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, September 30, 2011

Intel Foundation Lists Crellin Elem. Among Nation's Most Innovative



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by Kyle Lantz

Crellin Elementary School is set to receive a $10,000 grant and $100,000 in donated equipment and professional resources from the Intel Foundation. This award comes after Crellin Elementary joined just six other schools from across the country to be named as one of the 2011 Intel Schools of Distinction.

Through this award, the Intel Corporation, which partners with sponsoring companies to distribute around $1 million in grants and awards each year, recognizes schools for the implementation of innovative math and science programs.

Crellin was chosen along with 17 other finalists to attend Intel's award ceremony last week (Sept. 20) in Washington, D.C., where winners were announced. Representing Garrett County at the ceremony were school system administrators and Crellin Elementary teachers, including the school's principal, Dr. Dana McCauley.

"It was really a humbling experience and a privilege to be able to join the other finalists in D.C.," McCauley stated. "We met with so many excellent educators and were inspired by all of their stories."

After a visit to Capitol Hill and a Tuesday-night gala event, Crellin Elementary was honored for its "extraordinary commitment to educational excellence and innovation," winning for its performance in mathematics.

"Improving math and science education is one of the critical issues we see facing the United States if it is to compete effectively in a global economy," says Wendy Hawkins, executive director of the Intel Foundation.

"It is encouraging to see examples of such excellence from across the country. These schools launch their students on a path to lifelong learning with programs that are rich, exciting and demanding."

The Intel Foundation chose its winners based on its criteria of extraordinary commitment to instituting 21st century teaching and learning environments, as well as the implementation of innovative programs that inspire students to excel in the areas of math and science.

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!

877-563-5350 - toll free

McHenry Water System Follow-Up Hearing Scheduled


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Sep. 29, 2011

The Board of Garrett County Commissioners will hold a follow-up hearing on the McHery Water System – Water Connection and User Fees and Connection Amortization Policy this Saturday, Oct. 1, at 9 a.m. in the Garrett College auditorium.

The event is scheduled to review and receive public commentary on proposed changes to the existing policy and to address questions on expansion of service to the water district.

The commissioners and GC Department of Public Utilities personnel have compiled answers to several questions that were presented during the initial public hearing on Aug. 27. These are available on the county government web site at garrettcounty.org.

Interested persons who may have questions on this issue are asked to attend the Oct. 1 hearing. For more information, one may call the DPU at 301-334-6983 or the county administrator or commissioners at 301-334-8970.

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!

877-563-5350 - toll free

Upcoming Events at Deep Creek Lake & Garrett County

Events for October 2011

Garrett County Chamber of Commerce
Oct 1 The Haunted Shack

Date: October 1, 2011
Website: http://www.wispresort.com EMail: info@wispresort.com


Oct 1 Fall Festival & Open House
Pumpkin carving, hay rides, dutch oven cooking, candle making, apple cider pressing & more! Friend's Store will be open with craft demonstrations.
Date: October 1, 2011
Time: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Location: Friend's Store
Contact: 301.387.7067
Date/Time Details: 10 am - 4 pm


Oct 1 GFWC Civic Club of Oakland Centennial Celebration
The GFWC The Civic Club of Oakland, Inc. is celebrating its 100th Anniversary. More details will follow as the planning for this event is just beginning.
Date: October 1, 2011
Time: 6:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Location: TBD
Contact: Barbara Frantz, President
EMail: barbarafrantz@verizon.net
Date/Time Details: October 1, 2011/6 PM
Fees/Admission: TBD


Oct 2 SuGO Sunday. Family LEGO Robotics
Design & build a LEGO Sumo Robot to push your opponents off the competition ring. Rookies welcome.
Date: October 2, 2011
Time: 1:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Website: http://www.SuGObot.com Location: 116 Industrial Park Dr., Accident, MD
Contact: 301.387.2331
Date/Time Details: 1 pm - 4:30 pm
Fees/Admission: $10 per team


Oct 4 Tuesday $3.50 Movie of the Week Special
Bring the entire family to Garrett 8 Cinemas for our select movie of the week for only $3.50. Movie showtime listings are available online at www.garrett8cinema.com or 301.387.2500.
Date: October 4, 2011
Website: http://www.garrett8cinema.com Location: Garrett 8 Cinemas

Contact: 301.387.2500
Date/Time Details: All Day
Fees/Admission: $3.50 per person


Oct 7 Day of Caring/Sharing
United Way of Garrett County will have volunteers working at various locations in the county. Free to participate. Free t-shirts, breakfasts and lunch for participants.
Date: October 7, 2011
Location: Oakland Fire Hall
Contact: 877.597.2700
Date/Time Details: 8 am - noon


Oct 7 - Oct 9 The Haunted Shack
Open Friday, Saturday, Sunday night.
Date: October 7, 2011
Website: http://www.wispresort.com EMail: info@wispresort.com


Oct 7 Relay For Life Interest Rally
Residents of Garrett County—we need your help! We want to make the 2012 Relay For Life of Garrett County the best one yet, but we need committee members and teams to make that happen! Come learn about all the exciting ways to get involved in your Relay For Life event. All are welcome!

Date: October 7, 2011
Time: 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM
Website: http://www.cancer.org Location: Grantsville, MD - Ruth Enlow Library
Contact: Brittany Friend
EMail: brittany.friend@cancer.org
Date/Time Details: October 7th / 3:30-5:00 PM
Fees/Admission: None


Oct 8 Geocaching 101
The Maryland Geocaching Society will be presenting an introductory course for those interested in geocaching. The class is free of charge and a limited supply of GPS units will be available for loan during the class.
Date: October 8, 2011
Location: New Germany Lake House
Contact: 301.895.5453
EMail: park-new-germany@dnr.state.md.us
Date/Time Details: 9 am


Oct 11 Relay For Life Interest Rally
Residents of Garrett County—we need your help! We want to make the 2012 Relay For Life of Garrett County the best one yet, but we need committee members and teams to make that happen! Come learn about all the exciting ways to get involved in your Relay For Life event. All are welcome!

