WBAL reports a  series of gun control proposals are before the General Assembly this year, including a unique approach to address ghost guns. Senate President Bill Ferguson, D-District 46, said he considers public safety a priority. "It is a top primary concern for us. It has been, it will continue to be," Ferguson said. "If people don't feel safe, nothing else matters." Sen. Jeff Waldstreicher, vice chair of the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee, introduced a series of bills to address gun violence. One of the most controversial gun control proposals is Senate Bill 1/Gun Safety Act of 2023. It would prohibit…

The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) is supporting legislation sponsored by Maryland State Del. Steve Johnson (D-34A), which would provide a consistent process for employees of unorganized public library systems in Maryland to form a union and collectively bargain. Senator Nancy King (D-39) is cross-filing the legislation in the Senate.   “All of our state’s hard-working library workers deserve a voice in the workplace,” Sen. King said. “These public servants are so important to their communities, and they deserve a process to collectively bargain if they wish to do so.”   This legislation, House Bill (H.B.) 65, does not guarantee union organizing…

Deputies of the Allegany County Sheriff's Office responded to the area of 22323 McMullen Highway, Rawlings, MD for a reported tractor-trailer collision.    Upon arrival deputies observed a tractor-trailer that had left the roadway and collided into several gas pumps. The structure covering the gas pumps had been struck in the collision, causing the roof to collapse onto the tractor-trailer.   The operator and sole occupant of the vehicle who was identified as Steve Sisler, 49, of Elkins. West Virginia was successfully extracted from the vehicle. Sisler was transported to UPMC for treatment for non life threatening injuries. 

Allegany County Emergency Services reports a motor vehicle accident with entrapmentin the area of McMullen Highway near Danville. Emergency Units responded

Andrew McCutchen is going back to where it all began. The free-agent outfielder has agreed to a one-year deal to return to the Pirates, reports Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. The agreement is pending a physical

On Wednesday, January 11, 2023 at approximately 11:11 PM, officers of the Cumberland Police Department responded to a residence in the 100 block of Memorial Avenue for a domestic assault.  Police contacted the alleged victim who reported that she was assaulted by Taiwai Fleming.  Officers observed injuries to the victim that were consistent with her explanation of events.  Fleming was placed under arrest and later transported to Central Booking.  He was seen by a District Court Commissioner for his initial hearing and posted a $1,500 unsecured personal bond. ARRESTED:  Taiwai Anwai Iman Fleming      AGE:  25       Cumberland, MD CHARGES:  Assault-Second Degree

On Thursday, January 12, 2023, the Cumberland Police Department served a criminal summons on Tyler Sneden.  The summons was issued in connection with an assault investigation from January 6, 2023.  On this date at approximately 1:28 AM, police had responded to the 400 block of Seymour Street for an assault.  Officers contacted Sneden who claimed that he had been assaulted with a knife.  After further investigation, the investigating officer learned that Sneden had provided them with false information and fabricated a story.  The officer filed for charges against Sneden at the District Court of Allegany County.  Sneden signed for his…

There appears to be some confusion about exactly how many businesses may be  eligible to access a grant designed to assist property owners who have an interest in water service upgrades- part of the Baltimore Street redesign project. The $150,000 grant is part of the Downtown Comprehensive Investment Program, which contains funds from the city of Cumberland, Allegany County and state of Maryland. Stu Czapski with the Cumberland Economic Development Corporation provided an update during Thursday’s regular monthly meeting of the Downtown Development Commission…              DDC board member Sandra Saville said she has spoken with…

A community meeting organized by the Union Rescue Mission was held last night with concerned citizens, community leaders, and those in the homeless community. Pastor David Zeiler led the group of 52 in attendance on the history of the mission and its plans for relocating to 710 North Center Street with a goal of opening its doors in November of 2024. The Union Rescue Mission is in the process of developing a strategic plan switch from handing out model to helping up by implementing residential work programs and vocational training at their new facility. Questions were raised about criminal activity…

With Allegany County continuing to experience strong fiscal performances, the County Commissioners expect to offer salary increases and a retirement incentive program for employees in the near future.  During Thursday’s work session, the Commissioners received an overview of a consultant’s “Compensation and Classification Study” which showed that the county is lagging behind similar markets in terms of compensating employees. County Administrator Jason Bennett and Human Resources Director Kristi Liller said retaining employees has become increasingly difficult… Commissioner Creade Brodie Jr said with the county’s fiscal picture now strong, it is only fair that the county employees see some rewards…