Work on the city’s aging water distribution system in the Decatur Street area has been extended through the end of next month- but despite the longer than anticipated schedule the project won’t exceed original cost estimates. Construction began in March and officials hope the work will help stabilize an area that has experienced numerous water main ruptures over the years. The 24-inch crosstown main runs from Baltimore Avenue northwest beneath Decatur Street, under Frederick and Bedford streets to Independence Street. The work includes replacing 4,300 linear feet of water line, which is expected to directly improve service to 29 businesses…

Other than Garrett County, public school systems across Maryland opened this week, and unfortunately there have already been a number of safety incidents reported. One of those  incidents saw students air-drop several images suggesting a possible bomb threat.  With incidents of violence in schools continuing across the nation- school safety will be one of the focal points in October when the Maryland Association of Boards of Education holds its fall conference in Annapolis. Allegany County Board of Education member Tammy Fraley is the immediate past president of MABE and maintains a seat on the board of directors…

Maryland State Police are continuing an investigation into a traffic crash last night in Washington County that claimed the lives of two teenagers. The first deceased is identified as Tyler Josenhans, 17, of Hagerstown, Md. He was the driver of a Lexus sedan involved in the crash. The second deceased is identified as Clayton Knode, 15, of Clear Spring, Md.  He was the right rear passenger of the Lexus sedan involved in the crash. The front seat passenger of the Lexus sedan is identified as Kannon Shives, of Clear Spring, Md. He was flown to the R Adams Cowley Shock…

According to a news release issued by Keyser Chief Jared Bruce, a former Keyser Police Department officer was arrested Thursday on a sex abuse charge. Brendon Dougherty, 24, was arraigned by a Mineral County magistrate on one count of sexual abuse by a person of trust. Dougherty was being held at the Potomac Highlands Regional Jail in Augusta on a $50,000 bond, according to electronic court records. Bruce said additional charges were expected and the investigation had been transferred to federal authorities. Dougherty was suspended without pay Aug. 11, according to the release. Mineral County Sheriff's Department, state police and…

Golden Entertainment Inc. has reached an agreement to sell the Rocky Gap Casino Resort in Flintstone, Maryland, to Century Casinos and real estate investor VICI Properties for $260 million in cash. According to the deal, Century Casinos will pay $56.1 million for the operations of the Rocky Gap casino, while VICI will pay $203.9 million for its interest in the land and buildings. Rocky Gap sits on 270 acres along Lake Habeeb in Western Maryland and includes an 18-hole, Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course, as well as a 5,000-square-foot events center and several outdoor activity sites. The casino itself includes a 25,000-square-foot gaming floor, a…

According to city officials, public tennis courts at the Mason Sports Complex in South Cumberland have fallen into disrepair and their future remains uncertain. The Cumberland Times News reports the courts are among several other athletic fields in the complex, which includes baseball and soccer fields, a playground and a BMX track. Now, the tennis courts show gaping cracks with weeds growing from them, leaving the surface unplayable. City officials say a combination of unfortunate circumstances has contributed to the current state of the courts. Most recently, the site was used as a staging area for contractors performing storm water…

The Allegany County Department of Emergency Services is informing citizens of a telephone technology issue that can impact 911 emergency call response times and potentially hamper the speed at which lifesaving services can be dispatched. Over the years, many households have gotten away from traditional landline telephone service and now operate their home phones through an Internet Service Provider, such as Breezeline, Xfinity or Verizon. These types of phone systems use the internet as a means of data transmission and do not automatically display the caller's physical address when calling 911, and sometimes will not route a call to the closest 911 center. As a result,…

A cooperative cross-jurisdictional initiative between state and federal law enforcement partners has led to 27 arrests with more expected as police continue to disrupt and dismantle transnational criminal organizations responsible for drug trafficking throughout the state, including Baltimore City.   Maryland is one of 26 states across the nation, participating in the American Governors’ Border Strike Force. The purpose of the interstate initiative is to disrupt and dismantle transnational criminal networks operating in illegal drug production, importation and distribution, and human trafficking in Maryland and across state lines.   Maryland State Police along with allied law enforcement partners identified Interstate…

On Wednesday, August 24, 2022 at approximately 9:04 AM, officers of the Cumberland Police Department responded to a Boone Street residence for an assault in progress.  Police contacted a resident who stated that James Roy grabbed her and punched her in the back of the head.  Officers observed that the victim did sustain injuries.  Roy was placed under arrest and transported to the police station for processing. He was later seen by a District Court Commissioner and remanded to the Allegany County Detention Center without bond.   ARRESTED:  James William Roy        AGE:  39         Cumberland, MD CHARGES: Assault-2nd Degree

On Wednesday, August 24, 2022 at approximately 10:10 AM, an officer of the Cumberland Police Department conducted a traffic stop on Maryland Avenue and identified the operator as Carlos Little.  The officer detected an odor of marijuana emitting from the vehicle.  A probable cause search of the vehicle was conducted which resulted in a quantity of marijuana being located and seized.  Little was issued a criminal citation and released pending trial at the District Court of Allegany County.   ARRESTED:  Carlos Isaiah Little     AGE:  21        Fort Washington, MD CHARGES:  CDS Possession of Marijuana greater than 10 grams