The Allegany County Health Department has confirmed four incidences of rabies in foxes in the LaVale area since April, with the most recent case identified on October 5 on Mt. Savage Road.  Other confirmed cases occurred on Avondale Avenue (April 16), Braddock Road (May 10), and near the narrows in lower LaVale (August 19).  In each case, a rabid fox approached humans or their pets in broad daylight and was acting aggressively.    Rural western Maryland has a wide variety of wildlife, and encounters with native animals are common, but health officials want to remind the public that it is…

The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR) reports as of October 8, 2021, there are currently 11,926 active COVID-19 cases statewide. There have been 70 deaths reported since the last report, with a total of 3,936 deaths attributed to COVID-19.     DHHR has confirmed the deaths of an 81-year old male from Harrison County, a 62-year old male from Wirt County, a 74-year old male from Mingo County, an 88-year old female from Tucker County, a 71-year old male from Mingo County, an 82-year old female from Berkeley County, a 69-year old male from Harrison County, an…

Fall Foliage Report for October 7, 2021 Here we go folks, we’re seeing more color out west and the rest of the state is being blanketed in subtle yellows and reds. In the far western portions of the state our reports are indicating we’re at the mid-point, especially in the higher elevations. Through central and southern Maryland, we have a mixed bag mainly because summer weather has been slow to depart. The eastern portion of the state is still mainly green with a few hints of fall color; this landscape remains perfect for pollinators, spending autumnal hours collecting nectar and…

The Cumberland Times News reports members of a union working for Northrop Grumman are protesting a mandate from the company requiring all workers to be vaccinated against COVID-19 by Dec. 8. On Friday afternoon, roughly 100 union members carrying signs stood along U.S. Route 220 across from the Northrop Grumman plant in Rocket Center, West Virginia, protesting the mandate. Thomas “Buddy” Vanmeter, president of the International Chemical Workers Union Local 261C, said he received word late yesterday that vaccinations will be required. The company is a federal contractor and falls under the Biden administration’s federal worker vaccination mandate. According to Vanmeter,…

On Friday, the Cumberland Police Department responded to a motor vehicle crash in the area of E. Oldtown and Winifred Road.  When officers arrived, they observed a single vehicle that had rolled over due to striking a utility pole guide wire.  The driver was identified as Jacob David Lindsey.  He was not injured and refused medical treatment.  Lindsey was issued several traffic citations related to the accident and released pending trial at District Court. Jacob David Lindsey, age; 19, Cumberland, Maryland.

COVID-19 case and positivity rates in Allegany County are still more than double the statewide average. As of October 7, Allegany’s COVID case rate was 44.84 per 100,000 people, with a positivity rate of 7.65%. Maryland’s case rate was 18.33 per 100,000, with a positivity rate of 3.78%. Allegany County Health Department continues to offer COVID-19 vaccines on Wednesdays at the Willowbrook Office Complex, 12501 Willowbrook Road, Cumberland. Vaccinations are free and no appointment is needed. From 9 a.m. to 12 noon, first and second doses of Moderna and the single-dose Johnson & Johnson COVID vaccines are offered. From 1…

Recipients of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits in Maryland and Virginia are now set to retain access to emergency funds made available during the pandemic through at least the end of the year. During the pandemic, the U.S. Department of Agriculture created a waiver so that states could receive an “emergency allotment” of federal funds, meaning those who received SNAP benefits — formerly called food stamps — would receive the maximum amount available, as opposed to what they would have otherwise qualified for. D.C., Maryland and Virginia had all been participating in the program, but it appeared in early…

The Mineral County Board of Education heard from parents this week who claim that transgender students’ use of school restrooms makes them concerned for the safety of their children. The Cumberland Times News reports that while the topic was not on the official agenda, the board held its meeting at Keyser Middle School rather than in its administrative offices nearby to accommodate the anticipated crowd of people wishing to speak on the subject, or show support to those doing so. About 30 people showed up; most Board of Education meetings don’t draw such a crowd. The subject of transgender students’…

The Maryland Durable Medical Equipment Re-Use Program could benefits thousands of Marylanders- however not many people know about it. This program provides Maryland residents with donated equipment — such as wheelchairs, walkers, hospital beds, scooters and even pediatric equipment that have been sanitized and repaired — at no cost. Applicants do not have to meet any income requirements to receive equipment. Marylanders with any disability, illness or injury can receive this equipment regardless of age, according to the program website. Disability healthcare costs in Maryland can reach as high as $21,118 per person each year, according to a 2019 Disability…

Allegany County Emergency Services reported a motor vehicle collision at the entrance to the Country Club Mall in LaVale. One lane of Winchester Road was blocked for a short time. No injuries reported