After reaching a peak of 81.56 COVID-19 cases per 100,000 people (four times the state average) in mid-September 2021, the Allegany County case rate declined through the month of October. However, since early November, we are once again seeing an increase in COVID-19 cases. Currently, the case rate in Allegany County is nearly three times the state average. Between July 1 and November 17, 2021, there were a total of 3,192 new cases of COVID-19 in Allegany County. 65% of those cases were in individuals age 18-64. 22% of cases were youths under age 18, and 13% were individuals age…

While Giving Tuesday is a day that marks the season of helping others, the Maryland Secretary of State’s Office and the Maryland Office of the Attorney General warn that this year’s holiday season comes with an increased urgency to protect against scam artists preying on generous donors.  “There are Marylanders across the state who depend on the generosity of donors for basic needs,” said Maryland Secretary of State John Wobensmith. “And while we are grateful to our reputable charities, we urge our citizens to be on alert for scam artists who take advantage of unsuspecting donors.” Secretary Wobensmith warns donors…

 In anticipation of increased traffic ahead of the extended Thanksgiving weekend, troopers across Western Maryland participated in a joint initiative to keep motorists safe as they travel to their holiday destination.  Troopers from the Frederick, Hagerstown, Cumberland, McHenry and Waterloo barracks, along with troopers from the Traffic Incident Management Division and Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division focused enforcement efforts Monday and Tuesday on violations for speeding, aggressive driving, distracted driving and the move over law.  This effort resulted in troopers issuing 144 citations, including nine for drivers with suspended/revoked licenses. Troopers also seized two illegal guns, recorded three criminal arrests and…

For the 5-day period of November 19-23, 2021, there were no schools identified with a School Wide COVID-19 Outbreak.    Cash Valley Elementary School had one cohort that met the definition of a cohort outbreak, and the Center for Career and Technical Education had two cohorts that met the definition of a cohort outbreak.   ACPS had two staff members and 25 students reported as positive for COVID-19 during this time, and zero staff members and 37 students were identified as a close contact to a positive person and required to be quarantined.

On 11/12/2021 at approximately 8:00 PM the Cumberland City Police Department were dispatched to the 500 block of Broadway Circle for a disturbance. Upon arrival officers spoke to several witnesses. They learned that Ricky Broadwater was intoxicated and attempted to retrieve a rifle from his residence. Witnesses were able to take the rifle from Broadwater. Officers took Broadwater into custody and transported him to the hospital for an unrelated matter. Officers learned that there was an active Protective Order against Broadwater with a condition that he could not possess firearms. Charges were applied for and on 11/23/21 an Arrest Warrant…

The deadline to file to run for political office in Maryland is less than three months away- and to date there are no candidates for the Allegany County Board of Education;  just two for county commissioner; and no candidates for mayor in Cumberland. All three commissioners seats are up for election with incumbent Commissioner Creade Brodie Jr having filed, along with Republican Todd Logsdon. Incumbent commissioner David Caporale has not filed but is expected to run again; while Commissioner Jake Shade has opted to seek the state senate seat being vacated by George Edwards. Delegate Mike Mckay has also filed…

The annual buck firearms season is expected to bring thousands of hunters to West Virginia’s woodlands. The season, as is tradition, opened on the Monday before Thanksgiving. Hunters can harvest two deer on the same day but only one can be an antlered buck. Anyone who wants an additional buck must buy a stamp from the state and have additional licensing.  Most counties are open to concurrent antlerless deer hunting during the traditional buck gun season, which ends on Dec. 5. Governor Jim Justice…

Maryland State Police are urging drivers to be cautious and drive safely during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, with increased enforcement planned throughout the state.  Starting at midnight Wednesday and continuing through 11:59 p.m. Sunday, troopers will supplement their normal routine patrol personnel with additional troopers. Troopers will patrol roads and highways across the state with a focus on aggressive, unsafe and drunk drivers…

Maryland Governor Larry Hogan on Tuesday announced an effort to stem violent crime in Baltimore City through an investigation into the Baltimore City State’s Attorney’s Office, emergency legislation and funding for community security. The governor also announced a hold on state funding to the Baltimore City State’s Attorney’s office pending an investigation into its prosecuting practices. Hogan’s announcement comes after Baltimore surpassed 300 homicides in a year for its seventh year in a row. A string of homicides rocked the city in the last 10 days including the killing of a barber, a church employee, a five-year-old girl and a…

Efforts to develop a new skate park in Cumberland are continuing with advocates for the project updating the Mayor and City Council on the latest plans- with an emphasis on funding and location. The estimated price tag is around $450,000 with a the county, city, grants and private donations all being looked at the complete the funding package. While the group behind the project seems to have settled on Jaycees Field off of Furnace Street as the ideal site- there are some concerns.  The primary issue is the fact that Jaycees Field is located in a flood plain. Another concern…