At the height of the Coronavirus pandemic in 2020, Maryland Governor Larry Hogan released an executive order that called for the closure of  “nonessential businesses” in an attempt to slow the spread of COVID-19. What exactly constitutes an “essential business” continues to be subject to much debate.  While  movie theaters, gyms, nail salons, barbershops, tattoo parlors, churches and many retail stores were shutdown-  there was a consensus at the time that grocery stores, banks, auto repair shops, liquor stores, and gas stations would remain open. Delegate Mike Mckay says he is planning on introducing legislation in the upcoming session to expand…

Delegate Wendell Beitzel said last week that while a future use of the former Verso Luke Mill site in Westernport has still not been finalized- efforts to repurpose the location continue. After more than 100 years in operation, the plant was closed in May of 2019. There were reports in the spring of this year that the Verso Corporation was in talks with a company that would establish a lumber-related business at the site. Shortly after those reports surfaced,  a deal to sell the two massive papermaking machines at the mill to Turkish interests developed. Beitzel provided an update while…

More than a year after it was approved on the ballot, legalized sports betting is now ready for business in Maryland- but the Rocky Gap Casino won’t be taking part. The Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Commission issued sports wagering facility licenses to several casinos in December- however Delegate Jason Buckel- who fought hard to see sports betting legalized in the state- said unfortunately Rocky Gap has opted not to pursue a license…

Active cases of COVID-19 in West Virginia went back above the 9,000 mark in case numbers posted Friday by the state Department of Health and Human Resources. The DHHR confirmed 1,168 new cases and 791 recovered cases resulting in 9,092 active cases- 109 of those reported in Mineral County. West Virginia recorded its first omicron variant case on Thursday. COVID-19 Czar Dr Clay Marsh offered some advice for those planning family get together for the holidays…

Sold out crowds all weekend at the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad as the popular Polar Express excursions were led for the first time by steam locomotive 1309. The Polar Express excursion for families is about an hour with the train taking riders to a Christmas village setup at Helmstetter’s Curve near Cash Valley Road and returning. Excursions run three times a day on Friday and Sunday and four times on Saturdays. Wes Heinz, WMSR general manager, talked with WCBC’s Chris Myers who rode along Friday afternoon about the success of Polar Express …

Members of the West Virginia Senate sent a letter to Attorney General Patrick Morrisey concerning gasoline prices across the state. On Wednesday, Dec. 15, 10 senate members wrote a letter asking for answers to why crude oil prices are low but gasoline prices are still high. Minority Leader Stephen Baldwin said that since the Attorney General has a consumer protection division, the citizens deserve to have some answers.

Cumberland Police Saturday responded to a residence on the 200 block of East Union St for a report of a burglary that had occurred previously.  During the burglary several handguns were reported to have been stolen.  The scene was processed by a Cumberland Police crime scene technician.  If anyone has any information regarding this incident please contact the Cumberland Police Department. 

On Saturday officers from the Cumberland Police Department responded to a business on Park St for a report of a male suspect that had been caught stealing from the business and then assaulted employees when they attempted to stop him.  When officers arrived on scene, the suspect, identified as Christopher Scott Cook, age 25, of Cumberland MD was observed leaving the scene.  He was identified by employees of the store.  When officers attempted to make contact with Cook, he fled on foot.  Officers pursued Cook and were able to apprehend him.  Cook resisted arrest and attempted to ingest a suspected controlled…

The Allegany County Health Department reports that currently, 48.7% of Allegany County residents are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, compared to 69.7% of all Marylanders.  Appointments are available for upcoming Moderna booster clinics at the Allegany County Fairgrounds.  Links to register for those appointments are listed below and can also be found in a post pinned at the top of the health department Facebook page. For assistance registering for an appointment, county residents can call the COVID-19 call center at 240-650-3999. December 22:  https://www.marylandvax.org/appointment/en/reg/5161103992 December 29:  https://www.marylandvax.org/appointment/en/reg/0511621369    The Allegany County Health Department continues to offer the following COVID-19 vaccinations on…