Adventure Sports Center International Now Part Of Garrett Co. Government

Mar. 29, 2012

It's official. Garrett County government has taken ownership of the Adventure Sports Center International (ASCI). The county commissioners announced their decision during a press conference Tuesday morning at the courthouse. Their vote to accept the deed, operations, facilities, assets, and a portion of the man-made whitewater course's debt was unanimous.

Effective March 27, the Marsh Mountain center is an agency/department of Garrett County government.

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About 50 local residents were on hand for the announcement, with many voicing their objections to the acquisition.

"I think you bought a white elephant," Oakland area resident Steven Friend told the commissioners.

Mountain Lake Park mayor Leo Martin said he thought the commissioners made a bad decision.

"It's going to put us in a mess for years," Martin said.

ASCI Inc.'s board of directors, a nonprofit corporation, offered full title to all of its facilities to the commissioners on Jan. 5. But the offer included a $3 million debt. The board had borrowed the money from First United Bank & Trust and Susquehanna Bank to cover unexpected costs during the construction of the facility. ASCI became operational in 2007 through public (federal/state/county) and private funds amounting to about $24 million.

"Since that date (Jan. 5), the county has considered the ASCI offer, reviewed all information available to the county concerning ASCI's facilities, its assets, its liabilities, its current and long-term value to the county and the community, and has consulted with ASCI's financial partners," Commissioner Gregan Crawford said.

He said the two banks agreed to accept the assignment of debt in the sum of $600,000 in full satisfaction of ASCI's debt obligations. Crawford called the banks' offer a "generous" opportunity to resolve the debt issue.

"Based upon the ASCI offer and with the assistance of the financial institutions, the county has agreed to terms with the ASCI board of directors, which will permit the county to operate ASCI," he said.

The $600,000 will be split between the two banks and will come from the county budget's general fund. The fund will be replenished through the local hotel/motel tax. The current tax rate is 5 percent, with the revenue allocated to the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce and Garrett County Department of Economic Development. In fiscal year 2011, the tax garnered $1.3 million for the county.

Local lawmakers introduced legislation in this year's General Assembly session that would allow the commissioners to increase the tax to 6 percent.

The commissioners indicated in a press release that questions have been raised about the commissioners appropriating additional funds to prevent three elementary schools from closing.

"[The] accommodations tax cannot be used to fund the school system, so there will be no funding conflict," Crawford said.

The commissioners stressed the importance of preserving taxpayers' investment in ASCI and its economic potential to the county.

Since ASCI is a nonprofit, Crawford said, the county is one of the few institutions that could have stepped in and assumed ownership and control of the center.

Several residents asked the commissioners how they expected to be successful running the center when the ASCI board was not. Commissioner Jim Raley said the board could not make it profitable and pay down its debt at the same time.

"Once the debt is resolved, ASCI can begin to concentrate more of its resources on its core functions and end the preoccupation surrounding the debt solution," Crawford said. "Because public funds were used, I firmly believe that we have a responsibility to make it succeed. The easy way out would be to turn our backs and walk away and watch $24 million of capital costs slip away. But whose interest would that serve then?"

Not counting the debt service, Commissioner Bob Gatto said, ASCI is able to cover its operations and labor costs, plus make a very small profit.

"We want to grow the facility," Gatto said, noting that the center's 550-acre Fork Run area could be used year-round for educational and recreational purposes. In addition to rafting, ASCI also offers rock climbing and mountain biking.

ASCI will open for the 2012 season on April 28. Crawford noted that 90 events are planned, including the SavageMan Triathalon and the Maryland Open Canoe and Kayak Championships. He indicated that educational opportunities for school children and college students will continue to grow, as well as international exposure. The International Canoe Federation will hold its world championships at ASCI in 2014.

"We cannot allow ourselves to give up on this project," Raley said about ASCI. "I think this project is still in its infancy. I think we can grow this project, and I think if you work with us we can make that happen."

But improvements to ASCI operations are needed, he indicated.

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'Conquer the Dam' to help raise funds for Meals on Wheels

News-Tribune
Posted Mar 28, 2012 @ 11:52 AM
KEYSER - Aging & Family Services of Mineral County is proud to announce “Conquer the Dam,” the first 5K fundraising run/walk at Jennings Randolph Lake.

Proceeds from this event, scheduled for Saturday, May 19, will support the Meals on Wheels program of Mineral County. Jennings Randolph Lake is a reservoir of 952 acres located on the North Branch Potomac River in Garrett County, Md., and Mineral County, W.Va. The lake was constructed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and construction was completed in 1981.

Originally named Bloomington Lake, it was later renamed for West Virginia Senator Jennings Randolph.

The highlight of the 5K run/walk will be that runners and walkers will travel over the dam and spillway, normally closed to public travel.

The event begins and ends at the top of the Howell Run Picnic area. There will be a downhill start and then cross the dam and then reverse direction with a slight uphill climb to the finish.

Cost is $20 early registration; $10 for those 14 years old and younger.
For more information, call 304-788-5467 or email lkitzmiller@wvaging.com.

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Garrett County commission agrees to take ownership of ASCI

Will pay $600,000 to secure debt

Elaine Blaisdell Cumberland Times-News

2012 — OAKLAND — On Tuesday, Garrett County commissioners voted unanimously to take ownership of Adventure Sports Center International and authorized the expenditure of $600,000 to secure the assignment of ASCI debts from Susquehanna Bank.

