On Tuesday,  at apx. 6:40 p.m., Frostburg City Police responded to East Main Street near Grant Street for multiple reports of an individual with an axe yelling at people. Upon responding to the area, witnesses told police the individual was going after people yelling at them with an axe. City Police contacted the individual along the E. Main St. sidewalk. The individual had a small axe or hatchet, a dagger, and a knife clipped to his pocket. The individual complied fully with verbal commands of police, surrendered the weapons, and was taken into custody without incident. While the individual was handcuffed and being searched he continued…

Gov. Jim Justice has issued a proclamation, calling for the West Virginia Legislature to convene in Special Session on Monday, July 25, 2022, at 12:00 p.m. The Special Session call contains one item: the Governor’s proposal to reduce West Virginia’s personal income tax.    Coming off the greatest year of revenue collections in state history, Gov. Justice announced his proposal to permanently cut the personal income tax by an aggregate of 10%. Under the Governor’s proposal, the aggregate 10% tax cut will be retroactive back to January 1, 2022, putting $254 million back in the pockets of West Virginians. The…

U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), a member of the bipartisan Senate election reform working group, released the following statement today in response to the introduction of the group’s bipartisan reform package: “Free and fair elections are fundamental to who we are as a nation. For this reason, I strongly support the bipartisan working group’s proposal to reform and modernize the Electoral Count Act (ECA) of 1887. As we saw in the 2020 elections, different interpretations of the ECA can lead down a dangerous path, such as when former President Donald Trump and his enablers attempted to overturn a free and fair…

On Tuesday, July 19, 2022 at approximately 12:40 AM, officers of the Cumberland Police Department responded to eastbound Industrial Blvd. at Thomas Street for a disabled vehicle in the roadway.  It was reported that the occupants had left the area.  Officers arrived on scene and learned that the vehicle had been reported stolen on July 17, 2022.  Officers spoke with witnesses who provided a description of the suspect and direction of travel.  The suspect was located on Virginia Avenue and was eventually identified as Edem Akakpo.  Akakpo initially provided a false identity to officers.  After further investigation, Akakpo was placed…

On Tuesday, July 19, 2022 at approximately 4:18 PM, an officer of the Cumberland Police Department conducted a traffic stop on Interstate 68 westbound. The officer contacted the operator, Selena Amoruso, and the passenger, Dakotah Corbin.  A police K-9 was requested and a scan was completed.  The K-9 positively alerted for the presence of the odor of narcotics in the vehicle.  The officer informed the occupants of the result of the K-9 scan and they began reaching for items inside the vehicle and trying to conceal them.  Officers were able to remove Amoruso and Corbin from the vehicle.  After further…

The most hotly contested primary race was a close one Tuesday in Allegany, Garrett, and Washington Counties as Delegate Mike McKay edged Allegany County Commissioners Jake Shade for the Republican nomination for State Senate in District 1.  McKay attributed his win to hard work in all three counties.   Shade was philosophical about his defeat.

Two incumbents and one newcomer advanced Tuesday in the Allegany County Commissioner race on the Republican side.  Dave Caporale was the top vote-getter and he told WCBC that keeping current businesses within the county is a priority. Fellow incumbent Creade Brodie said that patience and helpfulness are key factors when faced with angry constituents. After a long career in a non-elected position in county government, Bill Atkinson came in third place to advance to the November ballot.  Atkinson wants to emphasize economic development through outdoor recreation.   Voter turnout was an abysmal 19.5% in Allegany County.

Both incumbent city councilmen have advanced to the November general election in the city of Cumberland.  The top vote-getter Tuesday was Rock Cioni followed by James Furstenberg, Joe George and Mary Conlon. Cioni told WCBC News that he feels enhancing Constitution Park is a major priority.   Fellow incumbent Joe George came in a close third to Jimmy Furstenberg.  George said he has more work to do to win re-election in November.   Political newcomer Jimmy Furstenberg finished second in Tuesday’s primary and he told WCBC News that he is an approachable candidate.

A University of Maryland Baltimore County police officer is under arrest, charged with multiple counts of arson after allegedly setting a total of four fires since December while on duty. On July 18, 2022, a Baltimore County grand jury indicted Walter T. Christopher, 36, on twelve counts, including second-degree arson, second-degree malicious burning, and malicious destruction of property. Today, Christopher was arrested at UMBC by the Office of the State Fire Marshal and the University of Maryland Baltimore County Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Baltimore County State's Attorney's Office and was jointly investigated by the Office of…