Deep Creek Lake Real Estate Blog - Jay Ferguson

Deep Creek Lake Real Estate Blog - Jay Ferguson
EVERYTHING under the sun about Deep Creek Lake, Maryland! Deep Creek Lake Real Estate Information, Local News & Happenings in Garrett County Maryland, Current Events, Local Business Profiles, Upcoming Attractions, Vacation Rentals, Resort Realty, Community Profiles, Homes for Sale, Restaurants & Dining, Entertainment Schedules, Festivals & Gatherings, Churches & Charities, Wisp Ski & Golf Resort, Swallow Falls State Park, Youghiogheny & Casselman River, Garrett County Fair & more!

Friday, October 28, 2011

Md. environmental agency addresses Deep Creek Lake water level concerns

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
First Posted: October 27, 2011 - 11:53 am
Last Updated: October 27, 2011 - 11:54 am

MCHENRY, Md. — Maryland environmental regulators are addressing concerns about low water levels in Deep Creek Lake.

The head of the Department of the Environment said in an Oct. 19 letter to a citizen advisory board that a faulty valve on a hydroelectric dam may be leaking excessive water.

He says Brookfield Power Corp. plans to examine and repair or replace the valve as needed.

More here.

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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Rural leaders rebel against O'Malley's statewide growth plan

By Nicole Fuller, The Baltimore Sun

9:09 p.m. EDT, October 27, 2011
Bruce Holstein moved to Carroll County eight years ago looking for land to build a house so he could live closer to his grown daughter and her family. He settled on a historic road with no streetlights, flanked by maple and hickory trees, with corn and soybean farms in the distance.

It's a small-town way of life that Holstein wants to preserve, and he sees no bigger threat than a statewide plan to direct development — a plan set to take effect as early as next month.

Democratic Gov. Martin O'Malley's effort to target growth near existing development — and to withhold funding from local governments that don't comply — has raised hackles in some corners of Maryland. Some of the most vocal opposition has come from Carroll, where one county commissioner believes the plan is part of a broad scheme orchestrated by the United Nations. In neighboring Frederick County, leaders have called it a communist erosion of democracy.

Mergers, Acquisitions and Takeovers "They want to put us all in one-bedroom condominiums around a city or town," said Holstein, a retired federal worker from Taylorsville. "They're going to take that land where farms are now and turn it into green zones, and no one can live there. I don't need Martin O'Malley to tell me what to do with my land."

More here.

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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12-year-old kills 372-pound male bear as Maryland hunt ends

By Don Markus

The Baltimore Sun

2:12 a.m. EDT, October 28, 2011
The annual Maryland bear hunt ended Thursday night after a total of 65 bears were killed, the largest being a 372-pound male shot by a 12-year old boy.

Colton Lucas of Kitzmiller in Garrett County brought down the biggest of the bears, which averaged 154 pounds, according to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.

Most of the bears — 59 of them — were killed in Garrett County. The other six were killed in Allegany County.

More here.

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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DNR, police find lost hunters

On opening day of bear season, pair bagged a bruin but became disoriented in brush

Michael A. Sawyers Cumberland Times-News

SANG RUN — Just six-tenths of a mile from the family home, with 210 pounds of dead bear on the ground and darkness approaching, Robert and Scott Metheny realized they were badly disoriented.

“We were close enough to the house that I could call my mom on the radio and have her honk the horn, and we could hear it, trying to get our bearings,” said Scott, 41.

It was Monday — the opening day of Maryland’s bear season. Scott, now living in Willow Grove, Pa., had drawn one of the coveted 260 hunting permits and had named his father, Robert, 69, to hunt with him. The family home is in West Virginia, but is tucked against the Maryland state line. The duo was hunting on land owned by a relative near the Cranesville Swamp.

“I shot a bear at noon and it ran into some thick cover,” Scott said. Parting pine limbs so that he could see more than a foot or so, Scott came upon the dead bear, a male that would later be estimated to have a live weight of 248 pounds.

Moving the bear was up to Scott, because of Robert’s bad knee.

“It was like rowing a boat,” Scott said. “I’d sit down and pull, sit down and pull.” Scott said his goal was to get the bear to a spot where he could use a wheeled cart to retrieve the animal.

Eventually realizing they were unsure of the direction they were taking, the hunters placed their packs and rifles as a marker to try to stay on course, until there came a time when they couldn’t find the packs in the thick brush.

“The forest canopy is so thick that you can see about 5 percent of the sky,” Scott said.

At one point, Scott stepped into a swamp hole up to his thigh. Then it rained.

“I was so hot from dragging the bear that the rain didn’t bother me at first,” Scott said.

Then the Methenys found their packs, but now they couldn’t find the bear. As the day wore on they found the bear again but then lost the packs and rifles a second time. It was 4 p.m.

