On Tuesday, August 8th, 2023, The Cumberland City Police arrested Grant Robert Lee, 39, of Cumberland MD. Lee was arrested on an active Bench Warrant issued by the Allegany County Circuit Court. The warrant alleges that Lee failed to appear in Circuit Court on August 3rd for previous theft charges. He was taken before the District Court Commissioner for his Initial Appearance where he was remanded to the Allegany County Detention Center. He is currently being held on without bond. Arrested: Grant Robert Lee               Age: 39 Charges: Bench Warrant – Fail to Appear

A follow-up from Allegany County Board of Education President Bob Farrell on Tuesday indicated that only 4 teaching positions remain unfilled in the county.  Previously, the school system’s website had listed 21 open teaching jobs for the county.  Across the state of Maryland, many counties are struggling to fill teacher positions with some areas listing hundreds of open slots that need filled.  Board President Farrell said that Allegany County parents and teachers are invested in the education of area students…

The Baltimore Orioles continue to hold down first place in the American League standings, but the question still unanswered is are they staying at Oriole Park at Camden Yards?  The lease is up at the end of this season and negotiations have been ongoing for some time.  All parties say an agreement will be reached, but it leaves fans with that awful “Baltimore Colts” feeling in their stomach.  Governor Moore visited the Baltimore Ravens training facility on Monday and told reporters he feels the Orioles will be in Baltimore for years to come playing baseball and helping the community…

Piedmont’s Water Commissioner is continuing to search for a solution to the city’s water problems.  The town used to receive its water from the Verso plant but that was discontinued in 2020. Since then, Piedmont has been purchasing water from the town of Westernport but is in search of a permanent solution.  The town has about 290 customers.  Water Commissioner Greg Harvey says the West Virginia Public Service Commission would like to shut down the town’s water treatment plant and force the town to get their water from Keyser, resulting in a 77% rate increase for residents.  Harvey says there…

It may be 80+ degrees outside, but Christmas is on the minds of those planning events in Downtown Cumberland.  The City is in search of a Christmas tree – this year to be displayed at Canal Place because of ongoing construction.  Melinda Kelleher, Executive Director for the Downtown Development Commission, told WCBC that the search is on for a tree donated by an area family, something that has become a tradition for the holiday season…

An email sent to CSX employees from CEO Joe Hinrichs on Monday announced that all CSX conductors are being sent back to their home facilities for half-day training on critical rules and riding equipment. This follows the second death of a conductor since June.  On Monday, Travis Bradley of Ridgeley was killed on the CSX line through Cumberland and in June a conductor lost his life at the Seagirt Marine Terminal in Baltimore. Extended training for conductors had just been announced on July 31, adding an extra week to training at the CSX facility in Atlanta to increase conductor’s exposure…

UPDATE @ 7:11  Lanes now reopened… clearing stages. MSP Troopers report all lanes remain Closed @5AM Allegany County Emergency Services out early this morning for motor vehicle crash Interstate 68 westbound just before exit 50 overturned 18 wheeler. All lanes blocked at this time.  @3.28AM  

Power lines fell onto Route 140 in Westminster at about 6 p.m. Monday, trapping 33 people including 14 children inside cars for over five hours while crews from BGE worked to de-energize the power lines. In all, more than 30 power poles were broken by straight-line winds during the storms BGE officials said.

Governor Wes Moore continued his swing through Western Maryland over the weekend following his stop at the Allegany County Chamber of Commerce Crab Feast.  Saturday morning saw the Governor make a private visit to the Women’s Health Center of Maryland on Route 220 where he presented a citation to the staff.  He then visited the Deep Creek Lake Discovery Center in Garrett County before returning to the Baltimore area to attend a concert.  In his remarks at the Chamber event, the Governor said it was his fifth time visiting Mountain Maryland.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources recently purchased the Old South Mountain Inn, a historic structure east of Boonsboro on Old National Pike that will be managed by the Maryland Park Service.  The DNR says there are plans to expand recreational opportunities and add interpretive exhibits about the Civil War Battle of South Mountain at the site. The Old South Mountain Inn will be used as a visitor’s center.  The Inn was founded as early as 1732 and served as a wagon stand along the National Road, a private residence, and most recently as a tavern and restaurant. It is…