Category:garrett county
Mining Safety Solutions Company To Occupy Keysers Ridge Business Park
The Garrett County Board of Commissioners announced yesterday that Strata Safety Products LLC will be the first business to occupy the Keysers Ridge Business Park, located at U.S. Rt. 40 and I-68 near Grantsville.
Strata Safety Products is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Strata Worldwide LLC, a global supplier of safety solutions that are intended to promote a safer, more productive working environment above and below ground. Headquartered in Atlanta, Ga., this new Grantsville location will be Strata’s first in this region.
“The board of commissioners and I are committed to the continual economic growth of the county,” said GC Department of Economic Development director Mike Koch. “Strata will provide Garrett County’s workforce with additional employment opportunities, and Strata is already a business partner of other Garrett County and regional businesses.”
The Keysers Ridge Business Park was developed in 2003 by the state of Maryland, through the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development (DBED), with $2.5 million in funding.
“We are pleased to welcome Strata Safety Products to Maryland and look forward to working with them to help them to grow and add jobs here,” said DBED Secretary Dominick M. Murray. “We look forward to working with our partners in Garrett County to continue to attract additional companies to the business park.”
Strata Safety Products designs and manufactures emergency refuge and safety equipment for mining and construction industries. The chambers provide a safe haven of breathable air for miners and/or construction workers trapped in potentially toxic environments.
Recently, Strata announced that it is the first company worldwide to receive official United States Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) approval for components used in its Mine Refuge Alternatives. These approvals include the September 2012 approval of the breathable air component and the March 2013 approval of the harmful gas removal component.
“We are pleased to work with the Garrett County Economic Development team, and look forward to occupying the new facility at Keysers Ridge Business Park,” said David Maust, vice president and general manager of Strata’s Refuge Alternatives. “We were very happy to have been the first company worldwide to be awarded the MSHA approval for a Refuge Alternative component. Our new Garrett County facility will certainly play a role in helping us meet the upcoming demands for our Refuge Alternatives.”
GC Commissioners To Present "State-Of-The-County" Report
The Garrett County Chamber of Commerce will present a state-of-the-county forum at its next Business Before Hours event on Tuesday, July 16, at Dutch’s at Silver Tree. The event begins at 8 a.m. with breakfast and networking, followed by the program from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m.
Garrett County commissioners Jim Raley, Bob Gatto, and Gregan Crawford will review the county’s priorities, pending projects, challenges, and plans for this fiscal year.
“We are very pleased to host our county commissioners to provide our members an overview of how Garrett County is faring,” said Nicole Christian, chamber president/CEO. “It’s been a tough few years and it is important that what is happening in the county is communicated with the business community. These commissioners have made it a goal to be accessible and transparent and their participation in the state-of- the-county [event] is helping them to achieve that goal.”
Potomac Edison and Garrett County Memorial Hospital are the forum sponsors.
The cost for chamber members is $15 in advance or $20 at the door. The cost for nonmembers is $30. Interested persons are asked to register by visiting www.visitdeepcreek.com or calling Carol Hauser at 301-387-6171 by noon on Monday, July 15, to receive the advance payment discount for members. Space is limited, so early reservations are recommended.
The Business Before Hours breakfast programs are bimonthly events designed to focus on specific topics with formal presentations. Noncompeting sponsorship opportunities are available for each forum.
For more information or sponsorship opportunities, persons may contact Paula Thomas at 301-387-5237 or paula@garrettchamber.com. More here.
Landowners should find out how to retrieve mineral rights
To the Editor: Cumberland Times-News
— Garrett County is probably the most mineral rich county in Maryland, Allegany County being the next in line. Right now it seems the focus is on natural gas and of course there has always been coal.
However, Minerals as defined by The Maryland Dormant Mineral Statute Environmental Law 15201(c), includes: gas, oil and oil shale, coal, gaseous liquid and solid hydrocarbons, cement materials and building stone, chemical substances, gemstone, metallic, fissionable and nonfissionable ores, colloidal and other clay, steam and geothermal resources.