“We have basically changed the assignment of debt as of today. So the debt is really a repayment to the county,” said Chairman James Raley.

Susquehanna Bank will split the debt and distribute half to First United Bank & Trust, according to Commissioner Gregan Crawford.

“As part of that process, ASCI’s principal financial partners, First United Bank & Trust and Susquehanna Bank, proposed and offered a significant debt re-duction opportunity to the county in the event that the county accepted ASCI’s offer,” said Crawford. “The financial partners, who have contributed significantly to the process and the county’s consideration of this matter, have agreed to accept the assignment of debt in the sum of $600,000 in full satisfaction of ASCI’s debt obligations to those financial institutions.”

The $600,000 debt from ASCI will be paid with hotel/ motel accommodations tax revenue, according to Crawford.

The money for the debt came out of the general account to pay the banks, with the amortization coming out of the accommodations tax, according to Raley.

The accommodations tax is used to fund the Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development, according to Crawford.

“Accommodations tax can not be used to fund the school system,” said Crawford. “Once this debt is resolved, ASCI can concentrate more of its resources on fulfilling its corps functions. As public funds were used, we have a responsibility to succeed. The easy way out would to turn our backs, walk away and watch $24 million in capital costs go away. Whose interest will that serve then.”

A bill that is currently in consideration in Annapolis would raise the accommodations tax from 5 percent to 6 percent, according to Raley.

“That bill has progressed and gotten favorable readings from Senate side and the House side,” said Crawford.

ASCI is a nonprofit and is home to a manmade whitewater course and Forks Run, a 550-acre recreation area. The original debt accrued by ASCI was $3 million.

“We can not allow ourselves to give up this project,” said Raley. “I think this project is still in its infancy. I think we can grow this project and I think if you work with us we can make that happen.”

On Jan. 5, the board of directors of ASCI offered the full title to the facilities to the commissioners. The commission has been deliberating this matter since then, according to Crawford.

“The county has reviewed all information concerning the ASCI’s facilities, including its assets, liabilities, long-term value to county and community and has consulted with ASCI’s financial partners,” said Crawford. “The taxpayers of this county, the state, the federal government have made significant investments in this property.”

The $17.7 million project was built with $6.1 million from the county, $5.8 million from the state and $2.6 million in federal funds, according to The Associated Press.

Before the public had a chance to ask the commissioners questions, Raley noted that he understood their concern over the county’s decision to assume ownership of ASCI.

“I do believe it has its best chance of success under the current setup,” said Raley. “It’s not done. We still have some work to do after today. But I want you to note they have been open discussions to the extent that they can be. I have read your emails. I have read your social media posts and I do understand what you are saying.”

Negotiations would have to be handled in executive session, according to Raley.

The majority of the business owners and residents that spoke at the press conference had a variety of questions and some made it clear they were not happy with the decision.

“I just think this is a bad decision. It’s going to put us in a mess for years,” said Mountain Lake Park Mayor Leo Martin.

Martin noted that he didn’t fully understand where the $600,000 was coming from. 

“That $600,000 is going to push something out of the budget sometime,” said Martin. “It has to, unless you are going to raise taxes. It’s the tax payers financing all of this. I think you guys need to speak in clear language about that.”

Raley reiterated that it was coming from the accommodations tax.

“The accommodations tax is up this year compared to other years. It has been another record year,” said Raley.

One resident questioned whether the general funds that are being used to pay the debt are taken from taxpayer money. Raley agreed that the general fund contained taxpayer money.

“We are using our funds (out of the general fund) to fund the payoff from the bank,” said Raley in response. “We are not borrowing money from the bank or paying the bank’s interest. We are using our own funds and they will be repaid,” said Raley, noting that it was a one time expenditure.

Raley encouraged residents to keep faith.

“I encourage you don’t give up. Think positive,” said Raley. “Roll up your sleeves like you do here in Garrett County. Let’s make it happen because we own it. It’s part of the Garrett County economic picture and the project is somewhat of the envy of many other places.”

Contact Elaine Blaisdell at eblaisdell@times-news.com

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Garrett sells building to GCC Technologies

Elaine Blaisdell Cumberland Times-News

2012 — OAKLAND — Garrett County has sold its Maryland Economic Development Corp. building, located at the Southern Garrett Business and Technology Park, to GCC Technologies LLC for $1.15 million, the county commissioners announced Tuesday.

“This is a big deal,” said Jim Hinebaugh, director of economic development, who thanked Jim Bailey, managing member and president of GCC, and Shirley Bailey, chief operating officer of GCC, for their investment. “GCC is a great model for economic development in a rural area.”

The 30,000-square foot building was sold for the same price paid by the county when it purchased the building from MEDCo in December, according to Monty Pagenhardt, county administrator.

“The proceeds from the sale to GCC Tech will be returned to the unassigned fund balance,” said Pagenhardt in an email to the Times-News. “We actually borrowed the funds to purchase the building from the unassigned fund balance (our reserves).”

GCC purchased the building with funding provided by the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development, according to a press release.

“The purchase of this building fits well within our business plan and it’s certainly going to help us continue the growth pattern which I think we have had over the last few years,” said Jim Bailey.

GCC Tech started in 2007 on the Garrett College campus with 17 employees and has since grown to more than 200 employees, with 100 from the county, according to Hinebaugh.

Jobs with GCC range from senior business analyst to information technology specialist, according to Jim Bailey.

