Although based on the per pupil wealth data, Allegany County’s public school system dropped toward the bottom of the list in the past year, the fiscal picture is actually improving.  During the regular monthly meeting, Chief Financial Office Larry McKenzie provided the board of education with an update on state funding and other budget considerations. The wealth formula used to measure school district wealth saw Allegany County fall- however that will mean an increase in the state funding allocation…

While he isn’t yet ready to commit to running for president- Maryland Governor Larry Hogan says he is encouraged to see support for Donald Trump declining- and a lane opening for what he called “sane” Republicans to seek the office. Hogan announced earlier this month that he won’t run for a U.S. Senate seat- but has said it’s far too early to think about the 2024 presidential election. Appearing on CNN, Hogan, a moderate and frequent critic of the former president,  said he believes the GOP is slowly pulling itself from Trump's grip…

Hoping to make the position more attractive in an ever competitive field- the Cumberland Mayor and City Council approved a list of incentives available to City Police Department employees. Police Chief Chuck Ternent reported recently that the department is currently looking to fill about 8 open slots. The incentives approved include bonuses attached to attending and graduating the police academy; a significant bonus for a new hires who are already certified law enforcement officers; no property taxes; and the department will continue to strive to provide take home vehicles when possible. In addition the city approved a one year extension…

It is one of the county’s more rapidly expanding departments but unfortunately one that has been plagued by controversy for much of the past three years.  Despite the headlines and criminal investigations- Allegany County Commissioners President Jake Shade remains confident in the EMS operation. A quick recap reveals that Allegany County Department of Emergency Services EMS Chief Christopher Biggs, who faces felony charges related to a major deer poaching operation in West Virginia,  has been suspended from his job; while at the same time a separate internal investigation is being conducted by Allegany County Government related to union accusations questioning…

Early Sunday, at approximately 4:00 AM, Maryland State Police Cumberland Barracks was notified by 911 dispatch of a motor vehicle collision on eastbound Interstate 68 at the 38 mile marker. Upon troopers arrival on scene, they made contact with EMS personnel who pronounced a 15 year old, Hispanic girl deceased on scene at 4:10 AM. Preliminary investigation revealed that she was a passenger in the vehicle during the crash and was ejected from the vehicle. For unknown reasons the driver of a 2000 GMC Yukon bearing Maryland registration 4EY8658 lost control, struck the guardrail, and overturned in the roadway. No signs…

On February 19th, 2022 Officers of the Cumberland Police Department served an Arrest Warrant on Curtis McAllister. The Arrest Warrant was issued by the Circuit Court for Violation of Probation. McAllister was remanded to the Allegany County Detention Center where he is held without bond.   Arrest: Curtis Tyrell McAllister, age 42, Cumberland Maryland.   Charge: Violation of Probation.   On February 19th, 2022 Officers of the Cumberland Police Department served an Arrest Warrant on Nicholas Austin. The Arrest Warrant was issued by the District Court for two counts of child abuse and one count of neglect of a minor….

Frostburg Police have filed charges against a woman for child neglect. Last month, police found children locked out of their home and an unattended infant inside with poor living conditions. Two adults were found inside, seemingly under the influence. The children were removed and the mother was charged. Her identity withheld to protect the child victims.   A Frostburg man was charged with first and second degree assault after a Mountain City Police investigation of a domestic violence incident that occurred at a hotel. 33 year old Justin Tyler Andrews is said to have choked his girlfriend and officers observed…

More than $20 Million For Baltimore City Outdoor Recreation This Year Maryland DNR photo The Board of Public Works today unanimously approved 11 Program Open Space projects totaling $6.3 million in grants for Baltimore City. These projects include new and upgrades to existing park facilities across the city. In January, the board approved about $4 million in Program Open Space grant funding provided by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for Baltimore City.  In total, Governor Larry Hogan’s Fiscal Year 2022 Budget included $4.2 million through the Program Open Space Local program, and $6 million in direct grants to Baltimore City for its…

Weekly COVID Update: For the 7-day period of  February 11- 17,  2022, there were no schools that met the definition of a School Wide Outbreak of COVID-19.   Flintstone Elementary School had two cohorts that met the definition of a cohort outbreak.   ACPS had 7 staff members and 39 students reported as positive for COVID-19 during this time.  ACPS had 4 staff members quarantined as a close contact.  67 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,…