Maryland’s new tax of 3% on data processing and IT services takes effect today throughout the state. The tax increase affects providers and users and will affect operations costs including data processing, IT services, and cloud computing and software as a service. State fiscal analysts estimate the tax will raise $483 million dollars in fiscal year 2026 and over $700 million in subsequent years.

Don Fischer and George Harman, of Fischer Signs, are busy striping up the CRR caboose at the Western Maryland station. The caboose, owned and maintained by the Western Maryland chapter of the NRHS, was originally Clinchfield RR 1072, is possibly the first lettered for America’s Semi quincentennial.

The new pastor for our Lady of the Mountains has been appointed. Father Steve Fernandes, who spent four years in Cumberland a decade ago, will take over as pastor in July. He succeeds Father Gregory Chervenak, who departs after fourteen years as pastor. Father Steve has served as a pastor in York, Pennsylvania, and Columbus, Ohio. Another newcomer to Cumberland, Father Jim Froehlich, will join Father Steve and Father Mark Carter in the parish

On June 29th,2025, the Cumberland Police Department responded to the 700 Block of Lafayette Avenue for a trespassing complaint. Upon arrival, officers made contact with a female at the residence. During the course of the investigation, officers determined that the female provided a false name. The female was later identified as Michelle Lynn Porter, and had two active arrest warrants. The warrants were issued due to Porter violating the terms and conditions of probation for previous convictions of second degree assault and failure to report abuse & neglect. Porter was searched, incident to arrest, and found to be in possession…

Maryland residents need to prepare for higher electric bills this summer. The Office of People’s Counsel of Maryland says its research indicates price hikes, some of which will be felt this summer and then more later in the year. Energy providers such as Potomac Edison and Pepco will likely be dealing with higher than normal summer temperatures and rising distribution rates. Those costs will be passed along to consumers.

The Maryland Higher Education Commission has awarded $17.2 million dollars in grants to strengthen the state’s nursing workforce. Locally, Allegany College of Maryland and Frostburg State University will be receiving funding to promote their nursing education programs. Goals include recruiting and retaining qualified nursing faculty and increasing progression from LPN to RN and from Registered Nurse to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

UPDATE: June 30th, 7:36 a.m. The Cumberland Police Department is advising that the missing juvenile, J Hunt, has been located. The Cumberland Police Department would like to thank the public for their assistance.  Posted June 30th, at 3:12a.m. The Cumberland Police Department is requesting the public’s assistance in locating a missing juvenile, Jordan Ray Hunt. Jordan is a 12-year-old white male, 5’05”, 220 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. Jordan was last seen on June 30th, 2025, at approximately 01:00 AM, on Frederick Street in Cumberland, Maryland. He was wearing a purple sweatshirt, basketball shorts or jeans and orange shoes. Anyone with information…

On June 28, 2025, at approximately 11:23 a.m., the Cumberland Police Department responded to a business in the 2000 Block of Bedford Street for a complaint of an impaired driver. Upon arrival, officers made contact with Samantha Jo Baker. While officers spoke to Baker, her words were slurred and she was struggling to keep her eyes open. As she was retrieving her driver's license, officers observed drug paraphernalia, in plain view. Officers continued their investigation and Baker was subsequently placed under arrest. She was transported to police headquarters, issued multiple citations, and was released pending trial at District Court. Arrested:…

In February of this year, multiple law enforcement agencies were involved in the apprehension of three members of the cult-like group called the Zizians. The three arrested in Allegany County are linked to murders including that of a US border patrol officer. At Thursday’s County Commissioner meeting, 911 specialists Brian Crawford, Abby Baluch, and Sara Braithwaite were saluted for their roles in the arrests by Sheriff Craig Robertson…     “I have to tell you, I feel deep down inside, if it hadn’t been for these three individuals, someone would have gotten hurt – and I’m referring to law enforcement…