Garrett Jobless Rate At 6.2% In November

Dec. 29, 2011

The unemployment rate for Garrett County, which several years ago was typically among the highest among Maryland's 23 counties and Baltimore City, is now among the lowest, with the rate for November dropping to 6.2%, which is slightly below the state's percentage (6.4) and two full points below the national average of 8.2%.

The November 2010 jobless rate for Garrett County was 7.5%, and the year-to-date average percentage is 7.3%. Maryland's year-to-date average is 7.0%, and the national unemployment rate year-to-date for 2011 is 9.0%.

Thirteen Maryland counties and Baltimore City had rates higher than Garrett County's for November, including neighboring Allegany County with a rate of 7.5%. Washington County's rate was 8.2%. Harford County also had a rate of 6.2%, while Worcester County led the state with a jobless rate of 13.7%.

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Happy New Year; Go Take a Hike

Maryland State Park rangers have guided hikes slated for the first day of the new year at 17 sites around the state. Here are some locations nearby.

By Mitchelle Stephenson
December 31, 2011

The Department of Natural Resources has a family-friendly suggestion for Jan. 1—go take a hike. And to motivate, they're sponsoring 17 ranger- or volunteer-guided hikes in state parks on the first day of the new year.

The full list of the 17 hikes is available at the DNR website. This post will give you the closest hikes to Edgewater and Davidsonville (less than an hour drive). The other hikes are everywhere from Assateague Island in Worcester County on the Eastern Shore to the westernmost parts of Garrett County, so if you have more time and don't mind the drive, check out the full list.

Each of the day hikes listed here is designed as easy to moderate. Rangers recommend you bring water, binoculars and cameras. Wear weather-appropriate clothes and comfortable shoes.

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Top 10 US metros for price appreciation

Zillow stats showcase markets off the beaten path

By Inman News
Inman News®
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Editor's note: This article is based on data compiled by Zillow, using the Zillow Home Value Index.

Metro areas off the beaten path like Tulsa and Oklahoma City, Okla., bucked national trends to win a place on a top 10 list of markets with the greatest year-over-year median home-value increases from October 2010 to October 2011, based on data compiled by Zillow. None of the top 20 U.S. metro areas by population size cracked the top 10.

The Tulsa metro area topped the chart at a 6.2 percent median home value increase to $101,000 -- the lowest value of the top 10 -- in that one-year timespan, followed by Oklahoma City's metro area at a 3.1 percent bump. However, the rosy home value increase news fades by No. 10 on the list -- the Green Bay metro area -- where a place in the top 10 no longer represents an increase in median home value, but a sliver of a decline -- 0.3 percent.

Metropolitan Pittsburgh, at No. 22 in U.S. metro population size with 2.35 million people in 2010, according to U.S. Census data, was the most populated metro area in this top 10 list, coming in at No. 8, with a slight median home-value increase of 0.4 percent, and, interestingly, the only metro area in the top 10 to experience a population dip from 2000 to 2010.

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Mtn. Md. PACE Slated Jan. 26–27; Tickets Available

Dec. 29, 2011

The Garrett County Development Corporation and Cumberland/Allegany County Industrial Foundation Inc. will host the 2012 Mountain Maryland PACE (positive attitudes change everything) events at the Loews Annapolis Hotel in Annapolis next month. Tickets are now available.

The reception is scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 26, from 6 to 8:30 p.m., with the breakfast slated for Friday, Jan. 27, from 8 to 9:30 a.m.

Overall, the reception and breakfast are business/social in style and atmosphere. The reception features classic hors d'oeuvres and an open bar. The breakfast has country-style buffet offerings and features a keynote speaker.

The theme for this year's events is "Come to Play – Plan to Stay."

PACE 2012 is not by invitation only. The general public is invited to attend, and anyone may purchase tickets. There is one all-inclusive ticket to attend both the reception and breakfast. Two-tiered pricing is in effect: $130 per person if payment is received on or before Wednesday, Jan. 4, and $150 per person if payment is received on or after Thursday, Jan. 5. Tickets will not be available at the door.

Ticket sales end on Wednesday, Jan. 18. Checks should be made payable to "Annapolis Reception Committee" and mailed to Mountain Maryland PACE, P.O. Box 3273, LaVale, MD 21504-3273.

PACE questions may be directed to Keli Mason, Allegany County Department of Economic Development, at 301-777-5967, 800-555-4080, or kmason@allconet.org.

