A busy Saturday at Deep Creek Lake
I took this shot while showing some clients a home in Mountainside on Saturday. You can own a house right there for $799k or buy a lot here for $295k and build your own place with this view!
Price drop! $5k off 1839 Smouse Rd - GA8118781 - $174,900
Renovated split level home in Pleasant Valley! Coveted location in the valley with pastoral views surrounding the property. 1 large, grassy acre of land, offering 2 outbuildings. Upgrades include shiny hardwood floors, ceramic tile, 6 panel doors, rear deck, bathroom addition, fixtures and carpet. Lush landscaping, spacious bedrooms, and 3 heat sources make this home worth a look – great value!
http://deepcreeklake.com/RealEstate/JayFerguson/detail.aspx?id=GA8118781
DNR close to living up to trail promise
Michael A. Sawyers Cumberland Times-News
CUMBERLAND — Two years after closing a pair of off-highway vehicle trails on state forests in Western Maryland, the Department of Natural Resources is close to living up to a promise to replace one of them with a loop in eastern Garrett County.
Citing environmental damage caused by improper use, the agency in April 2011 closed an 18-mile trail on the Green Ridge State Forest in Allegany County and another along Poplar Lick on the Savage River State Forest in Garrett County.
“The Green Ridge closure cost business in Allegany County $1.6 million,” said Allegany County Commissioner Bill Valentine.
Valentine spoke at a meeting Monday in the county office complex.
The Maryland OHV Alliance organized the gathering that was attended by the District 1 legislative delegation, county commissioners from Allegany and Washington counties, and DNR staffers, including Secretary Joe Gill.
Paul Peditto, who heads the DNR effort to establish new trails, said a 13-mile trail in the St. John’s Rock area is approaching approval.
That site is just south of the Finzel exit on Interstate 68.
Slightly behind in the process are two trails in Washington County proposed for a wildlife management area and a natural resources management area on Sideling Hill.
“There is a lot of energy around this effort,” Gill said. The secretary urged participants to study successful trail programs from other states.
Peditto anticipates a public comment period about the St. John’s Rock trail by late summer. A 12-month construction period would be required for completion.
Allegany County Commission President Mike McKay asked alliance spokesman Ken Kyler to come to a county work session to explain the search for new trails.
“Be prepared to answer all the tough questions,” McKay said. “There will be property owners up in arms because of anticipated noise levels.”
Although the proposed new trails are on public land, substantial discussion took place Monday about establishing them on private land, as well.
“The first question that has to be dealt with is the liability issue,” said Delegate Kevin Kelly.
Delegate Wendell Beitzel said he is concerned about trail users leaving existing paths and wandering on to adjoining private lands that are not part of the established routes.
Much discussion centered on the possible placement of trails on reclaimed strip mine operations.
Sen. George Edwards said he hopes with the thousands of acres owned by DNR in Allegany and Garrett counties that a couple of trails could be established without using private lands.
Kyler, a Middletown resident, said the Hatfield-McCoy trail in West Virginia generates $20 million annually for businesses there.
Development of trails in Maryland could include links that establish larger systems, he said. He said an economic study of a trail in Minnesota discovered that each user spent an average of $190 per visit at local businesses.
Delegate LeRoy Myers Jr. urged the group to assure that small towns become part of the trail loops so that businesses would prosper.
Peditto said a private campground near the proposed St. John’s Rock trail should benefit economically once that project is done.
The use of OHVs is the fastest-growing form of recreation in the country, according to Steve Carr of the DNR.
Peditto said it is likely that OHV trails on public lands would be closed during peak hunting periods such as the deer firearms season.
Contact Michael A. Sawyers at msawyers@times-news.com.
Fun things to do July 4th week at Deep Creek Lake & Garrett County
Mountain Fresh Farmers Markets feature the area’s freshest fruits, vegetables, berries, and herbs as well as plants, eggs, honey, cut flowers, delicious grassfed meats, goat’s milk cheeses, home baked goods, jams & jellies, hand made crafts, and more each Wednesday and Saturday from 10 am to 1 pm in beautiful downtown Oakland, just a 15 minute drive south from Deep Creek Lake.
We’re a “Producer-Only” market, meaning that you are purchasing the items directly from farmers, bakers, and artisans, as we do not allow any reselling at our market.
