Throughout the course of the legal battle over extended unemployment benefits in Maryland, there’s been no shortage of criticism of Governor Hogan from elected officials across the state.  House Delegate Lorig Charkoudian, a Democrat representing District 20, went so far as to say Hogan is not being upfront about his actual goal, as far the reduction in jobless benefits is concerned….

A Baltimore Circuit Court Judge says he will rule by 10:00 AM Tuesday whether to make an order prohibiting the Hogan Administration from ending the federal enhancement to unemployment benefits here. The benefits add $300 per week to an unemployment check.  Plaintiffs say the jobless need the money.  Governor Hogan says the workforce needs the people. Maryland Democrats have blasted Hogan for the move, while Hogan says has yet to see a Democratic plan to address the shortage of employees.  Regardless of the judge's ruling, the benefits, set to expire Tuesday at midnight, will stay in place for another month. Maryland …

The Baltimore County Board of Liquor License Commissioners decided after a hearing Monday to resume to-go or carry out cocktail privileges for bars and restaurants for at least two years, effective immediately. The policy expired June 31 along with Maryland’s State of Emergency. Officials said extending the policy can give businesses a much-needed boost after a pandemic slump. “As we continue our recovery, we must do all we can to help our small businesses innovate and diversify their operations,” County Executive Johnny Olszewski said. “This is another commonsense step to support the continued recovery of this hard-hit industry and we applaud…

For a second day in a row, zero coronavirus-related deaths were reported in Maryland, according to data released Monday by the state health department.  More than 3.46 million Maryland adults are fully vaccinated. State officials also reported that the statewide positivity went up slightly to 0.92%. Hospitalizations increased by two to 122. Of those hospitalized, 75 remain in acute care and 43 remain in the ICU. During a recent press conference, Gov. Larry Hogan said unvaccinated Marylanders accounted for 100% of COVID-related deaths in June.

Due to a transformer fire in the area between Scarpelli's Funeral Home and the Dollar General on Route 220,  there is a power outage in the Potomac Park/Cresaptown area.  Potomac Edison is estimating the power should be back at approximately 11:30. Additionally, the Allegany County Public School System has announced today's summer school session at Cresaptown and Bel Air Elementary Schools are CANCELLED but will resume as scheduled tomorrow.     

On 7/11/2021 officers of the Cumberland Police Department responded to the 600 block of Bedford Street for a reported assault. Upon officers arrival they spoke with a victim who advised that Shantay Jessie had struck them in the face and bit them. Officers observed injuries consistent with an assault and subsequently placed Jessie under arrest. Officers continued their investigation and learned there was a second victim. That victim advised that during the assault Jessie had spit in their face. Jessie was taken before a District Court Commissioner where she was released on an unsecured $2,500 bond. Arrest: Shantay Lorraine Jessie,…

A single-vehicle accident closed a section of East Industrial Boulevard near 2nd Street in Cumberland for approximately 30 minutes on Sunday. No injuries were reported. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

It did not take long for the new executive director of the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad to make an impression on the board of directors, staff and employees. The board announced last month that Wesley Heinz had been selected to head the local tourist train operation- essentially replacing John Garner who had held the position since the spring of 2016. Heinz, originally from Memphis, Tennessee, has served as the executive director of the Narrow Gauge Railroad & Museum Co. in Portland, Maine, which runs by steam locomotive. He participated in his first board meeting last week and according to City Councilman Eugene…

In order to continue to facilitate vaccination efforts in Allegany County and to better serve the community, UPMC Western Maryland is reminding the public that COVID-19 vaccines are available seven days a week at several UPMC Western Maryland urgent and primary care locations. Appointments are encouraged, but walk-ins are welcome. Maryland Lt Governor Boyd Rutherford said although a return to normalcy has arrived- the pandemic has not ended and vaccinating every eligible Marylander remains the goal…  

Although the deadline to file to run for elected office in Maryland is more than 7 months away- speculation is already rampant in Allegany County- with a particular focus on the state senate seat currently held by George Edwards. Now 73, Edwards, a Republican, is currently serving in his 38th year in the General Assembly. He has talked openly in recent years about the possibility of retiring and he could make a decision as early as next month. If he does opt not to seek another term- there will be no shortage of potential interested candidates most notably Delegate Mike McKay and…