Date: October 11, 2011
Time: 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM
Website: http://www.cancer.org Location: Kitzmiller, MD - Town Hall
Contact: Brittany Friend
EMail: brittany.friend@cancer.org
Date/Time Details: October 11th / 3:30-5:00
Fees/Admission: None


Oct 12 - Oct 16 44th annual Autumn Glory Festival
Listed the #1 Fall Festival in the world by msn.com, this five-day celebration with beautiful fall foliage, parades, craft shows, live entertainment, car show and pumpkin festival. Additional information about specific events will be added as they are confirmed. Call 301.387.4386.
Date: October 12, 2011
Location: Garrett County, Maryland
Contact: 301.387.4386


Oct 12 Dogsledding Presentation and Kennel Visit
Enjoy an educational and entertaining dogsledding presentation. Grill mushers; see equipment; hug gorgeous and friendly HUSKIES; watch an exciting film of them working/pulling (or see a real team run if it's cold enough) and learn a lot! No reservations required this day. It is a two hour program starting at 10 am. Price: $20 each.

Note: We offer this same tour (but by reservation only and with a minimum price) almost every day. Please see our website for more info: "Tours" page.

Date: October 12, 2011
Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Website: http://www.HuskyPowerDogsledding.com Location: Husky Power Dogsledding at Mountain MD Kennels, LLC
Address: 2008 Bumble Bee Road, Accident, MD 21520 -- Three Miles from Wisp – near the Airport in McHenry
Contact: 301-746-7200
Date/Time Details: 10 am - noon
Fees/Admission: $20


Oct 12 Relay For Life Interest Rally
Residents of Garrett County—we need your help! We want to make the 2012 Relay For Life of Garrett County the best one yet, but we need committee members and teams to make that happen! Come learn about all the exciting ways to get involved in your Relay For Life event. All are welcome!


Date: October 12, 2011
Time: 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM
Website: http://www.cancer.org Location: Garrett College - Continuing Education Building, Room 203
Contact: Brittany Friend
EMail: Brittany.Friend@cancer.org
Date/Time Details: October 12th / 3:30-5:00 PM
Fees/Admission: None


Oct 12 Autumn Glory Festival Kick-Off Dinner
The Garrett County Chamber of Commerce invites you to kick off the 44th Annual Autumn Glory Festival at the Lodge at Wisp Resort. The Dinner is sponsored by Clear Mountain Bank. Music will be provided by The Remedy and is sponsored by Wisp Resort.
Date: October 12, 2011
Time: 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Location: The Lodge at Wisp Resort
McHenry, MD
Contact: Charlotte Sebold 301-387-6171 Fax 301-387-2080
EMail: charlotte@garrettchamber.com
Date/Time Details: 6:00 pm Social Hour
7:00 pm Dinner
8:00 pm Program
8:30 pm Music
Fees/Admission: Tickets ($195 per couple)
Tickets ($100 per individual)
Corporate Table Seating 8 ($750)


Oct 12 Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra "Ballroom With A Twist"
Be dazzled as an astonishing line-up of stars from American Idol, Dancing With The Stars, So You Think You Can Dance and High School Musical joins Marvin Hamlisch and the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra in "Ballroom With a Twist". Call the Garrett Lakes Arts Festival for tickets ($35 each) and details about carpooling from Garrett College
Date: October 12, 2011
Time: 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM
Website: http://www.artsandentertainment.org
Location: Morgantown, WVU Creative Arts Center
Contact: Garrett Lakes Arts Council 301.387.3082
EMail: glaf@artsandentertainment.org
Date/Time Details: October 12, 2011 7:30 PM
Fees/Admission: $35.00


Oct 13 Relay For Life Interest Rally
Residents of Garrett County—we need your help! We want to make the 2012 Relay For Life of Garrett County the best one yet, but we need committee members and teams to make that happen! Come learn about all the exciting ways to get involved in your Relay For Life event. All are welcome!

Date: October 13, 2011
Time: 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM
Website: http://www.cancer.org Location: Oakland, MD - Ruth Enlow Library
Contact: Brittany Friend
EMail: brittany.friend@cancer.org
Date/Time Details: October 13th / 3:30-5:00 PM
Fees/Admission: None


Oct 14 - Oct 15 The Haunted Shack
Open Friday, Saturday night.
Date: October 14, 2011
Website: http://www.wispresort.com EMail: info@wispresort.com


Oct 15 - Oct 16 Autumn Glory Craft & Gift Sale
We have a new and expanded location for this year's Autumn Glory Craft & Gift Sale presented by Susquehanna Bank. The show will be located in the New Exhibit Hall at the Garrett County Fairgrounds on Route 219 (Garrett Highway) in McHenry, MD. This year's Craft and Gift Sale will be October 15-16, 2011. The new location allows more space for crafters, all exhititors will be in the centralized location and we will have plenty of parking spaces for our shoppers. We will have a wide variety of crafts and gifts including woodworking, candles, painted decor, jewelry, specialty foods and much more. Hours are 10 AM - 6 PM on Saturday and 10 AM - 4 PM on Sunday. You will love our new show and our new location.
Refreshment sales benefit Hospice of Garrett County.
Free admission.

Date: October 15, 2011
Location: New Exhibit Hall
Garrett County Fairgrounds
Route 219, Garrett Highway
McHenry, MD 21541

Contact: Charlotte Sebold 301 387-6171
EMail: charlotte@garrettchamber.com
Date/Time Details: Saturday, October 15, 2011 10 AM - 6 PM
Sunday, October 16, 2011 10 AM - 4 PM
Fees/Admission: Free Admission


Oct 16 Great Pumpkin Festival
Pumpkin, Hooligan races plus Kayak and Raft races. Benefits the Dove Center.
Date: October 16, 2011
Website: http://www.adventuresportscenter.com Location: Adventure Sports Center International


Oct 16 Dogsledding Presentation and Kennel Visit! (2)
Enjoy an educational and entertaining dogsledding presentation. Grill mushers, see equipment, hug gorgeous and friendly HUSKIES, watch an exciting film of them pulling (or the actual team running when it's cold enough) and learn alot! No reservations required this day. It is a two hour program, starting at 10:00am. We offer this same tour (but by reservation and minimum price) almost every day. Please see our website for more info. $20/person.
Date: October 16, 2011
Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Website: http://www.HuskyPowerDogsledding.com Location: HUSKY POWER DOGSLEDDING's home kennel

2008 Bumble Bee Road

Accident, MD 21520

ONLY FIVE MINUTES FROM THE WISP, near the GC Airport
Contact: Linda or Mike Herdering
EMail: Linda@HuskyPowerDogsledding.com
Date/Time Details: Wednesday Oct. 12, 2011

10:00 am to noon
Fees/Admission: $20 per person


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!
877-563-5350 - toll free

Bayard residents could see post office closure

‘A great pall’ falls over town
Emily Newman
Cumberland Times-News The Cumberland Times-News Thu Sep 29, 2011, 11:16 PM EDT

BAYARD, W.Va. — With more than 300 residents, all receiving their mail through post office boxes in Bayard, the United States Postal Service has announced that Bayard is on the list for the next round of possible closures.

