A change at the top of Cumberland’s Department of Parks and Recreation with the retirement of longtime director Diane Johnson in December. The responsibilities include overseeing operations at the city swimming pool, tennis courts, playground areas as well as the amphitheatre. In addition she dealt with scheduling and making sure the annual Fourth of July fireworks shows went smoothly and addressing any maintenance problems that develop. Cumberland Mayor Ray Morriss said that Diane served headed the department for two decades during some challenging times… Ryan Mackey has been appointed as the new director.

On Saturday, December 31st, 2022, the Cumberland City Police responded to a business in the 200 block of Franklin St. for the report of a theft in progress. Officers were advised that 2 female subjects were currently taking items from the business. Upon arrival, officers located the two females still on the property. Both were found to be in possession of stolen property. As a result, Kimberly Dawn Hughes, 46, and Jessica Nicole Porter, 34, both of Cumberland MD, were arrested and taken to police headquarters for processing. Both were issued criminal citations for theft and released, pending trial in…

On Friday, December 30th, 2022, the Cumberland City Police responded to a business in the 100 block of South Centre St for the report of an assault. Upon arrival, officers contacted an employee outside the business who directed their attention towards an intoxicated female suspect. Officers attempted to contact and detain the female who began yelling at officers and attempting to leave. The female was then by officers that she was not free to leave and was being placed under arrest. The female then resisted arrest and assaulted two police officers. The investigation revealed that the female was causing multiple…

Gov. Jim Justice announced today that West Virginia’s General Revenue collections for November 2022 are $112.7 million above estimates and 10.3% ahead of prior year receipts. Year-to-date record collections are $687.5 million above estimate.  “Our revenue collections continue to exceed our expectations in an incredible way,” Gov. Justice said. “West Virginians spoke loud and clear with their vote in the election – they want tax cuts, but they want them done responsibly.  “Proper minding of our state’s finances, and the unprecedented economic turnaround our state has experienced has led to the incredible opportunity before us to provide meaningful tax cuts…

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) today announced an extension of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Yemen for 18 months, from March 4, 2023, through Sept. 3, 2024, due to ongoing armed conflict and extraordinary and temporary conditions that prevent Yemeni nationals from safely returning to their country. In addition, DHS announced a redesignation of Yemen for TPS for the same reason, allowing Yemeni nationals (and individuals having no nationality who last habitually resided in Yemen) residing in the United States as of Dec. 29, 2022, to be eligible for TPS. The ongoing violent conflict and the stream of challenges that flow…

Cumberland rang in the New Year in style with a ball drop and fireworks on the bricks in downtown. Rain held off for a large crowd turnout who enjoyed the evening celebration and welcoming 2023. With construction slated to start in the spring it'll be awhile before another New Year's festival occurs in downtown Cumberland. 

AFSCME Maryland Council 3 reached an agreement with the State on wage increases for the coming year at the statutory deadline. Per the agreement, all state workers covered by an AFSCME contract who are eligible for a step increase will receive one in the upcoming fiscal year starting July 1, 2023. Depending on the position and agency, some state workers will receive additional pay increases and bonuses.  “With today’s take it or leave it offer, we have finally finished bargaining with the Hogan administration. The tactics and strategies employed throughout Governor Hogan’s eight-year term reinforce the need for binding arbitration for…

Please review the following important information concerning school bus numbers and route changes, which will take effect beginning on Tuesday, January 3, 2023: Mountain Ridge Bus #87 will be replaced by Bus #92. Mountain Ridge Bus #94 will be replaced by Bus #87. Mountain Ridge/Westmar Bus #92 will be replaced by Bus #54. Mountain Ridge/Mt. Savage Bus #100 will be replaced by Bus #93. Mt. Savage Bus #93 will be replaced by Bus #100. Beall Elementary Bus #100 will be replaced by Bus #93. Beall Elementary Bus #93 will be replaced by Bus #100. Georges Creek Elementary Bus #92 will…

On Friday, December 30th, 2022, the Cumberland City Police arrested David James See II, 33, of Ridgeley WV. See was arrested on an active Bench Warrant issued by the Allegany County District Court on December 5th, 2022. The warrant alleged that See failed to appear in District Court on that date for a previous theft charge. See was taken before the District Court Commissioner for his Initial Appearance where he was released on his own personal recognizance. Arrested: David James See II             Age: 33 Charges:  Bench Warrant – Fail to Appear

The city of Cumberland  is prepared to ring in 2023 with a ball drop and fireworks show Saturday. Once again the  New Year’s Eve festivities will be held on the downtown mall beginning around 10:30 p.m. Open containers, provided they aren’t glass, will be permitted on the mall and in the surrounding area. A number of businesses will stay open late and are planning specials for the evening. The ball will drop from the roof of the Cumberland Arms with fireworks going off just after midnight, January 1st 2023.