Calls by West Virginia’s electric utilities over the Christmas weekend asking residents to conserve power during the record-breaking cold snap left Gov. Jim Justice seeing red. The company which manages the electric grid for West Virginia and 12 other states plus Washington, D.C., issued a call for customers in the service area to curtail non-essential use of electric in response to an increased load on the grid due to a blast of Arctic air plunging outdoor temperature below zero. Speaking during a virtual COVID-19 briefing with reporters from the State Capitol Building, Justice pointed to the Christmas weekend grid issues…

Efforts are continuing to enhance security downtown.  Last summer  Cumberland Economic Development Corporation  Executive Director Matt Miller announced the receipt of $95,400 from the state Department of Housing and Community Development's Community Safety Works grant program to be used for surveillance equipment. Miller said the funds "will cover costs for cameras, computer equipment, monitors, communication equipment, video recorders and labor." Additionally, the funding will provide Ring doorbell cameras to interested downtown business owners. Those cameras will prove particularly useful for providing "added camera angles and visibility at storefront levels at as many storefronts as possible, and will be helpful during…

Retiring State Senator George Edwards says although Donald Trump was not at the top of his list of preferred presidential candidates back in 2016- and he didn’t agree with how he handled himself in office- he would vote for him again if he is the Republican nominee in 2024. Edwards, stepping down from office after serving 40 years in the Maryland General Assembly  was asked about the split in the GOP and for his thoughts on the Trump presidency… Despite those concerns, he said he could see himself casting a vote for Trump if he heads the party in the…

A change at the top of Cumberland’s Department of Parks and Recreation with the retirement of longtime director Diane Johnson in December. The responsibilities include overseeing operations at the city swimming pool, tennis courts, playground areas as well as the amphitheatre. In addition she dealt with scheduling and making sure the annual Fourth of July fireworks shows went smoothly and addressing any maintenance problems that develop. Cumberland Mayor Ray Morriss said that Diane served headed the department for two decades during some challenging times… Ryan Mackey has been appointed as the new director.

On Saturday, December 31st, 2022, the Cumberland City Police responded to a business in the 200 block of Franklin St. for the report of a theft in progress. Officers were advised that 2 female subjects were currently taking items from the business. Upon arrival, officers located the two females still on the property. Both were found to be in possession of stolen property. As a result, Kimberly Dawn Hughes, 46, and Jessica Nicole Porter, 34, both of Cumberland MD, were arrested and taken to police headquarters for processing. Both were issued criminal citations for theft and released, pending trial in…

On Friday, December 30th, 2022, the Cumberland City Police responded to a business in the 100 block of South Centre St for the report of an assault. Upon arrival, officers contacted an employee outside the business who directed their attention towards an intoxicated female suspect. Officers attempted to contact and detain the female who began yelling at officers and attempting to leave. The female was then by officers that she was not free to leave and was being placed under arrest. The female then resisted arrest and assaulted two police officers. The investigation revealed that the female was causing multiple…

Gov. Jim Justice announced today that West Virginia’s General Revenue collections for November 2022 are $112.7 million above estimates and 10.3% ahead of prior year receipts. Year-to-date record collections are $687.5 million above estimate.  “Our revenue collections continue to exceed our expectations in an incredible way,” Gov. Justice said. “West Virginians spoke loud and clear with their vote in the election – they want tax cuts, but they want them done responsibly.  “Proper minding of our state’s finances, and the unprecedented economic turnaround our state has experienced has led to the incredible opportunity before us to provide meaningful tax cuts…

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) today announced an extension of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Yemen for 18 months, from March 4, 2023, through Sept. 3, 2024, due to ongoing armed conflict and extraordinary and temporary conditions that prevent Yemeni nationals from safely returning to their country. In addition, DHS announced a redesignation of Yemen for TPS for the same reason, allowing Yemeni nationals (and individuals having no nationality who last habitually resided in Yemen) residing in the United States as of Dec. 29, 2022, to be eligible for TPS. The ongoing violent conflict and the stream of challenges that flow…

Cumberland rang in the New Year in style with a ball drop and fireworks on the bricks in downtown. Rain held off for a large crowd turnout who enjoyed the evening celebration and welcoming 2023. With construction slated to start in the spring it'll be awhile before another New Year's festival occurs in downtown Cumberland. 

AFSCME Maryland Council 3 reached an agreement with the State on wage increases for the coming year at the statutory deadline. Per the agreement, all state workers covered by an AFSCME contract who are eligible for a step increase will receive one in the upcoming fiscal year starting July 1, 2023. Depending on the position and agency, some state workers will receive additional pay increases and bonuses.  “With today’s take it or leave it offer, we have finally finished bargaining with the Hogan administration. The tactics and strategies employed throughout Governor Hogan’s eight-year term reinforce the need for binding arbitration for…