On the eve of the 2022 session of the Maryland General Assembly, Governor Larry Hogan announced what he calls the largest tax cut in state’s history — $4.6 billion in relief. The plan includes a retirement tax relief plan – eliminating 100% of state retirement taxes for all retirees, phased in over time for those 65+ claiming Social Security.  Despite a super majority Democrat House and Senate who have often opposed and rejected Hogan’s legislative agenda- the governor said he is optimistic this time…

After receiving an update from  Allegany County Health Officer Janelle Mayer on the latest CDC COVID quarantine guidelines- which reduces the recommended period from 10 to 5 days- the Board of Education agreed to implement those changes effective Thursday. Superintendent Jeff Blank offered some clarification for those students who are currently in the midst of a quarantine… Board member Tammy Fraley urged the superintendent and the board to begin to explore options to help students who are quarantining-  as well as parents who have growing concerns about sending their kids to school during this current surge…

The Supreme Court sat for nearly four hours of oral arguments last week in the case that will determine the constitutionality of President Biden's COVID-19 OSHA vaccine regulations. The pair of mandates would require vaccine and testing rules for businesses with 100 employees or more, and on vaccine mandates for health care workers at facilities receiving Medicaid and Medicare funding. Until a decision is reached, the Allegany County Board of Education plans to continue the screening process and gathering information. Steve Wilson is the board’s director of Human Resources…

In an effort to reduce the amount of learning time lost during the winter months- the Allegany County Board of Education is looking to implement a virtual learning schedule for snow days. Those days would only start to be scheduled after all of the built in snow days have been used. The plan must be approved by the Maryland State Department of Education. Superintendent Jeff Blank…

West Virginia Governor Jim Justice doing more than sounding the alarm today as he has tested positive for COVID-19 on Tuesday. Justice said in a statement that he woke up with a cough and congestion then a headache and fever. The 70 year old Governor is vaccinated and has received his booster shot. He was scheduled to give his sixth State of the State address to legislators on Wednesday night. The address will now be delivered by written message to lawmakers to fulfill constitutional requirements; Justice will address them at a later date. Justice said "for this to happen just…

The Western Maryland Health System Auxiliary has rescheduled the annual Snow Ball gala until March 19, 2022 at the Cumberland Country Club. The gala was originally scheduled for January 19th of this year. The event raises funds to support UPMC Western Maryland and has earmarked 2022 proceeds for the new Center for Hope and Healing, a treatment center for patients struggling with opioid addiction.   The committee was unanimous in its decision, naming concerns over the number of COVID cases, as well as workforce and supply chain issues, for the delay.   The event raises more than $85,000 annually toward…

Former WVU standout quarterback and current Seattle Seahawks backup  Geno Smith's arrest on suspicion of driving under the influence came after the Washington State Patrol pulled him over for going 96 mph in a 60 mph zone and driving erratically across several lanes of traffic, according to an arrest report released Tuesday. Smith was arrested Monday morning following the Seahawks’ return from Arizona after their last game of the season. According to the arrest report, the state trooper “detected a strong odor of intoxicants and observed the driver had bloodshot, watery eyes.” Smith told the state trooper he had some…

Dr. Traki L. Taylor, currently Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion officer for the State University System of Florida, has been named provost and vice president for Academic Affairs at Frostburg State University. She will join FSU on July 13.  “Dr. Taylor’s experience at both the university and higher education system levels will greatly benefit FSU,” said FSU President Ronald Nowaczyk. “The campus community was impressed with Dr. Taylor’s thoughtful comments about Frostburg State University and the opportunities she sees in leading our academic programs as we address the challenges facing higher education both regionally and nationally.”  Taylor has an extensive…

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and other top Republicans are stepping up a personal campaign to persuade Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan to run for the Senate and help the party's chances of regaining control of the chamber. The recruitment effort has included McConnell's wife, Elaine Chao, who held Cabinet positions in the Trump and George W. Bush administrations. Moderate Senate Republicans, including Susan Collins of Maine, have also been in direct contact with Hogan to note that his centrist brand of politics would be welcome in a chamber riven with partisanship. Several other Washington officials have made financial pledges or…

Allegany County Emergency Services reports a working house fire on Maple Street in Frostburg