On February 27th, 2023 officers of the Cumberland Police Department served an Arrest Warrant on David Scott. The Arrest Warrant was issued by the Circuit Court when Scott violated the conditions of his probation. Scott was remanded to the Allegany County Detention Center without bond. Arrest: David Leroy Scott, age 35, Cumberland Maryland. Charge: Violation of Probation.

The Cumberland Mayor and City Council has approved a sponsorship for the Greenway Avenue Stadium Capital Improvement Fund that will see the city contribute $10,000 over a ten year period for an advertising panal to be displayed. After 12 years of renovations, the many upgrades to Greenway Avenue Stadium were unveiled last summer including improvements to the visitors bleachers; the addition of an eight-lane track; and enhancements to the public walkways and storm water system. The renovations began in 2010 with updates to the home bleachers. With those changes now complete and others in the works, city councilman Rock Cioni…

The Allegany County Board of Commissioners is seeking $1.5 million in state funding as a necessary match to secure a $6 million federal earmark for the River Park at Canal Place project. The federal award requires the match- and those funds will go to the Canal Place Preservation and Development Authority’s FY 24 operating budget to help push the project forward. The proposed park, estimated to cost roughly $30 million, includes installing a moderate whitewater course on the river behind Canal Place, along with docks for canoes and kayaks, walking trails and a viewing area. Commissioner Bill Atkinson… Momentum  for…

A bill that would dissolve West Virginia’s Department of Health and Human Resources and separate it into three new departments is heading to the desk of Governor Jim Justice, just under a year after he vetoed a different proposal to split up the ailing agency. State senators voted in favor of the legislation overwhelmingly Wednesday with little discussion, just over a week after it was approved by House lawmakers. The bill to dissolve the department  at the start of next year comes after the agency has faced repeated allegations of abuse and mistreatment of the state’s most vulnerable residents in…

On February 25th, 2023 officers of the Cumberland Police Department responded to the 700 block of Baker Street for a reported breaking and entering. Upon officer’s arrival they located the suspect, Cassandra Porter in front of the residence. Officers continued their investigation and spoke with victims and witnesses who advised that they had returned to their residence and located Porter inside going through their property. Porter was placed under arrest and during a search incident to arrest the officers located a quantity of a controlled dangerous substance on her person. Porter was taken before a District Court Commissioner where she…

On February 24th, 2023 officers of the Cumberland Police Department responded to the 200 block of Glenn Street for a possible assault in progress. Upon officer’s arrival they spoke with the victim, who advised that Brandon Barnard was in the residence arguing with the victim. The officer’s learned that Barnard was arrested previously for an assault and conditions of his release prevented him from being at the residence. Barnard was placed under arrest and taken before a District Court Commissioner where he was held on a $3,000 bond. Arrest: Brandon Paul Barnard, age 36, Cumberland Maryland. Charges: Violation of Pre-Trial…

On February 24th, 2023 officers of the Cumberland Police Department served a Criminal Summons on Delores Spencer. The Criminal Summons was issued by the District Court stemming from a harassment incident on February 17th, 2023. Spencer signed for her Criminal Summons and was released pending her trial at District Court.   Arrest: Delores Sue Laura Spencer, age 32, Cumberland Maryland. Charge: Harassment.

Reversing a decision that officials now openly acknowledge was a mistake- efforts will get underway in earnest April 3rd  when construction begins to re-open the downtown mall. The mistake in question was the 1979 action that closed  Baltimore Street to vehicular traffic, bricked over the street and created a pedestrian mall. The hope now is that a $15 million redesign of downtown will revitalize the mall with Baltimore Street re-opening for one-way traffic; aging underground utility lines replaced; and  a new streetscape created that will include trees, shrubs and redesigned parklets. Construction is expected to take 18 months. A Thursday  town hall…

The Cumberland Mayor and City Council is expected to make a decision in just a few weeks as to whether or not to amend the zoning laws regulating domestic livestock. In March of 2016, the Frostburg City Council took action that allows households to keep up to six live chickens- and now a number of Cumberland residents are looking for the city to follow that lead. About a half dozen supporters of the proposal have been attending council meetings the past few months making the request. While Cumberland Mayor Ray Morriss said he has a number of concerns, and has…

Governor Wes Moore appeared before House and Senate committees last week to testify for a bill to establish the one-year "Service Year Option Program" for graduating high school seniors. If passed, those in the program would be required to work at least 30 hours per week and partner with a mentor. An employer would pay $15 per hour. The program would be phased in and cost $3 million per year by Fiscal Year 2028. Those in the program would receive a $3,000 stipend upon completion. The importance of public service has been major theme of Moore’s during his campaign and…