Federal cuts hit Deep Creek Lake State Park

Cumberland Times-News

MCHENRY — Jake Bonner, a member of the Maryland Conservation Corps, partially funded by the federal AmeriCorps program, is proud of the work of his crew, based at Deep Creek Lake State Park.

“We did a lot of trail work, chain-sawing, replacing signs, assisting with park events, and helping wherever we could,” said Bonner. The work was an “amazing way” to build a strong resume to pursue his goal of being a full-time park ranger.

His crew’s accomplishments included assisting Habitat for Humanity and the Deep Creek Dunk, clearing invasive plants at New Germany State Park, helping Maryland Special Olympics events at Wisp Resort, and treating hemlocks at Swallow Falls for insect infestation. The MCC’s work also took members to other state parks, including Rocky Gap and Assateague Island.

On April 26, Bonner and his co-workers and tens of thousands of other young workers across the nation — working in a multitude of sectors — were blindsided when the administration’s Department of Government Efficiency cut Americorps funding.

AmeriCorps, first authorized in 1993, is a public-private partnership. Volunteers receive stipends during their one-year service requirement and can receive scholarships at the end of their service. Before the cuts, the program had 700 staff members and supported 200,000 members.

In Maryland, AmeriCorps employed 4,949 members and funded 25 service programs.

In response to the cuts, Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown helped lead a coalition of 24 states and the District of Columbia suing the Trump administration to save AmeriCorps.

“In Maryland alone, programs that educate children, care for the elderly and rebuild homes are being wiped out overnight,” said Brown.

Calling the White House’s actions “unlawful, arbitrary and capricious” and in “defiance” of the Constitutional separation of powers, the suit said the program’s participants and beneficiaries were not given sufficient public notice of its termination.

Bonner would certainly agree. He was working at Fort Frederick State Park’s Market Fair when he and other Conservation Corps crew members, preparing for a lunch break, were told that funding had been cut, and they needed to go home.

“Both crews and the staff around us were extremely emotional, not knowing what was going to happen and when/if we’d see each other again,” said Bonner, who shared a house provided by the state near Deep Creek. “We went from being complete strangers to an inseparable group of friends and colleagues.”

Bonner credits members of the Maryland Park Service staff for being “incredibly supportive” and said he’s hopeful “we will find a way to keep going.”

Answering critics who say AmeriCorps dollars are “wasteful spending,” Bonner says: “All across the state now, we have MCC members who are left jobless, still volunteering with parks while we still can, because we love what we do, and we still want to get things done. It was never just a job to us. It was our chance to pursue our careers and do what we love in a way that helps people. Unfortunately, our absence will definitely be felt.”

Founded in 1984, prior to AmeriCorps, the Maryland Conservation Corps joined AmeriCorps in 1994. AmeriCorps’ administrators have consistently weighed costs and benefits, publishing reports in 2024 detailing the significant short, medium and long-term return on investments in areas like school dropout prevention, weatherization of homes and serving families at risk of homelessness.

DOGE cuts will also severely hamper the work of ASTAR (Appalachian Service Through Action and Resources), a statewide program based at Frostburg University. The program includes 26 site partnerships, many between Frederick and Garrett counties.

Nineteen of the 26 programs will be completely shut down, said Patrick O’Brien, director of civic engagement at Frostburg.

“Nonprofits in rural areas are usually pretty small,” said O’Brien. ASTAR, he added, is an “intermediary program that builds capacity,” placing members at non-profits like food pantries, Special Olympics Maryland, the Children’s Literature Center and Evergreen Heritage Center, a historical farm that hosts middle schoolers on field trips. ASTAR also places students in Frostburg’s Education Department as interns in schools, helping with lesson plans and technology.

“I am a product of AmeriCorps,” said O’Brien, formerly a business major. “The program changed my views and my life, shifting my focus to civic engagement and service.”

