The subject of three large organized student dances held on October 3rd-  has become a subject of controversy and heated social media debate.  A press release issued last week by the Allegany County Health Department stated that “individuals who were in attendance at the parties have tested positive” for COVID-19 although no specific numbers were provided. A follow up release the next day reported 17 new  cases- leaving many people to conclude that the large number of new cases could be linked to the dance events. A caller to WCBC’s “Dave Norman Show” Tuesday said her granddaughter attended one of…

The Parks and Recreation Department and the Downtown Development Commission (DDC) will be jointly hosting some Halloween fun to try and preserve the Halloween spirit. A drive-up Trick or Treat event will be held at Constitution Park on Friday,  October 30th from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. Participating cars should enter Constitution Park from either Fort Avenue or Reservoir Avenue. At the Stop sign, cars will be motioned into the area alternately to the “Drive-up Trick or Treat” area where each child in the car will receive a treat bag. Cars will exit the area, continuing on Fort Avenue to Parkview to Avondale Avenue and on to…

Gov. Larry Hogan on Tuesday named a former spokeswoman his new chief of staff. WBAL reports effective Oct. 26, Amelia Chassé Alcivar rejoins the administration from the Republican Governors Association, where she has served as communications director. “I’m pleased to welcome back Amelia Chassé Alcivar to our team as chief of staff,” Hogan said in a statement. “Amelia brings to the table a deep knowledge of our administration’s priorities and a management record of results that will be invaluable as we continue working to change Maryland for the better.” She previously served as Hogan's communications director and deputy communications director….

West Virginia's Department of Health and Human Resources confirmed 274 new cases of COVID-19 Tuesday, increasing the active case total in the state to more than 4,600.  The daily positive rate has increased to 4.31%. Statewide, West Virginia continues to experience record numbers of new cases. The Mountain State has reported a record 1,619 new cases over the last seven days.  The 4,687 active cases are also an all-time high for the state. The DHHR confirmed two additional deaths in Tuesday's report, bringing the state total to 387. An 84-year old male from Cabell County and an 85-year old male from Kanawha…

Allegany County Emergency Services reports a working fire at Allegany Scrap and Salvage, Day Road in the Mexico Farms area. Fire and EMS units are on the scene.

The Maryland Department of Health (MDH) today launched a statewide multimedia campaign, “Fight the Flu,” on television and social media. The campaign encourages all Marylanders to get their flu shots as soon as possible, especially while COVID-19 remains a threat.  “Getting vaccinated for the flu every year is important, but this year it’s critical,” said MDH Secretary Robert R. Neall. “Make sure you make time to get your flu shot — it’s a simple, safe and effective way to help protect yourself, your loved ones and the most vulnerable in your community from the flu.”

Today, Gov. Jim Justice congratulated Alpha Technologies, a service-disabled veteran-owned West Virginia company, for crossing the finish line on a major fiber expansion project in the Kanawha Valley, which was completed thanks to support from several of the Governor’s broadband initiatives. “I’ve said many times that broadband is monumental to our future in West Virginia,” Gov. Justice said. “Projects like this one are absolute game changers and are absolutely necessary to push our state and our people forward. “I commend Alpha Technologies in every way on the completion of their project and I encourage all our in-state technology companies to…

On 10/12/2020 at approximately 1708 hours, Troopers responded to a vehicle collision on Md. Rt. 51 near the intersection of Comerford Drive in Oldtown, Allegany County, Md.  Preliminary investigation revealed a 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier, operated by Matthew Brands, 28yoa of Oldtown, Md, ran off the left side of the roadway, hit an embankment and overturned.  Brands was pronounced deceased at the scene.  The investigation into the collision is continuing.  The roadway was closed for approximately 4 hours.  Investigating trooper is Master Trooper Jeffries.  

On the first day of the Senate Judiciary Committee hearings on President Trump’s nominee to the Supreme Court, members of the Senate Democratic Policy and Communications Committee held  a press call to discuss what they described as the “devastating impact Judge Amy Coney Barrett’s confirmation would have on millions of Americans’ health care”.  The Supreme Court will hear the Republican-Trump-backed lawsuit to overturn the Affordable Care Act on November 10, and Amy Coney Barrett could be the deciding vote. Maryland Senator Chris Van Hollen said this would strip away protections for 130 million Americans with pre-existing conditions in the midst of…

According to a new Goucher College Poll, an overwhelming majority of Marylanders support at least some kind of police reform, and the majoritity of Marylanders, black and white, have a favorable view of the Black Lives Matter movement. The poll found that 87% of Marylanders support creating a public record of police misconduct cases and 85% support requiring that criminal charges against officers be investigated by an independent prosecutor rather than internal affairs.  Pollster Mileah Kromer, appearing on WBAL Radio, said that while more blacks than whites are supportive of  the Black Lives Matter movement, there is general support regardless of race…