According to the Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office,  it was an unattended candle sparked a fire Sunday that caused about $25,000 damage to a Baltimore Avenue home. The blaze at 461 Baltimore was reported about 12:15 p.m. and drew about 30 firefighters from Cumberland Fire Department and volunteers from Allegany and Mineral counties.  There were no injuries. The family was being assisted by the American Red Cross, according to the fire marshal's office.

The Western Maryland Jaycees are excited to announce the entertainment line-up for the 2023 Thomas Automotive Wing-Off and Music Festival. The event will be held on June 17th at the Allegany County Fairgrounds from 12:00pm until 11:30pm. Camping options are available. This year’s headliner will be country music superstar, Gary Allan. Since his debut album, “Used Heart for Sale” in 1996, Allan has won over fans, peers and critics with his signature blend of smoldering vocals, rebellious lyrics and raucous live performances. While becoming a force on the country music scene, Allan has remained true to his artistic voice each…

WBAL reports Maryland officials are preparing for as many as 80,000 residents who could no longer qualify for Medicaid coverage this spring, as the federal government reinstates a requirement that existed before the COVID-19 pandemic for states to verify the eligibility of recipients. Michele Eberle, the executive director of the Maryland Health Benefit Exchange, said that beginning in May, the state can start ending Medicaid coverage for people who no longer qualify. Maryland, she added, is in a better position to reach people than many other states to either continue Medicaid coverage or move them into other health plans. “We…

On Sunday, February 5, 2023 at approximately 12:56 PM, officers of the Cumberland Police Department responded to a residence in the 100 block of W. Third Street for an assault.  Police contacted the alleged victim who reported that Francis Nizer had strangled her and slammed her against a wall while arguing with her over a ring.  Officers observed injuries to the victim.  Nizer was placed under arrest and transported to Central Booking.  He was later seen by a District Court Commissioner and remanded to the Allegany County Detention Center without bond. ARRESTED:  Francis Damien Nizer        AGE:  44         Cumberland, MD CHARGES: …

On Sunday, February 5, 2023 at approximately 10:33 AM, officers of the Cumberland Police Department responded to a residence in the 100 block of Humbird Street for an assault.  Police arrived and contacted the involved parties who had visible injuries.  The alleged victim reported that his injuries had been caused by Alexa Davis.  After further investigation, Davis was placed under arrest and transported to Central Booking.  She was later seen by a District Court Commissioner and released on her personal recognizance. ARRESTED:  Alexa Rhea Davis          AGE:  22           Cumberland, MD CHARGES:  Assault-2nd Degree

On Sunday, February 5, 2023, the Cumberland Police Department served a bench warrant on Ricky Broadwater.  The warrant was issued as the result of Broadwater violating his probation.  Broadwater was originally charged with Rifle/Shotgun Possess – Disqualify.   He was arrested and transported to Central Booking.  He was later seen by a District Court Commissioner and posted a $5,000 unsecured personal bond. ARRESTED:  Ricky Allen Broadwater       AGE:  43         Cumberland, MD On Sunday, February 5, 2023, the Cumberland Police Department served a bench warrant on Nichole Jones.  The warrant was issued as the result of Jones Failing to appear in court on…

A two-car head-on crash Sunday on state Route 36 sent at least five people to area hospitals, including two who were flown by Maryland State Police helicopters. Route 36 was closed for more than 3 hours while Maryland State Police reconstructed the crash that was reported about 3:25 p.m.  The injured included two children, one of whom was flown to an area trauma center. Three people were taken by ambulances to UPMC Western Maryland for treatment. Conditions on the injured were not available. First responders from Mount Savage, Corriganville, Wellersburg, Frostburg and the Allegany County Department of Emergency Services responded as well…

Once again the Maryland Republican Caucus this session will push for a bill that would make the theft of a handgun an automatic felony- and House Minority Leader Jason Buckel says unfortunately he expects Democrats to fight against it. Delegate Buckel said, for whatever reason, what seem’s like a common sense crime bill has been defeated in the past and probably will be again… Buckel says that by blocking this legislation but making gun control a major centerpiece of  the party’s platform- Democrats are sending a mixed message…

West Virginia's Republican governor, Jim Justice, told CBS News this week he will decide by the end of February whether he will run for the Senate seat held by Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin in 2024, a decision that could upend the race and the balance of power in the Senate.  Justice's openness to running raises the prospect of a blockbuster head-to-head battle between the state's two foremost political leaders:  Justice and Manchin, the state's longtime senator who also previously served as governor. Justice, who switched parties to become a Republican just months into his first term as governor in 2017, said he is confident…

While representatives of the Canal Place Preservation and Development Authority met recently with Ridgeley, Carpendale and Mineral County officials to gauge support for the proposed River Park project-  Delegate Gary Howell has been slow to endorse the concept. A year ago Howell said he had concerns with part of the plan that calls for the removal of the dam beneath the Blue Bridge that links Ridgeley and Cumberland. Howell, a Republican who represents Mineral County,  was quoted as saying he believes removing the dam takes away more opportunities than it creates. Canal Place executive director Dee Dee Ritchie said she…