What's Happening In Garrett County-Garrett County Chamber Of Commerce

Whats-Happening-In-Garrett-CountyGarrett-County-Chamber-Of-Commerce   May 12 - May 18, 2025 Annual Membership Meeting & Dinner 2025 - June 4th Get ready to dust off your boots and kick up your heels — the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to invite you to the Trailblazers Ball! Join us for an evening dedicated to the celebration of the trailblazers in our community. Enjoy a hearty dinner and toe-tappin' tunes while you network with fellow professionals. Country western dress encouraged but not required.   New Chamber Board Members and officers will be announced and we'll tip our hats to the recipients of the Diplomat of the Year Award, Emerging Entrepreneur Award, Peggy Jamison Heritage Preservation Award, and Heise Entrepreneurial Spirit Award.    Giddy-up to the Trailblazers Ball — where the West meets the Best of Garrett County!    Trail Bites Vegetable & Dip Tray, BBQ Meatballs, and Bacon Wrapped Poppers   Supper Tex-Mex Salad, Peppercorn Crusted Flat Iron Steak, BBQ Chicken, Twice Baked Potatoes, Country Green Beans, Corn Bread   Chuckwagon Treats Cake 'n Berry Cobbler, Campfire Cinnamon Twists, Campfire Peach Cobbler, Pot 'o Smores    Date/Time Wednesday, June 4, 2025 Reception (Cash Bar) - 6:00 pm Dinner - 7:00 pm Program & Awards Ceremony - 7:45 pm    Fees/Admission There is assigned seating at this event so please reach out to Holly Lane at holly@garrettchamber.com or call (301) 387-6171 if you have seating preferences.    Early Bird (discount available until May 21) Tickets cost - $85 Corporate Table (Seating for 8) - $680   Regular Pricing (after May 21) Ticket Cost - $90 Corporate Table (Seating for 8) - $720   The deadline for registration is COB Wednesday, May 28, 2025. To Register, click here.    SPONSORS, please contact Nick Sharps at nick@garrettchamber.com or (301) 387-8745 to register with your complimentary tickets.    Location McHenry Lodge at Wisp Resort 296 Marsh Hill Road McHenry, MD 21541   Sponsored by: Business After Hours & Ribbon Cutting - Thank You! Last Thursday, Market on 42 hosted a vibrant and well-attended block party in celebration of our May Business After Hours. Guests enjoyed exploring the plaza’s unique vendors while sampling a variety of delicious offerings—Wild Ember Bread’s renowned pizza, mouthwatering sliders from Wildom Farm, and the distinctly refreshing pea tendril margaritas from Harvest House, among other locally sourced treats.   A special highlight of the evening was the ribbon cutting ceremony for Market on 42, led by Connor Norman, Business Development Specialist and Chair of the Garrett County Diplomats. Commissioner Paul Edwards, Commissioner Larry Tichnell, and Chamber Interim President Nick Sharps delivered words of congratulations and reflected on the inspiring revitalization taking place at the plaza. Business owners from Railey Design, Secondhand Citizen, Appalachian Print Studio, OMG Relax, Wild Ember Bread, and Harvest House also spoke, sharing their enthusiasm and appreciation for being part of this exciting community hub.   We extend our heartfelt thanks to Jessie and Nancy Railey, Mike Fratz, and all the incredible proprietors of the Market for organizing such a dynamic and enjoyable event. Mark your calendars—our next Business After Hours will be held on Thursday, June 12, at the Garrett County Airport. We look forward to seeing you there! Navagating Federal & State Taxes: A Practical Guide for Businesses Webinar Mark your calendars for Wednesday, May 28th, from 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM for an essential webinar designed to help your business navigate the complexities of both federal IRS and Maryland state tax compliance. The Garrett County Chamber of Commerce is pleased to present "Navigating IRS & Maryland Tax Compliance," led by Tax Attorneys Candice Miller and Audre Sylvester of Azarvand Tax Law. This informative session is specifically tailored for business owners and their bookkeepers and/or accountants. Don't miss this valuable opportunity to gain clarity on both federal and Maryland state tax matters and ensure your business remains compliant on both fronts. For more information and to register click here.  