On 03/11/21 Officers with the Cumberland Police Department and Troopers with the Maryland State Police in conjunction with the Allegany County State's Attorney's Office and Allegany County Narcotics Task Force conducted a drug interdiction assignment within the City of Cumberland. As a result of the interdiction 40 traffic stops were conducted resulting in 47 citations and 23 warnings. 7 K-9 scans were completed. Two search and Seizure warrants were executed. Officers made three misdemeanor arrests for possession not marijuana and two felony arrests for Possession with Intent to Distribute not marijuana and Distribution of not marijuana. One handgun was seized…

On Thursday, March 11 at approximately 11:30 am, officers from the Cumberland Police Department responded to the parking lot of a business in South Cumberland for a report of a disturbance.  When the first officer arrived on scene, they observed Tyrone Oliver and Jacob Haines standing outside arguing and screaming at each other. The officer told them both numerous times to lower their voices. A large group of people in the area were all standing outside watching the disturbance.  The officer had to physically step in between Oliver and Haines to get them away from one another but they continued to…

Marking a year of loss and disruption, President Joe Biden on Thursday signed into law the $1.9 trillion relief package that he said will help the U.S. defeat the coronavirus and nurse the economy back to health. Some checks to Americans could begin arriving this weekend. The signing came hours before Biden delivers his first prime-time address since taking office. He’s aiming to steer the nation toward a hungered-for sentiment — hope — as he marks one year since the onset of the pandemic that has killed more than 529,000 Americans. “This historic legislation is about rebuilding the backbone of…

One in ten Marylanders has been fully vaccinated against COVID-19, according to data released Thursday by the state health department.  The latest update shows that more than 640,000 residents – or 10.6% of the total population in Maryland – now have fully-vaccinated status. A “Single Dose Administered” section has been added to the state's COVID-19 metrics, noting that 41,567 single dose vaccines have been administered, as of Thursday morning.

 Sports betting would be allowed online, at Maryland's six casinos and the stadiums where the state's three major professional sports teams play, as well as horse racing tracks, under a measure approved Thursday by the House of Delegates. The bill, which now goes to the Senate, would allow 22 locations where people could place bets in person. In addition to casinos, the three stadiums that are home to the Baltimore Ravens, the Washington Football Team and the Baltimore Orioles baseball team could have sports betting sites. Horse racing tracks at Pimlico in Baltimore and Laurel Park, as well as the state…

Using statutory authority granted to him, Comptroller Peter Franchot today announced that he is extending the state income tax filing deadline by three months until July 15, 2021. No interest or penalties will be assessed if returns are filed and taxes owed are paid by the new deadline. The extension, which applies to individual, pass-through, fiduciary and corporate income tax returns, including first and second quarter estimated payments, is due to recent and pending legislation at the state and federal levels that impact 2020 tax filings and provide economic relief for taxpayers harmed by the COVID19 pandemic. In Maryland, passage…

On Thursday, March 11 at 2:07 a.m., Frostburg City Police received a report of a home invasion robbery at a Maple Street residence. The caller, who had fled the residence to call police, believed other victims were still being held at gunpoint inside. Frostburg City Police Officers responded and made entry into the home. Upon clearing the residence, officers discovered that the suspects were gone. Officers secured the scene and spoke with the victims. The victims reported that three male suspects forcibly entered the home and that two of these suspects displayed handguns. The suspects demanded that the victims give them money, while a suspect struck one victim…

The Garrett County Health Department on Wednesday introduced an online form for residents to indicate their interest in receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. Appointments can be scheduled at garretthealth. org for county residents who have not been vaccinated during Phase 1A or 1B, including those with intellectual and developmental disabilities and residents age 65 and older.      

School systems across the state are struggling with the balancing act of attempting to return kids to the classrooms while at the same time adhering to the COVID safety guidelines. In Allegany County the pressure is growing for a full return to schools.  A number of parents attending this week’s regular meeting urged the board to bring all the kids back for full-day, everyday in-person instruction. While all of the board members have expressed a desire to see children back in the classrooms, the issue  is complicated by six-feet social distancing safety guidelines that impact classrooms and school buses.  During an appearance on WCBC’s…

Even before the Coronavirus pandemic, there had been a concerted effort on the part of some members of the Allegany County School Board to hire additional mental health counselors to help students suffering from depression and anxiety. After a year of virtual learning and now flush with a $30 million reserve fund, the board voted this week to amend the superintendents proposed FY 2022 budget to include $400,000 for more mental health professionals for the school system. It was not without some discussion, however, as board members David Bohn and Deb Frank debated the issue. Frank, who made the motion…