McHenry Highland Festival
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Music of the Scottish Moors will soon resound throughout the Deep Creek Lake area, as the 23rd annual McHenry Highland Festival is scheduled for next weekend. The festival features a Celtic concert at Wisp Resort on Friday evening, June 4, a wide variety of activities on Saturday, June 5, at the Garrett County Fairgrounds, and a Kirkin’ o’ the Tartans on Sunday, June 6. See story. Pictured is the Parade of Clans from a few years ago. The parade is scheduled for noon on Saturday at the fairgrounds and will feature clan representatives, military units, Celtic dogs, and, of course, pipe and drum bands. Photo by John McEwen.
If you are thinking of 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! 877-563-5350
Welcome to Summer - Memorial Day 2010
Its here. The un-official, offical first weekend of summer. Here is a quick hit list of whats going on:
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Friday May 28 (tonight)
2010 Inaugural “All-American Whitewater Festival” (several days)
http://www.visitdeepcreek.com/event.php?eventid=3826
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Saturday May 29
19th Anniversary Boathouse Show @ Boardwalk
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=122801051083652&index=1
K-9, Tunes & Brews
http://www.visitdeepcreek.com/event.php?eventid=3746
Tom Wallisch Memorial Day Rail Jam (on real snow!!!)
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=120179218020073&index=1
Campfire – The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly – DCL State Park Amphitheater
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Sunday May 30
Morning Hike @ Discovery Center 7am
Cookout at Jay’s 4pm (just seeing you’re paying attention 🙂
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Monday May 31
Old Fashioned Memorial Day Celebration – Grantsville
http://www.visitdeepcreek.com/event.php?eventid=3836
Herrington Manor Hay Rides
http://www.visitdeepcreek.com/event.php?eventid=3717
Be safe, don’t drink & drive, and have a blast this weekend! I’ll see you on the lake!!
If you are thinking of 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! 877-563-5350
Honi-Honi gearing up for Memorial Day
I took a few shots of the haze melting off Tuesday morning. The Honi Honi looks quite inviting and seems to be ready for the summer crowd. I’m hoping to spend some time there in the very near future. Nothing starts the summer off quite like a cold beer on the lake with 1,000 other lake friends 🙂
Garrett commissioners OK final drafts of land ordinances
Megan Miller Cumberland Times-News
OAKLAND — The Garrett County Commission gave its unanimous approval Tuesday to the final drafts of three amended ordinances to guide county land development.
“We’re at the end of the road here, so this is good, so far as these ordinances are concerned,” John Nelson, director of planning and land development, told the commission.
The newly adopted versions will go into effect June 1. But the long process of updating the three planning and land development ordinances — a subdivision ordinance, sensitive areas ordinance and Deep Creek watershed zoning ordinance — began more than a year ago, in April 2009.
The first versions spurred some public uproar over a provision that would affect the development of rural resource and agricultural resource land. That provision would have required at least 66 percent of subdivision land parcels in those areas to be set aside as “resource parcels,” or open land.
That requirement was removed in a later draft, after landowners objected that it infringed on private property rights and could potentially drive down property values by restricting land use. Instead, the document includes clustering as an option, and contains incentives to attempt to encourage that type of development.
A provision in the first draft of the updated Deep Creek watershed zoning ordinance also caused a stir because it would have put strict requirements on development on crests and ridge lines visible from the surface or shoreline of the lake. The proposed changes also would have required trees to be planted between structures and the lake to screen them from view.
But the strict requirements didn’t sit well with people specifically interested in those properties for the development potential and unobstructed lake views. In a later draft, the provision was changed to require only that trees be planted around the sides and rear of new structures to help them blend into the surrounding vegetation. No trees are required for the front, or lake-facing side.
The ordinance update was undertaken because state law requires the ordinances to be adjusted to remain consistent with changes to the county comprehensive plan. The current version of the plan was adopted in 2008.
Updated versions of the ordinance drafts and maps are available on the county website at www.garrettcounty.org
If you are thinking of 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! 877-563-5350
Their treat: Cops to give free desserts to kids in life jackets
From the Outdoors Girl blog:
From Deep Creek Lake to the waters around Ocean City, kids wearing life jackets while boating this summer could win a free dessert for putting safety first.
Following the worst season for boating fatalities in more than a decade, Maryland Natural Resources Police officers will be giving away coupons for Rita’s Italian Ice as part of a stepped up education and enforcement program. Also, coupons will be given out wherever the colorful “Wear-it, Maryland” truck is on display.
The coupons are good for a free Italian ice at any of Rita’s 80 Maryland shops.
Last year, Maryland had 16 fatal accidents, resulting in 17 deaths–the highest number in more than a decade. Sixteen of the 17 victims were not wearing life vests.
If you are thinking of 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! 877-563-5350
No “Sales Tax” on Home Sales in Recently Enacted Health Reform Bill
From MDRealtor.org:
Contrary to reports and newspaper articles circulating widely on the Internet, there is not a “sales tax” or “transfer tax” on the sale of a home included in the recently signed health care reform bill. The analysis underlying these reports is incorrect.
