U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen and Congressmen Steny H. Hoyer, Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, Kweisi Mfume, Anthony Brown, Jamie Raskin and David Trone (all D-Md.) today announced that Maryland can extend its Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) nutrition and meals assistance program for eligible Maryland children through June 2021. From August 2020 and with the June extension, the State will issue an estimated $727 million in benefits to help families purchase food while schools are closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, benefitting more than 530,000 students who have temporarily lost access to free or reduced-price meals at school – more…

Units are on the scene of an accident on Interstate 68 East at Clarysville. The left is blocked as a result. 

Governor Larry Hogan today announced that the State of Maryland will offer a $100 financial incentive to state employees who elect to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. “With this incentive program, we are further encouraging state employees to get vaccinated to help keep themselves, their families, and their communities healthy and safe,” said Governor Hogan. “Incentives like this are another way to reinforce the importance of getting vaccinated, and we strongly encourage businesses across the state to consider offering incentives to their workers as well. These vaccines are safe and effective, they’re free, and they’re readily available with or without an appointment.”…

The Office of the State Fire Marshal, in conjunction with the Combined County Criminal Investigations Unit (C3I), is continuing its investigation into the circumstances surrounding a house fire that claimed the life of a LaVale man. On Monday, May 3, 2021, just before 7:00 a.m., an Allegany County Department of Emergency Services paramedic observed heavy smoke in the vicinity behind D'Atri's Restaurant located on National Highway. He drove to the area, determined to be the 1100 block of Simpson Avenue, and observed heavy flames coming from the front of the home, and requested the fire department to respond. Firefighters from…

In order to continue to facilitate vaccination efforts in Allegany County and to better serve the community, UPMC Western Maryland is pleased to once again to announce an upcoming Pfizer COVID-19 vaccination clinic to be held Thursday, May 6, from noon until 6 p.m. in the hospital auditorium.      All Individuals age 16 and older are eligible for the Pfizer vaccine, and this clinic will administer the first dose. Please note, individuals under the age of 18 must have a parent present to sign a consent form.     Those interested have several options: Register online at https://www.marylandvax.org/reg/9312600999  Call 240-964-1000 on…

On 5/1/21, Deputies with the Allegany County Sheriff's Office responded to the 15000blk of  McMullen Hwy, Cresaptown, MD for a reported motor vehicle collision. Upon arrival deputies found two vehicles disabled in the roadway. One passenger was trapped for approximately 20 minutes before being extricated by the Cresaptown VFD and Rawlings VFD personnel. A preliminary investigation revealed that the at fault vehicle operated by Jessica Pudlin, 43 of Lavale had been traveling southbound in the northbound lane before striking a northbound vehicle. Three parties were transported to UPMC for treatment. The trapped passenger  identified as Mary Lanore Taylor, 86 of…

On May 2nd, 2021 officers of the Cumberland Police Department responded to a Park Street business for a reported shoplifting. Upon officers arrival they spoke with an employee who advised them that Kenneth Yonker  had left the store without paying for numerous items. Officers spoke with Yonker and issued him a Criminal Citation for Theft. Yonker was released pending his trial at District Court.   Arrest: Kenneth Robert Yonker, age 69, Cumberland Maryland Charge: Theft $100-$1,500.

After announcing last week that the state has lifted it’s outdoor mask mandate, Maryland Governor Larry Hogan is already being lobbied to lift additional restrictions. While outdoor dining as of May 1st no longer has any restrictions, indoor dining restrictions will remain in place for now, according to Hogan. The governor was asked when he anticipates lifting restrictions on indoor dining  

Not entirely satisfied with the initial round of applicants, Cumberland officials are considering a national search for a new city administrator. Jeff Rhodes, current city administrator, announced in November he would retire with his last day being June 1. With that date fast approaching  the city council will need to accelerate the process- or consider appointing an interim administrator to allow more time to complete a search. The best way to move forward dominated much of the discussion during a recent work session. The position was advertised and a total of 24 applicants were received. Of those two dozen, four finalists…