Tree falls, killing bicyclist
Strong winds move through area causing fatality, widespread property damage
Bob Likens
Cumberland Times-News
— CUMBERLAND — High winds swept through the area Wednesday evening, resulting in the death of a 49-year-old woman who was riding a bicycle on a paved portion of the Great Allegheny Passage in the city.
She was struck and fatally injured by a tree that reportedly was brought down by the severe storm.
Cumberland Police officers responded to the popular hiker/biker trail near the Valley Street intersection after first being alerted to the incident at 6:14 p.m. Officers found the victim under an 18- to 20-inch locust tree, immediately began to render aid and requested the city fire department and its emergency medical services personnel to respond.
The victim was freed from beneath the tree and transported to the Western Maryland Regional Medical Center where she died of her injuries, said police.
Local law enforcement was at the scene of the accident after 7 p.m. Wednesday, keeping residents out of the area because of live power lines that were down. The identity of the victim was withheld, pending notification of family members.
From Garrett County to neighboring counties in West Virginia, numerous trees were reported down, keeping emergency dispatchers hustling by calling out fire departments to clear away debris and preventing people from getting close to any live wires. Also, trees were reported across power lines and into houses at a number of locations throughout the area.
Hundreds of residents were without power for a variety of problems ranging from blown fuses, overhead wiring or equipment problems, underground wiring, transformer fires and a host of related problems.
Around 10:30 p.m. Wednesday, Allegheny Power reported about 4,000 customers were without electricity in Allegany, Garrett and Mineral counties.
Bryan Miller, shift supervisor for Allegany County 911 Center, said things began going downhill shortly after 6 p.m. when the storm starting moving through the area.
“We handled more than 200 calls,’’ Miller said. He said there were numerous calls about tree and power lines down “throughout the county.’’
Miller also said off-duty dispatchers were called in to handle the large amount of calls.
“We started with a normal shift of six and went up to 10. We have eight in here now,’’ he said, that being about 9:45 p.m.
“We have about four to five units out right now,’’ he said, “and we’re looking at the weather maps because it looks like we’re going to be in for more severe weather Thursday.’’
And on top of it all, Miller said, Orleans firefighters were sent to Morgan County, W.Va., to assist with battling a house fire there.
Residents and business employees were working Wednesday evening, clearing up the damage brought by Mother Nature.
Frank Lynch, a driver for NAPA Auto Parts, 446 N. Mechanic St., and Floyd Friend, NAPA store manager in Keyser, W.Va., were busy putting cardboard up to replace a large store window that was blown out by the wind.
“I heard about it on my scanner,’’ Lynch said. He said he heard Cumberland Police needed some help at the location because of glass all over the sidewalk. “That was about 6:30 p.m.,’’ he said, “so I came in and yelled for help and Friend came down.’’
At 200 Maple St., Janet Stegmaier was sitting on her porch looking at the tree that was down across the road from her house.
“I heard a crash, then thunder and the wind was very strong,’’ she said. Stegmaier said her home did not sustain any damage and she was told by a Cumberland Police officer who showed up at the scene that someone would be there some time during the evening to clear the tree from the road. As Stegmaier sat there she did say she was enjoying the beautiful rainbow that was over the city.
A dispatcher at the Garrett County Emergency Center said Friendsville, Accident and the Deep Creek Lake area were the hardest hit.
“We have a lot of trees down, a lot of lines down, a lot of utility poles down, but there are no injures,’’ the dispatcher said.
The dispatcher also said that two Garrett roads were closed due to high-tension lines being down.
A dispatcher for Hampshire County (W.Va.) Emergency Services said the storm started moving through about 6:30 p.m. and the area had a lot of trees and power lines down. Around 9:30 p.m., she said a handful of emergency personnel were still on calls, but they were beginning to clear and return to their stations. She also reported no injures caused by the storms.
Mike Pigott, a meteorologist with AccuWeather, told the Times-News Wednesday evening that the region had been placed under a severe thunderstorm warning and a squall line of strong storms moved through the area with winds gusting to 40 mph at the Garrett County Airport.
“You’re not out of the woods yet,’’ Pigott said. “There is another round of strong storms that is forecast to move through the area Thursday morning.’’
Garrett officials nix sprinkler requirement
Megan Miller
Cumberland Times-News
— OAKLAND — New homes built in Garrett County will not be required to contain automatic sprinkler systems, a statewide proposal that sparked heated debate in many Maryland counties.
The county commission removed the sprinkler re-quirement from the building code it adopted July 27.