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O'Malley vows action on septic systems

Governor says growth off sewer lines undermines progress

By Michael Dresser, The Baltimore Sun

7:37 PM EST, December 29, 2011

Gov. Martin O'Malley promised a push during the coming legislative session to curb proliferation of large housing developments served by septic systems, saying that increased pollution from septic systems is undermining state progress in protecting the Chesapeake Bay.

Meeting with reporters Thursday, the governor took a defiant tone toward critics of his septic-control policies, which some have labeled part of a "war on rural Maryland." O'Malley said that science is firmly on the side of those who want to control the growth of septic systems — typically used for large-lot developments in outer suburban and rural areas.

"One of the ways to get out of a hole is to stop digging it deeper," O'Malley said. He pointed to figures showing that the state is making progress in dealing with other forms of pollution while nutrient production from septic systems is increasing.

While the governor made it clear that he would submit legislation, he did not provide specifics. A spokeswoman said it had not been decided whether the bill would be similar to last year's proposal, which sought to ban some large developments on septic systems close to waterways, but O'Malley indicated that any proposal would include a provision to allow the children of farmers to build homes on family property.

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Maryland Holstein Scholarship Committee is making youth scholarships available

The Maryland Holstein Scholarship Committee is making youth scholarships available. Included will be a $2,000 scholarship to the Outstanding Maryland Holstein Scholar and as many as four $750 scholarships, all to be awarded at the 2012 Maryland http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifHolstein Convention in Garrett County. The scholarships are offered to Maryland Junior Holstein Association members who are currently enrolled or have been enrolled in a dairy project with Holstein cattle. They are available to both undergraduate and graduate students. Students may attend a two-year or four-year degree-granting institution in a college of agriculture or a four-year program in a nonagriculture area of study. Applications must be typed in the space allotted and an official academic transcript and recent wallet-size (head shot only) photo must accompany the application. Please provide only the information requested. All applications must be postmarked by Jan. 15. For more information or an application, contact Arthur and Peggy Johnson, committee co-chairs, at 301-972-8274 or by going to the University of Maryland Dairy Extension website.

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Mountain State Brewing Co. Recommended by CNN

Posted: Dec 25, 2011 6:52 PM EST Updated: Dec 26, 2011 12:26 PM EST
By Stacy Jacobson, Gilmer, Harrison and Lewis County Reporter

MORGANTOWN -

If you're looking for a holiday getaway, CNN recommended the nearby Deep Creek Lake area in Maryland.

But you don't have to go all the way to Deep Creek to enjoy some of its highlights.

Number one under its "where to eat" section is Mountain State Brewing Company. The Thomas, W.Va.-based brewery has other locations in Deep Creek and Morgantown.

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Sen. Edwards, Del. Beitzel Hold Their Annual Prelegislative Forum

Dec. 22, 2011

Sen. George Edwards and Del. Wendell Beitzel held their annual prelegislative forum on Saturday morning at Garrett College. More than 100 people attended the event, with about a dozen of them expressing their thoughts about the upcoming General Assembly session, scheduled to begin on Jan. 11, 2012, in Annapolis.

"We're dealing with some tough economic times, and that's having an impact on everything we do – not only legislatively but in our lives," Betizel said.

He indicated that the state's $1 billion structural budget deficit will once again have a major impact on programs and funding mechanisms that come through the county.

Edwards noted the state legislature works on a committee system. Bills that receive favorable reports from their assigned committees will most likely be approved by the House and Senate, while those deemed unfavorable are rarely approved. The senator stressed, therefore, that residents express their concerns about proposed legislation to the committees.

"You've got to work the committees," Edwards said about making an impact on bill passage/rejection.

The senator indicated he and Beitzel needed that help in "battling" for or against certain issues, such as the Chesapeake Bay Restoration Fee. He noted that some legislators want to double, triple, or even quadruple the "flush" fee, increasing it from $30 to possibly $120.

President/CEO Nicole Christian, Garrett County Chamber of Commerce, asked the local lawmakers to support tourism statewide, increase the state's travel marketing budget, expedite the Marcellus Shale Committee's study, restore/protect Highway User Fund allocations, oppose gas tax increases, rally support for the Deep Creek 2014 Canoe Slalom World Championships, and introduce legislation that would start the public school year after Labor Day.

"The state of Maryland needs to look at all opportunities for growing the critically important segment of tourism, and that's critically important to our economy," Christian said. "One opportunity is for Maryland to establish a summer school break that lasts through the month of August."


