Advocates for a proposed River Park project at Canal Place are in a holding pattern- awaiting the outcome of a recent meeting to determine if federal and state environmental conditions will be met by the project. The proposed $20 million project includes installing a moderate whitewater course on the Potomac River behind Canal Place along with docks for canoes and kayaks and walking trails. A key feature of the project would include removing the dam beneath the Blue Bridge linking Cumberland and Ridgeley, West Virginia. Canal Place Director Dee Dee Ritchie said the problem centers around the level of impact…

Funeral services for Wicomico County Deputy Glenn Hilliard will be held Tuesday as the community and the state still in shock over this latest incident of violence against a law enforcement officer. The suspect has been identified as 20-year-old Austin Jacob Allen Davidson, who was wanted in the city for a probation violation in Baltimore City as well as separate offenses in Worcester and Somerset counties. Court records show Davidson pleaded guilty to a 2019 robbery and received probation before judgment. He was wanted for probation violation and has been wanted since 2020. Maryland’s Lt. Governor Boyd Rutherford said this…

As record inflation continues to drive up the prices of just about everything, those already struggling are having an even harder time making ends meet. One of Maryland’s leading economic experts says it is a good news/bad news situation at this time in the state with some trends moving in the right direction, but also plenty of people and businesses hit hard. Dr. Daraius Irani serves as Vice President of Strategic Partnerships and Applied Research at  Towson University. He says many businesses are still having trouble filling open positions…

The Western Maryland Scenic Railroad recently was awarded $750 as a result of a Downtown Development Commission sponsored window decoration contest. The money will be put to marketing and promotion, however given the ridership numbers and brisk ticket sales for the many special events, it seems as though the local tourist train is already one of the more popular attractions in the region. Wes Heinz, railroad CEO, has entered his second year at the helm and since arriving any number of attractions have been added including: the Ice Cream Train, Pumpkin Patch Run, Spring Fling, Moonlight on the Mountain, Dinner…

The Cumberland Police responded to a motor vehicle crash on George St. Two vehicles collided as a result of the at fault vehicle failing to yield the right of way. One motorist was transported to the hospital for non-life threatening injuries.     Disorderly Conduct Arrest   An Officer with the Cumberland Police Department was on patrol when he observed a disturbance at a downtown business. The Officer stopped to intervene when a male, identified as Bryan Brotemarkle, age 30 of Ridgeley, WV continued the disturbance and attempted to assault another male. Brotemarkle was placed under arrest and transported to…

The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR) reports as of June 16, 2022, there are currently 2,004 active COVID-19 cases statewide. There has been one death reported since the last report, with a total of 7,017 deaths attributed to COVID-19.   DHHR has confirmed the death of a 39-year old female from Berkeley County.   “Our hearts go out to this family,” said Bill J. Crouch, DHHR Cabinet Secretary. “I urge you to get vaccinated or boosted to help save the lives of your family, neighbors and friends.”     Please note that from June 6-20, 2022,…

Projects Funded Statewide for New and Improved Boating Access, Navigation, and Safety Solley Cove Boat Ramp in Anne Arundel County, completed in 2021 with support of the Waterway Improvement Fund. Photo by Carla Fleming, Maryland Department of Natural Resources The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is providing $13.5 million in Waterway Improvement Fund grants to enhance and improve public boating access, facilities, and navigation throughout the state. This funding is awarded to 45 applicants statewide, supporting efforts that include new public boating access, amenities, and facilities; dredging of navigable waterways; emergency vessels and equipment for local first responders; and other important infrastructure…

The Cumberland Police served a Circuit Court Arrest Warrant on Breann Carol Haines, age 30, of Flintstone, MD.  The Warrant charged Haines with Violation of Probation.  She is currently being held without bond at the Allegany County Detention Center.   Arrested:  Breann Carol Haines Age: 30  Flintstone, MD Charges:  Violation of Probation   The Cumberland Police served a Criminal Summons on Adam Lee Shipway, age 43, of Cumberland, MD.  The Summons charged Shipway with Theft $1,500 to less than $25,000.  He is currently awaiting trial in the matter.   The Cumberland Police served a Criminal Summons on Brandon Marshall Ridgeley,…

Testing, vaccinations, and treatment for COVID-19 are available locally through primary care providers, pharmacies, and other healthcare facilities.  The Allegany County Health Department continues to offer COVID-19 vaccinations and testing for the public. Please note that testing will be offered on Monday June 20th at the Allegany County Fairgrounds from 2 to 7 p.m. even though the health department offices will be closed that day for the Juneteenth holiday.    Information on health department COVID testing and vaccination clinics can be found at health.maryland.gov/allegany.  More information on additional COVID resources can be found at covidLINK.maryland.gov.   ALLEGANY COUNTY COVID-19 DATA…

Today, at the Allegany County Fairgrounds, the Western Maryland Jaycees will host the Tri-State Thomas Automotive Wing-Off, a daylong competition where wing-serving restaurants fry up thousands of chicken wings to be eaten and judged by the public for numerous awards including the prestigious title of 2022 Tri-State Wing-Off Champion. The 10th annual Wing-Off will be an all day extravaganza filled with a variety of unique wings, plenty of cold beverages and lots of music including country stars Collin Raye, Sammy Kershaw, and Aaron Tippin.