Marylanders will be paying more at the pump as of today due to a legislatively mandated automatic gas tax increase. A bill passed in 2013 calls for an automatic gas tax increase based on inflation, which is measured by the Consumer Price Index. Starting today drivers will pay about 7 cents more per gallon for gas. This brings to total state gas tax from 36 cents a gallon to 43 cents per gallon. Ahead of the hike, some elected officials called on the Maryland General Assembly to convene a special session to suspend the state’s gas tax. Delegate Kathy Szeliga…

The West Virginia National Guard’s full-time response to the COVID-19 pandemic will end Friday, Gov. Jim Justice said. Justice first activated the National Guard to assist with the state’s pandemic response in March 2020. Among their duties, guard members have transported supplies, staffed COVID-19 testing and vaccine sites, disinfected vehicles and facilities, and assisted health departments with data entry. “They did an unbelievable job an d they continue to do that every day,” Justice said at a news conference Thursday. Justice said 60 guard members will remain on active duty through September to assist the state’s Joint Interagency Task Force

U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), a senior member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, issued the following statement in response to the Supreme Court ruling in West Virginia v. EPA that prohibits the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from broadly regulating greenhouse gas emissions from power plants under the Clean Air Act.   “Today's ruling in West Virginia v. EPA is a setback for public health and climate action that goes against congressional intent. This troubling decision not only undermines President Joe Biden’s whole-of-government approach to combatting dangerous carbon pollution, but also makes it more challenging to meet our nation’s…

State Fire Marshal Brian Geraci joined Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services Deputy Chief Gordon Wallace this morning and leaders in various medical fields to present the dangers of legal and illegal fireworks.  "There were numerous fireworks-related incidents reported in Maryland last year," said State Fire Marshal Geraci. "Prevention of burns, injuries, and fires has always been a top priority of our office. The safest way to enjoy fireworks this July 4th holiday season is to attend one of the many public fireworks displays throughout the state."  The safety demonstration, conducted by the State Fire Marshal's Bomb Squad,…

 In a blow to the fight against climate change, the Supreme Court on Thursday limited how the nation’s main anti-air pollution law can be used to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from power plants. By a 6-3 vote, with conservatives in the majority, the court said that the Clean Air Act does not give the Environmental Protection Agency broad authority to regulate greenhouse gas emissions from power plants that contribute to global warming. The court’s ruling could complicate the administration’s plans to combat climate change. Its proposal to regulate power plant emissions is expected by the end of the year. President Joe Biden aims…

Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot on Wednesday joined small business owners and individuals impacted by high gas prices to continue applying pressure on federal and state lawmakers to take immediate action that would help ease the pain at the pump.  The event in Frederick came exactly one week after President Biden called on Congress, states and the petroleum industry to enact a series of measures that would lower record-high gas prices. The Comptroller, who serves as the state's motor fuel regulator, first floated a 90-day state gas tax holiday in March; Governor Hogan and the General Assembly agreed to suspend the tax…

Dealing with COVID-19 and school security were among the topics tackled by six of the candidates seeking a seat on the Allegany County Board of Education. The Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring a series of forums in advance of the July 19th Primary Election. On whether or not the school board was correct in instituting a mask mandate this past school year, candidate Lori Lepley says it was the wrong decision, adding that the science now backs that up… Incumbent David Bohn said although he was opposed to the mandate, the board had no choice… Candidate Janet Heavner spoke in…

The CSX West Side bridges as well as the economic development strategy of the city were topics  addressed by six candidates running for a seat on Cumberland’s city council- all taking part in a forum sponsored by the Allegany County Chamber of Commerce. Two council seats are up for election with the primary slated for July 19th. The subject of the three bridges out of commission on the city’s West Side has been a hot topic for several years now and progress toward those spans being re-opened has been dragging. Councilman Joe George said he shares the frustration of the…

Voters in Maryland have just three weeks left to make a choice in primary elections, but for many, it's a tough call. Maryland's primary election is three weeks from Tuesday and a new Goucher poll of more than 500 Democrats gives Peter Franchot 16% to 14% for Wes Moore and Tom Perez. Those percentages are within the poll's margin of error and 35% are undecided. Goucher College Pollster Mileah Kromer said although there are 7 other Democrats candidates on the ballot, it really effectively a three person race this point… In the Republican race, Donald Trump endorsed delegate Dan Cox leads Gov….

On 6/29/2022 at approximately 4:00 PM the Cumberland City Police were dispatched to a business in the 700 block of Park Street for a theft complaint. Upon arrival the officer spoke to loss prevention staff and learned that Crystal Lynn Kammauff had stolen items from the business. Ms. Kammauff was issued a Criminal Citation for theft under $100.00 and released pending trial in District Court. Arrested – Crystal Lynn Kammauff (33) Short Gap, WV Charge – Theft Less Than $100.00