“We are offering, I believe, one of the most competitive salaries that you can find in Garrett County as well as a very good benefits program,” said Jim Bailey. “This wouldn’t have been possible had it not been for the support we have received from the local government, the economic development department that Jim has headed up.”

Over the next few weeks, GCC Tech will be awarding a contract for a build-out of the MEDCo building so GCC can consolidate and move in there, said Jim Bailey.

“We anticipate that build-out will take six months and that build-out will include employment of Garrett County employees,” said Jim Bailey. “We are excited about the growth opportunity here in the county and we make a commitment that we are going to continue that growth.”

GCC provides a wide range of technical and support services, including information technology, acquisition management, contract management, program management, training, studies and analysis and administrative support, according to Hinebaugh.

The GCC building located within the county mainly serves the Department of Veterans Affairs and the U.S. Small Business Administration, according to Bailey.

Contact Elaine Blaisdell at eblaisdell@times-news.com.

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O'Malley bill to limit septic systems clears Senate

By Annie Linskey and Michael Dresser, The Baltimore Sun

9:09 p.m. EDT, March 27, 2012

Gov. Martin O'Malley's bill to curb sprawl by limiting septic systems — a key piece of his legislative agenda — cleared the Maryland Senate Monday, albeit in a weakened form.

The measure aims to slow the pace of development of the state's farmlands, forests and other rural areas. It also would reduce pollution from septic systems into the Chesapeake Bay. Getting Senate approval for the legislation is a significant step for the governor, who wasn't able to get a similar bill out of committee last year. The measure goes now to the House of Delegates, where supporters are optimistic.

O'Malley initially sought a stronger bill that would let the state determine whether new developments could be built in rural areas. Last week he accepted a compromise supported by conservative Democrats and Republicans that keeps the final say on development in local hands.

"We are still achieving the public policy objectives," said Maryland Planning Secretary Richard E. Hall. "I still think the bill does what it sets out to do. … It is very much intact."

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House approves 7.5 percent natural gas tax

Opponents of rate cap amendment: It isn’t enough money to provide regulatory oversight

Associated Press

2012 — BALTIMORE — House lawmakers Monday night passed a 7.5 percent state severance tax on natural gas in a 82-51 vote, after delegates on Saturday fended off an amendment from Delegate Wendell Beitzel, R-Garrett, that would cap state and local taxes on natural gas extraction at 7.5 percent combined.

“The amendment would incorporate all severance taxes,” Beitzel said. “Local, county and state taxes together could not exceed 7.5 percent.”

Garrett County currently has a severance tax of 5.5 percent, which means the state could assess a severance tax of only 2 percent under Beitzel’s amendment. Allegany County’s severance tax of 7 percent would limit the state’s share to just 0.5 percent.

Higher rates were needed to enforce regulations, proponents say.

Delegate Maggie McIntosh, D-Baltimore City, chair of the House Environmental Matters Committee and a sponsor of the severance tax, said applying different rates to every county would create administrative problems. She also said the 7.5 percent cap Beitzel proposed would not provide enough money for the regulatory oversight needed to protect human health and the environment.

“Limiting the state to .05 percent would be wrong,” McIntosh said. “It’s going to be the state that’s called for environmental cleanup and for other kinds of issues that happen ... when drilling begins.”

McIntosh suggested that Garrett and Allegany counties could lower their severance taxes to make the tax more “reasonable” to gas companies.

The 7.5 percent tax was amended down from 15 percent by the House Ways and Means Committee on March 20 by a vote of 16-5.

The severance tax is primarily aimed at Marcellus shale exploration, which requires the process of hydraulic fracturing, or “fracking,” to free gas trapped in shale formations deep in the Earth’s surface. But the 7.5 percent severance tax will also apply to conventional gas wells that are not drilled using the fracking method.

Fracking has been blamed for contamination of groundwater in Pennsylvania and New York over the last decade, where Marcellus Shale exploration has been the most active.

New York placed a moratorium on fracking three years ago until it could be regulated. Lawmakers there are now poised to lift the moratorium.

Delegate Kevin Kelly, D-Allegany, was concerned that a 7.5 percent state severance tax on top of local taxes would scare away natural gas exploration to neighboring states that charge a much lower severance tax — or none at all.

Pennsylvania has no severance tax and West Virginia recently passed a severance tax of 5 percent.

“I think you should have a severance tax that helps cover the costs of (oversight),” McIntosh responded — pointing to problems with shale drilling in New York and Pennsylvania.

She said the gas companies would still come to Western Maryland, even with the 7.5 percent state severance tax.

Beitzel’s amendment failed by a vote of 43-78.

Marcellus shale drilling could begin as early as August 2014 after the study is complete.

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New Md. poll reveals caution on fracking

Matthew Bieniek Cumberland Times-News

2012 — CUMBERLAND — A new poll shows a strong majority of Marylanders favor a cautious approach on the use of fracking to drill for natural gas in the Marcellus shale in the western portion of the state.

The poll contrasts sharply with previous industry-funded polls on natural gas drilling, and there’s a reason for that, said Mike Tidwell, director of the Chesapeake Climate Action Network.

“The message Maryland voters are sending is that second chances are rare and expensive,” Tidwell said. Pennsylvania is now trying to do studies after permitting drilling.

“We want to do the opposite in Maryland,” he said. Citizens want the industry to pay for the studies, Tidwell said.

“I haven’t seen an industry-funded poll that asked Maryland voters about contaminated water ... water quality or the concerns people in Pennsylvania have experienced over fracking,” Tidwell said.

