>Backyard bears relatively common
>Michael A. Sawyers
Cumberland Times-News The Cumberland Times-News Sat Jul 02, 2011, 06:33 PM EDT
There is no doubt about it.
I have received more phone calls and emails this summer than at any previous time about bears.
Harry Spiker, bear biologist for the Maryland Wildlife & Heritage Service, said recently that Allegany County has the fastest growing bruin population in the state and that is certainly reflected in the number of contacts I am getting.
People are often excited when they call. A number of those calls have been from people who have been around for seven or eight decades and they report that the bear they just saw was their first.
It pains me to tell them that there are so many bear sightings that we don’t report them in Bear Watch, our regular feature about bears, both dead and alive. To make Bear Watch, the bruin has to eat your cocker spaniel or enter your kitchen seeking an apple pie or something like that. Of course, bears that get whacked and stacked on a Maryland highway make Bear Watch for sure.
If someone decides to pick up a cub and take it home, that gets even greater attention, say Page One. That also gets the attention of the Maryland Natural Resources Police and eventually a judge.
When I hear about a sighting in Allegany County, I pass it along to the state wildlife agency. Sightings of Yogi and Boo Boo or Smokey in Garrett County are so commonplace that they are no longer counted by the wildlife people.
In the photos or emails that I receive, it is often evident that the bear has come to that location because of a food source, especially birdseed.
A black bear will walk past a dead deer and a garbage can to reach birdseed. You will not get much sympathy from the wildlife staff if your French doors get broken by a bear who slipped trying to get to the birdseed you had hanging nearby.
Don’t get angry with me. I didn’t make the policy. I’m just telling you about it.
The carcass of the second gobbler I got this spring was in a garbage bag and the bag was in a garbage can behind our house in Rawlings. When I went to bed that night, I thought, “You know. I should probably bring that can into the garage.”
Too late. Overnight, a bear got the whole bag, stepped on and smashed the lid and moved off. I eventually found the bag and some feathers 100 yards into the woods, but what was left of the turkey was already inside a bear’s belly somewhere else.
Living with bears around is a challenge and, in my mind, a danger. Bears don’t know their own strength and are equipped to kill.
It is, you know, illegal for you to feed bears in Maryland even if you are not hunting them. People have been convicted of that violation.
I get the feeling that we are going to see and hear a lot more about bears in Allegany County this summer. I have contended for years that one will show up on the bricks of Cumberland’s Town Centre on a Thursday morning when the Farmers’ Market is in progress… especially when corn on the cob is available.
I hope we have a photographer on duty when that happens.
Contact Outdoor Editor Mike Sawyers at msawyers@times-news.com
If you or someone you know is considering 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! As member of the Garrett County Board of Realtors, I can assist you with ANY listed property, regardless of the listing broker.
>Grand Fondo Brings In 600 Riders And $39K
>
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Jun. 30, 2011
The fight to defeat skin cancer was given a significant boost on Saturday, as more than 600 athletes hopped on their bicycles and rode all over Garrett County for up to 125 miles in the Win-The-Fight Gran Fondo. This was a four-ride-option biking fundraiser hosted by the Joanna M. Nicolay Melanoma Foundation. In last year’s inaugural event, 200 riders brought in a total of $14,000 for the foundation. This year, according to Greg Safko, foundation president, 602 riders took part and raised $39,000. In addition to the support of the melanoma organization, the Gran Fondo brings hundreds of athletes and their families into Garrett County, who, according to the multiple positive after-event surveys, were in awe of the scenery and beauty of the county, as well as bowled over by the friendliness and helpfulness of the many volunteers along the way. Local rider Tom Johnson said he had many conversations with other riders throughout the day. “The they made about Garrett County were all great,” Johnson said. “It made me proud to tell them that I have lived here and ridden here for many years, and am happy to be able to share our wonderful county. I’m sure we will see many of these cyclists here again.” Photo courtesy of Railey Mountain Lake Vacations.
If you or someone you know is considering 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! As member of the Garrett County Board of Realtors, I can assist you with ANY listed property, regardless of the listing broker.
>New laws begin today
>SALISBURY — Dozens of new laws take effect in Maryland today, including measures that raise the sales tax on alcoholic beverages and hike the fees for vehicle titles and vanity license plates.
The laws are among thousands the General Assembly adopted during the 2011 session this winter. Most laws don’t become active until Oct. 1.
Also going into effect today are new rules for shipping wine directly to Maryland residents. Residents can now receive bottles by mail from permit-holding wineries across the country. The law stops short of allowing shipment to residents from retailers offering wine-of-the-month clubs.
If you or someone you know is considering 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! As member of the Garrett County Board of Realtors, I can assist you with ANY listed property, regardless of the listing broker.