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Words Are Hardly Needed

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Indeed, this is a scene that speaks for itself, a lovely moment in time, a cold December evening, quiet except for the telltale light on in the house. Someone was busy. Making Christmas cookies, perhaps? Wrapping gifts? Signing cards? It certainly is the time of year for any and all. Here's hoping all our readers are enjoying the tasks of this holiday season, as they prepare for the big day. This was taken by Lisa Broadwater along Rt. 219 in
Accident.

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State's Attorney Files Motion In Rezek Verdict

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Dec. 22, 2011

State's Attorney Lisa Thayer Welch announced on Tuesday that she has filed in Washington County Circuit Court an Application for Leave to Appeal the Granting of the Motion to Reopen a Closed Post-Conviction Proceeding and the Granting of Post-Conviction Relief in the case of Roberto Oskar Rezek.

Washington County judge Daniel Moylan recently reversed Rezek's 1980 murder conviction in the shooting death of Garrett County sheriff's deputy David Livengood.

"For post-conviction proceedings, there is no automatic right to appeal an adverse decision, but the aggrieved party must ask permission from the Court of Special Appeals to proceed with an appeal," Welch noted.

In the application, she cited a number of errors that she believes Moylan committed.

"If the application is granted, the Office of the Attorney General will pursue the merits of the appeal itself," Welch said.

Judge Fred C. Wright III presided over Rezek's Washington County jury trial more than 30 years ago. Rezek was sentenced to life plus 15 years for first degree murder, robbery, grand larceny, and breaking and entering.

Moylan ruled in November that Wright gave improper jury instructions. Citing two Maryland Court of Appeals decisions, Moylan said Wright's instruction on the law to the jury should have been binding and not advisory.

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GC Commissioners Present Legislative Requests To Sen. Edwards, Del. Beitzel

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Dec. 22, 2011

The Garrett County commissioners presented their 2012 list of legislative requests to Sen. George Edwards and Del. Wendell Beitzel on Tuesday. About 75 residents attended the meeting, which was held at the courthouse in Oakland.

Issues that the county would like the local lawmakers to consider for possible legislation include collective bargaining rights for Local 1834, a new hotel rental tax limit, late fees for unpaid public utilities bills, animal control, and a bill of rights for local correctional officers.

By a majority consensus, the commissioners asked Edwards and Beitzel to draft a bill that would give them legislative authority to mandate collective bargaining for Garrett County Roads Department workers, who are currently represented by the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees, Council 67, Local 1834.

"You've created history by approving collective bargaining," union representative Jim Bestpitch told the commissioners.

The county has informally recognized the union since the 1970s. Numerous road workers were on hand to hear the commissioners' request.

Beitzel asked the commissioners why they felt the legislation was needed.

"We've conducted collective bargaining with the roads workers for years, and it's been on a voluntary basis," Commission chair Jim Raley said. "When you look at the state of the country and you look at some of the issues that have happened in other places, I think that the gentlemen and ladies in this room just probably want some form of protection that says no matter who the board of commissioners is, no matter who the county administrator is, no matter who the delegate and senator are, they will have the right to continue to bargain."

Commissioner Bob Gatto also favored the collective bargaining issue, while Commissioner Gregan Crawford opposed the idea.

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$1.9M Allocated For Jennings Randolph Lake Maintenance

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Dec. 22, 2011

U.S. Senator Barbara A. Mikulski announced Monday that $51.7 million for U.S. Army Corps of Engineers projects throughout Maryland has been secured in the fiscal year 2012 Energy and Water Development Appropriations Bill.

With a vote of 70–30, the bill was passed by the full Senate as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act. The House also approved the act with a vote of 296–121.

The spending bill includes funding for the following U.S. Army Corps of Engineers projects:

• $1.9 million for the operation and maintenance of Jennings Randolph Lake in Garrett County, which provides flood control and recreation to western Maryland and water quality and water supply for Montgomery and Prince George's counties.

• $18.3 million for the C&D Canal for annual maintenance dredging of its shipping channels, which serves as a shortcut for vessels traveling between Baltimore and points north.

• $11.8 million for the continuation of the Poplar Island environmental restoration project, which is taking clean dredged materials from the shipping lanes leading to the Port of Baltimore and using it to stabilize the shoreline, create habitat areas, and restore the wetlands of one of the Chesapeake Bay's most valuable island ecosystems.

• $2.45 million for the Chesapeake Bay Oyster Restoration program to continue efforts to increase the oyster population in the Chesapeake Bay by restoring oyster habitat, creating new reefs, and planting disease-free oysters on the reefs.

• $700,000 million for Assateague Island in Worcester County for restoration efforts that will protect the northern end of the island and its fragile habitat.

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GC Program Saving Lives...

