Jul. 5, 2012
Garrett County suffered “some of the most extensive damage we’ve seen from a storm event,” reported Brad Frantz, director of Garrett County Public Safety and Emergency Management, during a special briefing for the county commissioners on Tuesday morning.
A derecho – a rare string of powerful storms with intense lightening, rain, and hurricane-force winds – swept through the Midwest and mid-Atlantic region Friday (June 29) evening. According to some accounts, at least 22 people were killed, 5 million were left without power, and billions of dollars worth of damages occurred.
“We were quite fortunate that there were not more structures that had impact,” Frantz said. “We had one reported on Savage River Road that was significant damage.”
Three trees fell on a home, one of which landed in a bedroom. The house was insured, according to Frantz.
The director said 1,114 county electric power customers remained without service as of Tuesday at 7 a.m., but he anticipated that power would be restored to most of these customers by the end of the day.
As of Thursday morning, Potomac Edison reports that 140 Garrett County residences are still without power. Those without electricity in surrounding counties are as follows: Allegany, 1,225; Preston 2,421; Tucker 185; Grant 117; Mineral, 117; and Somerset, 7.
Utility companies have been working around the clock, since the storm hit Garrett County at 8:20 p.m. on June 29, Frantz said. Potomac Edison reported 147,000 of its area customers had lost power from the storm.
Frantz noted that nearly every fire department in the county spent the weekend clearing roads of trees and debris, and as of Monday, all roads in the county were open.
Cooling centers/shelters were established Saturday morning and remain available this week to residents at the Friendsville Volunteer Fire Department, the Deer Park Community Volunteer Fire Department, and the Southern Garrett Rescue Squad hall, according to Frantz.
At the impact of the sudden storm – with winds exceeding 65 miles per hour in some areas, according to Potomac Edison – Frantz said telephone calls into 9-1-1 were 300-400 percent above normal call volume.
“On a normal day, we might see 75 calls,” he said.
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— Buying or selling real estate in Garrett County or Deep Creek Lake, Maryland? Call Jay Ferguson of Railey Realty for all of your real estate needs! I take great pride in referrals, and I assure you, I will take great care of your friends, family & colleagues!
All Hail the USA
Jul. 5, 2012
All hail let loose last evening just as festivities for the July 4th holiday were getting under way. An intense and damaging storm hit the Deep Creek Lake area at about 7:15 p.m., bringing high winds, torrential rain, and marble-sized hail. (And that’s shooter marbles, not the little ones.)
The storm went on for more than 30 minutes, absolutely inundating the food tables at the Deep Creek Marina, which was offering a customer appreciation event. The food, catered by Wisp, was suddenly mostly soup, as shown, as the severe weather descended.
The annual Independence Day celebration at Garrett College by the Garrett Community Concert Band and the Garrett Choral Society was both abbreviated and relocated because of the storm. The performers and audience went into the college gymnasium, which is conveniently a storm protection area, and the program commenced inside. There is surely damage today in gardens and yards, as the hail was severe and the wind quite strong. Photo by Fabian Green.
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Chesapeake Bay Restoration Fee To Increase On July 1
Jul. 5, 2012
The Garrett County commissioners are reminding local property owners and visitors about two issues: the increase in the Chesapeake Bay Restoration Fee (“flush tax”) and the new security system at the courthouse.
A change in the Chesapeake Bay Restoration Fee has taken place for the tax year beginning on July 1. Legislation was passed this year in the Maryland General Assembly, doubling the fee from $30 to $60 annually for properties whose on site sewage disposal systems (septic system) are located within the Chesapeake Bay Watershed and for properties that are connected to either a public water and/or sewer system and whose wastewater is treated by a facility that discharges in the watershed.
For properties that have a septic system and a private water supply, the fee will be reflected on the owners’ annual property tax bills.
For those properties located within the watershed that are connected to either a public water and/or sewer system, this fee change equates to an increase from $2.50 to $5 per month, or $7.50 per to $15 per quarter. The Bay Restoration Fee will be reflected on the quarterly water/sewer bill for properties connected to a public water and/or sewer system.
