Horseracing’s Triple Crown may see a shift coming to its annual schedule.  Right now, the races are run over a 5- week period in May and June but there is now talk of stretching out that schedule.  Discussions are in progress that would move The Preakness to four weeks after the Kentucky Derby instead of two and then push the Belmont Stakes to a new date as well.  The main benefit would be to the horses that train and run in the races.  This past season, a rash of horse deaths raised concerns when eight horses died at Laurel Race…

On 8/13/2023 at approximately 7:50pm Deputies responded to the area of the Clarysville Motel for a robbery with a possible weapon. Deputies were advised that the suspect fled on foot into a wooded area near the motel. Deputies along with Frostburg City Police Department were able to quickly surround the area and were able to locate and arrest the suspect who was later identified as Ryan Lee Campbell, 30 years old, of Frostburg MD. Campbell is being charged with the following: Robbery Assault 2nd degree Theft under $100.00 Disorderly Conduct Campbell is currently being held at the Allegany County Detention…

Potomac Edison reports 80 customers without power from last night’s thunderstorm in Maryland and West Virgin reporting 1,537 affected customers Sunday morning. A Severe Thunderstorm Warning was issued last night for Southwestern Allegany and Garrett County in MD and Grant and Mineral County in West Virginia. Severe thunderstorm impacted Piedmont with 70 mph wind gusts.

On August 12th, 2023 officers of the Cumberland Police Department responded to the 200 block of Springdale Street for a reported assault. Upon officers arrival they made contact with the victim who advised that James Lewis had struck them in the face several times with a closed fist. Officers observed evidence of the assault and placed Lewis under arrest. Lewis was taken before a District Court Commissioner where he was released on an unsecured personal bond of $2,500. Arrest: James Derik Lewis, age 36, Cumberland Maryland. Charge: Assault Second Degree

On August 12th, 2023 officers of the Cumberland Police Department responded to the 400 block of Bond Street for a reported trespassing complaint. Upon officers arrival they contacted the home owner who advised that Johnna Buckley still inside. An officer entered the residence and observed Buckley to be holding a quantity of a controlled dangerous substance and items of paraphernalia. Buckley was issued and later released on criminal citations. Arrest: Johnna Maxine Buckley, age 33, Cumberland Maryland. Charges: Possession not Marijuana, Possession Paraphernalia.

On August 12th, 2023 officers of the Cumberland Police Department served an Arrest Warrant on Cassandra Porter. The Arrest Warrant was issued when Porter violated the conditions of her probation. Porter was taken before a District Court Commissioner where she was held without bond. Arrest: Cassandra Kay Porter, age 41, Cumberland Maryland. Charge: Violation of Probation.

Gov. Jim Justice today signed HB 124 officially designating the state’s 36th state park, Summersville Lake State Park. The Governor was joined for the celebration by hundreds of excited West Virginians on the site of the future park, just off US-19 in Nicholas County. The 177-acre property on the northern shore of Summersville Lake will soon be transformed into one of the nation’s premiere outdoor adventure parks. Some outdoor recreational opportunities were opened to the public immediately following the ceremony.   “I couldn’t be more proud to sign this bill and officially designate our newest State Park,” Gov. Justice said. “Summersville Lake…

Maryland State Police arrest an Ohio man with an outstanding arrest warrant after he flees a traffic stop and crashes into a Maryland State Police cruiser in Frederick County. The accused is identified as Jose Aguilera Cespedes, 25, of Ohio. He is charged with 1st and 2nd degree assault as well as traffic violations relating to the vehicle pursuit. Further charges are pending the outcome of the investigation and consultation with the Frederick County State’s Attorney’s Office. Cespedes was transported to the Frederick County Detention Center, where he is waiting to be seen by a district court commissioner.  Shortly before…

The Cumberland Mayor and City Council will meet with a busy agenda next Tuesday.  One item includes granting Triton Construction permission to work with no noise limitations beginning at 6 a.m. every weekday and on weekends with prior approval from the city engineer.  Another action would include authorizing the city administrator to begin the planning and construction of  city skate park at the cost to the city of $325,000.

WVU is recommending the university eliminate 169 faculty positions following a review of every academic program. The elimination of 169 faculty would represent about a 7% cut. Enrollment has declined from 31,000 in 2014 to about 26,000 this year, and WVU anticipates a continued drop to 21,000 by 2033.