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Garrett commission keeps school renovation project

Elaine Blaisdell Cumberland Times-News

CUMBERLAND — OAKLAND — The Garrett County commissioners voted Tuesday to allow $582,400 for the design phase of the Southern Middle School Renovation Project to remain intact in the fiscal 2014 budget with the condition that no funds will be spent until further discussion with the board of education. They also approved the fiscal 2014 budget.

“At the present time, the $582,400 will remain in the budget as part of the capital outlay for the board of education and earmarked for the Southern Middle School Renovation Project design,” said Monty Pagenhardt, county administrator.

The decision to expend the design’s fund money or to remove it altogether from the budget will be made upon mutual agreement between the commissioners and the board of education, officials said.

In a letter to Superintendent Janet Wilson, Pagenhardt requested that the board delay any request for proposals or bid preparations for the design and planning until the commissioners and board conduct a public session on public school funding.

“As in the past … commissioners will be presented with a draft Capital Improvement Plan by the board of education in September or October,” said Pagenhardt in the letter.

“I would also ask that this review and approval include a possible deferral of the Southern Middle School project, be finalized prior to any architectural design funding is solicited by the BOE,” he said.

The estimated debt service obligation to the county for Southern Middle School is $750,000 per year for 30 years, according to Pagenhardt.

“Commitment of the debt is a decision that requires more review and evaluation,” said Pagenhardt in the letter.

The fiscal 2015 funding request for the board of education includes an estimated $5.1 million increase.

“If the county were to fund the BOE at the level that is shown, the combination of any new revenue generated from any revenue source or any increase in the real property tax rate would be obligated to the public school system,” said Pagenhardt. “All other departments would need to be reduced or flat funded.”

In past years, major board of education capital projects have been moved to future budget years due to planned funding shortfalls, according to Pagenhardt.

Commissioner Gregan Crawford initially made a motion to exclude funding for the project, which he later rescinded.

Commissioner Jim Raley wanted to proceed with leaving the project in the budget but to discuss with the board of education the possibility of completing the project in phases.

“We just made room in the budget to hire three school resource officers to keep our children safe,” said Raley during the commission meeting. “It’s easy to say this justifies raising taxes, but when does it end? Let’s pull together and pray our work is making a difference.”

Contact Elaine Blaisdell at eblaisdell@times-news.com.

More here.

Garrett County sheriff joins gun control law revolt

By Michael Dresser, The Baltimore Sun9:09 p.m. EDT, June 5, 2013

A growing revolt in rural counties against the state’s new gun control law has spread to far Western Maryland, where the Garrett County sheriff declared the measure unconstitutional this week and said he would enforce only the provisions he believes are valid.

The declaration by Sheriff Rob Corley follows the adoption of resolutions by the governing bodies of Carroll and Cecil counties saying those jurisdictions will not use any county resources to enforce the Maryland Firearms Safety Act, passed by the General Assembly this year and signed by Gov. Martin O’Malley in May.

Among other things, the law bans the sales of certain guns classified as assault weapons, limits the size of bullet-holding magazines and requires new handgun purchasers to be licensed and fingerprinted to deter illegal purchases.

Corley’s statement is a full-throated assertion of gun owners’ rights, declaring that the new state law “violates the Second Amendment to the Constitution” and the sheriff “will make every effort to protect our citizens’ constitutional rights.”

Read more: http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/politics/bs-md-guns-sheriff-20130605,0,2977983.story#ixzz2VoyPSNuk

 

New listing! 267 Fireside Rd – 4BR – streamfront + Youghiogheny River access – GA8097229 – $299,900

267 FIRESIDE RD
OAKLAND, MD 21550

267-fireside-rd

IMMACULATE 4BR, 3BA w/ a large stream running through the property. An amazing 6 acres of park-like terrain surrounds this custom built home. Intricate carpentry accentuates every room and detail. Impressive in every way – built-ins around every corner, efficient heating options, covered deck, peaceful setting, private master suite w/ fireplace & jetted tub, overlooking the forest….A MUST SEE. More here.  

 

267-fireside-stream

Road Trippin' – Plan a weekend away with our guide to summer road trips

Deep Creek Lake Area

Approximately 55 Miles from Morgantown

 

Pack your bags and head across the border (little more than one hour from Morgantown) to Deep Creek Lake in Garrett County. Maryland is known for its gorgeous bays and fresh seafood, but don’t forget about its freshwater. Deep Creek Lake is the largest inland body of water in Maryland. With 69 miles of shoreline, the lake is the centerpiece of a close-knit county that provides year-round recreation, lodging, dining, and attractions to more than one million visitors annually.

The area around Deep Creek Lake is getting a lot of buzz, and it isn’t hard to see why with water sports enthusiasts around every corner, four seasons of recreation at Wisp Resort, the Adventure Sports Center International (the world’s only mountaintop recirculating white water course), and 90,000 acres of public land to dig into. Boating, fishing, kayaking, tubing, wakeboarding, swimming, and canoeing are the lifeblood of the community—listed on Budget Travel as one of America’s Best Summer Lake Towns in 2010. Visitors can rent nearly any watercraft imaginable in one of the many marinas or bring their own. The area also boasts three golf courses, of which Lodestone Golf Course at Wisp was ranked seventh in Best New Courses in 2010 by Golf Magazine. Horseback riding, fishing, hiking, and biking are great ways to experience the countryside in Garrett County, or try the Mountain Coaster at Wisp Resort—a gravitational feat of engineering that rockets riders through trees at more than 25 miles per hour.

