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Democratic Gov. Wes Moore officially assuming office as Maryland’s first Black chief executive

Democratic Gov. Wes Moore made history Wednesday, officially assuming office as Maryland’s first Black chief executive during a ceremony at the state’s capitol building in Annapolis. As he has throughout his campaign, Moore talked about the importance of taking a one Maryland approach moving forward… He ended his address pledging “bold” policies and offered a bipartisan vision that he said would sidestep the “false choices” of traditional partisan politics…

PACE 2023 will focus on region’s outdoors recreation economy

The focal point and theme of Mountain Maryland PACE 2023 will be the region’s outdoors recreation economy. The annual event is set for tonight and Friday morning at the Westin Annapolis Hotel. Each winter, with the exception of 2021 when the reception was cancelled as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, elected officials, governmental agencies, community and business leaders from Allegany and Garrett counties lobby for projects and financial support as they meet with state department heads. While the Thursday reception and Friday morning breakfast are the highlights, there are literally dozens of meeting that take place during the week….

W.Va. AG Announces $83M Opioid Settlement with Walgreens

West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey on Wednesday announced a settlement has been reached between his office and Walgreens for $83 million. The settlement resolves a lawsuit that alleged the pharmacy chain failed to maintain effective controls as a distributor and dispenser against diversion that contributed to oversupply of opioids in the state.   “We will continue to seek out justice for those affected the most by the opioid epidemic that hit our state the hardest,” Attorney General Morrisey said. “This and other settlements will not bring back the lives lost from the opioid menace, but our hope is that the…

Gov. Justice tests positive for COVID-19

West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice has tested positive for COVID-19, his office said Tuesday evening in a news release. The governor, who has battled COVID before, had a “sudden onset of symptoms” but is isolating at home. His symptoms are mild, according to a news release.  Justice is being treated by several medical doctors, including state COVID Czar Dr. Clay Marsh. The governor has been vaccinated and boosted. .

Late Sunday Arch Street fire deemed Arson

The Maryland State Fire marshal's office has released a preliminary report on a late Sunday night fire that damaged a Duplex on Arch Street.   DATE: January 15, 2023 TIME: 10:42 pm LOCATION / ADDRESS: 124 Arch Street, Cumberland, (city) Allegany County TYPE OF INCIDENT: Structure fire DESCRIPTION OF STRUCTURE / PROPERTY:  vacant two-story vinyl-sided duplex OWNER / OCCUPANTS:  Sharon Brimhall INJURIES / DEATHS: none ESTIMATED LOSS – STRUCTURE:  $250      CONTENTS:  $250 SMOKE ALARM STATUS: none present FIRE ALARM / SPRINKLER STATUS: none present ARREST(S): n/a PRIMARY RESPONDING FIRE DEPARTMENT: Cumberland Fire Department # OF ALARMS:     1                                                                   # OF FIREFIGHTERS:…

Daughter-in-law of former House Speaker passes

Linda Perrin Taylor, 66, of Medina, Ohio, formerly of Cumberland, passed away at the Cleveland Clinic on Saturday, Jan. 14, 2023. Born, in Cumberland, on Dec. 17, 1956, she was the daughter of Catherine Elaine (Hollern) Perrin and the late Dennis "Denny" Perrin, of Cumberland. Linda was a 1974 graduate of Bishop Walsh High School. Following high school, Linda attended James Madison University and Allegany College of Maryland, before starting her career in the banking business in Washington, D.C. She then married Dane E. Taylor on Sept. 25, 1982, and started a family in Cumberland. Linda was a lifelong member…

Burglary arrest made for Pine Ave residences

On Tuesday, January 17, 2023, the Cumberland Police Department served an arrest warrant on Charles Curry Jr.  The warrant was issued in connection with an assault investigation from January 14, 2023.  On this date at approximately 12:21 PM, officers of the Cumberland Police Department responded to the 400 block of Pine Avenue for a disturbance.  Police contacted the resident who reported that she had been involved in a disturbance with Charles Curry Jr. prior to police arrival.  Curry was no longer on scene.  The resident further explained that on the previous evening of January 13, Curry entered her residence without…

BENCH WARRANTS SERVED

On Tuesday, January 17, 2023, the Cumberland Police Department served two bench warrants on Lauren Colmer.  The warrants were issued as the result of Colmer failing to appear in court on January 5, 2023.  Colmer was originally charged in one case with Disorderly Conduct and in another case with Disturbing the Peace – Loud Noise.  She was arrested and transported to Central Booking.  She was later seen by a District Court Commissioner and released on her personal recognizance.  ARRESTED:  Lauren Colleen Colmer         AGE:  34                Frostburg, MD On Tuesday, January 17, 2023, the Cumberland Police Department served a Circuit Court bench…

Cumberland City officials begin negotiations to sell building at 19 Frederick Street

The Cumberland Mayor and City Council is poised to begin negotiations to sell the 19 Frederick Street building to Hagerstown based Clock Tower Ventures. That group plans to renovate the aging structure and develop it into a multi purpose building which will include an Alpine Plant Bar and restaurant; event space on the 2nd floor; an AirBNB on the third floor and some apartments. Representatives from the group presented an overview to the city council during Tuesday’s work session. The city has been working for a few years now to get the building back on the tax rolls- but earlier…

Legal Adult use of marijuana in MD begins July 1 although Issues Remain

Adult use of marijuana outside of Maryland’s medical program will become legal on July 1- and that- says Delegate Jason Buckel, has created a time crunch for lawmakers who are tasked with hashing out the issues such as taxation and regulation. While the referendum passed overwhelming with 66% in the November election- it may not be as popular with employers in the state who ave more questions than answers at this point. One major issue centers on how  employers will be expected to deal with a worker who may be impaired on the job. While it is relatively easy to…