“A great pall fell over our town when it was announced that our post office was being considered for closure,” said Mayor Steve Durst on Thursday morning.

A meeting was held Wednesday night to get public input on possible closure.

The letter also stated that in the event that it does close, Bayard residents will be able to get their mail at the Gormania Post Office, which currently serves around 25 residents.

“Personally, I want no post offices closed, but in this matter it makes better sense if one has to be closed, that Gormania’s be closed,” said Durst.

USPS takes into account several factors, including the revenue and working hours that the post office operates.

Gormania shows higher revenue than the Bayard post office and more hours worked. Durst said that one of the reasons for this is that the Bayard post office provides the post office boxes to every resident free of charge, and Gormania charges an annual fee.

Durst said that since the bridge from Bayard to Garrett County closed in 1988, Bayard has lost the business of people living just across the line in Maryland. Now to reach Bayard, people travel around Gormania. Durst said that this accounts for Gormania’s higher revenue.

“Presently, some people walk to their (post office box) located here in Bayard and have no means of doing otherwise,” said Durst.

Each post office being reviewed will have a feasibility study and public meetings before ultimately being closed. Cathy Yarosky, a representative from the USPS, said that right now, there are no certain plans.

“No decision has been made,” said Yarosky. “We look at a lot of criteria.”

If the post office would be closed, there are several options for people to get their mail.

The mail could be rerouted through Gormania, where residents would have a new post office box, the post office could put up a free-standing post office box or it could organize a village post office in one of the local businesses.

Durst said that none of these options is viable, since residents would have to travel a round trip of five miles to pick up their mail in Gormania, there would be no one to maintain a free standing box and that businesses are required to absorb the expense of operating a village post office.

In an effort to stop the process, Durst has written multiple letters to U.S. Sens. Jay Rockefeller and David McKinley. He said that both senators are behind the post office staying open, as is state Delegate Allen Evans.

“The Postal Service has an obligation, under the law, to make sure that rural customers have reasonable access to mail services,” said Rockefeller in a letter to Durst. “I will be closely monitoring the closure process to make sure that the Postal Service is living up to these important responsibilities.”

Both Durst and his wife, Glenna, presented formal responses at the meeting, which approximately 60 people in the Bayard area attended.

“Bayard is incorporated with a volunteer fire department, a police department, a bank ... two businesses ... two churches and close to 300 people. It seems to me that it makes more sense to keep a post office here than in a small community, like Gormania,” said Glenna, adding that, obviously, Gormania would not like to lose its post office either.

Emily Newman can be contacted at enewman@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!
877-563-5350 - toll free

Constellation Energy Begins Construction on Maryland's Largest Solar Photovoltaic Power System

BALTIMORE, Sep 29, 2011 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Constellation Energy today announced that its retail energy business affiliate has started construction on a 16.1 megawatt DC grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) solar installation in Emmitsburg, Md. Part of the state of Maryland's Generating Clean Horizons initiative, the approximately $60 million solar facility will be financed, owned and operated by Constellation Energy. Renewable electricity produced by the system will be purchased by the state of Maryland's Department of General Services and the University System of Maryland under 20-year solar power purchase agreements.

"Our state's growing 'green' sector is vital to our ability to create jobs and compete in the new economy," said Gov. Martin O'Malley. "I'd like to thank Constellation Energy for their commitment to helping us move toward our renewable energy goals. Together, we will continue to make Maryland a leader in the nation's efforts for clean energy, bring more green jobs to our communities and create a more sustainable future."

Constellation Energy employs approximately 75 people to construct the solar installation, and expects that workforce to reach a peak of 150 people during the height of construction. The system is scheduled for operation in early 2012 and is expected to produce more than 22 million kilowatt hours of emissions-free electricity per year. Generating the same amount of electricity using nonrenewable sources would result in the release of 15,170 metric tons of carbon dioxide or the equivalent emissions from 2,975 passenger vehicles annually, according to U.S. EPA data.

"Projects like this are part of Constellation Energy's commitment to provide clean energy products and services for our customers, both in Maryland and nationally," said Mark Huston, head of Constellation Energy's retail energy business. "Constellation Energy's new 70-megawatt Criterion Wind Project, located in Garrett County, Md., meets the clean energy needs of approximately 23,000 households. We look forward to developing additional renewable projects that will help Maryland meet its environmental goals."

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!
877-563-5350 - toll free

Transportation panel to make proposals

State funds that Allegany County relied on for highways are no longer a sure thing
The Cumberland Times-News Thu Sep 29, 2011, 11:21 PM EDT

CUMBERLAND — The state commission charged with examining transportation funding wraps up its work next month and is required to issue a final report to Gov. Martin O’Malley and the Maryland General Assembly by Nov. 1.

Garrett County Administrator Monty Pagenhardt believes the recommendations of the Blue Ribbon Commission on Maryland Transportation Funding, of which he is a member, can be a positive step forward to address funding issues plaguing the state and localities.

“I think the commission was appointed for a purpose. ... I am optimistic that the recommendations will be considered by the governor and General Assembly,” Pagenhardt said. He cautioned, though, that he doesn’t expect the changes to come quickly.

Among the important issues the commission is reviewing is a recommendation to put transportation funds, especially highway user funds, in something of a lock box.

The so-called Transportation Trust Fund is regularly raided to repair gaps in the budget, state Sen. George Edwards said. Those raids have amounted to about $2 billion over the past few years.

“That’s been a big part of the discussion. I am a representative of the rural counties and that has just crippled ... county transportation funding,” Pagenhardt said.

The Senate Budget Committee heard from the transportation commission as well. Edwards has said he would like to keep transportation funding where it belongs instead of continuing the practice of transfers into the state’s general fund.