“We called Mom at 6 and told her to call the check station (at Mount Nebo) and tell them that we couldn’t get the bear there by 8,” Scott said. “DNR wanted to know if we could make it by 9, but Mom called them back and told them we couldn’t.”

At 9 p.m., Mrs. Metheny called Mount Nebo a third time, to ask for help for the lost hunters.

“We didn’t need rescued, but we needed found,” Scott said.

The fact that Scott and Robert still could not move in the correct direction after hearing the car horn is all you need to know about that piece of Garrett County landscape that bumps up against the Preston County, W.Va., border.

Paul Peditto, director of the Wildlife & Heritage Service, and Harry Spiker, bear biologist, were part of the search party.

“It’s easy to get lost in that country,” Spiker said. “The hemlock overstory is thick. The swamp grass is heavy and the alders are tough.”

Natural Resources Police officers went to the Metheny home to make sure officers knew the radio frequency to use.

“We are grateful to the Maryland DNR,” Scott said. “They put groups around us and kept tightening the circle until they triangulated us.”

Sgt. Art Windemuth said officers sounded sirens and blew whistles and asked the Methenys via radio if they could determine direction of the sound. Windemuth said the Maryland State Police Trooper 5 helicopter was unable to assist because of a low cloud ceiling.

“The coyotes started howling at the sirens and it was an uneasy feeling because there we were sitting on a bear carcass with no rifles and listening to predators,” Scott said.

“There was no easy way to get to us. DNR came around the end of Snaggy Mountain and got the four-wheeler to a spot where we could see their light and we went to them,” Scott said. It was Tuesday by then, 2:45 a.m.

The hunters had been without water for 12 hours, although Robert had two candy bars in his hunting coat. Scott said neither he nor his father required medical attention.

DNR helped the Methenys retrieve the bear Tuesday morning.

Contact Michael A. Sawyers at msawyers@times-news.com

More here.

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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Community Complex Becomes A Reality



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Oct. 27, 2011


Saturday was a day for celebration and appreciation. After years of discussion, planning, and seeking funds, the Garrett College Community Aquatic & Recreation Complex (CARC) doors were thrown open and hundreds of people were welcomed to enjoy the amenities of this state-of-the-art facility. It was the grand opening of the CARC, and members of the community were joined by state and local dignitaries to recognize the efforts of all who helped make this community center a reality. Since no grand opening could be complete without the ribbon- cutting ceremony, a blue ribbon was stretched across the CARC entryway. The scissors were held by Garrett College president Richard MacLennan and Don Battista, CEO of Garrett County Memorial Hospital. The hospital operates a wellness center in the CARC. In the photo from left to right in the front are Linda Sherbin, president of the Garrett College board of trustees, Battista, and MacLennan. In back, in the same order are Sen. George Edwards; Garrett County commissioner Bob Gatto; Dr. Jeannr Neff, chair of Garrett College Foundation board; Dr. George Brelsford, GC dean of student life; GC commissioners James Raley and Gregan Crawford; Chuck Hess, CEO, Hess Construction & Engineering Services; Christopher Uhl, representing Gov. Martin O'Malley; and Del. Wendell Beitzel.

More here.


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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Schedules Set For Trick-Or-Treat, Parades, Socials



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Oct. 27, 2011


Various municipalities of Garrett and Preston counties will set aside time for trick-or-treating this weekend, as well as several Halloween socials and parades.

The schedule is as follows:

Friday, Oct. 28

•Kitzmiller – 6 to 8 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 29

•Deer Park – 5 to 6 p.m.

•Aurora, W.Va. – 5 to 8 p.m.

•Grantsville – 5:30 to 7 p.m.

•Swanton – A Halloween social and parade will be held at the Swanton Community Center beginning with the parade at 5:30 p.m. The parade will travel through town to the railroad tracks before heading back to the center for the social at 6 p.m. The public is invited.

Monday, Oct. 31

•Terra Alta, W.Va. – 5 to 6:30 p.m. A Halloween social will follow for children up to age 12 at the Terra Alta VFW from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. The public is invited.

•Mtn. Lake Park – 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

•Loch Lynn – 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

•Friendsville – 5:30 to 7 p.m.

•Accident – 6 to 7 p.m.

•Oakland – 6 to 8 p.m.

•Swanton – 6 to 8 p.m.

All residents wishing to participate in trick-or-treating should leave their porch lights on. Drivers should be aware of children walking the streets. It is suggested that children wear reflective tape or carry glow sticks while on the streets.

More here.

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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Grand Opening Of CARC Brings Accolades From Public, Officials



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Oct. 27, 2011

by Peggy Santamaria

The grand opening of Phase 1 of the Garrett College Community Aquatic & Recreation Complex (CARC) provided a day filled with fun and festivities for the nearly 500 people who attended. The long-awaited community center is now a reality.

