The latest Marylander involved in the insurrection has been sentenced.  WBAL reports Joshua Pruitt, 40, will spend more than four years in prison for storming the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6. Pruitt is the Silver Spring man who investigators say came face-to-face with Sen. Chuck Schumer as his armed security detail led him to safety. They described him as an aspiring Proud Boys member whose intimidating figure made him an "ideal recruit" for the group on Jan. 6.

The GIANT Company announced flu vaccinations are now available at all 133 GIANT And MARTIN’S in-store pharmacies.  “The most effective way to fight the flu is by getting your annual flu shot,” said Leigh Shirley, director of pharmacy operations, The GIANT Company. “As the flu virus changes, flu vaccinations are reformulated every year so it’s important for your entire family to get them, especially older adults and young children. Our pharmacies also offer the COVID-19 vaccine and booster doses, which can be administered at the same time as a flu shot.”   GIANT and MARTIN’S pharmacies offer several types of…

On Tuesday, August 30, 2022 at approximately 12:03 AM, a Cumberland police officer conducted a traffic stop on E. Industrial Blvd at Canal Parkway.   After investigation into the stop, one of the passengers identified as Karen Moreland, was found to be in possession of controlled dangerous substance paraphernalia.  Moreland was issued a criminal citation and released from the scene. ARRESTED:  Karen Frances Moreland    AGE:  47     Cumberland, MD CHARGES:  CDS: Possess Paraphernalia

On Monday, August 29, 2022, the Cumberland Police Department served an arrest warrant on Darlene Szlama.  The warrant was issued in connection with an incident that occurred in Frostburg, MD.  Charges were filed against Szlama by the Frostburg City Police Department and a warrant was issued.  Szlama was arrested and transported to Central Booking.  She was later seen by a District Court Commissioner and released on a $2,500 unsecured personal bond. ARRESTED:  Darlene Dorothy Szlama      AGE:  65         Frostburg, MD CHARGES: Assault-2nd Degree (x3), Disorderly Conduct, Obstructing & Hindering, Resisting Arrest

Inmates at the Western Correctional Institution (WCI) near Cresaptown now have access to tablets after the state decided to expand their educational program.  The state  announced the inception of the tablet program in 2018- and it has been expanding since. While the thought of prison inmates having the luxary of internet access doesn’t sit well with a large percentage of the general public- state officials say the tablet program correlates with the inmate education system. It provides them access to apps and tools that help with their learning process with the GED and TABE tests.  At the time the program was initiated…

With temperatures soaring into the mid 90’s this week-  a check of the Allegany County Public School system shows that all of the schools are either fully air conditioned or have window units  in the classrooms. With some gymnasiums and cafeterias doing without air conditioning-  Superintendent Jeff Blank acknowledges that the situation is not ideal- but he doesn’t anticipate having to close schools due to the heat..

First announced in December of 2020, an opening date for the new Starbucks on National Highway in LaVale is set for next month. Ed Scott, a partner with Kline Scott Visco Commercial Real Estate, the developer of the former Slumberland Motel property on National Highway, said he expected the coffeehouse chain to open in the fall of last year beside a recently built Taco Bell- however supply chain issues slowed construction considerably.  Scott tells WCBC News that bringing the world’s largest coffeehouse chain to the area not only provides an initial spark to the economy- but continues a recent string…

After more than seven years on the job, Jenelle Mayer has stepped down as Allegany County's health officer. Mayer landed the job in April of 2016 after an extensive search to replace longtime director Sue Raver. The final three plus years of Mayer’s tenure was dominated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Although the virus has been contracted by more than 19,000 county residents to date- with close to 400 deaths reported-  Mayer seldom made herself available for media interviews during the health crisis. As she leaves the position, Allegany County continues to have among the lowest rates of those fully vaccinated….

The medical marijuana industry continues to grow in Allegany County-  leading local officials to sign off on a lease-purchase agreement with Grow West MD. The deal, which was approved unanimously by the County Commissioners,  provides an additional 61,000 square feet of space in the Riverside Industrial Park on Kelly Road. Grow West currently operates from the former Kelly-Springfield Tire Co., and the facility underwent a $20 million expansion starting last year. The company also operates an Industrial Boulevard dispensary. County Commissioners President Jake Shade…

Congressman David Trone (MD-06) announced Maryland added 12,000 jobs in July, an indicator of our country’s strong and sustained economic recovery. According to the latest data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Maryland has created a total of 121,800 jobs since January 2021. Maryland’s unemployment rate has also declined, dropping to 3.9% in July.    “America’s middle class is the backbone of our economy and the key to its future success. These hardworking Americans need support, and the way Congress delivers is by putting people over politics to create long-lasting, good-paying jobs here at home,” said Congressman David Trone. “You…