Fire on the Mountain Sponsorships Summer is quickly approaching which means it's nearly time for the Chamber’s July 4th Fire on the Mountain Fireworks Display at Wisp Resort. As you know, the July 4th fireworks are a popular event for residents and visitors to the area. We’d like to thank those who donated towards the display last year; your donations help us provide such a spectacular show! For this year's display, we are looking for a Title Sponsor for $8,000 and we need to raise additional funds to help cover the show cost. Any donation is appreciated; however, special recognition is available to businesses or individuals who contribute $375 or more. View our sponsorship opportunities and please contact Sarah Duck at sarah@garrettchamber.com or 301.616.1129 to sponsor. The fireworks display will be provided by Epic Pyrotechnics. Autumn Glory Brochure Advertising Now Available Do you host an Autumn Glory event? Promote it in the official 58th Annual Autumn Glory Festival Brochure! This year’s Autumn Glory Festival, sponsored by Team One GMC, will be held Wednesday, October 8 - Sunday, October 12, 2025. 8,000 Autumn Glory brochures will be printed and made available in racks around Garrett County, at the Visitors Center in McHenry, at the Youghiogheny Overlook Welcome Center along Interstate 68, at Chamber member businesses, distribution centers, via visitor request and more. Along with the ability to advertise your Autumn Glory event with a listing in our brochure, you can also purchase display advertising in the brochure. To purchase a listing or a display ad in the brochure, please complete the Autumn Glory Brochure Listing Form and return it, with payment, by Thursday, May 29, 2025. Completed forms can be emailed to sarah@garrettchamber.com, faxed to 301.334.8073 or mailed to Garrett County Chamber of Commerce 15 Visitors Center Drive McHenry, MD 21541. Please email sarah@garrettchamber.com with any questions. Help Address Your Workforce Issues with the Updated Work Ethic Diploma Program! After 5 successful years we feel it is time to make some changes to the Work Ethic Diploma (WED) Program to keep the it relevant and take it to the next level. The concept of the program was originally put forward to the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce by employers who felt students were not learning the soft skills necessary to become productive members of the workforce.   With the input of area educators, business leaders, and post-secondary representatives, we developed standards to evaluate the work ethic of our students. These standards are not being changed. Based on feedback from employers participating in the program and discussions with our stakeholders we have decided to replace the hourly pay incentive with a more tangible sign-on bonus to be rewarded after a qualifying length of employment. Another exciting change we are implementing is a Worth Ethic Diploma Reception that will recognize and celebrate students receiving the honor and our business partners participating in the program. This will be a great opportunity for you to network and recruit prospects. More details on this event will follow.   Whether you are a current WED partner or looking to join the program, we ask that you please review and sign the new form and return it to holly@garrettchamber.com or 15 Visitors Center Drive, McHenry, MD 21541. You can also click here for the criteria and business commitment form updated with changes highlighted for your convenience. We appreciate your participation and look forward to working with you to grow and enhance the Work Ethic Diploma Program to better meet Garrett County’s workforce challenges. Office Depot - May 2025 Monthly Specials Your exclusive specials are here! Enjoy discounts of up to 56% off envelopes, binder clips, labels, flags, and more. Take advantage of these monthly specials when you shop online for office, school, and home essentials at ODP Business Solutions. Click here to view the May 2025 Monthly Specials. Click here for more information on the program and to register.   Member News   Appointment of Lake Manager   Chamber members may submit company announcements (awards, new hires, promotions, events) for inclusion in the Member News. For instruction on submitting Member News, contact: nick@garrettchamber.com or call (301) 387-5237. New Members   Southern Garrett Gridiron   Joy Fernon Properties   Watch this space for new members! Consider reaching out to welcome them to the Chamber. Special Promotions