Garrett College alumni were invited to attend a pre-opening tour and breakfast. About 55 former students gathered to reminisce about the past and marvel at what is the latest stride made by their alma mater. Among the attendees were two who had made quite a trip to take part in these events. Marcelo Grisi arrived from Brazil, and Jim Pedicone drove 1,000 miles from Wisconsin to take part in this event.

The ceremonial ribbon cutting was preceded by messages of congratulations from local and state officials and dignitaries. Among those present and offering congratulations were Christopher Uhl from the office of Gov. Martin O'Malley; Robin Summerfield from the office of Sen. Ben Cardin; Julianna Albowicz representing Sen. Barbara Mikulski; Sen. George Edwards; Del. Wendell Beitzel; Garrett County commissioners Gregan Crawford, Bob Gatto, and Jim Raley; and Don Battista, CEO of Garrett County Memorial Hospital.

Garrett College president Dr. Richard MacLennan recognized the ground-breaking work of his predecessors Dr. Steven Herman and Dr. Jeanne Neff for their vision and determination to develop the concept of the CARC and find ways to bring it to fruition. He expressed deep appreciation for the foresight of former county commissioner Ernie Gregg in working to make this facility a reality and the determination of Sen. George Edwards to find the funds to do it. MacLennan also thanked the current county commissioners for all the support they have provided.

The county commissioners presented a check for $50,000 to the Garrett College Foundation to help sustain the "I Can Swim!" program, offered free to all kindergarten children in the county.

Throughout the day there were demonstrations of activities that will be among the offerings at the CARC.

More here.

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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Now, These Are Pumpkins!





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Several "whopper" pumpkins were grown this year by Ed Friend on the DeBerry Farm north of Oakland (Friend's in-laws). According to the Maryland Department of Agriculture, the only official record for pumpkins is kept by the Maryland State Fair, and the current record is 713.5 pounds. Friend took his largest pumpkin to Southern States in Oakland to be weighed on that scale, where it topped out at 773 pounds. Official or not, it's a mighty big pumpkin! Pictured above sitting on some of this year's crop are Friend's children Nicholas (left), age 10, and Tailynn, age 6. The "smaller" pumpkin on the left weighs about 722 pounds. Friend noted that the pumpkins were grown from Atlantic Giant seeds, and took "a lot of fertilizer and a lot of water." They have "matured" just in time for Halloween, of course, which will be celebrated across the county.

More here.

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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Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Are the taxpayers really winning?

As president of the Anne Arundel County Fraternal Order of Police, I find myself looking back at County Executive John R. Leopold's column, "Budget choices: Taxpayers win again" (The Capital, June 2009).

This column was published almost two years afterThe Capital'sarticle, "Nonprofits lose, taxpayers win in county budget."

These articles, and others like them, received accolades from our conservative, tax-averse citizens. The taxpayers have had one victory after another under Leopold, as he successfully shaved pay and benefits for county government workers, and cut everything that could possibly be cut from an already lean county workforce. Are the taxpayers really winning? Maybe, like actor Charlie Sheen, they are "epic winning." Really?

More here.

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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Maryland to redraw District 6

by Stacy Mathew, Staff Writer

Maryland Democrats plan to redraw the state's Congressional District map in order to include most of Rockville and part of Germantown in District 6. District 6 currently extends from Garrett County to Hartford County and only includes a small portion of Montgomery County. Democrats hope that this redistricting will be beneficial in April's primary elections.


Courtesy of http://www.mdp.state.md.us
Maryland Democrats are in favor of redrawing District 6 as part of the 2012 Congressional Redistricting.
The potential map would draw parts of Montgomery County, known for being majority Democrat, into District 6, causing the number of voters to increase from 20,000 to 35,000. The potential map of District 6 would contain Frederick and Gaithersburg counties as well as Garrett, Allegany and Washington counties. "District 6 would be 51 percent or 53 percent Democratic," said Elizabeth Paul, chairwoman of the Washington County Democratic Central Committee. "Certainly, we would be thrilled to have some good, strong Democratic candidates in the race and have a little bit better shot at actually winning the race than the current District 6 allows us," she said.

Andrew Harris, Maryland's other Republican representative, will also have to deal with changes made to his Eastern Shore district. The changes would add much of Hartford County and parts of Northern Carroll and Baltimore counties into the Eastern Shore district; the district will no longer include the residents of Anne Arundel County. Other minor changes will also be made to the rest of the districts.

More here.

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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Tuesday, October 25, 2011

County Commissioners Allocate $50,000 To "I Can Swim" Program



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Oct. 20, 2011


The Garrett County commissioners have allocated $50,000 for "I Can Swim." In cooperation with the Board of Education, Garrett College developed the program with the goal of providing swimming and water safety training to every kindergarten student in the county.


Commissioner Jim Raley proposed the allocation during the commissioners' public meeting on Tuesday afternoon.


"To me, as a nonswimmer, I know how important the program is,'" Raley said.


