Dans Mountain needs for volunteers for Trail Work Days on June 28 and July 12 at the trailhead across from the pool.  Beginning at 9am, volunteers will help build a new connector trail on the Lonacona Loop.  The trail will provide shorter loops for hikers. No tools or experience are needed, just a willingness to work hard, learn new skills, and join others in the work. Participants should bring their own water, work gloves, and work boots. The Dans Mountain Volunteer Team will provide food at noon following the project.

On March 6, 2025, the Allegany County Combined Criminal Investigations Unit (C3I), in conjunction with the Frostburg Police Department, received an anonymous tip alleging that Derek Lindon Shank, the band director at Mountain Ridge High School, had engaged in inappropriate behavior with a student at the school. In response, C3I launched a comprehensive investigation. As part of the inquiry, investigators executed multiple search and seizure warrants and conducted interviews with numerous individuals. Upon completion of the investigation, the Allegany County State’s Attorney presented the findings to the Allegany County Grand Jury. As a result, Derek Shank was indicted on the…

On Wednesday, June 25, 2025 at approximately 12:25 PM, an officer of the Cumberland Police Department was conducting patrol in the area of N. Centre Street when he observed Kathleen Burns camping in a city park.  This was the second offense within 48 hours.  Burns was placed under arrest and transported to police headquarters.  Burns was issued a criminal citation and released pending trial.   ARRESTED:  Kathleen Virginia Burns   AGE: 70  Cumberland, MD CHARGES:  Camping Ordinance  

National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory for today from 11 AM this morning to 7 PM this evening. Heat index values up to 107 expected east of the Blue Ridge, and up to 103 west of the Blue Ridge in DC, central, north central, northeast, northern, southern, and western Maryland, central, northern, northwest, and western Virginia, and eastern and panhandle West Virginia. Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Take extra precautions when outside….

A West Virginia mother is suing the State Board of Education and the Raleigh County Board of Education.  Miranda Guzman sought a religious exemption from vaccination for her child under an executive order enforcing the Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 2023.  The Raleigh County Board of Education denied the exemption, but Governor Patrick Morrisey says religious liberties must be upheld…     “As governor, I fully support Miranda’s ability to seek a religious exemption and I support her lawsuit against school board bureaucrats—the politically, unaccountable board—who are trampling on her religious freedoms.  We are going to stand behind her and…

A senate appropriations committee heard testimony from US Attorney General Pam Bondi on Wednesday about Department of Justice budgets for the coming year.  Senator Van Hollen questioned Bondi about departments who are in need of funding to get through the current year…     “My understanding is the DOJ is withholding an overwhelming number of notices of funding opportunities – NOFOs – meaning the grantees that rely on these grants, including many who provide services to victims of crimes are literally in some cases running out of money.” AG Bondi responded quickly, saying the funding is in process…    “We…

During a special online presentation, Senators Angela Alsobrooks and Chris Van Hollen discussed possible effects Medicaid cuts could have on Maryland residents. One specific area of concern was rural health.  Jonathan Dayton of the Maryland Rural Health Association 1.6 million residents in 18 counties are considered rural and cuts would be detrimental… “Without sufficient Medicaid funding, rural hospitals and clinics would face closures. We’re already seeing staffing shortages across the board. We’d see even more staffing cuts, we’d see reduced maternity services and even loss of potential emergency care.”

The statewide hiring freeze announced by Governor Wes Moore this week contains echoes of Republican proposals offered during the recent General Assembly session. The governor announced a freeze on new hires as well as a plan to offer buyouts to workers in an attempt to cut $121 million dollars from the state personnel budgets.  Senator Mike McKay tells WCBC Moore’s plan helps expenses and preserves jobs…    “I actually applaud the governor, for trying to do that and trying to create some innovative ways to reduce the force. Obviously, people are going to have to pick up the ball and…

Amateur Radio “Field Day” event will take place from June 28th at 2PM and runs till 2PM June 29th in LaVale. Members of the Mountain Amateur Radio Club will be participating in the national amateur radio Field Day exercise at 599 Georges Creek Blvd. Since 1933, amateur radio operators across North America have established temporary ham radio stations in public locations during Field Day to showcase the science and skill of amateur radio. This event is open to the public and all are encouraged to attend. Amateur radio works reliably under any conditions from almost any location to create an independent communications network. Ham radio…

The following students from Bel Air Elementary School made the Honor Roll for the fourth marking period of the 2024-2025 school year: Kindergarten: Distinguished Honor Roll – All A’s: Madilynn Baker,Teagan Ballou, Nora Barber, Alayna Buentello, Temry Dicken, Alessia Dudiak, Railynn George, Easton Jones, Bexley Kerr, Collen May, Graham McGregor, Rowan Miller, Remi Montgomery, Hannah Morgan, Idalynn Moyer, Luke Munson, Yullyne Parsons, Noah Pheasant, Amelia Riggleman, Brantley VanMeter, Aleah VanSkiver, Regan Waltz, Taitum Welsh, Bowen Wilson, Myla Wilson, and Cason Wiseman Honor Roll: Sage Bruce, Aubree Frost, Emma Garlitz, Lilly Jackson, Danielle Lucas, and Sebastian Rother Grade One: Distinguished Honor…