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.

Bill would aid school districts with declining student numbers

Legislation requested by Allegany, Garrett boards of education

Matthew BieniekCumberland Times-News

CUMBERLAND — Bills aimed to help school districts in areas with declining student populations, like Garrett County, are being considered by the General Assembly.

The importance of the bills is that they would automatically provide funding rather than forcing local representatives to fight for special appropriations every year, said Del. Wendell Beitzel. In the past few years, districts with declining populations have been hit hard by the state’s school funding formula, contributing to school closures in Garrett County.

Beitzel has introduced House Bill 814 and Sen. George Edwards has introduced companion Senate Bill 534. A bill to help with the issue was requested by members of the Allegany and Garrett County boards of education at a December meeting with legislators before the General Assembly session began.

“The bill would not help Allegany County at this point, but would help Kent County, among others,” Beitzel said, assessing the statewide nature of the proposed legislation. Garrett County has lost about 18.5 percent of its budget in the last four years due in part to a loss of student enrollment, officials said.

For the last five years Garrett County will have the largest decrease in student enrollment, in terms of a percentage loss, across the state, Larry McKenzie, director of finance for the Garrett school system, said recently. Since 2009, the Garrett board has lost $4.5 million and is anticipating losing $1.5 million this year.

More here.

New state discipline guidelines could have big financial impact on Garrett County schools

From Staff Reports

Cumberland Times-News

OAKLAND — New student discipline regulations recently adopted by the Maryland State Board of Education may have a $200,000 to $250,000 impact on the Garrett County school system, according to Jim Morris, supervisor of Research, Evaluation and Information.

“At this point, we are just beginning to determine how our local jurisdiction will respond in order to comply with these new regulations and several questions remain to be answered and clarified,” said Morris. “Certainly GCPS (Garrett County Public Schools) will have to revise the discipline and associated policies to be compliant with the state board’s new discipline regulations.”

The regulations require local school systems to adopt policies that reduce all suspensions and expulsions of students; eliminate any disproportionate or discrepant expulsions or suspensions of students; and meet additional reporting and timeline requirements. Expulsions would only be permitted when a student poses an imminent threat of serious harm to other students or staff, according to Morris.

Extended suspension (longer than 10 days) would be permitted when a student has engaged in chronic or extreme disruptive behavior. The aforementioned discipline responses along with both short- and long-term suspensions will require that the school system provides both comparable educational services and behavioral support services as well as counseling during the period of the expulsion and/or suspension.

Currently 22 of 24 school systems within the state have alternative education sites that could provide these services but Garrett County doesn’t have one, according to Morris. The school system will likely be required to create alternative placement sites for students who require an alternative education program outside of their school.

More here.

Gun-rights advocates rally at Maryland capitol, vowing continued fight against tough new law

By Fredrick Kunkle, Published: February 4 E-mail the writer

Several hundred gun-rights supporters rallied in a defiant spirit outside the Maryland State House on Tuesday, with some making fiery calls to repeal last year’s tough new gun-control law.

“We’re not out here watering the liberty tree yet, but it’s parched,” Del. Michael D. Smigiel, Sr. (R-Cecil) told the crowd, referring to Thomas Jefferson’s remark that “the tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants.”

Smigiel also led the crowd through a recitation of the Second Amendment and celebrated vows by some sheriffs around the country, including Garrett County’s, not to enforce gun laws they see as unconstitutional.

More here.

Public hearing on wind farm in Deep Creek watershed delayed

From Staff Reports

Cumberland Times-News

DEEP CREEK LAKE — The public hearing scheduled for Wednesday for Messenger Limited Partnership’s request to the Garrett County Planning Commission to amend the Deep Creek watershed zoning ordinance to allow a wind farm in the rural resource zoning district has been rescheduled.

During a meeting Jan. 8, the planning commission voted unanimously to postpone the public hearing and rescheduleit for March 5 to allow the applicant more time to assemble information concerning the sound, wildlife impact and the appearance of the proposed wind turbines, according to minutes from the meeting. Planning commissioner Jeff Messenger recused himself from the vote as a landowner involved in the proposed project.

The commission also requested aesthetic views from different perspectives around the area and also raised questions about Maryland Public Service Commission requirements for an application for the wind turbines. During a commission meeting in December, Eric Robison, a member of the Deep Creek Lake Watershed Planning Steering Committee, questioned if Ogin (previously FloDesign) had applied to the PSC for a wind turbine certification for generating power. Lars Dorr, director of business development with Ogin Energy in Waltham, Mass., indicated he wasn’t aware of that requirement.

During the Jan. 8 meeting, Messenger stated that he will ensure that Ogin has the information to answer any questions that may arise at the public hearing. It is up to the developer to assume the risk of being able to comply with any state or federal regulations regarding wind turbines, according to Messenger.

Commission chairman Troy Ellington indicated that the Property Owners’ Association and other groups might have questions and concerns about the proposed turbines and the amendment to the zoning ordinance. The POA plans on attending the public hearing and presenting a paper opposing the proposed amendment, according to president Bob Hoffman.

