The Annual Mountain Maryland PACE event in Annapolis is nearly upon us and while the guest list hasn’t been finalized-the hope is that the newly sworn in governor will be able to speak at the Friday breakfast. With or without Governor-elect Wes Moore, PACE organizers have put together an impressive list of speakers including Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen; Congressman David Trone and Comptroller Brooke Lierman.  The event, which serves as a showcase for Western Maryland to promote local businesses and priorities, is set to beging Thursday at 5 at the Westin Annapolis Hotel. PACE co-chair Jeremy Irons…

When the city of Cumberland hosts the annual Groundhog Day festivities February 2nd at City Hall- it will be the final significant outdoor event downtown for sometime as construction on the mall redesign is set to get underway in early April. That work is expected to take about 18 months. Downtown Development Commission executive director Melinda Kelleher, during January’s regular meeting, said that talks have been underway with Canal Place officials about relocating most of the events and activities from the mall to Canal Place for the foreseeable future…

Today marks the end of Maryland Governor Larry Hogan’s two terms in office – and he will leave on a high note with a new Gonzales Poll shows Hogan with a  77% approval rating. Pollster Patrick Gonzales told WBAL that Hogan's approval rating has remained strong and steady during the course of his eight years as governor… As far as the most important matters on the minds of Marylanders- not surprisingly pocketbook issues head the list…

 Diane McMahon, a sociology professor at Allegany College of Maryland (ACM), Jennifer Haydel, a political science professor at Montgomery College (MC), and Joseph Bubman, the founder/executive director of Urban Rural Action (UR Action), are winners of the 2022 Civic Engagement Award from Transform Mid-Atlantic for their semester-long “Basic Needs Security Collaboration” project.            “Your efforts epitomize the role that higher education can and must play in developing dynamic, civically engaged communities across the Mid-Atlantic region and country,” said Madeline Yates, executive director of Transform Mid-Atlantic.            In addition to her instructional duties, McMahon…

West Virginia may soon have a new holiday memorializing 75 people killed in a Marshall University plane crash more than 50 years ago. The Nov. 14, 1970 crash was the worst sports disaster in U.S. history. All 75 people on board died, including most of Marshall's football team. According to the legislation, Nov. 14, or “Marshall University Airplane Crash Day," would not be a paid day off, but more of an annual day of recognition. Lead sponsor Democratic Del. Sean Hornbuckle of Huntington originally proposed making the holiday a paid day off, but that was changed during the committee process. The House Government…

More federal financial help may soon be available for West Virginia small businesses. Gov. Jim Justice is petitioning for Boone, Clay, Hampshire, Monroe and Preston Counties to be added to the state roster as governor-designated HUBZones. “Our great state’s small businesses deserve a fighting chance to show the nation the competitive advantage of West Virginia,” Justice said. “We remain ready and able to compete for federal contracting opportunities and help revitalize our rural communities through continued hard work and dedication.” The Historically Underutilized Business Zone (HUBZone) federal program gives participating small businesses access to exclusive federal contracting opportunities and preferential…

Allegany County Emergency Services reports a vehicle accident on Route 51 in Oldtown near Pack Horse Trail, The roadway was closed as crews cleared the scene but reopened around 10:30 a.m.

On Monday,  the Cumberland Police Department served a criminal summons on Shakur Trimble.  The summons was issued as the result of an incident that was reported on January 9, 2023.  On this date at approximately 4:24 PM, an officer of the Cumberland Police responded to a business on Queen City Drive for the report of an embezzlement.  Officers contacted the owner who explained that while completing yearly reports, he noticed that one of his employees was making significantly more money than his co-workers.  An internal investigation was conducted by the business and it was determined that the employee, Shakur Trimble,…

On Monday, January 16, 2023, the Cumberland Police Department served two bench warrants on Teresa Roy.  The warrants were issued as the result of Roy violating her probation.  Roy was originally charged with driving without a license and driving while impaired by alcohol.  Roy was arrested and transported to Central Booking.  She was later seen by a District Court Commissioner and remanded to the Allegany County Detention on two $500 bonds. ARRESTED:  Teresa Jean Roy           AGE:  39                 LaVale, MD On Monday, January 16, the Cumberland Police Department served a bench warrant on Nakota Durham.  The warrant was issued as the…

History made on Monday afternoon as Brooke Lierman was sworn into office becoming the first  woman elected comptroller in Maryland history. Filling the seat vacated by Peter Franchot after four terms, the Baltimore Democrat who previously served eight years in the House of Delegates, says she already has a list of priorities for the office. She told WBAL that she will be open too and embrace creative ideas on how to grow the economy…