Beginning in 2013, the health bill imposes a new 3.8% Medicare tax on “net investment income” earned by taxpayers with Adjusted Gross Income of more than $200,000 for individuals or more than $250,000 for married couples. Since capital gains are included in the definition of net investment income, a tax obligation might result from the sale of real property. In the case of the sale of a principal residence, the existing $250,000/$500,000 exclusion from capital gains on the sale of a principal residence remains unchanged. Therefore, even when the AGI limits are met, the new tax would apply only to the gain realized on a home sale in excess of the $250K/$500K existing primary home exclusion that pushes the filer’s AGI over the $200K/$250K adjusted gross income limit.
If you are thinking of 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! 877-563-5350
Government Affairs News - Maryland Realtor
From MDRealtor.org:
Governor Signs Short Sale Tax Prohibition Legislation
On May 20th, Governor Martin O’Malley signed hundreds of bills into law. Summaries of several real estate bills he signed are listed below, including three MAR priorities: legislation prohibiting the taxation of forgiven debt in short sales; legislation giving small businesses the ability to pay property taxes semiannually; and legislation regulating real estate teams.
HB 590/SB 657 – Taxation of Forgiven Debt in Short Sales
STATUS: PASSED – Effective May 20th, 2010.
Clarifies that recordation and transfer taxes may not be imposed on the forgiven debt in short sale transactions. Three counties (Anne Arundel, Prince George’s and Montgomery) began levying recordation taxes on the forgiven debt in short sale transactions at the end of 2009. MAR initially sought an opinion from the Attorney General regarding this practice. Maryland Attorney General Doug Gansler released that opinion at MAR’s Legislative Day confirming that recordation taxes cannot be levied on the forgiven debt. HB 590/SB 657 strengthen his opinion and make clear that transfer taxes may not be imposed either.
HB 484/SB 1083 – Semiannual Payment Schedule – Small Business Property
STATUS: PASSED – Effective October 1, 2010 for tax years beginning after June 30, 2011.
Requires local governments to provide a semiannual payment schedule for small business property. Currently, local governments only provide the semiannual payment schedule for residential property. A small business property is defined as a property assigned a commercial use code by the State Department of Assessments and Taxation and for which the annual property taxes do not exceed $50,000.
HB 199/SB 520 – Homestead Property Tax Credit – Federal Government Employees
STATUS: PASSED – Effective June 1, 2010 for tax years beginning after June 30, 2010
Extends the Homestead Property Tax Credit to federal employees stationed outside Maryland for a period not exceeding 6 consecutive years. Once the homeowner moves back to Maryland, the homeowner may reclaim the credit which will be calculated as if the credit had not been lost during the homeowner’s out-of-state residency.
HB 406 – Real Estate Licensees – Services Provided through Teams
STATUS: PASSED – Effective October 1, 2010
Regulates real estate teams and groups. It defines a real estate team as two or more associate brokers or licensed salespersons who work together on a regular basis to provide real estate brokerage services; who represent themselves to the public as being party of one entity; and who designate themselves a collective name such as a team or group. Each team must designate a team leader who has at least three years experience as a licensee. The team leader is responsible for supervising other team members and ensuring that the team adheres to all office rules, practices, and procedures established by the broker and or branch office manager. Advertisements for the team must include the name of the brokerage, the name of at least one licensed team member, and a telephone number of the broker or branch office manager.
HB 472 – Foreclosure Mediation
STATUS: PASSED – Effective July 1, 2010
Establishes a mediation process for homeowners facing foreclosure. Requires lenders to provide information detailing the lender’s efforts to avoid foreclosure with the homeowner. If the lender has not completed its consideration of foreclosure alternatives, the legislation provides a process for that to occur even after a foreclosure has been filed with the court. Allows a homeowner to opt for foreclosure mediation if the homeowner does not believe he/she was fairly considered for foreclosure alternatives. Provides additional funding for housing counselors to assist homeowners.
HB 711/SB 654 – Tenants in Foreclosure
STATUS: PASSED – Effective June 1, 2010
Largely conforms tenant disclosure legislation passed last year to the new federal Helping Families Save Their Homes Act (Public Law No: 111-22). While Maryland law only required lenders and foreclosure purchasers to give notice to tenants living in foreclosed property, the federal law actually extends tenant leases for at least 90 days after a foreclosure sale. HB 711/SB 654 gives tenants the same rights under Maryland law which exist in the federal law. However, unlike the federal law which terminates at the end of 2012, the state law has no automatic termination date.
HB 1399 – Required Notice of Housing Counseling Programs and Services
STATUS: PASSED – Effective January 1, 2011 contingent upon the adoption of regulations
Requires a lender to provide a borrower written notice recommending that the borrower complete homebuyer education or housing counseling and information about such programs. Lenders who must already refer borrowers to housing counseling are exempt. The law is effective January 1, 2011 contingent upon regulations being adopted before October 1, 2010 by the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD). If the regulation is not passed by October 1, 2010, the law does not take effect until 60 days after DHCD certifies adoption of the regulations to the Department of Legislative Services.
