Faced with a July 1st deadline, the Allegany County Board of Commissioners voted 2-1  Thursday   to approve a resolution establishing a local police accountability board.  Commissioners President Jake Shade was the dissenting vote, blasting the state for mandating the county  to create a citizen-led police accountability boards before the end of June. The boards are tasked to work with local government to improve policing and review complaints of police misconduct filed by members of the public.  At this time the state has not yet completed the matrix that will be used in establishing any disciplinary measures. Shade called this an…

The Cumberland Police served two Arrest Warrants on Keshawn Ayodele Dada, age 19 of Cumberland, MD.  The warrants charged Dada with Fail to Appear for original theft charges and with Violation of Conditions. He was taken to Central Booking for his initial appearance with the District Court Commissioner and was held without bond. Arrested: Keshawn Ayodele Dada  Age: 19 Cumberland, MD Charges:  Fail to Appear, Violation of Conditions   The Cumberland Police served an Arrest Warrant on Christopher Otis Cheek, age 50, of Cumberland, MD.  Cheek was charged Fourth Degree Burglary, Disorderly Conduct, and two counts of Malicious Destruction of…

Approximately $700,000 in funding from Maryland’s Community Legacy Program will be allocated for four enhancement and restoration projects in Cumberland- if approval is received. During this week’s mayor and City Council meeting, Ruth Davis-Rogers, the city's historic preservation planner, explained that the purpose of the funding is to utilize state resources for "investing in and supporting projects which will promote economic stability and neighborhood and town center revitalization." At the top of the list is the McMullen Building, 138 N. Baltimore St. on the downtown mall. The four-story, 70,000 square foot building is undergoing a $2 million upgrade. A landmark on…

In collaboration with the Downtown Development Commission and the Arts and Entertainment District of Cumberland, the merchants and business owners of the first block of North Centre Street will host the North Centre Street Festival/Block Party on Saturday, June 11 from noon to 9 p.m. Live music will begin at noon on the Baltimore Street side stage.  June 11 falls on the weekend that traditionally would have been Heritage Days. In light of his recent passing, the block party is dedicated to the memory of neighbor Lee Schwartz, owner of The Book Center. Each of the restaurants connected to North…

While not yet an issue in the Allegany County school system, the Carroll County Board of Education has voted to ban most flags on school grounds- an action that led to protests and threats of lawsuits. The school system will display the American and Maryland Flags and sports flags. LGBTQ Pride flags are not included on the list of approved flags, as well as other flags that can represent political symbols. During a school board meeting, supporters of the ban said they don't want classrooms over-sexualized while opponents say LGBTQ students need to be supported and included. One parent, strongly…

(SMITHSBURG, MD) – Maryland State Police are investigating a shooting that occurred after a man suspected of a homicide in Washington County shoots and injures a Maryland state trooper. The injured trooper is not being identified at this time. He is a 25-year veteran of the Department and is assigned to the Criminal Enforcement Division Western Region. He was transported to Meritus Medical Center in Hagerstown, Maryland, where he was treated and released for injuries sustained in the shooting. The gunman’s identity is being withheld at the moment pending charges being filed in this case. He was transported by ambulance for medical treatment…

Three people are potentially dead following a shooting in Smithsburg, Gov. Larry Hogan said during a news conference Thursday. "What I understand, potentially, three people dead," Hogan said. "Maryland State Police responded, pursued the suspect, the suspect fired and shot the trooper in the shoulder, who then returned fire and shot him." Upon arrival, deputies found multiple victims, the sheriff's office said.  The suspect is no longer a threat to the community, the sheriff's office said

Allegany County Emergency Services reports a vehicle crash on Route 200 in the area of the Rawlings Post Office. 

Allegany County Public Schools’ Superintendent, Mr. Jeff Blank, has announced several administrative staffing changes for the upcoming 2022-2023 school year. Shannon Green will be the new principal at George’s Creek Elementary School, and Jill Hartsfield will be the new principal at West Side Elementary School. Timothy Farrell will be the assistant principal at South Penn Elementary School, Josh Cook will be the assistant principal at Westmar Middle School, and Heather Peters will be the assistant principal at Northeast Elementary School. Additionally, Homer “HB” Martz will replace Mark Morral as the Supervisor of Transportation.                     

WBAL reports Gov. Larry Hogan wants the report on the widespread grade changing in Baltimore City Schools to be investigated by the Maryland State Prosecutor and the U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland. In a press release sent today Hogan stated: "After a thorough review of the Inspector General’s findings, I am immediately directing the Maryland State Prosecutor to investigate and prosecute any alleged criminal malfeasance that may have occurred. Given that in addition to substantial investments of state tax dollars, the school system receives federal funding on an annual basis, I am also referring this matter to the United States…