Lee Schwartz the long time owner/operator of The Book Center in Downtown Cumberland passed away Monday at the age of 70.  Lee’s parents Martin and Jean Schwartz moved to Cumberland from Baltimore in 1952 when he was just two- and after operating the Rex News Agency- they founded The Book Center in 1971 with Lee joining the family business and eventually taking over the day to day operations. The business expanded and several years ago began serving as an animal shelter cat adoption outpost.  Lee is survived by his wife of 44 years Gayle Griffith. The Adams Family Funeral Home…

Typically, Allegany County Public Schools hosts an end-of-the-year Achievement Awards Banquet to recognize graduating seniors who are in the top 10% of their classes in academic excellence, who have made special accomplishments in the arts, and who demonstrate superior leadership qualities.Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year's award recipients will once again be honored virtually with a video tribute for each high school. Videos will be available on the ACPS website (under the Accolades, Class of 2022 section) and Vimeo site on Tuesday, May 17, 2022, by 7 p.m. All videos will also be shared on the ACPS Facebook page. 

Allegany County Emergency Services reports a motor vehicle crash on Interstate 68 West above Exit 43 in the area of Beall Street. Units are on the scene.

Sen. Chris Van Hollen announced Sunday that he suffered a "minor stroke" over the weekend and is hospitalized. The Maryland Democrat said in a statement that his doctors have told him "there are no long-term effects or damage as a result of this incident" but that he will remain in the hospital for observation in the coming days. He said in the statement that he plans to return to work later this week. The lawmaker was admitted to George Washington University Hospital over the weekend after he had been "experiencing lightheadedness and acute neck pain" while delivering a speech at…

The Capital Wing of the Commemorative Air Force (CAF), in conjunction with the Delaware Aviation Museum Foundation (DAMF), will bring a Warbird Showcase to the Cumberland MD Airport Saturday and Sunday June 18 and 19. The event is open from 10 AM to 4 PM each day with no parking or entrance fees. Warbirds scheduled to appear include a TBM Avenger torpedo bomber, the B-25 Panchito, Stinson L-5 Sentinel, and Boeing PT-17 Stearman bi-plane. The public will have the opportunity to purchase warbird rides in all the aircraft as a tribute to the thousands of men and women who built,…

The Allegany County Department of Emergency Services placed its first ever – in the history of the Department – an around-the-clock EMT chase car with a goal of improving response times and providing faster life saving services along Route 51 in southeastern Allegany County. “Chase 51 is an SUV that was purchased from Corriganville VFD during the acquisition of ambulance responsibilities in that area. This unit has been integrated into our fleet and response system and is now stationed at PPG Road in the county building to assist District 16 and the surrounding citizens with staffing and EMS care,” County DES Director James Pyles explained….

On Monday members of the Cumberland Police Department with the assistance of the Maryland State Police S.T.A.T.E. Team, Allegany County Narcotics Task Force, and the Allegany County States Attorney’s Office executed a Search and Seizure warrant in the 300blk of Columbia Street as a result of an ongoing investigation into the distribution of illegal narcotics. As a result of the Search Warrant, officers seized large amounts of suspected Fentanyl, Crack Cocaine, and Heroin. A sum of US currency and two handguns were also recovered as a result of the search. The following individuals were located within the residence and charged with…

On Saturday, May 14, 2022 at approximately 9:04 PM, an officer of the Cumberland Police Department conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle on Centre Street and identified the operator as Eric Divelbliss.  The officer requested a K-9 to respond.  A scan was conducted and the K-9 alerted to the odor of CDS in the vehicle.  The vehicle was searched and a quantity of controlled dangerous substances was located.  Divelbliss was arrested and transported to the police station for processing.  He was issued a criminal citation and released pending trial at the District Court of Allegany County.   ARRESTED:  Eric…

On Sunday, May 15, 2022 at approximately 12:00 PM, an officer of the Cumberland Police Department was on patrol when he observed a vehicle parked at a business on Virginia Avenue.  The officer observed that the registration was expired.  The officer approached the operator, James Whetstone, to advise him of the expired tags when he immediately smelled the odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle.  A probable cause search of the vehicle was conducted and suspected marijuana was located.  He was arrested and transported to the police station for processing.  Whetstone was issued a criminal citation and released pending trial…

WBAL reports Maryland’s governor criticized city leaders as well as the Democrat controlled General Assembly during a press conference addressing the recent violence in Baltimore. Baltimore Police are still investigating two mass shootings that happened within seven hours of each other in the city last week. In one of those shootings, police say a gunman fired more than 60 rounds on North Rose Street. Governor Larry Hogan said although he has followed through on a long list of requests from Baltimore’s mayor and police commissioner designed to curb violence- their plan clearly is not effective…