On April 16th, 2021 the Cumberland City Police conducted a firearms investigation in the 400 block of Columbia Street. Through the officer’s investigation officers identified Khenyin Nines, age 16 of Cumberland, Maryland as the suspect in the incident. After consultation with the Allegany County State’s Attorney’s Office, it was determined that Nines would be charged as an adult. Officers completed an Application for Charges and an Arrest Warrant was issued by District Court. The Warrant charged Nines with handgun on person, loaded handgun on person, and a minor in possession of a handgun. On Sunday April 18th officers located Nines…

The public schedule for Governor Larry Hogan for Monday, April 19, 2021 includes the following:  1:00 PM: Governor Hogan will hold a press conference. McKeldin Plaza E. Pratt St Baltimore, MD 21230

The Allegany County Public School system will begin what the board of education hopes will be the final phase of the 2020-2021 school year this week- with all students permitted to return for full day, in-person, classroom Monday through Friday.  Following a full shut down in October after a serious spike in COVID-19 cases in the county, the school board approved a phased in, incremental approach for returning students to school earlier this year. While there have been some COVID cases reported since the phased in reopening- Superintendent Jeff Blank tells WCBC News that there have been no significant issues…

The biggest unknown for Allegany County officials as the FY 2022 budget begins to take shape centers on the price tag for the state’s new education reform package. Having overridden Governor Larry Hogan’s veto, Maryland’s General Assembly pushed forward this session with a sweeping overhaul of the state's public education system. The Blueprint for Maryland's Future, also known as the Kirwan plan, which would pump billions of dollars into public education over the next decade.  The Blueprint bill would cost about $4 billion per year when fully implemented, and would divide the costs between the state and local jurisdictions.  County Administrator and Finance Director…

West Virginia Governor Jim Justice announced during his Friday virtual COVID-19 briefing that the state has now confirmed a case of the Brazilian variant of the illness. There are now several hundred cases of coronavirus variants in West Virginia. While he has urged state residents repeatedly to get vaccinated, the governor was even more firm during this latest briefing…

Maryland lawmakers passed a sweeping sports betting bill last week that will permit as many as 60 online operators and 30 retail sportsbooks among casinos, professional sports stadiums, small businesses and scores of other entities and organizations. The bill now goes to the desk of Gov. Larry Hogan, who is expected to sign it into law…

On Saturday evening, at approximately 9:00 PM, Cumberland City Police were dispatched to the 100 block of North Mechanic Street for an assault. Upon arrival officers spoke to the victim who advised they were strangled by Daniel Gary Smith III. Officers observed injuries consistent with their statement. Officers attempted to arrest Smith when he struck an officer in the throat. Smith was taken into custody after a brief struggle. Mr. Smith was taken before a District Court Commissioner and remanded to the Allegany County Detention Center without bond. Neither the victim or the officer required medical treatment.   Arrested – Daniel Gary…

On Saturday, at approximately 10:00 AM, Cumberland City Police were dispatched to a residence in the 800 block of Maryland Avenue for a traffic complaint. Upon arrival officers were able to locate the owner of the vehicle and they were in the process of moving it. At that time Megan Pawliske started to yell at the owner of the vehicle. Officers advised Ms. Pawliske to cease her behavior. The owner of the vehicle and another subject on scene advised officers they had an active protective order against Pawliske.  Pawliske continued to yell at the subjects while officers were on scene. The protective…

A Mineral County lawyer has pleaded guilty to wire fraud, admitting to submitting false pay vouchers for his work as a public defender. 62 year old Timothy Mark Sirk, of Keyser, admitted to obtaining $26,000 from the end of 2016 through mid 2018. Sirk copped to forging the signature of a circuit court judge on documents and could get 20 years in jail and a $250,000 fine for the offense.

Photo by Carol Ward, submitted to 2019 Maryland Natural Resources Photo Contest.       The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is seeking applications for membership to two advisory commissions, the Sport Fisheries Advisory Commission and Tidal Fisheries Advisory Commission.  The Sport Fisheries Advisory Commission represents the interests of Maryland’s recreational fisheries, and the Tidal Fisheries Advisory Commission represents commercial fisheries across the state. Each consists of Maryland residents who represent diverse fisheries-related constituencies and stakeholders.   Commission members are appointed by Governor Larry Hogan and advise DNR Fishing and Boating Services on all matters brought to the commissioners. Individuals interested in being considered for…