The Cumberland Mayor and City Council voted 4 to 1 last night to hire a recruiter to aid in the search for a replacement to retiring City Administrator Jeff Rhodes. Councilman Rock Cioni was the lone vote against the hire, saying that the initial search generated 25 resumes, and over a third survived the initial screening… Councilwoman Laurie Marchini who headed the committee said she didn't think any of the finalists was clearly the chioce for the administrator job. Mayor Ray Morriss tells WCBC that the city is ready with an experienced hand to fill the position in the interim…

As officials push for more people to get vaccinated, there appears to be three groups holding out. One doesn't trust government, while another doesn't go to the doctor often, if at all. The third group involved people who think the COVID-19 vaccines were rushed into use, and are not safe. WCBC asked West Virginia Coronavirus Czar Dr. Clay Marsh to address those concerns…  

The president and CEO of the Maryland Fraternal Order of Police says he believes his profession is dying.  Sergeant Clyde Boatright told WBAL that, in addition to officers leaving the profession at an accelerating rate, recruitment of new officers has become increasingly difficult in recent years…. Boatwright also says starting salaries often are not competitive with other occupations in some parts of the country. 

 Today, Congressman David Trone (MD-06) along with Congressmen Dave Joyce (OH-14) and Tim Ryan (OH-13) announced the introduction of H.Res.364. This resolution recognizes the contributions of America’s addiction professionals workforce, which represents more than 100,000 counselors, educators, and other addiction-focused health care professionals who specialize in prevention, intervention, treatment, recovery support and education. Joining the trio in this important effort are Reps. Bill Johnson (OH-06) and Paul Tonko (NY-20). “Supporting those with substance use disorder means ensuring we have a well-trained and well-resourced addiction workforce,” said Congressman Trone. “With the rise in mental health and addiction struggles during this pandemic, it’s time…

Even though DelFest has beem moved to later in the year, the Del McCoury Band will continue the tradition of playing Memorial Day Weekend in Allegany County. The Cumberland Times-News is reporting Del and the band will play at Canal Place. More details to follow.

Rear Adm. Jeffrey Jablon, from Frostburg, Maryland, salutes the ensign as he crosses the brow of the Virginia-class fast-attack submarine USS North Carolina (SSN 777) during the change of command ceremony for Commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet on April 29, 2021. Jablon relieved Rear Adm. Blake Converse, from Montoursville, Pennsylvania, as the 43rd commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, at the ceremony held on the historic submarine piers on Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam.

Luke Mayor Ed Clemons, Junior, tells WCBC News that a water service shutdown associated with a repair issue will now be held Thursday..  Service will be off for several hours begininning at 8:00 AM. The work was initially scheduled for Monday, but was postponed due to weather.

Today, the WV Secretary of State's Office joined the National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS) in launching an informa­tive public education campaign called #BizSchemeSOS.    This new initiative highlights Secretaries of State as au­thoritative sources for business services and information including registration and licensing. The campaign also emphasizes the Secretary of State's role in alerting the business community and public at large of wide-spread schemes against businesses.   Most NASS members are responsible for business services in their state—with many overseeing busi­ness entity filings, managing Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) filings and issuing and maintaining notary commissions.   “Secretaries of State…

A former West Virginia state lawmaker is facing additional charges for his role in the U.S. Capitol riot on January 6. Derrick Evans, who resigned from the House of Delegates three days after the event, now faces four counts, including entering and remaining in a restricted building, disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building, violent entry and disorderly conduct in a Capitol building, and parading, demonstrating or picketing in a Capitol building. The new federal filing officially accuses Evans of entering the restricted U.S. Capitol without the lawful authority to do so.  All of the charges are misdemeanors.

On Monday, May 3rd, 2021, the Cumberland City Police arrested Justin Wayne Parr, 31, of Cumberland MD. Parr was arrested on an outstanding District Court Bench Warrant for violation the terms of his probation. Parr was taken before the District Court Commissioner for his Initial Appearance where he was remanded to the Allegany County Detention Center. He is currently being held on $2,500 bond. Arrested:    Justin Wayne Parr      Age:  31 Charges: Bench Warrant – Violation of Probation