The point being, the land owner who does not have their mineral rights risks the real possibility that a mineral owner could enter upon their land to mine, quarry or pit any of the minerals included under the Maryland Dormant Mineral Statute.
In the case of Department of Forests and Parks, et al. v. George’s Creek Coal and Land Company (250 Md 125), that right was upheld.
In the case, Maryland’s highest court ruled that George’s Creek Coal and Land company had the right to enter the state’s land to both mine and remove the minerals, including the right to strip mine.
Quoting, Judge J. McWilliams, who wrote the opinion for the court, “Unless the appellants (the state) and the appellee (the company) can come to terms in respect of compensation to the Company for the surrender of its mineral rights, our decision in this case will result in the scarification and uglification of most of the upper eastern face of Big Savage Mountain.”
I know for a fact that there are clay pits, sand pits, stone quarries, gravel quarries and limestone quarries in the county. I grew up in Garrett County and as kids we played in a sand pit. One summer I worked in a stone quarry.
The land owners in Garrett or Allegany counties who do not have their minerals need to protect themselves from having a strip mine, a quarry or a pit of some type on their land by contacting an attorney to discuss how to get their mineral rights back under the Dormant Mineral Statute.
Jim Braskey
Frostburg
Sage Title - Deep Creek Lake Law - Attorney Gary Sabo
Gary Sabo is a very good friend of mine and its long overdue that I give the man a public shout out on the blog. Gary has a spectacular staff, Brandy, Sherry & Dyane, and they are always working hard to put together settlements for my clients. They are reliable, friendly, and always willing to go the extra mile. I highly recommend talking to them about your real estate settlement or closing, or real estate issues that may arise when owning property. He’s my go-to guy for quick answers to questions and he also teaches many of the continuing education courses for the Garrett County Board of Realtors. Smart as a whip, even better person.
Another favorite of mine: his online tools to calcuate closing costs – make sure to check this out!
Gary E. Sabo, Attorney-at-Law
24449 Garrett Hwy. Unit 4
McHenry, MD 21541
Phone: 301-387-7380
Fax: 301-387-7381
Email: gesabo@gmail.com
Adventuresports Institute Awarded $250,000 Grant
U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Barbara A. Mikulski (both D-Md.) announced last Friday that the Garrett County Board of Commissioners has received a $250,000 grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) to improve the educational facilities of the Adventuresports Institute (ASI) of Garrett College.
In addition to the grant, the project will be locally funded at $279,024 and with an additional $50,000 in other federal funds.
“Tourism means jobs in western Maryland and across our great state,” Cardin said. “This grant is about equipping young professionals with the important skills they need to showcase the splendor of western Maryland’s natural resources. ARC’s federal-local partnership is investing together in Garrett County’s economy, while raising the bar for new levels of responsible, environmental stewardship.”
The Adventuresports Institute is a wholly owned operation of Garrett College. It was founded as part of a strategy to establish Garrett County as an adventure sport tourism leader. The area’s distinctive four-season climate and diverse geology are supportive of adventure recreation activities.
ASI works with public and private entities to train professionals and produce leaders in adventure sports and recreation industries who have a strong sense of environmental stewardship and community service.
“This federal funding is an important investment in Garrett County’s economic security and the vitality of Western Maryland,” said Mikulski. “These funds will help build an industry that keeps Marylanders on the job and encourages people to visit our state. Tourism spurs all parts of the economy – from the adventure sites to the food stands. I will keep fighting for smart federal investments in Maryland communities.”
She added that this grant comes at an opportune time as its beneficiaries will be instrumental in ensuring that the International Canoe Federation’s Canoe Slalom World Championship in 2014 at Deep Creek Lake is a success.
Cardin is chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works Water and Wildlife Subcommittee, and Mikulski is chairwoman of the Appropriations Committee.
