According Maryland's labor secretary, the state is making progress on unemployment issues. During a legislative briefing on unemployment claims. WBAL reports Maryland Department of Labor Secretary Tiffany Robinson buried legislators with numbers on claims, calls, fraud and new hires. She also provided an update on the agency's mobile app. Lawmakers appeared satisfied with the answers. They expressed disappointment in not getting mandated reports and pointed out problems that still exist… The back log of claims is now around 18,000. Legislators applauded the agency for providing district case managers to help connect those having problems with case adjudicators. The state labor…

Over the past weeks Allegany County Public schools have numerous bus cancellations as well as changes in routes.  One of the primary issues is a driver shortage and drivers in quarantine due to COVID. Driver shortage is not just an issue in Allegany County but also the state of Maryland and Nationwide.  Mark Morral ACPS Supervisor of Transportation siad We have a great group of drivers and contractors and they have been working together to try to cover the routes during this time. Morral added that parents have also been very understanding and helpful. Many parents are helping by transporting their…

On October 30th, 2021 officers of the Cumberland Police Department served an Arrest Warrant on Trevon Marcel Emerson. The Arrest Warrant was issued by the Circuit Court for failing to appear for his trial. Emerson was placed under arrest and was remanded to the Allegany County Detention Center where he was held without bond.   Arrest: Trevon Marcel Emerson, age 28, Cumberland Maryland. Charge: Failure to Appear.

On October 30th, 2021 officers of the Cumberland Police Department responded to a Queen City Drive business for a reported shoplifting. Upon officer’s arrival they spoke with employees who advised that a male had left the store without paying for his items. Officers reviewed video footage and located Garrett Brooks Carnefix to be matching the description nearby. They then issued him a Criminal Citation for Theft and released him pending his trail at District Court. Arrest: Garrett Brooks Carnefix, age 29, Cumberland Maryland. Charges: Theft Less Than $100.  

The Cumberland Mayor and City Council will meet at City Hall on Tuesday, for a work session at 5:30 p.m. in the second floor conference room, followed by their regularly scheduled public meeting at 6:15 p.m. in the Council Chambers. A routine agenda includes a vote which would authorize 12 hour shifts for water filtration and reclamation plant employees,  A full agenda is available at the city's website.  

The Maryland State Fire Marshal is continuing the investigation into what caused the death of Hagerstown man after a neighbor checked on his well-being and observed smoke inside the home. The 91 year old owner of the Manor Church Road residence in Hagerstown is believed to have died from carbon monoxide inhalation from a lawn mower. An early Saturday morning fire at an out building in the Oakland area did $130,000 damage to the structure, two vehicles and a UTV. The Maryland Fire Marshal says the blaze spread into the roof from a flue fire. Twenty Oakland volunteer firemen took…

Halloween week is here and this year’s fall foliage has been full of tricks and treats. We’re seeing a wide range of conditions based on location, elevation, and tree types. The wild weather has been throwing things off kilter too, making it difficult to predict what will happen next. Regardless, with the uptick in wind and rain, it looks like things will be wrapping up within a few weeks. As in past weeks, you’ll find varying conditions within individual regions. A thirty-minute drive in one direction or another can make a difference.    “October gave a party; The leaves by…

The Allegany County Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce its 2021 Outstanding Business Award winners.  The awardees are UPMC Western Maryland, Business of the Year; Donny and Kristan Carter, Entrepreneurial Spirit; and DelFest, LLC., Community Service.  The award winners will be honored at the Chamber’s 33rd Annual Outstanding Business Recognition Dinner on Tuesday, November 9, 2021 at the Ali Ghan Shrine Club.  Cocktails will begin at 6:00 pm, followed by dinner at 7:00 pm.  The 2021 Western Maryland Junior Chamber of Commerce (Jaycees) Outstanding Young Professional, Andrea Lowery, will also be recognized at the event. Reservations are required.  For…

A new Maryland subsidy will make health insurance more affordable for young adults ages 18 to 34. Local officials and state lawmakers gathered on Thursday to highlight the new subsidy as Maryland’s open enrollment period begins Monday for the state’s health exchange. Legislation enacted by the Maryland General Assembly allocates $20 million a year for two years to bring down the cost of health insurance for people ages 18-34 with low and moderate incomes. That age group continues to have higher uninsured rates. The new state financial assistance will bring down premium costs significantly for people in that age group….

The 7-0 Fort Hill Sentinals battle the 7-1 Allegany Campers today in the annual homecoming clash. Kick off at Greenway Avenue Stadium is 12:30 p.m.