“The county has made every possible attempt to accurately assess the correct fees for every Garrett County property tax account,” county administrator Monty Pagenhardt. “If you believe the Bay Restoration Fee that you are billed is in error, please contact the Garrett County Department of Financial Services at 301-334-8985 or by e-mail at bayrestorationfee@garrettcounty.org.
Residents and visitors are also reminded that they must use the Alder Street entrance when conducting business at the county courthouse in Oakland.
A new security system has been installed in the courthouse building, and individuals must pass through security upon entering the building. Handicapped individuals may use the entrance located off the alley between St. Paul’s United Methodist Church and the courthouse.
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— Buying or selling real estate in Garrett County or Deep Creek Lake, Maryland? Call Jay Ferguson of Railey Realty for all of your real estate needs! I take great pride in referrals, and I assure you, I will take great care of your friends, family & colleagues!
Outages decreasing in storm recovery
Efforts to restore power to more than 1,500 customers continue
Jeffrey Alderton Cumberland Times-News
CUMBERLAND — Day four of the storm recovery continued Tuesday with no major problems reported throughout the region, although thousands of Potomac Edison customers throughout the region remained without electrical service at Tuesday night.
But efforts to restore each and every customer as quickly as possible continued without relenting as more than 1,500 customers remained in the dark in Garrett and Allegany counties by late evening.
“We are down to the work that is very labor intensive, such as replacing a number of poles needed just to restore a couple customers. We hope to have the vast majority of our customers back today,” said Scott Surgeoner, FirstEnergy spokesman, regarding the Potomac Edison service area in Allegany and Garrett counties.
“Right now, there are about 800 customers still out in Cumberland. And we really do appreciate the customers’ patience. Our workers take great pride in what they do and they are working as quickly as possible to get each and every customer back in service,” he said.
By 10 p.m. 490 Potomac Edison customers were without power in Cumberland
The latest outage information by county was being updated every 15 minutes on the FirstEnergy website at http://outages.firstenergycorp. com/mdwv.html.
The number of customers without service was decreasing by the hour Tuesday afternoon.
“As of this morning, there were about 2,000 people needing power and Potomac Edison brought in more resources Monday,” said Dick DeVore, Allegany County Emergency Service chief. “As we had been told, the last ones to be restored would be the most difficult.”
On another note, DeVore said several cooling centers that were opened Saturday at various locations in the county were not opened Tuesday since there was no demand for the temporary relief facilties. Only a small number of local residents reportedly utilized the facilities over the last several days.
In Garrett County, Emergency Services Director Brad Frantz said early Tuesday afternoon “the situation is improving somewhat” as Potomac Edison and allied crews worked to restore electrical service throughout the county. About 400 residents remained without electricity Tuesday night.
Comfort stations at three locations in the county — Deer Park and Friendsville fire stations and the Southern Garrett Rescue Squad — remained open although none had been utilized as of Tuesday. “They will remain open and available in case there is a need,” said Frantz.
Frantz also said back-up battery service at the Department of Natural Resources fire tower on Elder Hill between McHenry and Friendsville failed late Monday evening.
“This has not in any way affected our service. We are continuing to normally alert affected companies so I want to emphasize this has not in any way affected delivery of emergency services. Potomac Edison is actively working on that site as a priority to restore service there,” said Frantz.
The 120-foot tower houses the 911 center’s two-way radio repeater for alerting of Friendsville Volunteer Fire Department, the Northern Garrett Rescue Squad and some other companies.
Frantz also continued to urge any residents that has sustained significant structural damage by Friday’s storm to contact his officer at 301-334-7619.
Contact Jeffrey Alderton at jlalderton@times-news.com
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— Buying or selling real estate in Garrett County or Deep Creek Lake, Maryland? Call Jay Ferguson of Railey Realty for all of your real estate needs! I take great pride in referrals, and I assure you, I will take great care of your friends, family & colleagues!
Chamber Receives $30,000 Grant For Heritage Area Proj.