More here.

visitdeepcreek.com

Garrett sheriff opposes state’s gun regulation

Elaine Blaisdell Cumberland Times-News

CUMBERLAND — OAKLAND — Garrett County Sheriff Robert Corley provided a resolution he claims protects citizens’ Second Amendment rights in regard to the Maryland Firearms Safety Act of 2013 for the county commissioners’ support  during the commission meeting on Tuesday.

Corley proclaimed his opposition to the MFSA and asked for support in allowing himself and deputies to use sound discretionary enforcement of the MFSA against any citizen unless they are engaged in commission of a crime of violence, a violent act, have been convicted of a prior felony, are adjudicated with a dangerous mental illness or under any other related compelling exigent circumstances.

“I’m asking you to join me in my commitment to the law-abiding citizens of Garrett County because such enforcement will greatly reduce the likelihood of criminalizing law-abiding citizens,” said Corley. “I believe that the MFSA violates the Second Amendment to the United States Constitution that cleary states, ‘The right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.’”

Both chairman Robert Gatto and Commissioner Gregan Crawford voiced thier support of the sheriff’s resolution.

Commissioner Jim Raley suggested that the resolution should be viewed by legal counsel and citizens should have input.

“Thanks for taking a stance. It’s an emotional issue. I am disappointed in the attorney general’s stance,” said Raley.

Corley said that he is going to enforce the MFSA as he sees fit.

“I’m not asking for your blessing. I’m asking for your support,” said Corley.

The MFSA, which was enacted by the General Assembly and is set to take effect Oct. 1, bans the sale of 45 types of ordinary rifles and magazines that could contribute to the common defense and requires law-abiding citizens to submit to licensing fees, background checks, fingerprinting, safety training and renewal fees, according to Corley.

During the meeting, Jay Moyer, general roads superintendent, and John Frank, director of emergency management, voiced their support of Corley’s resolution.

The resolution is similar to those made by commissioners in Carroll and Cecil counties, both of whom believe the state act is an infringement on Second Amendment rights, according to Corley.

“Cecil County’s adopted resolution states that the County Council believes the Maryland Firearms Safety Act of 2013 is based on invalid legislation and as a result of their opposition, the board of commissioners will not authorize money, resources, employees, agencies, contractors, buildings, offices or detention centers to enforce any element of the gun law,” said Corley.

The resolution also states that Corley supports the state’s attorney’s decision to prosecute or not to prosecute charges against a law-abiding citizen detained for noncompliance of the MFSA unless they are engaged in the aforementioned circumstances.

Contact Elaine Blaisdell at eblaisdell@times-news.com.

New Listing – 42 Meadow Court – Lake access chalet – $269,900 – ga8090202

ga8090202

42 MEADOW CT
OAKLAND, MD 21550

Lake & mountain view chalet in a desirable lake access community, the Ridge at Paradise Point. Community boasts a sun-drenched lakefront common area and boat slips may be available through the HOA. 3BR, 2BA, nearly 2k square feet, spacious deck and plenty of yard to enjoy the outdoors. Established vacation rental, ‘Pitcher Perfect’. More here.

 

Deep Creek's Got Talent at Honi Honi Bar

deep-creeks-got-talentBenefits HART for Animals

The Honi-Honi Bar is proud to present our 6th Annual Deep Creek’s Got Talent! fundraiser event on Saturday, June 15th, 2013 at the Honi-Honi Bar.  Last year, through the generosity and support of contestants, sponsors, and local businesses, we were able to raise over $13,000, for the Dove Center of Garrett County.  Over the past five years, through the generosity and support of contestants, sponsors, businesses and the community, Deep Creek’s Got Talent! has raised more than $68,000 for local charities and organizations.

This year, we are very excited to announce our support to HART for Animals.  HART for Animals’ mission is to save the lives of adoptable animals through rescue and transport to areas where they will have a better chance of being adopted; reducing pet overpopulation through low-cost spaying and neutering; and building a humane and friendly animal adoption center where adoptable animals will never have to be euthanized.  Since the Spay/Neuter clinic opened in 2009, HART has spayed and neutered 3,200 animals, and in 2012, 512 animals were rescued through transports.  HART recently opened “Pick of the Litter” Thrift Shop and added Wellness Packages at the Spay/Neuter Clinic.  HART for Animals Center will open this summer on Bumble Bee Road.

Mainstreet Matters – Oakland Maryland

Marta at deepcreektimes.com linked a note to this the other day and I agree that its worth nominating Oakland as a potential community for painting from Benjamin Moore.Reading through the comments, you can see a lot of Oaklanders have already nominated Oakland – we have a fair shot of winning! How great would that be? Spend a few minutes and say some great things about Oakland here.

Here is what the project is all about:

“It’s the place where your banker recognizes you by name, shopkeepers are willing to open early for you, and where you catch up with friends at your favorite coffee shop.

Since 1883, our network of local retailers has been an integral part of the communities we serve. Main Street is a part of all our histories, which is why we should all take care of them, preserve them, and work to keep their businesses thriving.

That’s why Benjamin Moore is committed to repainting 20 main streets across the U.S. and Canada- a program we call “Main Street Matters.” We’ll be completing all of the projects over the next year with the help of local Benjamin Moore retailers and painting contractors.” More here.