The Supreme Court on Thursday handed down a major ruling on affirmative action saying that colleges and universities cannot use race as a factor in college admissions. Reaching out to Frostburg State University President Ron Nowaczyk, he took a moment to comment on the ruling to WCBC…

According to airnow.gov, the smoky skies in our area will persist at least through Saturday with an air quality index of “unhealthy for sensitive groups.” Smoke concentrations were greatest over Western Maryland on Wednesday but have increased steadily statewide. The smoke has been coming from wildfires in Canada that have been burning since March. For people with air sensitive issues, staying indoors or wearing a mask when outdoors is suggested.

The Tigers broke open a close game with 12 runs in the 6th inning to defeat the Orioles, 19-6, and advance to the championship series vs. the Pirates.  The Tigers led the whole game but the Orioles pulled to within 7-5 before the Tigers big 6th inning.  Cam Strawderman had 5 hits and Landon Davis and Liam Buck each scored 4 runs for the Tigers.  The championship series is July 10-12 at 7 p.m. on WCBC.

House Republican Minority Leader Jason Buckel, Thursday morning on the Dave Norman show, speaking of a possible run for the 6th District US Congress seat. Buckel, along with Neil Parrot are both considering a run for the seat currently held by Democrat David Trone who has launched a campaign for the US Senate seat being vacated by Ben Cardin. Buckel says he should have a decision about the run by the end of August but says whatever he does, representing Western Maryland is important to him…  

The Maryland Municipal League inducted new Board Members at their annual conference in Ocean City this week.  The League represents 157 municipalities in the state.  The new President will be Frederick Mayor Michael O’Connor.  Among those serving on the Board of Directors for the coming year is Frostburg Commissioner Kevin Grove as District 7 Vice President and Cumberland Mayor Ray Morriss who will serve as a Member-At-Large.  The League advocates to the state legislature and supports cities and towns with education and information.

A town hall by The Downtown Development Commission Tuesday included all parties involved in the project to take comments and concerns from the public and retailers in the area of construction.  Melinda Kelleher, DDC Executive Director, shared some of her observations with the group… The next town hall updates are scheduled for September and December.                  

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack announced today that USDA is making investments to increase independent meat and poultry processing capacity, expand market opportunities for farmers and support a growing workforce in rural areas. The announcement comes on the heels of President Biden delivering a major address on “Bidenomics” —his vision for growing the economy from the middle out and bottom up by investing in America, increasing competition, and empowering workers. “While American farmers and ranchers have been responding to the demand to produce more, their communities have struggled to see their share of the benefits,” Vilsack said….

Allegany Farmers Market every Thursday from 9:30AM - 1:00PM at Canal Place. Thursday markets will once again feature live acoustic music throughout the season. Visit the website at alleganyfarmersmarkets.com 

On 06/28/2023 at approximately 8:00 PM the Cumberland City Police Department were dispatched to a business in the 700 block of Park Street for a littering complaint. Upon arrival the officer contacted Jarrod David Dimario and observed used drug paraphernalia on the ground. A search was conducted and suspected heroin and methamphetamine were located on Dimario. Dimario was arrested and transported to the police station. Dimario was issued criminal citations and was released pending trial in District Court. Arrested – Jarrod David Dimario (31) Cumberland, MD Charges – 2 counts of CDS Possession not Cannabis