Hundreds of dead fish found in Deep Creek Lake
Megan Miller
Cumberland Times-News
— DEEP CREEK LAKE — The mysterious deaths of hundreds of fish in Deep Creek Lake have prompted an investigation by state environmental officials and a warning to lakegoers to avoid all contact with fish carcasses.
As of Thursday afternoon, approximately 200 fish had been found dead in and around the lake, in what Maryland Department of the Environment spokeswoman Dawn Stoltzfus called “a localized, sustained fish kill.”
“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 officials stated in a news release.
Stoltzfus said the first dead fish began appearing Saturday.
The cause and exact location of the fish kill is still unknown. It appears to have occurred in the deepest part of the lake, Stoltzfus said, because most of the dead fish have been large adults. Shallower waters do not seem to be affected, at this point.
Many fish have washed up on the beach in the Green Glade Cove area, but that could be due to the direction the wind blows off the lake.
“Where they’re ending up isn’t necessarily where the fish kill is happening,” she said.
The majority of the dead fish have been yellow perch, but walleye, smallmouth bass, brown bullhead, largemouth bass, bluegill, chain pickerel, Northern pike and crayfish carcasses have also been found.
MDE and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources have launched an investigation into the cause of the fish kill. Investigators will conduct water quality, carcass and fish feces testing, and a diagnostic analysis of affected species.
On July 11, an electrical malfunction at a pump station caused 42,000 gallons of sewage to overflow along the shore of the lake, near the intersection of U.S. Route 219 and Lake Shore Drive. But Stoltzfus said investigators have not yet found evidence that points to any specific cause for the fish kill, including the sewage spill.
Fish kills are a very unusual occurrence at Deep Creek Lake. MDE only has record of one other such incident, in 2004, in which an individual reported 78 dead yellow perch. When investigators arrived at the lake, they did not find any fish carcasses or any evidence that pointed to a cause for a fish kill.
People who find dead fish in the lake area or have information about anything that could have contributed to the ongoing incident should contact MDE at 443-482-2732.
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 Lake Info, Business Directories, Classified Ads, Events & more! Advertise on http://www.deepcreekalive.com/!
Jim Raley seeks Garrett County commission seat
Cumberland Times-News
— FINZEL — In announcing his candidacy for Garrett County commissioner in District 2, Jim Raley (R) stated that, “For too long, citizens’ input has been ignored and when they are willing to speak out they are often chastised and belittled for standing up for their rights as taxpayers. This must change!”
A longtime force in Garrett County, Raley has been a teacher (24 years); a member of the Garrett County Board of Education (13 years); and administrator. He has served 33 years with the Eastern Garrett County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association, of which he currently serves as president of both organizations. He also serves on the board for the park located in Finzel.
Having been involved in all aspects of budgeting and employee oversight, Raley is concerned that the Garrett County budget continues to increase and the county continues to spend taxpayers’ money on “pay as you go” projects, while cutting vital services. “While it is great the county can afford to save enough money to fund multimillion dollar projects,” Raley stated, “the current taxpayers are bearing those costs through increased assessments and higher taxes. The county boasts of having little indebtedness. However, the reason for this is simply that the money is generated from real estate taxes and they have increased over $14 million in the past four years. The time to lead is now during this economic turndown!
“Because of the pay as you go attitude, this year the county eliminated 26 positions,” Raley continued, “and those were living wages and benefits which enabled families to live and work in Garrett County. We must look towards bonds for our long-term projects and look to maintain jobs for our citizens and grow our county and economic strength.”
Raley concluded, “With the county cutting jobs to fund capital projects, our economic future is grim and our youth will not be able to live and work in Garrett County, our school enrollments will continue to decline and our economic base will continue to dwindle.”
This election will likely be determined in the primary on Sept. 14 as there is no Democratic opponent seeking the office.
