Governor Larry Hogan today announced the launch of the $248 million Maryland Homeowner Assistance Fund, which will be administered by the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) to support mortgage relief, home repairs, housing counseling, and legal services. “Across Maryland, there are homeowners who are struggling to keep up with their mortgage payments due to the financial hardships related to the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Governor Hogan. “The programs we are announcing today through the Homeowner Assistance Fund will help keep Marylanders in their homes and support our state’s economic recovery.” Maryland Homeowner Assistance Fund. The State of Maryland…

West Virginia University is returning to a policy of requiring masks to be worn indoors on campus and has ordered students, faculty and staff to verify their vaccination status due to a surge in coronavirus cases statewide. The university said in a news release that masks will are required for anyone regardless of vaccination status in all WVU System buildings and facilities through at least Feb. 1, when public health conditions will be reevaluated. The statement said the move was being made to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and the omicron variant. The spring semester starts next Monday. Students, faculty and staff must verify…

On Tuesday, the Allegany County Narcotics Task Force arrested Shaun Aaron Brooks in the Park Street area of Cumberland.  Brooks was the subject of a CDS investigation for the distribution and sales of cocaine in the Allegany County area.  Brooks was found to be in possession of a large amount ofpowder and crack cocaine.  The approximate street value of the powder and crack cocaine found was over $9,000. As a result of the investigation, Brooks was charged with:   Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine Possession of Cocaine     Brooks was held without bail after seeing a District Court…

Maryland Governor Larry Hogan declared a state of emergency Tuesday in response to surging COVID-19 hospitalizations, which have surpassed 3,000. The 30-day emergency declaration is intended to help hospitals manage a sharp rise in COVID-19 patients and staffing shortages afflicting health systems throughout the state. The governor also announced two executive orders, one that empowers health officials to regulate hospitals’ bed space and resources and another to shore up the EMS workforce. Hogan concluded his remarks by repeating an appeal for Maryland residents to get fully vaccinated against COVID-19- and following all of the previous safety protocols….

Students have returned from their holiday break- and although the CDC has made  modifications to isolation and quarantine guidelines- the Allegany County Public School System has not implemented any changes. According to a release to parents and the media, a 10-day isolation period is required for a student or staff member that tests positive for COVID-19. The CDC modifications do not apply to schools. Allegany County Board of Education President Crystal Bender said plans to ease quarantine restrictions have not yet been discussed… She said it is a subject that  will be on the agenda with Health Department officials providing…

WBAL reports former Lt. Governor Michael Steele announced that he will not seek the Republican nomination for governor of Maryland, after months of deliberations… One of the Republicans running for governor is Del. Daniel Cox, who was endorsed by former President Donald Trump. A critic of Trump, Steele acknowledged that a Trump factor had no influence on his decision…

Legislators are currently busy preparing for the 2022 Maryland General Assembly which is set to open next week. Topping the agenda- working on legislative redistricting maps for the state. In addition there will be a focus on climate change policies, flood mitigation, police reform, transportation, broadband, telehealth, and much more. Delegate Jason Buckel, House Minority Leader, tells WCBC News that the District One Delegation is ready to represent Western Maryland’s needs in Annapolis…

Interim Cumberland Fire Chief  Shannon Adams had the interim removed from his title on Tuesday as the Cumberland Mayor and City Council officially approved him as the city’s permanent chief. Adams replaces Donnie Dunn who retired in July after 44 years of service. Cumberland Mayor Ray Morriss… Adams began his firefighting career with the Bowling Green department in September 1989. His career as a Cumberland firefighter began Feb. 1, 1995. He talked with WCBC News about the most satisfying part of a career in firefighting…

With the anticipation of extremely cold temperatures over the next few weeks, the City of Cumberland Water Department recommends that citizens and business owners consider leaving a small trickle of water run in a sink to avoid water line freezing. Though not a requirement of home and building owners, most frozen water lines occur on service lines in and around residential homes and commercial buildings and are the responsibility of the property owner or occupant. Though optional, leaving a small trickle run may avoid costly damage from busted pipes and the need to thaw out water lines.  Residents and business owners…

The Maryland Department of Health (MDH) today announced the allocation of $15 million in emergency funding to address urgent operational needs of Adult Medical Day Care (AMDC) facilities impacted by the current COVID-19 surge. “AMDC centers provide a valuable service for some of Maryland’s most vulnerable citizens and their families,” said MDH Secretary Dennis R. Schrader. “These centers help individuals remain in their homes and communities, avoiding more costly institutional long-term care.” Governor Larry Hogan previously announced $100 million in emergency funding to support Maryland hospital and nursing home workforce needs and to help expand COVID-19 testing and treatment availability….