by Brenda Ruggiero

A plastic shoebox filled with gifts recently made its way from Garrett...

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The record snow fall in Garrett County could cause a record spring runoff. To...

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The Republican newspaper officially turns 133 today, March 4. The first issue of the...

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by Renee Shreve 

As of 7 a.m. Wednesday, 264 inches of snow has fallen on Garrett...

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The Garrett County Board of Education and superintendent Dr. Wendell Teets will be...

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Donations are currently being accepted for Kurt Wilt, Ty Taber, and their 11month-old...

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Flooding may become a major problem in the local area as the large amount of snowfall...

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Who We Are / Video

Yes, it is indeed very real, as all Garrett Countians are aware. The snow this winter is relentless, with more than 260 inches, or 22½ feet, having come down so far. The weather is a constant topic of conversation, and residents do wonder at times if anyone in the rest of the state truly understands what has happened up here. The area has garnered some state attention, with news stories in the larger newspapers and a report Tuesday evening on the Baltimore ABC television station. This photo was taken at one of the county's more notorious spots for drifting — near the intersection of Rt. 495 and O'Brien Road. Standing next to the 12-foot drift, helping to give the perspective, is Diana O'Brien. Today's issue contains several weather-related photographs throughout. Photo by Lisa Broadwater.


Despite terrible weather on Saturday, more than 400 people made it to Uno's at Deep Creek Lake, donned their various costumes or skimpy swimsuits, and took the plunge for the annual Deep Creek Dunk. More than 500 registered dunkers could not make it to the location, as the wind and snow closed many county and state roadways. The Maryland State Police, a co-host of the event, cautioned motorists to stay away unless they had four-wheel-drive vehicles. But even with the adverse conditions, the brave (and slightly senseless?) group of 400+ ran into the muddy, frigid water, thus earning more than $130,000 for the Special Olympics of Maryland. Photo provided by Donny Boyd, with assistance by Pam Trickett.
Weather Damage Mounting

More than 20 roof collapses or partial collapses have occurred recently because of massive snow loads in Garrett County, including this one that happened at Thomas Tires and Accessories on Sunday in Rosedale. Director Brad Frantz, Garrett County Department of Public Safety and Emergency Management, is requesting any business or individual citizen who had significant uninsured property damage this winter season contact his office as soon as possible at 301-334-7619 or by e-mail at bfrantz@garrettcounty.org. Photo by Lisa Rook.

Duane Yoder Named "2010 MAHC House of the Year"

Duane Yoder, president of the Garrett County Community Action Committee, received the 2010 Houser of the Year Award during the Maryland Affordable Housing Coalition's (MAHC) annual meeting last month in Annapolis. This award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated "outstanding" overall achievement in the development of quality affordable rental housing in Maryland. Additionally, this individual is someone who, over the years, has helped to promote and preserve affordable housing opportunities for low-income Marylanders by tackling tough issues and advocating for the affordable housing industry in the state.
 
Yoder has been an industry leader who has advocated for or supported affordable housing for all of Garrett County for many years, according to county administrator Monty Pagenhardt, who attended the conference. "Duane is recognized by his peers from all around the state for his dedication and hard work," said Pagenhardt. "It was very evident to me that Garrett County is a model for every local jurisdiction throughout the state for our affordable housing program and the acknowledgment of Duane for this award was certainly deserving."

Pictured, left to right, are Bart Harvey, former chair/CEO of Enterprise Community Partners; Kim Fry, MAHC executive director; Gov. Martin O'Malley; Wallace Scruggs, MAHC board president; Secretary Raymond Skinner, Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development; and Yoder. 

TALK ABOUT A COZY CORNER!

This normally bright area of the Oakland Ruth Enlow Library needed a little extra indoor lighting after Mother Nature dumped over two feet of snow this past week, adding to the 230-plus inches already on the ground. The snow was so high on this window that at one point, natural light could not make it through. Many people around the county are experiencing this "snowed-in" feeling, but there is light at the end of the tunnel. Or should we say from the window?! Temperatures are predicted to rise this weekend into the 40s. Photo by Bonnie Winters.

"HOW DO WE GET OUT OF HERE?!"

That may have been the first thought through Kenny and Janet Alexander's minds after looking through a bedroom window of their Pennington St. home, only to discover that they were truly buried. Last week's storm produced high winds, drifting, and over two feet of snow, but the community is getting a "breather" with warmer temperatures predicted for this weekend.

"What the Heck Happened to My Front Yard?"

 Petey seems to be wondering. Oakland resident Rick Kutchman makes sure this canine is well taken care of, but the Garrett County Humane Society reminds everyone to provide plenty of fresh water, food, and adequate shelter for their animals at all times, especially during winter weather. "Make sure your pets can find warm shelter and get to their food and water dishes in this deep snow," added president Lisa Baker.
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