U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin (both D-Md.) announced that nearly $9 million in direct federal funding for local projects across the Western Maryland region was included within the fiscal year 2022 omnibus funding legislation, which the Senators voted to pass Thursday evening. The projects encompass a wide array of local and regional priorities, ranging from infrastructure improvements to economic development. Overall, the Senators secured over $104 million in federal dollars directly for Maryland in the omnibus. The bill now goes to President Biden to be signed into law.   “Bringing direct federal investments to our communities helps…

After a year’s hiatus due to COVID-19 concerns-  the annual Hooley Pub Crawl will be back in full force on Saturday from Noon to 2AM. There will be a variety of music and food and drink specials at many downtown Cumberland restaurants, bars and music venues. A full slate of entertainers will perform throughout the day at supporting locations. The event is sponsored by the city of Cumberland and the Downtown Development Commission.

Congressman Andy Harris said the pause on the gas tax might not be a good thing for Maryland. On Thursday, Gov. Larry Hogan and State House officials agreed on legislation to provide a one-month gas tax holiday. Harris told WBAL that the newly approved gas tax holiday in Maryland is going to negatively impact infrastructure in the state. "It would be very temporary, it doesn't solve the real problem," Harris said, adding the gas tax is used to maintain roads and bridges. Harris said the real problem is that "this administration has handcuffed our fossil fuel energy production in this…

A bipartisan coalition of local officials from every region of the state urged a House committee this week to reverse steep recession-era cuts in road repair aid to the counties. At a hearing before the House Environment and Transportation Committee, officials from rural and suburban counties and the City of Baltimore testified that a 2009 change in a key formula has severely limited their ability to keep roads and bridges in good repair. The cuts were approved in reaction to a steep drop in revenues brought about by the Great Recession.

The Allegany County Health Department reports that the county’s COVID-19 case rate and other markers continue to improve, coming more in-line with statewide figures.  As of March 10, the county COVID-19 case rate was 8.32 per 100,000 people, while the statewide average rate was 5.09 per 100,000.  County COVID positivity was 2.61%, close to Maryland’s 1.61% positivity.  In the reporting period between March 8 and March 10, only eight new COVID cases were identified in Allegany County, and there were no additional deaths reported.   “These statistics are very encouraging,” said ACHD Public Information Coordinator Brenda Caldwell.  “Currently, Allegany County…

Less than a day after Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot first called for a “gas tax holiday,” the plan to suspend the state’s nearly 37-cent gas tax hit the Senate floor.  During Friday morning’s session in the State House, Senate President Bill Ferguson called on the Chair of the Budget and Taxation Committee, Sen. Guy Guzzone. “We all obviously have been shocked and surprised by the rapid increase of gas prices at the pump,” Guzzone said, as he explained the purpose of the legislation. “This bill will suspend taxes on gas for 30 days.” The bill was filed late in the legislative session,…

An SUV crashed Friday afternoon into the outdoor seating area of a popular Greek restaurant in Northwest Washington, D.C., killing two woman and injuring seven others, four of them critically. Authorities said the incident appeared to be an accident. “There are no indications that this was intentional,” said Second District Police Commander Duncan Bedlion. “We have a cooperative driver. He's staying with us.” He described the driver as elderly. The accident occurred shortly after noon on a warm, sunny day in the nation's capital. The restaurant is on a busy commercial strip with shops and restaurants, many of which have outdoor…

The City of Cumberland Engineering Department, on behalf of Belt Construction, would like to notify the public that beginning on Monday, March 14, 2022, there will be construction activities occurring in the Decatur Heights region of the City. Construction will occur between 7:00 am and 4:00 pm on week days.   Belt Construction will be replacing the water mains in the following streets:   Polk Street Independence Street Decatur Street North Waverly Terrace Altamont Terrace Union Street Baltimore Street Baltimore Avenue Davidson Street Frederick Street Bedford Street   The listed roads will be closed at intermittent times during the work…

The administration of the SAT test scheduled for tomorrow, Saturday, March 12, 2022, at Allegany High School has been cancelled due to predicted inclement weather.  The make-up date for the test will be March 26, 2022. 

A three-part series of events will be held in early May to mark the region’s participation in the National Day of Prayer. A prayer rally will be held May 4 at 6:30 p.m. at Central Assembly of God Church on Bedford Road, where a freewill offering will be taken. A May 5 breakfast at 8 a.m. at the Ali Ghan Shrine Club requires tickets by calling 301-697-6777. An observance will take place on the downtown mall from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. featuring music and prayer. The featured speaker for the prayer rally and breakfast will be Jay Lowder. Founder…