New DNR secretary to visit region
MCHENRY — Maryland Department of Natural Resources Secretary Josh Kurtz plans to visit Allegany and Garrett counties on Monday.
Kurtz has been acting secretary of the organization since Jan. 18, and became secretary on Feb. 17.
DNR Media Relations Manager Gregg Bortz on Sunday said the visit to the region does not include public events, and Kurtz will conduct internal meetings with area employees.
“He’s making an effort to do that around the state since taking office,” Bortz said via email and added that Kurtz will make time for a media interview.
‘Fight like h***’
A big question for the secretary surrounds the future of $4 million allocated last year by the Maryland General Assembly in DNR’s critical maintenance program for trail development along the state protected Wild Youghiogheny River.
The proposal has been opposed by numerous area property owners and elected officials who want the money to be used for other projects in Garrett County.
“I’m gonna fight like h***,” Sen. Mike McKay said on Sunday of working to keep the funds in Garrett County and added that he believes he has support from the governor’s office. “Right is right.”
In a letter to Kurtz last month, the Board of Garrett County Commissioners asked the state to abandon the trail proposal, and give them control of the money for other trail projects.
Friendsville’s mayor and town council also formally opposed the trail development.
“My goal (for) the Yough is to support what the community wants,” McKay said.
The money trail
The way the money made it into the budget, signed by Gov. Larry Hogan last year, was convoluted at best.
In September 2021, Hogan announced the creation of the Office of Outdoor Recreation, within DNR, and the hiring of J. Daryl Anthony to serve as its first executive director.
Records show that before the $4 million was allocated, meetings that included Anthony, then Del. Wendell Beitzel, and Garrett Trails were held to discuss funding for the development in the Wild Yough corridor.
Beitzel would later say he pushed for the financial allocation “to provide some economic opportunity and to provide more opportunities for outdoor recreation” for the area.
In January 2022, Anthony, in an email to Beitzel’s chief of staff, said, “While I have not asked for specific funding dedicated to the Yough Canyon Trail, I am very hopeful that funding will be available to support outdoor recreation opportunities … the Yough Canyon trail is a high priority for investment.”
In June, Jeannie Haddaway-Riccio, who was DNR secretary at the time, said the appropriation was neither part of the department’s capital budget request nor the governor’s fiscal 2023 budget submission.
Now, legislators will again determine the fate of the funds.
“The General Assembly can move the money from one pot to another,” McKay said and added that he’s “been clear from day one” that he wants the cash to be used in Garrett County.
“I’m 100% sure there will be transparency going forward,” he said. “I can guarantee you that there won’t be any firm decisions that are made without (public) input.”
‘Preserve and protect’
John Bambacus, a former state senator and mayor of Frostburg, has been a leader of the community that opposes development of the Wild Yough.
On Sunday, he said Kurtz’s visit to the area is “extremely important” and talked of valuable resources, including state parks and forests in Garrett County.
Bambacus hopes Kurtz will follow a decision outlined in a 2014 letter written by then DNR Secretary Joseph Gill.
At that time, Gill responded to a letter from Beitzel and former Sen. George Edwards requesting to develop a segment of the Eastern Continental Divide Loop Trail through the Youghiogheny Scenic Corridor.
Gill rejected the idea because it would involve reconstruction of an old rail line and replacement of several bridges.
Environmental regulations would preclude such construction and flooding along the river, he wrote.
“The policy of the state is to preserve and protect the natural values of these rivers, enhance their water quality, and fulfill vital conservation purposes by wise use of resources within their surrounding environment,” Gill wrote. “We are unable to approve development of this area for numerous reasons.”
Teresa McMinn is a reporter for the Cumberland Times-News. She can be reached at 304-639-2371 or tmcminn@times-news.com.
To view the article click here.
Comments Welcome on Water & Sewer Master Plan Amendments
At the March 6 public meeting, County Senior Planner Siera Wigfield presented the 2023 Water & Sewer Master Plan Amendment on behalf of the Garrett County Department of Public Works – Utilities Division.
The presentation was primarily “housekeeping” items of text amendments and map updates to the Water & Sewer Master Plan adopted on December 9, 2014. The current 10-year plan can be found here.
The 2014 plan was prepared to support the continued development of water supply and sewerage systems in Garrett County and meet the requirements of the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR) and the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE). The plan was developed by the Garrett County Department of Public Works – Utilities Division with the assistance of the Garrett County Planning and Land Development Office and the Garrett County Health Department Environmental Health Services.
Also, information was included from the 2008 Garrett County Comprehensive Plan, the 2010 Census, updated geologic mapping, and the most recently available growth projections from the Maryland Department of Planning and the County municipalities.