Jun. 28, 2012
U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Barbara Mikulski (both D-Md.) on Tuesday announced the Appalachian Regional Commission’s (ARC) approval of a $30,000 grant to the Garrett Country Chamber of Commerce to develop the Strategic Initiative Program to increase tourism and create new jobs in heritage tourism.
Garrett County recently was authorized as a state Certified Heritage Area titled the Mountain Maryland Gateway to the West Heritage Area. The Strategic Initiative Program will identify ways to promote Garrett County’s unique identity. This grant is the next major step in enhancing tourism, creating jobs, and promoting sustainability, according to the senators.
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The program will include establishment of a Heritage Area web site and use of other social media tools, purchasing and installing four kiosks, hiring a consultant to research and compile the history of Garrett County, including interpretive signage, and the creation of multimedia materials.
“This is exactly the kind of grant I like to see,” Cardin said. “It creates jobs, and it will make it possible for more people to come to Garrett County and enjoy all the history, nature and culture that this county and the state have to offer. We are faced with a unique opportunity here both to bolster existing tourist attractions and to showcase this beautiful part of our state.”
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— Buying or selling real estate in Garrett County or Deep Creek Lake, Maryland? Call Jay Ferguson of Railey Realty for all of your real estate needs! I take great pride in referrals, and I assure you, I will take great care of your friends, family & colleagues!
Redneck Dayz Deemed Success
Jun. 28, 2012
Oh, so good for the skin – as well as a lot of laughs – was the mud pit that was “open to customers” at the recent annual Redneck Dayz festival at Broadford Park. The perfect weather, live music, games, lots of food, and attractions (such as the mud pit) drew “several thousand people” over the course of the two-day bash, according to organizer Mark “Bubba” Marucci of the Oakland/Mtn. Lake Park Lions Club.
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Proceeds from the event support the various charitable programs of the Lions club, as well as those of other participating organizations. See more photos in today’s hard copy of The Republican.
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1923 Chevy on Display at Transportation Museum
Jun. 28, 2012
One of the latest additions at the Garrett County Historical Society Transportation Museum in Oakland is this mint-condition 1923 Chevrolet Superior. The vehicle was reportedly confiscated by law enforcement officials a number of years ago in a drug sting and eventually purchased by Eric Belldina of Masontown, W.Va. David Holman, also of Masontown, did the restoration work.
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The car is on loan by Belldina, and can be seen at the museum anytime between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and noon to 3 p.m. on Sunday.
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— Buying or selling real estate in Garrett County or Deep Creek Lake, Maryland? Call Jay Ferguson of Railey Realty for all of your real estate needs! I take great pride in referrals, and I assure you, I will take great care of your friends, family & colleagues!
Garrett hits impasse with wind setbacks
Commission uncertain how to carry on with land use ordinance
Elaine Blaisdell Cumberland Times-News
OAKLAND — After three motions, Garrett County commissioners came to an impasse in regard to a decision on how to proceed with the public process of a draft land use management ordinance, a portion of which deals with wind turbine setbacks.
During Tuesday’s meeting, Chairman Jim Raley made a motion to table the ordinance so a discussion could occur with the local delegation to address enacting wind setback legislation during the next General Assembly session.
Although Raley’s motion was seconded by Commissioner Gregan Crawford, it was then opposed by commissioners Crawford and Robert Gatto.
“Commissioner Crawford did second that motion, which gave me the opportunity to provide my explanation as to what I wanted to do,” said Raley, who said, according to parliamentary procedures, a motion can be explained once it is seconded. “While Commissioner Crawford wanted to hear what I said, he was not necessarily saying … that he was in agreement with it.”
During the meeting, Raley said he wanted one more chance to speak with the delegation about wind legislation.
“This is the last effort. The state has to understand that they have to put in place some form of protection,” said Raley. “They want to heavily regulate and almost bring a halt to shale gas in this area but they want to put on blinders when it comes to wind energy.”
Raley said that at last year’s Maryland Association of Counties conference, the Maryland Energy Administration talked about the greatness of wind energy and Maryland’s energy future but failed to mention the development of shale gas.