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Dec. 15, 2011

The list of the many positive effects of Garrett College on our county and on the students it serves is a lengthy one, considering all of the institution's fine academic programs, the golden opportunity that the college provides for so many more local students to obtain a college education, the athletic and recreational opportunities, and the overall positive economic impact of the college on the economy of the county, including providing many jobs.

However, one of the more obscure, yet exciting, services of the college is featured on the Garrett College News Beat page in this issue of The Republican (page C-2). The focus of the story is the Garrett-Backbone College Program, which affords the opportunity for wayward youth incarcerated at the Backbone Youth Center to obtain college credit and, more importantly, an avenue for a productive life outside the correctional system.

The young people housed at the Backbone Youth Center are there because they have selected a path of juvenile delinquency. They are typically from dysfunctional – often downright destructive – home environments, from which there is often little hope of ever escaping. The prospect of becoming law-abiding, productive adults is generally slim. In fact, as the story notes, the recidivism rate of juveniles who get into trouble is from 70 to 80%.

However, since the Garrett-Backbone College Program has been in existence (since 2006), the recidivism rate of youth who have been in the program is 38%. Not only have nearly two-thirds of the participants converted to a law-abiding way of life, but a number of them have become highly successful. Several have continued in college – both at Garrett and elsewhere – obtained good jobs, and/or enlisted in the military, where they have also excelled. One alumnus of the school is now a student in the University of Maryland School of Law!

Since its beginning, some 180 young people have earned a total of over 1,000 college credit hours.

This program proves that so many of the nation's youth who get into trouble for a variety of reasons can indeed overcome huge odds and get their lives back on a positive track if they are provided the kind of opportunity generated by programs such as these, and come into contact with adults who truly care about them.

As noted by GC professor Elizabeth Grant, this program also provides an excellent learning environment for other Garrett students who are enrolled in justice studies or various education-related classes, as the program provides some real-life practical situations and experiences.
Kudos to all involved with this outstanding program that is truly "making a difference," and probably literally saving the lives of some of our young people who just need a second chance.

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Superintendent Waggoner Asks BOE To Consider Closing Schools

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Dec. 15, 2011

A somber tone was struck at Tuesday's monthly Garrett County Board of Education meeting, which centered around the projected budget shortfalls faced by the school system and the possibility that those financial woes may cause some major changes. Most notably, the financial deficit may force the BOE to vote to close a number of Garrett County schools.

Before a pair of presentations were given on the subject, extra chairs were brought into the board room of the Board of Education building to accommodate the larger than usual crowd in attendance.

The first informative talk was given by Larry Mc-Kenzie, director of finance, who presented tentative estimates on Maryland's state aid wealth formula and its effects on school budgets. McKenzie explained that according to the formula, Garrett County was on track to become the fifth wealthiest county in Maryland, and therefore receive increasingly less funding from Annapolis.

This trend was attributed to reductions in local student population, as well as to increases in real estate value, presumably properties in the Deep Creek Lake area and those connected with utilities. Estimates for immediate budget losses were thought to be somewhere between $1.5 and $3 million.

Following McKenzie's presentation, Sue Waggoner, interim superintendent of schools, addressed the board with proposals for balancing the budget. These proposals were to be taken under advisement by the board, and will be considered over the coming months.

Through the first year of Waggoner's five-year proposal, the board was asked to first consider eliminating the high school driver's education program. This action would reportedly net a saving of $200,000 per year. Coupled with this measure was a proposal to also consider the elimination of the full-time school-enrichment positions, allowing those duties to fall to the primary teaching staff and perhaps to part-time employees. The removal of these positions would reportedly reduce the budget deficit by around $165,000 per year.

Waggoner also asked the board to consider reconfiguring the current grade structure of schools, moving fifth graders to middle schools. This new configuration would have pre-K through fourth graders attend elementary schools and fifth through eighth graders attend middle schools. High schools would see no change.

Having middle school begin at the fifth grade level, Waggoner explained, was a somewhat common practice in the neighboring states of Virginia and West Virginia and would also allow for a smoother transition into the redistricting of students brought about by school closings.

The first school that the board was asked to consider for closure was Dennett Road Elementary, as its location would allow those currently enrolled there to be relocated to Broad Ford, Yough Glades, and Crellin. Dennett Road was also targeted because of its need for extensive renovations in the near future – renovations which could not be completed given the school system's current financial situation.

This maneuver would also allow for the removal of 16½ teacher, principal, and custodial positions throughout the school system.

