VIRTUAL LEARNING FORMAT UPDATE: All Allegany County Public School students will remain in a fully-virtual learning format for the week of December 1-4, 2020, as a result of county health metrics and the availability of adequate staff. Schools are still CLOSED on Monday, November 30, 2020, for the Thanksgiving holiday. Announcements regarding the learning format for the week of December 7th will be communicated to the public on Friday, December 4, 2020.

Allegany County EMS units responded to Dan’s Rock Overlook on Thursday afternoon.  One person was transported from the scene to UPMC Western Maryland.  The person’s identity and the nature of the emergency were not disclosed. No other information was released.

Saturday, November 28, kicks off the Shop Small Season with Small Business Saturday, a national celebration of small businesses and the positive impact they have on communities across the country. This holiday season, local small businesses need the support of their community more than ever. According to a recent study, 62% of U.S. small businesses reported that they need to see consumer spending return to pre-COVID levels by the end of 2020 in order to stay in business. Though our county is currently experiencing a surge in COVID-19 cases, there are many ways to support local businesses while remaining safe…

The City of Cumberland and the Downtown Development Commission will jointly present a virtual tree lighting ceremony in celebration of the holiday, tonight. Area residents are encouraged to join the new virtual format Friday at 6:00 PM as Mayor Ray Morriss and special guests host our favorite holiday tradition. This event will be live streamed via Allegany Media for all to view. Morriss says, in order to encourage social distancing, everyone is asked to enjoy the tree lighting in the warmth and comfort of their homes…

If you are among those choosing to travel this Thanksgiving holiday weekend, it's likely you'll see fewer vehicles on Maryland roads due to the coronavirus pandemic. The Maryland Department of Health previously issued a public health advisory recommending residents avoid non-essential travel outside the state. Despite that advisory, a new University of Maryland Medical System survey found that 44% of Marylanders don't plan to change their Thanksgiving or holiday plans, with many expecting to do at least some traveling. If you are on the road this weekend, State Police and local law enforcement agencies remind you that they will maintain a strong presence throughout the holiday to…

The Pastoral Care and Foundation Departments at UPMC-Western Maryland are joining with Central Assembly of God and other churches to hold a prayer vigil Sunday evening. People are invited to gather in the parking lot Sunday at 6 p.m. to pray and to express appreciation to the health care workers at the hospital, and to let patients and employees know that churches in the area are praying for the recovery of patients and protection of employees during the turbulent days of the COVID-19 pandemic. Chaplain Bruce McBride is Director of Pastoral Care…

Even with the challenges of the pandemic, the local CROP Walk for Hunger took place for the 49th year, albeit under an amended format.   This is Sandy Cowan, event organizer…     Cowan said the event raised over $7,000 to help local food pantries.  

On Thursday November 26th, 2020 officers of the Cumberland Police Department served a Criminal Summons on Brandon Paul Jones. The Criminal Summons was issued by the District Court stemming from an assault that occurred on 11/23/2020. During the assault Brandon had punched the victim in the face and pulled their hair. Jones signed for his paperwork and was released pending his trial at the District Court.   Arrest: Brandon Paul Jones, age 29, Cumberland Maryland. Charge: Assault Second Degree.

An Oldtown man was arrested late Wednesday after Allegany County sheriff's deputies were called to a Mount Savage Road business for a report of a suspicious vehicle. The Cumberland Times News reports Chandler Tyler Thornton, 24, was found to have an active warrant for theft. He reportedly attempted to flee officers and was taken into custody just after 10 p.m. A search of Thornton discovered a loaded handgun in his waistband, police said. A search of the vehicle by police K-9 Suma found suspected Suboxone. In addition to the theft charge, Thornton faces numerous weapons charges and resisting arrest. A second…

UPDATE: Inspectors from the city along with the Hagerstown Fire Marshal’s office are inspecting the building to try and predict whether any additional collapses could occur. When the Hagerstown Fire Department arrived at the scene, there were still occupants inside of the building but were in a part of the building that did not sustain any damage. Battalion Chief of the Hagerstown Fire Department said that he knew of construction that was occurring in the building. No injuries of any occupants or firefighters have been reported. The portion of Jonathan Street where the incident occurred will remain closed off to vehicle…