With just three weeks remaining in the 2022 session of the Maryland General Assembly- Governor Larry Hogan says he continues work on his two priorities: tax relief and public safety. Prior to the start of the session in January, Hogan proposed a major tax-relief package saying it would deliver more than $4.6 billion in relief to Maryland families, small businesses and retirees. He also announced a three-year, $500 million public safety initiative and the return of tough on crime bills from previous sessions. Those packages include increased state aid to local police departments, raises and bonuses for police officers, increased…

Amid global uncertainty due to Russian aggression, Maryland lawmakers moved quickly last week  to enact a one-month gas tax holiday that could save drivers close to 40 cents per gallon. That agreement came just hours after Comptroller Peter Franchot called for the state to use its budget surplus to provide relief for Marylanders. While Franchot is pleased with the swiftness of this move, he suggests a 3-month gas tax holiday telling WCBC News that  30 days is not enough…

The Allegany County Museum re-opened this past week and in an effort to let more people know about the museum and what it offers-  the board is looking to expand marketing efforts. Located at 3 Pershing Street in downtown  Cumberland, the museum  covers two floors of a fully restored neo-classical revival building built in the 1930 with a mission to  engage the community by preserving and promoting the region’s unique heritage. Mayor Ray Morriss says the museum  is a hidden gem – but the hope is larger crowds will result as a new marketing campaign is being developed that will cross…

A downtown Cumberland landmark is undergoing a $2 million renovation with the hope being that it will be a major part of the Baltimore Street redesign and revitalization. The McMullen Building, located at 138 N. Baltimore Street on the downtown mall,  best known for housing Woolworths and later the G.C. Murphy Co. department store in the 20th century, was constructed in 1912. Local businessmen Chris Hendershot and Garrett Eagan, owners of Cartridges Galore, purchased the building in a little more than a year ago with plans to renovate- including the addition of 13 luxury apartments and a cornerstone business space…

A newly approved policy of the Allegany County Board of Education establishes clear guidelines regarding how the board and its individual members communicate with the public, media and employees. According to the policy, the board president will speak on behalf of the board. Additionally, the policy states that board members that are interested in visiting schools, classrooms or offices must make arrangements for visitations with the superintendent and/or school principal. Board attorney Mike Llewellyn…

On Saturday, March 19, 2022, the Cumberland Police Department served an arrest warrant on William Foster Younger Jr. The warrant was issued in connection with a burglary investigation from March 17, 2022. On this date at approximately 10:15 PM, officers responded to the 200 block of Columbia Street for a burglary complaint. The alleged victim reported that William Younger had forced his way into her residence and argued with her over her current relationship. The victim reported that she told him to leave several times prior to him drawing back his fist, acting like he was going to assault her….

On Saturday, March 19, 2022, the Cumberland Police Department served an arrest warrant on Justin Allan Nizer. The warrant was issued as a result of an incident that occurred on October 30, 2021. On this date at approximately 1:26 AM, officers responded to the 400 block of Broadway Street in reference to an assault. The alleged victim reported that she was attacked by Justin Nizer. Nizer was no longer on scene. The victim explained that Nizer hit her numerous times in the back of the head and neck. It was later discovered that the victim had sustained significant injuries to…

On Saturday, March 19, 2022 at approximately 6:52 AM, officers of the Cumberland Police Department responded to the 200 block of E. Industrial Blvd. for a disturbance. Officers contacted the alleged victim who reported that she was assaulted by John Wright. She explained that Wright wanted to take her dog and then struck her in the face. Officers observed injuries to the victim. After further investigation, Wright was placed under arrest for the assault. A search of Wright’s person incident to arrest revealed that he had a concealed bowie knife in his possession. Wright was transported to Central Booking. He…

Just before midnight, the Joint Communications Center of Allegany County reported that a vehicle had hit a utility pole on Virginia Avenue near Bowen Street. Lines were reported to be down by emergency responders.

The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR) reports as of March 18, 2022, there are currently 795 active COVID-19 cases statewide. There have been 11 deaths reported since the last report, with a total of 6,646 deaths attributed to COVID-19.   DHHR has confirmed the deaths of an 81-year old male from Putnam County, a 66-year old male from Kanawha County, a 60-year old male from Fayette County, a 95-year old female from Brooke County, a 76-year old female from Lewis County, a 91-year old female from Barbour County, an 85-year old female from Mason County, a…