The legalization of marijuana is proving to have a cascading effect through the lives of Marylanders.  Issues such as zoning for dispensary locations will have to be handled by the county while Law Enforcement will have a more complicated time with interpreting traffic violations where marijuana may be involved.  Delegate James Hinebaugh spoke at the Legislative Wrap-up Luncheon on Thursday as to how police may have to deal with traffic stops… In addition, Delegate Buckel says that there will have to be something done in situations where children are being exposed to the smoke of marijuana  – a situation that…

Melinda Kelleher of the Cumberland Downtown Development Commission recently addressed issues of parking in the Rose’s Plaza on Queen City Drive.  The area where the plaza is located is part of the DDC’s coverage area, but the lot itself is not…  There have been complaints that all-day parking is no longer allowed in the lot.  Kelleher shared what she knows about the parking situation… The DDC Executive Director did tell WCBC that there are currently new parking incentives for employers who wish to provide parking for their employees in the George Street parking garage.

Archway Station is hoping to get $350,000 in Community Development Block Grant funds to acquire property for a women’s recovery housing program.  The organization is asking the Allegany County Commissioners to apply on their behalf for the grant from the Maryland Recovery Housing Program. David Nedved, County Economic Development Specialist, made the presentation explaining what the funding would be for…  If awarded, the money will be used to acquire local property for women moving from treatment facilities to recovery housing.

Congressman David Trone was in Cumberland on Friday to visit the Carver Center site on Frederick Street. Trone has submitted a request to the House Committee on Appropriations for $2 million to renovate the building.  The building has had several failed attempts at renovation, but local officials are optimistic that the building can become a valuable community resource.

All – During night time construction, a water main was broken at the western approach to the Baltimore Street Bridge. The bridge will continue to be closed beyond the 6am deadline to allow City crews to repair the water main. There is no definitive timetable for the bridge to be reopened at this time. More information will be released in the morning when it is available.

The Maryland State Police are investigating the death of an inmate at Western Correctional Institute in Allegany County. The victim, identified as Christopher Barrett, 35, was pronounced deceased at the scene. Shortly after 5:30 a.m. on Friday, Maryland State Police Homicide Unit responded to a report of an inmate death at the Western Correctional Institute in Cumberland, Maryland. According to a preliminary investigation, the victim was found deceased in his cell. No arrests have been made at this time. The Maryland State Police Homicide Unit is leading the investigation. The case remains under investigation…

Public Notice – Meeting Canceled The Cumberland Planning Commission meeting scheduled for today, Monday, April 24, 2023 at 4:30 PM is canceled.  The next meeting will be May 22, 2023.

Alert: Freeze Warning until 08:00AM Tuesday * WHAT…Sub-freezing temperatures as low as 27 expected. * WHERE…Portions of north central and western Maryland, central, northern, northwest and western Virginia and eastern and panhandle West Virginia. * WHEN…From midnight tonight to 8 AM EDT Tuesday. * IMPACTS…Frost and freeze conditions will kill crops, other sensitive vegetation and possibly damage unprotected outdoor plumbing. * AFFECTED AREAS: WASHINGTON … FREDERICK … CARROLL … EXTREME WESTERN ALLEGANY … CENTRAL AND EASTERN ALLEGANY … AUGUSTA … ROCKINGHAM … SHENANDOAH … FREDERICK … PAGE … WARREN … CLARKE … GREENE … MADISON … RAPPAHANNOCK … CULPEPER ……

(CUMBERLAND, MD) – The Maryland State Police are investigating the death of an inmate at Western Correctional Institute in Allegany County. The victim, identified as Christopher Barrett, 35, was pronounced deceased at the scene. Shortly after 5:30 a.m. on Friday, Maryland State Police Homicide Unit responded to a report of an inmate death at the Western Correctional Institute in Cumberland, Maryland. According to a preliminary investigation, the victim was found deceased in his cell. No arrests have been made at this time. The Maryland State Police Homicide Unit is leading the investigation. The case remains under investigation…

Former Maryland House Speaker Casper R. Taylor, Jr passed away Monday morning at the age of 89.  Taylor served as a Democrat in the Maryland legislature from 1975 to 2003.  Scarpelli Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements for the family. Viewing will be from 4-7pm on Friday with the Christian Wake at 7pm. Speaker Taylor's Mass of Christian Burial at 1pm at St. Mary's Church on Oldtown Road.