Jim Raley has lived in Garrett County for 47 years in the Finzel area with his wife, Susan, where they raised their two children, Sharee and Ainsley. Raley can be contacted at 301-707-1061, at susanral@comcast.net or Jim Raley’s Facebook page.
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 Lake Info, Business Directories, Classified Ads, Events & more! Advertise on http://www.deepcreekalive.com/!
Small Garrett County school ranks No. 1 in test scores
Crellin Elementary had a pass rate of 100 percent; Benfield in Arundel was No. 2
By Liz Bowie, The Baltimore Sun
7:55 p.m. EDT, July 22, 2010
The best elementary schools in the state come in all sizes and areas, from a small school filled with low-income students in the far reaches of Western Maryland to a midsize one in a wealthy neighborhood of Anne Arundel County.
Of the 874 elementary schools in the state, Crellin Elementary, a schoolhouse nestled in a coal mining area that has amassed a collection of prizes for leadership, environmental teaching and character education, is the school with the highest pass rate on the Maryland School Assessment.
With an average 100 percent pass rate, the 100 students at Crellin edged out Anne Arundel County’s Benfield Elementary, a school whose students live in neighborhoods along the banks of the Severn River.
The rankings were done by The Baltimore Sun after analysis of the state’s MSA data. State officials released the annual report card on reading and math Tuesday.
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 Lake Info, Business Directories, Classified Ads, Events & more! Advertise on http://www.deepcreekalive.com/!
Real Estate for Sale - 442 Deer Run - Sky Valley - GA7381957
Deep Creek Lake Info, Business Directories, Classified Ads, Events & more! Advertise on http://www.deepcreekalive.com/!
Garrett County Community Calendar - July 21-24 2010
Here are some of the activities and events going on over the next few days:
________
Theatrical production: BRIGHTON BEACH
TOTL Theatre Company (Theatre On The Lake)
07/21/2010 – 07/24/2010
Garrett College Theater, 7:30 pm. Neil Simon, America’s premier comic dramatist, tells the story of the Jerome family caught in the throws of the Depression. $. 304-680-1002, www.totltheatre.org
________
Deep Creek Lake Farmers Market – McHenry
Mountain Fresh Farmers Markets
Join us at the Garrett County Visitors’ Center for a 50-miles fresh farmers market! We have fresh fruits and vegetables plus delicious baked goods, eggs, crafts, and more!
Thursdays 4-6 pm
Deep Creek Lake Farmers Market – McHenry
Jul 22nd
Starts at 4:00 pm , Lasts 2 Hours
_________
Youghiogheny River Festival
Town of Friendsville
07/24/2010
Friendsville Town Park. Come out and support the Yough! Enjoy live music, local artisans, raffles, food vendors and the ever popular “ Rubber Ducky Race.” $. www.youghioghenyriverfestival.info
_________
Music at Penn Alps Concert Series Jul 24th
Penn Alps Restaurant & Craft Shop
Ten concerts will be presented at MPA’s regular venue at Penn Alps, Grantsville, and two concerts at Windsor Hall in Cumberland. All concerts begin at 7:30 PM on Saturday evenings.
Event Website: http://www.musicatpennalps.org
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 Lake Info, Business Directories, Classified Ads, Events & more! Advertise on http://www.deepcreekalive.com/!
Building lots for sale in Mt Lake Park - C Street
C St – Mt Lake Park – GA7365848 – $18,900
I recently listed 2 building lots for sale in the town of Mountain Lake Park on C Street. Great value at $18,900 each, amongst the most competitively priced lots on the market. Both are eligible for public water & sewer.
More details 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 Lake Info, Business Directories, Classified Ads, Events & more! Advertise on http://www.deepcreekalive.com/!
Habitat chapter seeking applicants for first local home
A GREAT program to institute anywhere. Something I learned from the article, Garrett County has been building 5 habitat homes per year for the last 25 years!!!
