On Thursday, January 5th, 2023, the Cumberland City Police arrested Jules Michael Schwarz Jr, 62, of Cumberland MD. Schwarz was arrested on an active Arrest Warrant issued by the Allegany County District Court for an incident that occurred on January 4th, 2023. During that incident, officers responded to a Fayette St residence for the report of a harassment complaint. It was learned that Schwarz had been served and had an active Peace Order prohibiting him from contacting the victim in this case. On this date, Schwarz was alleged to have come to the home, as well as sent messages to…

On Thursday, January 5th, 2023, The Cumberland City Police arrested Kodi Lee Gibson, 23, of Cumberland MD. Gibson was arrested on an active Bench Warrant issued by Allegany County Circuit Court. The warrant alleged Gibson violated the terms and conditions of probation that had been set due to a previous conviction on a sex offense. On this date, Gibson was observed by officers in the area of Chestnut St outside of a residence. Officers ordered Gibson to stop, at which time he attempted to flee into the residence. Officers were able to take Gibson into custody as he entered the…

On Thursday, January 5th, 2023, the Cumberland City Police arrested Kenneth Lloyd Bowser Jr, 38, of Cumberland MD. Bowser was arrested on an active Arrest Warrant issued by the Allegany County District Court on January 3rd, 2023. It is alleged that Bowser failed to register as a sex offender as required. He was taken before the District Court Commissioner his Initial Appearance where he was remanded to the Allegany County Detention Center. He is currently being held without bond. Arrested: Kenneth Lloyd Bowser Jr. Age: 38 Charges: Fail to Register as Sex Offender/False Info  

Although the future of Cumberland’s Downtown Development Commission, and more specifically the so-called “mall tax”, has been in question for several years- those talks could escalate once construction gets underway on the downtown mall redesign. Since the debt to brick over the mall was retired in 2013-  some city officials and business owners have sought to phase out or sharply reduce the DDC’s special mall tax- which as a result could lead to abolishing or consolidating the DDC. The DDC oversees the maintenance and promotion of the downtown using the mall tax funds collected by the city to  provide for…

West Virginia Governor Jim Justice says he will announce yet another proposal next week to cut taxes. Justice did not provide specifics during his weekly media briefing. The Republican is scheduled to give his State of the State address to the Legislature on January 11. Justice, who has been at odds with lawmakers on how to cut taxes for two years, pledged to announce the biggest tax cuts in the history of this state. Senate GOP leaders are expected to offer their own proposals. Despite the differences that have caused division the past few years, Justice remains confident that a…

After pledging to help secure funding for all three of Cumberland’s West Side bridge projects- Congressman David Trone announced this week that he voted on a government funding package that includes $4.8 million for the repair of the Fayette Street Bridge. The city of Cumberland, in order to secure federal funding, voted to take ownership of the bridge last year. Fayette, along with bridges on Cumberland and Washington streets have been in various states of disrepair for several years- making travel on the West Side a challenge. Trone, a Democrat who represents Western Maryland, met with local leaders last year…

On the two year anniversary of the January 6th insurrection- outgoing Maryland Governor Larry Hogan talks about his initial reaction when first notified of the crisis- as well  the state’s effort to help quell the violence taking place at the Capital. The governor, who leaves office in less than two weeks, remembered receiving panicked calls from the leaders or Congress concerned that President Trump was not sending help- and asking for his help. Hogan immediately sought approval from the Secretary of Defense and quickly deployed the Maryland National Guard to D.C…

The NFL will not resume the Bills-Bengals game that was suspended Monday night after Buffalo safety Damar Hamlin collapsed and went into cardiac arrest on the field, two people familiar with the decision told The Associated Press on Thursday. Both people spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the league is still figuring out how to determine playoff seedings and scheduling. The NFL Players Association must approve changes. The Bills-Bengals game had major playoff implications. Buffalo (12-3) entered Monday night needing a win to maintain the AFC’s No. 1 seed. The Kansas City Chiefs (13-3) currently hold that spot. The…

U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) secured $45 million in funding for the Active Transportation Infrastructure Investment Program (ATIIP) – first authorized through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act – in the end-of-the-year omnibus legislation. This first-time funding will support the development of walking and biking infrastructure that connects to accessible, affordable, and safe active transportation networks, allowing people to reach destinations within a community and travel between communities.    “Transportation infrastructure should connect us to all modes of transport, including walking and biking paths. These transportation networks reduce air pollution and traffic congestion as they also support healthier and more…

A high school student died Wednesday in a quintuple shooting at the Edmondson Village Shopping Center in southwest Baltimore, city police said. WBAL reports Baltimore Police Commissioner Michael Harrison said five juveniles were shot around 11:18 a.m. in the parking lot outside the Popeyes restaurant, and it's believed two individuals shot multiple rounds toward the victims.