It took a few years longer than supporters had hoped- but Maryland finally has approved sports betting.  The bill itself is one of the largest ever to pass in the United States. It allows a record 60 online sportsbooks to be licensed and 30 retail licenses to be handed out. These retail licenses include sports teams, the six major commercial casinos, as well as secondary licenses for small businesses such as bars, restaurants, fairgrounds, and small sporting arenas. The sheer number of skins allowed far surpasses every other state up until this point. Delegate Jason Buckel said this should provide a boost…

West Virginia Governor Jim Justice announced Friday that he is signing an executive order modifying the state’s face covering mandate to fall in line with CDC guidelines that say that those who are fully vaccinated no longer need to wear masks in most settings. He stressed that the mask mandate still applies for all those not vaccinated until June 20…                          In response to concerns of businesses being unable to find employees, the governor also announced that all federally funded unemployment programs($300/week supplement) will end on June 19… Return-to-work bonuses…

With approval from the Board of County Commissioners, Allegany County Government has announced it is accepting applications for the Allegany County Lodging and Accommodations COVID Relief Grant. The Allegany County Lodging and Accommodations COVID Relief Grant will provide grants to qualifying lodging partners in Allegany County, MD, to promote and encourage stabilization within Maryland’s hospitality industry.  County Commissioners President Jake Shade…

Maryland is lifting its mask mandate. That announcement came Friday from Governor Larry Hogan. Masks will still be required in schools, on public transit and in the healthcare industry. The CDC announced Thursday that vaccinated people could go anywhere, indoors and outdoors, without a mask. Hogan said people who are not vaccinated should get vaccinated immediately and should wear a mask. Individual businesses can still require masks and local jurisdictions can also keep stricter restrictions…  

Funeral services will take place Monday for longtime area businesswoman Linda V. Parsons, who died Wednesday at age 78. Mrs. Parsons was the owner of Linda's Old Furnace Restaurant in Ridgeley for 27 years. She was a 1960 graduate of Fort Ashby High School. The service will be held at Upchurch Funeral Home in Cumberland, beginning at 1pm.

Late Saturday morning, Cumberland Police were called to a Virginia Avenue business to address a trespassing complaint. 26 year old Laura Green was found on the property, and had been told via letter that she was not to be there. During the arrest, she was found in possession of an item from the store that she didn't pay for and charged.  

Just before 11 Saturday evening, Cumberland Police charged a city man with creating a traffic hazard with his bicycle on Williams Street. During the arrest, officers noticed a CDS capsule and a subsequent search turned up three more. As a result, 28 year old Dillon Nicholson was charged and remanded to the Allegany County Detention Center in lieu of $5000 bond.

District 1A Delegate Wendell Beitzel and District 1 State Senator George Edwards will be hosting a public forum on the 2021 legislative session. The forum will take place at the auditorium at Garrett College on Friday, May 21, at 6pm. The legislators will open with some general comments about how session went and then will take questions from the audience. Mask-wearing required because it is a school setting. 

Two people were transported to UPMC Western Maryland following a vehicle versus motorcycle accident which occurred on Henderson Avenue near Queen City Motors Saturday evening. Cumberland police and EMS responded to the scene according to Allegany County's Joint Communications Center. The street was closed for about an hour.  

Maryland is taking decisive action to address COVID-19. The Hogan administration’s highest priority is keeping Marylanders safe. Find the latest information on Maryland’s covidLINK website.  For all outdoor activities, continue to follow CDC guidance.  Maryland public lands are open for safe outdoor activity although some indoor facilities may remain temporarily closed or require reservations. Information specific to Maryland State Parks can be found by visiting the Maryland Park Service website.  Maryland Department of Natural Resources Service Centers are open by appointment only. Customers can schedule appointments online or call a local service center for assistance. Licenses, permits, and stamps can be obtained by using the department’s…