Two other facilities – Kitzmiller and Friendsville elementaries – were also presented to the board as candidates for closure. If this were to occur, Kitzmiller students would presumably be redistricted to Yough Glades, while Friendsville students would be sent to Accident and Grantsville. Waggoner estimated a savings of around $279,000 per year if Kitzmiller were closed, while closing Friendsville would reportedly save around $674,000.

Beyond the closing of schools, reductions in spending on transportation, maintenance, and staff were proposed in order to balance the budget. Waggoner felt that the transportation budget could be reduced by around $128,000.

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Commissioners Review Building Permitting, Assistance Prog., Economic Dev. Issues

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Dec. 15, 2011

The Garrett County commissioners reviewed a wide variety of issues during their public session last Tuesday at the courthouse in Oakland. Topics discussed included building permits, the Energy Assistance Program, a building purchase, and a bid award for standing timber.

Permits and inspections chief Jim Torrington reported that building permits were down in the county by more than 24 percent for the first 11 months of this year, compared to the same time period in 2010. Permits issued between January and the end of November 2011 were 368, compared to 486 in 2010, 459 in 2009, 513 in 2008, and 638 in 2007.

Torrington noted there were 16 modular home permits issued in the county last year, compared to only five this year. He attributed the decrease to a new code requiring that modular homes be equipped with fire suppression systems.

"It definitely has had an impact on the modular home industry in the county," Torrington said about the regulation.

That industry, as well as the home construction one, will also be affected by new energy standards recently adopted by the Maryland Codes Administration. One specific regulation requires that new homes undergo a blower-door test. Energy auditors use the test to determine a home's airtightness, which affects energy consumption.

The new requirement for modular homes goes into effect in the state on Jan. 1, 2012. For new home construction, counties have until July 1, 2012, to adopt the code. Torrington noted that since the requirement pertains to an energy code; it cannot be amended by the county. He indicated he wants to hold a meeting with local contractors sometime in the spring to educate them on the new energy code requirements.

Also last Tuesday, Community Action president Duane Yoder updated the commissioners on the Energy Assistance Program. He indicated that numerous local residents are in need of assistance to heat their homes this winter but because of issues at the federal level, funding has been tied up.

The program provides help with heating costs to low- and moderate-income households. It serves about 3,000 households in Garrett County each year.

"The program affects about a quarter of the households in Garrett County," Yoder said. "And, to date, we've not been given permission to release any of the money."

He explained that the federal government has not yet decided on a final budget for the program this year. As a result, Maryland does not know how much money it is going to get for the program, and, therefore, is not granting Community Action the authority to release any of the money that has already allocated to the agency.

"So, we're sitting on money that has already been deposited in our account," Yoder said about the $1 million that has been earmarked for energy assistance.

In the last few weeks, he noted, residents who are already certified for the program are calling his office, stating they are out of fuel. He said Community Action was working with Social Services and the faith-based community to help with the real dire emergencies.

"Is there anything we can do to help?" Commissioner Jim Raley asked.

Yoder suggested the commissioners contact the governor about the issue, which has become a life-threatening one for some households. He noted that the decision on the funding releases has been moved from Maryland Department of Human Resources to the Governor's Office.

"A minimum benefit release would at least give us the ability to get through this until they decide what they are going to do," Yoder said.

Further complicating the issue, he noted, is that federal officials are proposing cutting the program by 40 percent. Last year, beneficiaries received an average of $540. That could be cut to $224 this year, creating energy assistance needs again for local families in February and March.

Following the meeting, the commissioners, Yoder, and county administrator Monty Pagenhardt conducted a conference call with Governor's Office officials about the funding issue.

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County Residents Reminded To Buy Refuse Site Permit

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Dec. 15, 2011

The Garrett County Department of Solid Waste and Recycling reminds residents that they could be left "holding the bag" on Monday, Jan. 2, unless they have purchased a 2012 Residential Refuse Site Permit. The new permits went on sale on Oct. 1 and will be valid through Dec. 31, 2012.

Residents may purchase their 2012 permit in person at the landfill or the Garrett County tax office.

Permits are also available online to anyone who has previously held a permit or the application can be submitted by mail.

"Purchasing online is the fastest way to renew, and there is no additional charge for using your credit card online," said department manager Dave Baker.

Applications are not mailed out, but are available at all collection sites, online, the Grantsville library, the Garrett County tax office, and at the landfill.

"Residents are encouraged to avoid the New Year rush and renew today," Baker said.