He said he had thought about the allocation for some time, but Gene Helbig's letter to the editor in last week's Republican "brought to light" the importance of I Can Swim.


Helbig, who lost his grandson Jack to a water accident, begged readers to donate to the program. Helbig and his wife Cathy recently presented a $1,000 check to I Can Swim. Their donation will enable 10 students to take swimming lessons.


Raley also noted that college officials were not afraid to implement the program, despite the lack of secured funding.


"What they did was forge ahead and said, 'We're going to do this," Raley said.


Commissioner Bob Gatto, also an nonswimmer, approved Raley's proposal.


"I can see the whole county benefiting from the I Can Swim program," Gatto said. "I support the motion."


Commissioner Gregan Crawford also approved the allocation.


The county's donation will come from the unassigned fund balance in the fiscal year 2012 budget. Raley noted that recent developments, such as the sale of a county-owned facility in the Southern Industrial Park, make the allocation possible.


"We know that's its an important enough program that the money is going to be well spent," Raley said.


He stressed, however, that the funding would be for the first year only, to support the program in its initial stage and solicit more donors and sponsors.

I Can Swim classes began last week at the Garrett College Community Aquatic & Recreation Complex. The grand opening for Phase I of the complex will be held this Saturday, Oct. 22, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The commissioners will present a ceremonial check for $50,000 to Garrett College president Richard MacLennan during the event.

More here.

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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Monday, October 24, 2011

Habitat area benefits woodcocks, honors bird scientist

By Dan Neuland
Today's Sportsman

ADMIRATION AND respect for the late Aelred D. Geis and his influential work promoting sound wildlife management practices were evident at the ceremony dedicating the Aelred Geis Memorial Woodcock Habitat Demonstration Area at Mount Nebo Wildlife Management Area in Garrett County on Oct. 14. The event included a tour that showcased the habitat management techniques that support woodcock and other young forest wildlife.
Geis was a longtime resident of Maryland and a migratory bird scientist with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. He died at the age of 78 in 2007.

The project at Mount Nebo is a cooperative between the Aelred Geis Estate, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, the Ruffed Grouse Society and the Wildlife Management Institute. Each agency supplied funding and other resources to promote regeneration of young alder trees in an 8-acre section of wetland in the heart of Mount Nebo. This section is now dedicated to the memory of Geis and is a significant component in the total woodcock habitat mosaic of feeding, nesting and brood-rearing at Mount Nebo.

Family, friends and colleagues of Geis spoke of his commitment and drive to protect and create early successional forest habitat.

More here.

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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More than 350 take part in carved bear hunt

For the Cumberland Times-News

SWANTON — As Garrett County’s bears are getting ready to go to their winter dens, their wooden counterparts carved as a fundraiser for Deep Creek Lake State Park will be looking for new homes as well.

The Western Garrett County State Park Volunteers Inc. began a project in May where people could hunt for 20 carved and painted wooden bears throughout the summer season. “Discover the Bears, Carve a Memory: Only in Garrett County” was launched to raise funds for educational projects to study the treetops at the Discovery Center at Deep Creek Lake State Park.

Many locals and visitors grabbed their Bear Trail log book and sought the bears. More than 350 people found all 20 and completed the log book to be eligible for prizes including a 5-foot chainsaw carved bear, a flat screen TV, GPS unit or park pass. Completed guides must be registered at the Discovery Center.

The bears will be auctioned and the prizes drawn at the Bearly a Gala event Nov. 5 at Wisp Resort.

The gala will provide the only opportunity for the public to see all 20 bears in one location. The evening will include a chance to meet the artists and fostering businesses and enjoy some food and drink while tapping your foot to renowned bluegrass artists Bob Yonke and regional recording artist Jack Mackin. Bids on bears will be taken at the event or go to www.discoverycenterdcl.com.

Honorary committee co-chairs of the project are Richard MacLennan, president of Garrett College, and Nicole Christian, president of Garrett County Chamber of Commerce.

More here.

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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Biking Trio Completes 15-Day Trek From Florida To Bittinger



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Oct. 20, 2011


by Brenda Ruggiero

A road trip from Venice, Fla., to Bittinger may not seem very unusual, at least not when it is made by car. But when the trip covering 1,213 miles is made by bicycle over the course of 15 days, it becomes a lot more challenging.

A group of friends completed such a trip last Friday, Oct. 14. The men included Tim Bender of Accident, Titus Beitzel of Bittinger, and Ken Miller of Venice, Fla., formerly of Grantsville. In "real life," Tim is self-employed at BYCO Enterprises, Titus is the manager of operations at Pillar Innovations LLC, and Ken is a pilot for NetJets Inc., flying business jets from Canada to South America.