Shane Riggs
Cumberland Times-News
Cumberland — CUMBERLAND — The money is in the bank. Appliances are waiting to be installed. Land has been secured. Everything is in place for Allegany County to see its first Habitat for Humanity house. The only thing missing from the plans is who will live in the house once construction is complete.
“That’s our biggest thing right now is finding our first Habitat for Humanity family in Allegany County,” said Kathy Miller, president of the local chapter. “We plan to start looking at applications August 1 and have a family hopefully chosen by August 10 for our first house.”
“We just need our first family,” said treasurer Shauna McQuade. “We need to reach our target market. As much as we have spoken to community groups we still need to find our first family to get into a house.”
Since the recipient of Allegany County’s premiere Habitat for Humanity house has not been selected, applications are still being taken through Aug. 1.
Miller and McQuade said priority will be given to the family who can show a need and also is willing to participate in the Habitat program.
“The process involves 300 hours of sweat equity,” said Miller. “So the family we select will not only be helping to build their own house but also the second house in the area Habitat for Humanity builds.”
Sweat equity hours can include actual construction to volunteer work in fundraising.
The potential Habitat for Humanity homeowner must meet financial criteria under the guidelines of the program. To continue to be a candidate, the applicant must attend “homeownership courses.”
“We basically teach people how to be a homeowner and what to do, for instance, when you need to call that $65-an-hour plumber,” Miller said.
While the program has been in the developmental stages for more than four years, this will be the first time construction of the house under the nationally recognized Habitat program will start in the local area.
“We really had to get our facts together and show on the national level that we knew what we were doing,” said Miller.
Neighboring counties have had success with the program. Washington County has been a participant for nearly a decade while Garrett County has been building five Habitat homes a year for the last 25 years.
While properties are earmarked in the city for future Habitat houses, a lot in Cresaptown has been chosen as the first official site for 2010 construction.
After the application deadlines passes, the family selection committee will narrow the list to three before a final family is selected. Mary Moran is the committee chairwoman.
“We know the need is there and so we want people to get included in being the second and third families picked as well,” she said. “We know the families are out there. We just need to get the word out and reach them.”
Miller said the Habitat for Humanity committee — made up of local volunteers and civic leaders — hopes that more families begin applying for the house between now and the deadline.
“Our biggest priority is finding the right family in need,” she said. “We have a lot of families out there living in unsafe and unsanitary conditions. And no one should have to live like that. Our motto is, a hand up, not a hand out.”
Miller assures the application processs is not complicated and should not be intimidating or overwhelming to those interested in applying.
A one-level, three-bedroom house will include donated and new appliances and will be move-in ready. The selected homeowner will be given the opportunity to choose color schemes for the interior and exterior.
Constructed at a cost of $65,000 to $85,000, the appraisal value of the house will be $125,000 when complete, said Miller.
“It’s not a lavish home but it’s a wonderful, comfortable, economical house that people can stay in for the rest of their lives.”
Applicants may be considered if present housing is not adequate and if conventional means of buying a home have failed. Candidates must have been a resident of Allegany County for the last two years. Maximum annual income levels range from $22,900 for a single person to $43,830 for those with a family of eight. The selected applicant will be purchasing the home from Habitat and monthly mortgage payments will be paid directly to the organization.
McQuade said the goal is to begin construction on the house in autumn and have the family moved in by the time the first snowflake falls.
“Once we get ground broken it will happen pretty quickly,” she said. “We hope to be done by late fall. It’s going to be a nice holiday present for one local family.”
For more information, call 301-468-5784 or 301-707-6356.
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 Lake Info, Business Directories, Classified Ads, Events & more! Advertise on http://www.deepcreekalive.com/!
Beachtree Properties Debuts New Property in Oakland, Maryland
MILLERSVILLE, MD–(Marketwire – July 19, 2010) – Beachtree Properties, a resort group comprised of boutique hotels, announces renovation completion and opening of its newly-acquired property in Oakland, Maryland.