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Fracking Commission Wants To Make It Easier For Landowners To File Suit

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Dec. 15, 2011

by Greg Masters

Capital News Service

ANNAPOLIS – A commission tasked with advising Maryland on possible shale gas production supports a change in the law that would make it easier for landowners to bring claims against drillers regarding water contamination and other damages near hydraulic fracturing, or "fracking," sites.

The new law, which commission chair and Towson University professor David Vanko said has "pretty broad support" from the commission, would shift the burden of proof to energy companies by creating a "rebuttable presumption" that drilling activity causes certain kinds of damages occurring close in time and in proximity to natural gas operations.

"I think (asymmetry of resources) always has been an issue in litigation, particularly where an aggrieved party, Joe Homeowner, is suing a Fortune 500 company," said Harry Weiss, a lawyer in the Philadelphia-based law firm Ballard Spahr and a member of the advisory commission. Weiss said Pennsylvania already has a similar presumption statute for damages that occur near natural gas operations.

This and other changes to the state's liability structure, as well as potential revenue sources from gas drilling, will be included in a set of recommendations due Dec. 31 – the first milestone in a three-year study that Gov. Martin O'Malley required by executive order in May.

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Advocacy Group Seeks Legislation To Expand Energy-Leasing Protection

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Dec. 15, 2011

A local organization that has advocated for making more information available to land-owners who wish to lease their property for energy development announced this week it would ask western Maryland's Annapolis delegation to sponsor a "Fair Energy-Leasing Act" in the upcoming session of the Maryland General Assembly.

CitizenShale acting director Natalie Atherton said the organization would present its suggested legislation this Saturday to Sen. George Edwards and Del. Wendell Beitzel at the delegation's annual pre-legislative public meeting, which is slated to begin at 10 a.m. in Garrett College's Room 205. The legislators traditionally use the opportunity to discuss proposals for new legislation, and the public is always encouraged to attend.

"Leases are both individual landowners' and our county's first line of protection against poor industrial practices that might harm our land, our water, or our economy," said Atherton.

CitizenShale's proposed legislation would require licenses for leasing agents and "land men" who represent the many out-of-state energy corporations that have, since 2006, negotiated leases in Garrett and Allegany counties. The bulk of the leasing activity has been for shale gas extraction, which has not yet occurred in Maryland, but Atherton noted that other forms of industrial energy development, such as wind-power, raise many of the same land-use and consumer protection issues.

All such leases, as well as the outright purchase of mineral rights, are the foundation of energy development in Maryland – including shale gas extraction, should it occur.

Edwards and Beitzel have in the past sponsored bills dealing with gas leasing. The issue has also caught the attention in the last year of Maryland Attorney General Douglas Gansler, whose office has issued two "public information notices" to assist lessors, most recently in October.http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif

The organization's proposal follows a public meeting it sponsored last Thursday at which a Garrett County Board of Realtors initiative for a state gas lease registry was introduced. Roughly 60 people attended the event at Garrett College, where a PowerPoint presentation prepared by the board was shown.

In November, the realtor board petitioned a governor-appointed commission studying shale gas development for a lease registry that would require all holders of leases to register them with the state. The lease registry would provide a way for buyers and sellers of real estate to easily learn details on mineral leases held on land adjacent to or near properties offered for sale.

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Buying or selling real estate in Garrett County or Deep Creek Lake, Maryland? Call Jay Ferguson of Railey Realty for all of your real estate needs! I take great pride in referrals, and I assure you, I will take great care of your friends, family & colleagues!

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Local Lawmakers Scheduled Annual Prelegislative Mtg.

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Dec. 8, 2011

Sen. George Edwards and Del. Wendell Beitzel will hold their annual prelegislative forum on Saturday, Dec. 17, at 10 a.m. in the Garrett College Continuing Education Building, Rooms 205-207.

The local lawmakers encourage citizens to attend the event and make comments, ask questions, or offer suggestions for the upcoming General Assembly session in Annapolis.

Edwards and Beitzel will be available to discuss any questions pertaining to state issues or legislative matters.

More here.

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November 2011 Real Estate Market Update - Residential

29 properties sold in November 2011. Sales were up considerably from November 2010 (22 sales), but couldn't hold pace with last month's 36 home sales.

Let's take a look at the rest of the stats:

There are 58 homes under contract right now (69 last month).

The average list vs. ORIGINAL sales price was 81.51% - (last month 83.89%).

The ADJUSTED list vs sale price was 90.56 (last month 90.35%).

The current # of active/for sale listings in MRIS (minus timeshares) is 712, down from last months 728. We have a 24.55 month supply of homes available (minus timeshares) based solely on the November sales numbers. (Last month was a 20.2 month supply).

