Jay Fergusonjay@deepcreekvacations.com301-501-0420
Menu

Author: Jay Ferguson

Who I Am My name is Jay Ferguson, and I am a lifelong resident of the Deep Creek Lake area. I am also co-owner of the real estate side of Taylor Made. I have been in the real estate business for 21+ years now and I LOVE what I do! I have to say, my career really took off when I co-founded the real estate side of Taylor Made in 2014. Its been an amazing experience, building a real estate company from the ground up and achieving so much so quickly! In August 2016, we purchased Long & Foster Real Estate Deep Creek, where I had started my career in 2000. In 2018, we on-boarded virtually every agent from Coldwell Banker Deep Creek Realty as they closed up shop and the real estate family grew even more! We now have over 40 sales agents and have expanded to West Virginia and Pennsylvania, as well. Taylor Made is the #1 vacation rental company at Deep Creek with over 475 vacation rental homes, and over one hundred thousand yearly visitors. Its amazing what we have accomplished using the principles of honesty, teamwork and customer service! Personally, my wife Jessica and I enjoy traveling and especially spending time in the outdoors, hiking and exploring the many diverse areas that Garrett County is naturally blessed with. We have raised two wonderful children here, Kayleah (22) and Noah (13). In the summer, we love spending time on the water with friends & family and enjoying the lake life! We are both active in our church, our community & local school activities, and we fill our schedule with plenty of volunteer efforts. I currently serve on the board of directors for Habitat for Humanity. I am proud to say that I was named Deep Creek Time’s Favorite ‘Community Champion’ in 2019. I was also named Garrett County Realtor of the Year in 2018-19, as well. I really enjoy promoting my hometown. I am very proud of the resort area that has developed over my lifetime and look forward to growing the area even more! Deep Creek Lake has been described as ‘The Lake Tahoe of the east', and I think that speaks volumes about the potential to own property here! Deep Creek Lake isn't really a town or city by itself; it's comprised of three towns: Oakland, Swanton & McHenry, Maryland. I am very passionate about my hometown and am impressed with how many people know about it as we travel around the country. Deep Creek Lake is an amazing place to visit and even better place to live! During the pandemic in 2020, our market exploded and more and more people left their primary residence in the city to live here permanently. With distance learning in schools and tele-commuting becoming the ‘norm’, many more people were drawn to the area to ‘live where they love to play’. Why You Want Me Working for You: In addition to being an owner, I am consistently one of the top-producing agents in the entire area and the Associate Broker of record for Taylor-Made Deep Creek Vacations & Sales. I have 21+ years of experience and I am a problem solver. There aren’t many situations that I have not encountered and I have a strategy for almost every scenario that you may encounter. I have extensively trained in all areas of real estate & emerging technologies, and also have trained as an appraiser, as well as served as a full-time Broker. I have a strong knowledge of the industry, as well as many trusted local contacts & affiliations that allow me to perform at a very high level and deliver results. I have a great deal of respect for my peers in this industry and have strong working relationships that I would love to put to work for you. Call me to discuss your situation - I know I can be of great service to you & others you care about! Honesty. Integrity. Results.

Education measures win key votes

Matthew Bieniek

Cumberland Times-News

CUMBERLAND — Two bills that will impact education policy and finances in Western Maryland have won important votes, with time running out for passage of legislation in the General Assembly.

One bill would help school districts facing a drop in state funding and the other would remove an ex officio position from the Allegany and Garrett County boards of education.

The ex officio bill passed the House of Delegates 137-0 Friday. The Senate version of the bill, which passed 47-0, is already in the House.

On Thursday, the Ways and Means Committee gave the House version of the school funding bill a favorable recommendation. It’s not unusual to have bills filed in both houses of the legislature.

More here.

Enterprise Zone Program works in Garrett County

Economic development office’s view differs from assessment out of Annapolis

For the Cumberland Times-News

Cumberland Times-News

OAKLAND — Maryland’s Enterprise Zone Program has helped fuel dramatic growth and private investment in Garrett County for more than a decade, according to the Garrett County Office of Economic Development. Contrary to conclusions released by the Maryland Department of Legislative Services deeming the program cost ineffective, the initiative has catapulted employment and capital expenditures throughout the county, according to county officials.

