The Deep Creek Blog

Glendale Road Closure Update

Installation of the water line on Glendale Road is scheduled to recommence on Monday, April 1st from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., weather permitting.  The roadway will be closed to thru traffic and only school busses and emergency vehicles will be allowed to enter the work zone and cross Glendale Bridge.  All other traffic will be redirected to detours.  Access will be permitted to residences and businesses located in the work zone but delays may be experienced.

Daily updates will be posted on the Department of Public Utilities web site at www.co.garrett.md.us/public-utilities.  Questions may be directed to the Department of Public Utilities at 301-334-6983.

Mini-Marinas Hearing Post-Poned

The Times-News reports that a hearing regarding the mini-marina situation on the lake has been postponed.

Glendale Road Closure

The Garrett County Department of Public Utilities will recommence construction work on the Thayerville Water Project on Monday, March 11, 2013.

The contractor assigned to the project will be installing a water line on the section of Glendale Road from the Glendale Bridge to Route 219/Garrett Highway beginning Monday, March 11, 2013.  The anticipated work completion date of the work on Glendale Road is Friday, May 3, 2013.  Any deviations of this projected completion date is contingent on weather conditions.   Construction will occur between the hours of 7AM and 5PM, Monday thru Friday.
 
During the time of construction the roadway will be closed to traffic and detours will be posted.   However, Public access will be permitted to residences and businesses in the work zone but delays may be experienced.   The local media will provide updates and other relevant information or persons may contact the Department of Public Utilities at 301-334-6983.

The County apologizes for any inconvenience this construction may have for anyone who needs to travel this route.

Thayerville Water Project Construction

The Garrett County Department of Public Utilities will recommence construction work on the Thayerville Water Project on Monday, March 11, 2013.

The contractor assigned to the project will be installing a water line on the section of Glendale Road from the Glendale Bridge to Route 219/Garrett Highway beginning Monday, March 11, 2013.  The anticipated work completion date of the work on Glendale Road is Friday, May 3, 2013.  Any deviations of this projected completion date is contingent on weather conditions.   Construction will occur between the hours of 7AM and 5PM, Monday thru Friday. During the time of construction the roadway will be closed to traffic and detours will be posted.  

However, public access will be permitted to residences and businesses in the work zone but delays may be experienced.   The local media will provide updates and other relevant information or persons may contact the Department of Public Utilities at 301-334-6983.  

The County apologizes for any inconvenience this construction may have for anyone who needs to travel this route.

Garrett County Receives Grant for Broadband Internet Expansion

The Garrett County Board of Commissioners has received a $250,000 grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) to expand Broadband Internet connectivity in Garrett County. 

The Garrett County Board of Commissioners will use the funding to deploy 50 miles of fiber to help connect county facilities, schools, community colleges, health facilities and libraries.  The ARC grant will help provide the electronics necessary to light the fiber and make it operational.  Approximately 2.5 miles of new fiber and electronics will also be deployed to provide connectivity for an additional 14 sites, including schools and town halls.

The ARC grant will work in conjunction with the Broadband Technology and Opportunities Program (BTOP) grant awarded to the State of Maryland.  The One Maryland Broadband Network (OMBN) will construct a fiber network across the state to connect 1,000 community anchor institutions.  Garrett County’s 50-mile fiber is part of the statewide OMBN.

In addition to ARC funding, Garrett County will provide $250,000, bringing total project funding to $500,000.  This grant helps encourage and leverage investments in telecommunications related economic development, which is one of ARC’s priorities for the region. The ARC is a federal-state partnership that works with the people of Appalachia to create opportunities for self-sustaining economic development and improved quality of life.

Wildfire Risk Remains High

Continuing dry conditions across the State have led to an increase in the number of wildfire occurrences and a higher risk of fire danger. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) urges citizens to use caution when participating in any outdoor activity that could spark a wildfire and recommends that all open-air burning be postponed at this time.

“Currently, the combination of warm temperatures, low humidity, high winds and dry forests have caused many wildfires to quickly burn out of control,” said DNR Fire Supervisor Monte Mitchell. “Elevated fire conditions in Maryland have been in effect for more than a week and are expected to continue through the weekend.”

