The Cumberland community will help commemorate the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks by hosting a parade and community barbecue when Frank Siller, CEO of the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, passes through today. Tunnel to Towers is a charitable organization founded by Siller in memory of his brother, Stephen, a New York firefighter killed in the one of the twin towers on 9/11. The foundation assists families who have lost loved ones in the line of duty pay off their mortgages. Siller is walking more than 500 miles through six states in 42 days as he completes the Never Forget…

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) approved the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) amendment of the emergency use authorizations for the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines to allow specific individuals with compromised immune systems to receive a third additional vaccine dose.     “We welcome and fully support the CDC’s approval to administer a third dose of Pfizer or Moderna vaccine to immunocompromised Americans,” said Maryland Department of Health Secretary Dennis R. Schrader. “This is another important tool we can use to protect our most vulnerable Maryland residents and we encourage them to get this third shot…

Due to the more highly contagious Delta variant, COVID-19 rates continue to increase in Allegany County and across Maryland, with nearly 96% of all hospitalizations and deaths occurring in unvaccinated individuals. As of August 12, 41.3% of Allegany County residents were fully vaccinated against COVID-19, compared to 59.9% of all Marylanders.  Health officials continue to urge unvaccinated members of the public to get their vaccine as soon as possible. The Allegany County Health Department continues to offer free COVID-19 vaccinations every Wednesday on the ground floor of the Willowbrook Office Complex, 12501 Willowbrook Road, Cumberland.   From 9 a.m. to noon…

Maryland House leaders sent a letter to the governor, calling for him to reissue or issue a new state of emergency for COVID-19, citing rising cases due to the delta variant. "You have demonstrated to the nation what masking and vaccination can accomplish, and we commend you on your swift steps early in the pandemic to try to contain the virus," the letter said. "Now is not the time to end the stated public health emergency – not only because of the limitations it will put on our state response but also because of the message that it sends to the public at large…

The Board of Education met on Friday, August 13, 2021, in a Special Open Session to further discuss the 2021-2022 Reopening Plan. During the meeting, members had the opportunity to hear from Jenelle Mayer, Health Officer, and Dr. Jennifer Corder, Deputy Health Officer at the Allegany County Health Department regarding COVID-19 prevention strategies and quarantine updates. “If we learned anything from this past year it’s that we need to keep students in school for in-person instruction,” said Ms. Mayer. “In-person instruction is the best thing for students for a number of reasons, including socialization, development, and access to healthy food,…

On Wednesday, members of the Allegany County Narcotics Task Force and the West Virginia Potomac Highlands Violent Crime and Drug Task Force executed a search and seizure warrant in the area of Morningside Drive, Ridgeley, West Virginia.   The search warrant was the result of a joint investigation by the Allegany County Narcotics Task Force and West Virginia Potomac Highlands Violent Crime and Drug Task Force into the distribution and sales of cocaine in the Tri-State area. During the subsequent search, investigators located large amounts of cocaine. The approximate street value of the cocaine located was $18,000. Furthermore, three handguns,…

UPDATE: The Cumberland Police Department would like to notify the public that the Blue Bridge from Greene Street to Ridgeley, WV is now open in both directions.       The Cumberland Police Dept would like to notify motorists that the Blue Bridge from Greene St to Ridgeley, WV is closed in both directions due to a water line break.  Please find an alternative route. 

On Thursday August 12th, 2021 an officer of the Cumberland Police Department conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle and contacted the operator, Tyrone Alphonso Cullbreath Jr. The officer developed probable cause to search the vehicle and located methylenedioxy-methamphetamine (MDMA), marijuana, and other items of paraphernalia. Cullbreath was issued a Civil Citation for possession of marijuana less than 10 grams, was placed under arrest and later taken before a District Court Commissioner where he was released on his own recognizance. Arrest: Tyrone Alphonso Cullbreath Jr, age 20, Morgantown West Virginia. Charges: Possession not Marijuana.

Today is the deadline for public school systems in Maryland to submit “back to school” plans to the state- and the Allegany County Board of Education is expected to officially approve a plan during a special meeting this morning. After much debate at a meeting last week, the board voted 3-2 to essentially follow the state guidance- that being to recommend but not require face coverings. That plan was tentatively approved despite warnings from health officials that the COVID-19 numbers are rising and transmission in a school setting could easily lead to mass quarantines. Allegany County Health Officer Jenelle Mayer…

Families can prepare to have fun at the City Center Summer Celebration set for Saturday, August 14 beginning at 2 p.m.  The Allegany County Library System, Allegany Arts Council, Queen City Creamery and Civil Air Patrol will offer activities along with sidewalk sales set up by downtown merchants from 2 to 4 p.m. Embassy Theater Players will take the stage from 4 to 4:30 p.m., followed by Risque Rock ‘N Roll, the Queen City Antique Car Club show and Lost Mountain BBQ food vendor from 5 to 7 p.m. The event is sponsored by the Downtown Development Commission and Downtown…