Maryland House leaders sent a letter to the governor, calling for him to reissue or issue a new state of emergency for COVID-19, citing rising cases due to the delta variant. "You have demonstrated to the nation what masking and vaccination can accomplish, and we commend you on your swift steps early in the pandemic to try to contain the virus," the letter said. "Now is not the time to end the stated public health emergency – not only because of the limitations it will put on our state response but also because of the message that it sends to the public at large…

The Board of Education met on Friday, August 13, 2021, in a Special Open Session to further discuss the 2021-2022 Reopening Plan. During the meeting, members had the opportunity to hear from Jenelle Mayer, Health Officer, and Dr. Jennifer Corder, Deputy Health Officer at the Allegany County Health Department regarding COVID-19 prevention strategies and quarantine updates. “If we learned anything from this past year it’s that we need to keep students in school for in-person instruction,” said Ms. Mayer. “In-person instruction is the best thing for students for a number of reasons, including socialization, development, and access to healthy food,…

On Wednesday, members of the Allegany County Narcotics Task Force and the West Virginia Potomac Highlands Violent Crime and Drug Task Force executed a search and seizure warrant in the area of Morningside Drive, Ridgeley, West Virginia.   The search warrant was the result of a joint investigation by the Allegany County Narcotics Task Force and West Virginia Potomac Highlands Violent Crime and Drug Task Force into the distribution and sales of cocaine in the Tri-State area. During the subsequent search, investigators located large amounts of cocaine. The approximate street value of the cocaine located was $18,000. Furthermore, three handguns,…

UPDATE: The Cumberland Police Department would like to notify the public that the Blue Bridge from Greene Street to Ridgeley, WV is now open in both directions.       The Cumberland Police Dept would like to notify motorists that the Blue Bridge from Greene St to Ridgeley, WV is closed in both directions due to a water line break.  Please find an alternative route. 

On Thursday August 12th, 2021 an officer of the Cumberland Police Department conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle and contacted the operator, Tyrone Alphonso Cullbreath Jr. The officer developed probable cause to search the vehicle and located methylenedioxy-methamphetamine (MDMA), marijuana, and other items of paraphernalia. Cullbreath was issued a Civil Citation for possession of marijuana less than 10 grams, was placed under arrest and later taken before a District Court Commissioner where he was released on his own recognizance. Arrest: Tyrone Alphonso Cullbreath Jr, age 20, Morgantown West Virginia. Charges: Possession not Marijuana.

Today is the deadline for public school systems in Maryland to submit “back to school” plans to the state- and the Allegany County Board of Education is expected to officially approve a plan during a special meeting this morning. After much debate at a meeting last week, the board voted 3-2 to essentially follow the state guidance- that being to recommend but not require face coverings. That plan was tentatively approved despite warnings from health officials that the COVID-19 numbers are rising and transmission in a school setting could easily lead to mass quarantines. Allegany County Health Officer Jenelle Mayer…

Families can prepare to have fun at the City Center Summer Celebration set for Saturday, August 14 beginning at 2 p.m.  The Allegany County Library System, Allegany Arts Council, Queen City Creamery and Civil Air Patrol will offer activities along with sidewalk sales set up by downtown merchants from 2 to 4 p.m. Embassy Theater Players will take the stage from 4 to 4:30 p.m., followed by Risque Rock ‘N Roll, the Queen City Antique Car Club show and Lost Mountain BBQ food vendor from 5 to 7 p.m. The event is sponsored by the Downtown Development Commission and Downtown…

A proposed $26 billion settlement with opioid producers could bring as much as $485 million to Maryland to help address the opioid epidemic.  Attorney General Brian Frosh said the settlement will require reforms of industry practices. He said that while this settlement cannot undo the harm suffered by millions of Americans who have been hurt by the opioid epidemic, it is an important step forward. Maryland and other states have been investigating allegations that the three largest opioid distributors in the nation and Johnson & Johnson, have engaged in a variety of illegal promotional activities while distributing many more drugs…

Although they have until 2024 to spend it- the Allegany County Commissioners have begun preliminary discussions on how to best utilize it portion of the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Act funds.  Passed by Congress, the federal aid package is intended to combat the public health and economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Of the total, an estimated $362 billion will go to state and local governments across the country. Allegany County will receive a total of $13.6 million- being issued in two equal portion over two years. Reviewing five pages of requests and potential projects- the county officials and staff…

Allegany County 911 has dispatched several fire units to the Hyndman area to help with a structure fire in that Pennsylvania community.