Garrett County Chamber of Commerce | 15 Visitors Center Drive | McHenry, MD 21541 US

What's Happening In Garrett County-Garrett County Chamber Of Commerce

Garrett County Chamber Of Commerce   April 30 - May 6, 2025

April 29 - May 8 | 11:15 am - 2:30 pm  Mother's Day Special at The Root Cafe 321 Chestnut Street, Friendsville, MD. The Root Cafe is offering a special package for Mother's Day that can be pre-ordered from April 25, 2024 - May 8, 2024. What's Included in the Package: $29.50 - Bouquet of flowers  - Iced or Hot Latte 12oz (your choice of 1 flavor)  - Your choice of cupcake: Lemon Filled or Chocolate/Peanut Butter  Pre-order NOW by coming in person and requesting or calling 301-746-5111 Deadline to pre-order: May 8th

May 1 | 11:15 am - 2:30 pm  Garrett County Affordable Housing Forum Performing Arts Center at Garrett College, McHenry, MD. Community members are invited to attend the upcoming Affordable Housing Forum on Thursday, May 1, from 11:15 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Performing Arts Center at Garrett College. The event is free and open to the public, but pre-registration is required by 12:00 p.m. on Friday, April 25. Complimentary lunch will be provided to all registered attendees.   Hosted by the Garrett County Board of REALTORS®, this forum will spotlight local initiatives aimed at improving access to affordable homeownership and rental opportunities in Garrett County. Through a series of engaging discussion panels, participants will gain insight into critical housing resources and support services.   Key topics include: The Grantsville Attainable Housing Project The journey from renting to homeownership Down payment and closing cost assistance grants “This is a unique opportunity for residents to connect with housing professionals, learn about available support, and be part of a larger conversation about shaping the future of housing in our community,” said Kelli Hallenbeck, GCBR’s Affordable Housing Committee Chair.   Event Details: Affordable Housing Forum Thursday, May 1, 2025 11:15 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Check in opens at 11:15 a.m.; buffet lines open at 11:30 a.m.; and forum panels start at 12:15 p.m.. Multipurpose Room, Performing Arts Center at Garrett College Free admission | Lunch provided Registration deadline: Friday, April 25 at 12:00 p.m. Have questions? Contact Amy Lowdermilk, GCBR Executive Officer at 301-334-8405.   Can’t make it in-person? Skip registration and watch the Facebook LIVE stream on the Garrett County Board of REALTORS page.

May 1 | 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm  Team Trivia   Mountain State Brewing Company, 6690 Sang Run Rd, McHenry, MD. Team Trivia every Thursday, free to play! Contact information: 301-387-3360.

May 3 | 10:00 am - 1:00 pm  Spring Farmers Markets by Mountain Fresh Producers Association Mountain Fresh Pavilion, S 1st St., Oakland, MD. Join us for our spring farmers markets!  Our vendors will have fresh produce, meats, eggs, baked goods, jams & jellies, crafts, and personal care items. Want to get updates and product availability lists for the market? Sign up for our weekly email list at mountainfresh.org.

May 3 | 2:30 pm - 9:00 pm  Season Opener Clay Shoot at Shamrock Sporting Clays and Whiskey & Cigar Bar Shamrock Whiskey & Cigar Bar, 624 Humbert School Rd, Rockwood, PA. Get ready to kick off the season with a bang! Join us for the Season Opener Clay Shoot at Shamrock Sporting Clays on Saturday, May 3rd in Rockwood! Don't miss this fun-filled day of clays, great food, music, and Derby vibes!  Registration: 2:30 PM ($150 includes cart, eye & ear protection, and steak dinner) Shotgun Start: 3:15 PM Cocktail Hour: 5:30 PM (Derby-themed hors d'oeuvres & complimentary Mint Julep) Steak Dinner: 6:30 PM (includes salad & dessert) Dinner-only option is available for $75 Live Music: Cole Douglas 6–9 PM Kentucky Derby: Live on TV at 7:00 PM!   **Out-of-County Regional Event**

May 4 | 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm  Team Bingo Mountain State Brewing Company, 6690 Sang Run Road, McHenry, MD. Team Bingo every Sunday at 1pm! Contact information: 301-387-3360.

