National School Bus Safety Week is held during the third full week of October each year, and this October 17-21, 2022, is an opportunity to educate students, parents, and the public about the importance of school bus safety.               In the effort to enhance school bus safety, the ACPS Transportation Department has been working since the start of school with all pre-K and kindergarten students by presenting the “Buster the Bus” program. “This is a special program geared towards this specific age group of children and those who have never ridden a bus before,” said ACPS Supervisor of Transportation, HB…

West Virginia’s fall hunting season for wild turkey is scheduled to open Saturday in all 55 counties. The season will last through Oct. 16. It will be extended for an additional week in seven counties from Oct. 24 to 30, and for three additional weeks in 14 counties from Oct. 24 to Nov. 13, the Division of Natural Resources said in a news release. Hunters ages 15 and older are required to have a valid West Virginia hunting license and a form of identification while hunting. Resident landowners hunting on their land do not need a hunting license. The use…

President Joe Biden will visit Hagerstown on Friday, the White House announced. Biden will "deliver remarks on building the economy from the bottom up and middle out," at the Volvo Power Train Plant, according to a White House news release. Biden will be joined by sixth district incumbent congressman David Trone. “I am proudly joining President Joe Biden in our district tomorrow to showcase our country’s job creation and economic growth under his leadership,” Trone said. “Whether it’s through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act or Inflation Reduction Act, we’re here in Hagerstown to put people over politics and build…

An early evening fire on Vocke Road has been ruled accidenta. The Maryland State Fire Marshal has issued a report:    Date: October 6, 2022 Time: 5:57 PM Location / Address:  1206 Vocke Road, LaVale, Allegany County MD Type of Incident: Structure Fire Description of Structure / Property: Single story, block framed, residential three bay garage         Owners: Eric Broadwater        Injuries or Deaths: Two occupants inside the garage sustained  non-life threatening injuries, one with minor burns and one with smoke inhalation.  Transported to UPMC Western Maryland.  Estimated $ Loss: Structure: $150,000  Contents: $100,000   Smoke Alarm Status: Not Present/not required        Fire Alarm / Sprinkler…

On Thursday, October 6, 2022 at approximately 5:24 PM, officers of the Cumberland Police Department responded to the 200 block of Paca Street for the report of a robbery.  Police contacted a subject who advised that a male subject, later identified as Duane Crowe, approached him and began yelling at him.  Crowe believed that the complainant was riding a stolen moped.  After further investigation, Crowe was issued a criminal citation for disorderly conduct and released pending trial at District Court. ARRESTED:  Duane Allen Crowe Jr.             AGE:  33                Cumberland, MD CHARGES:  Disorderly Conduct 

On Thursday, the Cumberland Police Department served a Circuit Court bench warrant on Eric Brewington.  The warrant was issued as the result of Brewington failing to appear in court on July 5, 2022.  Brewington was originally charged with Burglary-4th Degree. He was arrested and transported to the Allegany County Detention Center where he is being held without bond pending his appearance at Circuit Court. ARRESTED:  Eric Leighton Brewington        AGE: 22        Cumberland, MD

On Thursday,  at approximately 4:43 PM, officers of the Cumberland Police Department responded to a business on Queen City Drive for a theft complaint.  Police contacted an employee who reported that the suspect, Haley Kirk, had stolen property from the store.  After further investigation, Kirk was issued a criminal citation for theft and released pending trial at District Court. ARRESTED:  Haley Christine Kirk       AGE:  37             Keyser, WV CHARGES:  Theft less than $100 THEFT ARREST On Wednesday, October 5, 2022 at approximately 9:37 PM, officers of the Cumberland Police Department responded to the 300 block of Frederick Street for a theft…

With demolition just about wrapped up- Allegany County officials are preparing the next phase necessary for the redevelopment of the site of the former Allegany High School. The razing of the school, gym and auditorium marks the end of an institution that was a focal point of the Cumberland community for 93 years, with nearly 150,000 students passing through its halls. Proposals that have been brought up for consideration for future use of the location include: moderate income housing; a playground; a three stage senior living facility and even a concert hall. County Commissioner president Jake Shade said the initial…

A draft to implement Maryland’s multi-billion education reform plan that lawmakers approved last year is scheduled for release next month. The comprehensive reforms focus on five subject areas, or pillars: expanding early childhood education, creating a diverse workforce with high-quality teachers, improving college and career readiness, providing additional resources for some students and maintaining accountability. The Blueprint for Maryland’s Future Accountability and Implementation Board continues to hold work sessions with feedback from education experts, school officials and early childhood providers. School systems across the state will be providing input before the draft is submitted. State School Superintendent Mohammed Choudhury briefed superintendents…