The Maryland Department of Health (MDH) today released the results of the 2021-2022 Maryland Youth Risk Behavior Survey and Youth Tobacco Survey (YRBS/YTS). For the first time, the survey addressed mental health status, COVID-19, screen time, disability, and additional information on adverse childhood experiences. Survey findings show that the COVID-19 pandemic greatly affected the mental health of Maryland youth. The survey also finds a reduction in the use of tobacco products, alcohol, and marijuana for high school students. However, there was an increase in alcohol initiation and prescription drug misuse at the middle school level. “While we see some encouraging…

Maryland Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller urged lawmakers Wednesday to approve an extension and expansion of tax credits for low-income residents that helped them during the pandemic but are set to end. The proposal is a priority for Gov. Wes Moore, a Democrat who included $171 million in his $63.1 billion budget plan for the legislation. It would make permanent an expansion of the state’s earned income tax credit approved in 2021 for tax years through 2022. The measure also would expand the state’s child tax credit. “Both of these programs are proven to significantly reduce poverty in the state,” Miller…

On March 1st, 2023 officers of the Cumberland Police Department responded to a business in the 60 block of Queen City Drive for a reported disturbance and trespassing complaint. Upon officer’s arrival they spoke with a witness who advised that a male inside the store had made threats towards employees, and provided a description. Officers contacted the male who refused to identify himself. The male obstructed and hindered the officer’s investigation into the incident and was placed under arrest. Officers were later able to identify the male as Fon Fomukong, and he was taken before a District Court Commissioner where…

The Cumberland Police Department is requesting the public’s assistance in a motor vehicle theft investigation. On March 1st, 2023 officers responded to the 300 block of Footer Place for a reported stolen motorcycle. The motor cycle was described as a Black Kawasaki Ninja, and was stolen between the afternoon of February 28th, 2023 and the morning of March 1st, 2023. Any information can be provided to the Cumberland Police Department at 301-777-1600.

The McMullen Building restoration project is moving at full speed and an open house is scheduled for this Saturday. Located at 138 N. Baltimore St., the building was best known for housing Woolworths and later the G.C. Murphy Co. department store in the 20th century. Local businessmen Chris Hendershot and Garrett Eagan, owners of Cartridges Galore, purchased the four-story building in 2020… Saturday’s open house is scheduled between 10 and 2…

One of the early changes that will be made necessary by the downtown mall contruction- will be the annual Easter event and the Farmers Market. Downtown Development Commission executive director Melinda Kelleher says that after decades downtown on Baltimore Street, the Thursday market is preparing for relocation to Canal Place with an opening on April 27 from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m… The new location is situated along the Canal Place stage accessible via the Howard Street entrance to Canal Place. The new venue offers easier access to parking and restroom facilities. As far as other downtown events, Kelleher says…

West Virginia’s governor signed a bill Wednesday allowing people with concealed carry permits to take firearms onto public college and university campuses. Calling it a proud day for West Virginia, Republican Governor Jim Justice signed the bill, surrounded by more than two dozen state lawmakers, members of the National Rifle Association, and the West Virginia Citizens Defense League…  The law will take effect in July 2024. Similar legislation has passed in 11 other states. Justice said guns have been present on state campuses even without the new law…

Maryland Comptroller Brooke Lierman (D) released a report this week with dozens of recommendations designed to  improve the state agency of more than 1,000 employees. The comptroller’s legislative agenda would upgrade technology, create an Office of Taxpayer Advocate and establish a rebate program for delayed unemployment insurance payments. The comptroller's office has a tremendous impact on everything from reimbursing crisis centers to making taxpayers whole. But Lierman said the office technology is antiquated, and there are limited options to assist taxpayers… Although lawmakers have reached the halfway point in the session, the comptroller is confident there's still enough time for…

There was no umpire behind the plate calling balls and strikes when the Baltimore Orioles and Pittsburgh Pirates decided to keep playing Tuesday. The umpires were done with their day’s work after Baltimore’s Josh Lester grounded out to end the top of the ninth inning with the Orioles trailing 7-4, officially ending the spring training contest. But after the umps left the field, the teams kept going and played the bottom of the ninth following a quick discussion between Pirates manager Derek Shelton and Baltimore skipper Brandon Hyde. With the umpires gone, the balls and strikes were called by the…

The Allegany County Emergency Services reports that there are residents near the Allegany County Fairgrounds without water service. Indications are that there was a leak in a ten inch water line that is being repaired. Service should be restored shorlty.