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Proclamation quietly submitted by the Governor to end West Virginia’s COVID-19 State of Emergency

West Virginia’s state of emergency over the covid-19 pandemic is moving toward an end under a proclamation quietly submitted by the governor earlier this month.  Metro News reported that under the proclamation filed with the Secretary of State’s Office on Nov. 12, the pandemic-related emergency declaration would wind down by Jan. 1, 2023. Although the proclamation moving to end the emergency declaration was filed weeks ago, Governor Jim Justice made no announcement and did not describe his reasoning until asked by reporters Wednesday…

Accident at Henderson Avenue

A vehicle accident had Henderson Avenue at Valley Street closed for a brief time. Units are on the scene

State Police Investigating Garrett County Burglary

Maryland State Police McHenry Barrack is investigating a burglary that occurred in the area of Sam’s Lane, McHenry, Maryland on or about 11/23/2022 through 11/28/2022.  The investigation revealed that the suspect(s) forced entry into trailer stealing various tools.      Anyone with information regarding this investigation, is encouraged to contacted LT. Sigmund at the Maryland State Police McHenry Barrack (301-387-1101).  

Update: Route 220 now clear following downed tree incident

Allegany County Emergency Services reports a downed tree has Route 220 blocked near the Diplomat Inn. 

House votes to avert rail strike, impose deal on unions

The U.S. House moved urgently to head off the looming nationwide rail strike on Wednesday, passing a bill that would bind companies and workers to a proposed settlement that was reached in September but rejected by some of the 12 unions involved. The measure passed by a vote of 290-137 and now heads to the Senate. If approved there, it will be quickly signed by President Joe Biden, who requested the action. Biden on Monday asked Congress to intervene and avert the rail stoppage that could strike a devastating blow to the nation’s fragile economy by disrupting the transportation of fuel, food and…

Federal lab testing confirms case of bird flu at poultry farm in Western Maryland

Federal lab testing confirmed a case of bird flu at a farm in Western Maryland. The Maryland Department of Agriculture released a statement Wednesday, confirming the lab results that found a case of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza at a poultry farm in Washington County. MDA said state officials quarantined all affected premises and taken measures to prevent the spread of the disease. Birds or poultry products from affected flocks will not enter the food supply chain, MDA said. "Avian influenza does not affect poultry meat or egg products, which remain healthy and safe to eat and handle. All poultry growers,…

Deadline to pay Maryland toll fees without penalties ends at midnight

Today is the last day to pay your tolls without paying any penalties. Back in February, the state launched a program allowing drivers to pay late fees associated with video tolls without paying any penalties. However, that nine-month grace period ends at midnight.  Around $137 million in civil penalties for more than 750,000 drivers and businesses has been waived under the program.

Wind Advisory in Effect

A wind advisory is in effect until 7 PM * WHAT…West winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 50 mph.   * WHERE…In Maryland, Central and Eastern Allegany County. In West Virginia, Hampshire, Hardy, Eastern Grant and Eastern Mineral Counties.   * WHEN…Until 7 PM EST this evening.   * IMPACTS…Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result.   PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…   Use extra caution when driving, especially if operating a high profile vehicle. Secure outdoor objects

WVU hiring North Texas’ Baker as AD

West Virginia is hiring North Texas athletic director Wren Baker to be its new AD, two people with knowledge of the decision told The Associated Press on Wednesday. The people spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because details of a contract were still being finalized, but an official announcement from the school was expected later Wednesday. Baker has been at North Texas since 2016 and Mean Green athletic programs have won 17 conference and division titles since he took over. The football teams plays for the Conference USA championship on Friday at No. 23 UTSA. The Oklahoma native…

DUI arrest following Motor Vehicle Crash on MacDonald Terrace

On November 30th, 2022 officers of the Cumberland Police Department responded to the 700 block of MacDonald Terrace for a reported motor vehicle crash. Upon officer’s arrival they spoke with a complainant who advised a female had advised them of the motor vehicle crash, who then left the area. The witness provided a description of the female, and described her as being impaired. Officers were able to locate the female, identified as Victoria Webb, and observed evidence of impairment. After the performance of standardized field sobriety, the officers observed further evidence of impairment, and placed her under arrest. Webb was…