HART to take bids for site
Garrett rescue shelter phase I expected to cost $2.2M
Elaine Blaisdell Cumberland Times-News
MCHENRY — A Garrett County animal rescue shelter, HART for Animals, is accepting bids for phase I of construction for a state-of-the-art, 12,000-square-foot facility to be located on Bumble Bee Road.
Phase I of the Homeless Animal Rescue and Transport for Animals facility will consist of a veterinary clinic, a boarding spa, a reception area and a small store.
The total cost of construction for phase I is an estimated $2.2 million with construction to be completed in midsummer, according to Michael Pellet, president of HART.
Phase II will consist of an adoption center and will begin once phase I is completed. The entire project is expected to be completed sometime this year, according to Pellet.
“It (the adoption center) is very important to the county. It will relieve pressure on the Garrett County Animal Shelter, which currently receives 1,200 to 1,500 (animals) a year but only has enough space for 40 animals,” said Pellet, who added that the project will create 35 jobs for the county. “HART provides education to the general public about the humane treatment of animals. Our goal is to improve the lives of domestic animals in the county.”
In 2011, HART held its groundbreaking ceremony for the first phase of construction. The site has been cleared and the foundation for the veterinary clinic, reception area and boarding spa has been completed.
The veterinary clinic will provide a low-cost spay and neuter clinic for low-income individuals, and the boarding spa will contain a grooming area, according to Pellet.
The project is being done through fundraisers and grants. So far, close to $600,000 has been raised and a $1.6 million U.S. Department of Agriculture loan has been received for overall construction of the project, according to Pellet. HART also received a $10,600 USDA grant and a $3,300 Economic Impact Initiative grant, according to a HART newsletter.
“One hundred percent of funds raised will go toward the building,” said Pellet.
Fundraising events include the Deep Creek Arts and Wine festival, which is the biggest fundraiser, and monthly poker tournaments and other activities, according to Pellet.
Money garnered from the operations at the facility, as well as money from continuing fundraisers, will go toward funding the adoption center. The adoption center will have the capacity to house 60 dogs, 30 puppies, 40 cats, plus multiple kittens, according to Pellet.
HART works with the Garrett County Animal Shelter to save the lives of homeless pets that would otherwise be euthanized.
To prevent the spread of disease, HART vaccinates all puppies and kittens received at the county shelter, according to the HART website.
Since its founding, HART has been transporting adoptable animals to animal shelters throughout the mid-Atlantic and on average has saved 600 animals per year from being euthanized, according to Pellet.
In November 2007, Garrett County commissioners agreed to donate the land on Bumble Bee Road, according to the HART website.
HART for Animals, which is nonprofit, was founded in 2003 by Caroline Robison and Candy DeGiovanni and in August of that year the IRS granted the organization its tax-exempt status.
Sealed bids for Phase I construction will be received by Pellet at the HART office located on 610 Foy Road until noon on March 5. Copies of contract documents for the project may be obtained at the office of Stoiber & Associates located on Connecticut Avenue in Washington, D.C.
For more information on HART, visit www.hartforanimals.org.
Contact Elaine Blaisdell at eblaisdell@times-news.com.
Garrett schools due extra security
For the Cumberland Times-News Cumberland Times-News
OAKLAND — In response to concerns expressed by students, staff, parents and community members in the wake of the Newtown, Conn., shooting, the Garrett County Board of Education has reprioritized some of its fiscal 2012 carryover funds to provide for extra security, according to a news release.
Every public school building will have door entry access control systems and video intercom systems, bus camera surveillance and archive GPS systems.
“Bus cameras have been proven to reduce acting out behaviors on buses, allowing students to experience a safer, more enjoyable ride to and from school,” stated board president Cynthia Downton.
The estimated cost of the door security and bus camera systems is $260,000, according to Superintendent of Schools Janet Wilson.
“I am thankful for the board’s support,” said Wilson. “The time to do this is now and the board is doing the right thing for our school communities. Installation of the door entry systems will be the first priority and will begin as soon as contracts are completed.”
The board appreciates the county commissioners’ support to provide two school resource officers through Sheriff Rob Corley’s office but believes that on-site door access control systems must be put into place immediately.
“When it comes to the safety of our children, waiting for someone else to make a decision is not a viable option,” said board member Rodney Reckart.
Board member Tom Carr echoed Reckart’s sentiments.
“We need to have technology work for us — when we can neither afford nor depend on human security always to be in the right place at the right time when some unfortunate event is about to happen,” said Carr.
Gov. Martin O’Malley’s proposed fiscal 2014 budget includes money for school security, but detailed information regarding the timing or intent of those funds is not readily known at this time, according to the news release.
