Now overseeing his final session of the Maryland General Assembly,  Governor Larry Hogan remains focused on seeing school systems held accountable for a lack of student progress. Hogan says his administration has pumped record funding into education during his seven years in office- and millions more will be allocated via Kirwan education reforms.  Despite the system now be flush with new revenue- the results have not been there with a recent report on some schools showing graduating seniors with a 2nd grade reading level. Hogan said it is frustrating to continue to provide high levels of funding- but having little…

Part of the city of Cumberland’s plans for the second round of American Rescue Act funds has more than $700,000 targeted to help with the possible relocation of the Union Rescue Mission. Mission representatives have said they have outgrown their current facility while requests for their services are increasing. The mission is currently located at 16 Queen City Pavement along the CSX railroad tracks. The search for a new location has been underway for a few years now with one potential site- 11 Columbia Street- ultimately rejected when a number of residents from that neighborhood complained. Mayor Ray Morriss discussed…

The Joint Communication Center of Allegany County dispatched volunteer fire departments from Allegany, Garrett and Mineral Counties to Rock Street in Westernport this morning for a house fire. The initial call came in during the 9:00 AM h9ur.  A second alarm was issued just after 10:00 AM when a "mayday" call was reported at the scene.

Cumberland Police responded Saturday to the 300 block of Frederick Street for a reported assault. Upon officers arrival they contacted the victim who advised Ron Claggett Jr had struck them in the neck with his hand. Officers observed evidence of an assault. Claggett was placed under arrest and taken before a District Court Commissioner where he was released on his own recognizance. A short time later officers of the Cumberland Police Department responded to the same residence for another assault. Upon officers arrival they observed Claggett to be in the area and he was detained. An officer then spoke with…

On Saturday, an officer of the Cumberland Police Department conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle in the area of Pershing Street and Mechanic Street and contacted the operator, Scott Hockman. After a check of his drivers license and wanted status it was learned he had two active Arrest Warrants. Hockman was placed under arrest and during a subsequent search a quantity of a controlled dangerous substance, brass knuckles, US Currency, and items of paraphernalia. Hockman was remanded to the Allegany County Detention Center where he was held without bond. Arrest: Scott Arlin Hockman, age 38, Cumberland Maryland. Charges: Possession…

During Friday’s briefing, West Virginia Governor Jim Justice announced that West Virginia health officials have identified the state’s first cases of the BA.2 Omicron sub-variant – also known as “Stealth Omicron” – in Berkeley and Ohio counties. “As always, when these variants pop up in West Virginia, we shouldn’t be surprised, but we need to take action and protect ourselves by getting our shots,” Gov. Justice said. “If you’re fully vaccinated and you still haven’t gotten your booster shot, I just don’t get it.”   “All of our medical experts have told you over and over that, if you aren’t…

Cumberland Police reported Saturday that a missing person had been found. 39 year old Peggy Welsh had been reported missing last Monday evening from her North Centre Street residence. Police say that she has been located unharmed, without commenting on the circumstances of where and when she turned up.  

The WMHS Auxiliary has made the decision to extend the date of the annual Snow Ball gala until June 4, 2022 at the Cumberland Country Club. The gala – originally scheduled for January 19 – annually raises funds to support UPMC Western Maryland. Owing to the high rates of COVID this winter and continuing issues with supply chain and workforce, the committee determined to push the event until warmer weather.   The annual Snow Ball raises more than $85,000 annually toward projects and equipment that the Auxiliary supports at UPMC Western Maryland. The organization most recently made a 2019 commitment…

On Friday an officer of the Cumberland Police Department observed two subjects complete a hand to hand transaction in the area of George Street and Baltimore Street. The officer attempted to contact them, and they attempted to evade the officer. They were located and identified as Joshua Smith and Melvin Brown. The officer continued their investigation and located a quantity of controlled dangerous substances, and paraphernalia that indicated the sale and distribution of them, on Brown and Smith’s persons. Both Brown and Smith were then placed under arrest. Brown was released on a Criminal Citation and Smith was taken before a…

The health department continues to offer free drive-thru COVID-19 testing at the Allegany County Fairgrounds (11400 Moss Ave., Cumberland) on Mondays from 2 to 7 p.m. and on Wednesdays and Fridays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.  Fairgrounds vaccine clinics operate on Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., and youth vaccinations (age 5 to 11) are offered at the Willowbrook Office Complex every three weeks on Wednesdays from 3 to 5 p.m. More information on vaccinations and testing can be found at health.maryland.gov/allegany or by calling 240-650-3999. ALLEGANY COUNTY COVID-19 DATA AS OF FEBRUARY 3:   ·        New COVID…