It’s mid-October here in Maryland and we have something to offer every fall foliage enthusiast. Crossing our state from west to east, you will experience it all — glorious autumn jewel tones decorating the skyline in the west —breathtaking sunrises and local critters basking in the last warm days of fall in the east. We cover it all this week, and we’ve received some of the best photos yet from our park managers, forestry staff, and loyal readers to beautifully illustrate this magical time of year. Join us as we follow the transition each week with reports from our experts…

After hearing stroing criticism from local officials and some constiuents, State Senator George Edwards and Delegate Jason Buckel have withdrawn support of a proposed secession proposal. The following letter was released Friday: Dear Colleagues: I would like to express my thoughts regarding recent communications which all of us participated in as members of the Garrett County, Allegany County, or Washington County delegations regarding instituting the process to potentially have these three western counties leave the State of Maryland and join the State of West Virginia. I believe that our intentions have been misconstrued, and that in fact the entire effort…

On Thursday, the long-awaited approval for booster doses of both Moderna and Johnson & Johnson COVID vaccines was officially announced by the CDC.  On the heels of that news, the Allegany County Health Department has announced two Moderna vaccine booster clinics to be held next week at the Allegany County Fairgrounds.  Those clinics are by appointment only and will be held Tuesday, October 26 and Wednesday, October 27 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.   As with the Pfizer booster, only certain categories of individuals are eligible for the Moderna booster at this time.  In order to qualify, individuals must…

On Friday, the Cumberland City Police arrested Michael Gage Butler, 26, of Cumberland MD. Butler was arrested on an active Bench Warrant for failing to appear in Circuit Court on previous CDS charges. Butler was remanded to the Allegany County Detention Center, held without bond.   Arrested:    Michael Gage Butler    Charges:  Bench Warrant – Failure to Appear

On Thursday  Maryland State Superintendent of Schools, Mohammed Choudhury, had the opportunity to visit several schools in Allegany County during his recent visit to Western Maryland. Mr. Choudhury began his day at Mountain Ridge High School where he attended three classes with senior student, Haley Llewellyn. After leaving Mountain Ridge, the Superintendent spent time at both Allegany and Fort Hill High Schools. Accompanying him on his school tours was ACPS Superintendent of Schools, Mr. Jeff Blank. Mr. Choudhury concluded his visit to Allegany County at the school system's Central Office where he had the chance to meet with several staff members. 

Citing reasons why the counties may want to join West Virginia, Justice listed that the state: embraces the energy industry, the second amendment, right to life and supports personal freedoms. “Our government does not get in people’s way.” Justice said although it is a complicated process he intends to get the ball rolling during the next special session of the general assembly.  In conclusion, Gov. Justice said: “Let’s do it, come on down. We are the diamond in the rough that everybody missed.”

Governor Larry Hogan today issued the following statement after the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) gave final approval for Moderna, Johnson & Johnson, and ‘mix and match’ COVID-19 booster shots: “From day one of this crisis, our focus has been on preventing hospitalizations and deaths. Our initial COVID strategy was one of containment, which became mitigation, then vaccination, and we are now focused on maintaining immunity. “Booster shots provide additional protection for vulnerable people, which is why we have been pressing the federal government since August for clear guidance. “Effective immediately, state health officials are authorizing providers…

Weekly COVID Update: For the 7-day period of October 15-21, 2021, there were no Allegany County Public Schools identified with a School Wide Outbreak. George's Creek Elementary School had one bus that met the definition of a cohort outbreak. ACPS had ten staff members and 31 students reported as positive for COVID-19 during this time, and three staff members and 118 students were identified as a close contact to a positive person. Those who are close contacts complete a quarantine period of 10-20 days, depending on their individual circumstances.  

The Joint Communications Center of Allegany County dispatched fire and EMS crews to a pair of fires Thursday evening. The first call involved a house fire in the 500 block of East Oldtown Road.  Cumberland Fire Department led the response at 7:45 PM. A truck fire shutdown the slow lane of I 68 for a few minutes just before 8)00 PM.  Finally, a vehicle accident on westbound Interstate 68 near the 66 mile marker in the eastern part of Allegany County caused minor injuries around 8:15 PM.  Units had to assist one individual in getting out of the disabled vehicle.

Western Maryland state lawmakers have sent letters to officials in West Virginia, asking them to “consider adding” Allegany, Garrett and Washington counties to the Mountain State. A letter to West Virginia’s Senate President and House Speaker, dated October 14th, was just three sentences indicating that the delegates believe this arrangement may be mutually beneficial for both states and the local constituencies. The letter was signed by five Republican lawmakers who represent Maryland’s three westernmost counties. Del. Mike McKay, a Republican who represents Washington and Allegany counties,  said his constituents often don’t feel heard in Annapolis on issues like gun rights…