The Maryland Department of Health (MDH) announced expanded eligibility for the human monkeypox (MPX) vaccine, allowing vaccine administration to anyone at high risk of MPX infection. The MPX vaccine was previously recommended only for people who had been potentially exposed to MPX in the prior two weeks. “Vaccination plays a critical role in Maryland’s comprehensive response to the MPX outbreak,” said MDH Infectious Disease Prevention and Health Services Bureau Director Dr. Peter DeMartino. “The new eligibility criteria align with current Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines and take advantage of the improved supply of the JYNNEOS vaccine. Expanding eligibility…

On Wednesday at approximately 2:59 PM the Maryland State Police were dispatched by the Allegany County 911 Center to respond to a single vehicle motorcycle crash on Rt. 51 (Oldtown Road) at the Malcolm Road intersection.  The initial crash investigation revealed the operator of the motorcycle to be 71 year old Ronald Roberts of Stratham, New Hampshire.  It was determined that Mr. Roberts lost control of his motorcycle while traveling northbound on Oldtown Rd and was ejected, sustaining serious injuries.  Mr. Roberts was transported by MSP Aviation Trooper 5 to Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center in Johnstown, Cambria County, PA for…

A new Goucher College poll shows Maryland Governor Larry Hogan with broad support across party lines as he enters the final months of his two terms in office. While neither President Joe Biden or former President Donald Trump receive high approval marks, Maryland’s Republican governor continues to receive high marks. Dr Mileah Kromer tells WCBC News that Hogan’s approval ratings have been steady, and solid for his entire stay in office… While the governor is popular among Democrats and Republicans, the same cannot said for Biden or Trump…

On Wednesday,  the Cumberland Police Department served two criminal summonses and an arrest warrant on Tifenie Broadwater.  The summonses were issued as a result of a private citizen filing for charges against Broadwater at the District Court of Allegany County.  The arrest warrant was issued as a result of an incident that occurred on September 20, 2022.  On this date at approximately 8:02 PM, officers of the Cumberland Police Department responded to the 700 block of Lincoln Street for a harassment complaint.  Police contacted the complainant who reported that Tifenie Broadwater attempted to contact him numerous times after being served…

The city will need to secure a little more than $2 million additional dollars for the Baltimore Street Access Project- with bids opened Wednesday afternoon at City Hall. Although there was strong pre-bid interest expressed last month- in the end only two bids were received with Triton Construction of St Albans West Virginia edging out Carl Belt Construction of Cumberland with a low base bid of $14.6 million. The Carl Belt bid was $15.1 million. The renovations planned for the downtown mall include installing high-capacity broadband fiber and replacing aging infrastructure before reinstalling Baltimore Street through the pedestrian mall. Mayor…

The Montgomery County Circuit Court will decide on Friday whether to allow Maryland poll workers to begin counting mail-in ballots for the Nov. 8 election early. Judge James Bonifant heard arguments this week from attorneys for the Maryland State Board of Elections to allow the hundreds of thousands of expected mail-in ballots to be counted as early as Oct. 1 to avoid delays in determining the winners in the fall contests. Attorneys for Maryland Republican gubernatorial nominee Dan Cox, who is challenging the petition, argued against the change. Election board members said the current rule of waiting to count votes…

“Presentism” — the practice of holding historical figures accountable for actions under present-day values — was on the table of the Cumberland City Council this week as city officials contemplate establishing a naming policy for athletic fields. On a national level. in recent years, there have been efforts to rename buildings and institutions, remove monuments and even change Mount Rushmore because some argue those honored, including George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, committed racial injustices. As the city considers naming or re-naming some local spots- Councilman Joe George cautioned that such actions can now lead to controversy and debate…

A major economic project that is near and dear to many people in West Virginia may be in serious trouble because of a dispute in the U.S. Senate. While this is a potentially big economic driver for West Virginia, it is also quite controversial. Completion of the Mountain Valley natural gas pipeline from central West Virginia into Virginia will bring an estimated $200 million a year in revenue to West Virginia, according to state officials. The project was stalled over environmental concerns and a court fight, but Senator Joe Manchin made a deal with the White House for the pipeline to be finished….

Allegany County Emergency Services reported  a motorcycle accident on Route 51 prior to the Paw Paw bridge around 3. No injuries reported.

The city will need to secure a little more than $2 million additional dollars for the Baltimore Street Access Project- with bids opened Wednesday afternoon at City Hall. Although there was strong pre-bid interest expressed last month- in the end only two bids were received with Triton Construction of St Albans West Virginia edging out Carl Belt Construction of Cumberland with a low base bid of $14.6 million. The Carl Belt bid was $15.1 million. The renovations planned for the downtown mall include installing high-capacity broadband fiber and replacing aging infrastructure before reinstalling Baltimore Street through the pedestrian mall. Mayor…