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ALERT: Crash Reported on MD 51 at Mexico Farms

The Joint Communications Center of Allegany County has dispatched police, fire and EMS uits to the Mexico Rarms Road area of Route 51 for a motor vehicle collision.

1 A Delegate Beitzel Announces Retirement

Maryland District 1A Delegate Wendell Beitzel announced today that he would not seek reelection in 2022.  He released the following statement: "Please be informed that I have decided not to seek reelection to the Maryland House of Delegates for District 1A for a fifth term in 2022. After considerable deliberation and consultation with family members and friends, I have concluded it is time to retire after serving out my fourth term as a member of the Maryland House of Delegates. I first ran to seek election to the House of Delegates in 2006 after the former Delegate George Edwards, now…

Possible Splash Pad Sparks Discussion on Park Upgrades

During the regular work session of the Cumberland Mayor and City Council, a proposal to add a splash pad at Constitution Park sparked a more broad discussion on possible overall upgrades and improvements to the facility. A splash pad, which is essentially a spray pool and play area, could carry a price tag between $400,000 and $600,000 depending on which location is chosen. Meanwhile acting city administrator Ken Tressler said that while a recent site visit revealed to him just how much work and repair is needed at the park- it also showed how much potential exists in what is…

Cardin Comments on Infrastructure Bill as Jobs Creator

Senator Ben Cardin, in an interview with WBAL, touted the half a trillion-dollar infrastructure bill as a true jobs creator and a once in a generation opportunity. The Maryland Democrat says the port of Baltimore stands to be one of the great beneficiaries of the bipartisan infrastructure package which would also help fix or improve many of the state’s nearly 300 bridges and more than two thousand miles of highway in poor condition…

ACPS Sees 400% Growth in Summer School Program

Allegany County Public Schools Chief Academic Officer Kim Green-Kalbaugh reported that the summer school program, which is wrapping up this week, experienced a 400% growth. During a presentation to the Board of Education at the public meeting, Kalbaugh said that more than 2,000 students participated in the programs- representing approximately a quarter of the student population. School Superintendent Jeff Blank…

Hogan Points to Low COVID-19 Metrics Despite Delta Variant

During his latest COVID update, Governor Larry Hogan emphasized that Marylanders should feel confident about going back to daily lives because the state's COVID-19 metrics are down. Hogan said that Maryland has now transitioned from the crisis phase of the state of emergency to a more sustained, ongoing, long-term public health management response. While the Delta variant is a concern- the governor says the pandemic is essentially under control. Although the state is not imposing any new restrictions or mandates at this time Hogan says that local jurisdictions have the authority to implement any restrictions they may feel are necessary…

UPMC Mulls Vaccination Mandate

The Maryland Hospital Association last week said that employers are currently weighing whether to make COVID-19 vaccination compulsory. Although UPMC is an association member, there are no plans to require COVID-19 vaccinations for employees. UPMC Western Maryland President Michelle Martz in a recent interview with WCBC News said that  while the organization recognizes that vaccination is a key to quelling the  pandemic-  at this time  employees of the hospital system will not be mandated to get the shot…

Four Charged with Trespassing at WM Station

On August 6th, 2021 officers of the Cumberland Police Department responded to the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad Station for a reported trespassing complaint. Upon officers arrival they observed Ashley Anne Dashiell, Melony Lynn Melvin, and Kelly Brian Swick all to be in an area clearly posted as no trespassing. Swick, Melvin, and Dashiel were all issued Criminal Citations for trespassing, and released pending their initial appearance at District Court. Ashley Anne Dashiell, age 41, Cumberland Maryland Melony Lynn Melvin, age 38, Cumberland Maryland Kelly Brian Swick, age 53, Cumberland Maryland Charge: Trespassing On August 7th, 2021 officers of the Cumberland…

Ellerslie Road Accident Shuts Down Roadway Overnight

The Joint Communications Center of Allegany County dispatched police, fire and EMS units to Route 35, otherwise known as Ellerslie Road just after 1:00 AM Sunday for a vehicle accident. The mishap occurred just north of Corriganville, and the vehicle was reported on its top. The road was shutdown for over an hour and a half for emergency response.  

West Virginia Updates Delta Variant Numbers

Gov. Jim Justice and members of the West Virginia COVID-19 pandemic response leadership team held another news briefing today to update the public on the State’s latest pandemic response efforts. GOV. JUSTICE AGAIN URGES WEST VIRGINIANS TO GET VACCINATED AS CASES CONTINUE TO CLIMB During Friday’s briefing, Gov. Justice reported that the total number of active COVID-19 cases in West Virginia has now reached 3,372; nearly four times the number of active cases seen throughout the state less than a month ago. “We're starting to see a more rapid increase,” Gov. Justice said. “There needs to be more and more concern…