Random observations:

•2 'newer' homes sold in October (5 years old or less)

•It appears that 18 or so of these sales were vacation homes

•19 homes sold under $300,000 (last month was 19)

•19 homes sold under $400,000 (last month 25)

•3 homes sold over $ 1 million (0 last month)

•1 home sold for higher than full price or at full price (last month was 2)

•One house sold for 79.16% of asking price - 196 Main St

•The oldest home that sold was 112 yrs old (8736 George Washington Hwy)

•The average age of the homes that sold was 37 years (35 last month)

•4 condo/townhouse properties sold (7 last month)

Here are the statistical breakdowns:

Average Sale Price: $399,020 (last month $309,621)

Average Days on Market: 191/208 (last month 174/224) (days on market with current broker/total days on market)

Buying or selling real estate in Garrett County or Deep Creek Lake, Maryland? Call Jay Ferguson of Railey Realty for all of your real estate needs! I take great pride in referrals, and I assure you, I will take great care of your friends, family & colleagues!

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Manta Ray Swim Team Finally Finds Permanent Home At McHenry CARC

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Dec. 8, 2011

by Rachel Sincell Vecchioni

The Manta Ray Swim Team is approaching its 30th year of operation, with the team finally able to call the pool at the new Community Aquatic and Recreation Complex (CARC) on the campus of Garrett College its home site. Not only does the CARC provide a permanent home for the team, but it has allowed it to become a true year-round competitive team, rather than a recreational league summer team, as it has always been.

It has been quite a struggle the last two years, as the team has survived the closing of the Alpine Lake Resort pool in Terra Alta, W.Va., as well as the Kingwood (W.Va.) City Pool. Both facilities were unable to accommodate the team's needs. The team then turned to the Wisp Resort, where the pool is not quite the standard length for competition – 25 yards – creating an issue with accurate times and endurance needed to perform well at competitions.

As a former 10-year member of the Manta Rays, I am delighted that kids are still offered the opportunity to participate in a sport that teaches so much more than how to swim faster than the guy in the lane beside you. Each of us had the support of the entire team behind us, as well as many influential adults who made what we did possible.

"While it is obvious that the Manta Rays are involved in helping swimmers to swim fast, that is not the only purpose behind the coaching team's goals for the Manta Ray athletes," noted current head coach Dusty Huxford. "As a coaching team, we are far more interested in using the sport of swimming for teaching life skills, such as self-esteem, self-reliance, confidence, respect, and team pride.

The team began in 1982, with Paula Briggs wanting to give children a structured and healthy lifestyle during the early summer months. The team held practices under Briggs and her assistant George Collins for four years at the Wisp Resort pool, with only 14 swimmers participating. Vicky Skipper succeeded as coach from 1986 to 1988, with the team moving practices to Alpine Lake Resort.

Coaches who followed were Joanne Graybill from 1988 to 1997, Nan Gangler from 1997 to 2006, Connie Gibson in 2009, Krista Hollingsworth in 2010, and Huxford beginning in the summer of 2011. The years not documented were headed by a team of coaches.

"The team concept gave the swimmers the opportunity to work, play, and cheer for each other as they refined their strokes and improved their times," commented Graybill. "A lot of time, expertise, dedication, energy, and effort were shared not only by myself but by the volunteer assistant coaches who worked with me over my 10-year tenure as head coach. Their dedication helped to make kids feel good about themselves and their swimming skills."

The Manta Rays leverage a strong parent volunteer base in conjunction with a set of coaches. This allows non-water related duties to be completed by the parents, while the coaches concentrate on specific strengths for the benefit of the team as a whole. Several student assistants volunteer to help the team as well. They are always under the direction of the coaches and are usually in the water assisting swimmers in learning the strokes.

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Keeping the children well-fed

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Dec. 8, 2011

More than 8,000 pounds of food were delivered in Oakland last Wednesday, which will be used in an ongoing joint ministry outreach of the Episcopal Church in Garrett County, St. Mark's Lutheran Church, and Methodist churches of the northern end of the county. The churches' members work together year-round to help feed children in the local area who are in need of regular, nutritious meals. The food was purchased from the Maryland Food Bank by Priority Partners, the health and nutrition arm of Johns Hopkins Medicine, and then was donated and delivered to St. Mark's for use in this joint ecumenical feeding ministry, according to St. Mark's pastor, Scott Robinson. It is being stored at the former Food Lion building, now owned by First United Bank and Trust. Truck driver Troy Barner is pictured at left, and those who assisted in the unloading, some of whom are pictured above at right, were Stan Grimm, Dave Moran, Mike Konski, Bob Dempsey, Don Forrester, Gayle Bachtel, Pastor Chip Lee, and Pastor Robinson.