"Two years ago, I thought it would be a neat idea to bike from my house in Florida to my property in Maryland," Ken said. "I saw more people biking in Florida and I saw more people traveling long distances, and that is what gave me the idea. I started talking about my idea, and some friends were interested in joining me. We didn't train together, but kept comparing ideas and experiences."

Tim noted that he had the urge to do some kind of trip, and when Ken told him he was looking for someone to go with him, he was game.

"I loved the idea of a challenge that could be difficult to accomplish, yet still an adventure and physically demanding," he said.

More here.

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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Sunday, October 23, 2011

County Commissioners Approve McHenry Water System Policies



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Oct. 20, 2011


The Garrett County commissioners on Tuesday unanimously approved new fees and policies for the McHenry Water System District. Included in the document are hook-up time frames and payment schedules for hundreds of property owners who are required to connect to the public system.

"[We've] crafted, I think, the most equitable, blanket policy possible for the McHenry Water System," said commission chair Gregan Crawford. "I'm sure there are people who will certainly take issue with that, but we're still under a state mandated code. . . . Regardless of the history of who did what portion and when, what extension was done by whom, who paid for what, or what the intentions were, this is our system and we own it, and the responsibility lies with us."

The previous board of county commissioners held a public hearing on Dec. 7, 2010, on expanding the district to numerous areas around Deep Creek Lake, including Marsh Hill Road, the McHenry Business and Technology Park area, and Sweet Rewards Development.

No written or verbal commentary about the proposal was received at that hearing, and the district boundary changes were approved. The current commissioners held a similar hearing on the issue at Garrett College on March 19. That event also drew little public response.

Shortly thereafter, however, the commissioners received numerous objections to the mandatory connection policy and hookup costs. State law mandates that businesses and homeowners connect to a public system if the lines come within a certain distance of their properties.

During the last seven months, Crawford noted, the commissioners conducted three Saturday morning hearings at Garrett College on the issue, receiving five hours of public comments from those events, plus numerous phone calls, letters, e-mails, and courthouse visits at other times.

As a result of those hearings and comments, Crawford noted, the county came up with policies that reduced and standardized the fees, improved the public hearing notification system regarding water and sewer projects, and amended amortization schedules and connection time requirements.

More here.

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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Saturday, October 22, 2011

September 2011 Real Estate Sales Statistics - Residential



36 homes sold in September 2011, down slightly from September 2010, where we sold 39 homes and up from August, where we sold 31 homes.

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

There are 67 homes under contract right now (73 last month).

The average list vs. ORIGINAL sales price was 82.04% - down from last month (85.39%).

The ADJUSTED list vs sale price was 88.43%, also down from last month (92.91%).

The current # of active/for sale listings in MRIS (minus timeshares) is 738, down from last months 785. We have a 20.5 month supply of homes available (minus timeshares) based solely on the September sales numbers. This number is down significantly from last month's 25.32 month supply.

Random observations:

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

•It appears that 20 or so of these sales were vacation homes

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

•25 homes sold under $400,000

•1 home sold over $ 1 million (1 home last month)

•1 home sold for higher than full price or at full price (last month was 4)

•One house sold for 70.79% of asking price - 143 Walnut St in Friendsville

•The oldest home that sold was 121 yrs old

•The average age of the homes that sold was 31 years (32 last month)

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

Here are the statistical breakdowns:

Average Sale Price: $359,760 (last month $292,561)

Average Days on Market: 210/314 (last month 201/224) (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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GC Commissioners Vote Against Hiring Western Lobbyist



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Oct. 20, 2011


The Garrett County commissioners this week informed officials in Allegany, Frederick, Washington, and Carroll counties that they will not participate in a plan to hire a lobbyist to represent western Maryland interests in the 2012 General Assembly session.

Allegany County commissioner Michael McKay suggested the plan during a Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) meeting a few months ago. The cost of the endeavor was estimated at $5,000 per county.

Garrett County administrator Monty Pagenhardt said it was unclear to the local officials if a lobbyist would pursue several issues or just one.

"There are too many uncertainties," he said about the plan.

He noted that the five western counties might not have the same level of interest or all be in agreement on such issues as Marcellus shale drilling.

Local commission chairman Gregan Crawford announced his opposition to the idea last week, and the commissioners voted unanimously not to participate in the plan.

"They simply thought there were too many unanswered questions and concerns about hiring a lobbyist," Pagenhardt said.

He noted that Crawford, is on the MACo board of directors and the MACo Legislative Committee.

"He is very involved in all legislative matters, and Garrett County is represented very well by his efforts," Pag-enhardt said.

More here.

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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NOW THAT'S A PUMPKIN CHUCKER!