In fact, one of the reasons his organization commissioned the poll by OpinionWorks was to combat the impression given by the industry polls. “We felt there was a gap,” he said.

The industry polls avoided questions about fracking or the chemicals used in fracking.

“There are no such things as perfect energy resources,” Tidwell said. “The gas industry only wants to ask you, ‘Do you want jobs, money and royalties?’”

Fundamentally, the results show Marylanders want to have studies done before any drilling in Marcellus shale begins.

In Western Maryland, 65 percent of voters also answered yes to the question on studies.

The poll only asked two questions, the first was: “Do you think the state of Maryland should or should not conduct studies to develop what are known as ‘best practices’ guidelines — including environmental protection guidelines — for energy companies to follow before permitting hydraulic fracturing when drilling for natural gas in Maryland?”

This question brought a 71 percent “yes” response, according to the poll results.

The second poll question was: “If such studies were required, should the energy companies or the taxpayers pay for them?” That question brought an 81 percent “yes” response, according to the poll results.

“Any numbers this high are rare,” Tidwell said. “Policymakers and reform advocates say the polling numbers show that the Maryland state Senate should follow the House of Delegates lead and immediately pass HB 1204 to fund safety studies related to fracking for gas,” a press release from the network said.

“This poll confirms what I’ve heard in every corner of the state — that from Baltimore City to Deep Creek Lake — Marylanders overwhelmingly support our go-slow approach to fracking,” said Delegate Heather Mizeur, sponsor of House Bill 1204.

The legislation to fund fracking studies passed by a wide majority in the House last week. “Taxpayers deserve the peace of mind that comes from scientific review of this controversial drilling practice and they shouldn’t be stuck footing the bill to pay for it,” said Mizeur.

“The results of the oll showed significant support for studies to develop fracking guidelines among every voter subgroup — including Republicans. Sixty-seven percent of Republicans and 74 percent of Democrats supported conducting studies,” the press release stated.

The poll had a 4 percent margin of error.

º“Education regarding shale development is a slow process due to the diverse range of issues involved,” said CitizenShale.org President Eric Robison. “Nationally and statewide, the awareness has grown mainly due to concerns about drinking water. Why should Eastern Marylanders be concerned? The answer is that some of their drinking water originates in headwaters in Pennsylvania, where regulations have been lacking. Maryland needs to address not just water quality, but air quality and environmental concerns — to name but a few of the issues voiced nationally.”

The total value of the natural gas in Allegany County’s Marcellus shale could be close to $15.72 billion, with the average well earning $65,000 to $524,000 yearly, University of Maryland Extension staff has said.

Contact Matthew Bieniek at mbieniek@times-news.com.

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Home prices unchanged in January: S&P

NEW YORK | Tue Mar 27, 2012 9:41am EDT

(Reuters) - Single-family home prices were unchanged in January, a closely watched survey said on Tuesday, suggesting the battered housing market continues to crawl along the bottom.

The S&P/Case-Shiller composite index of 20 metropolitan areas was flat in January on a seasonally adjusted basis. A Reuters poll of economists forecast a decline of 0.2 percent after December's 0.5 percent drop.

The flat reading broke a five-month string of declines as the market has been pressured by a low demand, distressed sales and an overhang of pending foreclosures.

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College Officials Stress Importance Of Garrett Co., Foundation Scholarships

Mar. 22, 2012

The Garrett County commissioners received an update report on the county scholarship program from Garrett College officials on Monday afternoon. They noted its benefits and stressed the importance of maintaining both the county and privately funded Garrett College Foundation scholarship programs.

"Garrett County Scholarship recipients perform better academically than the college's overall student population," GC president Dr. Richard MacLennan reported. "For the fall 2011 semester, the mean grade point average for scholarship recipients was 2.86, while the mean GPA for the college's overall student population was 2.19."

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The Garrett County Scholarship program was initiated and approved by a previous board of county commissioners in fall 2006. Under the county-funded program, all current local high school graduates may apply for academic or occupational scholarships to attend Garrett College for two years. Eligibility requirements include being enrolled full time in a degree or trades program and maintaining at least a 2.0 grade point average.

"We hold our county scholarship recipient students to a higher standard of performance than we do our general student population or the students who receive Title IV financial aid," MacLennan said.

Interim dean of instruction Jim Allen noted that federal financial aid students are required to maintain at least a 1.75 GPA.

"So [our] standard is higher," Allen said.

MacLennan reported there are 169 county scholarship students enrolled this semester. Last fall there were 189 students, but 20 did not meet the GPA requirement going into the spring semester.

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Art Is Elementary!

Mar. 22, 2012

That is the title of an art exhibit made up of works created by the county's elementary school students now on display at the Gallery Shop of the Garrett County Arts Council in downtown Oakland. The exhibit features the work of 90 different area students from pre-kindergarten through 5th grade.

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"This exhibit is a celebration of color and imagination," said Karen Reckner, executive director of the arts council. "The children have expressed themselves in their own fun and unique ways." Pictured above left is a painting by Lori Lytle, a second grader at Friendsville Elementary School, and at right is a collage work by Alexia Wolf, a first grader of Kitzmiller Elementary. In addition to paintings and collages, the exhibit includes yarn art and re-purposed items such as sea shells and buttons. Some students created self-portraits, and others worked to recreate the style of master artists. The exhibit will be on display through March 30. The public is encouraged to visit. The gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday. For more information, persons may call 301-334-6580.

