In perhaps the most telling sign to date that the Coronavirus pandemic is reaching an end- the state of Maryland is working on plans for winding down the state’s mass vaccination sites.  That announcement this week from Maryland Health Secretary Dennis Schrader as he met with the Senate Vaccine Oversight Workgroup.  WBAL reports Maryland is at a very different place with vaccine distribution than it was even a month ago. More than 66% of adults have at least one shot and demand is decreasing, so now state health officials are working on a new strategy for the future. Schrader said the…

A measure aimed at reducing incidents of suicide at a local bridge received approval by the Maryland General Assembly this past session with fencing included in the State Highway Administration’s budget. Delegate Mike McKay was the driver behind the effort designed to address the escalating number of jumpers from the Clarysville Bridge that crosses Vale Summit Road. Fencing will be installed in Interstate 68 between LaVale and Frostburg. McKay, who points out that there have been five suicides from the bridge in nine years, the most recent on February 13th when a 58 year-old Lonaconing man jumped to his death. McKay hopes…

State Senator George Edwards told area business leaders that despite a surge in cannabis legalization efforts across the country, Maryland once again failed to pass adult-use cannabis reforms through the legislative process this year. The two bills in Maryland’s House that would have legalized adult-use cannabis both failed to reach the floor for votes- stalling in committee. The failed effort comes as somewhat of a surprise as most who follow the issue saw Maryland as the state most likely to adopt marijuana legislation- and the most recent Goucher College Poll found two-thirds of Marylanders support legalization efforts. Edwards anticipates another…

Allegany County Public Schools high school graduation ceremonies for the Class of 2021 will be held on the following schedule: Career Center Certification Ceremony, Thursday, May 20, 2021, 6 p.m. at Rocky Gap State Park Amphitheatre Allegany High School, Wednesday May 26, 2021, at 10 a.m. at Greenway Avenue Stadium Mountain Ridge High School, Wednesday May 26, 2021, at 1 p.m. at Mountain Ridge Stadium Fort Hill High School, Wednesday May 26, 2021, at 4 p.m. at Greenway Avenue Stadium   May 27th and 28th will be rain dates for the May 26th ceremonies.   Due to recent changes in Governor Hogan’s Executive Orders, and the Maryland…

HOPE Station Wellness and Recovery in Cumberland will host a food distribution event next month. The scheduled date is Thursday June 24th at the facility on North Center Street.  The event is sponsored by the Western Maryland Food Bank. Social distancing and face coverings are required.  For more information call 240 362 7168  

At today's bill signing, Governor Larry Hogan, Senate President Bill Ferguson, and House Speaker Adrienne A. Jones announced that the Maryland State House will reopen to the public on Friday, May 21. The leaders issued a joint statement: “We are pleased to announce that the Maryland State House will reopen to the public this Friday. Health screening protocols will be in place for visitors, and information on how to get vaccinated will be available.  “The State House is one of the great and enduring symbols of our democracy. Throughout the crises of the last year, the work that goes on…

Rennie Stennett, a two-time World Series champion with the Pittsburgh Pirates, died Tuesday morning in Coconut Creek, Fla., after a battle with cancer. He was 72. “We are saddened by the loss of such a beloved member of the Pirates family. Rennie was a great player on the field, and an even better person off of it,” Pirates President Travis Williams said. “A member of our World Series Championships in both 1971 and 1979 who remained a very active and cherished member of our Alumni Association, Rennie symbolized what it meant to be a Pittsburgh Pirate. “Rennie was proud to…

Governor Larry Hogan today announced two major milestones in the state of Maryland’s fight against COVID-19: The state’s seven-day positivity rate has dropped to 2.23%—the lowest level on record dating back to the beginning of the pandemic. Two-thirds of Maryland adults have now received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.

With Maryland Governor Larry Hogan due to visit a vaccination event at Greenway Avenue Stadium Wednesday, local efforts to vaccinate Allegany Countians have slowed to a crawl. WCBC's Paul Mullan has done a statistical analysis of the numbers…    

West Virginia Governor Jim Justice hinted at a back-to-work incentive program during his COVID-19 briefing on Monday. He said he knows there are West Virginians who are trying – and have been trying – to get back on the job. He also knows there are some who aren’t…