On November 16th, 2022 at approximately 10:13 am, the Cumberland Police Department responded to the 500 block of Frederick Street for an assault. Upon arrival officers contacted the victim who advised that they had been struck on the forehead and scratched on the neck by Keara Pendergast, after an argument. The officer observed injuries on the victim, and Pendergast was placed under arrest. She was transported to central booking, and later seen by a District Court commissioner where she was released on her personal recognizance. NAME: Keara Lashae Pendergast  AGE: 24  Cumberland, MD CHARGES: Assault 2nd degree

CRIMINAL SUMMONS SERVED On November 16th, 2022, the Cumberland Police Department served a criminal summons on Gracee Jacobs. The summons was issued as result of an assault that occurred on November 12, 2022, at a business on Queen City Drive. The officer conducted an investigation and determined Jacobs engaged in a fight with three juveniles at the business and filed for charges on Jacobs at District Court. Jacobs signed for her copy of the summons and was released pending trial at District Court. NAME:  Gracee Jane Jacobs  AGE: 22  Cumberland, MD CHARGES: Assault 2nd degree BENCH WARRANT SERVED On November…

Although there are many critics who maintain that a Maryland law that went into effect seven years ago increasing the speed limit is responsible for a spike in crashes o Interstate 68- the data simply doesn’t support the conjecture. The legislation, sponsored by State Senator George Edwards, was among the topics he brought to the table during a recent meeting held in LaVale with Maryland’s Secretary of Transportation James Ports. Based on department research, which examined the speed of 85 percent of drivers on a given road when unaffected by traffic or weather, the raised speed limit has not increased…

ACPS Bus #4 to Fort Hill High School and Washington Middle School will be replaced by Bus #2 again on, Thursday, November 17, 2022, and may be running up to 15 minutes late. Additionally, ACPS Bus #4 to South Penn Elementary School will be replaced by Bus #33 again on Thursday and may also be running up to 15 minutes late.

The Cumberland Mayor and City Council is in the process of restructuring operations; combining some positions; creating some new ones and updating pay grades. During this week’s regular meeting, the Council approved the first reading of an ordinance that will accomplish those changes, with a final vote expected in December. Ken Tressler, director of administrative services for the city of Cumberland, said one of the reasons for the adjustment is the result of a number of vacancies… While those vacancies have not greatly impacted the day to day functions of government to date, Tressler says there is a need to…

Allegany Arts Council Executive Director Julie Westendorff announced this week that a new grant will help fund three seasons’ worth of outdoor concerts at Canal Place. On Tuesday details of the receipt of a $90,000 grant from the Los Angeles-based Levitt Foundation, which offers funds for free concert programs nationally, were presented. Beginning next year the grant will make possible ten concerts a year through 2025.  Cumberland was one of 15 cities selected following a  public voting contest this year ultimately helped place the city in the top 10 after it was named among 36 finalists. Cumberland Mayor Ray Morriss…

Republicans are still reeling from what many view as a major mid term failure in last week’s election- and those anxieties may have just increased with former President Donald Trump formally announcing that he will be a candidate once again in 2024. Another possible presidential candidate, Maryland Governor Larry Hogan, said it is clear that the GOP needs to move beyond Trump and move in a different direction. He says it was obvious that the Trump endorsed election denier candidates, including Maryland Gubernatorial candidate Dan Cox,  is what cost the party this go around…

Gov. Jim Justice today reminded hunters that West Virginia’s buck firearms season will start Monday, Nov. 21 and that they need to purchase their license and deer stamps before the season starts if they want a chance to take an additional buck during the state’s most popular hunting season. “West Virginia’s buck firearms season is an incredible time of year and one of the most exciting ways you can enjoy a hunting adventure and experience all of the outdoor goodness our beautiful state has to offer,” Gov. Justice said. “Whether you’re a lifelong hunter like me or just getting started,…

The Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) is pleased to announce that the Fiscal Year 2023 (FY23) Resilient Maryland Program is now accepting applications. This comprehensive program provides preconstruction analysis and capital installation funds for the development and construction of microgrids, resilient facility power systems (RFPSs), and resiliency hubs. It enables reliable, sustainable, and affordable energy to Maryland communities, critical infrastructure, businesses, higher learning campuses, agriculture, and many other industries vulnerable to power outages; $2.7 million of funding is available.  The FY23 Resilient Maryland Program consolidates three MEA resiliency programs into a single streamlined “one-stop” program platform. The current offering includes three…

The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR), Bureau for Medical Services today announced a 10% increase in ambulance ground transportation rates which will provide more than 200 West Virginia ambulance providers with $11.8 million in additional reimbursements per fiscal year. “We have so much gratitude for West Virginia’s ambulance and emergency medical services workers, especially during the last two years of the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting stress on the state’s health care system,” said Bill J. Crouch, DHHR Cabinet Secretary. “Together with Gov. Justice, we requested this increase because these funds are critical to our local…