The Mineral County Health Department has confirmed two recent rabies cases. A skunk in the area of Southern Drive and U.S. Route 220, Keyser, tested positive, as did a fox in the Tanglewood and Timberlake areas of New Creek.  The health department is warning the public to stay away from any animal acting strangely or aggressively, and to make sure pets are up to date on vaccinations. For more information, call 304-788-1321.

The following students from the area have been named to the dean's list at Frostburg State University in recognition of outstanding academic achievement for the fall semester. To be eligible, a student must undertake a minimum of 12 credit hours and earn a cumulative semester grade point average of at least 3.4 on a 4.0 scale. Hannah Ackerman, of Ridgeley, WV. Samantha Adams, of Cumberland, MD, with the distinction of a 4.0 grade point average. Averi Ansel, of Cumberland, MD. Ava Ashby, of Oakland, MD. Marisa Aurigemma, of Cumberland, MD, with the distinction of a 4.0 grade point average. Kristen…

An incident occurred today, Friday, February 10th at the Career Center (CCTE).  There was an alleged threat made in regards to an imitation explosive device.  The administration and the School Resource Officer (SRO) conducted the investigation and it was determined that the threat was non-credible.  There was no danger to any students or staff and the school schedule was uninterrupted.     

On February 9th, 2023, at approximately 1:58 p.m. a Cumberland Police officer conducted a traffic stop on Decatur Street after observing several traffic violations. The officer contacted the driver, Aerron Whetzel. After speaking with the driver, the officer requested a K-9 to the scene. The K-9 indicated a positive alert on the vehicle. A search of the vehicle was conducted and a quantity of CDS and CDS paraphernalia was located. Whetzel was subsequently placed under arrest for possession of CDS. He was transported to central booking, where he was later seen by a District Court commissioner and held on a…

On February 9th, 2023, at approximately 05:35 a.m. the Cumberland Police Department responded to Utah Avenue for the report of a breaking and entering. Upon arrival officers witnessed Nakota Durham inside the vacant property. The officers made contact with the property owner and confirmed that nobody was supposed to be inside the property. Durham was placed under arrest, and she was transported to central booking. She was later seen by a District Court commissioner where she was held on $1,000 bond. NAME:  Nakota Cheanta Durham  AGE: 31  Cumberland, MD CHARGES: Trespassing on Private Property, Burglary 4th degree

On February 9th, 2023, the Cumberland Police Department served a bench warrant on Michael McDonald. The warrant was issued as a result of McDonald failing to appear before Allegany County District Court on February 6th, 2023 for CDS related charges. McDonald was transported to central booking. He was later seen by a District Court commissioner and released on his own recognizance. NAME: Michael Shane McDonald  AGE: 44  Cumberland, MD CHARGES: Failure to Appear

After weeks of tension between legislators and Gov. Jim Justice, the West Virginia Senate announced its long awaited tax plan Wednesday  and then unanimously passed the bill hours later after suspending constitutional rules. The plan aims to return $600 million to West Virginians through various tax reductions, eliminations and rebates. Most notably, it initially cuts the personal income tax by 15% but allows for further reductions after the state passes certain sales tax collection thresholds, and would also provide a 50% rebate on equipment and inventory taxes paid by small businesses. Governor Justice seemed open to the Senate’s plan after it was…

During Thursday’s regular monthly meeting of the Downtown Development Commission, questions were raised about the lack of  progress on the Maryland Avenue Redevelopment Project. Although the effort to develop a commercial plaza and shopping complex in the Rolling Mill district dates back to 2015- a formal groundbreaking wasn’t  held until December of 2020- and to date only one building is partially completed. Developer Ed Scott at the time of the groundbreaking predicted significant progress with businesses opening in 2022- but that hasn’t happened-  and it now appears as though construction activity has come to a halt. Cumberland Economic Development Corporation…

Maryland Governor Wes Moore and state lawmakers announced support Thursday for measures protecting abortion rights, including a state constitutional amendment that would enshrine it. Lt Governor Aruna Miller, House Speaker Adrienne Jones, Senate President Bill Ferguson and Delegate Ariana Kelly  joined the governor to show their support for a measure that would protect patients and providers in Maryland from criminal, civil and administrative penalties relating to abortion bans or restrictions in other states. Moore, a Democrat, demonstrated his support for abortion rights soon after taking office last month, when he announced on his second day in office that he was releasing $3.5 million in…

Maryland’s lone Republican congressman blasted President Biden this week for accusing the GOP of wanting to cut Social Security and Medicare. Biden drew a raucous response from Republicans during his State of the Union address Tuesday night when he suggested that some Republican lawmakers  are on in support of allowing Social Security and Medicare to sunset. Congressman Andy Harris chose not to attend the State of the Union, saying that he knew it would be nothing more than a campaign speech, but he did listen. He said that his party has no plans to cut or eliminate social security and medicare, however…