“We place student safety and staff security topmost on our list of how to best serve our students and community,” said Downton. “We have learned hard lessons from other schools, such as, a matter of 10 to 12 seconds can make a huge difference in the number of survivors of a random act of violence. Our students need to know that while they are in our schools, their main focus should be on learning, and not worrying about whether or not they are safe.”
Having originally earmarked a majority of the carryover funds for instructional materials, the board now plans to place that request in its fiscal 2014 budget.
ICF to bring more money to Garrett than once thought
From Staff Reports Cumberland Times-News
MCHENRY — It is estimated that the September Deep Creek 2014: International Canoe Federation Canoe Slalom World Championships will provide a $20 million economic impact on Garrett County, according to a county commission news release.
Previously, Nicole Christian, president and CEO of the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce, estimated that the event would bring $10 million to $15 million to the county.
“The ICF World Championships represent much more than a simple competition. It is a gathering of nations from around the globe joining together in sport and camaraderie while establishing the legacy of this Olympic-style event,” states the news release.
At an annual prelegislative meeting in December, Christian requested legislation for a $1 million state bond bill to be used in connection with the event.
Sen. George Edwards and Delegate Wendell Beitzel are requesting Senate Bill 423 and House Bill 611, which would authorize the creation of state debt not to exceed $450,000 and are requesting the state bond bill. The proceeds would be used as a grant to the county commissioners for the planning, design, construction, repair, renovation, reconstruction and capital equipping of Adventure Sports Center International. The project will also include upgrading telecommunications and building new and upgrading existing infrastructure and facilities.
These improvements are necessary to fulfill the requirements and obligations necessary to host the 2014 ICF Championship, states the bond bill fact sheet.
Estimated capital costs of the project are about $2 million.
In addition to the project being funded with state bond money, $906,000 will come from an Appalachian Regional Commission grant, $250,000 from an ARC Area Development grant and $500,000 from an ARC Local Access Road Grant.
The ARC and AD grant will require a county match of $94,000 and $350,000, respectively, according to the bond bill fact sheet. The project construction is expected to be complete by May 2014.
It’s estimated that the event will bring more than 1,500 athletes and team support staff from about 50 countries. With 40,000 spectators expected, an additional 150,000 are estimated to attend related events. The ICF World Championships will tie in with the Star Spangled 200 celebrations, which will include a flag relay on water and land from Fort McHenry to the town of McHenry, according to the ASCI website. The relay will include a canoe paddle on the Potomac River and C&O Canal bringing the ICF flag and other historic flags to the opening ceremony in Garrett County on Sept. 16, 2014.
The ICF championships will mark the 25th anniversary of the 1989 Canoe Slalom World Championships held on Savage River in Garrett County, according to the ASCI website. The total economic impact of the 1989 World Championships was $10 million as reported by the Maryland Department of Economic and Employment Development.
In spring 2011, ASCI won the bid for the ICF Championships over Vienna, Austria, and Krakow, Poland. In March 2012, the county commission took ownership of ASCI.
Upgrade in progress!
The I Love Deep Creek Blog’s software is being upgraded! It should only be a few days of downtime, but in the meantime, you can find ALL the same content at the following pages:
http://deepcreeklakerealestate.blogspot.com/
Garrett County's Recycling Rate Is Nearly 51 Percent
The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) has finalized its review of each county’s Maryland Recycling Act (MRA) Tonnage Report for calendar year 2011. Garrett County had a recycling rate of 50.93 percent, with a waste diversion rate of 51.93 percent.
“This places us fifth amongst the counties in this state,” said recycling coordinator Kim Madigan, Garrett County Department of Solid Waste and Recycling. “In 2010, the recycling rate was 45.17 percent. The higher recycling rate is indicative of an economy beginning to bounce back, with the consumer buying more and producing more waste and recycling materials.”
She congratulated local residents and businesses for the improvement in their recycling efforts.
“Everyone has worked hard to achieve the 51 percent recycling rate,” Madigan said. “However, we will still continue to encourage residents and businesses to not only recycle every day, but also reduce waste at the source.”
In the past, Garrett and other counties were required to divert at least 15 percent of their waste to recycling programs. In the 2012 legislative session, the Maryland General Assembly passed House Bill (HB) 929: Environment – Recycling Rates and Waste Diversion – Statewide Goals. Counties will now be required to divert at least 20 percent of their waste to recycling programs.
“Now, more than ever, it will be important to keep up with good recycling habits and fast, efficient reporting,” Madigan said.