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Buying or selling real estate in Garrett County or Deep Creek Lake, Maryland? Call Jay Ferguson of Railey Realty for all of your real estate needs! I take great pride in referrals, and I assure you, I will take great care of your friends, family & colleagues!

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GC Commissioners Deny Junkyard License To Oakland Businessman

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Dec. 8, 2011

The Garrett County commissioners voted unanimously on Tuesday not to grant a junkyard license to Oakland area businessman Don Nine. Following their decision, the commissioners held a brief discussion about land-use restrictions and zoning.

"I believe the public has resoundingly articulated their concerns, interests, and apprehensions against the issuance of this junkyard license," Commission chair Gregan Crawford said. "I support their concerns."

Nine operates Don's Classie Car Company at 506 Hutton Road, where used vehicles are brought to the 4.5-acre property, salvaged for parts or repaired, and resold.

A public hearing on the application was held in November in which Nine outlined his plans for the license. He indicated he would not operate a junkyard per se, only a storage/recycling lot. Old cars would be stored in a 150-foot by 300-foot screened-in area at the back of the property. Restored vehicles would then be available for purchase on a lot in front of the property, and car shells would be transported from the site to a junkyard.

Nine noted that he had already installed a 7-foot high fence around the proposed storage area and was willing to erect more screening.

Many of Nine's neighbors objected to granting the license, voicing their concerns about the unsightliness of the property, possible negative impacts on the environment, and the potential for declining property values.

One of Nine's neighbors pointed out that at one point in 2007 more than 30 "junk" cars were on the Nine property, which prompted several people to petition the county to look into the violation.

The county junkyard ordinance states that no more than five vehicles slated to be junked or dismantled may be located on a property, unless the owner has a license.

The ordinance also states that a junkyard cannot be within 500 feet of any residence, retail business, church, or other institution, unless screening effectively prevents the junkyard from detracting from the value of those places.

It was noted at the hearing that at least one business is within 500 yards of the Nine property, and there are home owners who, despite fencing, can see the proposed junkyard/storage site from their elevated properties.

Licensing and enforcement inspector Mark Weber acknowledged at the hearing that the county has received complaints about the Nine property over the last three or four years and that Nine has brought it into compliance intermittently during that time.

Weber stressed, however, that Nine was working with his office to bring his property into compliance in order to get a license and become "legitimate."

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Judge Reverses Conviction In Dep. Livengood Murder

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Dec. 8, 2011

A Washington County Circuit Court judge recently reversed the 1980 murder conviction of a Fairmont, W.Va., man in the shooting death of Garrett County sheriff's deputy David Livengood.

Judge Daniel Moylan ruled that the judge at Roberto Oskar Rezek's trial gave improper jury instructions. Rezek was granted a new trial. A date has not yet been scheduled.

Judge Fred C. Wright III presided over Rezek's Washington County jury trial over 30 years ago. Rezek was sentenced to life plus 15 years for first degree murder, robbery, grand larceny, and breaking and entering.

Moylan ruled that Wright's instructions on the law to the jury should have been binding and not advisory. Moylan cited two Maryland Court of Appeals decisions in which it was ruled "the court's instructions are binding on the jury."

Moylan noted in his ruling that Wright told the jury, "Anything I say to you about the law . . . is merely advisory and you are in no way bound by them. You may feel free to reject my advice on the law and arrive at your own independent conclusions as to what the law is."

Rezek and his codefendant, Richard Tichnell, had requested a change of venue from Garrett County. Tichnell was convicted of murder by a Wicomico County jury and received the death penalty, which was later commuted to a life sentence. He died in prison in 2006.

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Help from Maryland Energy Assistance Program will be less

By DON AINES dona@herald-mail.com

8:30 p.m. EST, December 5, 2011
The "crisis season" began Nov. 15 and runs through the end of March, but those who need help from the Maryland Energy Assistance Program to stay warm this winter will be waiting longer and receiving less.

"Please note that due to decreased funding, your benefit will be less," the Office of Home Energy Programs advises on its website.

The reduction and holdup in funding is a result of the federal government's lack of a budget, said Dave Jordan, executive director of the Washington County Community Action Council.

"Two years ago, the feds funded the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) at its maximum amount of $5 billion nationwide," Jordan said. That figure was reduced to $4.2 billion in the 2011 fiscal year and is expected to be $3.1 billion for fiscal 2012, which began Oct. 1.


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