U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen and Congressmen Jamie B. Raskin and David Trone (all D-Md.) today announced $108,942 in federal funding for the National Park Service to support the reconstruction of portions of the Chesapeake and Ohio National Historical Park and George Washington Memorial Parkway that suffered severe damage due to heavy rains and flooding.   “Climate change has already taken a toll on our local roadways and infrastructure. This federal investment will allow for much-needed repairs to Maryland’s transportation network – from our roads to local visitor centers. It will help fix serious damage sustained from extreme flooding in…

The Maryland State Department of Education has awarded Allegany College of Maryland a grant to support The Maryland Leads Partner Program “Grow Your Own Staff,” a partnership with Allegany County Public Schools.    ACM has a long tradition of preparing highly effective teacher candidates for the local region. The MSDE award, in the amount of $394,487.30, will allow ACPS to “grow [their] own staff” by allowing ACPS students to enroll in early college/dual enrollment classes as part of ACM’s Teacher Education program.   "ACM's partnership with ACPS is already strong, and this 'Grow Your Own Staff' partnership will continue to…

Allegany County Emergency Services reports power lines are down on Winchster Road between Warrior Drive and Tradewinds

State Route 160 remained closed Friday morning as police continue to investigate a reported fatal tractor-trailer accident. Firefighters from Wellersburg were initially called to the scene about 1:35 a.m. for a reported tractor-trailer fire and discovered the crash.  Allegany County fire and ambulance crews from Mount Savage and Corriganville also responded to the scene. The crash remains under investigation by Pennsylvania State Police.

On Thursday, at approximately 1:40 PM, officers of the Cumberland Police Department responded to a residence in the 400 block of Ascension Street for an assault in progress.  Officers arrived on scene and contacted a resident who reported that Autumn Stallings had scratched his face, pushed, and punched him. Police observed injuries to the victim consistent with his statements.  Stallings was placed under arrest and transported to Central Booking.  She was later seen by a District Court Commissioner and released on her personal recognizance. ARRESTED:  Autumn Nicole Stallings    AGE: 41          Cumberland, MD CHARGES:  Assault-2nd Degree       TRESPASSING/ASSAULT ARREST  …

At approximately 5:30 PM, officers of the Cumberland Police Department responded to UPMC Western Maryland for a disturbance.  Police contacted hospital staff who reported that Richard Lowther II was there causing a disturbance and refusing to leave after being asked to do so.  They explained that Lowther became irate and began hitting doors and windows.   Lowther also assaulted a security guard.   Lowther was placed under arrest and transported to Central Booking.  He was later seen by a District Court Commissioner and released on a $2,500 unsecured personal bond. ARRESTED:  Richard Steven Lowther II    AGE: 31         Ridgeley, WV CHARGES:  Assault-2nd Degree,…

Dan Cox, the Maryland Republican nominee for governor who is endorsed by former President Donald Trump, will be making his first extended visit to Allegany County today- beginning with an appearance on WCBC’s “Dave Norman Show”. While many in his own party describe Cox as too far right and unelectable- especially for Democrat heavy Maryland- the candidate disagrees. While most of the media coverage of Cox has centered on some of his more extreme positions and rhetoric- he says his primary win in July was a clear sign that taxes, crime, and education are top priorities of the voters- and that is will…

In response to a new statewide requirement that seeks to strengthen civilian oversight of local law enforcement agencies, the Allegany County Commissioners voted to accept nearly $500,000 in grants funds for the Police Accountability program. Under the state legislation approved last year, local governments are mandated to create a police accountability board. The board will receive complaints of officer misconduct, review disciplinary decisions and appoint civilian members to an administrative charging committee — a separate civilian panel that participates directly in the disciplinary process. Commissioners President Jake Shade,  acknowledging the program is required, accepted the grant begrudgingly as he strongly…

After more than two years of conducting meetings virtually as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic- Cumberland’s Downtown Development Commission is ready to get back to in person sessions beginning next month. The 13 member commission serves as a resource for local businesses for promotion, public relations, special events and other needs- and up until 2020 had held monthly public meetings at City Hall. When COVID numbers spiked- virtual meetings began and they continued up until Thursday. At the end of the September meeting, board chair Doug Schwab and executive director Melinda Kelleher spoke of the reason for making the…