She noted that the Maryland Recycling Act Tonnage Report for calendar year 2012 is being sent out now. Local businesses are asked to complete the reports and return them to the landfill office, located at 3118 Oakland Sang Run Road, Oakland.
Persons who have questions about what is recyclable, who can report materials sent out of the area, or who need help completing the tonnage reporting form are asked to contact Madigan at 301-387-0322 or kmadigan@garrettcounty.org.
The Iceman is back!
Bill Sandusky of the Frozen Assets Ice Carving Company is indeed back and in action in the town of Oakland, where the 6th annual Winter Fest will be held this weekend, Feb. 15-17. The annual progressive dinner will take place tomorrow night, with participants taken by sleigh to a number of stops for a complete meal. (Reservations are required and can be made by calling 301-334-3352.) New this year will be the Kick-Off Reception at the Oakland fire hall, located along Third Street, on Friday, 6 to 10 p.m. There will be food, drinks, and music by local band The Reign. (Persons must be 21 in order to enter this event.) The cost is $15 per person or $25 per couple, with proceeds benefiting the Oakland Volunteer Fire Department.
The festival will begin on Saturday at 10 a.m., with events and activities slated throughout the day until 6 p.m. Sandusky and his crew will be in several locations throughout town carving sculptures, which will be displayed and lit for as long as they remain frozen. There will be a wine tasting and live music by the Brothers Short, plus bowling with frozen cantaloupes on a bowling alley made of ice. The crowning of the Snow Flake Toddler Prince and Princess will be held on Saturday, with voting to take place inside Marvin’s. Persons may go into the store for voting instructions. Horse-drawn sleigh rides through town will available, and a snowman-building contest will be held in front of the Oakland Train Station. Weather permitting, snowmobile drag races hosted by High Mountain On-Off Road will take place at Winter’s Dairy field, just outside the town limits along Dennett Road, at 11 a.m. The cost will be $15 per class to race, and free to spectators. Registration will be held from 9 to 10:30 a.m. in the Oakland Community Center (armory). Crafts vendors will be at the Oakland fire hall and at the Knights of Pythias Building along Third Street. The Oakland Transportation, Oakland B&O Station, and the Garrett County Historical Society museums will all be open throughout the weekend. For more event information, persons may go to www.agreatsmalltown.com/winter-fest, or contact Jim Johnson at 301-616-4008 or the Oakland Town Hall at 301-334-2691.
Area Of Ice To Be Removed At Deep Creek Lake
The Maryland Park Service (MPS) announced this week that, starting this Saturday, Feb. 16, ice along the shoreline of the Discovery Center at Deep Creek Lake State Park will be removed to open the waters for cold water rescue training. This area will remain unsafe for quite some time, an MPS spokesperson said, and will be marked with reflective buoys.
The water rescue training is for emergency services personnel of several Montgomery County fire and rescue companies and will include the operation of airboats during daylight hours.
“The boats are very loud, and residents and visitors should not be alarmed by the sound,” the spokesperson said.
Ice fisherman, hikers, snowmobilers, and others on or around the lake should stay alert and be aware of potential safety hazards, many of which go unseen, especially at night. Snowmobilers are reminded that surface conditions under bridges are often particularly hazardous from falling salt, and snowdrifts or pressure ridges can act as ramps, causing sleds and snowmobiles to become airborne. MPS urges visitors to the lake to wear, or have handy, a personal flotation device.
Deep Creek Lake is a part of the designated off-road vehicle trail system open to registered snowmobiles only, which may operate at night if equipped with working head- and taillights. Permits are available by mail, at Deep Creek Lake and New Germany state parks, and at Savage River State Forest during normal business hours.
Visitors can access the lake at Deep Creek Lake State Park or with permission from a private landowner with a permit site.
To report people, pets, or wildlife that have fallen through the ice, persons are asked to call either 911 or the Maryland Department of Natural Resources at 410-260-8888.
GC Commissioners Approve Funds To Place Police Officers In Two Schools
Feb. 14, 2013
County administrator Monty Pagenhardt has announced that the Board of Garrett County Commissioners will provide funds that will be directed to the placement of two school resource law enforcement officers (SROs) in Garrett County public schools. One officer, Dep. Dave McLaughlin, will be assigned to the Northern Garrett High School/Middle School complex, and the other officer, Sgt. Clark Warnick, will be placed at Southern Garrett High School.
“The decision by county government and the Board of Education to place school resource officers in the Garrett County school system is an instrumental step in keeping our students safe,” said Sheriff Rob Corley. “Our children are our most valuable resource. They are future sheriffs, teachers, community leaders, and sports heroes. The SROs will not only serve as a safety net for the schools but more importantly serve as role models and mentors. I look forward to working with the Board of Education and my staff in creating the most effective School Resource Officer Program that we can.”