“We need to stop robbing Peter to pay Paul,” Edwards said.

The highway user funds once were something Allegany County could count on for road repairs.

The county was estimated to receive $148,000 for fiscal 2012. That revenue used to be about $5 million, county officials have said. In 2007, the county share of the highway user revenue was $4.8 million; in 2008, $4.6 million. Garrett County, too, has taken a hit from the highway funding cuts. According to the draft fiscal 2012 budget, the county expects $161,500 in highway user revenue. That’s down from $221,370 in 2011 and $257,207 in 2010.

Another recommendation the commission will likely make involves allowing local governments to have the ability to raise their own funds, through taxes, to pay for transportation needs, possibly through a property tax surcharge, according to commission documents.

Pagenhardt doesn’t think Garrett County commissioners would be interested in that option.

Edwards recently said he hopes legislators will rebuild the state highway user funds, but he’s realistic.

“You’re not going to see it all at once,” he said. “There is not a whole lot of enthusiasm for tax increases,” even among Senate Democrats, Edwards said.

Changing the way the state funds mass transit is key to fixing the transportation budget, Edwards said. If you exclude the funds set aside for repairing toll roads and bridges, mass transit is the single largest portion of the transportation budget, eating up the money needed to repair roads and bridges, Edwards said.

Maryland, he said, is the only state he knows of that doesn’t use a local tax to help fund mass transit in the areas where it is heavily used.

The first step should be some sort of cap on mass transit funding, Edwards said. Those savings can then go into the trust fund.

Contact Matthew Bieniek at mbieniek@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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Thursday, September 29, 2011

Garrett garage fires causes $90,000 damage

From Staff Reports
Cumberland Times-News The Cumberland Times-News Wed Sep 28, 2011, 01:03 PM EDT

— MCHENRY — A Tuesday night fire that caused damages estimated at $90,000 at 60 Ginseng Springs Lane remains under investigation by the Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office.

The 10:26 p.m. fire was first reported to the Garrett county 911 center, prompting alert of Deep Creek, Accident, Friendsville and Oakland volunteer fire companies.

One volunteer firefighter sprained an ankle at the scene, according to the fire marshal's office.

The fire originated in an attached garage and was discovered by Robert Moats, owner of the property.

Occupants got out of the residence safely, according to the 911 center.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation by Kris Nieberlein, and H. Ewing and K-9 Inez of the Maryland State Fire Marshal's Office.

Smoke alarms were present and activated when the fire began.

The property loss was estimated at $66,000 to the structure and $24,000 to its contents.

An estimated 40 volunteer firefighters responded and were at the scene for more than four horus.

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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Arrest made in string of Deep Creek burglaries

From Staff Reports
The Cumberland Times-News Wed Sep 28, 2011, 12:58 PM EDT

— OAKLAND — A Grant County couple was arrested recently on numerous burglary and theft charges stemming from alleged burglaries of a Deep Creek Lake residence that occurred over a seven-month period, according to the Garrett County Sheriff’s Office.

Joshua Todd Culp, 30, and Jessica Dawn Picou, 23, both of Mount Storm, W.Va., were charged with multiple counts of first-degree burglary, theft between $1,000 and $10,000, destruction of property and possession of burglary toolss.

Culp remained jailed Wednesday at the Garrett County Detention Center on bond of $450,000 and Picou remained jailed on bond of $70,000.

Both defendants were served arrest warrants when investigators located them in a campground area in Grantsville.

Police said the burglaries occurred between December and June when residences were forcibly entered.

Flat-screen televisions, DVD players and other electronic items were stolen. Some of the stolen property was recovered during the course of the investigation.

The sheriff’s office is continuing to investigate the matter. Investigations are also being conducted by Maryland State Police regarding other breaking and enterings in the Deep Creek Lake area.

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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Deer hunter who killed bear won’t be charged

Sow twice climbed tree he was sitting in
Michael A. Sawyers
Cumberland Times-News The Cumberland Times-News Tue Sep 27, 2011, 09:46 PM EDT

MCHENRY — A deer hunter who used his crossbow to kill a bear in Garrett County will not be charged, according to Sgt. Art Windemuth of the Maryland Natural Resources Police.

The incident took place Sept. 20 on private land one-quarter of a mile west of U.S. Route 219 in the area of Will O’ The Wisp, according to Windemuth.

“The hunter told officers he was in a tree hunting over a bait pile when the sow (165 pounds) and two cubs came to the bait. He said the sow climbed the tree he was in, but went back to the bait after he hollered at it,” Windemuth said.

The bear once more climbed the tree, coming within a few feet of the hunter who feared for his life and shot the bruin, according to Windemuth.

“The hunter immediately called the wildlife office in Cumberland. Officers were dispatched and found the bear, which was dead, and the cubs had left the area,” Windemuth said. “All the evidence, including the angle of the arrow in the bear, substantiated the hunter’s account.”

Windemuth said the matter was presented to the Garrett County state’s attorney, who chose not to charge the hunter.

Harry Spiker of the Maryland Wildlife & Heritage Service, said the dead bear was untagged and did not wear a radio collar. “So we had no history on this bear,” Spiker said.

“The hunter described the cubs as being small. We believe if cubs make it to July 1 they can survive on their own. They might still be nursing some, but they are also eating solid foods and know enough at that point to forage on their own. They would probably weigh about 40 pounds each now.”

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!
877-563-5350 - toll free

Southern knocks off top-ranked Northern, 3-0

From Staff Reports
Cumberland Times-News The Cumberland Times-News Tue Sep 27, 2011, 11:48 PM EDT

OAKLAND — Alli Shaffer scored a goal and assisted on the other two as fifth-ranked Southern knocked off top-ranked Northern, 3-0, in high school girls soccer Tuesday night at Southern.

Tess Watson scored the only goal of the first half, off of a corner kick by Shaffer, with just under 10 minutes before the half.

The lead doubled in the opening minutes of the second half when Shaffer scored on a feed from Jill Yant. Shaffer tacked on an unassisted goal with 12:04 remaining.

“We were really clicking tonight, especially the defense, and I was really pleased with everyone’s effort,’’ said Southern head coach Sara Shaffer.

Southern led in shots 15-6. Annie Martin made four saves in goal for the Rams. Alex Diehl had seven and Kloey Werner one for the Huskies.