>United Way sets annual meetings
>CUMBERLAND — The United Way Garrett County will hold its annual meeting July 13 at 8:30 a.m. in the library of Perkins Restaurant in McHenry. Breakfast will be a Dutch treat.
The United Way Allegany County will hold its annual meeting July 14 at 8 a.m. in the fellowship hall of the Salvation Army.
The meetings are open to donors and agencies of the United Way.
Garrett president Ernie Gregg and Allegany president Betsey Hurwitz-Schwab plan to review activities of the past year, the recently completed campaign and election of new members to the Executive Committee.
Questions regarding the meetings may be directed to 301-722-2700.
If you or someone you know is considering 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! As member of the Garrett County Board of Realtors, I can assist you with ANY listed property, regardless of the listing broker.
>Garrett restructuring government
>Action to save county about $125,000 per year
For the Cumberland Times-News
Cumberland Times-News The Cumberland Times-News Thu Jun 30, 2011, 10:46 PM EDT
OAKLAND — The Garrett County commissioners are reorganizing county government to assure that it will remain solvent while providing quality public services, according to County Administrator Monty Pagenhardt.
The Department of General Services personnel have been reassigned to other departments and offices within county government. The county will now have an Engineering Department to consolidate all engineering staff. County Engineer Dwight Emory has been named director of the new department.
The Department of Solid Waste and Recycling will operate independently with Dave Baker assigned as the manager. Edgar Uphold will be assigned to the Facilities and Maintenance Department as manager. All three supervisors will report to Pagenhardt. The county airport will now be under the authority of the Garrett County Roads Department. Ed Kelley will be retained as airport manager.
The Liquor Control Board will be placed under the authority of the Department of Planning and Land Development-Licensing and I-spection Division.
The commissioners continue to evaluate all areas of government to assure that the expenditure of public funds is appropriated in a manner that will provide public service in an affordable system, according to Pagenhardt.
“Over the past two fiscal years the county has reduced total employment by 20 employees,” Pagenhardt said in a news release. “The restructuring and realignment of services that will be put in place will result in an additional decrease of three positions and generate a cost savings of more than $125,000 per year. All 23 positions were the result of employee retirement or resignation. The total cost savings is approximately $1.4 million.”
If you or someone you know is considering 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! As member of the Garrett County Board of Realtors, I can assist you with ANY listed property, regardless of the listing broker.
>Lot+dockslip+deep water+VIEWS - Paradise Estates - GA7506013
>
PARADISE HEIGHTS
OAKLAND, MD 21550
Lake Access Lot with Boat Slip and Paid Sewer Tap. One acre of peace and quiet overlooking Deep Creek Lake. Walk to your dock slip. Close to all Deep Creek Lake activities. No HOA fees. Potential for BIG views based on home design. Lot 8 Paradise Estates.
Contact Jay Ferguson @ 301-501-0420 or DeepCreekLaker@Gmail.com for more information or to setup a private showing for this property.
If you or someone you know is considering 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! As member of the Garrett County Board of Realtors, I can assist you with ANY listed property, regardless of the listing broker.
>Deep Creek park program features butterfly walk
>
Stephanie Weaver
The Cumberland Times-News Tue Jun 28, 2011, 10:53 PM EDT
DEEP CREEK LAKE — Hot and steamy— that’s how butterflies like their weather. With the exception of the wind Tuesday, the weather was just the right amount of heat and humidity for a butterfly sighting at Deep Creek Lake State Park.
“Flutterbys and Flowers,” a program offered by the park, attracted a handful of people of all ages interested in learning about plants, butterflies and what the two have in common.
Bird watchers may awake at dawn to catch a glimpse of the birds, but butterfly watchers can sleep in since the insects come out during the midday heat. Caroline Blizzard, ranger and naturalist at the park, finds this aspect most appealing.
“You won’t see me at a bird walk at 4 in the morning,” Blizzard said to her group of butterfly watchers, commending those who had also gone on a bird walk at 8 a.m.
As Blizzard pointed out, unlike birds, butterflies are silent, which makes the search for the insect more difficult. But plants are one way to see butterflies up close and personal.
The group headed toward the banks of flowers around the parking lot, surrounded by milkweed, Black-Eyed Susans and Queen Anne’s Lace. These are all common plants that attract butterflies, according to Blizzard.
“Oh my gosh! Come here,” Blizzard said as 15 heads looked to the milkweed plants. She had found a milkweed bug.
Another plant, the butterfly bush, attracts all sorts of butterfly species. This seems like an ideal way to see all kind of butterflies, but Blizzard compares the butterfly bush to a bar where all the drunk butterflies gather.
After a few laughs from the adults in the group, Blizzard changed the comparison to a fast-food restaurant for the younger participants. Just like there are healthier eating options for humans, there are better plants for butterflies, Blizzard said.
The plants are all native to Maryland. About 10 years ago, the park staff saw the need for native plants and planted a section at Herrington Manor State Park. Now, the plants are planted throughout the state parks, according to Blizzard.