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Garrett County officials detailing takeover of flailing whitewater course in western Md.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
First Posted: March 27, 2012 - 3:16 am
Last Updated: March 27, 2012 - 3:16 am

HAGERSTOWN, Md. — Garrett County officials are publicly revealing details of their planned takeover of a manmade whitewater course in western Maryland near McHenry.

The county commissioners have scheduled a news conference Tuesday morning in Oakland.

The county said last week it will take over the recreational and training site from Adventure Sports Center International.

The nonprofit group opened the publicly funded course in 2007. It has defaulted on more than $3 million in bank loans to cover construction cost overruns.

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House approves 7.5% natural gas tax, highest in the Marcellus Shale states

March 26, 2012

By Daniel Menefee
Dan@MarylandReporter.com

House lawmakers Monday night passed a 7.5% state severance tax on natural gas in a 82-51 vote, after the delegates on Saturday fended off an amendment from Del. Wendell Beitzel, R-Garrett, that would cap state and local taxes on natural gas extraction at 7.5% combined.

“The amendment would incorporate all severance taxes,” Beitzel said. “Local, county and state taxes together could not exceed 7.5%.”

Garrett County currently has a severance tax of 5.5%, which means the state could assess a severance tax of only 2% under Beitzel’s amendment. Allegany County’s severance tax of 7% would limit the state’s share to just 0.5%.

Read more: http://marylandreporter.com/2012/03/26/house-approves-7-5-natural-gas-tax-highest-in-the-marcellus-shale-states/#ixzz1qKPvRldz
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House approves $35.8 billion budget and pension shift

March 23, 2012

By Justin Snow
Justin@MarylandReporter.com

The House of Delegates approved their version of the state’s $35.8 billion budget Friday, moving the process into its final stage to resolve differences with the Senate.

The budget bill was approved 95-43, but not before Republican lawmakers attempted one last time to derail its passage. They described the budget, which would increase state spending by $1 billion for the 5th year in a row, as fiscally irresponsible and destructive. The Democratic chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, Norman Conway, had repeatedly called it “fiscally prudent and socially responsible.”

Republicans argued that casting a red vote would be an opportunity to send the budget bill back to committee in order to address their concerns. During the previous day’s 11-hour session, every Republican amendment had been rejected.

Read more: http://marylandreporter.com/2012/03/23/house-approves-35-8-billion-budget-and-pension-shift/#ixzz1qKNiYrUR
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U.S. Navy Band To Perform In McHenry

Mar. 22, 2012

The Ali Ghan Shrine Center in Cumberland will sponsor a concert by the United States Navy Concert Band at the Garrett County Exhibit Hall in McHenry on Friday, March 30, at 7:30 p.m. This concert is free and open to the public. The United States Navy Concert Band, the premier wind ensemble of the U.S. Navy, presents a wide array of marches, patriotic selections, orchestral transcriptions, and a modern wind ensemble repertoire.

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As the original ensemble of the Navy Band, the Concert Band has been performing public concerts and participating in high-profile events for more than 85 years. An added feature of the local concert will be the addition of selected area high school musicians who will join the group to play the "Washington Post March" by John Philip Sousa. Clarinetist Sydney Holtschneider from Northern and saxophonist Alexander McEwen from Southern have been selected from the local high schools, and more students are to be chosen from Fort Hill, Mountain Ridge, and Allegany high schools. Potentate Gregg Viands from Ali Ghan is a retired member of the Navy Concert Band. Since its inception in 1925, the Navy Band has been entertaining audiences and supporting the Navy with some of the best musicians in the country, a spokesperson said. From national concert tours to presidential inaugurals to memorial services at Arlington National Cemetery, the band represents the men and women of America's Navy. The spokesperson also noted that the band is dedicated to the education of younger musicians. The Music in the Schools program features band members presenting clinics, master classes, and recitals at local schools. The group is pictured with Capt. Brian O. Walden, conductor (center).

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Bridge Completed in Friendsville

Mar. 22, 2012

A safe passage for pedestrians wanting to cross Bear Creek into Friendsville Town Park is now available, as the town took delivery just yesterday of this new bridge, which was immediately installed on Rt. 53/Second Avenue. Mayor Spencer R. Schlosnagle said that this route is heavily traveled by those going to and from the park, including persons from the Head Start/Senior Center and an apartment complex.

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The bridge will also be an important segment for the proposed hiking/biking trail from Confluence, Pa., through Friendsville along the Youghiogheny River and south to Oakland. The town received $122,240 for the design/engineering and construction of the 8' x 65' bridge as a Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development block grant. The bridge was built by Crane Materials, International/Gator Bridge Division out of Atlanta, and consists primarily of aluminum materials. The contractor for the construction of the bridge abutments and installation was BYCO of Grantsville. "We could not have accomplished this without the help of concerned citizens and various groups who provided letters of support, as well as individuals from various county and state agencies," said Mayor Schlosnagle. "The town council members and I are very grateful to all who helped this become a reality." Photo courtesy of Bonnie Artice.

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Fruit growers fret over early spring

By Timothy B. Wheeler, The Baltimore Sun

4:07 p.m. EDT, March 25, 2012

Just as they do every April, the fruit orchards at Larriland Farm have donned their spring finery.

The plum trees at the pick-your-own place in western Howard County sport brilliant white blossoms, while the peach trees are decked out in bright pink.

