Hearings are being held in Washington concerning plans to modernize the United States Army. West Virginia Senator Joe Manchin focused on the equipping, training and role of the National Guard in his questioning of Army brass…   The generals responded that there is priority given to what units are to be first deployed, but also said there was some disinformation about the refitting program.  

Governor Larry Hogan Monday announced the launch of Project Restore, a $25 million economic recovery initiative that will provide financial incentives for small businesses and commercial developers to revitalize vacant retail and commercial space. Hogan made the announcement on a tour of Berlin, on the Eastern Shore, and said the program would help cities like Cumberland and Frostburg…  

Marylanders Retailers Association President Cailey Locklair says the end of extra unemployment benefits in the state can't come soon enough, as the ongoing labor shortage continues to impact all aspects of Maryland’s economic recovery. However, Locklair told WBAL there are other important factors creating an additional lack of incentive for some jobless residents to apply for open positions…     Governor Hogan has declared an end to the additional $300 per week being provided by the federal government in early July. That decision is being challenged in circuit court by the Unemployed Workers Union of Baltimore.

On Monday, June 28th, 2021 the Cumberland Police Department served an arrest warrant on Jahmel Frisco Gunn charging him with assault 1st and 2nd degree, reckless endangerment, concealed dangerous weapon, dangerous weapon with intent to injure, and trespassing.  The warrant was issued by District Court in reference to an incident reported back on June 27th, 2021 in the area of Baltimore Street where Gunn in alleged to have pulled a knife on another male and made threatening remarks to the male.  He was taken before the District Court Commissioner and was remanded to the Allegany County Detention Center held without…

Local Businessman Ron Klinetob died this morning in Morgantown at the age of 70. Klinetob operated Keyboard World, first in Country Club Mall, and then on National Highway west of LaVale.  He also provided instruction for musical instruments for several decades. According to Christ Lutheran Church, Mr. Klinetob passed away Monday morning at Ruby Memorial Hospital.  At his request, he will be cremated and a service will be held at a later date. The Scarpelli Funeral Home is in charge of arrantements.  

Maryland's health department reported on Monday that 74.4% of all adult residents have received at least one dose of a coronavirus vaccine. The latest report included 37 new COVID-19 cases and two deaths as hospitalizations increased slightly. 115 people were hospitalized with COVID-19 symptoms as of Monday morning. More than 3.33 million Maryland adults are fully vaccinated. State officials also reported that the state positivity remained flat at 0.57% .

On 6/26/2021 at approximately 11:00 PM the Cumberland City Police Department were dispatched to the intersection of Baltimore Avenue and Marion Street for a hit and run. The complainant stated a dark blue Nissan passenger car had struck a traffic sign and fled the area. If anyone has information in this case please contact the Cumberland City Police at 301-777-1600.  

Allegany County and local municipalities will soon benefit from the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 with the city of Cumberland poised to receive $20 million. The funding may be used to maintain government services during the pandemic, water/sewer and broadband infrastructure, premium pay for essential employees and aid to households, small businesses, nonprofits and impacted industries such as tourism and hospitality.  Allegany County will be receiving a total of $13.7 million and County Commissioners President Jake Shade announced last week the process to determine how to best utilize those funds is underway…                                

Preliminary discussions about the project began six years ago. A ground breaking ceremony was held in December- and in April it was announced that actual construction was ready to begin. However to date no construction has taken place at the Rolling Mill proposed shopping plaza between Maryland Avenue and Park Street- only some site preparation. The hope is that the situation will change in short order now that the developer of Cumberland Gateway has acquired additional setbacks to proceed with the first phase of construction for commercial buildings. Two weeks ago, the Cumberland Zoning Board voted unanimously to approve the latest…

Barring any unforeseen hurdles- Canal Place officials are optimistic that the long proposed river park project will be shovel ready in just two years. Local officials have been working on plans to install a whitewater river park on the Potomac River with walking trails, kayak and canoe docks, parking spaces and a spectator viewing area. Water Land Solutions, a private company that oversees large wetlands restoration projects, is studying the possibility of accessing $12 million to $15 million in financing through bankable mitigation credits which would provide a major boost in moving the project forward.  Dee Dee Ritchie, executive director for Canal…