Barrelville’s Kiya Wilhelm outlasted 15 other aspiring chefs from across the country- taking third place on “Hell’s Kitchen: Young Guns” . Although the Fox television show was actually filmed in 2019- it was broadcast this summer with the finale airing in September. At steak- a grand prize of a head-chef position at Gordon Ramsey Steak at Paris Las Vegas. Wilhelm, who attended Mountain Ridge High School, Allegany College of Maryland and the former Art Institute of Pittsburgh, completed an online questionnaire followed by in-person interviews to become a contestant. Although nervous going into the contest,  she adapted quickly and advanced…

The Joint Communications Center of Allegany County reports a vehicle rollover which has shutdown eastbound Interstate 68 near the 68 mile marker.  Police, fire and EMS have responded to the scene of the crash.  

On Saturday, officers of the Cumberland Police Department served an Arrest Warrant on Daniel Monrose Jr. The Arrest Warrant was issued by the Circuit Court when he violated his probation. While serving the Arrest Warrant, Monrose attempted to throw away several packages of a controlled dangerous substance. Once placed under arrest, paraphernalia and a concealed weapon were located. Monrose was taken before a District Court Commissioner where he was held without bond. Arrest: Daniel Monrose Jr, age 36, Cumberland Maryland. Charges: Violation of Probation, Conceal a Deadly Weapon, Two counts of Possession not Marijuana and Possession of Paraphernalia.

Photo by Chauntell Hawkins       Deer mating season is right around the corner, and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources reminds motorists to be vigilant. During this time deer travel across roads in often unpredictable patterns at all times of the day in search of a mate. Most wildlife species are also more active this time of year, as they search for food to prepare them for the coming winter.  “Daytime deer activity increases significantly during mid-October through November due to breeding behavior” Wildlife and Heritage Service Director Paul Peditto said. “This increase in deer activity results in more motorist encounters with…

Cooler evenings and crisp mornings bring a change in the air, and the leaves are responding. Thanks to submissions from our readers, it looks like fall colors have finally spread across Maryland. Keep checking back each Thursday for the latest information.    October’s Bright Blue Weather – Helen Hunt Jackson O suns and skies and clouds of June, And flowers of June together, Ye cannot rival for one hour October’s bright blue weather; Join us as we follow the transition each week with reports from our experts at our state forests and parks. This year for the first time, we…

The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR) reports as of October 1, 2021, there are currently 14,014 active COVID-19 cases statewide. There have been 52 deaths reported since the last report, with a total of 3,722 deaths attributed to COVID-19.   DHHR has confirmed the deaths of a 70-year old female from Cabell County, a 63-year old male from Monongalia County, a 72-year old male from Mingo County, an 83-year old male from Harrison County, a 70-year old male from Raleigh County, a 77-year old male from Ritchie County, a 72-year old male from Mingo County, a 79-year…

On Friday officers of the Cumberland Police Department served an Arrest Warrant on Harley Michael Higson. The Arrest Warrant was issued by the District Court stemming from a disturbance created by Higson on September 23rd, 2021 at a Greene Street business. Higson was taken before a District Court Commissioner where he was held without bond.   Arrest: Harley Michael Higson, age 30, Cumberland Maryland. Charges: Disorderly Conduct, Fail to Obey.

Over the past six months, the Cumberland City Council conducted a national search with the help of an executive recruitment firm to hire a new City Administrator.  As a result of that search, the Mayor and City Council will vote October 5, 2021, during their regular public meeting on the appointment of Jeffrey F. Silka as City Administrator.  Mr. Silka’s contract is proposed for an initial term of three years with an effective date of November 1, 2021.    “After an extensive search, it became clear that Jeff Silka is the right person to lead this organization,” stated Mayor Raymond…

The Allegany County Health Department reports that the COVID-19 case rate is now 53.36 cases per 100,000 population.  The case rate has declined from a peak of 81.56 early last week, however the county rate remains well above the Maryland rate (20.67 per 100,000 population).  As of September 30, 44.7% of Allegany County residents were fully vaccinated against COVID-19, compared to 64.4% of all Marylanders.  COVID-19 vaccinations are available at local pharmacies, urgent care clinics, pediatric offices, and some primary care providers.  The Allegany County Health Department offers COVID-19 vaccinations on Wednesdays at 12501 Willowbrook Road, Cumberland. From 9 a.m….

Gov. Jim Justice announced Friday that West Virginia’s General Revenue collections for September 2021 came in at $84.6 million above estimates. “We’re almost numb to good news about our revenue numbers now, but a whopping surplus like this ought to be the number one thing that we think about,” Gov. Justice said. “It really takes a lot of good work by lots of people, pitching a near-perfect game, and I couldn’t be more proud.”  September collections of $504.5 million were 19.1% ahead of prior year receipts.  Year-to-date collections of $1.19 billion are $142.7 million above estimates. The end of September…