Had it not been for the latest surge in COVID-19 cases- tonight would have seen the start of DelFest 2021 at the Allegany County Fairgrounds.  Earlier this year it was decided to move the festival from Memorial Day weekend to the weekend of September 23-26. However COVID continues to create issues and the festival was forced to cancel- unable to staff the event. Bluegrass legend Del McCoury says he was greatly disappointed to see the event canceled for a second consecutive year- and he asked fans to be patient as every effort is being put into returning next Memorial Day…

Representative David Trone announced that four health centers within the Sixth District of Maryland received a total of $8,085,750 in American Rescue Plan funding that helped with the expansion of the COVID-19 vaccination and treatment operations. More than $8 million dollars is being split between four federal community health centers in Western Maryland including $1.6 million for the Western Maryland Healthcare Corporation in Oakland and more than $3 million for the Tri-State Community Health Center in Hancock. Allegany County’s vaccination rate is among the lowest in the state- some 20 points lower than the state average. Congressman Trone tells WCBC News…

Frnakfort High School will be closed Thursday due to a problem with the school's fire alarm system.  

Allegany County’s COVID-19 case rate has remained the highest in Maryland for six consecutive days and has been among the highest since mid-August.  Meanwhile, the Maryland jurisdictions that are experiencing lower case rates are those with a larger portion of their population fully vaccinated.  “COVID-19 vaccines are safe and highly effective,” stated Allegany County Health Department Public Information Coordinator Brenda Caldwell.  “We cannot stress enough how vitally important COVID vaccinations are to reduce your risk of hospitalization or death from COVID.”   Free COVID-19 vaccines are available at local pharmacies, urgent care clinics, pediatric offices, and some primary care providers….

The Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration’s (MDOT MVA) Highway Safety Office today announced Maryland’s preliminary statewide seat belt usage rate of 91.4% based on an annual survey, an increase from the 89.9% reported in 2020. The annual Roadside Observational Survey was completed in June, and observed 39,813 drivers of passenger vehicles and trucks in 13 jurisdictions across the state on primary, secondary and local roads. The observations also included more than 9,200 passengers. “Buckling up takes less than three seconds and is the single most effective way to prevent death and serious injury in a car crash,” said…

U.S. Senators Ben Cardin (D-Md.) and Rob Portman (R-Ohio) sent a letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken commending the Biden administration for continuing the United States’ long-standing policy to boycott the United Nation’s World Conference on Racism, also known as the Durban Conference IV. The Durban Conference, first held in 2001, does not advance the cause of combatting racism, but rather promotes a discriminatory and anti-Israel agenda. This year, a record number of 31 countries plan to boycott the conference.   “Both Republican and Democratic U.S. administrations have consistently boycotted Durban in support of American principles and our Israeli…

The Governor’s Office on Service and Volunteerism today announced the opening of the AmeriCorps state grant application process for the 2022 – 2023 service year.  “AmeriCorps grants create important opportunities for organizations to collaborate with service-minded Marylanders,” said Nicki Fiocco, Director of the Governor’s Office on Service and Volunteerism. “Each year, we see the meaningful impact that grant funds have on the community as a whole – increasing resources and capacity for organizations; inspiring citizens to serve as AmeriCorps members; and addressing issues important to Marylanders.” These federal grants are funded by AmeriCorps and administered by the Governor’s Office on…

West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey announced his office will feature the Tucker County vs. Berkeley Springs gridiron matchup as an Opioid Abuse Prevention Game of the Week. Throughout each week, the initiative engages with student athletes, coaches, school officials and communities across West Virginia. Representatives from the Attorney General’s Office inform the respective coaches as to the dangers of opioid use and provide educational material for display and distribution in the schools to foster more discussion of the issue. The week culminates with the Attorney General’s Office staffing an information booth at each of the select sporting events to distribute…

Allegany County Emergency Services reports a single vehicle accident near Westmar Middle School.  A dump truck reportedly rolled over. The roadway is shut down as crews attempt to clear the scene

On Tuesday, September 21st, 2021 at approximately 5:58 p.m., the Cumberland Police Department responded to a Frederick Street convenience store for the report of an armed robbery.  When officers arrived, they spoke with the attending clerk who advised that a male had entered the store; displayed a handgun and demanded cash.  The male then fled the store on foot.  A description of the male was broadcasted to additional officers canvassing the area and information was developed that the male suspect may have fled to a residence on Independence Street.  Officers were able to check that residence and the male suspect,…