HB 475 – Sustainable Communities Act
STATUS: PASSED – Effective June 1, 2010
Extends for three years the Maryland Heritage Structure Rehabilitation Tax Credit and renames it as the Sustainable Communities Tax Credit. The bills would permit certain non-historic structures (such as transit oriented development, BRAC enterprise zones) to claim a reduced credit (10 percent of rehabilitation costs). Historic structures can still claim a credit for 20 percent of certified costs, and a 25 percent credit could be claimed for historic renovations which comply with LEED certification. Funding for the credits is capped, so not every eligible property will receive the credit.
If you are thinking of 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! 877-563-5350
Primary election taking shape in Garrett County
Commission, sheriff’s seats up for grabs
From Staff Reports Cumberland Times-News
OAKLAND — Several contested races have already formed for local offices in Garrett County’s Sept. 14 primary election, with the deadline to file candidate papers still months away.
Local offices open in 2010 include: all three county commission seats, state’s attorney, sheriff, clerk of courts, register of wills, judge of orphans court, three school board seats for Districts 1, 2, and 3, and the chairs of the Republican and Democratic central committees.
All three incumbent county commissioners are seeking to retain their seats, but at least two will face challengers in the primary.
Current commission chairman Ernest Gregg, R-Mountain Lake Park, will take on Gregan Crawford, R-Oakland, for the District 1 seat on the commission. Incumbent Fred Holliday, R-Grantsville, will vie with current board of education member Jim Raley, R-Frostburg, for the District 2 seat. In District 3, incumbent Denny Glotfelty, R-McHenry, is currently unopposed.
Two men have filed as Republican candidates for the office of sheriff, Robert E. Corley, Oakland, and Larry Gnegy, Oakland. The office is currently held by Gary Berkebile.
Incumbent Rita L. Watson, R-Oakland, will face Republican challengers Traci Royce, Oakland, and John K. Sines, Oakland, for register of wills. Watson was appointed register of wills after the retirement of Joseph DiSimone in June.
Five candidates have filed for three open positions as judge of the orphans court. The three candidates who receive the most votes will be elected to fill the positions.
Incumbents Clifford C. DeWitt, R-Oakland, James F. Margroff, R-Accident, and H. Wayne Wilt, R-Oakland, are seeking re-election, and face challenges from David C. Beard, R-Oakland, and Aria Knust, R-Oakland.
Incumbent Sondra R. Buckel, R-Bittinger, is running unopposed for re-election as clerk of the circuit court. It will be Buckel’s first time seeking the office in an election, as she was originally appointed to fill the vacancy created by the death of David K. Martin in 2007.
In the nonpartisan board of education races, both current president Donald Forrester, Mountain Lake Park, and current vice president Thomas Carr, Accident, are, at this point, unopposed to retain their District 1 and 2 seats. No candidate has yet filed for the District 3 seat currently held by Rodney Durst, Oakland.
No candidate has yet filed for the offices of state’s attorney or either the Republican or Democratic central committee chairs.
At the state level, Sen. George Edwards, R-Grantsville, has filed to retain his seat representing District 1 in Annapolis, and Delegate Wendell Beitzel, R-Accident, has filed to retain his District 1A seat in the House of Delegates. Both are, so far, running unopposed.
The deadline for filing candidate papers is July 6.
If you are thinking of 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! 877-563-5350
Western Md. Group Aims For Deep Creek Trail Link
CUMBERLAND, Md. (AP) ― Some western Maryland tourism promoters says they’re seeking state support for a proposed biking and hiking trail that would link Deep Creek Lake to the Great Allegheny Passage.
Savage River Lodge owner Mike Dreisbach (DRYS’-bahk) is president of Mountain Maryland Trails and vice president of Garrett Trails.
He says the proposed Continental Divide loop would connect to the Great Allegheny Passage at Meyersdale, Pa., and Confluence, Pa.
Dreisbach says the proposal is on the agenda for a western region roundtable that the Department of Natural Resources will hold June 3 at Greenbrier State Park near Boonsboro.
If you are thinking of 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! 877-563-5350
Emmaus Road Christian Store 301-387-8858
I had a spectacular time the other night at the Father-Daughter Gala at Faith Evangelical Free Church with my daughter, Kayleah. It was hosted by hosted by the Mt Top Crisis Pregnancy Center. It was MC’ed by Mike Saturday and his daughter Jessica. We had an incredible time and the food was catered by Jearbryo’s (great job Bryon!). Seeing Mike reminded me of how great of a guy he is and I wanted to mention:
Mike Saturday’s store, Emmaus Road Christian Store, is one of the best hidden treasures in Garrett County. They have a wealth of valuable books, learning materials, and gifts. We are truly blessed to have someone like Mike Saturday in Garrett County and I would love to see more folks supporting him and his business. Stop by and see them in the plaza across from Little Sandy’s on Garrett Highway.
Emmaus Road Christian Store
(301) 387-8858
17781 Garrett Highway Ste A
Oakland, MD 21550
If you are thinking of 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! 877-563-5350