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Leave it to Phenix Technologies of Accident to design an incredibly sophisticated chucker for use in the second annual Pumpkin Chucking Contest held Saturday just north of Oakland as one of the events of the annual Autumn Glory Festival. Phenix successfully defended its title for both accuracy and distance in the competition. This air cannon, designed and constructed by several Phenix employees, launched 8-10 pound pumpkins over 500 yards. The six-man Phenix team consisted of Mike Chaney, Lloyd Oester, Andy Teter, Ben Vitez, Jason McCroskey, and Joe Thomas. They noted their appreciation for sponsors Lake View Auto Parts, Pleasant Valley Tarp, and Beitzel Excavating.

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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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Friday, October 21, 2011

September 2011 Lot/Land Sales

4 lot/land sales in Garrett County in September 2011.

There are currently 584 lot/land listings in Garrett County. There have 62 sales so far this year, as of today.

Here's a quick look at the September sales:

HOYE CREST DR 4 ACRES GA7212408 $28,000
LOT 19 NORTH GLADE MEADOWS 3.36 ACRES GA7437327 $29,000
MOSSER RD LOT 2.48 ACRES GA7588229 $25,000
BECKMAN'S PENINSULA 1.18 ACRES 101' LAKEFRONT GA7621659 $525,000







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Thursday, October 20, 2011

Garrett County residents will help hire new head of schools

Finding replacement for Teets will begin, end with public input

Elaine Blaisdell Cumberland Times-News

OAKLAND — The Maryland Association of Boards of Education is seeking public input on the hiring of a new Garrett County schools superintendent. After public input is sought, the position will be open for applications no later than Jan. 1, according to Tom Carr, president of the Garrett County Board of Education.

Once public input is gathered, MABE will forward the comments to the Board of Education, which will use the comments to put together a job description.

“The interviewing process is going to begin with and end with public input,” said Carr.

MABE will host a public input session Nov. 8 at 7 p.m. in the Southern High School cafetorium and BOE members will not attend this meeting. Those wishing to attend the input session are asked to consider two to three things that make Garrett County a special place to work, live and learn; four to five qualities/characteristics that would be favorable for a new superintendent; and challenges that a new superintendent will face in upcoming years.

“The board is relying on the community to embrace the effort and join us in searching for the best candidate possible,” said Carr.

MABE will receive applications until the end of February/March and a new superintendent will be hired by April to replace interim superintendent Sue Waggoner. She was named to the position in April, following the announcement of Wendell Teets’ retirement.

Selected representatives of stakeholders such as teachers, administrators, support staff, bus drivers, the business community, parents associations and service groups will be invited to interview the top three to four final candidates, which will require a three- or four-day commitment, explained Carr.

Although the position will be advertised nationally, Carr is hoping to find someone local to fill the position.

“I think we have enough talent in these mountains to hire someone locally. However, if we have someone great from the Eastern Shore, that would be fine, too,” said Carr.

Anyone who is unable to attend the public forum may submit written comments to Kitty Blumsack at kblumsack@mabe.org by Nov. 1.

Contact Elaine Blaisdell at eblaisdell@times-news.com

More here.

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Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Garrett County Presents "Modest" List Of Priorities To Transportation Officials


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Oct. 13, 2011


Maryland Department of Transportation (DOT)and State Highway Administration (SHA) personnel conducted their annual consultation meeting with local officials and residents last Friday morning at the courthouse.

Each fall, transportation and highway officials visit Baltimore City and every county in the state to present their six-year Consolidated Transportation Program draft and to review local priorities and funding needs.

Maryland Department of Transportation Secretary Beverley Swaim-Staley indicated Garrett County's requests are small compared to other areas of the state.

"Garrett County, you all are modest in your requests," Swaim-Staley said. "If we were to add up all of the 24 jurisdictions' number one priorities, they would total over $12 billion."

She noted, however, that even if the DOT's funding level were increased by $1 billion, which would be a significant level, it would take a "very, very long time" to complete each one of those priorities.

"We continue to have significant funding challenges, as a country and as a state," Swaim-Staley said.

More here.

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Loretta Hummel Releases Country Gospel Bluegrass Album, 'Sweet Spirit Comfort Me'

Hagerstown, MD -- Award-winning, recording artist Loretta Hummel releases her new studio album, "Sweet Spirit Comfort Me" The album represents a sought after vocal harmony of old country gospel and bluegrass music. Hummel's lyrics express the depth and richness found in life as her heartfelt songs are about local life, friends, love and Christian faith. Paul Mullan, Station Operations Manager of WMSG Radio Station, 1050 AM, states "We've all heard of people who wear their heart on their sleeve. Well, Loretta puts her heart in her voice. Her lyrics are some of the most penetrating I've heard, and her songs mean so many different things to so many different people. She's a joy to be around and a joy to listen to."

Hummel wrote all the new and original songs for her eighth album, "Sweet Spirit Comfort Me", which was recorded at River Track Studio located near the Country Music Highway in Kentucky. Studio engineers Otis Lynn Dillon and Robert Maynard not only recorded and mixed the album but also provided some instrumentation. Hummel says, "I am very pleased with Otis's banjo and mandolin playing and I'm happy to have bluegrass musician Ron Stewart of Indiana playing the fiddle on this album."

