Winners of Garrett race for board will decide schools’ fates
Megan Miller
The Cumberland Times-News Sun Oct 10, 2010, 07:58 AM EDT
— OAKLAND — The candidate who wins the nonpartisan race for the District 3 seat on the Garrett County Board of Education faces a difficult decision early in his term — whether to close two elementary schools.
Incumbent Rodney Durst has served on the board for 20 years. He said he did not plan to run for re-election at first, but reconsidered because of “the severe situation the state is in.”
“We’ve worked so hard to get our schools to be some of the best in the state,” he said. “I don’t want to see it fall apart because of the budget. … I figured now is not the time to walk away.”
Durst said his priority is ensuring state government provides equal opportunities and funding for Garrett County students as it does for students in other parts of the state.
“What I want to do is make sure state government meets its responsibility, and hold its feet to the fire,” he said.
Challenger Rodney Reckart has served as president of the Crellin Elementary School PTO for four years.
“I just wanted to do more to help,” Reckart said of his decision to run. “I just think that some of the decisions need to have a different set of eyes.”
He proposed taking another look at the energy efficiency of school buildings.
“A lot of the buildings have old windows and doors,” he said. “If they’d spend the money to replace those things, the operating cost would go down.”
The biggest issue now facing the school board is the proposed closure of Kitzmiller and Bloomington elementary schools, and the consolidation of those students into Yough Glades and Broad Ford elementaries.
Durst said he supports the small schools, but will not do so at the expense of other educational programs.
“I’ll fight all the way I can. I believe in smalls schools,” he said. “But the thing I will not do is cut high school programs to save an elementary school. My total belief is we’ve got to do what’s best for all the students of Garrett County.”
Reckart, who has spoken publicly against the closures, said he would have to “take a long, hard look at it” before agreeing to such a move.
“I don’t think anybody wins by closing a school,” he said. “But I can’t say for sure that I would vote against it.”
Reckart said he would take into consideration factors like the potential number of students in consolidated classrooms, the financial savings for the school system and how the move would impact teachers’ contracts.
The board of education seats representing Districts 1 and 2 are also open, but candidates for both — current board President Donald Forrester and Vice President Thomas Carr, respectively — are unopposed in their bids for reelection.
The board could gain a new member if current member-at-large Jim Raley is successful, as he likely will be, in his bid to become a county commissioner.
Raley is currently unopposed in seeking the District 2 seat on the commission.
If elected to the commission, Raley would resign from the school board, creating a vacancy that would be filled by an appointment by the county commission.
Since the process would be triggered by Raley’s resignation from the school board, it’s possible that the newly-elected commission — including Raley — would be the one to name his replacement.
Contact Megan Miller at mmiller@times-news.com
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT ISSUES 23 ENFORCEMENT ACTIONS
States News Service
States News Service
October 7, 2010
The following information was released by the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE):
The Maryland Department of the Environment today announced 23 recent major enforcement actions seeking penalties totaling more than $460,000 for alleged violations of MDE requirements for water, air and radiation management, and land.
“The Maryland Department of the Environment’s top priority is to protect public health and our environment, and a consistent baseline of enforcement actions prevents further pollution and risks to public health,” said MDE Secretary Shari T. Wilson. “The vast majority of Maryland businesses that are in compliance deserve to have environmental laws fairly applied across the board.”
Water Pollution Enforcement Actions
Title 9 of the Environment Article prohibits the discharge of any pollutant into waters of the State, unless such discharge is in compliance with the terms, conditions, and requirements of a discharge permit.
Earth disturbances that exceed one acre are required to obtain a Permit for Stormwater Discharges Associated with Construction Activity from MDE. The Permit requires that an approved erosion and sediment control plan be obtained and implemented and that self-monitoring inspections occur and that a log of such inspections be maintained….
…Synergics Wind Energy, Roth Rock Wind Power Project – Garrett County: On August 25, 2010, MDE issued a Site Complaint and Stop-Work Order to Synergics Wind Energy, LLC and their contractor, White Construction, Inc., for alleged sediment control violations at the Roth Rock Wind Power construction project. The Order required that all work cease except that necessary to implement the approved erosion and sediment control plan. The Stop-Work Order was subsequently lifted on September 9, 2010, following an MDE inspection that confirmed the site had returned to compliance.
Political newcomers facing off in general election for Garrett’s District 1
Crawford says he’s a fiscally conservative Republican; Robison says party affiliation not big factor in local races
Megan Miller
The Cumberland Times-News Sat Oct 09, 2010, 07:57 AM EDT
— OAKLAND — With all but one of the incumbent commissioners ousted in the September primary, the race for the District 1 seat is between two political newcomers, Democrat Eric Robison and Republican Gregan Crawford.
