UPDATE: Food distribution will resume at Braddock Middle School today at the regularly scheduled times from 12-1:30 p.m.

As expected, there are growing numbers of people with COVID-19 in the communities UPMC serves throughout western Maryland, Pennsylvania, and New York. Across the UPMC system, COVID-19 cases occupy less than 5% of our hospital beds. We remain fully able to care for all patients, with or without COVID-19. Our hospitals – urban, suburban and rural – are well staffed, have excellent personal protective equipment plans and supplies, and have the resources to serve the health care needs of our communities.      To be best-prepared to serve its community, UPMC Western Maryland has once again proactively deployed a triage tent…

An apparent discrepancy between the final voting numbers released by the Allegany County Board of Elections and the numbers released by the state of Maryland  has now been resolved. The final county numbers released after 10 pm Tuesday had Crystal Bender, Tammy Fraley and David Bohn finishing as the top three- apparenty winnings seats on the board. Ed Root, according to those county numbers finished out of the running. But overnight state numbers, which included early vote totals, election day votes and the mail-in votes that have been counted , showed Root finishing third edging out Bohn. It turns out the state,…

On Tuesday at 9:14 p.m., Troopers from the McHenry Barrack were dispatched to eastbound interstate 68 in the area of Blooming Rose Rd, in reference to an overturned truck tractor. The investigation revealed the truck was traveling eastbound interstate 68 in lane number 2. The truck overturned while making a slight left turn and struck the right shoulder guardrail. The driver was identified as Michael Becker, Mound City, Kansas. Becker had minor injuries and signed a refusal at the scene. Responding to the scene were the Friendsville Fire Department, Northern Garrett Rescue Squad and State Highway Administration. 

On November 3, 2020, the Cumberland Police Department responded to a residence on Frederick Street for report of a disturbance.  Upon arrival, officers made contact with John Gilbert Caldwell, 68 of Cumberland, MD.  While officers were making contact with Caldwell inside of his residence, they observed in plain view, several items of CDS paraphernalia and a quantity of suspected crack cocaine.  Caldwell was placed under arrest and taken to the Cumberland Police Department for processing.  Caldwell was then transported to the District Court Commissioner for his initial appearance and was released on his own personal recognizance.   Arrested: John Gilbert…

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…