Thing is, it's still March.

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House passes budget, pension shift, education mandate, tax increase and flush tax

By Michael Dresser, The Baltimore Sun

2:20 p.m. EDT, March 23, 2012

The House of Delegates gave its approval to Gov.Martin O'Malley's proposed state budget last year, along with its version of his decision to shift part of the responsibility for teacher pension costs to county governments, an increase in income taxes and a mandate that counties keep up a minimum level of spending on education.

The vote on the budget was 95-43. The tally was mostly along party lines, with Baltimore County Democrats Michael H. Weir Jr. and Joseph J. "Sonny" Minnick voting against and Garrett County Republican Wendell Beitzel voting for it.

The budget reconcililiation act, which included the pension shift, passed 88-50 as a handful of liberal Democrats joined Republicans in opposing the measure.

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SHA: Warm winter results in significantly less salt use

From Staff Reports Cumberland Times-News

2012 — CUMBERLAND — Nearly 40 percent of the salt put on Maryland state highways this past winter was scattered onto asphalt in Garrett, Allegany and Washington counties, according to Kellie Boulware of the State Highway Administration.

However, those 30,698 tons of salt in those three counties and the 82,702 tons statewide was 68 percent below the five-year average usage of 261,000 tons.

Garrett County easily led the state in snowfall with 86 inches. Elsewhere, rain and sleet were the most common weather events that needed attention, according to Boulware.

The highway agency budgeted $36 million for winter operations, but spent $30.8 million. The five-year average expenditure is $68.5 million. The costs this past winter were the second lowest during the past 10 years.

Money remaining in the winter operational budget will be used for other maintenance such as safety and resurfacing.

Boulware said SHA takes a proactive approach to winter road operations, relying on latest weather forecasts. Several times this past winter predictions of one to four inches of snow resulted in rain or no precipitation.

Crews were called out not only in the Frederick area, but also in the Washington and Baltimore metro locales up to 15 times. Boulware said nearly all of the responses were at night or on weekends, resulting in overtime expenses.

“With little or no snowfall in some parts of Maryland, SHA construction crews were able to perform construction work that normally would not have progressed during the winter months,” Boulware said.

“For example, crews were able to pour concrete for bridge deck replacement projects. During a normal winter, this work could not occur because of low temperatures, therefore having a few warm weather days was a great benefit,” she said.

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Garrett plans new jobs announcement

OAKLAND — An announcement about the sale of county-owned property at the Southern Garrett Business and Technology Park will be made by the Garrett County commissioners Tuesday at 10 a.m. in the commissioners’ public meeting room.

The sale will result in a signifiant business expansion, capital investment and creation of existing jobs, the commissioners said.

Also at that time, the commissoiners will discuss transfer of ownership and operation of the Adventure Sports Center International.

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Suicide, or killing by CIA?

Author probes 1953 death of early Detrick researcher
Originally published March 22, 2012

By Courtney Mabeus
News-Post Staff

Suicide, or killing by CIA?

H.P. Albarelli talks about his book, “A Terrible Mistake: The Murder of Frank Olson and the CIA’s Secret Cold War Experiment,” Wednesday at Hood College.

The CIA killed Frank Olson because he wanted to leave his work and the organization feared the stories he would tell and information he would share, according to the author of a book about the decades-old but still mysterious death of the Fort Detrick researcher.

H.P. Albarelli Jr., who spoke about his 2010 book, "A Terrible Mistake," Wednesday night at Hood College, contended that the death -- caused by either a fall or a jump from a New York City hotel window -- was unintentional and that the CIA planned to bring him back to a psychiatric facility in Montgomery County where they would continue to keep Olson from talking....

...Olson was an early researcher in the biological warfare program at the post, then known as Camp Detrick, until he died in 1953 -- nine days after being dosed with LSD during a work retreat at Deep Creek Lake in Garrett County. But it would take 22 years for those drug-dosing details to become public. At the time, the government labeled his death a suicide.

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Garrett County to take over manmade whitewater course

Deal will not affect 2014 ICF championship

Associated Press

HAGERSTOWN — Garrett County will assume ownership of a manmade whitewater course near McHenry after the nonprofit developer of the Western Maryland tourism and training site defaulted on more than $3 million in bank loans, county officials and the development group said Wednesday.

The deal won’t affect the International Canoe Federation’s plans to hold its 2014 world whitewater paddling championships at the 5-year-old mountaintop course, said Duane Yoder, board chairman of Adventure Sports Center International, the nonprofit developer.

Yoder and Garrett County Administrator G. Lamont Pagenhardt said the county won’t be liable for the center’s bank debt.

County officials will announce details of the transaction Tuesday, Pagenhardt said.

Yoder said the deal will sustain the publicly-funded enterprise.

“I think it’s a pretty successful outcome in terms of keeping what we have out here, keeping the whole outdoor-recreation brand alive in the county,” Yoder said.

The center’s executive director, two-time Olympian Matt Taylor, said he’s leaving to become executive director of the Westwind Stewardship Group in Otis, Ore. Westwind owns 529 acres of mostly undeveloped coastal land used for outdoor education activities.

Yoder said Taylor’s departure wasn’t due to Adventure Sports’ financial problems.

Taylor said the Adventure Sports complex, which also includes 550 wooded acres, remains a relevant and exciting part of the Deep Creek Lake resort area.

“The ultimate long-term sustainability of any nonprofit or public entity can be a challenge because of the economy,” Taylor said.