April 28 - June 9 | 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm  Spring Icon Class St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Parish, Parish Center Hall, 208 S. Fourth Street, Oakland, MD. Jesus of Sinai Class Term: April 28 - June 9, 2025, no class on Memorial Day. Mondays Only from 5-8 p.m.   Class size is limited to 12.    $125 fee includes all materials and a finished Icon. Registration and (non-refundable) deposit of $50  is required to secure a seat before April 12.   To learn more and to register, visit https://www.garrettstpeter.com/Icon

County Commissioners Announce Public Meeting Agenda

County Commissioners Announce Public Meeting Agenda

PUBLIC MEETING AGENDA

Monday, May 5, 2025

Agenda Session Times are Approximate

Meeting will also be Live Streamed at https://www.facebook.com/garrettcountygovernment/

The Board of County Commissioners may close a portion of this public meeting and move into Executive Session to comply with a specific constitutional, statutory, or judicial requirement that may prevent public disclosure about a particular proceeding or matter. 

*To comment on agenda items – please send to @garrettcountymd.gov

3:00        Administrative Session   

Board Appointment:  Garrett County Community Action Committee, Inc.

Petition for the Opening of a Public Roadway – McHenry Business Park Drive

Mr. Null will review a number of administrative and managerial matters under his authority and jurisdiction with the Board of County Commissioners 

4:00       Call to Order of Public Session, Invocation, and Pledge of Allegiance

              County Administrator – Additions/Deletions to Public Meeting Agenda

              Approval of Public, Administrative, and Executive Meeting Minutes

4:05       Proclamation – Garrett Regional Medical Center – 75th Anniversary

4:10        Garrett County Department of Financial Services – Appalachian Regional Commission Proposed Projects:

Garrett County Public Schools – Northern Garrett High School Culinary Arts Lab

Town of Oakland – Water Street Revitalization Project Planning

Reflection House – Pathways to Purpose: Workforce Development for Addiction Recovery and Reentry

Garrett College – Continuing Education & Workforce Development Program Expansion: Welding

Garrett County Department of Public Works – GC Water & Sewer SCADA Modernization Project  

4:25       Public Commentary

  ADJOURNMENT  

4:30       FISCAL YEAR 2026 BUDGET PRESENTATION:

                      Garrett County Department of Public Works – Road Division

Public issues or concerns that are to be presented to the Board of Garrett County Commissioners during any Public Meeting should be scheduled with Carol A. Riley–Alexander, Executive Assistant to the Board of County Commissioners/County Administrator.     

The Board of Garrett County Commissioners’ next scheduled Public Meeting will be on Tuesday, May 20, 2025 at the Garrett County Courthouse beginning at 4:00 PM. 

