The make-up of the District One Legislation Delegation will change dramatically next month, with only Delegate Jason Buckel returning to his office. Delegate 1C Mike Mckay will be moving from the house to the senate- having ran for,  and won, the seat  that is being vacated  by George Edwards. Edwards and  Delegate 1A Wendell Beitzel both declined to seek new terms- retiring after lengthy careers in Annapolis. Replacing Mckay in the 1C House seat will be Washington County Commissioner Terry Baker; and replacing Beitzel will be Garrett County Commissioner James Hinebaugh. Speaking during the Allegany County Chamber of Commerce’ annual…

More than a dozen Allegany County businesses will receive nearly $1.5 million in grant funding through a state economic recovery initiative that provides financial incentives for small businesses to revitalize vacant retail and commercial space. In all, 376 businesses in all 23 Maryland counties and Baltimore City will receive $24.5 million through the Project Restore program, including $8.8 million in property assistance grants and $15.7 million in business operations funding. Downtown Development Commission executive director Melinda Kelleher…

The new board of Allegany County Commissioners – David Caporale, Bill Atkinson and Creade Brodie Jr- will be sworn into office officially prior to the start of Thursday’s regular public meeting. Outgoing commissioner Jake Shade, wrapping up 8 years in office, said establishing solid working relationships with other officials has been  a top priority…

The 17 year-old who seriously injured three Cumberland City police officers during an incident last week already had a rap sheet that included two prior arrests. Although expected to be tried as an adult, the suspect’s name has not been released, due to his status as a juvenile. Judicial records show that he was arrested for felony assault involving a fire arm in 2020; and this past October was charged with felony assault involving a knife.  Governor Larry Hogan says unfortunately the problem lies with Maryland judges who seem to have a revolving door policy for young violent offenders…

Maryland Attorney General Brian  Frosh today announced the convictions of Eugene Fusting, 79, and Christopher Ian Fusting, 52, of Baltimore relating to their operation of a Ponzi-like investment scheme between 2012 and 2019. Eugene and Christopher Fusting were found guilty of Theft Scheme Over $100,000 and Conspiracy to Commit Theft Scheme Over $100,000 after pleading guilty in the Circuit Court for Baltimore City. Judge Melissa Phinn sentenced both Eugene and Christopher Fusting to 30 years in prison, all of which were suspended. Eugene will serve 18-months of home detention and Christopher will serve 12-months of home detention. Judge Phinn also…

Maryland gas prices, according to AAA Mid Atlantic are running $3.29 for a gallon of regular unleaded- three cents about the national average. Garrett and Allegany County have the highest rates in the state with Garrett at $3.75 and Allegany at  $3.70. Neighboring Washington County however is among the lowest at just over $3.40 a gallon                                                        

Deputy State Fire Marshals are investigating the cause of a Westminster bike shop fire that led to the owner succumbing to his injuries after being rescued by firefighters. At 5:18 a.m., Westminster Fire Department and surrounding departments from Carroll, Baltimore, York, and Adams counties responded to a reported building fire at Whites Bicycles located at 12 West Main Street. When firefighters arrived, they found heavy smoke within the building and began rescuing tenants from 10 apartments above the business. Firefighters continued their search and subsequently located the owner of the bike shop, Bradley White, 55, inside. Firefighters pulled him from the…

According to a social media statement published over the weekend, three family-owned fruit stores that have been part of communities in Allegany and Garrett counties for more than six decades will soon close. There was no official date for closure of the Fruit Bowl in Cumberland, the Hill Top Fruit Market in Grantsville and the Farmers Market in Oakland, the owners said in a statement posted to Facebook Sunday morning. The statement read: “Supply chain issues, labor issues, climate changes drastically affecting fresh produce, and many other struggles of small business in America today have affected this decision” . The…

On Monday, December 12, 2022 at approximately 1:02 AM, officers of the Cumberland Police Department responded to a residence in the 300 block of Furnace Street for a possible assault.  Police contacted the alleged victim and the suspect, Jesse Benner.  Benner became very upset with the police.  Due to his aggressive behavior, police attempted to place him in hand restraints so they could continue with their investigation.   Benner actively resisted officers and a brief struggle ensued between Benner and officers.  Police were able to gain control of him and place him in hand restraints.  It was learned that Benner had…

On Monday, December 12, 2022, the Cumberland Police Department served a bench warrant on Abraham Ortiz.  The warrant was issued as the result of Ortiz failing to appear in court.  Ortiz was originally charged with two counts of Assault-2nd Degree and one count of Disorderly Conduct.  He was arrested and transported to Central Booking.  Ortiz is currently awaiting his initial hearing. ARRESTED:  Abraham Rivera Ortiz         AGE:  39         Cumberland, MD On Sunday, December 11, 2022, the Cumberland Police Department served a bench warrant on Thomas Lancaster IV.  The warrant was issued as the result of Lancaster failing to appear in court on October…