The measure is included in the 2009 International Residential Code, adopted by the state of Maryland, which applies to one- and two-family homes. The revised code requires a minimum of two sprinkler heads to spray 26 to 30 gallons of water per minute for a 10-minute period, for a total of 260 to 300 gallons of water.
Counties had the option to adhere to the IRC as-is or to adopt it with local amendments, as Garrett County did.
“The argument for the sprinkler system did not measure up to the many objections against it,” said commission chairman Ernie Gregg. “You can argue the safety factor, but in our opinion there are adequate safety measures in place with things like smoke detectors. … You can’t weigh a person’s life against cost, but this would have placed an additional considerable financial burden on people.”
Despite the commission’s decision, modular homes must contain sprinkler systems, according to County Administrator Monty Pagenhardt. That state requirement could not be waived by the commission.
Pagenhardt said the commissioners received roughly 20 to 25 from the public on the proposed sprinkler requirement, but only two supported it.
“The commissioners listened to that commentary and agreed with the majority opinion that they heard,” he said.
Many of the opponents, such as Roger Sines of McHenry-based Roger Sines Construction Inc., argued that the added cost of a sprinkler system would deter people from building new homes in the county.
The cost of such a system could add anywhere from $8,000 to $20,000 to the cost of a new home, Sines estimated.
Previous estimates have figured sprinklers at a cost of between $1.60 and $2 per square foot of space, meaning that a system for an average 2,000-square-foot home would cost between $3,200 and $4,000. And many factors could drive up that cost. For example, homes relying on a private well could also be required to install a reservoir and fire pump to drive the sprinkler system.
The Western Maryland Home Builders Association submitted a letter to the commission requesting that the sprinkler policy be postponed to 2012.
But proponents of the measure said it would make homes safer for occupants and firefighters, and could lower the cost of homeowners’ fire insurance.
Dennis Mallery, president of the Allegany-Garrett Counties Volunteer Fire & Rescue Association, wrote to association members in June that the sprinkler issue comes down to a question of safety.
“There should be no debate over this issue,” Mallery said in his letter to firefighters. “The WMHBA continues to voice their concern that it is not the right time economically to require residential sprinklers in new 1-2 family homes. When is there a ‘right’ time? After a family member or firefighter is injured or killed?”
Moonshine Classic 10k Saturday - Big Run State Park
BIG RUN STATE PARK — Local running club Queen City Striders will hold the Moonshine Classic 10k Run and 2-Mile Walk on Saturday starting at 8 a.m. at Big Run State Park in Garrett County.
The 10k course (6.2 miles) is a double out-and-back trek that runs along Savage River Road. The starting line and registration activities will take place near the pavilion at the intersection of Big Run Road and Savage River Road. Race-day registration will be available at a cost of $15. Race day T-shirts will be available while they last. Registration will begin at 6:45 a.m. and run until 7:45 a.m. Awards will be given to the top overall male and female and the top three finishers in several age groups in the 10k run, and overall male and female as well as first male and female over 60 years old for the 2-mile walk. This race is run to provide funding for the numerous races and events put on by the Queen City Striders throughout the year.
Following the race and awards ceremony, the Striders will hold their annual club picnic at the pavilion near the starting line. The club will provide meat and drinks and those planning to attend are asked to bring something for all to enjoy. All are welcome, and participation in the race is not required to attend the picnic.
For more information, contact race director David Ritchie during evenings at 301-876-4985. For more information about the Queen City Striders, e-mail qcstriders@gmail.com or visit http://www.qcstriders.org
Clean energy isn't pretty - Baltimore Sun blog
Like them or not, wind turbines are apparently coming to Maryland. If the wind turbines are in your backyard, or in your line of sight, you probably oppose them. If they are not, it is probably easier to regard them as a clean way to produce energy.
This week, as the first of 28 wind towers were being erected on Backbone Mountain in Garrett County, environmental groups were contending the turbines were likely to harm federally protected Indiana and Virginia big-eared bats. Their challenge mirrors an action in West Virginia where a federal judge temporarily halted construction of a wind farm.
Meanwhile, at Monday’s Baltimore County Council meeting, a pilot wind power program was withdrawn when community groups complained that the turbines would be eyesores, create noise in residential areas and drive down property values.
More and more, the question of how we generate the electricity we need to run our lives comes down to tradeoffs. Getting energy from coal-fired plants has been our traditional practice, but it pollutes the environment. Nuclear power is an option, but building nuclear plants is expensive and there is the nasty question of what to do with the spent fuel. No one wants nuclear waste in their backyard.