April 21 - April 27, 2025 Events- Garrett County Chamber Of Commerce

Garrett County Chamber Of Commerce   April 21 - April 27, 2025 May Business After Hours 2025 - Market on 42 The Chamber is pleased to announce that the Market on 42 will be hosting our May Business After Hours on Thursday, May 8th from 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm.    The Market on 42 is an outdoor market that houses locally owned shops. These shops include Railey Design, Secondhand Citizen, Appalachian Print Studio, Wild Ember Bakery and OMG Relax.    Enjoy delicious food and drinks as you mingle with fellow Chamber members and Chamber staff at our monthly networking events. Don't forget your business card to enter to win prizes.    $10.00 in advance for members $15.00 for members at the door and non-members To register, click here. Business Before Hours - Legislative Wrap-Up 2025 The Garrett County Chamber of Commerce has scheduled its next Business Before Hours for Tuesday, May 13, 2025 at the Perfroming Arts Center at Garrett College. The Chamber will welcome back Senator Mike McKay and Delegate Jim Hinebaugh for an informational presentation on the 447th session of the Maryland General Assembly, convened in Annapolis, Maryland January 8 through April 7, 2025. Attendees will hear directly from our elected officials on which bills passed, which did not, how these legislative decisions will impact the county, region, and state, and what the upcoming election cycle holds for future policy issues.     $25 for members $30 for non-members To register, click here   The event is sponsored by Byco Enterprises, Inc and Garrett Regional Medical Center, a proud partner of WVU Medicine.  The Bloodhounds Will Return to Garrett County The National Police Bloodhound Association (NPBA) will be hosting their annual 40-hour training certification seminar in Garrett County, Maryland Sunday April 27, 2025 to Thursday May 1, 2025. This is one of the NPBA's annual seminars held each year and has held the spring seminar in Garrett County for many years. The seminar happens at a time of the year, between seasons in Garrett County, and for many of the businesses, it contributes to the economy. Training areas will remain largely the same as in previous years, including Grantsville, Oakland, Friendsville, Accident, Mt. Lake Park/Broadford Area, state parks, the 4-H Complex near Bittinger, and the fairgrounds in McHenry. We expect approximately 40 handlers and hounds to participate this year, with up to 60 total people in attendance. Host lodging will again be provided by WISP Resort, and now that Garrett College has recongnized this course through the Continuing Education Department, Sunday classes will be held in a classroom at the College.   The bloodhounds are training, so please be respectful and don't interrupt them or be alarmed.   Now Accepting Applications for 2025 Autumn Glory Royalty Please help spread the word that the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce is inviting all those Garrett County students currently in their junior year of high school to submit an Autumn Glory Royalty application for consideration. We will be choosing a King and a Queen to represent the 58th Annual Autumn Glory Festival at a variety of events throughout the summer and fall of 2025. Both the King and Queen will receive an educational contribution. As part of the application, you are required to submit a 300-word essay on why you think you should be selected to be part of the Royalty Court. In an effort to give all qualifying students a chance to become Autumn Glory Royalty we have eliminated the application fee. Interviews will be conducted by appointment in May and we hope to complete the process by June 1. Please click here to download the application. If you have any questions, please contact Nick Sharps at nick@garrettchamber.com or call (301) 387-8745. Help Address Your Workforce Issues with the Updated Work Ethic Diploma Program! After 5 successful years we feel it is time to make some changes to the Work Ethic Diploma (WED) Program to keep the it relevant and take it to the next level. The concept of the program was originally put forward to the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce by employers who felt students were not learning the soft skills necessary to become productive members of the workforce.   With the input of area educators, business leaders, and post-secondary representatives, we developed standards to evaluate the work ethic of our students. These standards are not being changed. Based on feedback from employers participating in the program and discussions with our stakeholders we have decided to replace the hourly pay incentive with a more tangible sign-on bonus to be rewarded after a qualifying length of employment. Another exciting change we are implementing is a Worth Ethic Diploma Reception that will recognize and celebrate students receiving the honor and our business partners participating in the program. This will be a great opportunity for you to network and recruit prospects. More details on this event will follow.   Whether you are a current WED partner or looking to join the program, we ask that you please review and sign the new form and return it to holly@garrettchamber.com or 15 Visitors Center Drive, McHenry, MD 21541. You can also click here for the criteria and business commitment form updated with changes highlighted for your convenience. We appreciate your participation and look forward to working with you to grow and enhance the Work Ethic Diploma Program to better meet Garrett County’s workforce challenges. Office Depot - April Monthly Specials This April, enjoy members-only exclusive specials with discounts of up to 84% off folders, desk accessories, sticky notes, and more. Take advantage of these monthly specials when you shop online for office, school, and home essentials at ODP Business Solutions. Click here to view the April 2025 Monthly Specials. Click here for more information on the program and to register.   Member News   The Hidden Cost of an Overpolished Portfolio Website   Chamber members may submit company announcements (awards, new hires, promotions, events) for inclusion in the Member News. For instruction on submitting Member News, contact: nick@garrettchamber.com or call (301) 387-5237. New Members   Marine Plus DCL   Fleur de Montagna - Deep Creeks Only Frank Lloyd Wright Inspired Prairie Vacation Home   Watch this space for new members! Consider reaching out to welcome them to the Chamber. Special Promotions