Inn at Deep Creek, formerly known as Alpine Village Inn, a 29-unit lakeside hotel, has undergone extensive renovations after Beachtree Properties took ownership in May. The detailed project incorporated a complete makeover from the inside-out, including a new roof, kitchens, bathrooms, furniture, flooring and carpeting. To make guests’ stay more comfortable, new pillow top beds, contemporary fabrics and fixtures with sheer and blackout curtains in each suite have been added. In addition, each suite is complete with flat screen TVs, iPod docking stations, and complimentary Wi-Fi.
Inn at Deep Creek is an all-suite hotel situated on the largest freshwater lake in Maryland. The resort’s suites feature brand-new warm elegant décor with kitchens and some suites feature fireplaces. Onsite amenities include a large heated outdoor pool, a landscaped poolside grilling area complete with picnic tables, a private beach with a day-use boat dock, and a second-floor balcony to provide guests with views of the lake.
Deep Creek Lake is situated in Garrett County, Maryland, and known for its approximate 76,000 acres of lakes, parks, caves and forests. It encompasses 3,900 acres and is at a mountain elevation almost half a mile high. Popular for its freshwater man-made lake with twenty-six different species of fish, the lake is perfect for fishing, whether it be fly fishing or ice fishing. Exciting activities at the lake include kayaking, canoeing, rafting, camping, hiking, mountain biking and in the winter, skiing at nearby Wisp Ski Resort.
The hotel opened Fourth of July weekend and is open year-round. For information or to make reservations, call Inn at Deep Creek at 877.853.6932 or visit www.InnatDeepCreek.com
Beachtree Properties specializes in distinctive boutique hotels in exciting vacation destinations. Formed in 2006, Beachtree Properties manages twelve independent resorts across North America, providing a home away from home with all the services expected from a large hotel chain. Beachtree Properties values and recognizes the character and individuality of each property, offering well-appointed accommodations and world-class service.
Deep Creek Lake Info, Business Directories, Classified Ads, Events & more! Advertise on http://www.deepcreekalive.com/!
Maryland DNR Registration Now Open For Becoming An Outdoors Woman
Swanton, MD – (Ammoland.com) – The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announces that registration is now open for the next Becoming an Outdoors-Woman (BOW) weekend workshop to be held Friday, October 22 through Sunday, October 24 at the Western Maryland 4-H Center in Garrett County near Deep Creek Lake.
BOW enables women to learn about a wide variety of outdoor opportunities in a casual, non-threatening environment.
“The program is designed to be hands-on, giving participants enough knowledge to further pursue their interests once the workshop is over,” said Patty Allen, Maryland BOW state coordinator.
Participants may choose from more than 30 classes, including outdoor photography, geocaching, turkey and deer hunting, fly fishing, hiking, kayaking, outdoor survival skills and many others. In addition, BOW places special emphasis on the camaraderie that goes along with outdoor recreation.
These outdoor skills workshops are offered specifically for women 18 years of age and older; however, men are also welcome.
For more information or to register for the upcoming workshop, visit http://www.dnr.state.md.us/wildlife/Education/bow/index.asp
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 Lake Info, Business Directories, Classified Ads, Events & more! Advertise on http://www.deepcreekalive.com/!
Olympic whitewater paddler Casey Eichfeld auction
From Steve Green @High Mountain Sports:
Olympic whitewater paddler Casey Eichfeld will be giving a private flatwater kayak lesson/tour to a few special guests on Deep Creek Lake.
All proceeds go toward supporting him as a whitewater athlete. The tour includes all neccesary equipment including: a kayak, lifevest, and paddle …from High Mountain Sports. The 1 hour tour/lesson will start at 8:30 AM on Saturday July 31st. Traders Coffee House will provide pastries and beverages before or after the tour. If there are substantial competing bids we will consider a second chance offer to the second highest bid. The winning bidder may bring up to 5 guests.
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 Lake Info, Business Directories, Classified Ads, Events & more! Advertise on http://www.deepcreekalive.com/!