Getting a New Face
Thanks to the Eagle Scout project of local Boy Scout Troop 22 member A.J. Savopoulos, the 1950s B&O caboose at the Oakland B&O Railroad Station/Museum, the color of the car has been restored to its original red. His project will be completed in time for the grand opening of the Oakland B&O Railroad Museum, scheduled for Saturday, July 20, beginning at 1 p.m. Individuals, government agencies, and organizations that have been instrumental in this long-awaited opening will be represented at the ceremony, with Oakland Mayor Peggy Jamison serving as mistress of ceremonies. Appointed by the Oakland mayor and town council four years ago, an ad hoc committee partnered with the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Museum in Baltimore to transform Oakland’s 1884 station into a railroad museum. Chaired by former mayor Asa McCain, the committee consisted of 25 members, and there are 20 volunteers who help operate the museum on Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday each week. The ribbon-cutting will take place at the front door of the museum immediately following speaker presentations. Tom Biery, president of the Western Maryland Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society, will present a 30-minute digital slide program at 3 p.m. highlighting the B&O Railroad freight and passenger operation history in the Oakland area. His presentation will take place in the baggage room, which is now a learning center and theater. The learning center has state-of-the-art equipment recommended by Crellin Elementary School principal Dana McCauley and Craig Trautwein, also with the board of education. The Baltimore & Ohio Museum in Baltimore has exhibits in the Oakland B&O Museum, and the committee has added additional B&O exhibits and artifacts on loan and gifted by local residents. The B&O Museum will complement the Garrett County Historical Museum and Transportation Museum of Garrett County/Deep Creek Lake Gallery. Oakland’s station, which is on the National Registry of Historical Places, has received a $400,000 upgrade and restoration last year. The public is invited to attend the grand opening event.
Retire Here, Not There: Maryland - Oakland top 5 in state
Oakland
Tucked away in the northwestern corner of Maryland, Oakland is a tiny town with outsize opportunities for outdoor activities. Oakland abuts the 3,900-acre Deep Creek Lake, the largest lake in Maryland. The lake is used for recreation year-round, with ice fishing and cross-country skiing in the winter (the average ice thickness is 18 inches); fishing, canoeing and kayaking in the spring, fall and summer; and swimming and tubing (a favorite with the grandkids) in the hotter months.
Oakland is also within minutes of Wisp Resort, which has 132 acres of ski terrain, and five golf courses. It’s home to Adventure Sports Center International, which has a mountaintop white-water rapids course (one of the few in the world) and is the official venue for the 2014 Canoe Slalom World Championships.
All this outdoor recreation comes with a reasonable price tag: The cost of living is roughly average for the country, compared with 20% higher than average statewide, and the median home costs just over $130,000. That said, the town is tiny, with few restaurants or other amenities, and it takes a good 2½ hours to reach the nearest major international airport, in Pittsburgh. More here.
DNR close to living up to trail promise
Michael A. Sawyers Cumberland Times-News
CUMBERLAND — Two years after closing a pair of off-highway vehicle trails on state forests in Western Maryland, the Department of Natural Resources is close to living up to a promise to replace one of them with a loop in eastern Garrett County.
Citing environmental damage caused by improper use, the agency in April 2011 closed an 18-mile trail on the Green Ridge State Forest in Allegany County and another along Poplar Lick on the Savage River State Forest in Garrett County.
“The Green Ridge closure cost business in Allegany County $1.6 million,” said Allegany County Commissioner Bill Valentine.
Valentine spoke at a meeting Monday in the county office complex.
The Maryland OHV Alliance organized the gathering that was attended by the District 1 legislative delegation, county commissioners from Allegany and Washington counties, and DNR staffers, including Secretary Joe Gill.
Paul Peditto, who heads the DNR effort to establish new trails, said a 13-mile trail in the St. John’s Rock area is approaching approval.
That site is just south of the Finzel exit on Interstate 68.
