Mayor Ray Morriss was on WCBC recently talking about surplus properties in the city – Texas Development and Design out of Houston purchased four of those surplus properties with the intent to build new homes.  Morriss says these projects will be closely watched to make sure they follow through…   Texas Development bought properties on Arch, Columbia, and Springdale Streets.

House Minority Leader Jason Buckel talked with WCBC recently regarding his disappointment over Governor Moore’s signing of Senate Bill 1 – the “Gun Safety Act of 2023.”  The Maryland House Republican Caucus had sent a letter to the Governor asking for a veto of the bill, but it was signed into law May 16th.  The new laws increase the locations where those with concealed-carry permits can no longer take their guns including healthcare locations, museums, and establishments that sell alcohol.  Minority Leader Buckel says the new laws are not hitting the mark on unlawful gun activities…

 During his first out-of-state commencement address, Governor Wes Moore this morning delivered a powerful keynote speech to the 2023 graduating class at Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia.  In front of more than 400 young men, alumni, faculty, and guests, Governor Moore underscored how knowledge of history leads to knowledge of one's own power. The governor focused on the power of history to inspire strength and instill wisdom – and warned the graduating class to guard against those who seek to erase history.  Excerpts from Governor Moore’s speech as delivered: “Men of Morehouse: I stand before you as the first Black…

A small uptick in the blue crab population looks promising for the Chesapeake Bay, but conservationists are still cautious about the rebound of the Maryland’s valuable crustacean.  Last year saw an all-time low in the crab population but this year’s Dredge Report from the Maryland DNR shows a 40% increase overall.  The tender points in the report are the low numbers of male crabs due to overfishing and the appetite of the invasive blue catfish.  Officials meet next month to set new regulations to support the crab population.

Funding for the annual County United Way campaign is off by over $150,000 this year.  While staff sees many factors entering into the shortfall, the organization is committed to funding agencies that provide essential assistance to the community.  United Way Director Michele Walker spoke with WCBC recently about one of these agencies, Associated Charities, and related how help from United Way changed a dangerous situation for one area couple.  

On May 21st, 2023, at approximately 0138 hours an officer observed a vehicle operating at an apparent high rate of speed on N. Mechanic Street. The officer conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle and made contact with the driver, Dana Allen Scronce. Scronce showed signs of impairment and smelled of an alcoholic beverage. He was offered Standardized Field Sobriety tests and based on the officer’s observations was placed under arrest for DUI/DWI. Scronce was also found to be operating a motor vehicle on a suspended license. He was transported to CPD headquarters and issued citations prior to being released….

West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey on Thursday joined a bipartisan coalition of 39 attorneys general in urging the U.S. Senate and House to pass S. 993 and H.R. 1839—the Combating Illicit Xylazine Act. The legislation seeks to curb the proliferation of xylazine by scheduling it as a controlled substance.  Xylazine, which is commonly known by its street name “Tranq” or “zombie drug,” is a powerful sedative that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved for veterinary use—the drug is not an opioid so naloxone or Narcan will not reverse its effects. Rachel McFadden, a Bloomberg Fellow and wound care nurse…

On Saturday, May 20, 2023, members from the Garrett County law enforcement agencies held the 2023 Garrett County Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run event at the Hickory Environmental Educational Center.  Maryland State Police McHenry Barrack Troopers and Maryland Natural Resources Police Officers participated in a 1 mile run/walk event with Special Olympic Athletes along with supporters from the community to raise funds and create awareness for Special Olympics Maryland.   This is one of many Law Enforcement Torch Run events being held by law enforcement agencies in the coming weeks throughout our state, running the torch in their local…

Washington Commanders hosted the first ever Flag Football Clinic presented by OrthoVirginia at the newly named OrthoVirginia Training Center at Commanders Park for a day of movement and skills training for young athletes. The event was held in partnership with RCX Sports and the Loudoun County NFL FLAG Football League. OrthoVirginia physicians, youth flag football players, Washington Commanders coaches, Legends, and current players Pro Bowl Safety Jeremy Reaves and first-round draft pick Emmanuel Forbes, joined by other members of the 2023 rookie class, were in attendance for a day of skills development. The event marked the first in-person event since…

The City of Cumberland Municipal Planning & Zoning Commission will hold a public meeting beginning at 4:30 p.m. in the second floor Council Chambers of City Hall on Monday, May 22nd. The meeting agenda may be further referenced through the City's website at http://www.cumberlandmd.gov/129/Agendas-Minutes