U.S. Senators Ben Cardin (D-Md.), chair of the U.S. Helsinki Commission and author of the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act, and Jim Risch (R-Idaho), ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today applauded the committee’s passage of their resolution recognizing Russian actions in Ukraine as genocide. The resolution was also cosponsored by Senators Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Rob Portman (R-Ohio), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Roy Blunt (R-Mo.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Angus King (I-Maine), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), and Mike Crapo (R-Idaho).  …

Governor Larry Hogan today announced awards for 376 businesses through Project Restore, an economic recovery initiative that provides financial incentives for small businesses to revitalize vacant retail and commercial spaces. A total of 376 businesses in all 23 counties and Baltimore City will receive $24.5 million through the initiative—including $8.8 million in property assistance grants and $15.7 million in business operations grants. “Project Restore has been an incredible success in advancing our mission to make Maryland Open For Business, and today’s awards extend that impact even further in downtowns and on Main Streets across the state,” said Governor Hogan. “We’re…

On Tuesday, December 6, 2022 at approximately 8:06 AM, officers of the Cumberland Police Department responded to Plymouth Drive for a disturbance.  Officers contacted the caller who reported that there was a disturbance between her and Samad Waller.  She explained that Waller was arguing with her and damaged a door to her residence prior to leaving.  She also informed officers that Waller had active warrants.  Police confirmed that Waller had two active bench warrants.  Officers located Waller on foot at the intersection of Welch Avenue and Bedford Street.  Waller fled from officers.  Officers were able to locate Waller in the…

On Tuesday, December 6, 2022 at approximately 1:44 PM, an officer of the Cumberland Police Department responded to a business on Greene Street for a theft.  The officer contacted the owner who reported that he had tools stolen over the course of a couple months.  Through investigation, a suspect was developed and identified as Blair Rattenni.  Rattenni was arrested and transported to Central Booking.  He was later seen by a District Court Commissioner and posted a $1,500 unsecured personal bond. ARRESTED:  Blair Christian Rattenni              AGE:  34                Cumberland, MD CHARGES: Theft Scheme: $100 to less than $1,500    

In an effort to create some momentum for the Carver Center project, the Cumberland Mayor and City Council expect to allocate $25,000 to be used as start up costs to get a better handle on what needs to be done to begin renovations. The one time funding would be used essentially to turn the utilities on; evaluate the status of the elevator; and access the overall situation in terms of necessary repairs or improvements. Cumberland Mayor Ray Morriss says $100,000 in grant funding has been secured, but it can’t be used just yet…

A concerned parent addressed the Maryland State Board of Education Tuesday upset that  at least one local school board is creating discriminatory policies targeting LGBTQ students. Wendy Novak is the parent of a student in the Carroll County public school system and she told state education officials that teachers and staff there have not been supportive of LQBTQ students and that has led to an unsafe environment. Declining to acknowledge alternative life styles, she says, is the very definition of prejudice…

As Allegany County Commissioner Jake Shade presided over his final meeting last week, he reflected on some of the successes of the past eight years- and near the top of the list: nurturing a successful medical cannabis industry. Becoming a major player in the growing marijuana field may have seemed unlikely a few years ago for one of the most conservative areas of the state- but it has proven to be a near perfect match. Grow West MD, located in the former Kelly-Springfield Tire Co. on Kelly Road, opened in 2017. Later that year,  the Allegany Medical Marijuana Dispensary on…

Although a loyal supporter of long time House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Maryland Sixth District Congressman David Trone says he is ready to embrace the new leadership team that is now in place. Last week, House Democrats chose caucus chair Hakeem Jeffries of New York to succeed Pelosi as leader of the Democrats in the chamber next year, a historic move that will make him the first Black person to lead one of the two major parties in either chamber of Congress. Jeffries ran unopposed as leader, with Massachusetts Rep. Katherine Clark, current assistant speaker, running as whip and California Rep. Peter Aguilar, previously vice chair of…

Frostburg State University recently honored Latisha Cooper, Misty Schurg and Tonya Miller with Staff Awards for Excellence. The annual Staff Awards for Excellence recognize exceptional service to the institution. Recipients are nominated and chosen by their colleagues.  Cooper, director of Student Accessibility Services, was this year’s recipient in the Exempt (salaried) Employee category. This award is given to a staff member who works diligently with students to not only help them with their study skills and time management, but also actively seeks out resources for them when what is offered doesn’t suit their schedule or needs. As the institution was…

On December 6, 2021, the Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration (MDOT MVA) launched the largest IT system modernization in its history, Customer Connect, transforming what it means to do business with the MDOT MVA. One year later, MDOT MVA is celebrating Customer Connect Day, proclaimed by Governor Larry Hogan and highlighting the ways the modernization has made the lives of Marylanders easier and business more efficient. “Nearly eight years ago, I tasked state agencies to focus on enhancing and improving customer service, and the MDOT MVA continues to deliver on that promise,” said Governor Larry Hogan. Since implementation…