More here.

Garrett County sheriff names Jamie Friend as Deputy of the Year

Jay’s note: Jamie Friend is one of my best friends and he is a true hero! Incredible person, awesome father/husband and just a salt of the earth guy. And he’s a Marine 🙂

From Staff Reports

Associated Press

OAKLAND — Garrett County Sheriff Rob Corley has announced that Deputy First Class Jamie Friend has been named as his 2013 Deputy of the Year.

Each year, the Elks Lodge hosts a celebration to recognize various community members, students, law enforcement and fire and emergency medical service professionals who exceed their daily duties.

Corley selected Friend, a seven-year veteran of the department, as his honoree representative to the Elks Lodge based on Friend’s outstanding work ethic and commitment to public safety.

The sheriff also announced the promotion of various deputies, in-cluding Capt. Chris Helbig (patrol); Lt. Daniel Duggan (judicial); Lt. Clark Warnick (school resource); Sgt. Aaron Wilson (patrol); Sgt. Erik Geroski (patrol); Cpl. Dave McLaughlin (judicial); and Cpl. Dave Teet (investigations).

Also during 2013, numerous deputies were awarded by the Maryland Highway Safety Office for their outstanding work in traffic enforcement. Deputies First Class Colt Ruby and Adam Rounds were awarded the Smooth Operator Award in October for their dedication to traffic enforcement.

Friend and Deputies First Class Curtis O’Neal and Brad Palmer were awarded the DUI Enforcement Award in October for their efforts in drunken driving arrests.

Friend was also awarded the Purple Star and Medal of Valor from the National Sheriff’s Association. Rounds and Deputy First Class Nat Bittinger were also recognized by the NSA, each with a Medal of Valor award. All three deputies were recognized by the NSA for their bravery after Friend was stabbed during an incident at a local housing complex in November. Rounds and Bittinger were on the scene and assisted with the call.

Corley also said that Bittinger and Deputies Dustin Lewis and Bryan Ridder graduated from the police academy in July. Lewis previously was a dispatcher at the Garrett County 911 center and Ridder and Bittinger were correctional officers in the Garrett County Detention Center prior to be-coming deputies.

More here.

Garrett wind turbine setback bill passes Maryland Senate

Elaine BlaisdellCumberland Times-News

OAKLAND — Senate Bill 2 that deals with setback requirements for wind turbines in Garrett County recently passed the Senate and has been sent to the House of Delegates for consideration, according to Sen. George Edwards.

A provision of the bill dealing with an adjoining property owner’s consent to a variance for a wind turbine setback requirement was deemed unconstitutional by Maryland Attorney General Douglas Gansler last year. The bill has since been amended, removing the provision, according to Edwards.

The word “neighboring” was added to the definition of setback distance, Edwards said. That portion now reads a setback distance means the distance measured from the base of the tower of a wind turbine in an industrial wind energy conversion system to any neighboring residential or school building in all directions.

The bill provides for a minimum setback for a wind turbine of “no less than two and a half times the structure height” in the county. The wind turbine setback requirement doesn’t apply to wind systems that have submitted a specified interconnection application to regional electricity grid operator PJM before March 1, 2013.

More here.

Garrett commissioners OK Capital Improvement Program for schools

$582,400 earmarked for renovation project design at Southern Middle

Elaine Blaisdell

Cumberland Times-News

OAKLAND — The Garrett County commissioners unanimously approved the board of education’s 2015 Capital Improvement Program during their public meeting Tuesday and gave the board the green light to go ahead with the design phase of the Southern Middle School renovation project, according to Monty Pagenhardt, county administrator.

The $582,400 design funding for the project is included in the county’s fiscal 2014 budget.

“All projects on the CIP will be reviewed and approved as part of the fiscal year budget approval process,” said Pagenhardt.

Last year the commissioners voted to defer the funding of the project for a year and voiced concerns about being able to fund the project without a tax increase. There weren’t any changes to the county’s budget, ac-cording to Pagenhardt.

The project construction date for the renovation is still under consideration and has not been approved yet.

“At this time the county is not certain what actual revenue projections will be for forthcoming budget years although our financial model shows an improvement in expected revenue in the next several years,” said Pagenhardt.

More here.

Garrett reports on 2012 countywide recycling efforts

From Staff Reports

Cumberland Times-News

OAKLAND — Garrett County’s recycling rate for 2012 was 46.83 percent, the county Department of Solid Waste & Recycling announ-ced. Its source reduction rate was 47.83 percent.

Source reduction, also known as waste prevention or pollution prevention, is the elimination of waste before it is created, according to the Maryland Department of the Environment. It involves the design, manufacture, purchase or use of materials and products to reduce the amount or toxicity of what is thrown away.

The 1988 Maryland Recycling Act authorized the MDE to reduce the disposal of solid waste through management, education and regulation. Each of Maryland’s jurisdictions reports the amount and types of materials recycled annually. Populations of less than 150,000 are required to recycle 20 percent of their waste.