The amendment presentation includes:
First, map updates to combine McHenry & Thayerville Water areas into Deep Creek Lake Service Area and Sewer Service Expansion Sewer Service in Deep Creek. This will delete Figure 3-4 and update Figure 3-5.
Deep Creek Lake Water Service Area (formerly ThayervilleWater Service Area) per the included map:
- Merge Thayerville & McHenry Water Service areas – as per Resolution 2017-5
- W-2 > W1 in McHenry SW- connected service
- Expand FWS to match 2008 Compressive Plan Growth Area NW
- FPS > W1 – PARADISE Heights expansion – connected service F
Also, Update Figure 3-8: Expand FPS to cover Expand FWS to match Compressive Plan Growth Area NW & SE. Reference the included map.
Then, the proposed text and map amendments for the Grantsville Water Service. The Town of Grantsville requested to amend the plan to update the text to include improvements to the system by consolidating the Green and Grantsville WTPs, replace aging lines and a SCADA system to monitor tank levels. This amendment will allow the Town to apply for funding these improvements.
Also, there are proposed text and map amendments relating to the Trout Run/ Oakland Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP). This will replace the Trout Run WWTP and combine service for communities at a modern WWTP in Oakland.
The complete presentation to include proposed amendments is linked here and the public comment period will be open until Tuesday, March 21, 2023.
If there are any questions, please contact Siera Wigfield at swigfield@garrettcounty.org or 301-334-7477.
COMPLETE 2023 AMENDMENT PRESENTATION FOR COMMENT
To view the article click here.
Maryland Fifth Grader Wins Arbor Day Poster Contest, School to Receive 15 Trees for Planting
The Southern Maryland Chronicle
The judging has concluded for the 2023 Arbor Day poster contest, sponsored by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Maryland First Lady Dawn Flythe Moore joined Maryland Department of Natural Resources Secretary Josh Kurtz and a panel of forestry experts to review submissions and award three Maryland schools with tree plantings this spring.
Maryland Department of Natural Resources Secretary Josh Kurtz and Maryland First Lady Dawn Flythe Moore stand with the top three entries in the 2023 Maryland Arbor Day Poster Contest. Photo by Patrick Siebert, Office of the Governor
“This annual contest is a wonderful way to engage students and to celebrate protecting the environment through artistic expression,” said Maryland First Lady Dawn Flythe Moore. “I am always amazed to see what passionate young minds can do when given the tools and inspiration to express their creativity.”
Each fall, the Maryland Forest Service, in partnership with the Maryland Forest Conservancy District Boards, invites Maryland’s fifth graders to submit a poster following a yearly theme. Posters are first judged on a county level, and the winner from each county is forwarded to the Maryland Urban and Community Forestry Committee to be included in the annual contest.
Judges reviewed posters from several Maryland counties, displayed anonymously during the contest. Photo by Patrick Siebert, Office of the Governor
Students created this year’s posters using various artistic techniques, illustrating this year’s contest theme, “Trees Are Terrific…?and Cool Our Communities?!” Addilyn Centineo, of Eldersburg, Carroll County won first place, and her school will receive 15 trees for planting. Second place, with a prize of 10 trees, was awarded to Daisy Vargas-Martinez of Pittsville, Wicomico County. Emma Secrist of Accident, Garrett County won third place and a prize of five trees.
“The Arbor Day Poster Contest is a great display for our young people to get involved in and spread the word about environmental stewardship,” said Maryland Department of Natural Resources Secretary Josh Kurtz. “This year’s message is especially important, highlighting the connection of trees, quality of life, and combating the effects of climate change.”
Winning entries and more event photos are available on the Department of Natural Resources website.
To find the article click here.
March 6 Board of Garrett County Commissioners Public Meeting Summary
The Board of Garrett County Commissioners held its recent public meeting on Monday, March 6, 2023.
At the administrative session proceeding the public meeting, the following appointments were made:
Youghiogheny River Advisory Board – 1 member & 1 County Representative (filling unexpired terms through 2025)
Molly Rikhye – Land Owner
Siera Wigfield – County Government
Garrett County Emergency Services Advisory Board – 3 County Representative Members (2-year terms)
Reappointment:
Lou Battistella
Bill Ingram
New Appointment
Chris Nichols
Also, a property tax exemption for the Avilton Community Association for Fiscal Year 2024 was approved, as authorized in the Maryland Tax Code, Section 9-313.
At the public meeting session, Paul Edwards served as Chairman. The following items were discussed:
Proclamation: National Vietnam War Veterans Day will be celebrated on March 29, 2023. The proclamation was presented to Denise Shay.
Bid #23–0209 Visitors Center Deck and Handrail Replacement
Bid requested five (5) options. And, after reviewing the bids for compliance, the recommendation was to reject bids for Option 1, 2, 4 and 5.