Outdoor burning remains the leading cause of wildfires in Maryland, accounting for more than 30 percent of incidents. Other causes include arson, children playing with fire and equipment use. Lightning is the only natural source of fire ignition, but accounts for less than 2 percent of wildfire starts in Maryland.

The Department currently recommends that all outdoor burning be postponed until after a significant rainfall of at least one inch. Even then, it should only occur on low fire danger days in accordance with DNR’s Open Air Burning Regulations for all activities in or near woodlands, located at dnr.state.md.us/forests/fire/firenotes.asp.

Homeowners also have a responsibility to ensure they are prepared for a wildfire. Creating an area of clear and open space at least 30 feet surrounding the home and outbuildings serves as a safety zone around the structures. Within this space, plants should be controlled and the area should be free of dead debris, leaves and flammable vegetation to prevent a wildfire from spreading from the forest to the structure. Maintaining a green space landscaped with fire resistant vegetation improves the safety zone. All households should also prepare a disaster plan.

More information on wildland fire management is available at dnr.state.md.us/forests/wfm.asp

Free State's Finest

Maryland Life Magazine released the annual Free State's Finest list this week.  You'll recognize many local businesses on this list.  Congrats to all the winners. 

 

Beach Party at CARC This Weekend

Enjoy a beach party at the CARC this Saturday from 4:00 until 8:00 pm.  CARC members get in free and there is a $5.00 charge for non-members.

Garrett County Releases Statement on Possible Land Use Policy

The Garrett County Commissioners released a statement last week regarding a possible land use policy.

 

Deep Creek Lake Water Level Issues

The issue of Deep Creek Lake water levels continues to make the news.  The head of the DNR will be in attendance at a public meeting  on Tuesday at 4:00 pm in St. Peter's Catholic Hall  in Oakland.    

 

 

Garrett County CARC Grand Opening This Weekend

The long awaited Garrett County Community Aquatic and Recreation Center is holding a Grand Opening Celebration this weekend on Saturday from 10:00 am until 5:00 pm. 

DNR Reminds Citizens Black Bear Activity Increase in the Fall

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds Marylanders that as temperatures cool, black bear feeding increases to prepare for hibernation. During this time, bears may be attracted to human food sources such as trash, pet food and birdfeeders. Bears exploiting human food may lose their natural fear of people which can lead to dangerous encounters and conflicts.

“Keeping trash and pet food in a place where bears can’t get to it is the best way to avoid problems,” said Harry Spiker, DNR’s Game Mammal Section Leader. “A little prevention can go a long way.”

Bears may travel many miles searching for food in the fall. Motorists traveling in Maryland’s western counties are reminded to watch for bears crossing roads, especially during October and November. Bears in Maryland will begin entering dens in mid-November and most are denned by mid-December. Citizens should delay feeding songbirds until the winter months to avoid attracting bears.

To learn more about Maryland’s black bears, visit dnr.maryland.gov/wildlife/Hunt_Trap/blackbear/index.asp or contact a staff person in the Western Region at 301-777-2136 or statewide at 410-260-8540.

Road Closures for Weekend Savageman Event

The Times-News has details on road closings for this weekend's Savageman. 

McHenry Water System Documents Now Online

The Board of County Commissioners will conduct a follow-up Public Hearing on the McHenry Water System on Saturday, October 1 at 9:00 AM in the Garrett College Auditorium. This Public Hearing is scheduled to review and receive public commentary to consider changes to the existing policy and to address questions on expansion of service to the water district. Also, the Board and Department of Public Utilities staff have compiled answers to a number of questions that were presented during the public hearing on August 27. These are now available on the Garrett County Government website at http://www.co.garrett.md.us/PublicUtilities/McHenry.aspx

Interested persons who have questions on this matter are encouraged to attend the Public Hearing at October 1 and prior to that date my contact the Department of Public Utilities at 301.334.6983 or County Administrator or the Board of County Commissioners at 301.334.8970.

 

Northern Garrett Rescue Squad

Recently I stumbled across the website for the Northern Garrett Rescue Squad.  The site provides an impressive amount of information with a history of the squad, details about the squad and a detailed call log.