One of the most commonly seen butterflies is one that the park raises — the monarch. The park staff raises them during the summer before their migration to Mexico for the winter. A local school tags and names the butterflies to keep track of their travels and arrivals in Mexico.
Skipper butterflies were also seen in abundance Tuesday. Named after their quick flight habits, there are several different species of the skipper butterfly, so many that Blizzard couldn’t name or identify each one.
Jacob and Ruby Feuertein of Lewisburg, Pa., enjoyed the program on butterflies, which gave them “something to do” while vacationing at the lake with their family. Jacob’s favorite part of the program was “seeing the butterflies.”
His sister agreed. “I liked how we could get really close to the butterflies,” she said.
For more park programs and a calendar of events for all Maryland state parks, go to http://www.dnr.maryland.gov.
If you or someone you know is considering 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! As member of the Garrett County Board of Realtors, I can assist you with ANY listed property, regardless of the listing broker.
>Maryland's first private residence club set for July launch
>
The Ridge Run at Wisp, which is described as Maryland’s first private residence club, is gearing up for its launch in July.
It is situated on Wisp Resort, by Deep Creek Lake in Western Maryland, a popular four-season family vacation destination for DC and Pittsburgh residents, and will feature four-bedroom ski-in/ski-out townhomes located between two ski runs.
The fractional ownership mountain homes have large living areas, gourmet kitchens, fireplaces, state of the art electronics and furnished outdoor living spaces with great views. Owners at Ridge Run will have access to a new Hale Irwin Signature golf course, and the nearby private Lodestone Golf Club has been voted Golfweek’s number two course in Maryland.
Owners all get membership of Wisp Resort’s private Lakeside Club at Deep Creek Lake with private docks and boat club.
If you or someone you know is considering 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! As member of the Garrett County Board of Realtors, I can assist you with ANY listed property, regardless of the listing broker.
>City man given three-year sentence for role in escape
>From Staff Reports
Cumberland Times-News The Cumberland Times-News Wed Jun 29, 2011, 10:22 PM EDT
OAKLAND — A Cumberland man who assisted Deandre Kelly after he escaped from the Garrett County Jail in January was sentenced to a three-year prison term in Garrett County Circuit Court on Wednesday.
Dionte Pierre Coley, 39, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit escape in the first degree and related charges were dismissed by Judge Jim Sherbin, according to the Garrett County State’s Attorney’s Office.
Criminal investigators with the Garrett County Sheriff’s Office and U.S. Marshal’s Service determined Coley was a person involved in arranging transportation away from the jail for Kelly on Jan. 23.
Coley had been indicted by the March term of the grand jury.
Kelly, 29, was taken into custody by federal authorities following his arrest May 2 in the Lynchburg, Va., area by U.S. marshals.
All six defendants charged in the escape have reportedly entered not guilty pleas.
Chiquita Annette Richardson, 27, of Alexandria, Va., was sentenced last month to four years in the Maryland Division of Correction.
The other defendants include Eric M. Nibbins, 26, of Alexandria; Amanda S. Lambert, 23, of Cumberland; Jamal Kelly, 25, and Robert Marshall Jr., 27, both of College Park; and Richard D. Hall, 26, of Frederick.
Lambert and Jamal Kelly were released on bond, pending trial. Nibbins is jailed in the Allegany County Detention Center. Marshall and Hall remain jailed in Garrett County awaiting their next court appearance, according to a spokesman for the Garrett County Sheriff’s Office.
The escape investigation was conducted by the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services. Two employees of the detention center were terminated for violations of policy relating to the escape that occurred when Kelly reportedly displayed a handgun.
Deandre Kelly was arrested in Garrett County in a traffic stop in Friendsville on Jan. 22 after he fled from state police. At the time, he used an alias. He was treated at Garrett Memorial Hospital and escaped from jail after police learned his true identity. Kelly was wanted as a federal fugitive in the Washington, D.C., area on drug charges.
If you or someone you know is considering 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! As member of the Garrett County Board of Realtors, I can assist you with ANY listed property, regardless of the listing broker.
>Diversity Reigns in Prince George's County
>Census figures show area rich in diversity
Wednesday, Jun 29, 2011 | Updated 1:40 PM EDT
Prince George’s County is the most racially diverse county in Maryland, according to recent U.S. Census Bureau figures cited in the Baltimore Business Journal. Minority groups account for 80.8 percent of the residents of Prince George’s County, according to the report.
Baltimore City ranks second in diversity with minority groups composing 70.4 percent of the population…
…By contrast, the least diverse county in Maryland is Garrett County, where only 2.2 percent of the residents are members of minority groups.
If you or someone you know is considering 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! As member of the Garrett County Board of Realtors, I can assist you with ANY listed property, regardless of the listing broker.
