Garrett County Honored For Slalom Championships
October 29th, 2015 by WCBC Radio
The Maryland Office of Tourism Development (OTD) – an agency of the Maryland Department of Commerce – and the Maryland Tourism Development Board (MTDB) presented their 2015 Maryland Tourism Awards at the 35th annual Maryland Tourism and Travel Summit in Ellicott City, Maryland. The awards recognize excellence and major contributions in cultural heritage tourism, sports travel, economic impact, and elevating Maryland’s image as a tourism destination. Commerce Secretary Mike Gill and MTDB Chair Greg Shockley made the presentations during a luncheon at the conference. “I am proud to present the 2015 Maryland Tourism Awards,” said Secretary Gill. “Tourism is an important economic driver and today we recognize the outstanding achievements of our tourism partners who support OTD and MTDB in fulfilling their mission of increasing visitor expenditures to the state.” “These awards pay tribute to programs and organizations that have ramped up their performance and significantly contributed revenue to the state,” said Shockley. One major award was presented to Garrett County:
– See more at: http://www.wcbcradio.com/?news=garrett-county-honored-for-slalom-championships#sthash.pt5Wmzme.dpuf
Maryland Hospitals Rated First to Worst: Where Does Your Hospital Rate?
How does your hospital rate?
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Hospital Compare sifted through data for nearly 5,000 hospitals and results from surveys from patients to rank the centers, from worst to first, in terms of in-patient care.
In its latest report, no Maryland hospital (out of 309 nationally) earned five stars, while six received one star. Poor scores can result lower reimbursement rates from Medicare under the government’s value-based purchasing program, according to the survey.
Read More Here: http://patch.com/maryland/annapolis/maryland-hospitals-rated-first-worst-where-does-your-hospital-rate-0
Board Considers Lifting Limits on Deep Creek Small Craft
An advisory panel is considering a request to lift restrictions on personal watercraft at Deep Creek Lake, the biggest vacation destination in western Maryland.
The issue is on the agenda for Monday’s meeting in Oakland of the state-appointed Deep Creek Lake Policy and Review Board.
A boat-rental business has asked the state to remove a 25-year-old prohibition on personal watercraft and hovercraft use from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Memorial Day weekend, and on other weekend days and holidays from July 1 through Labor Day.
Read More Here: http://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/Board-Considers-Lifting-Limits-on-Deep-Creek-Small-Craft-337043841.html
Joanne Throwe Named Department of Natural Resources Deputy Secretary
Maryland Department of Natural Resources Secretary (DNR) Mark Belton today announced the appointment of Joanne Throwe as deputy secretary. In this role, Throwe will manage the day-to-day operations and execute the direction and vision of DNR.
“Joanne’s level of energy, experience and expertise made her an obvious choice for this role,” Belton said. “Her past experience in financing various environmental initiatives will be a huge asset for DNR as we work to implement and achieve the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement, and other critical departmental initiatives.”
Throwe brings 25 years of environment and natural resource experience at the state and federal level. Most recently, she served as the director of the University of Maryland Environmental Finance Center, where she provided technical assistance on financing issues related to environmental protection activities to help communities better manage their limited resources.
Read More Here: http://news.maryland.gov/dnr/2015/10/15/joanne-throwe-named-department-of-natural-resources-deputy-secretary/
Garrett County showcases fall colors, Appalachian culture during 5-day Autumn Glory festival
OAKLAND, Maryland — Maryland’s westernmost county is showcasing fall colors and Appalachian culture during its annual Autumn Glory festival.
The event kicked off Wednesday evening at the Wisp Resort and continues through Sunday at various locations around Garrett County.
It includes the Maryland State Banjo Championship on Friday, the state fiddle and mandolin championships on Saturday and a parade Saturday afternoon in Oakland.
For More Information: http://www.oaklandmd.com/autumn-glory-festival.html
New laws take effect in Maryland on Thursday
WASHINGTON — Many of the laws taking effect in Maryland this Thursday have to do with driving.
- The speed limit on highways can be raised from 65 to 70 on a case-by-case basis. That’s happening first on I-68 in western Maryland. The State Highway Administration says it will study whether the speed limit can be safely raised in other locations.
- You can leave your car unattended and running for up to five minutes if it has a remote ignition system or if it’s on private property and locked.
- Any driver accused in a deadly crash and found to have a blood alcohol content above the legal limit will have their license suspended for at least six months. It used to be 45 days.
Read More Here: http://wtop.com/maryland/2015/09/new-laws-take-effect-in-maryland-on-thursday/
