The City’s Downtown Development Commission (DDC), the Department of Parks and Recreation and the Downtown Cumberland Business Association (DCBA) announce a photo opportunity with the Easter Bunny on Saturday, April 3rd from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. Taking place at the McCoury Family Stage on Baltimore Street in Downtown Cumberland, the Easter Bunny will be posing for sociallydistanced photos, using your own phone or camera to record the special moment. As a special treat, the first 200 kids will be receiving a special Easter goodie bag. Masks and social distancing will be required while waiting for your turn to take photos. Additional updates will be posted on the…

April 1 holds the distinction of being the one-year anniversary of the first case of COVID-19 confirmed in Allegany County.  Now, more than a year into the pandemic, vaccination efforts are well underway nationwide.  On Thursday, Governor Larry Hogan announced that the state’s vaccine rollout is now open to all Marylanders.  Priority for vaccine appointments will still be given to those at highest risk of serious illness from COVID, including older residents, individuals in certain higher-risk job classifications, and those with underlying medical issues that make them more vulnerable to severe complications from COVID-19.  Allegany County residents can get on…

A LaVale family was left homeless by an accidental fire late Thursday that they discovered upon returning home, according to the Maryland State Fire Marshal's Office. The 9:32 p.m. fire at the William Rumgay residence was caused by unattended food left on a kitchen stove, investigators said. Two dogs were rescued from the single-story dwelling located at 6 Walker Road near the Country Club Mall, investigators said.  The property loss was estimated at $130,000. LaVale Volunteer Fire Department directed the fire operation that involved 50 firefighters from LaVale and other nearby departments. It took 25 minutes for volunteers to control the…

Allegany County Emergency Services reports a vehicle fire on Interstate 68 West near mile marker 38. Two lanes remain closed at this time. 

Governor Larry Hogan today announced that, for the first time, more than 75,000 COVID-19 vaccinations have been reported in a single day in Maryland. In total, the state is reporting a new record-high 76,590 new vaccinations. In addition, the state is reporting a new record seven-day average of 59,115 shots per day. A total of 2,836,766 doses have now been administered.

On Thursday the Cumberland Police Department responded to a Braddock Road residence for the report of an assault.  When officers arrived, they spoke with three residents that alleged they had been assaulted by Jared Kyle Meade during an argument.  All the victim’s had visible injuries that were observed by officers.  Meade was arrested and charged with 3 counts of 2nd degree assault.  He was taken before the District Court Commissioner and was released on an unsecured bond on $20,000.   Jared Kyle Meade, age; 40, Cumberland, Maryland.     On Thursday the Cumberland Police Department served a fugitive warrant from…

The Cumberland Times News reports a mother and her two children are dead as the result of an apparent murder-suicide Thursday at a Winchester Avenue residence. According to the Moorefield Police Department officers  responding to a report of gunshots at a residence in the 500 block of Winchester Avenue reportedly found the bodies of Brandi Baker, 32, and a 9-month-old infant inside the home. A second child found wounded was taken to J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown and died early Friday. Police identified Baker as the mother of both children. Moorefield Police Chief Stephen Riggleman said initial investigation and…

Authorities remain on the scene of a one-vehicle accident on New Georges Creek Road in the Pekin area. Initial reports indicate there were no serious injuries after the vehicle rolled over at approximately 7:45 a.m., partially blocking the road. 

Governor Larry Hogan announced Thursday that all Marylanders ages 16 and older can pre-register for the coronavirus vaccine in the state. Although pre-registration is open to everyone, the health department will prioritize eligible residents first, meaning people who were in phases 2b or earlier.  Hogan also said 677 cases of COVID-19 variants were detected in Maryland. Most of the variant cases are the UK strain…   The state has seen in an increase of COVID-19 cases over recent days, but it also just surpassed 1 million residents fully vaccinated Thursday. Hogan says the state will continue to set the pace when it…

In the days leading up to the Easter break, March 29 through April 1, the Allegany County Public School System reported one case of COVID-19 in a staff member and three cases in students who were within a public school building. These individuals will complete the required isolation period before returning to their school buildings. Close contacts at school were identified in two of the student cases. Earlier in the week it was announced that the high school football game that had been scheduled for Thursday afternoon between Fort Hill and Mountain Ridge was cancelled due to “COVID-19 related issues”. …