Gov. Jim Justice today unveiled a billion-dollar strategy to bring broadband availability to 200,000 more West Virginia homes and businesses. The plan will combine funding from federal, state, and local governments, along with matching investments from private-sector partners, to accelerate the expansion of high-speed internet to underserved areas of the state. The plan represents by far the largest investment in broadband in the state’s history. The Governor’s strategy will add a $236 million state broadband program to $362 million in Federal Communications Commission funding and $120 million from other state and federal sources, for a total of $718 million in…

Governor Larry Hogan today announced a $150 million Re-Fund The Police Initiative to provide much-needed support and resources to state and local police agencies in their efforts to fight violent crime. Coming at an especially challenging time for members of law enforcement across the country, this initiative is the first in a series of announcements the governor will make to support the police and make neighborhoods safer. “Trying to reduce crime by defunding the police is dangerous, radical, far-left lunacy,” said Governor Hogan. “The reality is that our police are underfunded and under attack. To reverse the tide of rising…

The We Are Fort Hill Committee recently honored six Fort Hill High School alumnus as the 2020 and 2021 Hall of Fame inductees at a luncheon held on September 11, 2021.               The newest members of the HOF included Carl R. Harbaugh, Class of 1957; Stephen B. Jones, Ph.D., Class of 1969; Glen Ray, Sr., Class of 1957; Dr. Susan Babcock Stanton, Class of 1974; David Ronald Lohr, Class of 1971; and Melvin Lee Ritter, Class of 1955. To view each one’s accomplishments in detail, visit the school system’s website, www.acpsmd.org, under the Schools, Fort Hill section.

Allegany County Emergency Services reported a vehicle rollover on Interstate 68 East at mile marker 61 just after 7 this morning. One lane was closed as units cleared the scene

Governor Larry Hogan today provided an update to Marylanders on the state’s COVID-19 health metrics, which continue to decline as the state nears more vaccine milestones. “After withstanding the Delta variant surge better than just about any other state, our health metrics continue to be among the lowest in the country,” said Governor Hogan. “This is a critical period as we await federal approval of more booster shots as well as vaccines for kids, and we are ready to get more shots in arms across the state.” Positivity Rate, Case Rate, Hospitalizations Decline Across The Board Maryland’s COVID-19 positivity rate (3.79%)…

The Cumberland Police Department is actively attempting to locate two missing persons, Antonio Maurice Smith, and Lindsay Dawn Yoder. Antonio is a 31-year-old black male who is approximately 6 feet tall and 180 pounds, and Lindsay is 36-year-old white female who is approximately 5 feet 4 inches tall and 125 pounds. They were last seen in the Cumberland area on October 6th, 2021 and are possibly traveling in a Silver 2014 Nissan Juke bearing MD 3DS4534. The Cumberland Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in locating Antonio and Lindsay.   Anyone with information as to their whereabouts please call…

On Thursday, October 14th, 2021 the Cumberland Police Department served an arrest warrant on Christopher Lynn Runyon.  The warrant was issued by Circuit Court for failing to appear for trial on September 28th, 2021 for a negligent driving charge.  Runyon was remanded to the Allegany County Detention Center held without bond until he can be seen by a Circuit Court Judge. Christopher Lynn Runyon, age; 40, Cumberland, Maryland.   On Thursday, October 14th, 2021 the Cumberland Police Department served a bench warrant on Amber Lynn Warner.  The warrant was issued by District Court for failing to appear for trial on…

On Thursday, October 14th, 2021 a Cumberland Police Officer on patrol in the area of W. Oldtown Road observed a female actively assaulting another female.  The officer intervened and stopped the assault.  Amia Denise Blow was arrested and charged with assault, affray, and disorderly conduct.  She was taken before the District Court Commissioner and was released on an unsecured bond of $2,500. Amia Denise Blowe, age; 18, Cumberland, Maryland   Shawn Steven Hamlette, age; 23, of Cumberland was issued a criminal citation for failing to obey a lawful order related to the altercation and arrest of Amia D. Blowe.  He…

The Allegany County Board of Education continues to hear from parents who are unhappy with the COVID-19 protocols being utilized in the school system. During this weeks meeting one parent  took issue with the data being provided by the school system related to COVID cases- as well as expressing concern with what she believes is an attempt to pressure families into getting vaccinated. One sticking point she says is how the quarantine program is being handled. According to the county health officer-  a fully vaccinated student who is in close contact to a case, as long as they are not…