“Many organizations have worked heavily to try to regulate coal out of business. Shame on us,” said Raley.
Raley said regulations could be made statewide in partnering with local legislators, possibly the Maryland Energy Administration and other state agencies.
Crawford said he thought going to the legislation wouldn’t help.
“We have tried to go to the legislature for five to six years now and get this issue addressed. It’s been ineffective,” said Crawford “Last year we got very close but time ran out.”
Crawford made a motion to forward the ordinance to the planning commission and Gatto made an opposing motion, both of which died due to a lack of a second.
“As far as the document, I’m not in favor of it going forward to the planning commission. I think it is too far-reaching, in particular on wind,” said Gatto.
Raley echoed Gatto’s statements, “This document unfortunately reaches far beyond wind energy. It reaches into land uses that farmers have told me they don’t like, business owners have told me they don’t like and landowners have told me they don’t like. I have to figure out some way to get some reasonable setbacks and compliant standards for this (wind) industry.”
The commissioners have received many comments in regard to wind energy projects and the ordinance.
There were petitions with 94 signatures supporting the Annapolis-based Synergics 24-wind turbine project on Four Mile Ridge, according to Raley. In addition, the commission received petitions with 642 signatures opposing the draft land use management ordinance. The commission also received advisory opinions from Maryland Energy Administration, Chesapeake Climate Action Network, Mid Atlantic Renewable, Energy Clipper and EDP Renewables.
“Shame on Maryland. Shame on us for not having something in place before this whole thing took off,” said Raley. “That’s unfortunate because we are amongst projects that already exist and some projects are in the pipeline.”
County attorney Gorman Getty addressed the legal aspects of the vested rights of those projects in different stages, in regard to the ordinance.
Maryland law reflects that when spade is to the earth and there is a physical change to property in a manner that is lawful, with or without regulations, a vested right or interest is acquired under then existing circumstances, said Getty. The law doesn’t protect those that are in the discussion stages or are acquiring easement, according to Getty. Those that have acquired a permit and begun construction would have a vested right.
Raley said he had read the public’s comments and had visited the Pinnacle Wind Project on Green Mountain near Keyser and didn’t think the county is ready for comprehensive zoning.
“Shame on West Virginia and shame on that developer (of Pinnacle) because those turbines are noisy, they are irritating,” said Raley, adding that he once visited on a foggy day and could not see the wind turbines, but could still hear them. “I understand that is the fault of the turbine and the one that has been chosen to be put in place. Obviously, that company is paying the price to deaden that sound. I think it’s no secret that this board of commissioners does not embrace — as a group — wind energy.”
Because no decision was made, the commissioners will have to regroup to address the ordinance, said Raley.
If the ordinance were to go forward, there would still be time to address public issues and concerns before it could become effective, said Crawford.
Contact Elaine Blaisdell at eblaisdell@times-news.com
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— Buying or selling real estate in Garrett County or Deep Creek Lake, Maryland? Call Jay Ferguson of Railey Realty for all of your real estate needs! I take great pride in referrals, and I assure you, I will take great care of your friends, family & colleagues!
Land use ordinance infringes on property rights
Cumberland Times-News
Dear Sirs:
I am a business owner and a Garrett County land owner. My quarry is located off Avilton-Lonaconing Road. My family has been in this business for generations providing all types of stones for schools, churches, playgrounds, home as well as gravel for road construction.
I have attended various meetings at the courthouse, and I must say that I failed to understand any sound reasoning behind the massive regulations that you have proposed.
The issue relating to windmills is on two pages; what about the other 83 pages of regulations? Who asked for these regulations and curbs on our property rights?
This is a fact that Garrett County is a poor county. It is no richer than when my dad was running our family quarry.
No new major construction is happening; no manufacturers are moving into our area, the county has no major development works planned. The only possibility is wind development and maybe gas drilling. The setback that you have proposed will kill any wind development in Garrett County just like it did in Allegany County.
