Governor Larry Hogan today joined federal, state, and local elected officials for the Maryland Day Weekend celebration in Historic St. Mary’s City, which was the site of Maryland’s first capital. During the event, the governor was presented with the Cross Bottony award—the museum’s highest honor—for his many years of support for Historic St. Mary’s City. “The recognition of Maryland Day began in 1903 as a simple observance by school systems, but over the many years it has grown into something much bigger—a wonderful celebration of our state’s history, our culture, achievements, and traditions,” said Governor Hogan. “My hope is that…

The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR) reports as of March 25, 2022, there are currently 460 active COVID-19 cases statewide. There have been 52 deaths reported since the last report, with a total of 6,739 deaths attributed to COVID-19.   DHHR has confirmed the deaths of a 94-year old female from Wyoming County, a 56-year old female from Putnam County, a 94-year old male from Barbour County, a 63-year old male from Cabell County, and a 72-year old female from Cabell County.   Included in the total deaths reported on the dashboard as a result of…

At 33 Pounds, Muskie Beats 2017 Record Photo courtesy Kyle Mullenix, submitted to Maryland DNR                             The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) confirmed a Washington County man has set a new nontidal state record for muskellunge. Kyle Mullenix of Hagerstown caught the 33-pound, 49-inch long record muskie on March 2 along the banks of the upper Potomac River. Regarded as the “fish of ten thousand casts,” muskies are the largest freshwater fish in Maryland and among the most difficult to catch. Mullenix is credited with the…

The Maryland State Police in McHenry activated the Garrett County Snow Emergency Plan at 9:30 PM Saturday. Several inches of snow had fallen and more was expected by the National Weather Service.

On Friday an officer of the Cumberland Police Department conducted a foot patrol in the 300 block of Independence Street when they observed Francesca Troutman, who they knew had an active arrest warrant. They advised Troutman she was under arrest and she began to run from the officer. After a foot pursuit Troutman was apprehended and after a search incident to arrest a quantity of controlled dangerous substances were located. Troutman was then transported for her initial appearance before District Court Commissioner where she was held on a total of $10,000.   Arrest: Francesca Marie Troutman, age 25, Oldtown Maryland.  …

Just after midnight, troopers from the Hagerstown Barrack responded to a serious motor vehicle collision in the area of Jefferson Boulevard and Twin Springs Drive.  The first arriving Trooper located two vehicles with substantial damage with the occupants still inside.  Vehicle one was identified as a 2017 Toyota Corolla and Vehicle two was identified as a 2015 Kia Sportage.           A front seat passenger in the Kia, 31 year old Jacob Keller 3rd from Smithsburg, Maryland was injured and transported by ambulance to Meritus Medical Center.            The driver of the Kia Sportage was identified as 74 year…

The CDC has introduced a Quarantine and Isolation Calculator to help those who have been exposed to or diagnosed with COVID-19 determine how long to quarantine or isolate.  You can find this free and easy-to-use tool at cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/quarantine-isolation.html.  It is important to note that the Q&I calculator does not apply to individuals who are moderately to severely immunocompromised and those who are in high-risk settings such as congregate facilities or hospitals.  Immunocompromised individuals should seek advice from their healthcare providers regarding isolation and quarantine, and those in high-risk settings should follow the protocols for their specific facilities.   The Allegany…

The Cumberland Times News reports some pre-trial hearings in a poaching case that spans three counties in West Virginia and crosses into Maryland await new dates. In January, West Virginia Natural Resources Police said 223 charges involving at least 27 antlered bucks taken illegally in Mineral, Grant and Hampshire counties from mid September to late December were filed against eight area residents including former Mineral County deputy sheriffs Tyler Biggs and Dalton Dolly, who resigned from their jobs. Also charged is Allegany County Department of Emergency Services EMS Chief Christopher Biggs, who was suspended from his job for “alleged violation of…

Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., announced Friday he plans to vote to confirm Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court, praising her "exemplary" record and career and labeling her "supremely qualified" to be a justice. The centrist Democrat's support gives Jackson's nomination a major boost after four days of contentious hearings, all but assuring her historic confirmation to be the first Black woman on the high court, as long as the rest of the Democratic caucus stays on board.

The House of Delegates approved a $58.5 billion budget for the next fiscal year, and negotiators are likely to start meeting soon to reconcile differences with the budget proposal passed by the Maryland Senate last week. The House made about four dozen changes to the Senate budget plan, including increasing appropriations for potential launches of a paid family leave insurance program and a legalized cannabis industry in the state. The chamber also sought, again, to phase out a publicly funded private school voucher program. Like the Senate, the House has set aside $350 million for a tax relief deal being negotiated…