“We are extremely proud of our Enterprise Zone businesses. While the state may be of the opinion that the program is not cost effective, we have leveraged it to great results in Garrett County,” said Mike Koch, executive director of Garrett County’s Department of Community Planning and Development. “Maryland’s Enterprise Zone Program has increased employment opportunities for residents and assisted in the expansion of local businesses.”

Created in 1982 to combat national trends of overseas relocations and job loss, the program was designed to stimulate growth and improve employment within distressed areas of the state. Since its inception, Enterprise Zone businesses have qualified for specific tax credits in return for job creation and capital investments.

Within the county’s Enterprise Zones, the program has powered profitability, business growth and new industrial ventures. Between fiscal 2000 and 2012 in the Northern Garrett Enterprise Zone, employee numbers for the five businesses located there increased 26.5 percent. Capital expenditures totaled $39.4 million; real property assessments on physical improvements increased by 3,372.8 percent; and two of the businesses expanded multiple times.

“The Enterprise Zone program has expanded our economy in a powerful way,” said Koch. “Companies in the zone help us reinvent our rural economy, investing in capital expenditures and new employee hires. The Enterprise Zone program is the backbone of business growth in underserved areas across Maryland. It helps us stand tall and proud.”

The 12 businesses located in the Southern Garrett Enterprise Zone experienced similar growth. Between fiscal 2000 and 2012, employee numbers for these businesses increased 184.9 percent; business capital expenditures totaled $9.3 million; and real property assessments increased by 413 percent. Four businesses also expanded during this time span.

More here.

Families plan to mark 50th anniversary of plane crash

Memorial service and program set July 12 in Garrett County

Elaine Blaisdell

Cumberland Times-News

GRANTSVILLE — A niece of Maj. Robert E. Townley, a radar navigator who died in the 1964 B-52 bomber crash in Garrett County, was the catalyst for the formation of a committee, according to member Bucky Schriver.

The committee came up with the idea of hosting a 50th anniversary memorial service and program. Thus far, 40 family members of the crew of Buzz One Four, the call sign of the plane, plan to attend the July 12 event at 11 a.m. at the Little Crossings memorial.

“If it wasn’t for Gina and the committee none of this would have happened,” said Schriver.

Schriver met Townley’s niece, Gina Townley Swinburn, of Vinton, La., through the Find a Grave website. Swinburn came to Grantsville to visit the museum and it was closed for the winter and her visit sparked the enthusiasm that led to the formation of the committee, said Schriver. Swinburn has been working to ensure that all the family members of the crew of Buzz One Four know about the July memorial service.

Schriver indicated that family members of Townley, TSgt. Melvin D. Wooten, gunner, and Maj. Robert L. Payne, navigator, plan on attending the memorial service. Schriver is working with local hotels to get a group rate for the family members so they can all stay in one place.

“Gina contacts the family members and tells them who she is and they feel comfortable speaking with her,” said Schriver.

The committee, which is comprised of about 15 members that include several who have done considerable research on the disaster, was formed in January. It working to make repairs to the Payne and Townley memorials, produce a map to the memorials and is having a sign manufactured at each site explaining exactly what happened at that location. The committee plans to have everything completed by the memorial service and will give the families tours of the memorial sites, according to Schriver.

More here.

Legislation to bring financial relief to some school districts wins vote on Senate floor

Matthew Bieniek

Cumberland Times-News

CUMBERLAND — A bill that could help school districts facing decreases in state aid because of declining student enrollment, such as Garrett County, has won an important vote on the Senate floor that bodes well for passage in the next few days.

Sen. George Edwards is the Senate sponsor of the bill. Del. Wendell Beitzel is sponsoring the House version. The bill passed on second reading with amendments Monday and will likely come to a final vote in the next day or two. Additional sponsors have also signed on to support the Senate bill. Bills on second reading usually pass on a voice vote. Once the bill passes the Senate, it will move on to the House of Delegates.

