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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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.  

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…

Photo by Stephen Badger, Maryland Department of Natural Resources The Maryland Department of Natural Resources honored 29 members of the 2020-2021 Maryland Conservation Corps during their graduation program on August 5. The ceremony commemorated the members’ completion of 10 months of job training, conservation work, and stewardship with the Maryland Park Service. Members from across the country, all between the ages of 17 and 25, completed 1,700 hours of service. This year’s crews planted thousands of trees, bay grasses and native plants; treated trees against harmful insects and diseases; and taught environmental education programs to more than 7,915 students, youth, and park visitors. “This year’s theme…

A traffic stop by an alert trooper in Garrett County Thursday night led to the recovery of guns, drugs and the arrests of two suspects, one of whom was wanted in Georgia. The suspects are identified as Earnest Moreland III, 34, of Decatur, GA, and Donnell Lipscomb, 39, of Essex, Md. Both were charged with more than one dozen counts each related to the illegal possession of guns and drugs. Both were ordered held without bond, following their initial appearance before a court commissioner. Shortly after 8:00 p.m. yesterday, a Maryland state trooper from the McHenry Barrack was working radar…

Marylanders have a full week to enjoy tax-free shopping during “Shop Maryland Tax-Free Week.” During this week, clothing and footwear priced at $100 or less is exempt from Maryland’s 6% sales tax, regardless of how many items are purchased. The first $40 of any backpack or bookbag purchase is also tax-free. A list of eligible items — as well as a fact sheet for shoppers and merchants — are available online. Some of the eligible items that sell for $100 or less include: adult diapers, aerobic clothing, arm warmers, baby clothes, diapers and diaper bags, belts, bowling attire, dry cleaning services, lab coats, lingerie,…