Gov. Jim Justice addressed the 54 West Virginia National Guard volunteer members who deployed earlier this week to support efforts at the Southern Border. They will work with the Texas National Guard and local law enforcement agencies to detect, deter, and interdict transnational criminal activity between points of entry, conducting a four-phase mission spanning 30 days. Earlier this year, Texas Governor Greg Abbott sent a letter to the Governor requesting support in responding to the ongoing border crisis through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact, which enables states to provide assistance and share resources with another state in response to a…

On Saturday, August 5, 2023 at approximately 11:58 AM, an officer of the Cumberland Police Department conducted a traffic stop on Virginia Avenue. A search of the vehicle was conducted by the officer.  Suspected crack cocaine was located and seized.  As a result, the passenger identified as Jennifer Dolly was arrested and transported to police headquarters.  She was issued a criminal citation and released pending trial. ARRESTED:  Jennifer Renae Dolly        AGE:  41          Cumberland, MD CHARGES:  CDS: Possess-Not Cannabis  

On Saturday, August 5, 2023, the Cumberland Police Department served four Allegany County Circuit Court bench warrants on Michael Albright.  The first warrant was issued as the result of Albright violating pre-trial release and a second warrant was issued due to an unsuccessful discharge from treatment.  Albright was originally charged with Assault-2nd Degree.  The third warrant was issued as the result of Albright failing to appear in court on April 25, 2023 on an original charge of Poss/Rec CDS While Conf/Det.  The last warrant was issued due to Albright failing to appear in court on April 25, 2023 on an…

The national average for a gallon of gas has continued its summer U-turn, but price increases have slowed and more relief could be on the way. The national average has increased by 10 cents since last week to $3.83. Pump prices have primarily risen due to the price of oil, which was near $80 per barrel last week. “Some refineries had to limit production last month due to the extreme heat that blanketed most of the country,” said Ragina C. Ali, Public and Government Affairs Manager for AAA Mid-Atlantic. “That, coupled with increased oil prices were the primary factors in…

Governor Wes Moore today announced $6.3 million in funding to protect against hate crimes and to enhance local police recruitment and retention efforts through the Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention, Youth, and Victim Services. The Protecting Against Hate Crimes program provides $5 million to nonprofit organizations, including faith-based organizations, with facilities and membership that can be targeted for a hate crime to provide security enhancements. Funding supports equipment, personnel, and physical security enhancements. The Police Recruitment and Retention grant provides $1.3 million to support local law enforcement agencies to support their efforts to recruit and retain qualified sworn police officers. The funding may be…

On 8/4/2023, the Cumberland Police Department in cooperation with the Combined County Criminal Investigations Unit (C3I), the Federal Bureau of Investigations Baltimore Child Exploitation Task Force, and the Allegany County Narcotics Task Force, arrested 30-year-old Edward Alan Clark of Bedford, PA.  The investigation was initiated from a complaint taken by Cumberland Police.  The investigation revealed Clark was actively sexually soliciting a minor on social media.  The FBI was contacted and an agent assumed the identity of the minor. Arrangements were made between Clark and the agent posing as the minor for Clark to travel to Allegany County and meet.  Clark…

The Hagerstown Fire Department responded to a two alarm fire at an apartment building on Washington St. on Friday morning.  Upon arrival, fire officials noted several residents still in the building.  After rescue efforts were completed, officials reported 1 injury and 19 people displaced.  As a result of the smoke damage, the structure was condemned.  The City of Hagerstown Fire Marshal’s Office continues to investigate the fire.  No working smoke detectors were present in the apartment at the time of the fire.

U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen and Congressmen Steny H. Hoyer, Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, Kweisi Mfume, Jamie Raskin, David Trone and Glenn Ivey. today announced $69,722,636 in fiscal year 2023 Department of Homeland Security preparedness grants for the State of Maryland and Capital Region. ·     State Homeland Security Program, $7,074,841 to support state and local law enforcement agencies with the implementation of state homeland security strategies to address identified planning, organization, equipment, training and exercise needs to prevent, protect against, prepare for and respond to acts of terrorism throughout the state. ·     Emergency Management Performance Grant Program, $6,560,623…

U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen and Congressmen Steny H. Hoyer, Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, Kweisi Mfume, Jamie Raskin, David Trone and Glenn Ivey. today announced $15,910,021 in fiscal year 2023 Department of Homeland Security preparedness grants to strengthen security at houses of worship in Maryland.  The federal funds come through the Nonprofit Security Grant Program, which helps high-risk nonprofits, including faith-based institutions, to obtain resources required to support and integrate preparedness activities with broader state and local efforts. “Religious freedom is one of the defining promises of our democracy,” said the lawmakers. “As hate-fueled attacks increase throughout the…

Garrett County Public Schools has announced that its 2023 Blueprint Implementation Plan has been unanimously approved by Maryland’s Accountability and Implementation Board. The Blueprint for Maryland’s Future is a comprehensive education reform plan that aims to improve student achievement, increase access to early childhood education, and provide educators with resources and support.  Per Pupil funding for the coming school year in Garrett County is $8642.