Cuts from the album's 11 tracks include, "Garrett County Memories" in which words of imagery evokes reminiscence of the local landscape and pleasant memories. "I Know Jesus Is My Savior", is one of her several songs that share the word of the gospel. This new album reveals some of Hummel's talents: A light bit of yodeling, a Christmas song, and even a soldier's song are included. A tribute to our men in service, "God Bless the Soldiers", has the voice of a soldier's personal plea for God's blessing.

More here.

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Wisp Resort owners file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection

Tourist destination near Deep Creek Lake has had financial difficulties in its real estate arm
Comments 2Share84
By Hanah Cho, The Baltimore Sun

6:51 p.m. EDT, October 17, 2011
The owners of a ski resort near Deep Creek Lake have filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy-law protection while they try to resolve financial difficulties related to another business.

DC Development LLC, which owns Wisp Resort in Garrett County, announced the filing Sunday.

The company has been unable to renegotiate the repayment of a $28.5 million loan with BB&T Corp. The loan was tied to the construction of an 18-hole golf course and community called Lodestone Golf Club. The golf club property, which is near the ski resort, has experienced lackluster sales of home sites.

DC Development — which filed for bankruptcy-law protection on Saturday in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Greenbelt — said Chapter 11 protection would allow it to work out its loan restructuring and provide "breathing room needed to continue to seek new investors for the companies."

More here.

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Wisp Resort’s fortunes have gone downhill

Western Maryland ski and golf resort files for Chapter 11

by Lindsey Robbins, Staff Writer

Maryland’s only ski resort has fallen victim to the collapse of the real estate market, as its owners filed for bankruptcy on Saturday after defaulting on a $23.5 million loan.

D.C. Development of McHenry, owner of Wisp Resort in Garrett County, and related companies filed the Chapter 11 petition in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Greenbelt, citing $50 million to $100 million in assets and $10 million to $50 million in debts.

“Wisp Resort continues to perform exceptionally well and will continue to be the region’s premiere skiing resort,” Karen F. Myers, an executive with Wisp Resort Development, wrote in an affidavit with the filing. “However, as a result of the [Branch Banking & Trust] confessed judgment, the companies must restructure their debt and their relationship with BBT.”

Myers is a prominent businesswoman in the state; last year, the Maryland Chamber of Commerce inducted her into its Business Hall of Fame.

More here.

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Tuesday, October 18, 2011

GCHS To Host Fall Fundraising Dinner Oct. 28


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Oct. 13, 2011


The Garrett County Historical Society will host a fundraising dinner on Friday, Oct. 28, at the Pleasant Valley Community Center, beginning at 6:30 p.m.

The entertainment for the evening will be provided by local actor John Wilson, who will portray the county namesake and B&O Railroad president, John W. Garrett. Wilson is versed in the events in Garrett's life, including his numerous accomplishments and his close association with President Abraham Lincoln.

The price of the dinner is $20 per person. Reservations should be called in to the museum as soon as possible, according to Robert Boal, president of the society. The number is 301-334-3226. Persons should call between the hours of 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Boal said the public is invited to attend this event, which is in part a celebration of the opening of the new Garrett County Transportation Museum, located along Liberty Street in Oakland.

More here.

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Some Marylanders question odd pairings in proposed new congressional map

Farms mix with suburbs, cities with small towns
By John Fritze, The Baltimore Sun

11:33 p.m. EDT, October 15, 2011

Jim Schillinger, a fourth-generation farmer from Severn, has occasionally tussled with politicians who don't understand the first thing about crop yields or the rising cost of fertilizer. When he tries to explain his concerns, it's as if they don't speak his language.

So when Schillinger studies the proposed boundaries for Maryland's eight congressional districts and sees that his 136-acre farm in Anne Arundel County would be lumped with densely populated Prince George's, it doesn't inspire confidence that his voice would be heard in Washington.

"These people have different opinions than what these people have up here," Schillinger says, pointing to a map of the redrawn 4th District. "They're going to have different ideas — the city people — versus what we have."

As a byproduct of their effort to bolster political advantage through the once-in-a-decade redistricting process, Maryland Democrats have created some odd pairings: farms mixed with suburbs, city centers combined with small towns and — most important from a political perspective — deeply conservative areas tied to staunchly liberal enclaves.

More here.

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Monday, October 17, 2011

BOE Considers Comcast's Web Access Program


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Oct. 13, 2011


The Garrett County Board of Education recently met (Tuesday, Oct. 11) with a representative of Comcast to discuss that company's Internet Essentials program.

The initiative seeks to provide students of households without web access with an Internet connection.

Through the program, Comcast is offering an Internet connection for $9.95 per month with free equipment and no installation fees. Comcast will also offer free Internet training for students and their families. The system is stand-alone and there is no need to purchase cable, telephone, or any other services offered by Comcast.

