After more public debate from citizens dedicated to “Saving the Gap”- the Task Force on the Economic Future of Western Maryland agreed to make some slight language modifications to its final recommendations- a move that seemed to appease some in attendance. In recent months a large number of area residents have raised concern about Rocky Gap State Park’s future- specifically pointing to Task Force language referencing privatization- the concern being that the park would be developed for commercial use and have limited public recreation. Task Force co-chair State Senator George Edwards recommended that Rocky Gap State Park’s name be stricken…

The head of the union which represents paid full-time firefighters and emergency medical services personnel asked the Allegany County Commissioners on Thursday to remove the EMS chief . Pointing to a myriad of complaints from staff and citing “overwhelming concern for the citizens” Ken McKenzie said the majority of the members of IAFF Local 1715 gave a vote of no confidence to EMS Chief Christopher Biggs. Low morale, a hostile work environment and questionable ethics and integrity were among the complaints… County Attorney Lee Beeman, noted that the commissioners have a proven track record in dealing with problem employees, but…

On the day of another homicide in Cumberland- Allegany County Sheriff Craig Robertson, States Attorney James Elliot and C3I Supervisor Jon Dudiak approached the county commissioners with a request for additional staffing. Elliot told the officials that violent crime and drug activity is growing at a rapid rate- and there is inadequate staffing in place to keep up… Sheriff Craig Robertson said drug trafficking is skyrocketing…

On Thursday at 4:34 AM officers with the Cumberland Police Department responded to a Pennsylvania Street residence for a report of gunshots.  Upon arrival officers observed a man run from the building and gave chase.  The man, identified as Alex Sweeney, age 25 of Mt. Vernon, NY, was apprehended a short distance away after a foot pursuit.  Immediately after Sweeney was apprehended a fire broke out in the same residence that Sweeney was seen running from.  The Cumberland Fire Department then responded and extinguished the fire.  After the fire was extinguished investigators discovered the deceased body of an unknown person…

The Cumberland Times News reports a West Virginia woman remained jailed Thursday on drug distribution and felony firearm charges stemming from a traffic stop Wednesday on Interstate 68 near Frostburg. According to the Allegany County Sheriff's Office Brittany Claire Guthrie, 28, of Mannington was arrested after deputies allegedly recovered $8,000 in currency, a quantity of suspected methamphetamine and a loaded handgun that were allegedly in her possession. Guthrie was charged with possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substances, felony possession of a firearm in commission of a crime and related charges in addition to being issued numerous traffic…

Governor Larry Hogan today encouraged Marylanders to testify during next week’s special session for the fair maps he has transmitted to the Maryland General Assembly on behalf of the Maryland Citizens Redistricting Commission. Yesterday, the Princeton Gerrymandering Project published its ‘F’ rating for the gerrymandered maps drawn up in secret by legislative leaders. “Gerrymandering has rightly been called ‘a cancer on our democracy,’” said Governor Hogan. “We finally have the chance to restore fairness to our political system, and the Annapolis party bosses are instead scheming to further erode the public trust with disgracefully gerrymandered maps. It is an embarrassment….

Allegany County Emergency Services reports a house fire in the 500 bock of Fayette Street early this afternoon. The fire apparently began in the kitchen and was quickly contained. No injuries reported.

A Maryland state trooper was struck while conducting a traffic stop on southbound I-270 early this morning in Montgomery County. The trooper is identified as Trooper Brian DeHaven, who grew up in Corriganville. He is assigned to Rockville Barrack.  Trooper DeHaven was transported to Suburban Hospital for the treatment of his injuries sustained in the crash. The vehicle involved in the crash is a 2012 Toyota Venza.  The driver of the Toyota is identified as Jose Ascencio, 44, of Germantown.  Ascencio was uninjured during the incident. Charges are pending the outcome of the investigation. At 6:10 a.m. this morning, Trooper…

On Wednesday, December 1, 2021, the Cumberland Police Department served an arrest warrant on William Bolton.  The warrant was issued as a result of a private citizen filing for charges against Bolton at the District Court Commissioner’s Office.  Bolton was transported to Central Booking at the Allegany County Detention Center.  He was held without bond. ARRESTED:  William Bryan Bolton      AGE:  61           Cumberland, MD CHARGES:  Assault – 1st Degree, Assault-2nd Degree, Reckless Endangerment

On Wednesday, December 1, 2021, the Cumberland Police Department served an arrest warrant and two bench warrants on Ricky Lee Bowers II.  The arrest warrant was issued as a result of a private citizen filing for charges against Bowers at the District Court Commissioner’s Office.  The bench warrants were issued as a result of Bowers failing to appear for his court cases at District Court on November 1, 2021 and November 12, 2021.  Bowers was arrested and transported to Central Booking at the Allegany County Detention Center.  He was held without bond. ARRESTED: Ricky Lee Bowers II       AGE: 46                Cumberland,…