WBAL reports Maryland’s Senate president announced leadership appointments on Wednesday for two committees, as well as some changes in jurisdiction for the panels. Sen. Melony Griffith, a Prince George’s County Democrat, will chair the Senate Finance Committee, Senate President Bill Ferguson said. Griffith will replace retiring Sen. Delores Kelley, a Baltimore County Democrat. In addition, Ferguson announced that Sen. Brian Feldman, a Montgomery County Democrat, will chair the Senate Committee on Education, Energy, and the Environment. Feldman will replace Paul Pinsky, who was appointed Tuesday to be the director of the Maryland Energy Administration in Gov.-elect Wes Moore’s administration. Also, the committee’s…

The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development announced today more than $1 million in grant awards to support investment in Maryland’s designated Opportunity Zones. Microgrants ranging from $50,000 to $100,000 were administered through the department’s Neighborhood BusinessWorks Program to 12 start-up and expanding businesses located within an Opportunity Zone. Locally the Queen City Creamery received $100,000. “The federal Opportunity Zone incentives complement state revitalization and small business assistance programs, spurring investment and job creation in historically disinvested areas,” said Governor Larry Hogan. “Through these microgrants and programs like Neighborhood BusinessWorks, our administration has upheld our promise to make sure…

Maryland will see bitter cold temperatures across the state this holiday weekend, with winter storm warnings and advisories in effect today for Allegany, Frederick, Garrett, and Washington Counties. In addition, dangerously cold wind chills will be possible Friday morning through Saturday evening across much of the state. The Maryland Department of Health (MDH) encourages residents to prepare and protect themselves.    “With a severe cold forecast for the state this weekend, now is the time to make sure you have a plan to help keep yourself and your loved ones healthy and safe,” said Deputy Secretary for Public Health Dr….

Allegany County Emergency Services reports a winter weather advisory in effect for Friday and a High Wind Warning in effect through Saturday.

Gov. Jim Justice has declared a State of Emergency for all 55 West Virginia counties due to the winter storm event.  The National Weather Service predicts heavy snow, freezing rains, dangerous wind chills, and strong winds beginning today, Thursday, December 22, 2022, continuing throughout the week and into the coming holiday weekend. Gov. Justice also issued an updated proclamation declaring Friday, Dec. 23, 2022, as a full-day state holiday for public employees. Public employees involved in emergency response will continue to be on-duty, as required by their supervisors.  

The Cumberland Times News reports after a little more than three months of playing football, Mikey Allen’s dream came through. The Fort Hill senior signed with Southern Utah on a full scholarship to play Division I football. Allen will go play for former Frostburg State head coach DeLane Fitzgerald, who is entering his second year coaching the Thunderbirds. Fitzgerald went 5-6 in his opening slate at the Football Championship Subdivision school. “It’s been a long journey, the hard work paid off,” Allen said. “Coach Fitzgerald, he believed in me. As a player, that’s one thing you really want. He believed in…

Authority of Maryland State Police McHenry Barrack, and Maryland State Highway Administration, the Snow Emergency Plan is In Effect for Garrett County, Effective 0700 hours, Thursday, December 22, 2022. The following State Highways in Garrett County have been designated Snow Emergency Routes: Interstate 68                    Maryland Route 38                   Maryland Route 495 U.S. Route 40                 Maryland Route 39                   Maryland Route 546             U.S. Route 50                 Maryland Route 42                   Maryland Route 560             U.S. Route 219               Maryland Route 135                 Maryland Route 669               Section 21-1119(c) of the Transportation Code states, “The Secretary of the State Police or the Secretary’s representative may declare a…

On 12/22/2022 at 5:30 A.M. the Snow Emergency Plan will be activated in Allegany County, MD authority Maryland State Police and Maryland State Highway Administration.

On December 20th, 2022 an officer of the Cumberland Police Department responded to a business in the 100 block of Baltimore Street for a reported forgery. Upon the officer’s arrival they spoke with the victim who advised that David Bernauer had passed a fake check to the business. The officer continued their investigation and confirmed the check to be a forgery and completed an application for charges. A Criminal Summons was issued, and was served on Bernauer on December 21st, 2022, and he awaits his trial at District Court. Arrest: David John Bernauer, age 39, Cumberland Maryland. Charges: Issue False…

Marylanders voted last month to allow the legalization of cannabis for recreational use, making the state the 22nd jurisdiction and the last state in the DMV area to do so. The legislation, which goes into full effect on July 1, 2023, allows the possession and sale of cannabis products up to one ounce for anyone 21 or older, and will mean the expungement of cannabis-related records for thousands of people. Maryland’s Governor-elect Wes Moore says it will be a priority of his administration…