The Garrett County rivals split their two regular season meetings as Northern had won earlier in the year, 2-1. Because last night’s game was a non-conference game, the Huskies remained 5-0 in the Appalachian Mountain Athletic Conference.

Southern (6-3, 4-2 AMAC) hosts Keyser on Tuesday. Northern (6-2) hosts Fort Hill tonight at 6:30.

Southern won the jayvee game 3-1. Alicia Roth scored two gaols and Alicia Harpole had one for the Rams. Shannon Warnick scored for the Huskies.

Voting in the area soccer poll was completed prior to any Tuesday games.

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!
877-563-5350 - toll free

Fall Festival at Friend's

Saturday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Deep Creek Lake State Park and NRMA, 3735 Sang Run Road, Sang Run, Garrett County. Fall Festival @ Friend's Delight. Includes bird walk, butterfly tagging, a honeybee presentation, pumpkin picking and hay rides. Cost: free.

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!
877-563-5350 - toll free

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Councilman Chris Trumbauer Took an Unusual Path to Politics

Local riverkeeper wanted to use public office as a way to advocate for the environment.

By Mitchelle Stephenson

Chris Trumbauer didn’t come to his political position through some carefully crafted lifelong desire to spend his adult years as a politician.

In fact, the West/Rhode Riverkeeper's favorite thing to do is to be outdoors.

When he was a child growing up near the Chester River, he remembers spending more time on the water than not....

...Trumbauer has spent time in all corners of the state studying water quality. After graduating from the University of Maryland with a degree in chemistry, he worked briefly in the private sector and then spent a decade with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) sampling water quality around the state.

“I operated out of Annapolis, but I got to travel all over," he said. "I tested water at Deep Creek Lake, coastal bays. Wherever there was water in Maryland, that was where we went.”

More here.

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Oakland Civic Club members celebrating 100 years of service

Angie Brant
The Cumberland Times-News Tue Sep 27, 2011, 09:45 PM EDT

OAKLAND — Members of the Civic Club of Oakland are preparing to celebrate an important milestone ­— a century of service to the Garrett County region.

As the group prepares to celebrate its 100-year anniversary with a banquet Saturday, members cannot help but reflect on the history of the group and the profound impact members have had on their communities. The current officers of the club include Barbara Frantz, president; Beverly Jo Gallagher, first vice president; Peggy Nelson, second vice president; Judi Schiff, recording secretary; Betty Ellington, corresponding secretary; Beverly Maynard, treasurer; and Ellen Fritz serves as the publicity chairwoman.

The Civic Club of Oakland was founded in 1911 by Thekla Fundenberg Weeks. Oakland was in a state of disrepair and Weeks wanted to organize an effort to clean up and beautify the community. Under her guidance, 22 area women joined to form the Women’s Civic Club of Oakland, with Weeks as their president. The women immediately began a cleanup campaign and wagon loads of dirt and trash were removed. That first project was deemed a great success and grew with each passing year.

Just a few years later, the women embarked on a second project, creating a free public library. That project grew into the Ruth Enlow Library System of Garrett County, which continues to serve the residents of Garrett County with five branches.

The Civic Club joined the national General Federation of Women’s Clubs in 1916. The group is now one of the largest clubs in Maryland with more than 80 members on the roster.

Early projects included support for the Girl Scouts, Public Health Association, garden club, recreational parks, forest conservation, orthopedic clinics, upkeep of local cemeteries and a program that provided milk for area school children.

The club has been active throughout the past 100 years with the exception of the time between 1938 and 1949, when activity was halted during World War II. However, many of the members continued their philanthropic endeavors as volunteers for the American Red Cross.

One of the most notable activities held by the group is the annual antique show. The show was inspired by a centennial tea and antique exhibit in 1949. The Antique Show and Food Booth is now considered one of the highlights of the annual Autumn Glory celebration and is the club’s main fundraiser. Funds raised by the club are then distributed to nonprofits throughout the county. In 2010, the Civic Club donated more than $10,000 to more than 20 nonprofits. The club also sponsors college scholarships for Garrett County students and holds various events in support of area veterans.

On Saturday, the Civic Club of Oakland will hold a “Century of Committent” dinner-dance at Dutch’s at Silver Tree. The evening will include special music and a video debut depicting the history of the club.

Gallagher said she learned a great deal about the club during her research for the anniversary celebration.

“We uncovered some exceptional information that was nearly lost to the group. For example, we learned that the club played a major role in the women’s suffrage movement as some of our members were among the first to be able to vote in the nation,” she explained.

Ellington said the research allowed the group to consider and reflect on the many achievements and successes of the club.

One of its most recent successes is an award from the GFWC for the club’s publicity book. In this book, all the activities, news releases, invitations, programs and other club events for an entire year (2010) were compiled. The book won the state of Maryland contest in June, and was later named the national winner. Members of the local club traveled to Washington, D.C., to the national headquarters to receive the award.

As the Civic Club of Oakland prepares to celebrate “A Century of Committent,” the women are mindful of the need for new members to continue their legacy.

“Membership is open to any woman in Garrett County that has a willingness to join and a desire to serve and volunteer,” Ellington explained.

Contact Angie Brant at abrant @times-news.com

More here

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Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Two area violence crisis centers receive funds

Cumberland, Oakland agencies allotted money for rape prevention programs
Eric Morris
The Cumberland Times-News Mon Sep 26, 2011, 10:11 PM EDT

CUMBERLAND — Two area violence crisis centers have been allotted funds this month through the Maryland government’s Community Sexual Violence Prevention & Awareness program.

Family Crisis Resource Center, of Cumberland, and the Dove Center, of Oakland, are two of 17 Maryland agencies that have received funding for their rape crisis programs.

The Governor’s Office of Crime Control & Prevention awarded $300,000 in grants to organizations across the state in an effort to reduce rape and other forms of sexual violence through prevention.

“The money will be used to raise community awareness,” said Sara-Beth James, executive director of the Family Crisis Resource Center, who says 80 percent of the agency’s funding is through grants.

“It will fund ‘healthy relationship’ presentations at different community organization events, as well as provide workshops and fund materials given out at promotional events.”

Rape crisis centers provide educational seminars, hotline services, emergency shelters, training programs for professionals, and print materials and other resources. They aim to increase awareness regarding rape and sexual assault prevention.

