The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR) reports as of July 5, 2023, there have been no deaths reported since last week’s dashboard update, with a total of 8,156 deaths attributed to COVID-19.  West Virginians ages 6 months and older are recommended to stay up-to-date with COVID-19 vaccination. At this time, to stay up-to-date, one Omicron (bivalent) COVID-19 shot is recommended for most people ages 6 years and older. Those ages 6 months through 5 years of age have more specific recommendations. Those ages 65 years and older and those who are moderately to severely immunocompromised are…

On July 4th, 2023 at approximately 9:18 p.m. the Cumberland Police Department responded to a motor vehicle crash, in the area of Queen City Drive. Upon arrival to the crash an officer observed the driver, Wayne Douglas Baugher, to be impaired by alcohol. Baugher was placed under arrest and issued citations. Baugher was then released pending trial at District Court. NAME: Wayne Douglas Baugher  AGE: 35  Mt. Savage, MD CHARGES: Driving while impaired by alcohol, Driving under the influence of alcohol      

On July 3rd, 2023 the Cumberland Police Department served a criminal summons on Isaiah Jeremiah Carlton. The summons was issued as a result of an assault that occurred on July 1st, 2023. An investigation was conducted into the incident and Carlton failed to provide identification to avoid his prosecution in other pending cases. Officers were eventually able to identify Carlton and filed for additional charges at District Court. Carlton signed for his copy of the summons and was released pending trial at District Court. NAME: Isaiah Jeremiah Carlton  AGE: 23  Cumberland, MD CHARGES: Fraud- Per identity to avoid prosecution, Obstruction…

West Virginia is having success with their program to attract remote workers to the Mountain State.  Through their “Ascend West Virginia” program, new residents can locate to specific community areas and receive $12,000 – $10,000 the first year and $2,000 the second year.  Cumberland is working on a similar program, “Choose Cumberland” that would help new residents with moving costs and home renovations with a value of $20,000 per resident.  The money is being sought as part of the annual grant request from the Department of Housing and Community Development.  The City of Cumberland’s Ruth Davis-Rogers explains what is happening…

Downtown Cumberland’s construction project has seen good and bad days as workers come across mysteries in the street, pipes bursting, and other construction eccentricities.  There have been some businesses that have closed though the reasons have not been due to construction issues.  Baltimore Street Collectibles and Lew-Lew Belle Boutique have both closed but had plans to do so before the construction started.  Melinda Kelleher said that there are new businesses moving in – new tenants have been announced for both the McMullen and Rosenbaum buildings and Kelleher says another new business is opening on Baltimore Street…

Allegany County Schools Summer programs are rolling right along, according to Superintendent Jeff Blank.  Summer classes for special needs, credit recovery and other learning opportunities are taking place throughout the county.  Summer classes offer students a chance to take required classes that allow them to free up time during the regular school year for AP classes or other school activities.  Superintendent Blank…

West Virginia is celebrating more than Independence Day this week. Governor Jim Justice announced that the state’s cumulative revenue collections for Fiscal Year 2023 will come in at $1.8 billion over estimates – making it the biggest single-year revenue surplus in state history.  Governor Justice, recovering from emergency gallbladder surgery, made remarks that the surplus is proof that the days of West Virginia being known as poor, backward, and behind the times are over…

Governor Wes Moore today announced the introduction of new Medicaid benefits that will enhance health care access and support for Marylanders. The new benefits expand pregnancy care coverage, support interventions for community violence prevention, and increase access to care for certified peer recovery services, in addition to expanding the settings where such services are provided.  “These new benefits will help improve the well-being of Maryland Medicaid participants and contribute to the overall health of Maryland communities,” said Gov. Moore. “The new benefits mark a significant milestone in Medicaid’s ongoing efforts to ensure accessible and inclusive health care for all Marylanders.” …

The Supreme Court ruled that President Biden stepped outside his authority to forgive student loan debt.  That means that about $400 billion dollars is still out there to collect.  Right now, student loan payments are scheduled to resume in October with interest starting again on September 1st.  Biden announced a 12-month grace period immediately after the high court decision, but said borrowers should start paying back what they can.  It’s expected the Biden Administration is going to come up with a new program on student debt issues.

On July 3rd, 2023 the Cumberland Police Department served an arrest warrant on David Allen Mullen. The warrant was issued after an officer, from the Cumberland Police Department, conducted an investigation into an assault that occurred on July 2nd, 2023. The officer applied for charges, and Mullen was served the arrest warrant. He was transported to Central Booking where he was later seen by a District Court commissioner and held without bond. NAME: David Allen Mullen  AGE: 58  Cumberland, MD CHARGES: Assault 2nd degree, Race/Religion Crime ARREST WARRANT SERVED On July 3rd, 2023 the Cumberland Police Department served an arrest…