Year to Date Real Estate Stats - Railey still #1
Ongoing DCL Fish Kill Under State Investigation
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The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) are investigating what appears to be a localized, sustained fish kill in Deep Creek Lake. To date, MDE and DNR are reporting approximately 200 dead fish, including yellow perch, walleye, smallmouth bass, brown bullhead, largemouth bass, bluegills, chain pickerel, Northern pike, and crayfish.
At this time, no evidence suggests a threat to human health; however, visitors and residents are advised to avoid touching, swimming with, or coming into proximity to any dead fish. MDE and DNR are consulting with state and local public health agencies about the issue.
The cause of the fish kill is currently unknown, and a thorough investigation by MDE and DNR is under way, which includes water quality testing and a diagnostic analysis of affected fish species. To date, no evidence of a toxic or hazardous chemical spill has been found.
Evidenced by the large adult fish species that have been affected, the focus of the investigation is on the deeper portions of the lake. At this time, the shallower waters do not appear to be affected.
Local residents and visitors should contact MDE at 443-482-2732 with reports of dead fish as well as information about anything out of the ordinary that may have contributed to the ongoing incident.
If you are thinking of 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! 877-563-5350
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Garrett County Chamber Hires New President
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The Garrett County Chamber of Commerce announces that Nicole Christian, IOM, CCE, has been selected as its new president and CEO.
Christian was most recently employed with the Northern Palm Beach County Chamber of Commerce in Jupiter, Fla., where she served as president and CEO. She was responsible for day-to-day operations and activities of a 1,000 member chamber that served 10 municipalities and the unincorporated areas in north Palm Beach County. She also oversaw the visitors center for the entire north county.
If you are thinking of 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! 877-563-5350
Deep Creek Do It All specializes in cleaning services in Garrett County & @ Deep Creek Lake. Give them a call (301-501-0217) or visit the website – competitive rates and quality results from a locally owned & operated company!
"No Correlation Between Sewage Spill And Fish Kill," Says GC Health Dept.
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There does not appear to be any correlation between a July 11 sewage spill that occurred in the area of Lake Shore Drive and Route 219 and a fish kill, the Garrett County Health Department reported Friday.
The fish kill is currently being investigated in the area of Beckman’s Peninsula and Green Glade at Deep Creek Lake by the Maryland Department of the Environment and the Department of Natural Resources.
Bacteriological testing outside the sewage spill area both before and after the fish kill began showed normal bacteria levels, according to the Health Department.
After the sewage spill occurred, a no-swimming advisory was posted in the affected area and daily bacteria testing was conducted until the swimming advisory could be lifted.
The Health Department’s Environmental Health Services Division tests bacteriological quality of lake water each month throughout the summer.
“Normal results were found in all locations during the latest sampling, conducted on Monday, July 19,” said a division spokesperson. “These results indicate that the lake is safe for recreational activities, including swimming.”
A press release sent out last week from the Maryland Department of Environment (MDE) read: “At this time, no evidence suggests a threat to human health; however, visitors and residents are advised to avoid touching, swimming with, or coming into close proximity to any dead fish.”
MDE asks that local residents and visitors contact MDE at 1-443-482-2732 with reports of dead fish as well as information about anything out of the ordinary that may have contributed to the ongoing incident.
Questions about water quality and swimming should be directed to Environmental Health at the Garrett County Health Department at 301-334-7760 or 301-895-3111.
If you are thinking of 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! 877-563-5350
Deep Creek Do It All specializes in cleaning services in Garrett County & @ Deep Creek Lake. Give them a call (301-501-0217) or visit the website – competitive rates and quality results from a locally owned & operated company!
Sprinklers Will Not Be Required In New GC Homes
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Jul. 29, 2010
One- and two-family homes built in Garrett County after Jan. 1, 2011, will not have to have automatic sprinkler systems. The 2009 International Residential Code (IRC) requires the systems, but the county commissioners unanimously approved an amendment to the local code on Tuesday morning that deletes that section of the IRC.
“We have a received a number of correspondence relative to this matter, an almost overwhelming majority asking us opt out of the sprinkler system [requirement] for the stick built homes,” said Commission chair Ernie Gregg.
The commissioners and Department of Planning and Land Development’s Permits and Inspections Division held a pubic hearing two weeks ago to receive on possible changes to the local building ordinance, based on new IRC requirements. Only two possible IRC changes were proposed: a new, less steep stair geometry and sprinklers.
Local officials at the hearing indicated they would most likely adopt the stair regulation into the county code and, perhaps, the sprinkler requirement. The commissioners held the record open for two weeks following the hearing to allow for more .
