​The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR) reports as of August 27, 2021, there have been 3,345,070 total confirmatory laboratory results received for COVID-19, with 184,682 total cases and 3,054 deaths.   DHHR has confirmed the deaths of a 69-year old male from Roane County, a 54-year old male from Berkeley County, a 36-year old female from Morgan County, an 86-year old female from Fayette County, and an  83-year old male from Kanawha County. “We mourn with all families suffering the loss of loved ones due to COVID-19,” said Bill J. Crouch, DHHR Cabinet Secretary. “I urge…

Maryland Department of Natural Resources Secretary Jeannie Haddaway-Riccio on Tuesday delivered a “State of the Lake” to homeowners, officials, and stakeholders with interest in Deep Creek Lake. The secretary also announced $2.2 million in additional funding for dredging as part of her presentation. Speaking to the group at Garrett College, Secretary Riccio discussed the state’s long-term commitment to water monitoring at the lake, ongoing efforts to prevent and combat aquatic invasive species, and work to protect and expand the lake’s freshwater fisheries.  Above all, the secretary commended the partnerships between the state and local stakeholders and elected officials that support…

Media reports in West Virginia indicate that the bishop of the Catholic church in West Virginia is asking all those who attend mass beginning this weekend to wear a mask. Bishop Mark Brennan, leader of the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston recently sent out a memo to all 96 parishes with the recommendation, not requirement, for masking of everyone other than children under the age of 2. He called it “an act of Christian Charity.” In June, the diocese lifted its mask mandate and social distance seating requirement, following public health guidance at the time. Currently, COVID-19 cases in West Virginia continue to…

  The Maryland Department of Health (MDH) GoVAX Summer Tour continues through the Labor Day holiday. The events continue to bring free mobile vaccine clinics and vaccine outreach to cultural and community events and popular destinations across Maryland. “Ensuring all Marylanders have convenient and equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines remains a priority as we continue our fight against this pandemic,” said MDH Secretary Dennis R. Schrader. “If you are attending a GoVAX Summer tour event and are still not vaccinated, please take advantage of the opportunity to protect yourself, your family, your friends and your community.” The tour continues with…

U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), joined by U.S. Senator Ben Cardin and Representatives Steny H. Hoyer, Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, Andy Harris, Kweisi Mfume, Anthony Brown, Jamie Raskin, and David Trone, sent a letter to the Maryland Department of Labor (MDOL) pressing for answers regarding their delivery of unemployment benefits to Marylanders impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and urging the agency to expedite distribution of these crucial benefits. In their letter, the members stress the importance of a timely delivery of these benefits and request MDOL to provide data on the current status of benefits, including how many Marylanders…

On Friday,the Cumberland Police Department served an arrest warrant on Zachary Alexander Kalp.  The warrant was issued by District Court in reference to a motor vehicle accident back on October 22, 2020 investigated by Cumberland Police in the Greene Street area where he was found to be operating an unregistered vehicle without insurance.  He was charged with knowingly driving an uninsured vehicle, operating an unregistered vehicle, displaying registration plates issued to another vehicle, displaying expired registration plates, driving without current tags, unsafe backing, and failure to control vehicle speed to avoid a collision.  Kalp was taken before the District Court…

Congressman David Trone has released a new Congressional report showing that at least 47,000 Marylanders in Maryland’s Sixth District stand to benefit from lower health care costs thanks to the American Rescue Plan (ARP) that was passed by Democrats in Congress and signed into law by President Biden. You can access the entire report here.  “When people have reliable health insurance, they live happier, healthier, and more secure lives. The American Rescue Plan brings new opportunities to those who are uninsured and brings down the cost of health care for millions of Americans,” said Congressman David Trone. “I’m glad I…

The Allegany County Health Department has announced that, due to a scheduling conflict with the Allegany County Fairgrounds the week of August 30 to September 4, the drive-thru COVID testing clinic will temporarily relocate to the Ali Ghan Shrine Club (13100 Ali Ghan Rd NE, Cumberland, MD) for that week.  Clinic days and hours are unchanged:  Monday from 2 to 7 p.m., Wednesday and Friday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.  No appointment or insurance card is required. As testing demand has increased with the rise in new COVID cases, it is strongly recommended that individuals pre-register online before coming to…

WBAL reports a Maryland teacher said she was placed on leave after refusing to comply with a school mask mandate. Angela Harders, a special education teacher at Paint Branch High School, said she was taking a stand against forced masking, The Washington Post reported. “Everyone should have the freedom to choose,” she said in the report Wednesday. A teacher for 12 years, Harders said she has held several positions in Montgomery County Public Schools, the state’s largest school system. Face coverings are at odds with her doctor’s orders and her religious faith, she said. Harders had medical-related accommodations last school year…

An investigation shows Representative Alex Mooney (R-2nd Dist., WV) allegedly spent funds flagged for his campaign on personal expenses including family vacations.  The investigation conducted by the Office of Congressional Ethics also showed he allegedly failed to properly report more than $40,000, however, the representative’s campaign says the OCE has said it rejected many of the allegations. According to an article published by the CQ Roll Call, the inquiry shows Mooney allegedly spent almost $3,500 through his campaign committee in West Virginia fast-food restaurants since 2017, which was the beginning of his second term.