Although talks about re-opening the downtown mall to vehicular traffic began several years ago- to date still no ground breaking ceremony. Cumberland officials however remain optimistic as they say most of the work at this point is being  done behind the scenes. The renovations will begin with the underground replacement of utility lines followed by the reinstallation of Baltimore Street through the mall. It will run one way from Mechanic Street to George Street. The project will end with design upgrades to the streetscape, including new parklets. An update was provided during the regular meeting of the Downtown Development Commission. Stu Czapski,…

Maryland State Treasurer Nancy Kopp has announced  the Board of Public Works has completed the sale of $852.1 million of General Obligation bonds. The overall interest rate for the bonds was 1.3% and the bonds generated $169.3 million in bond premium, which will be used to support various capital costs, as well as $41.4 million in debt service savings between now and 2029. As is always the case with Maryland’s tax-exempt general obligation bonds, the State will use the proceeds to finance important capital projects and improvements, such as public schools, community colleges, university projects, and hospitals. Governor Larry Hogan…

During the regular public meeting of the  Allegany County Commissioners, one citizen urged the county officials to take a more proactive approach in promoting the health department’s list of strategies to reduce COVID-19 transmission. Case rates are climbing in the county in recent weeks. Commissioners President Jake Shade said that the while the county continues to strongly advocate that all eligible citizens get vaccinated- he doesn’t anticipate  any mandates or incentive programs…

Although the COVID-19 are increasing and the Delta variant spreading- West Virginia Governor Jim Justice said Friday he has no intention of taking any executive action regarding a mask mandate. Justice, while continuing to urge every eligible citizen to get vaccinated, said at this time he is comfortable leaving face covering decisions in the hands of local governments and school boards…

The City of Cumberland was honored to be a stop on the journey of Frank Siller Saturday. Siller, president of the Tunnel to Towers organization, is walking from Washington, to the Flight 93 memorial, and on to the World Trade Center in New York to mark the 20 year anniversary of the September 11 terror attacks on the United States in 2001. Siller's brother was a firefighter with the city of New York who perished while attempting to rescue people who were trapped in the Twin Towers. In Cumberland, he received a hero's welcome, a parade, and his foundation provided…

Two residents of Salem, West Virginia were arrested Saturday afternoon after a traffic stop on Interstate 68 by Maryland State Police. Troopers were on the lookout for a possible DUI and made the stop near Pigs Ear Road in Garrett County. 34 year old Lisa Bonnell failed field sobriety tests and charged, while her front seat passenger, 38 year old Christopher Bonnell was found to be in possession of two guns, marijuana and other drugs and drug paraphernalia. He was under court order not to possess firearms. A five year old child was also a passenger in the car and…

​The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR) reports as of August 13, 2021, there have been 3,207,734 total confirmatory laboratory results received for COVID-19, with 171,950 total cases and 2,976 deaths.    DHHR has confirmed the death of a 62-year old female from Raleigh County.     “We are deeply saddened by this news, a loss to both the family and our state, and extend our deepest sympathies,” said Bill J. Crouch, DHHR Cabinet Secretary. “Vaccines are safe and effective, and if you are eligible, please do your part to end the pandemic by scheduling a COVID vaccine.”…

On Friday, August 13th, 2021, deputies with the Allegany County Sheriffs Office responded to the 18000blk of Latrobe Street, Barton, MD for an unknown emergency. A 911 call had been received by the Joint Communications Center from a subject requesting help before promptly disconnecting the call. Deputies arrived on the scene a short time later locating an ongoing argument inside a home.   An investigation into activites at the residence lead to a search and seizure warrant being obtained. Deputies returned to the location in the early hours August 14th to serve the warrant. As a result deputies located numerous…

Starting Aug. 16, Allegany College of Maryland will require masks to be worn indoors at all ACM locations.The college is hosting on-site vaccination clinics and offering incentive programs for vaccinated students, including a chance to win $500. Frostburg State University requires masks to be worn indoors, and students and staff to upload proof of being vaccinated against COVID-19, or apply for an exemption to be allowed to return to campus. Exempted individuals will be required to receive COVID-19 antigen testing at least weekly starting Aug. 30.

Families can prepare to have fun at the City Center Summer Celebration set for Saturday, August 14 beginning at 2 p.m.  The Allegany County Library System, Allegany Arts Council, Queen City Creamery and Civil Air Patrol will offer activities along with sidewalk sales set up by downtown merchants from 2 to 4 p.m. Embassy Theater Players will take the stage from 4 to 4:30 p.m., followed by Risque Rock ‘N Roll, the Queen City Antique Car Club show and Lost Mountain BBQ food vendor from 5 to 7 p.m. The event is sponsored by the Downtown Development Commission and Downtown…