Stage Wisp Concert #1
Band : The Steve Hussey Band
Band Description: From Johnny Cash to Steve Hussey originals to songs fresh out of a Nashville writing room, the Steve Hussey Band has been entertaining at venues all over West Virignia, Ohio and all over the East Coast for 10 years.
From clubs to concert series to State Fairs, the Steve Hussey Band has done it all! Thier brand of Americana is sure to make shoes tap and get people up and dancing.Event Description: Grab the family and the lawn chairs and head to Wisp Resort’s new Stage Wisp concert series location – The Wisp Outdoors Adventure Park for some great live entertainment and lots of fun! This annual summer concert series will provide nightlife and entertainment for the entire family. Our new locations will place you right in the middle of Wisp Resorts hot spots and only steps away from some great activities such as the Mountain Coaster, All NEW Spider Monkey Adventure, Segway Tours and much more. The Bar and Grill will be open for tasty treats and cold drinks! – No Coolers Permitted!
Free
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Fire on the Mountain Fireworks Display
The Garrett County Chamber of Commerce presents the annual Fire on the Mountain Fireworks Display, sponsored by NLP of Maryland, LLC. Fireworks launched from the top of Bear Claw Tubing Park at Wisp Resort out toward the waters of Deep Creek Lake. Viewing spots include the scenic overlook on Rt. 219, McHenry Cove on Deep Creek Lake and businesses in McHenry.
Tune into 104.5 WKHJ, 92.3 The Train or 1050 AM WMSG radio, the official media partners for the Fire on the Mountain Fireworks Display, for inclement weather updates and patriotic music to accompany the show.
Rain date: July 5th. If there is inclement weather on July 4th, please check this page or tune your radio to 104.5 WKHJ, 92.3 The Train and 1050 AM WMSG radio for live updates on the status of the fireworks.
| Major Sponsor: NLP of Maryland, LLC |
| Supporting Sponsor: |
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| Associate Sponsor: Wisp Resort | |
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Media Partners: 104.5 WKHJ, 92.3 The Train & 1050 AM WMSG Radio.
Display provided by Zambelli Fireworks.
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July 4th Concert
Join your friends and bring your family and enjoy the Garrett Choral Society and the Garrett Community Concert Band in their annual Independence Day Concert at Garrett College. This year’s concert will be in the NEW gymnasium at Garrett College. After the concert, join us on the lawn of Garrett College to enjoy the magnificent fireworks displayed off WISP Mountain.
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Little Yough Summer Music Festival
The Little Yough Summer Concert Series will begin its 17th season! Come to downtown Oakland and join us for a night under the stars. Bring your chairs, blankets and refreshments if you would like. They are every Friday evening from July 5-September 6, concerts begin at 7:00 pm and go until approximately 9:30 pm. You can also come a little early and get some food from one of our many delicious food vendors. Concerts are held in the Mt. Fresh Pavilion on Town Park Lane next to the Little Yough river. Complete performers descriptions can be found at www.agreatsmalltown.com . Concerts are FREE, but donations are graciously accepted. Hope to see you there!
2013 Line-up
July 5- The Stray Birds
July 12-Dennis McClung
July 19- Mon River Big Band
July 26- Jessica Lee
August 2- Boilermakers
August 9- Scott & Michelle Dalzeil
August 16- Nora Jane Struthers
August 23- Half Time String Band
August 30-The Carper Family
September 6- The Remedy
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Boat Parade on Deep Creek lake
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Summer Art Camp
Each project incorporates a fine artist, art concept, or technique. Students will use various types of paint, pastels, india ink, charcoal, clay, aluminum, wire, glass, printing ink, and much more to create one of a kind projects.Each camp week will focus on a new topic. Each week will include at least two new masters and projects in both 2-D and 3-D.
At the end of the summer, campers will get to exprerience another facet of the fine arts with an art show featuring their work.
Open to children ages 5 – 14
Camps will be held at J.F.Mazur Fine Art Studio in Oakland, MD throughout the week, with the exception of Wednesdays.
On Wednesdays camp will meet in the Pocket Park for Plein Air days, weather permitting.
(Pocket Park Location: 2nd Street, Oakland MD 21550. Between the Cornish Cafe and Newman’s Funeral Home)
(ages 11-14) 1pm – 4pm
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Welcome Party Mondays
Recommended Practices For Marcellus Shale Drilling Released For Comment
The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) released on Tuesday a draft report describing best practices for drilling and production that should be required if horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing for natural gas is permitted in the Marcellus shale in Maryland. The draft report, which was prepared in consultation with an advisory commission, includes recommendations to protect public health and safety, natural resources, and the environment.
