Local artists partnering with FrostburgFirst will open a new art gallery in Frostburg. Main Street Contemporary located at 18 E Main Street will hold a Grand Opening this Saturday from 12-6pm. Main Street Contemporary will be the only modern art gallery on Main Street with the goal is to bring modern art to the area that will enhance the culture and revitalize the art scene in Frostburg. Elijah Thane is the gallery's featured artist, and co-organizer of the project…

Although no individuals were specifically named, it was clear from the tenor and tone of Thursday’s budget discussion between the board of education and the Allegany County Commissioners that the relationship between the two boards has improved dramatically in recent years. Such sessions during the tenure of the previous school superintendent and board leadership were often contentious but that has not been the case since the change. The improved relationship was noted by commissioners Jake Shade and Creade Brodie Jr…

The LaVale Library is in the midst of a major renovation, and is targeted to eventually become the Allegany County Library System’s flagship site due to its geographically central location within the county. Around the start of last year, renovations on the building started in earnest, with the total project cost estimated to be about $4.5 million. John Taube, director of the library system, says the project has remained on schedule with the library to reopen in the late summer…

Masks are back at some universities due to rising COVID-19 cases at their respective campuses. Johns Hopkins University is reinstating its mask mandate following a spike in COVID-19 cases among students. The school said nearly 100 undergraduate students have tested positive for the virus since the start of the month and that they will test students twice a week through April 22 to combat the rising cases. Georgetown University in Washington is also putting its mask mandate back in place temporarily due to a rise in covid cases.

Phone lines are down in some part of Cumberland including City Hall. The city has posted the following message: "The phone lines at City Hall are currently down due to a fiber outage in the area. We hope to have this problem resolved as soon as possible, and apologize for any inconvenience. Thank you for your patience!"

On Wednesday, April 6, 2022 at approximately 4:21 PM, officers of the Cumberland Police Department responded to the area of the Downtown Mall in reference to an assault complaint.  The alleged victim had reported that a black male, wearing blue clothing and red shoes, threatened him with a knife.  An officer who was patrolling the area observed a subject matching the description of the suspect.  The subject was later identified as Jai Johnson.  The officer asked Johnson multiple times to stop walking so that he could speak with him due to him matching the description of the suspect.  Johnson then…

On Wednesday, April 6, 2022 at approximately 7:28 PM, officers of the Cumberland Police Department responded to Queen City Pavement in reference to a disturbance.  Officers contacted Caleb Wainwright who was causing a disturbance, yelling about punching people in the face.  An officer ordered Wainwright to lower his voice and he continued to yell.  Wainwright then began to run.  His behavior attracted the attention of other people in the area.  The officer ordered Wainwright to stop and that he was under arrest.  Officers were able to take Wainwright into custody after Wainwright resisted.  After further investigation, it was learned that…

Maryland Lt. Governor Boyd Rutherford on Wednesday berated the Democratic-controlled General Assembly for not passing his administration’s emergency crime measures as violence continues to surge in the state  and lawmakers move closer to the end of their 90-day session. While watered- down versions of some of Governor Hogan’s proposals have gotten approval- the linchpin bill that would increase penalties for people who use guns to commit violent crimes — have stalled in the General Assembly. It is a point of frustration and befuddlement for Rutherford…

City officials are moving forward with plans for a new bridge on Fayette Street- this week taking steps to purchase a property adjacent to the bridge area. The transaction is for $125,000 for 306 Fayette Street. The two-lane bridge there, which spans CSX rail lines, was closed in June 2018 following a train strike. Dispute over bridge ownership between the city and CSX Transportation resulted in a failure to move forward on construction. However, repair work was completed to open one lane in early 2020. Following a year for design, it will be about three years until construction could begin….

With Maryland’s gas tax holiday set to end next Sunday- Comptroller Peter Franchot Wednesday renewed his call for extending the gas tax holiday to 90 days, saying the state can afford to provide more relief at the pump. Speaking during the Board of Public Works meeting, while sitting next to Governor Larry Hogan, Franchot said given the unprecedented budget surplus and skyrocketing revenues- the state can easily afford to extend the gas tax holiday another 60 days- and it is the right thing to do..