The two operating wind projects on Backbone Mountain are paying about $1.9 million in personal property taxes in addition to $700,000 in real property taxes for year 2012. This revenue stream will continue for the next 30 years.
Additional wind development projects are proposed in Garrett County that could bring over $3 million a year in addition tax revenues per year. These wind projects will bring much needed construction jobs and the developers will be pumping millions into the local economy.
No wonder, in Pennsylvania and West Virginia, counties and boroughs are encouraging wind development.
In the previous commissioners’ meeting, I asked the question: Is there anything wrong with the operating wind mills that require you to ask for these setbacks? I did not get the answer from the commissioners.
We all heard the Clipper representative saying that most of Backbone mountain wind turbines would have been eliminated with your proposed setbacks.
Like the Backbone experience, why can’t we have the wind developers follow the prudent wind industry practices and work with neighboring property owners and follow the state safety and noises regulations?
From properties it is turbine height plus 10 feet, which is about 500 feet. From occupied structure it is about 1,000 feet. Why can we let the wind companies follow it as they did for the Backbone projects?
The remaining 83 pages of the land use ordinance draft is all an infringement on my property rights. I have a right to develop my property as I choose.
If windmills can be considered on my lands, I will embrace it besides providing gravel, stones and services for these projects. I fully support for construction work and jobs for our county residents. My neighbors will benefit too from the economic activities in the area and with additional taxes the county can continue functioning without eliminating of services and closing of schools.
I vote for total rejection and elimination of the proposed Land Use Management Ordinance — county wide zoning.
Jeremy Preston
Lonaconing
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— Buying or selling real estate in Garrett County or Deep Creek Lake, Maryland? Call Jay Ferguson of Railey Realty for all of your real estate needs! I take great pride in referrals, and I assure you, I will take great care of your friends, family & colleagues!
GLAF Offering Young Artists Workshop In July
Jun. 21, 2012
The Garrett Lakes Arts Festival (GLAF) will again offer its Young Artists Workshop open to youth entering 7th grade through graduating high school seniors. The camp is again under the instruction of Laura Stutzman, illustrator and graphic designer.
This is Stutzman’s 14th year to teach the visual arts workshop, designed for students with a desire to learn more about drawing and painting.
“The level of study is both ambitious and challenging with opportunities to try advanced mediums, work collaboratively, and raise their level of skill,” said Mary Callis, executive director of GLAF. “Exercises in scaling art, life drawing, and color theory round out a week of discovery and camaraderie, with a bonus of well-earned confidence for students to take away.”
The week will culminate in an evening show on Friday, open to the public.
Stutzman is a graduate of the Art Institute of Pittsburgh, with a degree in visual communications. Her career began with the Pittsburgh Press in its promotion department, followed by a move to Washington, D.C., where she worked in advertising as an illustrator and designer.
In 1982, Laura co-founded Eloqui, a local illustration company she shares with her husband Mark. She has been a freelance illustrator since the founding of the company, which is headquartered in Mtn. Lake Park
“She is best known for her confident, painterly style that shows uniquely in today’s market,” Callis said. “With a blend of traditional approach and contemporary imagery, Laura’s paintings have adorned numerous magazines, posters, books, and annual reports.”
Stutzman regularly takes on private portrait commissions as well, when time permits.
“The roots of my approach to painting is seeded in the Golden Age of illustration and impressionist from the turn of the century,” Stutzman said. “Impressionists Sargent and Hassam, along with the narrative sensibilities of illustrators Dean Cornwell and N.C. Wyeth, inspire my desire to paint.”
The registration fee for the workshop is $125, which includes instruction, the cost of materials, and lunch, which is provided by the Garrett County Board of Education at the Laker Café.
For more information about the GLAF Young Artists’ Workshop, persons may visit the GLAF web site artsandentertainment.org or call the GLAF office at 301-387-3082.
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— Buying or selling real estate in Garrett County or Deep Creek Lake, Maryland? Call Jay Ferguson of Railey Realty for all of your real estate needs! I take great pride in referrals, and I assure you, I will take great care of your friends, family & colleagues!