The draft report has been posted on MDE’s web site. The departments will present an overview of the draft report at a public informational meeting at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, July 9, in the auditorium of Garrett College. A copy of the draft report will also be sent to the Ruth Enlow Library in Oakland and the Allegany County Library in Frostburg.
on the draft report can be submitted by e-mail to Marcellus.Advisory@maryland.gov or by regular mail to: Brigid E. Kenney, Senior Policy Advisor, Maryland Department of the Environment, 1800 Washington Blvd., Baltimore, MD 21230.
must be submitted by August 9, 2013. A final report will be released after all the have been considered. According to department spokespersons, when the report is final, the best practices will be incorporated into new, stringent regulations to apply to shale gas development if it is permitted in Maryland.
The report was required under Governor Martin O’Malley’s June 2011 executive order, which established the Marcellus Shale Safe Drilling Initiative to examine the facts and science to determine whether and how hydraulic fracturing can be done safely in Maryland. No decision has been made on whether such drilling will be permitted. The third and final report under the Initiative is due in August 2014.
The Marcellus shale is a black shale, or rock, formation that underlies New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, and western Maryland. In Maryland, the only anticipated areas of potential gas production in the Marcellus are in Garrett and western Allegany counties.
Largely forested and rural, the area offers scenic byways, premier trout streams, whitewater paddling, Deep Creek Lake, hunting, skiing, hiking, and camping. It includes unique ecological communities and natural areas that protect watersheds and water quality, provide homes to threatened and endangered species, and offer a near-wilderness experience.
“These areas are irreplaceable,” said DNR Secretary Joseph Gill. “We must do all that we can to protect them or we will lose them forever.”
To protect these areas and the rural character of the community, the departments propose, among other recommendations, to require comprehensive planning for shale gas development before any drilling permits are issued.
“Maryland would be the first state to require this type of planning,” advisory commission member Harry Weiss said. “If adopted, it could further protect communities and the environment from the landscape-level effects of shale gas development.”
MDE Secretary Robert M. Summers cautioned: “In this report, the departments propose stringent standards for all aspects of drilling and production, but there is more work to be done before a decision can be made about whether hydraulic fracturing should be allowed in Maryland.”
18th Annual Rodeo Slated In McHenry
The 18th annual Championship Rodeo will be held on Friday and Saturday, July 5 and 6, at the Garrett County Fairgrounds, McHenry. Musical entertainment, featuring Perry and Sean Kamp on Friday and Kenny Jones on Saturday, will begin at 6:30 p.m., followed by rodeo action at 7:30.
Bull riding, bronco riding, roping, barrel racing, youth mutton busting, and bullfighting clowns will be featured.
This event is sponsored by the Garrett County Livestock Association and 92.3 The Train. Proceeds benefit the 4-H and FFA livestock activities and improvements to the areas used by youth livestock groups at the fairgrounds.
Advance tickets cost $8 for adults and $4 for children 12 and younger. At the gate, tickets will cost $10 for adults and $5 for children. Tickets are available at Southern States in Oakland, Lakeview Auto Parts, Grantsville Ad Service, Glotfelty Enterprises, Little Sandy’s, and Fratz True Value. More here.
Deep Creek marina owner ordered to cease operations
Elaine Blaisdell Cumberland Times-News
OAKLAND — The owner of Lakeside Creamery at Deep Creek Lake has been ordered to cease operations of a mini-marina located on his property until a zoning issue is decided in Circuit Court.
During a hearing in June in Garrett County Circuit Court, Judge Jim Sherbin found that a zoning amendment that allowed Bill Meagher to run the mini-marina was of no legal effect and ordered that the decision by the county’s Board of Zoning Appeals to issue Meagher a permit be reversed.
The court issued the cease and desist order on June 26.
St. Moritz Properties LLC, Bill’s Marine Service Inc. and Silver Tree Marine LLC filed recently filed a motion to amend the order that was issued by Sherbin in June to add the following sentence at the end, “it is further ordered that Meagher/ Lakeside shall immediately cease and desist from operating the boat rental business on the property located at 20282 Garrett Highway in that it is enjoined by this order from doing so.”
Meagher rents personal watercrafts and pontoon boats.