Slightly behind in the process are two trails in Washington County proposed for a wildlife management area and a natural resources management area on Sideling Hill.
“There is a lot of energy around this effort,” Gill said. The secretary urged participants to study successful trail programs from other states.
Peditto anticipates a public comment period about the St. John’s Rock trail by late summer. A 12-month construction period would be required for completion.
Allegany County Commission President Mike McKay asked alliance spokesman Ken Kyler to come to a county work session to explain the search for new trails.
“Be prepared to answer all the tough questions,” McKay said. “There will be property owners up in arms because of anticipated noise levels.”
Although the proposed new trails are on public land, substantial discussion took place Monday about establishing them on private land, as well.
“The first question that has to be dealt with is the liability issue,” said Delegate Kevin Kelly.
Delegate Wendell Beitzel said he is concerned about trail users leaving existing paths and wandering on to adjoining private lands that are not part of the established routes.
Much discussion centered on the possible placement of trails on reclaimed strip mine operations.
Sen. George Edwards said he hopes with the thousands of acres owned by DNR in Allegany and Garrett counties that a couple of trails could be established without using private lands.
Kyler, a Middletown resident, said the Hatfield-McCoy trail in West Virginia generates $20 million annually for businesses there.
Development of trails in Maryland could include links that establish larger systems, he said. He said an economic study of a trail in Minnesota discovered that each user spent an average of $190 per visit at local businesses.
Delegate LeRoy Myers Jr. urged the group to assure that small towns become part of the trail loops so that businesses would prosper.
Peditto said a private campground near the proposed St. John’s Rock trail should benefit economically once that project is done.
The use of OHVs is the fastest-growing form of recreation in the country, according to Steve Carr of the DNR.
Peditto said it is likely that OHV trails on public lands would be closed during peak hunting periods such as the deer firearms season.
Contact Michael A. Sawyers at msawyers@times-news.com.
Fun things to do July 4th week at Deep Creek Lake & Garrett County
Mountain Fresh Farmers Markets feature the area’s freshest fruits, vegetables, berries, and herbs as well as plants, eggs, honey, cut flowers, delicious grassfed meats, goat’s milk cheeses, home baked goods, jams & jellies, hand made crafts, and more each Wednesday and Saturday from 10 am to 1 pm in beautiful downtown Oakland, just a 15 minute drive south from Deep Creek Lake.
We’re a “Producer-Only” market, meaning that you are purchasing the items directly from farmers, bakers, and artisans, as we do not allow any reselling at our market.
Stage Wisp Concert #1
Band : The Steve Hussey Band
Band Description: From Johnny Cash to Steve Hussey originals to songs fresh out of a Nashville writing room, the Steve Hussey Band has been entertaining at venues all over West Virignia, Ohio and all over the East Coast for 10 years.
From clubs to concert series to State Fairs, the Steve Hussey Band has done it all! Thier brand of Americana is sure to make shoes tap and get people up and dancing.Event Description: Grab the family and the lawn chairs and head to Wisp Resort’s new Stage Wisp concert series location – The Wisp Outdoors Adventure Park for some great live entertainment and lots of fun! This annual summer concert series will provide nightlife and entertainment for the entire family. Our new locations will place you right in the middle of Wisp Resorts hot spots and only steps away from some great activities such as the Mountain Coaster, All NEW Spider Monkey Adventure, Segway Tours and much more. The Bar and Grill will be open for tasty treats and cold drinks! – No Coolers Permitted!
Free
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Fire on the Mountain Fireworks Display
The Garrett County Chamber of Commerce presents the annual Fire on the Mountain Fireworks Display, sponsored by NLP of Maryland, LLC. Fireworks launched from the top of Bear Claw Tubing Park at Wisp Resort out toward the waters of Deep Creek Lake. Viewing spots include the scenic overlook on Rt. 219, McHenry Cove on Deep Creek Lake and businesses in McHenry.