The five bids for Option 3 (Composite Lumber & Vinyl) were: Daystar Builders, Inc-$29,500, Mill Creek & Company-$27,506, Beitzel Corp-$37,344, EARN Contractors, Inc.-$45,700 and Colossal Contractors, Inc-$68,600.
Bid # 23-0209 awarded for Option 3 to Mill Creek & Company in the amount of $27,506.
Duane Yoder, on behalf of the Garrett County Diversity & Inclusion Advisory Committee, announced the availability of the Public Participation Survey (linked here: https://tripetto.app/run/F02RWK5O9Z)
PUBLIC MEETING CLOSED AND PUBLIC HEARING OPEN
PUBLIC HEARING: Siera Wigfield presented the 2023 Water & Sewer Master Plan Amendment on behalf of the Garrett County Department of Public Works – Utilities Division. This presentation is primarily “housekeeping” with text amendments and map updates:
Map Updates: Combining McHenry & Thayerville Water areas into Deep Creek Lake Service Area and Sewer Service Expansion Sewer Service in Deep Creek
Text and Map Amendments: Grantsville Water Service Updates?
Text and Map Amendments: Relating to the Trout Run/ Oakland WWTP, to replace Trout Run WWTP and combine Service for communities at a modern WWTP in Oakland ?
The complete presentation is linked here.
The public comment period will be open until Tuesday, March 21, 2023. To make a comment, please email gc@garrettcounty.org or swigfield@garrettcounty.org or call 301-334-7477.
PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED AND PUBLIC MEETING OPENED
Public were accepted
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, by 11:00 p.m. on the Monday one week prior to the Public Meeting Day.
The Board of Garrett County Commissioners’ next scheduled Public Meeting will be Tuesday, March 21, 2023, at the Garrett County Courthouse beginning at 4:00 p.m.
Just Listed - 193 Red Run Unit 1A2
3BR, 2BA waterfront condo (end unit!) at Red Run offering lake views and assigned deep water boat slip! Immaculately maintained, the owners have completely remodeled the entire unit during their ownership. Luxurious and well-appointed with upscale furnishings & contents – conveys essentially TURNKEY. Gorgeous master suite with soaking tub, spacious bedrooms, wood burning fireplace, lakeside balcony and additional outdoor storage, as well. Red Run offers nearly 11 acres of common area and rare amenities like a heated swimming pool, tennis courts, paved parking, playground, fire pit & plenty of space to spread out for picnics . Coveted deep water cove with a private, woodsy feel.
https://jay.deepcreeksales.com/homes/193-Red-Run-Road/OAKLAND/MD/21550/137451531/
First responders, helicopter crew rescue injured mountain biker
GRANTSVILLE — A man riding a mountain bike on a remote New Germany State Park trail was rescued by first responders and a Maryland State Police helicopter crew after he became stranded following an accident Wednesday.
According to state police, Grantsville Volunteer Fire Department and other rescue personnel found the injured 56-year-old around 5:30 p.m. on the Meadow Mountain Trail, which stretches through New Germany State Park and Savage River State Forest in Garrett County. He reportedly told rescuers he was stranded in the woods for nearly eight hours.
Rescue personnel requested Trooper 5, based at the Greater Cumberland Regional Airport in Wiley Ford, West Virginia, for an aerial hoist mission due to the mountain biker’s remote location, topography, an extended extrication time and the nature of his injuries.
Garrett County rescue personnel provided patient care and stabilized the biker.
Once overhead, the crew from Trooper 5 used the helicopter’s hoist to lower a trooper/flight paramedic into a clearing below. The trooper/flight paramedic, with assistance from rescue personnel, secured the injured mountain biker and he was lifted about 100 feet in the air and flown to J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown, West Virginia, for treatment.
The injured man’s name was not released and there was no word on his condition Thursday.
Click here to find the article.
Garrett County Hosts Maryland Special Olympics Winter Games
March 1, 2023
Special Olympics President Jim Schmutz, Wisp GM Ron Hawkes, and local elected and county officials helped athletes kick off the 2023 Special Olympics Winter Games at Wisp Resort on Saturday, February 26th. Almost 200 Special Olympic Maryland Athletes showcased their skills and athletic ability in various alpine and snowshoeing events on Monday, February 27 and Tuesday, February 28th.
For a full list of trials and finals, visit Winter Games Schedule of Events
Source: https://conduitstreet.mdcounties.org/2023/03/01/garrett-county-hosts-maryland-special-olympics-winter-games/
Women's Networking Luncheon resumes at Deep Creek Lake
From The Garrett County Republican
DEEP CREEK LAKE — After being sidelined by COVID-19 for several years and postponed last month because of weather, the monthly Women’s Networking Luncheon resumed Feb. 16 at Ace’s Run Restaurant & Pub at Deep Creek Lake.