The $17.7 million project was built with $6.1 million from the county, $5.8 million from the state and $2.6 million in federal funds. The 1,700-foot, recirculating whitewater course is used by both raft-riding tourists and world-class athletes.

Unexpected construction costs led the center to borrow $3.2 million from Susquehanna Bank and First United Bank & Trust. The center defaulted on the loans after D.C. Development LLC, the struggling owner of the nearby Wisp ski resort, stopped making $180,000 annual payments to the center for marketing services.

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Are Fracking Fees The Future In Maryland?

By: Matt Bush // March 20, 2012
A bill in Maryland that would implement a fee on all land leased for the controversial natural gas drilling technique known as "fracking" has passed the House of Delegates by an 88-49 vote.

Del. Heather Mizuer (D) of Montgomery County sponsored the bill, which would take the money raised by the fees and spend it on a study of the effects of hydraulic fracturing. Opponents of the practice say the technique is responsible for poisoned water supplies and earthquakes in other states that lie on top of the Marcellus Shale. Companies are seeking to extract natural gas from the rock formation in Maryland.

"It's a question of whether does the taxpayer pay or does the industry pay? And we think the industry should pay for this," Mizuer said after a floord debate in the House.

Mizuer dismissed claims that growth of the industry in the state would bring jobs with it, noting that gas companies bring in professionals on their payrolls from outside the area.

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Maryland House approves fee for gas drilling study

Local delegates cast votes against measures

Brian White Associated Press

ANNAPOLIS — Maryland would become the first state in the nation to charge energy companies a fee to finance studies on best practices for extracting natural gas from Marcellus shale, under a bill approved Tuesday by the state’s House of Delegates.

The House voted 94-41 to impose a $15-per-acre fee that supporters say would raise roughly $1.8 million to pay for the studies.

Allegany and Garrett County Delegates Wendell Beitzel, Kevin Kelly and LeRoy Myers, Jr. voted against HB 1204 and the companion bill imposing a presumption of liability on drillers.

Supporters cite health and environmental concerns about the drilling process as reasons to be careful, but opponents questioned why businesses that could help create jobs should have to pay for a study to determine whether they can do business in Western Maryland, where the Marcellus shale is located.

Delegate Maggie McIntosh, D-Baltimore, pointed to water contamination, earthquakes and environmental damage from the drilling process in other states.

“It is important that when we eventually — probably — drill in Maryland that it is done in a safe way,” McIntosh, who chairs the House Environmental Matters Committee, said during debate.

But opponents of the measure say the state is putting up roadblocks to economic development that could boost Western Maryland.

“I’m fearful that what we’re going to see is the companies that would even think about coming to Maryland to drill a well will say there’s a big sign at our border saying: ‘Gas companies not welcome,’” said Beitzel, R-Garrett.

The measure now goes to the state Senate, where a similar bill stalled last year after clearing the House. Supporters acknowledge the bill could be a challenging sell in the Senate again.

“I think that we’re going to have challenges ahead, but we’re showing more and more momentum every year on this,” said Delegate Heather Mizeur, D-Montgomery, who sponsored the bill. “Last year, we weren’t able to get it passed in part because it was a new topic.”

Gov. Martin O’Malley signed an executive order last year that has effectively put drilling on hold until further review. The order requires a three-part study and a report on finding and recommendations.

The state’s Environment and Natural Resources departments each have a role in evaluating natural gas projects. Each would be involved in any future permitting decisions for drilling. Maryland received its first application for a permit to produce gas from the Marcellus shale using horizontal drilling and high-volume hydraulic fracturing in 2009.

Maryland officials have not determined whether drilling can be accomplished without unacceptable risk.

Under state law, the Maryland Department of the Environment has broad authority to impose conditions on permits to protect natural resources and provide public safety. The department may deny a permit based on a substantial threat to public safety or a risk of significant adverse environmental impact.

A final report with recommendations relating to the impact of drilling is due Aug. 1, 2014.

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Garrett officials to address Adventure Sports Center takeover

Elaine Blaisdell Cumberland Times-News



OAKLAND — Operations and management of the Adventure Sports Center International will be addressed by the Garrett County Board of Commissioners next week when a press conference is held Tuesday at 10 a.m. in the commission’s public meeting room.

The commissioners and Wendy Yoder, director of the county’s department of financial services, and Scott Weeks, assistant director, held a discussion about ASCI on Monday and then went into executive session to discuss economic development and financial and personnel matters pertaining to the sports center.

The commissioners previously discussed ASCI’s $3 million debt obligation at a February meeting. In January, the sports center’s board of directors proposed to convey all of the center’s facilities, assets and operations to the county. The offer was contingent upon the county assuming ASCI’s liabilities, according to a previous statement released by the commissioners.

During the February meeting, the commissioners made it clear that they would not consider the conveyance if the debt obligations remain.

Also at Monday’s administrative meeting, the commissioners:

• Approved an appropriation of $500 to the town of Kitzmiller for the 2012 Annual Homecoming Festival.

• Discussed the funding of an events coordinator. The commissioners had previously approved in August 2011 the funding of $20,000 to serve as a cost share with the Chamber of Commerce. Commissioners and members of the chamber agreed to place the employment of an independent contractor on hold with the final decision to be made as part of the Fiscal Year 2013 budget.

• Reappointed Donald Stemple to the Garrett County Civil Service Commission.