In their pre-primary campaigns the two took similar positions on several major local issues, including the possibility of school closures and the development of alternative energy projects such as wind power and Marcellus shale natural gas extraction. Professionally, both come from building backgrounds and operate their own businesses.
And the relationship between the two candidates is an amicable one even outside the public eye, according to Robison.
“Gregan’s a friend,” Robison said. “He’s a good guy, and I wish him the best.”
What sets them apart, Robison said, is leadership style and approach to difficult issues.
“I believe that I would be the best candidate, only because … my presence is strong, and when I need to be assertive, I’m assertive,” he said. “With some of the issues that are going on, we need to have someone who’s very assertive. We need to have someone who will stir the pot.”
Crawford, who toppled 24-year incumbent Ernie Gregg in the primary, also pointed to leadership style as the major difference between the two candidates.
“I think we’re both equally confident in our abilities, but I possess an adaptable mindset,” Crawford said. “I’m a good listener and extremely approachable. I have tremendous faith in the people of Garrett County and believe that the best ideas and solutions often come from the bottom up.”
Party affiliation is another significant difference between the two candidates, as Crawford pointed out, describing himself as a fiscally conservative Republican. Robison, a Democrat, faces an uphill battle in a county that’s typically a Republican stronghold.
But Robison said he’s gotten support from many Republicans throughout his campaign.
“In a small community, when we’re talking about local politics, it really doesn’t boil down to party as much as person,” Robison said.
As their campaigns progress, Both Robison and Crawford have delved more into ideas of how to reform county government in the future.
Crawford spoke about the possibility of improving public access to county meetings, using tools such as live Internet video broadcasts.
“We’re a large county,” Crawford said. “If you live in Finzel, you can’t run to the courthouse in the morning to hear a 15 minute discussion of a particular issue.”
Robison has proposed implementing two-term limits for county commissioners, setting the maximum length of service at eight years.
“This should be a full-time job that is rigorous,” he said. “At the end of eight years, if we’ve done it right, we should be exhausted and ready to go back to our normal lives.”
Contact Megan Miller at mmiller@times-news.com
SENATORS CARDIN, MIKULSKI ANNOUNCE $40,000 FOR HOUSING PRESERVATION IN GARRETT CO.
WASHINGTON, DC – October 7, 2010 – (RealEstateRama) — U.S. Senators Benjamin L. Cardin and Barbara A. Mikulski (both D-MD) today announced that the Garrett County Community Action Committee, Inc. (GCCAC) has been awarded a $40,189 U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development grant to assist very-low and low-income homeowners. The $40,189 Housing Preservation Grant will be used to finance low interest or deferred loans to help low-income homeowners in Garrett County repair their homes and remove substandard conditions.
“We need to ensure that all Americans have access to the financing they need to remove dangerous and unsafe conditions and to make the necessary home repairs that will ensure the health and safety of families,” said Senator Cardin. “These funds will provide those in need with affordable loans to help ensure their homes are structurally safe and sound.”
“I am pleased that these families will be able to get the helping hand they need to make repairs to their own homes so they can continue to share in the American dream,” Senator Mikulski said. “My economic purpose is to give those who are not middle class the chance to get there, and Garrett County Community Action Committee, Inc. certainly gives families that opportunity.”
The Housing Preservation Grant Program provides grants for repair or rehabilitation of low and very low-income housing. Very low income is defined as below 50% of area median income (AMI) and low income is defined as between 50% and 80% of AMI. The Garrett County Community Action Committee assists the residents of Garrett County in establishing and/or maintaining a safe, healthy and affordable home. In 2009 and 2008, GCCAC received USDA Rural Development grants of $37,000 to assist with housing improvements.
Contact:
Susan Sullam: 410-962-4436
Outdoor school broadens learning experience
Kristin Harty Barkley
Cumberland Times-News Fri Oct 08, 2010, 07:57 AM EDT
— BITTINGER — Jordan Kight peeked out from inside the hollow tree.
“This is a maple tree,” he said, grinning, as his fifth-grade classmates passed by on a muddy trail at the Garrett County 4H Education Center.
“It’s hollowed out, so I got in here.”
Allegany County Superintendent of Schools David Cox planted his walking stick in the mud and took a look.
“That’s pretty cool, isn’t it?” said Cox, who hiked with students Thursday during the final week of this year’s Outdoor School.
