrett County Public Schools will conduct a Virtual Learning Day (with live instruction) today. Schools will be closed for in-person learning.

As of February 5, crews from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources have stocked 3,300 trout.

The Deep Creek Lake Administrative Council Steering Committee met on January 31 to refine priorities for watershed management, focusing on water quality, invasive species prevention, and shoreline sustainability. Updates covered sediment control, stormwater strategies, and community engagement, with a public input survey coming soon.

Maryland Park Service Director Angela Crenshaw announces the recruitment for a Natural Resources Planner V to serve as the Deep Creek Lake NRMA Manager. Applications are open until February 26, 2025.

Maryland ranks as the 6th Best State for Women’s Health in 2025, according to a new report highlighting healthcare affordability challenges for millions of women.

Phones have evolved beyond communication tools, serving as payment systems, health trackers, and more. However, health experts recommend limiting screen time to two hours a day, yet research shows people often spend more than double that on their phones. Half of Americans feel addicted to their phones, with Gen Z’s screen time topping 6 hours a day. Check out the full study in the linked article!

Check out this month’s exclusive specials at McHenry Beverage Shoppe! Each single barrel is hand-picked by the team for the best selection. Discounts every day!! Hurry—the sale ends on February 28!

Wisp Ski Resort is just a 5-minute drive from the cabins! ❄️🏂 Stay at Blue Moon Rising and save 30% on any cabin with code SNOW30, now through February 13th. Book now!

Back by Popular Demand—Valentine’s Day Coffee & Flower Delivery! Espresso Alley is teaming up with Green Acres Flower Basket to deliver a handcrafted coffee and fresh bouquet straight to your special someone (or yourself!) this Valentine’s Day! Treat them to the perfect surprise with a beautiful bouquet and delicious coffee, delivered right to their door or workplace! The pre-order deadline is Thursday, February 13 at 2:00 PM 💖

Giveaway Alert! Like, share, and tag a friend in the comments on Lake&Lure’s video for a chance to win. The winner will be announced live on Facebook their Facebook page—best of luck!

Do you enjoy talking to people, organizing, or decorating? If so, consider volunteering at Pick of the Litter! Shifts range from 2 to 4 hours, and it’s up to you how long you’d like to help. Send them a message to schedule a weekend shift—join the team and make a difference!

Have you placed your Valentine’s Treats order at Trader’s Coffee House yet? ❤️ Orders are being accepted until noon on February 13!

Dr. Brenda McCartney, Superintendent of Schools, is hosting Coffee with the Superintendent today from 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM at Northern Middle School’s Community Room. Attendees can share feedback and take an optional building tour afterward.

The weather today will be cloudy with a slight chance of snow. There is a slight chance of freezing rain in the morning, then a chance of freezing rain with a slight chance of rain in the afternoon. Highs will be in the lower 30s. East winds will be 5 to 10 mph. The chance of precipitation is 30%.

ICE STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 7 PM THIS EVENING TO NOON EST THURSDAY. Significant icing expected. Total snow and sleet accumulations up to one inch and ice accumulations between two and three tenths of an inch. Power outages and tree damage are likely due to the ice. Travel could be nearly impossible. The hazardous conditions could impact the Thursday morning commute.

As of February 4, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources has stocked 5,300 trout.

GCPS will operate normally today without a virtual learning day.

Garrett County Health Department confirms the first rabies case of 2025 after a raccoon-dog encounter on January 26 near Oakland.

The Maryland State Department of Education is inviting nonprofit organizations to participate in SUN Meals, formerly the Summer Food Service Program. This federally funded program provides free meals to children and teens during the summer. Last year, over 6 million meals were served at 1,200+ sites.

Students from Northern and Southern Garrett High Schools have been selected for the WVU Invitational High School Honor Bands, set for February 13-15, 2025. They’ll audition, join clinic bands, rehearse, and perform, while also learning from top conductors and WVU faculty.

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner! Bear Creek Traders has a variety of new items to help you show love and appreciation for that special someone. Come find the perfect gift! 🎁

Get $2 off any large Wedgie at Fox’s Pizza Den in Oakland for Wedgie Wednesday!

Interested in restoring a historic property? Attend MHT’s Q&A session today, 10 AM–12 PM on Google Meet, to learn about grants and deadlines!

Play indoor pickleball with the DCL Pickleballers! Sessions run every Wednesday through March 19, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM at Ag Hall, Garrett County Fairgrounds.

Enjoy Pasta Night at Ace’s Run Restaurant and Pub! Every Wednesday from 4:00 PM to 8:30 PM.

Want to take better smartphone photos? 📸 Get tips from digital photographer Christine Edwards tonight in this virtual Zoom program, hosted by the Ruth Enlow Accident Branch Library. Slots are still available!

Maryland Public Television & the Maryland Genealogical Society present Finding the Last Enslaver, a two-hour webinar with Robyn N. Smith on African-American genealogical research. Learn how to trace ancestry before 1870 using probate records, court documents, and more.

The weather today will be mostly cloudy with isolated rain showers in the morning, then sunny in the afternoon. Breezy and cooler, with highs in the upper 30s. Northwest winds at 15 to 25 mph, with gusts up to 35 mph. Chance of rain: 20%.

Thanks to Ted Murphy for sharing his snowy lakeside photo!

⚠️ Major Ice Storm Incoming! A powerful winter storm will bring heavy ice, dangerous travel, and business disruptions from the Midwest to the Northeast Wednesday – Thursday.

As of February 3, crews from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources have stocked 3,900 trout.

Here is the Record of River and Climatic Observations for January 2025.

Garrett Regional Medical Center has been recertified as an Acute Stroke Ready Hospital by The Joint Commission after a successful review.

Support local businesses, enjoy Deep Creek Lake, and make a difference for homeless animals! 🐾 From February 1 – March 31, take part in the PAWS for HART campaign to help provide lifesaving care for rescue animals.

Get Discounted Tickets for Amazing Grazing & Keys for a Cause—offer ends February 10! Enjoy Amazing Grazing: A Taste of Garrett County on April 29, a special 100th Anniversary Edition celebrating Deep Creek Lake with local food, drinks, and community fun.

Historic Preservation Capital Grant offers $600K annually for restoring National Register-eligible historic properties in Maryland. Apply online by March 17, 2025, at 11:59 PM EST. Visit the program webpage for details.

Be part of the University of Maryland Extension team as a Maryland SNAP-Ed Agent Associate for Garrett County Nutrition Education & Project Leader. The best consideration date is February 14, 2025!