On February 8, 2022 an officer of the Cumberland Police Department served a criminal summons on Christian O. Ogwuegbu.  The Criminal Summons was issued by District Court, in regards to a theft case that occurred in June 2020.  Through an investigation Ogwuegbu was charged with theft $10,000 to under $100,000.  Ogwuegbu signed all copies of the Criminal Summons and was released, awaiting a court date. Christian O. Ogwuegbu, age 68, Allen, TX Charges: Theft $10,000 to $100,000   On February 8, 2022 an officer of the Cumberland Police Department served a Criminal Summons on Carissa Paige Ketterman.  The Criminal Summons…

On February 8, 2022 an officer of the Cumberland Police Department was on patrol in the area of Baltimore Street when he observed a male subject, identified as Logan Ray Aldrich, throw an object in to a grassy area.  The officer made contact with Aldrich and observed a hypodermic syringe in the grassy area.  Contact was made with Aldrich, who admitted to throwing the hypodermic syringe in to the grass.  Aldrich was issued criminal citations for possession of controlled paraphernalia, and littering.  Aldrich was released from the scene. Logan Ray Aldrich, age 24, Cumberland, MD Charges: Possession of ControlleParaphernalia/Littering

While complaints against Allegany County Emergency Medical Services  chief Christopher Biggs made last October were investigated and subsequently dismissed by county government- additional accusations that followed remain under review.  In an October 27th letter to the Allegany County Government Department of Human Resources, IAFF Local 1715, which represents paid full-time firefighters and emergency medical services personnel, asked for the removal of Biggs from his position as EMS chief.  The union provided county officials with documents that included allegations of nepotism and as well as a general lack of integrity and ethics.  In early December, at a public meeting, County Attorney Lee…

Maryland Governor Larry Hogan announced Tuesday that he will not run for the U.S. Senate, rebuffing an aggressive recruitment push from Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and other Republicans who saw the term-limited governor as the GOP’s best chance to win in the deep-blue state. Hogan announced his decision during an unrelated afternoon press conference in the governor’s mansion, explaining that he could not finish his term as governor effectively and run for the Senate at the same time…

Governor Larry Hogan announced Tuesday that 95% of adults in Maryland have been vaccinated against COVID-19 and says the state will be launching new programs to get remaining Marylanders boosted. The numbers come from official CDC data.  At a press conference on Tuesday, Hogan announced a new booster action plan to reach out to all Marylanders about booster appointment availability and booster eligibility. In addition to the 539 booster clinics across the state, Maryland will now start offering booster shots at many hospital-based testing sites. Hogan also announced a $2 million ‘VaxCash 2.0’ promotion where the Maryland Lottery will randomly pick and award one boosted Marylander each…

An economic development consultant on Tuesday presented Cumberland City officials with a final draft of a proposed long term economic development. Kyle Talente, vice president of the Alexandria, Virginia-based RKG Associates, submitted a report that focused on attracting and retaining business;  a focus on smaller businesses; a beefed up staff for the Cumberland Economic Development Corporation and the need for the dozens of economic development related organizations to work together and improve the lines of communication.  Developing measurable and expectations was also indentified as a priority. City Council member Laurie Marchini agreed… While he agreed with the concept, Mayor Ray…

Last month the Cumberland Mayor and City Council voted unanimously to make Juneteenth a holiday for city employees. Juneteenth is a federal holiday in the United States commemorating the emancipation of African-American slaves. It is also often observed for celebrating African-American culture. Originating in Galveston, Texas, it has been celebrated annually on June 19 in various parts of the United States since 1865. The state of Maryland followed the federal action last year making Juneteenth a state holiday- and Mayor Ray Morriss said that the city is simply attempting to keep up with the times… As far as the cost…

A busy agenda for the Allegany County Board of Education Tuesday night with a discussion of budget priorities; an update on programs of study; new early childhood center and full day pre-k updates; and an adjustment to the school calendar. With unprecedented state funding resulting from the Kirwan Education reforms- board member Deb Frank says it is an exciting and challenging time that will allow the board to improve and expand any number of programs…

Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan announced Tuesday that he will not run for the U.S. Senate, rebuffing an aggressive recruitment push from Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and other Republicans who saw the term-limited governor as the GOP’s best chance to win in the deep-blue state. Hogan said that he could not finish his term as governor effectively and run for the Senate at the same time. It has been widely speculated that Hogan will seek a run for the presidency in 2024

Governor Larry Hogan today announced that, according to official CDC data, more than 95% of Maryland adults have now been vaccinated against COVID-19—another major milestone for one of the most successful vaccination campaigns in the country.  “As we achieve another incredible vaccine milestone, I want to thank all the healthcare heroes we honor this week who have made this possible,” said Governor Hogan. “While we will continue to work to reach that last 5% of adults, we are just as focused on getting more Marylanders boosted to maximize protection against the virus and its variants.”   To date, the state…