Garrett County Chamber of Commerce | 15 Visitors Center Drive | McHenry, MD 21541 US

County Commissioners Announce Public Meeting Agenda

County Commissioners Announce Public Meeting Agenda

PUBLIC MEETING AGENDA

Tuesday, April 22, 2025

Agenda Session Times are Approximate

Meeting will also be Live Streamed at https://www.facebook.com/garrettcountygovernment/

The Board of County Commissioners may close a portion of this public meeting and move into Executive Session to comply with a specific constitutional, statutory, or judicial requirement that may prevent public disclosure about a particular proceeding or matter. 

             *To comment on agenda items – please send to @garrettcountymd.gov

                  3:00        Administrative Session   

Board Appointments – Garrett County Civil Service Board                   

Accident Community Housing Corporation – Request for Fiscal Year 2026 County Property Tax Abatement

Declaration of Surplus County Property – Bush Hog Mower 25HP Kohler

Petition for the Opening of a Public Roadway – McHenry Business Park Drive

Mr. Null will review a number of administrative and managerial matters under his authority and jurisdiction with the Board of County Commissioners 

4:00       Call to Order of Public Session, Invocation, and Pledge of Allegiance

              County Administrator – Additions/Deletions to Public Meeting Agenda

              Approval of Public, Administrative, and Executive Meeting Minutes

4:05       Proclamations – National Day of Prayer – May 1, 2025

                                        Mental Health Awareness Month – May 2025  

                                        Children’s Mental Health Week – May 4–10, 2025

4:10        Garrett County Department of Financial Services – Purchasing Division – Bid Recommendations

                                            Bid Approval:  Bid # 25 – 0327  Garrett County Health Center Boiler Replacement Project 

                                            Bid Rejection:  Bid# 25 – 0320  Community Action Boiler Replacement Project

4:25       Public Commentary

ADJOURNMENT OF PUBLIC SESSION

4:30       FISCAL YEAR 2026 BUDGET PRESENTATIONS:

                      Garrett County Health Department

                      Garrett College

                      Garrett County Board of Education

       Public issues or concerns that are to be presented to the Board of Garrett County Commissioners during any Public Meeting should be scheduled with Carol A. Riley–Alexander, Executive Assistant to the Board of County Commissioners/County Administrator.     

The Board of Garrett County Commissioners’ next scheduled Public Meeting will be on Monday, May 5, 2025 at the Garrett County Courthouse beginning at 4:00 PM.   

Grants Given To State Parks

April 14th, 2025 by WCBC Radio

Friends of Maryland State Parks has awarded 22 grants totaling over $37,000 to state parks across Maryland. Funding through the non-profit’s “Small Grants, Big Impact” program will support projects that enhance cultural history education, protect dunes, expand recreation, and promote conservation. Grants range from $900 to $2,000. Deep Creek Lake State Park received funding to expand a rain garden, and plant native species around the park’s aviary.

What's Happening In Garrett County-Garrett County Chamber Of Commerce

Garrett County Chamber Of Commerce April 16 - April 22, 2025

April 17 | 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm  Deep Creek Lake-Themed Team Trivia Nights  Aces Run Restaurant, Oakland, MD. Test your knowledge of all things Deep Creek Lake with Team Trivia Nights every Thursday evening 6-8pm throughout April at Ace's Run! Food and drink available and there will be prizes, including a cool custom DCL100 award for the winning team each week! Questions will be drawn from our archive and timeline on the website, so study up! More info on the Deep Creek Lake Centennial including more events, projects, an interactive timeline and more available at https://dcl100.com/

April 17 | 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm  Friends and Couples Wine Pairing @ Smoke N Mirrors 114 South 3rd Street, Oakland, MD. Come join us for another Friends and Couples wine tasting in the Gallery and try five different wine pairings with light fare.  The pairing begins at 6:00 and tickets can be purchased ($30 per person) at the link below or by phone at (304) 277-7700. Seating is limited to 24 people and advanced reservations are required, so reserve early!   https://koalendar.com/e/friends-and-couples-April-17

April 17 | 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm  Team Trivia   Mountain State Brewing Company, 6690 Sang Run Rd, McHenry, MD. Team Trivia every Thursday, free to play! Contact information: 301-387-3360.