The county requests that each business report its recycling efforts within the county and outside of the county and state. The 2013 recycling report forms are available at http://www.garrettcounty.org/solid-waste-recycling/ garrett-county-recycling-program/2012-recycling-report. Some recycling forms will be mailed or emailed; businesses can expect to see these by early February. Completed recycling forms are due March 21 and may be emailed, faxed, scanned, mailed or hand-delivered.

Recycled materials may include grass clippings, leaves, brush, carpet or cloth remnants, catalogs, pallets, sawdust, oil filters, mixed paper and toner cartridges, aluminum cans, No. 1 and 2 plastic bottles, newspapers, cardboard, magazines, office paper, glass bottles and jars, electronics and mixed metal.

More here.

Garrett commissioners seek liquor law changes

Elaine Blaisdell

Cumberland Times-News

OAKLAND — The Garrett County Commission on Wed-nesday voted to ask state legislators to approve a referendum for both on- and off-premise liquor sales and to extend enterprise zone tax credits for Strata Safety Products LLC through the state Department of Business and Economic Development, according to Monty Pagenhardt, county administrator.

The commissioners also agreed to support Garrett Cooperative Ministry’s request for a $99,500 bond to go toward a $1.1 million new facility and a legislative request to modify the county code of ordinances to add a member-at-large to the salary study commission.

The commission also approved the Liquor Control Board’s requests to remove obsolete language in the statutes regarding wineries, a refillable container and a beer festival. Chairman Robert Gatto voted in opposition to all the Liquor Control Board’s legislative requests, according to Pagenhardt.

Numerous establishments have on-premise sales for alcoholic beverages and can sell an alcoholic beverage with a meal on Sunday between 1 and 10 p.m., and the vote would allow other establishments to do the same, according to Debbe Owston, administrator to the Garrett County Liquor Control Board.

“There are several precincts or election districts that can’t do that and they compete with the other establishments that can,” said Owston during a public prelegislative meeting in December. “We have had 0 complaints about Sunday sales in a restaurant with a meal. This is the first time the liquor board has proposed a referendum vote.”

The off-premise sales would allow package stores to sell take-out alcoholic beverages from 1 to 10 p.m.

Several owners of service stations voiced their support of Sunday sales during the prelegislative meeting.

More here.

History Associates Commissioned to Develop Strategic Initiative & Interpretive Plan for Garrett County Maryland

ROCKVILLE, MD, January 14, 2014 /24-7PressRelease/ — History Associates, the leading U.S. historical services firm, recently completed a comprehensive cultural resource planning study for the Garrett County Maryland Chamber of Commerce, which is the official management entity for the Mountain Maryland Gateway to the West Heritage Area (MMGWHA). History Associates created a Strategic Initiative and Interpretive Plan for the area, which will provide a framework for developing the region as a destination for heritage tourism.

“This Heritage Area has a fascinating and rich history to be explored by visitors,” noted Ms. Halley Fehner, lead historian on the project. She noted that the region has a historic network of trails, roads, and waterways that helped make it a primary route for America’s westward expansion during the 18th and 19th centuries. The abundance of natural resources brought coal mining, logging, and milling industries to the region. Its cultural heritage includes Amish, Mennonite, and Appalachian communities and it also has a long tradition of being a recreational destination for visitors drawn to its ski slopes and Deep Creek Lake.

History Associates conducted preliminary research into the history of the region and identified a number of compelling stories. Historians determined the current level of interpretive offerings in a detailed site survey and identified areas in which interpretation could be further developed. Next, History Associates convened a stakeholders meeting with MMGWHA and heritage area partners to discuss potential initiatives. A follow-up survey was conducted to clarify opinions as well as to collect information regarding specific heritage assets. Using the feedback from the meeting and surveys as a guide, History Associates evaluated the initiatives with particular emphasis on identifying target audiences, associated costs, and potential return on investment.

The final report provides an overall framework for developing and implementing initiatives that will help the Heritage Area become a destination for heritage tourism. It evaluates the current status of the heritage sites in Garrett County and then itemizes and assesses a range of initiatives that will bring visitors to the region. The report also includes an action plan for short-term and long-term implementation.

Author: Jay Ferguson

Bill would aid school districts with declining student numbers

Legislation requested by Allegany, Garrett boards of education

New state discipline guidelines could have big financial impact on Garrett County schools

Gun-rights advocates rally at Maryland capitol, vowing continued fight against tough new law

By Fredrick Kunkle, Published: February 4 E-mail the writer

Public hearing on wind farm in Deep Creek watershed delayed

Garrett County sheriff names Jamie Friend as Deputy of the Year

Garrett wind turbine setback bill passes Maryland Senate

Garrett commissioners OK Capital Improvement Program for schools

$582,400 earmarked for renovation project design at Southern Middle

Garrett reports on 2012 countywide recycling efforts

Garrett commissioners seek liquor law changes

History Associates Commissioned to Develop Strategic Initiative & Interpretive Plan for Garrett County Maryland

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