The bill mandates the state to supplement shortfalls in the state aid formula. “For fiscal years 2015 through 2017, if a county board’s total direct education aid in the current fiscal year is less than the prior fiscal year, then the state shall provide a grant to the county board equal to 50 percent of the decrease in total direct education aid from the prior fiscal year to the current fiscal year,” according to the language of SB 534.

The state budget provides $1.7 million in aid for affected districts in fiscal 2015, according to a floor report on the bill by the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee.

“Under current law, direct education aid (as defined by the bill) in fiscal 2015 to Garrett and Kent counties will decrease by $928,200 (4.7 percent) and $262,000 (3.0 percent), respectively, a combined decrease of $1,190,200,” according to the Department of Legislative Services.

By mandating the aid for three years, legislators from affected counties will be able to avoid a yearly fight for special appropriations, as they have in the past few years.

More here.

Garrett County planners hold off on special exemption request

Elaine Blaisdell

Cumberland Times-News

OAKLAND — The Garrett County Planning Commission voted unanimously last week to table a discussion regarding a text amendment to the Deep Creek Watershed Zoning ordinance to include broader use of special exceptions within the watershed for recreational uses.

The discussion was tabled until a date to review the county’s comprehensive plan update is determined and until action is taken in regard to an ethics complaint that was recently filed against County Commission Chairman Robert Gatto, according to Deborah Carpenter, assistant director of the Office of Planning and Land Management.

During a Feb. 18 meeting, the county commissioners voted to send the matter of text amendments of the zoning ordinance back to the planning commission. Gatto and Commissioner Gregan Crawford voted in favor of the motion and Commissioner Jim Raley voted against it.

“Deep Creek Lake is a recreational area and given its nature is subject to competing demands,” reads a position statement made by Crawford and Gatto. “The public has expressed concern that there has not been sufficient public discussion and consideration of issues relating to recreational uses and the board is simply responding to that concern and are asking the planning commission for their input, nothing more.”

Also during that meeting, with Gatto recusing himself, Crawford made a motion to approve William Meagher’s request to add a new category of use for boat rentals including boat rides and/or boat tours as a separate service business and not offering any other services associated with a marina. Crawford’s motion died for lack of a second and therefore ended the pursuit and consideration of Meagher’s request for amendments to the zoning ordinance.

More here.

Two to join Garrett County Women’s Hall of Fame

For the Cumberland Times-News

Cumberland Times-News

MCHENRY — The Garrett County Commission For Women will honor Nancy K. Learey and Brenda Snyder Brosnihan on April 5 as they are inducted into the Women’s Hall Of Fame. The breakfast event will begin at 9:30 a.m. at Dutch’s at Silver Tree on Glendale Road. Reservations are required.

This is the 20th anniversary of recognizing women who have made a difference to the people of Garrett County. The Commission For Women has been active in advocating for girls’ and women’s issues since its inception.

Learey has been in Garrett County for more than five decades. Originally from Philadelphia and the Eastern Shore, she attended Western Maryland College, now known as McDaniel College. She was a teacher and guidance counselor at Southern Middle School, then taught chorus at Southern High School.

As a passion, Learey has changed the way music and musicians are viewed in Garrett County. She was the founding director of the Garrett Choral Society, where she served as its director for 27 years. Learey insisted on the involvement of youth in most all of her productions. She is directly responsible for attracting nationally acclaimed artists such as Michael Horton, Jim Tong and Nancy Turrentine, who now call Garrett County home.

Brosnihan is a 1978 graduate of Southern High School. She attended Frostburg State where she studied health and physical education. She opened Brenda’s Body Shop in Oakland in 1980 and has impacted thousands of local students who have attended her classes. Brosnihan is a dedicated, equal opportunity educator who encourages movement, health and positivity without boundaries based on age, abilities or health issues.

More here.

Grantsville man wins suit to remove property from annexation plan

Michael A. Sawyers

Cumberland Times-News

GRANTSVILLE — A River Road businessman who successfully sued the town of Grantsville will have his property removed from the town’s annexation plan.

On Feb. 7, Garrett County Circuit Court Judge James L. Sherbin ruled in favor of Rodney Youmans, who owns and operates Meshach Browning’s Cabins on the River at 315 River Road.

