The Maryland Citizens Redistricting Commission (Citizens Commission), a balanced commission created by Governor Larry Hogan to draw fair and representative legislative and congressional district maps for the 2022 elections, will hold its final meeting on Wednesday, November 3 at 6:00 p.m. All Marylanders are encouraged to join the meeting. This final meeting of the Citizens Commission will serve as an opportunity for the Commissioners to provide a summary of events and present final maps to the public following a vote from the Commission. The final proposed draft delegate maps, state senate maps, and congressional maps can be found at redistricting.maryland.gov. During Round…

Allegany College of Maryland (ACM) will host a Grad Walk from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Dec. 16 and 17 to celebrate its fall 2021 graduates. The Grad Walk will take place in the college’s Physical Education Building. Students must reserve their special Grad Walk experience timeslot by calling 301-784-5005 or emailing info@allegany.edu by Dec. 14.   Graduates will have the chance to be congratulated by college leadership while hearing their name and degree announced, take official graduation photos as well as selfies, and receive a special graduation gift from the college. Attendees may receive their diplomas and/or certificates at the Grad Walk. They may have up to…

On October 31, 2021, officers from the Cumberland Police Department responded to a residence in the 1000 block of Oldtown Road for a disturbance.  Upon arrival, officers spoke with the complainant and learned that Jeffery Scott Ritchie of Cumberland, MD had been served with a Final Protective Order and was not to be at the residence nor to have contact with complainant.  It was also learned that while Ritchie was at the residence, he had done substantial damage to the complainant’s vehicle.  Ritchie had fled the scene prior to the arrival of police. Officers confirmed that Ritchie had been served…

Maryland Governor Larry Hogan continues to be viewed as a potential Republican presidential candidate in 2024- and it is a subject routinely brought up by interviewers seeking a confirmation. Hogan has been visiting states across the nation in an effort that most believe is designed to increase his name recognition- and last week he was in New York possibly meeting with potential donors.  While Hogan hasn’t ruled out a run for the White House- he says it would  be premature to say he was exploring the idea…

The Washington Street bridge which has been closed for several years has been identified as a top priority of both the city of Cumberland and Allegany County- however that in no way guarantees a resolution anytime soon. CSX, which has been reluctant to claim ownership of the bridge, has also shown little interest in paying for construction of a new bridge at the site that meets modern standards. As a result, county officials in June, filed an official complaint against CSX with the National Surface Transportation Board. Mayor Ray Morriss tells WCBC News that local officials are still  awaiting a…

Cumberland Mayor Ray Morriss spoke on WCBC’s “Dave Norman Show” on the morning after a Fort Hill student was fatally stabbed. Rembrances and tributes continue for 17 year-old Saiquan Jenkins – a junior and member of the Sentinels’ varsity football team.  Michael Allen is a member of WCBC’s sports broadcast team and his son Mikey Allen was close friends with Jenkins… He said the hope is that this tragedy can help unite the community…

According Maryland's labor secretary, the state is making progress on unemployment issues. During a legislative briefing on unemployment claims. WBAL reports Maryland Department of Labor Secretary Tiffany Robinson buried legislators with numbers on claims, calls, fraud and new hires. She also provided an update on the agency's mobile app. Lawmakers appeared satisfied with the answers. They expressed disappointment in not getting mandated reports and pointed out problems that still exist… The back log of claims is now around 18,000. Legislators applauded the agency for providing district case managers to help connect those having problems with case adjudicators. The state labor…

Over the past weeks Allegany County Public schools have numerous bus cancellations as well as changes in routes.  One of the primary issues is a driver shortage and drivers in quarantine due to COVID. Driver shortage is not just an issue in Allegany County but also the state of Maryland and Nationwide.  Mark Morral ACPS Supervisor of Transportation siad We have a great group of drivers and contractors and they have been working together to try to cover the routes during this time. Morral added that parents have also been very understanding and helpful. Many parents are helping by transporting their…

On October 30th, 2021 officers of the Cumberland Police Department served an Arrest Warrant on Trevon Marcel Emerson. The Arrest Warrant was issued by the Circuit Court for failing to appear for his trial. Emerson was placed under arrest and was remanded to the Allegany County Detention Center where he was held without bond.   Arrest: Trevon Marcel Emerson, age 28, Cumberland Maryland. Charge: Failure to Appear.

On October 30th, 2021 officers of the Cumberland Police Department responded to a Queen City Drive business for a reported shoplifting. Upon officer’s arrival they spoke with employees who advised that a male had left the store without paying for his items. Officers reviewed video footage and located Garrett Brooks Carnefix to be matching the description nearby. They then issued him a Criminal Citation for Theft and released him pending his trail at District Court. Arrest: Garrett Brooks Carnefix, age 29, Cumberland Maryland. Charges: Theft Less Than $100.