“You could just make this your home,” Allegany County Board of Education member Mike Llewellyn told Kight. “Get a chair, some food.”
“I think I could probably sleep in here,” Kight said.
More than 600 Allegany County fifth-graders have attended the Allegany County Outdoor School this fall, camping out for a week at a time to learn about the environment.
The decades-old program, which was discontinued for many years because of a lack of funding, was reinstated three years ago, said Mike McGowan, supervisor of Elementary Education.
Sixth-graders from across the county also participate in an annual environmental learning experience at Rocky Gap State Park.
“They do things they can’t do in the classroom,” McGowan said. “Plus, the social interaction is really good. They’re getting hands-on experience.”
On Thursday, a fall morning with sunshine and sweatshirt temperatures, Outdoor School instructor Mallory Smith showed students a beaver skull, a beaver pelt, and imprints of beaver tracks before leading them on a hike to look for beavers. School board member Sara-Beth James also went along.
“Looking at the size of this group, there’s no way you’re going to see a beaver,” Smith said. “Because beavers are really afraid of us. … But if we can be very, very, very quiet, maybe we might see some beavers.”
The students didn’t see a beaver. But they saw some evidence of the existence of beavers.
“So what do you think this is?” Smith asked, as students gathered at the edge of a stream to look at a pile of sticks.
“A hut,” one student said.
“Yes. This is a beaver hut or a beaver lodge,” Smith said. “This is their home.”
Students, who arrive on Monday and leave on Friday, sleep in cabins with parent chaperones and spend their time hiking, canoeing and fishing, as well as learning in on-site classrooms about everything from soil to weather, orienteering to tree-types.
Inside the Nature Center, students from Westside Elementary School sat in a circle Thursday and passed around a mouse, a giant toad, and several snakes.
Earlier, during a hike with Cresaptown Elementary School children, instructor Darrell Spence — a.k.a. Mr. Canoe — picked through his backpack, reviewing essential items for a camping trip.
A flashlight, for example. Compass. Toilet paper. First-aid kit.
“If you’re lost, what do you do?” Spence asked.
“Hug a tree,” one student said.
“Hug a tree,” said Spence, who owns Allegany Expeditions and works at the Outdoor School every fall. “We say hug a tree because then you stay put. Someone’s going to come looking for you.”
Cresaptown Elementary fifth-grader Gary Alexander said he was a little homesick the first night at camp this week, but then he started enjoying staying overnight in the woods.
“We told scary stories,” said Alexander, whose favorite part of Outdoor School was the bog and nature hikes. “It’s kind of better than being in school because here you get to, like, have fun while you’re learning.”
Parent chaperone Deana Reid remembers attending Outdoor School more than 30 years ago when she was a student at Cresaptown Elementary.
“It was cold and wet then, too,” said Reid, who said she slept with a hand-warmer on her nose one night. But none of the children, including Reid’s daughter, Caroline, complained about the weather, she said.
“I think it’s a good thing for them because none of them have been in front of a television all week,” Reid said. “You know? They survived without TV or a cell phone.”
Real Estate for Sale - Lakefront cottage near Green Glade
The price has been reduced on this immaculate lakefront cottage – now asking $539,000, enjoy a rare view of ‘undevelopable’ lakefront at the Thousand Acres golf course. More on this house and a few videos of the lakefront & the area by boat:
Immaculate lakefront cottage overlooking rare, undeveloped shoreline on peaceful Green Glade Cove! Rebuilt from the studs, the original cottage has been modernized in virtually every way. Enjoy magnificent sunsets; lakefront Hot Tub, Type A dock, two decks, quiet dead end road, and generous storage building. This hidden gem is in move-in condition and well-insulated (R19) for year-round use!
http://www.youtube.com/v/4ybHHlHdcJ4?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x234900&color2=0x4e9e00
http://www.youtube.com/v/8Z-YZmig9g8?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x234900&color2=0x4e9e00
Upcoming benefits for Cindy's Fund
Some great opportunities to support our community through Cindy’s Fund:
Cindy’s Fund ‘Day at the Corn Maze’
Sunday October 17, 2010
Cove Road, Accident, Maryland
1pm – 5pm
Corn maze, hayrides, food vendor, Brenda’s Body Shop will perform pink glove dance, raffles, goober grab, petting zoo, face tattoos & more!
