West Virginia Governor Jim Justice said there are 59 COVID-19 outbreaks in schools in the state. Justice shared the data during a news conference on Labor Day. The governor said the outbreaks are in 26 counties. Nineteen schools are closed for the time being and 30 of 55 counties have declared mask mandates for schools. Mineral and Grant countiues are among those with outbreaks. Despite those numbers- the governor reiterated that he is leaving mask mandates to leaders at the local level- even if he does not agree with the decisions being made…   

Maryland Governor Larry Hogan and members of his administration recently sat down with the head of the White House COVID-19 Task Force continuing to push for the feds to move faster on the vaccine front, emergency use for younger kids and booster shots for older folks. Dr. Jinlene Chan, with the Maryland Department of Health, says the data supports swift approval- and it is imperative to administer the booster shots as quickly as possible. While some preliminary plans are suggesting those vaccinated can wait at least 8 months from their last shot before getting the booster- Dr Chan would like…

The Allegany County Joint Communications Center reported a four vehicle accident on eastbound Interstate 68 at the 69 mile marker in Eastern Allegany County. Police, fire and EMS were dispatched to the scene just after 9 PM.  At least one individual is said to be entrapped in the wreckage. Traffic has been stopped in both directions.  

The Cumberland City Police Department served two Arrest Warrants on Shawn Cody Nida on Saturday. The warrants were issued when Nida violated his conditions of probation from previous theft and firearm charges. Nida was taken to the Allegany County Detention held without bond.   Arrested – Shawn Cody Nida (32) Cumberland, MD Charge – 2 counts of Violation of Probation

On Saturday at approximately 3:00 PM, the Cumberland City Police Department were dispatched to a residence in the 400 block of Warwick Avenue for an assault. Upon arrival officers contacted the victim who advised that Kristen Leanne Sanders had grabbed them and shook them. The victim applied for charges through the District Court Commissioner and a Criminal Summons was issued. On 9/4/2021Sanders was located and the Criminal Summons was served. Sanders is free pending trial in District Court.   Served – Kristen Leanne Sanders (28) Oakland, MD Charge – Assault 2nd Degree  

In Oakland, there was no Oktoberfest Celebration last year, nor will there be one this year. The Oakland Volunteer Fire Department made the announcement Friday, and that also means there will be no Firemen's Parade during the Thursday evening of the Autumn Glory Festival. The festival kickoff reception and craft and gift sale have also been cancelled.

The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR) reports as of September 3, 2021, there have been 3,443,857 total confirmatory laboratory results received for COVID-19, with 194,863 total cases and 3,124 deaths. DHHR has confirmed the deaths of a 36-year old female from Marshall County, a 95-year old female from Harrison County, a 101-year old female from Braxton County, an 81-year old male from Harrison County, a 93-year old male from Lincoln County, a 93-year old female from Lincoln County, and an 85-year old female from Logan County. “Today’s news of additional losses is a heartbreaking reminder of…

The Maryland Public Service Commission will hold a virtual public comment hearing on the request by Columbia Gas of Maryland, Inc. to increase its gas distribution rates by $6.1 million. Customers and other interested parties are welcome to take part in the hearing, scheduled for Tuesday, September 7, 2021 at 7 p.m. Public Utility Law Judge Christine Burke will preside. Columbia Gas, a subsidiary of NiSource, Inc., provides natural gas distribution service to approximately 33,000 customers in the Maryland counties of Allegany, Garrett and Washington.  As proposed, the total bill for an average residential customer would increase from $97.65 per month to $108.47 per…

  Maryland Department of Natural Resources photo         The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has announced the state’s 2021-2022 migratory game bird hunting seasons. Bag limits, season dates, and shooting hours can be found in the 2021-2022 Maryland Guide to Hunting and Trapping.  “Maryland hunters wait for September with a high degree of anticipation as this month marks the beginning of the fall hunting seasons,” Wildlife and Heritage Service Director Paul Peditto said. “Our diverse landscape and abundant access to public land offer exciting opportunities for both experienced and new hunters alike. We wish a safe and memorable season to all who…