Maryland Governor Larry Hogan announced last month that DelFest would be receiving COVID-19 grant funding.  The money is part of the state’s grant program established for live music and  performance venues and live entertainment promoters affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The $10 million in relief funding throughout the state is in addition to the $30 million allocated earlier this year. The DelFest promoter grant is for $158,105. Stan Strickland, the McCoury's manager, said that money will be directed for improvements at the Allegany County Fairgrounds which serves as the home for the annual DelFest event…

The Washington Street bridge, which spans CSX railroad tracks, has been closed for several years and continues to serve as a point of frustration for residents as well as motorists who travel the West Side. Although it is clearly a city of Cumberland problem- the Allegany County Commissioners have been actively involved in trying to find a solution. In April, commissioners voted unanimously to permit county attorney Lee Beeman to file an official complaint against CSX with the National Surface Transportation Board. Mayor Ray Morriss, while fully supportive of that effort, acknowledged that it will be a challenge…

It has been a year of change thus far for the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad with a new leadership team; a restart of daily excursions; and inching closer to the return of steam. The local tourist train, essentially shutdown from March of 2020 through Memorial Day weekend of this year,  recently hired a new superintendent.  Earlier in the year Delegate Mike Mckay was announced as the new chair of the  board of directors.  While ridership numbers have been strong early on, the anticipation is those numbers could skyrocket with the long awaited debut of the Baldwin No. 1309 steam engine….

Governor Larry Hogan today issued the following statement on this week’s fatal shooting in Annapolis: “Earlier today, I spoke with the family of Michelle Cummings and extended our heartfelt condolences for their tragic loss. As the investigation continues, our administration and the Maryland State Police have offered our full resources and support to all participating law enforcement agencies. “In addition, at my direction, the State of Maryland is adding $10,000 to the reward for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for this senseless crime.”

Governor Larry Hogan today announced that he has named four new members of the University System of Maryland Board of Regents: Robert K. Hur Senator Douglas J.J. Peters  Andrew Smarick Hugh Breslin  “As governor, I have the privilege of appointing distinguished Marylanders to serve on the University System of Maryland’s Board of Regents,” said Governor Hogan. “Each of these individuals is well-qualified, widely respected, and will make an outstanding member of the Regents. I want to extend my congratulations to them on their appointments.” University System of Maryland Board of Regents Robert K. Hur is a partner in the Washington,…

Comptroller Peter Franchot today reminds taxpayers the July 15 state income tax filing deadline is rapidly approaching. In March, using his statutory authority, the Comptroller extended the filing deadline by three months due to the ongoing economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and state and federal legislation that required extensive changes to 2020 tax forms. No interest or penalties will be assessed if returns are filed and taxes owed are paid by July 15. The extended deadline applies to individual, fiduciary and corporate income tax returns, including first and second quarter estimated payments. “This has been an unprecedented year with…

Maryland Attorney General Brian E. Frosh today joined Chief Judge Mary Ellen Barbera of the Maryland Court of Appeals, Maryland State Bar Association (MSBA) President M. Natalie McSherry, and the Maryland Access to Justice Commission (A2JC) to issue an urgent pro bono call to action to Maryland’s legal community.     Before the pandemic, nearly 80% of Marylanders with civil legal problems were unable to obtain legal assistance and were forced to navigate the complex civil justice system on their own.  As Maryland emerges from the pandemic, many Marylanders continue to face extraordinary challenges that only the civil justice system can…

U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen and Congressmen Steny H. Hoyer, Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, Kweisi Mfume, Anthony Brown, Jamie Raskin and David Trone (all D-Md.) today announced $2,185,056 in federal funding to reimburse the University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS) for costs incurred during the COVID-19 pandemic.   “During the worst public health crisis that our country has faced in a century, health care professionals at UMMS stepped up to meet the moment we were in and helped keep countless Marylanders safe,” the lawmakers said. “This new funding will reimburse UMMS for personal protective equipment and medical supplies purchased…

The 7-11 located at Keyser's Ridge on US Route 40 in Garrett County was robbed at knifepoint early this morning. The suspect is described as a white man, around 40 years of age, between 5'7" and 5'9," and weighing about 165 lbs.   He was wearing all black clothing, including a black hooded sweatshirt and a black ski mask.  The robbery occurred at approximately 2:15 AM. The man made off with an undisclosed amount of money and cigarettes.  Maryland State Police in McHenry are heading the investigation, and are looking for information.  Please call 301-387-1101 if you can help.

In what he hopes will be a sign of things to come- Western Maryland Scenic Railroad board chair Mike Mckay reports that tickets for a kids ice cream train excursion sold out in a matter of hours. The special holiday train rides were only recently announced and Mckay tells WCBC News the response was overwhelming. He believes this is a testiment to the level of interest the tourist train can generate- even after being shut down for a year by the pandemic…