Maryland Governor Larry Hogan announced Tuesday that the COVID-19 State of Emergency would be lifted at the end of this month.  Hogan made the announcement at his first large scale press conference since the beginning of the pandemic in March of last year… The governor announced that July 1 will begin a 45-day grace period through Aug. 15 when certain regulations will continue to be relaxed to complete the transition out of the pandemic.  The grace period includes an additional 45 days to renew expired driver's licenses and an extension of the moratorium on evictions related to COVID-19.

The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR) reports as of June 15, 2021, there have been 2,950,858 total confirmatory laboratory results received for COVID-19, with 163,221 total cases and 2,856 deaths.   DHHR has confirmed the deaths of an 88-year old male from Berkeley County, a 49-year old female from Raleigh County, and a 61-year old male from Logan County.   “While the numbers of deaths have dropped dramatically, we are still losing loved ones,” said Bill J. Crouch, DHHR Cabinet Secretary. “Please take every precaution to stop the spread of this disease, including scheduling a COVID-19…

Governor Larry Hogan today announced the end of the COVID-19 state of emergency in the State of Maryland. As of today, Maryland has surpassed 6.5 million vaccinations, and the positivity rate is a record-low 0.82%. “Thanks in large part to the hard work, the sacrifices, and the vigilance of the people of Maryland, we have finally reached the light at the end of that long tunnel,” said Governor Hogan. “Each and every one of you—your actions—have made this day possible. I am so proud of our state, and I’m grateful to have had this honor to serve as your governor. Thank…

On Tuesday, June 15th, Troopers from the McHenry Barrack received a call for a destruction of property at 2281 Lower New Germany Road.  It was learned that an unknown vehicle drove through the owner's farm field, causing substantial damage to his crops and property.  A neighbor reported seeing a roll-back style tow truck removing a brown pickup truck from the scene on June 14th, in the morning hours.  TFC N. Zais is investigating the destruction and is requesting anyone with information contact him at 301-387-1101, or nathan.zais@maryland.gov.  Callers may remain anonymous.  

On Monday, June 14th, 2021 the Cumberland Police Department served two bench warrants on Nathen James Tracey.  The warrants were issued by Allegany and Frederick County District Courts for failing to appear for trial on CDS, assault 1st and 2nd degree, burglary, disorderly conduct, and reckless endangerment charges.  He was taken before the District Court Commissioner and was remanded to the Allegany County Detention Center held on a $5,000 bond. Nathen James Tracey, age; 22, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.     On Monday, June 14th, 2021 the Cumberland Police Department served a District Court Bench Warrant on John Matthew Gutillo for failure…

12:00 PM: Governor Hogan will provide a COVID-19 update. Governor’s Reception Room State House

Back in March, Maryland Senate President Bill Ferguson was among those demanding the removal of COVID-19 Advisor Robert Redfield for stating that he believes the source of the pandemic most likely was the leak of the coronavirus from a Chinese lab, rather than the result of a bat transmitting the virus to a human, which he said seemed unlikely, despite pronouncements to the contrary from the World Health Organization. At the time, Ferguson did not directly accuse Redfield of racism but said Redfield's remarks were "beyond unfortunate."  Ferguson now says he was referring to the timing of Redfield's statement…. Speaking with WBAL, Ferguson also said Redfield's conclusions…

A few months ago, the distribution of a COVID-19 vaccine produced by Johnson and Johnson was put on hold so rare reports of blood clotting could be evaluated. In West Virginia, Retired Major General Jim Hoyer reported recently that demand for the single dose medication had slowed to a crawl. Now comes word that the shelf life of the J & J vaccine has been extended by a month and a half…

Last week’s meeting of the Allegany County Board of Education was the final session as student board member for Mitchell Septoff with Brooklyne Noel introduced as his replacement for the next year. Septoff, who has been outspoken on a variety of issues during his tenure, used his parting remarks describing how his fellow students perceive the elected school board. He reports that the impression is not a positive one with many students feeling as though their voices aren’t being heard…