Dove Center Executive Director Heather Hanline echoed James in stating that the funds will be used to further the organization’s public awareness initiative.

“The funds are already in place, as this is a continuation of a grant that we’ve had for 12 years,” said Hanline. “They will continue to be used for our brochures, newspaper ads, billboards, presentations, anything that will increase public awareness of sexual violence.”

According to the governor’s office, agencies will also use the funds to provide education, training and support services for victims, health professionals and the general public.

Family Crisis Resource Center, which has served Allegany County for more than 30 years, will receive $11,000, while the Dove Center, an Oakland-based organization that maintains four locations in Garrett County, will be granted $4,750.

The Dove Center also received a $20,000 grant Monday from the Mary Kay Foundation as part of an annual $3 million national domestic violence grant program.

The Dove Center, one of 150 domestic violence organizations participating in the program, will use the grant to support the operating expenses of its domestic violence shelter.

Family Crisis Resource Center helps between 800 and 900 domestic or sexual violence victims and their children each year, while the Dove Center sees approximately 525.

The two local agencies are private, nonprofit organizations that specialize in the intervention and prevention of domestic and sexual violence.

While violent crime is at historically low levels in Maryland, reports of rape increased by 4.9 percent in 2010, according to the governor’s office.

“We are very appreciative to the governor’s office for funding this need,” added James. “Prevention and awareness is the No. 1 way to combat the problem.”

Agencies must apply for the grant on an annual basis through a competitive grant application process. The grant’s amount, according to Hanline, is based on the population and Uniform Crime Reports of sexual violence in the area an agency serves.

Together, the 17 agencies serve all 24 jurisdictions of Maryland.

More here.

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Sunday, September 25, 2011

More wind farms eyed in Western Md.

(AP) Garrett County officials said Clipper Windpower is considering a wind power project called Fair Wind on Backbone Mountain south of Oakland. It would be just south of a 28-turbine wind farm Carpenteria, Calif.-based Clipper built that is owned by Constellation Energy Group. Also, Annapolis-based Synergics is doing environmental and wind studies on Four Mile Ridge, southwest of Frostburg near the Little Savage River. The company said the project would be 60 megawatts, which is 10 megawatts more than a 20-turbine project on Backbone Mountain that Synergics built and sold last year to Gestamp Corp. of Madrid.

More here.

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Northern takes Garrett golf title by 1

SWANTON — Northern defeated Southern, 175 to 176, Thursday to win the Garrett County Golf Championship at Thousand Acres Golf Club.

Low individual scores turned in for Northern were by Caeman Feller with a 42 and Jeff Bittinger with a 42.

For Southern, Evan Friend turned in a 43 and Billy Gindlesberger a 43 as well.

Southern concludes the season with a 41-5-1 record.

More here.

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Saturday, September 24, 2011

County funds set aside for gypsy moths

Bethany Rodgers
County funds set aside for gypsy moths
Originally published September 23, 2011

Frederick County is gearing up to battle gypsy moths in future months by setting aside funds for surveying and spraying.
The Maryland Department of Agriculture recently asked Frederick County officials to prepare to help combat the moths. Although the county hasn’t paid for gypsy moth surveying in the past two years, nearby Garrett County is planning to spray for the tree-damaging insect in the spring of 2012. The pattern shows the moth population in Frederick County lags Garrett County’s by about a year.

More here.

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Friday, September 23, 2011

Garrett bridge will be replaced

OAKLAND — The Swallow Falls Road Bridge that crosses the Youghiogheny River will be closed beginning Monday at 9 a.m. due to its continued deterioration, the Garrett County commissioners announced.

The county roads department will install a temporary bridge within the next six weeks that will accommodate loads of up to 40 tons.

The bridge is located about five miles outside Oakland. Questions can be directed to engineering director Dwight Emory at 301-334-7481 or County Administrator Monty Pagenhardt at 301-334-8970.

More here.
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Thursday, September 22, 2011

Run For It Race Offering Grant Awards

Posted Wednesday, September 21, 2011 ; 05:58 PM
Updated Wednesday, September 21, 2011; 06:12 PM

It will be held Sept. 24
By Jeff Schrock

DAVIS -- It's still not too late to sign up for the annual Run For It Race in Tucker County.

The 2K and 5K are set for Saturday morning at 11 a.m. at the Davis Fire Hall.

Organizers will award more than $34,000 in race day grant awards to non profits, community projects, and charities in North Central West Virginia and Garrett County, Md. The race is held during the annual Leaf Peepers Festival.

Call (304) 478-2930 for more information.

More here.


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Hundreds of acres of Garrett County farmland preserved

Easement on property owned by state delegate will protect Bear Creek
Matthew Bieniek
The Cumberland Times-News Wed Sep 21, 2011, 11:27 PM EDT

OAKLAND — The state Board of Public Works on Wednesday approved funding aimed at preserving hundreds of acres of Garrett County farmland through preservation easements. Those acres include land owned by Delegate Wendell Beitzel and his wife. Beitzel has always been a strong supporter of rural land preservation programs.

“I was a county commissioner when we started to get into the rural legacy program,” Beitzel said. He put one of his farms under a preservation easement years ago. Beitzel’s current 86.5 acres, which he bought some time ago from relatives, is in the Bear Creek watershed.

“Bear Creek flows right through the farm, about half fields and half woods. ... Bear Creek is one of the best trout streams in the county,” Beitzel said.

All forest management on the property will be in accordance with a Forest Stewardship Plan, the primary objective of which is timber production in support of Maryland’s timber industry, state Department of Natural Resources officials said in a press release. The easements help “permanent forest buffer on 2,990 feet of Bear Creek and its tributaries and extinguish 28 development rights,” state officials said.

“This easement protects Bear Creek and its tributaries, which are natural trout streams regularly stocked by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, and forestland, which is important interior-dwelling bird and black bear habitat,” said Chad Fike, Garrett County Rural Legacy administrator.

The grants will help continue an aggressive program of land preservation, said Fike.

“It allows us to preserve important farmland and woodland in the county,” Fike said. “They’re basically selling their development rights to the property,” Fike said. The programs and preservation process are actually pretty complicated, Fike said. The state board allocated the funding under two different programs aimed at rural preservation.

The owners can sell the land, but the easement remains on the property, preventing future owners from developing the property as well. The allocation for Beitzel’s land was $454,766. Before he began his application to the program, Beitzel cleared it with state ethics officials.

