In addition to hiring more school security employees for the school year, the Allegany County Board of Education has approved new personnel to reinforce mental health services. ACPS Director of Special Education and Student Services Debbie Metheny reported to the board that there were 10 mental health specialists for the system last year- and that new hires to supplement the department are now on board… On a pilot basis, ACPS also added three school counselors. Superintendent Jeff Blank said adding to the mental health program will greatly benefit the system…

On Saturday, September 17, 2022, the Cumberland Police Department served a criminal summons on Jasmond Metheny.  The summons was issued in connection with an assault investigation.  On September 15, 2022 at approximately 12:34 AM, officers of the Cumberland Police Department responded to the 100 block of Springdale Street for an assault.  Police contacted the victim who reported that he was assaulted by Jasmond Metheny.  The victim explained that he was confronted by Metheny about a previous dispute.  He stated that Metheny then punched him in the face and fled the area.  Officers observed injuries to the victim.  Police filed for…

On Saturday, September 17, 2022, the Cumberland Police Department served an arrest warrant on Kevin Hewlin.  The warrant was issued in connection with a drug investigation. On September 1, 2022 at approximately 2:25 PM, an officer of the Cumberland Police Department was patrolling the area of Baltimore Avenue when subjects were observed to be involved in suspected drug activity.  The officer contacted one of the male subjects who was identified as Kevin Hewlin.  After further investigation, Hewlin was found to be in possession of controlled dangerous substances and paraphernalia. Charges were filed against Hewlin at the District Court of Allegany…

Gov. Jim Justice today announced the preliminary approval of more than $55.3 million in GigReady and Major Broadband Project Strategies Program (MBPS) funds to broadband infrastructure projects throughout the state. This announcement includes applications received under Gov. Justice’s West Virginia Broadband Investment Plan and the first announcement for preliminary approvals made under the GigReady Program. The MBPS and GigReady programs are part of Gov. Justice’s Billion-Dollar Broadband Strategy – a plan to invest over $1 billion in state and federal funds to make broadband connectivity available for the first time to 200,000 West Virginia homes and businesses. Projects announced through this application cycle…

The Mayor and City Council of Cumberland will hold a Public Work Session on Tuesday, September 20, 2022 at 5:00 PM in the 2nd Floor Conference Room of City Hall. The Mayor and City Council's regularly scheduled Public Meeting will be held at 6:15 PM in the City Hall Council Chambers. Meeting agendas are attached and may be further referenced through the City's website at http://www.cumberlandmd.gov/129/Agendas-Minutes  Questions regarding this matter may be directed to the City Clerk's office.

The West Virginia Board of Education (WVBE) welcomed Deputy Cabinet Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (WVDHS) Rob Cunningham to its September meeting on Tuesday to update school safety efforts in the state. WVDHS has worked collaboratively with the West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE) and other state agencies to support school safety and address challenges that may exist. Student safety and achievement go hand-in-hand. I know from my experience that safe schools provide for the most productive learning environment. We cannot focus on one without the other and we will fully support any effort to streamline and increase…

The Independent Investigations Division (IID) of the Maryland Office of the Attorney General is investigating a fatal officer-involved shooting that occurred in Anne Arundel County early Saturday morning. Shortly before 2:30 a.m. on September 17, officers with the Anne Arundel County Police Department responded to a residence in the 4100 block of Sands Road in Harwood following 911 calls reporting a domestic violence incident. While officers were en route, a 911 caller said the man involved in the domestic violence incident had left the house and fired several shots outside. As officers traveled down the home’s driveway, several gunshots were…

The Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention, Youth, and Victim Services today convened the first meeting of the 2022-2023 Maryland Youth Advisory Council. Following the appointment of 20 members from 13 jurisdictions across Maryland, the council provides diverse young advocates and leaders with a platform to address important issues affecting younger Marylanders. “It’s important that young Marylanders have a seat at the table to participate in discussions that affect their lives,” said Governor Larry Hogan. “Our youth provide an important perspective on issues that impact our state and I look forward to seeing all that this year’s council will accomplish.”  The…

On Friday, September 16, 2022, the Cumberland Police Department served an Allegany County Circuit Court bench warrant on David Wolford.  The bench warrant was issued as a result of Wolford violating the conditions of his probation.  Wolford was arrested and transported to the Allegany County Detention Center, held without bond. ARRESTED:  David Wayne Wolford      AGE:  39         Cumberland, MD On Friday, September 16, 2022, the Cumberland Police Department served a bench warrant on Desserai Burns.  The bench warrant was issued as a result of Burns violating an order of the court.  Burns was originally charged with Theft: $100 to under $1,500. …

A Maryland company announced Friday it will build a natural gas power plant designed to capture climate-changing carbon in northern West Virginia. Officials said it was made possible by a recently signed law embraced by Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin that gives tax breaks for alternative energy projects. Competitive Power Ventures of Silver Spring, Maryland, will construct the 1,800-megawatt plant in Doddridge County, a top producer of natural gas in the state. More than 1,000 union jobs will be used in the construction of the combined-cycle plant, and the natural gas used by the facility will support hundreds of additional jobs,…