During the public meeting, the commissioners:

• Approved a bid award to Winters General Contractor Inc. for $46,950 for an airport parking area expansion.

• Provided an update on legislative matters relative to the 2012 session of the Maryland General Assembly.

• Heard an update from Richard MacLennan, president of Garrett College, on the Garrett County Scholarship Program.

• Executed a proclamation celebrating 100 years of Girl Scouts in the United States.

• Recognized Austin Shaffer of Southern Garrett High School as the 2012 State Wrestling Champion.

The next public meeting will be held April 3 at 9 a.m.

Contact Elaine Blaisdell at eblaisdell@times-news.com

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3-20-12: To the Bear’s Lair

Every year, in the early spring, scientists from the state’s Department of Natural Resources visit a selection of bear dens across western Maryland. The researchers venture under brush, around trees, and occasionally, under a porch, to check the health of hibernating mama bears they’ve been monitoring with radio collars. The idea is to get an idea of the bears’ health and growth.

Maryland ‘s bear population lives mainly in Garrett, Allegany, Washington, and Frederick Counties. Harry Spiker, Maryland’s Principal Bear Biologist, has been spending time going to lairs in western Maryland. Here, he talks about the survey with Sheilah Kast.

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Reports Track Child Care Costs and Availability, County-by-County

March 20, 2012

BALTIMORE - Maryland families putting together child-care budgets can get a good idea how much it will cost, thanks to new research from the Maryland Family Network.

The prices vary widely around the state. Care for two children, an infant and a preschooler, would cost a family about $9600 a year in Garrett County - and $25,000 a year in Montgomery County.

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Senate Passes Legislation To Allow U.S. 219 Upgrade To Move Forward

Mar. 15, 2012

In a vote taken yesterday, the United States Senate passed its version of a new transportation bill which contained legislative language written by Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD) that would allow the U.S. 219 construction project from Somerset to Meyersdale, Pa. – just north of Grantsville – to move forward.

Senator Cardin, who praised Senate passage of the Surface Transportation Reauthorization bill known as MAP-21, championed three separate provisions in the bill designed specifically to aid the completion of the Appalachian Development Highway System (ADHS) and assure federal support for access roads in Garrett, Allegany, and Washington counties.

Senators Barbara Mikulski (D-MD), Robert Casey (D-PA), and Patrick Toomey (R-PA) joined in the effort to get the legislation passed.

Specifically, the prohibition on "toll credit" usage for the 13 Appalachian states of the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) and their ADHS was reversed.

Toll credit usage for the required state match was begun in 1992, but was removed for the ADHS projects in 2005. Without it, PennDOT (Pennsylvania Department of Transportation) has refused to move on the U.S. 219 project, citing that provision and the lack of state matching funds, even with the $35 million bond bill for the project. PennDOT has consistently stated it needed another $35 million, or the toll credit language changed, to allow it to offset its required state match with toll credits.

"I have heard from business and civic leaders in western Maryland about the importance of the ADHS to economic growth in the region," said Cardin, "and keeping residents connected to the rest of the country. That is why I made the preservation of this program and the development of important incentive provisions to facilitate the completion of the ADHS a top priority of mine during the Senate's consideration of the Surface Transportation Reauthorization bill."

This change, if passed by the House of Representatives, will allow PennDOT to immediately proceed with the Route 219 construction project from Somerset to Meyersdale, PennDOT Secretary Barry Schoch told the Somerset County Chamber of Commerce last January.

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BOE Hears School Closure Committees

Mar. 15, 2012

The Garrett County Board of Education heard three advisory committee reports on Tuesday concerning the proposed closure of three county elementary schools – Dennett Road, Friendsville, and Kitzmiller. All three committees made appeals to the board to keep the schools open and operating.

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The advisory committee representatives made their respective cases in the cafeteria of Southern Middle School, a venue selected by the board to accommodate the larger than usual crowd expected.

The groups cited the stress that would be placed on children by longer commute times, the loss of educational programs, and the damage that would be done to the surrounding communities as reasons to not close the schools.

It was also generally believed by the advisory committees that eliminating the three schools would cause crowding at other facilities and also adversely affect Garrett County's ability to attract new industries and businesses.

"Class size is important," stated Leo Martin, Mtn. Lake Park mayor, during the public comment forum.

"If we close these schools what do we do with the buildings? You simply create another burden for the tax payer. Like it or not, Garrett County will develop – what do we do then without adequate space for students?"

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"Uncle WiFi Is In The Iditerod!"

Mar. 15, 2012

Indeed, the uncle of this local litter is currently competing in the annual 1,000-mile Iditarod race in Alaska and Canada as a member of musher Karen Ramstead's team of pure breed Siberian huskies. The brother of WiFi and the "dad" to these pups is Slider, owned by Linda and Mike Herdering of Husky Power Dogsledding in Accident. According to the Herderings, there are only one or two teams of pure breed Siberian huskies (known as "pretty sled dogs") because the Alaskan husky is faster.

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Ramstead says she runs the Siberian team not to win, but to prove that show dogs can also perform and succeed in an athletic competition. As of yesterday afternoon, Ramstead and her team had just left the checkpoint of Shaktoolik. Thirteen teams had finished the race, and 40 were still racing. The four Siberian pups above are not only four completely different colors, but they sport four completely different eye pairings. The differences in deep Siberian coloring (red, black, blonde, and grey) prompted the Herderings to name them "The Metal Litter." From left are Copper, Steelie, Goldie, and
Silver.

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