Ages 12+ — $8
Ages 3-11 — $4
Ages 2 & under – FREE
_______________
Spaghetti Dinner for Cindy’s Fund
Sunday October 24, 2010
Southern Garrett Rescue Squad
11am – 5pm
Menu:
Spaghetti, garlic bread, salad, dessert, beverage
Adults $7
Children under 5 FREE
All monies raised help Garrett County cancer patients
Home purchase loan demand up as rates hit record lows
By Julie Haviv
NEW YORK | Wed Oct 6, 2010 7:07am EDT
NEW YORK (Reuters) – U.S. mortgage applications for home purchases rose for a second straight week, with demand at its highest level since early May as potential homeowners took advantage of record low interest rates, data from an industry group showed on Wednesday.
Demand for home refinancing loans, however, slumped for a fifth straight week as tight lending standards and a weak labor market prevent many homeowners from taking advantage of rock-bottom rates.
The Mortgage Bankers Association on Wednesday said its seasonally adjusted index of mortgage applications, which includes both purchase and refinance loans, for the week ended October 1 decreased 0.2 percent. The four-week moving average of mortgage applications, which smooths the volatile weekly figures, was down 3.0 percent.
Fewer sellers cut home prices in September: Zillow
By Julie Haviv
NEW YORK | Wed Oct 6, 2010 5:27pm EDT
NEW YORK (Reuters) – The percentage of home sellers who cut their asking price fell in September, with price reductions smaller than the month before, real estate website Zillow.com said on Wednesday.
Prices on 28 percent of homes listed for sale on the Zillow website had been cut at least once as of the end of September, down from 34.9 percent in August, it said in the report, provided exclusively to Reuters prior to its wider release.
It was the second consecutive month the percentage of home sellers who reduced their asking price decreased from the previous month.
Price reductions peaked in July 2010, when more than one-third, or 36.5 percent, of listings on Zillow had at least one price reduction.
Area residents snag roles in film to be released Friday
Frederick triplets, Allegany County relatives featured in ‘Life as We Know It’
Kevin Spradlin
Cumberland Times-News The Cumberland Times-News Wed Oct 06, 2010, 07:46 AM EDT
— CUMBERLAND — A couple of Allegany County residents took advantage of familial ties to earn roles in the production of “Life as We Know It,” a new movie set for release on Friday.
And on Saturday, proceeds from a special showing of the movie at the Garrett 8 Cinemas at Deep Creek Lake, located on U.S. Route 219, will benefit the National Transplant Assistance Fund for former Frostburg resident Patrick Barry.
Barry is a family friend of Julie Determan. Determan snagged a behind-the-scenes role as a production assistant. Her primary job was to care for her three granddaughters, who happen to be identical triplets.
At the age of just 28 months, Brooke, Lexi and Brynn Clagett, of Frederick, took turns starring as Sophie, a young girl orphaned in “Life as We Know It.” The girls are the daughter of Determan’s daughter, Erin Determan Clagett.
In the comedy, rated PG-13, Sophie is sent to live with her late parents’ friends, Holly and Eric. The two are not a couple and, until Sophie, enjoy the unattached life of single people.
Torey Weimer, 13, of Westernport, is an older cousin to the triplets and snagged a role as an extra in the movie.
The girls’ 6-year-old sister, Hannah, also made the final cut in the movie, which was filmed over an 11-week-period a year ago in Atlanta. Its lead roles are played by Katherine Heigl and Josh Duhamel.
“Atlanta was awesome,” said Weimer, who helps keep an eye on Brynne during a Thanksgiving scene at the dinner table.
Duhamel, she said, “was really nice. He was very down to earth and super sweet.”
Determan said both Heigl and Duhamel have very typical small-town backgrounds. Yet, she can understand how quickly Hollywood can get to people’s heads.
Determan said only about two weeks passed in between the Clagett girls being selected for the roles and filming began in Atlanta.
“There wasn’t really time to think about it,” Determan said. “Once we got there, they very quickly began shooting.”
With chauffeurs and catered meals, “I can understand why maybe stars sometimes have the egos that they do. It’s a fantasy world. Everything is given to you.”
Determan seemed to cling to her Frostburg heritage, however, she acknowledged “it’s a good fantasy for a while.”
Barry, 33, returned to Oregon last week after recuperating in Frostburg since his June liver transplant at a Pittsburgh hospital. Due to his illness, he lost his job when he relocated from rural southcentral Oregon to Portland to be closer to his doctors.
His wife, Mary, is still employed but Determan said Barry’s rejection medication is expensive.
“Now he’s attempting to begin job hunting again,” Determan said of Barry, “which is not an easy thing to do in this economy. There are still a great many expenses.”
Tickets to the special showing are $10 for adults and $5 for children. They can be purchased by calling Linda Barry at 301-689-3394.
