Allegany County Tourism, in partnership with the Canal Place Preservation and Development Authority, Cumberland Downtown Development Commission, Downtown Cumberland Business Association,  and FrostburgFirst, will be giving away $1,000 in cash prizes during the 2nd Annual “Shop Small, Win Big” contest, valid November 26 through December 19, 2021. The collective goal is to encourage shopping locally during the holiday season. Shoppers who purchase online or in-person from small businesses in Allegany County during the contest period can submit their shopping receipts as entries that will qualify them to win weekly drawings for $50 Visa gift cards as well as the grand…

WBAL reports a single case of monkeypox virus infection was confirmed Tuesday in a Maryland resident who recently returned from Nigeria. Maryland health officials said the resident has mild symptoms, is currently recovering in isolation, and is not hospitalized. No special precautions are recommended at this time for the general public, according to the Maryland Department of Health. "Public health authorities have identified and continue to follow up with those who may have been in contact with the diagnosed individual," Dr. Jinlene Chan, MDH deputy secretary for public health, said in a statement. "Our response in close coordination with (Centers for…

Allegany County emergency services is reporting route 220 North and Southbound lanes are shut down due to a motor vehicle crash near Danville Church.

According to the Allegany County Sheriff’s office, a Frostburg woman escaped serious injury Tuesday morning when her vehicle collided with the side of a tractor-trailer on state Route 36 at Interstate 68.  A press release reported the 75-year-old woman, identified by authorities only by the last name of Klink, reportedly failed to yield right-of-way to the tractor-trailer, which was traveling north. Authorities said the Klink vehicle was trapped under the truck and dragged a short distance. Klink was freed from the wreckage by first responders from Frostburg and Shaft volunteer fire departments, according to the Allegany County Department of Emergency…

On November 16th, 2021, the Cumberland City Police served a Criminal Summons on John Bernard McCellan, 65, of Cumberland MD. The Summons was in reference to an incident which occurred on October 28th, 2021, in the 100 block of N. Mechanic St. During that incident, it is alleged that McCellan had assaulted 2 subjects inside the residence. He was served the summons and released, pending trial in District Court. Arrested:   John Bernard McCellan Charges:  Assault 2nd Degree x2

On November 16th, 2021, the Cumberland City Police served a Criminal Summons on Scarlette Redman, 36, of Cumberland MD. The Summons was in reference to an incident which occurred on October 18th, 2021, in the 200 block of Industrial Blvd. During that incident, it is alleged that Redman was driving a vehicle and was involved in a motor vehicle crash with another vehicle. It was then reported that Redman left the scene of the crash without providing insurance information to the other party. It was discovered that Redman did not have valid insurance on the vehicle she was driving. Redman…

With many kids now eligible for COVID-19 vaccinations, the Maryland State Board of Education is discussing whether to end the statewide school mask mandate. The mandate has been in place since the start of the school year and is set to expire Feb. 25. The Maryland State Board of Education heard from parents, teachers, students, school board members and health experts- with a wide variety of opinions on both sides of the debate. Board President Clarence Crawford  said they weren't making any decisions Tuesday and will consider all the feedback board members heard as they try to decide whether the school mask…

With the youngest Marylanders now able to get a COVID-19 vaccine, state leaders are turning their attention to vaccine equity to ensure all kids who want a shot can get it. WBAL reports the 5- to 11-year-old eligibility has pushed vaccination rates significantly from about 7,000 shots a day to 12,000 a day. But there are still questions about distribution and equity. That was the focus of much of the Senate vaccine oversight committee meeting this week. In less than two weeks, nearly 60,000 5- to 11-year-olds in the state have received their first dose – that's 11.5% of that…

The downtown parking lot between Pershing and Baltimore Street adjacent to Merchant’s Alley is being repaved this week. It is part of an overall effort to help businesses who will be impacted when construction begins next year on the $9.7 million Baltimore Street redesign. That parking lot has been in disrepair and the city has expedited that work- with anticipation that the location will serve multiple purposes, be it outdoor dining or outdoor sales and any public use. Downtown Development Commission board chair Sandra Saville said the work will take place this week and next…

Governor Jim Justice has announced that West Virginia has joined several other states in allowing all adults to get coronavirus booster shots. Justice has been pushing the booster shots since they became available for anyone already fully vaccinated, although the state Department of Health and Human Resources’ website has posted federal guidelines for the extra shots. Justice clarified his position at a news conference saying that his message is simple: if you are 18 years of age or older, you can get the booster.  California, Colorado and New Mexico previously gave the go-ahead for all adults to get COVID-19 boosters.  West Virginia…