Gov. Martin O’Malley’s budget for fiscal year 2014 has proposed that grant funding be appropriated to local jurisdictions for the purpose of public school security, and if those funds are approved, a third officer will be assigned to Southern Garrett Middle School, Pagenhardt noted.
“I’d like to thank Sheriff Corley, county administrator Pagenhardt, and Superintendent Wilson for quickly working to address security needs in the wake of the Newtown tragedy,” said Commissioner Gregan Crawford, who serves as the ex-officio member on the Garrett County Board of Education. “Through their efforts, the presence of SROs and implementation of additional security measures that they have identified, parents of school-age children, including myself, can be reassured that concerns are being addressed to make our schools safer. I support their recommendations and will work to see that they are funded and implemented.”
According to Pagenhardt, the cost of the SRO program per officer will be about $88,333, which includes salary, fringe benefits, vehicle expenses, and training. The total cost of the program will be about $265,000, which will come from the county’s general fund. He noted, however, that the allocation will be offset by whatever grant funds are secured.
“As a deputy, drug education officer, and now the sheriff of Garrett County, I know firsthand the effect of positive police interaction with students, as well as all youth,” said Corley.
Pagenhardt said the county plans to have Warnick and McLaughlin complete SRO training at a police academy and be in the schools for the 2013-2014 school year. Two new officers will be hired to replace them at the Sheriff’s Office.
More here.
Garrett residential refuse tags on sale
OAKLAND — The Garrett County Department of Solid Waste & Recycling announces that the 2013 residential refuse permits are on sale.
Residents can purchase their permits online, by mail or in person at the landfill on Oakland Sang Run Road or the Garrett County tax office. The $50 fee can be paid in person using cash, check or money order.
Applications are available at all collection sites, online and at the Grantsville Library, Garrett County tax office and the landfill office.
For more information, go to www.co.garrett.md.us or call 301-387-0322.
—
Buying or selling real estate in Garrett County or Deep Creek Lake, Maryland? Call Jay Ferguson of Railey Realty for all of your real estate needs! I take great pride in referrals, and I assure you, I will take great care of your friends, family & colleagues!
Kitzmiller school, swamp land on Maryland agenda
Transfer of property from BOE comes from cost-cutting closure
From Staff Reports Cumberland Times-News
CUMBERLAND — The transfer of the ownership of Kitzmiller Elementary School in Garrett County to the county’s commissioners is on the state Board of Public Works agenda for Wednesday.
Also listed are the acquisition of a 256-acre parcel of land owned by the Cassellman Basin Coal Company with $550,000 in Project Open Spaces funds, along with several other local items.
The transfer of the school from the Garrett County Board of Education to the county comes after the school was closed May 30, following the school board’s April vote to do so in a cost-cutting measure.
The county voted later to allow Garrett County Community Action Committee to continue to use the former Kitzmiller school for Head Start during the current school year.
Approval of the transfer of the seven-acre site is recommended by The Interagency Committee on School Construction.
“As a condition of approval, the Garrett County government shall obtain approval from the Board of Public Works before transferring any right, title or interest to any portion of the facility,” the agenda said.
The coal company land acquisition will be the first for the new Cunningham Swamp Wildlife Management Area, according to the Board of Public Works. The land is ecologically important, according to board documents.
“The property supports several rare and listed species, including Wood horsetail (only one other is recorded in Maryland), bristly sarsaparilla (Aralia hispida), Nashville warbler, alder flycatcher and silver-bordered fritillary.
“The property’s large size, wetland community quality, species diversity and the number of rare species present make it an extremely high protection priority for the state,” a summary of the property’s environmental importance said.
The land will be protected from mining and surface discharges through agreements with the U.S. government, which owns most of the mineral rights under the land.
“Additionally, the MDE permitting process would prevent surface mining on Cunningham Swamp for any reserved coal rights,” the board’s agenda said.
Also on the agenda is the addition of 14 acres to complete a multi-parcel easement in the Mountain Ridge Rural Legacy Area in Allegany County. The land includes a significant golden eagle flyway. The full area includes some 30,640-acres.
The agenda also includes a $23,000 grant for Constitution Park pool upgrades and $14,000 for renovation of basketball courts at Frostburg Community Park.
More here.
—
Buying or selling real estate in Garrett County or Deep Creek Lake, Maryland? Call Jay Ferguson of Railey Realty for all of your real estate needs! I take great pride in referrals, and I assure you, I will take great care of your friends, family & colleagues!