“As you know, there was strong opposition to this (sprinklers) in the public hearing, and numerous written received during the past two weeks opposing the requirement as well,” Permits and Inspections chief Jim Torrington told the commissioners prior to their voting on the matter. “Therefore, we propose to delete this section (Chapter 3, Section R313.2) from the 2009 IRC.”
As a result of the amendment deleting the requirement, one-family and two-family homes will not be required to have automatic sprinkler systems.
Torrington stressed that systems will still be required for multiple family homes (i.e. townhouses) and modular homes. The county tried to include modular homes in the amendment, but this type of stick-built structure falls under state regulations.
The state, however, does not require sprinkler systems in singlewide and doublewide mobile homes.
“We went so far as to contact Secretary Skinner, Department of Housing and Community Development, about getting the modular homes exempted, but he said we cannot override the Maryland code this comes under,” Commissioner Fred Holliday explained.
Gregg said the commissioners adamantly opposed the issue of requiring that stick-built homes have sprinklers because of the additional cost to homeowners and the infringement on their personal property rights.
“We certainly are concerned about public safety,” Gregg said. “We are also concerned about having what we consider unnecessary costs.”
Read the rest of the article here.
If you are thinking of 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! 877-563-5350
Deep Creek Do It All specializes in cleaning services in Garrett County & @ Deep Creek Lake. Give them a call (301-501-0217) or visit the website – competitive rates and quality results from a locally owned & operated company!
Five Competing For Local Farm Queen Crown
Jul. 29, 2010
Five local young women have entered the contest for 2010 Garrett County Farm Queen. The crowning will take place on Sunday, Aug. 8, at 8 p.m. at the show ring at the Garrett County fairgrounds.
Contestants are as follows: Annie Graham, Kasondra Rounds, Katelyn Gnegy, Catlin Carrico, and Kara Savage.
Annie Graham is the daughter of Chuck and Becky Graham, Oakland. She will be a senior at Southern High School this fall.
She and her family live on three acres of her grandfather’s 800 acre farm, where they raise Black Angus beef cattle.
Graham has been an exhibitor at the Garrett County Fair as a 4-H member for seven years. She has shown lambs, steers, and a pig. She has also entered baked goods, canned foods, clothing, and crafts, and has participated in lead line and fashion revue.
She plans to attend college to get a bachelor of science degree in agriculture business. She hopes to own her own farm and raise club calves and lambs for future 4-Her’s.
Kasondra Rounds is the daughter of Rodney and Trina Rounds, Lonaconing. She attends Northern High School, where she serves as second vice president for the Northern Garrett FFA Chapter.
Her family has a 130-acre farm, where they raise 25 to 30 head of beef cattle.
Over the years at the Garrett County Fair, she has exhibited nine market steers, three market lambs, a market hog, and two market goats. She has also exhibited items such as hay, oats, rye, corn, crafts, and school projects.
Rounds currently works at the Goodwill Mennonite Home as a feeder, and plans to become a registered nurse.
Katelyn Gnegy is the daughter of Daniel and Mary Gnegy, Oakland. She will be a senior at Southern High School this fall.
She and her family operate a 209-acre farm, where they produce hay, livestock, and vegetables.
For the past nine years, she has shown market and breeding sheep at the fair. In addition, she has shown rabbits, chickens, goats, and market hogs. She has also entered indoor exhibits such as clothing, baked goods, canned goods, vegetables, and flowers.
Gnegy plans to attend college and become a veterinarian with her own large animal practice.
Catlin Carrico is the daughter of Greg and Camille Carrico, Swanton. She has completed one year of studies at Potomac State of WVU so far, where she majors in agricultural education.
Her family is involved in meat and dairy goat enterprises.
She has been actively involved in the fair for the past eight years. She exhibits meat and dairy goats as well as numerous indoor products.
Carrico plans to earn a master’s degree in agriculture education so she can teach future generations of about the importance of agriculture.
Kara Savage is the daughter of L. Deane and Nancy Savage, Accident. She will be a sophomore at Garrett College this fall.
She and her family breed and raise dairy heifers and cows. They also raise replacement heifers for other farmers and grow field crops.
She has shown dairy animals at the fair since she was 7 years old. She has shown a market hog and market lamb for six years, and also exhibits crafts, vegetables, canned goods, flowers, baked goods, and photographs. She has also participated in the fashion revue and costume animal parade, as well as the showmanship competition with various animals.
Savage plans to earn a degree in education at Frostburg State University, then teach elementary education in the Garrett County school system.
If you are thinking of 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! 877-563-5350
Deep Creek Do It All specializes in cleaning services in Garrett County & @ Deep Creek Lake. Give them a call (301-501-0217) or visit the website – competitive rates and quality results from a locally owned & operated company!
