The Biden administration has agreed to advance the controversial Mountain Valley pipeline project as part of a broader permitting reform plan in Congress. West Virginia Senator Joe Manchin making that announcement earlier this week.  Legislation in the works would require federal agencies to take “all necessary actions” to permit the natural gas project slated to run through West Virginia. Despite this encouraging news, West Virginia Governor Jim Justice said there are a lot of mixed feelings in his state as a result of some of the other measures contained within the legislative package…

The Cumberland Economic Development Corporation is pleased to announce the transfer of 118 Baltimore Street (aka “The M&T Bank Building”) to CG Enterprises for renovation and redevelopment.  The closing on the property took place on August 3, 2022.  Built in 1898 as the Rosenbaum Department Store, the 44,000 square foot building is on the National Register of Historic Places and boasts many unique architectural details. CG Enterprises, comprised of Cumberland businessmen Chris Hendershot and Garrett Eagan, will be redeveloping the building's five floors into a downtown focal point that incorporates local residences, destination vacation stays, as well as serving as…

Governor Larry Hogan today joined federal officials at Tradepoint Atlantic to announce the awarding of a $22.9 million American Rescue Plan Good Jobs Challenge grant for the Maryland Department of Labor (Labor) to implement a new apprenticeship model to support the region’s growing offshore wind industry. Maryland’s project is one of 32 chosen nationwide out of more than 500 applicants. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo announced the winners earlier today. “This funding will ensure that Maryland employers and jobseekers stand ready to meet the demands of the flourishing offshore wind industry, which is expected to create more than 10,000 jobs in the…

The City of Cumberland is making City-owned real estate available for purchase through a Sealed Bid Sale Process. The application process for this program evaluates the vision and plan for a property in combination with an offer price. The goal of the program is to return properties to the private sector for their highest and best use. Seven properties, all considered candidates for rehabilitation, are open for bid until September 14, 2022. Interested bidders must obtain the bid packet from the Community Development Department in City Hall and must place bids utilizing the forms included in the packet. Additional details surrounding the properties, as well as…

Every year the Upward Bound Program at Frostburg State University recognizes students who excel in the classroom as well as in the residence hall during its five-week Summer Residential Program during which students live on campus while attending summer enrichment classes and participating in various activities and field trips. This year’s distinguished students are Samantha Blubaugh, Melinda Turner and Makaylyn Whetzel, all from Mountain Ridge High School.  These are well-rounded individuals who staff members feel represent the Upward Bound Program well, individuals who care about and are considerate of others as well as themselves. These students also exemplify the Upward…

The Allegany County Republican Women’s Club is sponsoring the Back the Blue event  this Sunday August 7 from 2-4PM at the pavilion at Lashbaugh’s 210 West Main Street in Frostburg. There will be music,  a silent auction, raffles, and drawings, including 50/50 raffle.

Two  Romney residents were flown to  area hospitals Monday after suffering injuries in a head-on crash on U.S. Route 50 near Junction in Hampshire County, according to West Virginia State Police. Christine Freeman, 50, was flown by Maryland State Police Trooper 5 helicopter to Winchester  Medical Center following the 6:30 p.m. two-vehicle crash.  Gregory Miers, 55, was flown to J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown hospital by Healthnet helicopter after suffering serious injuries in the crash.  Preliminary investigation showed Freeman was operating a vehicle westbound on U.S. Route 50 before the vehicle crossed the centerline, struck a guardrail and then…

On August 2nd, 2022, The Cumberland City Police arrested Samantha Jenine Louden, 30, of Cumberland MD. Louden was arrested on an outstanding Bench Warrant issued by the Allegany County District Court. The warrant alleges that Louden failed to obey the terms and conditions of her probation that stemmed from a previous charge of driving without a license. Louden was taken before the District Court Commissioner for her Initial Appearance where she was remanded to the Allegany County Detention Center. She is currently being held without bond. Arrested: Samantha Jenine Louden             Age: 30 Charges: Bench Warrant – Violation of Probation  …

Senator Joe Manchin, one of the Democrats’ most conservative and contrarian members, declined this week to endorse Joe Biden if the president seeks a second term in 2024 and refused to say whether he wants Democrats to retain control of Congress after the November elections. In a round of appearances on five news shows, the West Virginia senator defended his vote to  back a Democratic package of climate, health care and tax initiatives that he negotiated. But beyond that, Manchin demurred when pressed about supporting his party or its nominee for president in upcoming elections.  Asked directly if he will support Biden for a…

WBAL reports a proposal to provide $1 billion in federal funding would help fire stations in dire need of upgrades. Fire stations in Maryland, including Cumberland, are dealing with a list of safety issues that include mold, lack of proper exhaust systems and no air conditioning. Across the state, issues include a lack of air conditioning and sprinkler systems, no female quarters and bunks that are located in a hay loft that was left over from a time when horses pulled fire equipment. U.S. Sens. Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen are pushing legislation to help…