Tune into 104.5 WKHJ, 92.3 The Train or 1050 AM WMSG radio, the official media partners for the Fire on the Mountain Fireworks Display, for inclement weather updates and patriotic music to accompany the show.
Rain date: July 5th. If there is inclement weather on July 4th, please check this page or tune your radio to 104.5 WKHJ, 92.3 The Train and 1050 AM WMSG radio for live updates on the status of the fireworks.
| Major Sponsor: NLP of Maryland, LLC |
| Supporting Sponsor: |
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| Associate Sponsor: Wisp Resort | |
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Media Partners: 104.5 WKHJ, 92.3 The Train & 1050 AM WMSG Radio.
Display provided by Zambelli Fireworks.
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July 4th Concert
Join your friends and bring your family and enjoy the Garrett Choral Society and the Garrett Community Concert Band in their annual Independence Day Concert at Garrett College. This year’s concert will be in the NEW gymnasium at Garrett College. After the concert, join us on the lawn of Garrett College to enjoy the magnificent fireworks displayed off WISP Mountain.
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Little Yough Summer Music Festival
The Little Yough Summer Concert Series will begin its 17th season! Come to downtown Oakland and join us for a night under the stars. Bring your chairs, blankets and refreshments if you would like. They are every Friday evening from July 5-September 6, concerts begin at 7:00 pm and go until approximately 9:30 pm. You can also come a little early and get some food from one of our many delicious food vendors. Concerts are held in the Mt. Fresh Pavilion on Town Park Lane next to the Little Yough river. Complete performers descriptions can be found at www.agreatsmalltown.com . Concerts are FREE, but donations are graciously accepted. Hope to see you there!
2013 Line-up
July 5- The Stray Birds
July 12-Dennis McClung
July 19- Mon River Big Band
July 26- Jessica Lee
August 2- Boilermakers
August 9- Scott & Michelle Dalzeil
August 16- Nora Jane Struthers
August 23- Half Time String Band
August 30-The Carper Family
September 6- The Remedy
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Boat Parade on Deep Creek lake
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Summer Art Camp
Each project incorporates a fine artist, art concept, or technique. Students will use various types of paint, pastels, india ink, charcoal, clay, aluminum, wire, glass, printing ink, and much more to create one of a kind projects.Each camp week will focus on a new topic. Each week will include at least two new masters and projects in both 2-D and 3-D.
At the end of the summer, campers will get to exprerience another facet of the fine arts with an art show featuring their work.
Open to children ages 5 – 14
Camps will be held at J.F.Mazur Fine Art Studio in Oakland, MD throughout the week, with the exception of Wednesdays.
On Wednesdays camp will meet in the Pocket Park for Plein Air days, weather permitting.
(Pocket Park Location: 2nd Street, Oakland MD 21550. Between the Cornish Cafe and Newman’s Funeral Home)
(ages 11-14) 1pm – 4pm
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Welcome Party Mondays
18th Annual Rodeo Slated In McHenry
The 18th annual Championship Rodeo will be held on Friday and Saturday, July 5 and 6, at the Garrett County Fairgrounds, McHenry. Musical entertainment, featuring Perry and Sean Kamp on Friday and Kenny Jones on Saturday, will begin at 6:30 p.m., followed by rodeo action at 7:30.
Bull riding, bronco riding, roping, barrel racing, youth mutton busting, and bullfighting clowns will be featured.
This event is sponsored by the Garrett County Livestock Association and 92.3 The Train. Proceeds benefit the 4-H and FFA livestock activities and improvements to the areas used by youth livestock groups at the fairgrounds.
Advance tickets cost $8 for adults and $4 for children 12 and younger. At the gate, tickets will cost $10 for adults and $5 for children. Tickets are available at Southern States in Oakland, Lakeview Auto Parts, Grantsville Ad Service, Glotfelty Enterprises, Little Sandy’s, and Fratz True Value. More here.
