New Year’s Weekend Hikers Brave Rainy Conditions Hikers at Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area  head into the woods on Jan. 1, 2022. Maryland DNR photo. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) estimates that about 3,000 visitors took part in First Day Hikes in Maryland State Parks during the three-day period from December 31, 2021 through January 2, 2022.  More than 350 people self-reported that they hiked 1,223 miles in our state parks during the three-day weekend, in addition to 487 people that took part in ranger-led hikes, and 2,135 hikers who enjoyed self-guided options.  Rainy conditions may have dampened some attendance this…

The Maryland Department of Health released a report on COVID-19 vaccinations Saturday that revealed updated numbers for those aged 5 to 11. According to DOH, 35 percent of the youngest age group has received at least one shot of a Coronavirus vaccine, while 24 percent is considered to be completely vaccinated. Another bad week for COVID-19 numbers in our West Virginia counties, although there was some noticible improvement in Grant County. Mineral County has over 220 active cases, while Morgan, Hampshire, and Hardy Counties are all over 150 active cases. Most of West Virginia is currently in the red classification….

Gov. Jim Justice has issued a proclamation, calling for the West Virginia Legislature to convene in Special Session at 11 a.m. on Monday Jan. 10, 2022. The proclamation lists several items for the Legislature to consider and act upon, all relating generally to economic development. The first is a bill establishing a “West Virginia Industrial Advancement Act,” which provides certain tax incentives, based upon very significant investment and employment thresholds, for labor and capital intensive heavy industrial facilities to locate in the state. The next five are supplemental appropriations bills, capitalizing upon the state’s spectacularly strong revenues and investing in…

On Friday officers of the Cumberland Police Department responded to the 200 block of Maryland Avenue for a report of an unattended child. Upon officers arrival they observed an unsecured residence and entered to check on the well being of the child. Once inside officers observed a young juvenile to be alone inside the residence without any supervision. After an extended period of time Jessica Jones and Kristin August returned to the residence. The officers continued their investigation and determined that the juvenile had been unattended for an extended period of time and that the juvenile was not being properly cared…

The CDC has adopted the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices’ (ACIP) recommendation to expand eligibility of COVID-19 vaccine booster doses to those 12 to 15 years old. CDC now recommends that adolescents age 12 and older should receive a booster shot 5 months after their initial Pfizer-BioNTech vaccination series.  At this time, only the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine is authorized and recommended for adolescents aged 12-17. Data show that COVID-19 boosters help broaden and strengthen protection against Omicron and other SARS-CoV-2 variants. ACIP reviewed the available safety data following the administration of over 25 million vaccine doses in adolescents; COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective….

West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey is alerting consumers to an emerging jury duty scam with an alarming twist.   The Attorney General’s Office received a report from the West Virginia Fusion Center earlier this week regarding a jury duty fine scam that may include a potential personal safety element.   “Scammers are constantly devising new schemes to scare consumers into giving them their money,” Attorney General Morrisey said. “If you get a suspicious call, even if it comes from a number that looks legitimate, don’t feel pressured to act immediately. Pause and give our office a call — it…

Lamar Jackson will miss a fourth consecutive game for the Baltimore Ravens to end the regular season. Baltimore ruled Jackson out for Sunday's game against Pittsburgh because of his ankle injury. That likely ends the star quarterback's 2021 season. The winner of the Ravens-Steelers game can make the playoffs, but those chances are slim. Ravens coach John Harbaugh announced Friday that Tyler Huntley will start at quarterback. Jackson was hurt during a Dec. 12 loss at Cleveland. The Ravens have lost five straight games.

For the week of January 3, 2022, there were no schools identified with a School Wide COVID-19 Outbreak.    Mountain Ridge High School had one cohort that met the definition of a cohort outbreak.   ACPS had 69 staff members and 205 students reported as positive for COVID-19 during this time. ACPS had 51 staff members quarantined as a close contact, and/or symptomatic for COVID-19.  271 students were reported as close contacts to a positive person and required to quarantine.  This includes all staff and students reported as close contacts, whether the close contact occurred in the home, community, or school.

The Maryland Department of Health (MDH) in partnership with the Baltimore City NAACP, Casa de Maryland, Jai Medical Systems and WBFF FOX 45, has sponsored a town hall event, Combating Covid in Our Communities, to answer questions, address concerns, correct misinformation and encourage all Marylanders to protect themselves, their families and communities by getting vaccinated against COVID-19.    “We have a strong vaccination rate in Maryland, yet there are still residents who have not vaccinated for a number of reasons. We hope to connect with them through avenues like this town hall to provide accurate information and address concerns,” said…

Governor Larry Hogan today provided an update on the state’s response to this week’s second winter storm. “After heavy snow again blanketed the region, we are able to report no significant road issues or other major impacts from overnight,” said Governor Hogan. “I want to thank all of the crews, police, and first responders who worked around the clock to keep people safe and keep the roads clear.” Interstates and major routes are in good condition due to State Highway Administration (SHA) crews proactively pre-treating roads, along with residual salt on the pavement from the last storm and clearing of…