“Delegate Beitzel filed a Form B disclosure and Form D disclaimer with the Maryland General Assembly Joint Committee on Legislative Ethics relating to this acquisition. In a letter from that committee, dated July 20, 2011, Delegate Beitzel was informed that his disclosure and disclaimer fully satisfy the requirements set out by the Joint Committee on Legislative Ethics for a legislator who is participating in the Rural Legacy Program,” read the DNR press release.

The exact amounts paid for the easements may vary once the process is finalized. Other county landowners entering the preservation programs have amounts in the hundreds of thousands allocated as well. The Public Works Board approved $179,069 for an easement of 72 acres with a provision allowing a dwelling on the property; an allocation of $277,611 for a 95.4 acre property; and $146,746 for a 50-acre property.

The Bear Creek Rural Legacy Area totals 31,437 acres of which 5,774 (18.36 percent) are protected, state officials said.

Contact Matthew Bieniek at mbieniek@times-news.com

More here.

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Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Bald eagle killed in Western Maryland

Natural Resources Police investigating shooting of protected bird

By Candus Thomson, The Baltimore Sun

4:17 p.m. EDT, September 19, 2011
Maryland Natural Resources Police is investigating the shooting death of a bald eagle that was found Friday in Allegany County near the Pennsylvania line.

The mature eagle was found by a farm caretaker along the banks of Evitts Creek, just west of Rocky Gap State Park.

"It was probably sitting in a tree when it was shot in the chest," said NRP Sgt. Art Windemuth. "It couldn't have been mistaken for anything else. It had the white head and tail and golden beak and talons. It was the American symbol in full plumage."

A preliminary investigation indicated that it was shot with a rifle and that it had been dead less than a week, Windemuth said.

More here.

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2 more wind farms eyed in Garrett County, Md., home to state's first such projects

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
First Posted: September 20, 2011 - 12:15 am

McHENRY, Md. — Wind-power developers are considering two new projects in western Maryland.

The Garrett County Commissioners are set to hear an update Tuesday.

County officials say Clipper Windpower is considering a project called Fair Wind on Backbone Mountain south of Oakland. It would be just south of a 28-turbine wind farm Clipper built that is now owned by Constellation Energy Group. The company, based in Carpenteria, Calif., didn't respond to inquiries from The Associated Press.

More here.

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Garrett County Health Department sponsoring child safety seat checks

For the Cumberland Times-News
Cumberland Times-News The Cumberland Times-News Sun Sep 18, 2011, 11:13 PM EDT

CUMBERLAND — Is your child’s car seat among the nearly three out of four that are used improperly?

Despite the best intentions of parents and caregivers, many car seats are misused, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Free Child Passenger Safety Week educational events are being held at locations nationwide this week.

The Garrett County Health Department will be scheduling appointments to have a certified child passenger safety technician inspect car seats and provide hands-on advice and instruction.

The majority of parents do buckle their children in car seats, booster seats or seat belts. Yet every year, thousands of children are killed or injured in crashes. Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for children ages 1 through 12 years old.

So what are parents and caregivers doing wrong?

For one, the harness straps may not be fastened tightly enough. The seat may not firmly be attached to the vehicle or a young child might be seated in a forward-facing car seat when she is still too young or could still be riding in the rear-facing position. Or worst of all, a child may not be seated in a car seat or seat belt at all.

For a car seat to do its job, it has to be the right one for a child’s age and size. Car seats also must be installed properly to provide adequate protection, and they must be adjusted to fit the child securely.

Appointments are available at the following Garrett County Health Department locations and times:

• Tuesday at the Grantsville Office (28 Hershberger Lane) from 10 a.m. to noon and 1 to 3 p.m.

• Thursday at health department’s Oakland office from 10 a.m. to noon and 1 to 3 p.m.

To make an appointment, call the health department at 301-334-7730 or 301-895-7730.

More here.

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Garrett County to hold TweetFest

Garrett County to hold TweetFest

News-Tribune
Posted Sep 20, 2011 @ 07:33 AM

OAKLAND, Md. — McHENRY, Md. – The Garrett County Chamber of Commerce will hold a TweetFEST at http://twitter.com/garrettchamber on Friday, Sept. 23, from noon – 1 p.m.

The TweetFEST is designed to assist people with their vacation planning by providing travel tips and information on the Deep Creek Lake area and Garrett County, Md., over Twitter. Those with questions about Garrett County’s 44th annual Autumn Glory Festival are also encouraged to participate in the TweetFEST.
Tweet us your Deep Creek Lake & Garrett County, Md., questions Friday, Sept. 23, from noon to 1 p.m. by using the #askGarrettChamber hashtag. The Garrett County Chamber will have Twitter users available, live, to answer visitor questions in real-time.

More here

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Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Garrett College ready to increase engineering, science, math programs

Michael A. Sawyers
Cumberland Times-News The Cumberland Times-News Sat Sep 17, 2011, 10:35 PM EDT

MCHENRY — With almost $265,000 from the Appalachian Regional Commission, $183,000 from Garrett County commissioners and $82,000 out of its own pocket, Garrett College is ready to increase programs in science, technology, engineering and math.

“There is a nationwide push to put more American students in STEM programs,” said Jim Allen, interim dean of academic affairs.

The grants will support associate degree programs in math/science, electrical engineering and cyber-security.

In addition, a competitive college robotics team will be established.

“There are already 15 students and five faculty and staff signed up for the robotics team,” Allen said Friday.

Allen said three Garrett County employers already use, or anticipate on using, some robotics and would be potential workplaces for students.

“We are looking into the possibility of making the robotics program a two-year, career offering,” Allen said.

A Rural Entrepreneurship Academy will function via the college’s continuing education program. It will be a noncredit course.

The ARC funds, announced by Sens. Ben Cardin and Barbara Mikulski, will purchase smart boards, laptop computers and a server.

“STEM graduates are in demand to fill the jobs of today and the jobs of tomorrow,” Mikulski said.

“America’s future de-pends on our ability to embrace high-tech education and training needed for jobs in the 21st century,” Cardin added.

Allen said he hopes the new offerings will increase enrollment.

“We are certainly off to a good start in the very first semester of our electrical engineering program with 10 students choosing it as their majors,” he said.

