On November 4, 2020, an officer on patrol observed a traffic violation on a vehicle in the area of Queen City Drive and Centre Street.  The officer conducted a traffic stop and made contact with the occupants of the vehicle.  Based on the officer’s observations, a K9 was requested to conduct a free air sniff of the vehicle for the odor of drugs, which resulted in a positive alert.  A search was conducted and suspected Crystal Methamphetamine and CDS paraphernalia was located.  As a result of the search, Tyler Waid Sutton, 22 of Garrett, PA was placed under arrest and…

Cumberland City Administrator Jeff Rhodes’ contract expires next year- and speculation has surfaced in the past few months that there could be a mutual parting of the ways at that time. Rhodes was hired in December of 2011 after having served as acting administrator- and he signed a four year contract extension in the fall of 2017. While his initial appointment and contract were done so with unanimous consent there are reports that at least two council members feel it is time for a change. Still others say that Rhodes has been contemplating retirement from the post. Mayor Ray Morriss…

Like most of America- Allegany County is experiencing a surge in the number of COVID-19 cases with more than 150  new cases reported since last week. The numbers have been spiking since early October.  The situation now appears to be impacting neighboring communities with Mineral County’s health officer reporting that most of the new cases there appear are concentrated in the northern end, as many of those residents work and congregate in Allegany County. Governor Larry Hogan recently nenewed the coronavirus state of emergency in Maryland-  calling for Marylanders to remain vigilant in the fight against COVID-19…

All of Maryland's incumbent U.S. House members have retained their seats, according to calls by The Associated Press.  In the 6th district, Rep. David Trone won a second term, beating Del. Neil Parrott. The district, previously represented by John Delaney, was redrawn in 2011 to be more friendly to Democrats. Trone, who made his fortune as co-founder and co-owner of Total Wine & More, won in 2018 with 58% of the vote. Trone told WCBC News Tuesday that a continued priority of his in a second term will be to put an end to partisan bickering…

Cumberland City Council members Eugene Frazier and Laurie Marchini held on to those seats in Tuesday’s election scoring easy wins over two challengers. Frazier, elected to a second term, was the top vote getter with more than 45% of the vote. Marchini, who was appointed to fill the vacancy created when David Caporale ran and was elected County Commissioner, was elected to her first full term scoring nearly 35% of the vote. Candidates Robin Hood Constitution and Sylvester Young III finished a distant third and fourth. Frazier, despite the relatively easy win, said campaigning during a pandemic presented some challenges…

Maryland voters approved two ballot initiatives during the General Election Tuesday. The first question grants the General Assembly the power to add items to the budget, as long as it remains in balance.  The second effort allows sports gambling, and is expected to be a positive development at Rocky Gap Casino Resort in Allegany County. Both initiatives passed by comfortable margins. 

Mineral County decided to support three levies on the Tuesday General Election Ballot.  Levies in support of fire and ambulance service both passed by a greater than four to one margin, while one for the Board of Education was victorious by over three to one. Mineral County voters overwhelmingly supported Republican candidates at the national, state and county levels.  

One political newcomer and two incumbents were elected to terms on the Allegany County Board of Education Tuesday. Crystal Bender, a first time candidate was the top vote getter, followed closely by board president Tammy Fraley and incumbent Dr David Bohn. Finishing in fourth was board member Ed Root who was appointed last year to fill the unexpired term of Wayne Foote who was removed from the board by the state. Root finished out of the running  followed  by Linda Widmyer and Steve Lewis. In the Cumberland City Council race incumbents Eugene Frazier and Laurie Marchini were elected to new…

The Maryland State Board of Elections did not report numbers for the 6th Congressional District until after 11:00 PM Tuesday, apparently because not all voters in line had cast ballots. With 54% of the vote counted, incumbent Democrat David Trone led Republican challenger Neil Parrott by approximately 60% to 40%.  We'll update the totals as they become available. In Allegany County, Parrott led Trone by a 2 to 1 margin, while in Garrett County, Parrott had a 4 to 1 edge in votes cast.

On November 2 nd , 2020, The Cumberland City Police Department responded to a Lamont St residence for the report of a disturbance. Upon arrival, officers contacted Leann D. Steinmetz, 54, and Austin H. McDonald 20, both of Cumberland MD. It was learned that an argument had ensued between the two individuals in reference to living arrangements in the home. Both subjects were advised to keep the peace and cause no further public disturbances. Officers were later called back to the residence on two separate occasions for the same individuals creating a disturbance. As a result, both subjects were placed under arrest and issued criminal…