Yesterday was snowy, with windy conditions and with accumulations of a few inches. Today we have a chance of snow showers before 10:00 am. Cloudy through mid-morning, then gradual clearing, with a high near 30 degrees. West wind 15 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 26 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. Tonight will be mostly clear, with a low around 23.
Snow emergency in effect: Starting 10:30 am yesterday, the following State Highways in Garrett County have been designated Snow Emergency Routes (meaning, no parking, and snow tires or cleats required):
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
Because of safety concerns, the Town of Oakland is modifying Christmas Events in downtown Oakland this year. However, Town representatives refuse to allow the coronavirus pandemic to dampen the Christmas spirit celebrated through Oakland this December. Town officials and committees have put extra thought and preparation into creating safe, socially-distanced events that will allow people to experience the beauty and joy of the holiday season. Follow this link for the whole story!
Be sure to check-out the December Cover Story now posted as part of our December edition. It is a bit different based on the challenging pandemic-related environment we find ourselves in. I hope you like it and find it useful.
HART for Animals is very happy to share two distinctions that they were awarded in 2020: the Great Nonprofit Badge and the GuideStar Platinum Participation Level award. Read more here about these two distinctions and why it’s an honor to be endorsed by these organizations. HART continues to do great work for our community.
Now that leaves have fallen, many lake-area property owners will prepare for winter by trimming live trees or removing dead trees. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has a few important suggestions that homeowners should follow before hiring a contractor to do the work. First and foremost, only Maryland Licensed Tree Experts should be hired to trim branches and remove trees – they are the only tree care professionals who lawfully can perform this work in Maryland. Anyone who believes that they’ve been approached by an unlicensed business advertising or practicing tree care services in Maryland can file a complaint online or contact the Maryland Forest Service at 410.260.8511.
Please keep an eye (or two) open for two new local advertisers in Deep Creek Times. U-Store is locally owned and operated in Oakland, Maryland. Tees Me T’s is Garrett County’s top custom clothing and print shop that can print literally anything for you and that is also located in Oakland.
new advertisers
Six Marylanders lost their lives to fire in recent weeks, with hoarding conditions discovered in three of the instances during the course of the investigations. Hoarding is defined as collecting or keeping large amounts of various items in the home due to strong urges to save them or distress experienced when discarding them. According to the Maryland State Fire Marshall, if you know someone who struggles with hoarding disorder, there are several ways that you can help:
- When speaking with someone who hoards, match the language of the person, and avoid using derogatory terms, such as “junk” or “trash.” Focus on safety issues and small steps for addressing those issues instead of immediate, overwhelming cleanup.
- Help the resident make a home safety and escape plan. Stress the importance of clear pathways and exits.
- Contact your local fire department to alert them of your concerns. They may be able to connect you with a hoarding task force for additional help.
- Install working smoke alarms in the home. Test them at least once a month.
- Make a home safety and escape plan. Stress the importance of clear pathways and exits. Practice the plan often, and keep in mind that exit routes may change as new items are brought into the home.