The current college enrollment is at 777, according to an online source.

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

More here.

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Monday, September 19, 2011

World canoe, kayak races coming to Garrett

Deep Creek 2014 officials travel to Europe for event advice
For the Cumberland Times-News
Cumberland Times-News The Cumberland Times-News Sat Sep 17, 2011, 10:24 PM EDT

MCHENRY — When the 2014 World Championship Canoe and Kayak Slalom Races come to the Adventure Sports Center International in Garrett County, organizers will use experience from their travel to Slovakia to observe this year’s event.

ASCI, in conjunction with USA Canoe and Kayak, was awarded the winning bid to host the premier event for Olympic whitewater canoe and kayak races earlier this year. ASCI competed with Poland and Austria for this designation. Following the award, Deep Creek 2014­ LLC was created as a subsidiary of ASCI to act as the official host entity for the races.

Garrett County Commission Chairman Gregan Crawford will serve as co-chairman along with Terry Hasseltine of the Maryland Office of Sports Marketing, which recently helped organize the Grand Prix auto races in Baltimore. They were joined by Garrett County Economic Development Director Jim Hinebaugh, Susanne Nicolas of ASCI/Deep Creek 2014 and board member Bob Campbell of Whitewater Parks International of Boulder, Colo., on an eight-day trip to Bratislava, Slovakia, to observe the 2011 World Championship and Kayak Slalom Races.

The races in 2014 will mark 25 years since world championship canoe and kayak slalom races were held in the U.S. on Savage River near Bloomington.

Those races helped to generate more than $12 million economic benefit to the state and county. Throughout the event in Bratislava, the group’s credentials allowed for unprecedented access to all areas of the race venue including medical, judging, athlete village, video review, protest challenges, media sources and areas around the course typically off-limits to many event organizers. “This was quite a rewarding experience,” Crawford said.

The group representing Deep Creek 2014 had access to senior members of the International Canoe Federation, which sponsors the event, many of whom had participated in the 1989 World Championship. The ICF looks forward to expanding more into the U.S. marketplace and gaining greater exposure for its sport, and the county commissioners are willing to help them to achieve those goals when practical, according to County Administrator Monty Pagenhardt.

The commissioners are committed to building a long-term relationship with ICF as well as establishing new relationships with other paddle-sport disciplines such as sprint canoe and marathon canoe, Pagenhardt said in a news release. “The board is firmly committed to making the 2014 World Championship Canoe and Kayak Slalom Races a successful event.”

The county has appropriated $25,000 to Deep Creek 2014 to be administered by the Department of Economic Development. In addition, ASCI, Garrett County government and the state of Maryland will be placed on the international stage with such cities as Bratislava, Prague of the Czech Republic and London, which will play host of the 2012 Summer Olympics.

More here.


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Bass fever takes hold at National Harbor

By Judy Colbert

September 15, 2011 | 10:11 a.m.
Luke Clausen found a rare day in June when, on the fourth day of the FLW Tour bass fishing tournament on the Potomac River out of National Harbor, he brought in 19 pounds, 4 ounces of fish, two pounds more than any other professional fishermen had caught that day. His total catch weighed 69 pounds, 14 ounces, and it earned him a cool $125,000 paycheck....

...Lesser events churn up interest too, and Deep Creek Lake and other watery venues in Maryland host more than 100 tournaments each year.

Bass is easily the number one fresh-water sport fish, according toChad Gay of FLW Outdoors, because the bass population is so large and available in rivers, lakes and even backyard ponds. "They're a predator," says Gay, "and a fun fish to fish for. They're somewhat aggressive and they will bite almost anything, just out of curiosity."

Read more here.


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Friday, September 16, 2011

August 2011 Real Estate Market Update - Deep Creek Lake & Garrett County MD



31 homes sold in August, down slightly from August 2010, where we sold 32 homes and up from July, where we sold 24. It was one of the better months we've had recently, and low interest rates should continue to fuel real estate growth.

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

There are 73 homes under contract right now (64 last month).

The average list vs. ORIGINAL sales price was 85.39% - down from last month (88.25%).

The ADJUSTED list vs sale price was 92.91%, up from last month (91.58%).

The current # of active/for sale listings in MRIS (minus timeshares) is 785, down from last months 810. We have a 25.32 month supply of homes available (minus timeshares) based solely on the August sales numbers. This number is down significantly from last month's 33.75 month supply.

Random observations:

•7 'newer' homes sold in August (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 13)

•23 homes sold under $400,000

•1 home sold over $ 1 million (2 homes last month)

•4 homes sold for higher than full price or at full price (last month was 2)

•One house sold for 79.91% of asking price - 19 Maruca Dr

•The oldest home that sold was 101 yrs old

•The average age of the homes that sold was 32 years (23 last month)

•7 condo/townhouse properties sold (5 last month)

Here are the statistical breakdowns:

Average Sale Price: $292.561 (last month $404,750)

Average Days on Market: 201/224 (last month 163/190) (days on market with current broker/total days on market)

More in depth stats by price range, from our friends at RBIntel. These stats are updated daily, not monthly and include timeshares. So, our numbers will differ slightly.




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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August 2011 Lot & Land Market Update

11 lot/land sales in Garrett County in August 2011.

There are currently 607 lot/land listings in Garrett County. There have been 62 sales so far this year, as of today.

Here's a quick look at the August sales:

More Moss Creek subdivision have now sold. 3 sales in August ranging from $20,000-$24,000 each. A few building lots sold in North Glade Meadows & the 11 ac 'Shingle Rocks' development off Stockslager Rd sold. Check the .pdf for the prices on the lot sales below:

SOLD GA7475877 Sand Flat Rd
SOLD GA7475885 Hunters Ridge Dr
SOLD GA7475894 Hunters Ridge Dr
SOLD GA7437309 Lot 8 North Glade Meadows
SOLD GA7437321 Lot 16 North Glade Meadows
SOLD GA7579554 Birchwood Dr
SOLD GA7679728 18 Aspen Court
SOLD GA6747177 Negro Mountain
SOLD GA6747178 Negro Mountain
SOLD GA7144802 123 Stockslager Rd
SOLD GA7617054 4 Grand Estates Dr



If you or someone you know is considering 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! As member of the Garrett County Board of Realtors, I can assist you with ANY listed property, regardless of the listing broker.












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