The order was amended to make it clear that Meagher shouldn’t be operating without a permit, according to Greg Skidmore of Skidmore, Alderson and Duncan of Oakland, who is representing local marinas. Meagher has until July 3 to respond to the order that he cease and desists operations.
Meagher has operated the mini-marina for over a year on an invalid permit and even after the decision was made in June continued to operate, according to Skidmore.
“Even after the order, Meagher/Lakeside continue to defiantly operate the boat rental business without a permit and is clear violation of the Zoning ordinance and should not be permitted to do so,” Skidmore said in legal documents
On June 5, 2012, the county commissioners voted to make amendments to the Deep Creek Watershed Zoning ordinance to allow Meagher to have a marina that doesn’t offer the services associated with it.
A boat rental permit was issued by the Board of Zoning Appeals on June 11, 2012, to Meagher. St. Moritz Properties LLC, Bill’s Marine Service Inc. and Silver Tree Marine LLC appealed the issuance of the permit. The Board of Zoning Appeals denied the appeal and upheld the issuance of the permit.
Contact Elaine Blaisdell at eblaisdell@times-news.com.
Garrett defers school project
Elaine Blaisdell Cumberland Times-News
OAKLAND — During the Garrett County Commission meeting on Tuesday, commissioners voted unanimously to defer the Southern Middle School renovation project funding of $582,400 for one year.
Commissioners also agreed to continue to work with the board of education to develop a plan for fiscal 2015 for the school project.
“I think this is a sound approach,” said Commissioner Jim Raley. “We are going to get through this. It really comes down to, in my opinion, the taxpayers and citizens of Garrett County telling us what they want their school system to look like.”
Raley said it’s up to citizens whether they want to continue to maintain community schools or to consider a larger approach.
Without cuts to the budget, the project would cause an increase in taxes, according to Raley.
“Unless we are going to start cutting money out of the budget, we are not going to afford that project without a tax increase that covers the cost of that debt service,” said Raley. “I don’t often get people coming up to me saying, ‘Please raise my taxes.’”
The debt service on the project would have to be paid back and would cost about $750,000 per year, according to Raley.
“Currently, the county has no debt, so there is no money to roll into that. In order to fund that debt service, the county has to come up with that $750,000 to make that payment. The real reason for the request of the deferal (of the project) is to see if we can get the budget more in line,” he said.
Raley said he didn’t foresee any new revenues coming to the county.
There will be a $1.7 million budget shortfall in fiscal 2015 for education.
“The $1.7 million that the board is asking for is just to remain at status quo,” said Raley. “It doesn’t do anything to enhance the system or to meet some of those needs. I continue to argue that we have a stagnant population, we have a declining student population.”
In order to recover from decline in student population, Raley believes the trend needs to be reversed.
“It needs to happen no matter what our decisions are in moving forward with Southern Middle School,” he said, adding that planning needs to take place with the future in mind. “I don’t know what our county will look like 10 years from now.”
Commissioner Gregan Crawford said he would like to see an independent group develop creative ideas for the direction of the school system.
It is estimated the county will lose $2.7 million in revenue in fiscal 2015 because of the readjustment of the assessable tax base and because, Raley said.
In addition, planning will also have to occur for the shift of teacher retirement costs to county government.
“The biggest problem I see are 2015 and 2016 are going to be critical budget years,” said Raley.
Raley, who worked in the Southern Middle School building for 14 years, said he was concerned about the erosion of the building if the project didn’t move forward.
Southern Middle School was built in 1977.
Contact Elaine Blaisdell at eblaisdell@times-news.com.
New listing! 813 Vista Square Rd - $119,900 - 3BR, almost 2,000 sq ft - GA8124206
813 VISTA SQUARE RD
OAKLAND, MD 21550
Incredible deal on a 3BR home offering approx 1,900 +/- sq ft of comfort & tranquility, and is centrally located to schools, daycare, shopping & the hospital. Kick back on the porch and soak in the sun & views, or unwind in the rec room/play room. Tastefully decorated w/ soothing colors & style, you won’t want to leave! Built-ins and abundant, creative storage, lots of upgrades. Must see! More here.
Mini-marina zoning amendment
From DeepCreekTImes.com:
The Property Owner’s Association of Deep Creek Lake sent this letter to the commissioners regarding the mini-marina zoning amendment. A copy of the staff-prepared report is here and a map of potential properties that could offer rentals under the amendment is here.
