As staffing shortages continue at the Cumberland City Police Department, Mayor Ray Morriss says  efforts are underway to attract and retain officers. The department shortage has been fluid with the most recent numbers showing about five officers less than the target of around 50. Even with fewer officers than ideal, crime numbers in Cumberland have been down across the board. Appearing on WCBC’s “Dave Norman Show”, the mayor was asked if there  is really a need to hire additional officers  considering that crime rates are declining…

Governor Jim Justice has announced that West Virginia’s General Revenue collections for August were $141.8 million above estimates and 32.2% ahead of prior year receipts – leading him to once again plead for the State Senate to support his proposed 10% tax cut. While the House passed the legislation at a special session in July it died there with Senate President Craig Blair deciding not to hold a vote. Blair said he wanted to wait until November when voters will decide whether to give the state legislature the authority to eliminate the state’s personal property tax and the business and inventory tax….

On 9/4/2022 at approximately 5:29 PM the Maryland State Police McHenry Barrack received a phone call reporting 3 juveniles that had ran away from the Backbone Mountain Youth Center which is located at 124 Camp 4 Road Swanton MD 21561. Two of the three juveniles were located several hours later in Westernport MD. The third juvenile who is still on the run is a black male, 17 years old, wearing khaki pants, white shirt, white shoes, and carrying a black backpack or bag. This individual was last seen in the area of Kalbaugh Street in Westernport at approximately 2:45 AM…

On Saturday, September 3, 2022 at approximately 7:35 PM, units from the Cumberland Police Department and the Cumberland Fire Department responded to the 1000 block of W. Industrial Blvd. for a motor vehicle crash. A Cumberland police officer was on patrol when he observed a vehicle overturned, resting on its roof on W. Industrial Blvd.  The crash had just occurred.  Another vehicle that was involved in the crash was stopped on the shoulder of the roadway. Both vehicles had sustained significant damage. As a result of the investigation at the scene, the following facts were determined.  Vehicle #1, operated by…

On Saturday, September 3, 2022 at approximately 4:46 PM, officers of the Cumberland Police Department responded to the first block of Henderson Avenue for an assault.  Police contacted the victim and a witness.  A short time later, the officers located the suspect in the area of the George Street parking garage.  The victim was able to positively identify the suspect as the subject who assaulted him.  The suspect was identified as Duane Crowe Jr.  The victim further advised that he was in an alley off of Union Street when Crowe appeared around the corner of a building and displayed a…

On Saturday, September 3, 2022, the Cumberland Police Department served a bench warrant on Christie Norris.  The warrant was issued as a result of Norris failing to appear for her case at District Court on September 2, 2022.  Norris was originally charged with CDS: Possess Paraphernalia.  She was arrested and transported to Central Booking.  She was later seen by a District Court Commissioner for her initial hearing and released on her personal recognizance. ARRESTED:  Christie Renee Norris       AGE:  47     Cumberland, MD

On Friday, September 2, 2022 at approximately 8:25 am, officers of the Cumberland Police Department responded to S. Centre Street for a male subject urinating in public.   Officers located the male in the area of the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad and identified him as Jeremiah Martin.  The officer learned that Martin had an active bench warrant for failure to comply with an order of the court.  Martin was originally charged with 4 counts of Assault-1st Degree, 4 counts of Assault-2nd Degree, Disorderly Conduct, Disturb Peace, 2 counts of CDS: Possess-Not Marijuana.  Martin was placed under arrest and transported to Central…

Gov. Jim Justice announced today that he has appointed Victor L. Gabriel and Dr. Christopher A. Stansbury to the West Virginia State Board of Education.  “Both of these men are extremely qualified to fill these roles,” said Gov. Justice. “I know their hearts are in the right place, and I know they care about our kids and making sure we continue to provide the best environment for success. Gabriel will fill the seat vacated by Tom Campbell, following his resignation from the board. He will complete Campbell’s term, which is set to expire in November 2030. Mr. Gabriel graduated from…

On 9/3/22 at approximately 7:35 PM, the Cumberland Police Department and the Cumberland Fire Department responded to a roll-over motor vehicle crash. The accident is currently under investigation. Westbound Industrial Blvd is shut down and eastbound is limited to one lane.  The area is very congested. Motorists are encouraged to find an alternate route. 

As COVID transmission rates around the region continue to be elevated, Allegany County remains at the CDC’s High Community Level for COVID-19.  In regions where community levels of COVID are high the CDC recommends that individuals wear a high-quality mask in public indoor areas. The CDC also states that if you are at high risk of getting very sick from COVID-19, consider avoiding non-essential indoor activities where you could be exposed.   On September 1, the CDC announced updated recommendations for Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 boosters for people age 12 and up. The updated booster dose is a bivalent formula…