The public events are organized by the Women’s Association of Mountain Maryland and hosted by Terah Beitzel-Crawford and Dawn Beitzel.
Terah Crawford
Terah Beitzel-Crawford welcomes attendees to the Women’s Networking Luncheon.
Staff photo by Brenda Ruggiero
The featured speaker for the event was Kendall Ludwig, who spoke about her new venture, Jitterbug Movement Studio in downtown Oakland.
She started her presentation by having the audience participate in some stretching exercises.
Ludwig speaks
Kendall Ludwig speaks about Jitterbug Movement Studio.
Staff photo by Brenda Ruggiero
“Most of you know me … I am the president and principal designer of Curly Red, which is a full service creative firm,” she said. “So I do logos. We do print a lot of brochures, annual reports and then we do a lot of web work. We do social media. We just bought a building this past August in downtown Oakland, right across the street from the parking lot.”
Ludwig stated that when she found the building, she looked at the back area and thought it would be a great space for a movement studio.
“I’m a lifelong dancer, so I’ve been dancing since I was 3 years old,” she said. “It’s always just been a hobby of mine … a lot of it’s been through musical theater.”
Ludwig said she took a lot of classes and realized early on that dancing would just be a hobby for her.
Kendall Ludwig outlines speaks for her passion for dance and the creation of Jitterbug Movement Studio in Oakland.
Staff photo by Brenda Ruggiero
“I’m clearly not built to be a ballerina,” she said. “But I embrace the curves. It’s fine. So I decided to do art as my career, but dance has been a lifelong love of mine.”
When she got to Garrett County, Ludwig said she looked around and really wished that there were more movement classes in the county, particularly for adults.
“So that was really what the idea was behind Jitterbug Movement Studio,” she said.
The studio was launched in October.
To read the full article click here.
Maryland Delegation Announces More Than $3 Million for Rural Health Care Facilities
October 26, 2022
Press Release
(Washington, DC) – Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger, along with U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen and Congressmen Steny H. Hoyer, John Sarbanes, Kweisi Mfume, Anthony G. Brown, Jamie B. Raskin and David Trone (all D-Md.), today announced $3,079,600 in U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development funding for six Maryland health and wellness-based facilities to improve and modernize their services.
Funding comes through the Emergency Rural Health Care Grants Program of the American Rescue Plan Act and will be allocated to the following facilities:
Westminster Rescue Mission Inc., $998,400 – To hire additional staff for its Addiction Healing Center, upgrade the Mission’s building and purchase more COVID-19 tests and resources for staff and patients.
Garrett County Regional Medical Center, $802,700 – To provide equipment for Garrett County Memorial Hospital that will help hospital staff assess patients over 65, who are at greater risk of contracting a more serious case of COVID-19, and replace equipment that has been exhausted during the pandemic.
Eastern Shore Entrepreneurship Center, $459,000 – To establish the “Eastern Shore Delmarva Farm to Freezer Project” – a produce processing and aggregation facility that will increase the availability of locally processed produce, increase opportunities for local farmers and provide a wider access to a variety of foods in Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s, Somerset, Talbot, Wicomico and Worcester Counties.
Minary’s Dream Alliance Inc., $374,900 – To fund the staff and their travel expenses, along with the purchase of food, packaging supplies and equipment for the Alliance’s “Feed the Elderly Program,” which was established during the pandemic to provide food to low-income seniors in Kent County.
Brook Lane Health Services Inc. in Washington County, $268,100 – To reimburse lost revenue caused by the pandemic. Over the past three years, Brook Lane was forced to remove some of its inpatient beds to limit the spread of COVID-19.
End Hunger in Charles County, Maryland Inc., $176,500 – To establish a food distribution facility in Indian Head, Maryland by investing in a building, trucks, walk-in freezers and bulk food. Indian Head has a population of 3,844 people, over 12 percent of whom live in poverty. This will serve as the first fresh food source in the town since 1999.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has been tough on Maryland families in every corner of our state, exacerbating challenges that have been building up in the health care system for years. That’s why we must keep working to ensure that everyone has equitable access to health services they need, regardless of their zip code,” the lawmakers said. “These federal funds will support the health and wellbeing of people across our state, especially targeting rural areas that are often under-served. We will continue to support these health care facilities and work to increase access to health care in all of our communities.”
TeamMaryland fought to pass the historicAmerican Rescue Plan Act with unified Democratic support.
The Emergency Rural Health Care Grants were first made available in August 2021. The grants provide assistance to health care facilities, tribes and communities looking to expand health care services and nutrition assistance in rural areas.
Article link click here