“I originally agreed to annexation because Grantsville said my property would be hooked to the town’s sewer line,” Youmans told the Times-News on Wednesday.

Youmans’ attorney, Robert Kazary, Cumberland, told the court that in 2006 the town sought to annex the land upon which the Goodwill Mennonite Nursing Home sits so that municipal water could be provided, allowing an expansion of that business.

During that process, some other private properties, including Youmans, were also included in the annexation effort.

In his written opinion, Sherbin noted that two annexation plans existed, with the first one in 2008 providing an extension of sewer service to Youmans’ property.

A second plan, filed in 2011, does not include that offer, Sherbin pointed out.

More here.

Garrett Sunday alcohol sales bill being considered

Matthew BieniekCumberland Times-News

CUMBERLAND  — Bills that would allow voters to decide whether to expand Sunday on- and off-premises alcohol sales in Garrett County are being considered by the General Assembly.

The House Economic Matters Committee considered the on-premises sale bill on Monday. That committee will decide whether to recommend the bill move forward to the whole House. The off-premises bill was heard by the same committee Feb. 17. Together the bills would allow voters to OK sales at taverns and restaurants as well as package stores.

The bill was submitted at the request of the Garrett County Liquor Control Board. Some election districts already have Sunday sales and other merchants want to be able to do the same. Del. Wendell Beitzel introduced the bills. The sales would be allowed from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Sundays.

The Garrett County Chamber of Commerce also supports Sunday sales for alcoholic beverages, chamber officials said during a public meeting in December.

More here.

Federal trial in May for two Garrett County developers

From Staff Reports

Cumberland Times-News

CUMBERLAND — Trial has been set for May 5 for two Garrett County developers who were indicted last month by a federal grand jury on charges related to a $3.7 million bank fraud conspiracy.

A court spokesman advised of the date of the trial in U.S. District Court in Baltimore for Samuel R. VanSickle, 49, of Accident, and Louis W. Strosnider III, 47, of Oakland, following their recent initial court appearances.

VanSickle and Strosnider both have entered pleas of not guilty to the charges contained in a six-count indictment that alleges from Dec. 21, 2001, through June 30, 2004, they devised a scheme to fraudulently obtain money and property from financial institutions.

Specifically, VanSickle purchased two properties and allegedly concealed the ownership and control of the properties using false names and identities; inflated the value of the properties through fraudulent loans and mortgages; and entered into sales contracts with Strosnider at inflated prices with fictitious down payments. Strosnider then obtained bank loans with fraudulent collateral to finance sales of the properties.

Entities controlled by VanSickle sold the properties to Strosnider, with the purchase prices actually being paid to VanSickle in the name of companies he controlled, according to the indictment.

The indictment seeks forfeiture of $3,751,000 and 40 properties held in VanSickle’s name or in the names of nominees in Maryland, West Virginia and Pennsylvania.

The defendants face a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison for the conspiracy and for each of the five counts of bank fraud.

More here.

Two Garrett County Developers Charged in Fraud Scheme Head to Court

GARRETT COUNTY, Md. – According to officials with the U.S. District Court in Baltimore, two Garrett County developers pleaded not guilty on Friday to an indictment accusing them of a $3.7 million bank fraud scheme.

A federal grand jury indicted Samuel R. VanSickle, 49, of Accident, Md., and Louis W. Strosnider III, 47, of Oakland, Md., on February 11, 2014.

According to the six count indictment, VanSickle and Strosnider owned and developed property in Garrett County.

The indictment alleges from December 2001 through June 2004 VanSickle and Strosnider comprised a scheme to fraudulently obtain money and property from financial institutions through false names, and inflating the value of the properties through fraudulent loans and mortgages.

More here.

Jay Ferguson
jay@deepcreekvacations.com
301-501-0420
My Location
35 Towne Centre Way
McHenry, MD 21541
Click Here to Email Me
Monday - Sunday
Office: 9am - 5pm
Phones: 9am - 9pm
Deep Creek Media
Stay Connected
Realtors

© Taylor-Made Deep Creek Vacations 2016. All Rights Reserved. Rules & Regulations

Website Design by InterCoastal Net Designs