Today we have a slight chance of showers after 1:00 pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 51 degrees (Wow!) and southwest winds 9 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph. Tonight we have a slight chance of rain and snow showers before 11:00 pm, then a slight chance of snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 25. West wind 10 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
The Leigh Friend Solar Project is a new 3.2 megawatt DC (MWdc) community solar project located in Friendsville. With 9,300 ground-mounted solar modules, the project generates enough clean, renewable solar energy to power the equivalent of 405 homes per year. Here’s a photo for you, which is beautiful, but also a bit ironic, as it shows dense clouds over the solar panels. Great new addition to the area and one more step toward environmental sustainability.
Leigh Friend Solar Project
The Wall Street Journal reported yesterday that a 90 year old woman in Seattle walked three miles each way in the cold and snow to get her vaccine so she could be comfortable and see her two great-grandchildren. Oh, I forgot to mention that she had a hip replaced a year ago. Way to go Fran Goldman!!!!
The Garrett County Health Department announced yesterday that they have received the delayed shipment of vaccines. In related news, the Health Department has been notified of additional deaths due to COVID-19 complications this week, bringing the total county deaths to 60 persons. “Each death from COVID-19 complications is sad, and we offer condolences to their loved ones,” said Garrett County Health Officer Bob Stephens. “The age range for deaths in Garrett County is from 18 to 102, with the average age being 81. Sarah and I send our condolences to the families of the victims.
I heard a rumor yesterday that a coffee shop is going in on Alder Street in downtown Oakland. Great news and we will let you know when we get additional, verified information.
We have covered the recent donation of Water Quality Meters for the lake by the Deep Creek Lake Watershed Foundation. Here’s a photo of a DNS biologist deploying one in the lake a few months ago. Should help provide some perspective on the size of the meters.
Tourism accounted for 10% of the global economy before the pandemic, but it has been hammered since. When 200 tourism experts, owners and officials in 70 countries were asked in January about the prospects for recovery in international tourism in their country, 68% said Q4 of ’21 or ’22. When asked when they expected international tourism to reach pre-pandemic levels, 84% of the same group said 2023 or later! I have said it before, but the Deep Creek Lake area is very well positioned for continued tourism and success.
As of Monday, the State of Maryland official report shows that Maryland providers have administered 1,087,086 total doses of COVID-19 vaccines, and 98.3% of all first doses received from the federal government. The state is averaging 27,604 shots per day. As of yesterday, 16.3% of Garrett County residents have received their first dose of vaccine, and 6.97% have received both of their doses. In comparison, the state rates are 12.36% for the first dose and 6.05% for second. Thanks to our Health Department and all involved for their great work on getting the vaccines administered!
The Lodges at Sunset Village has a special 72 hour sale going on through Friday for 2022 Winter Season rates! They are guaranteeing the lowest rates if you book now. Here’s more info on this top-rated destination or you can call them at 301.387.2227.