Students who qualify for free lunch also qualify for the Internet Essentials program. However, eligible households must be within the Comcast "footprint," or locations where the company has installed its cable systems. Those who utilize the program may not have been Comcast customers within 90 days of installation.

More here.

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Where to go: Casselman River Bridge State Park, Md.

Sunday, October 16, 2011

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

• What to do: When the National Road was a major route to everywhere west of the Appalachian Mountains, the Casselman River Bridge was considered a marvel of technology. When completed in 1813, the 80-foot bridge was the longest single-span stone arch in the United States. Some thought it wouldn't stand for long, but the bridge carried foot traffic, animals, carriages, wagon and ultimately automobiles and trucks until 1933. It's no longer open to vehicular traffic. The 4-acre park, east of Grantsville in Garrett County in Maryland's northern panhandle, is a popular attraction for photographers, fly anglers and history buffs.

• Contact: 301-895-5453.


Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11289/1182256-140.stm#ixzz1bFVc98es

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Garrett College to celebrate pool’s grand opening

Work crews completing last of the punch list items; festivities to commence Saturday

From Staff Reports Cumberland Times-News

MCHENRY — The pool has been filled and the lifeguards have been hired at Garrett College’s new Community Aquatic & Recreation Complex.

Now it’s time for the public to take a dip.

A grand opening scheduled for Saturday will feature tours of the 32,500-square-foot complex, demonstrations in its fitness center and regulation-size pool — and a three-hour public swim from 2 to 5 p.m.

Funded by the state and county, the $23 million CARC is to be a wellness center for the entire community, college leaders have said. Membership fees are on a sliding scale based on income levels.

Last week, a group of area kindergartners was among the first to try out the pool when they participated in a new I Can Swim!  program. The free program will bring all Garrett County kindergartners to CARC for one week at a time for swimming and water safety classes.

Work crews are completing punch list items, but construction of the aquatic and fitness building is “substantially complete,” according to a report prepared for the Garrett College Board of Trustees.

An adjacent 42,500-square-foot gymnasium is about 40 percent complete and is expected to open in March, the report said.

Saturday’s grand opening kicks off with a 9 a.m. breakfast and pre-event tour for Garrett College alumni, followed by a ceremony and guest speakers at 10 a.m.

Tours begin at 11:30 and continue until 5 p.m. Demonstrations are scheduled throughout the day, including: 

• 11:30 a.m. to noon: Warm water pool features and healthy heart demonstrations

• Noon to 12:30 p.m.: Underwater robotic and scuba demonstrations

• 12:30 to 1 p.m.: Kayak roll demonstration and inflatable kayak kids race

• 1 to 1:30 p.m.: Manta Ray Swim Team, I Can Swim!, and dance demonstrations

• 1:30 to 5 p.m.: Fitness Center demonstrations

CARC’s operating hours are 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.

More here.

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Push for pet-friendly rooms makes hotels sit up and notice

Published: Sunday, October 16, 2011, 7:10 AM

By Susan Glaser, The Plain Dealer

When the suitcases come out, Pepper goes into hiding.

She knows what it means: We're leaving, and she's not.

There are myriad benefits to traveling as much as I do. Leaving the dog behind is not one of them.

So when longtime friends put me in charge of finding a rental house for our biannual gathering at Deep Creek Lake, Md., I made an executive decision: The dog is coming with us.

More here

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Sunday, October 16, 2011

GEARS Receives Grant To Increase Robotics Programs


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Oct. 13, 2011


The Naylor Family Trust Fund, through the Community Trust Foundation, recently awarded the Garrett Engineering and Robotics Society (GEARS) with a grant that will make it possible for more Garrett County youth to participate in educational robotics activities.

Many youth development organizations, such as 4-H, Boy Scouts, and Girl Scouts, are introducing robotics into their programs. Yet many more of these clubs lack either the financial resources or technical skill to embrace this new technology. In an effort to address this problem, GEARS will utilize its robotics activity, SuGO, to jumpstart local club-based robotics programs.

SuGO was developed by GEARS as a "friendly" robotics competition in which small teams design and build sumo-wrestling robots using the Lego mindstorms system. GEARS has been running monthly SuGO competitions for the past five years, but this new "SuGO outreach project" is, according to a spokesperson, designed to provide resources to enable local clubs to organize and run their own competitions.

Over the next two years, GEARS will seek out Garrett County clubs interested in learning more about robotics. GEARS will provide these clubs with outreach in the form of hands-on training, and robotic hardware (LEGO Mindstorms kits) purchased with funds provided by the Naylor grant.

SuGO "outreach mini-grants" will be available to clubs that meet regularly, operate under a parent organization, and have sufficient youth within the target age-group (8-14 years). Grant applications will be available online at www.SuGObot.com.

More here.

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