April 19 & 20   Shiitake Inoculation Weekend Backcbone Farm, 530 Lynndale Rd, Oakland, MD. Two day Event! Saturday 4/19 10-6 and Sunday 4/20 10-4! Join us for our annual Backbone Farm Shiitake Inoculation party! We will spend the weekend drilling, stuffing, and waxing 1000 Shiitake mushroom logs to keep our production rolling. We will provide some food and some drink for all participants, so come hang out and eat a little and work a little!  -This is an outdoor event, with some of the area being under roof, so come dressed for the weather. Rain, shine or snow! - We will have food and beverages available, but feel free to bring something to share!  - Please leave your dogs at home, we have plenty to go around. - Free camping available, contact us for details! We hope to see you out here to help us celebrate spring and get a big job done in a small amount of time! Free Community Event! Contact information: katharine@backbonefarm.com

April 19 | 10:00 am - 1:00 pm  Spring Farmers Markets by Mountain Fresh Producers Association Mountain Fresh Pavilion, S 1st St., Oakland, MD. Join us for our spring farmers markets!  Our vendors will have fresh produce, meats, eggs, baked goods, jams & jellies, crafts, and personal care items.  Want to get updates and product availability lists for the market? Sign up for our weekly email list at mountainfresh.org.

April 20 | 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm  Team Bingo Mountain State Brewing Company, 6690 Sang Run Road, McHenry, MD. Team Bingo every Sunday at 1pm! Contact information: 301-387-3360.

View Full Calendar of Events Submit New Event

Public Hearing Set For Solar Facility

Wcbc Radio

April 8th, 2025 by WCBC Radio

More than 1,800 acres along Route 36 near Westernport and Barton may be used to build a 300 megawatt solar project. A virtual public hearing on the project is scheduled for April 15 and will include a presentation by Jade Meadow LLC, the applicant for the facility along with statements by the Department of Natural Resources and the Office of the People’s Counsel, the state’s ratepayer advocate. The project also touches a portion of Garrett County. To sign up for the hearing, visit psc.state.md.us.

Projected Population For Each Maryland County in 2030

The MoCo Show

The U.S. Census Bureau conducts its decennial national census every 10 year. The census directly shapes federal funding allocations and congressional representation. According to 2020 data, Maryland’s population stands at 6,177,224, ranking it 18th nationally. The state has maintained steady growth of at least 7% per decade, positioning it as the 22nd fastest-growing state relative to population size. Below, we’ve listed Maryland’s 23 counties from smallest to largest projected 2030 population based on current trends.

23. Kent County: 20,900

22. Somerset County: 27,450

21. Garrett County: 30,250

20. Dorchester County: 35,160

19. Caroline County: 37,700

18. Talbot County: 39,650

17. Queen Anne’s County: 56,320

16. Worcester County: 57,150

15. Allegany County: 72,150

14. Calvert County: 97,900

13. Cecil County: 112,050

12. Wicomico County: 115,700

11.  St. Mary’s County: 131,260

10: Washington County 164,900

9. Carroll County: 174,150

8. Charles County: 184,470

7. Harford County: 271,860

6. Frederick County: 300,580

5. Howard County: 356,860

4. Anne Arundel: 608,990

3. Baltimore County: 846,590

2. Prince George’s County: 940,960

1. Montgomery County: 1,124,790

Information courtesy of Maryland State Archives