Federal investigators are involved in an alleged RICO case locally.  RICO stands for Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act.  As part of the investigation, Antonio Matquis Penn, 32, of Cumberland, is being held without bond, as reported by WCBC Radio earlier this month.  Multiple police agencies are involved in the case and the investigation is ongoing.

The Maryland State Highway Administration has begun a slope stabilization project on I-68 eastbound near Finzel in Garrett County. The project will require lane closure of the right lane just prior to MD 546 and is expected to be completed by the end of September, weather permitting.  The State Highway Administration’s construction partner, First Fruits of Ridgeley, will use electronic message boards, signs, barrels and cones to notify motorists about the work zone, and lane closure.

The Ohio County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed through the West Virginia Medical Examiner’s Office that a woman’s body found in the Ohio River was the ninth victim from the flash flooding near Wheeling from June 14-15.  Sandra Kay Parsons, 83, of Triadelphia, was found last Tuesday after being reported missing for several days.

A nationwide settlement with Purdue Pharma will see all fifty states and US territories receiving monies to resolve litigation against the company and the Sackler family for their roles in creating and worsening the opioid crisis. A settlement worth $7.4 billion dollars was agreed to. Purdue Pharma under the Sacklers’ ownership, aggressively marketed opioids for decades, fueling a national drug crisis.  In the settlement, the state of Maryland is slated to receive 90 million dollars and West Virginia will receive $53 million dollars.

For the first quarter of 2025, the state of Maryland collected more than $17 million in cannabis sales tax revenue. That number is down half a million from the last quarter of 2024, but up $3 million from the first quarter. Maryland’s Central Region generated the most revenue while the Western region that includes Allegany County was third. Starting in July, the cannabis sales tax will increase to 12% from 9% due to legislation signed earlier this year.

Dans Mountain needs for volunteers for Trail Work Days on June 28 and July 12 at the trailhead across from the pool.  Beginning at 9am, volunteers will help build a new connector trail on the Lonacona Loop.  The trail will provide shorter loops for hikers. No tools or experience are needed, just a willingness to work hard, learn new skills, and join others in the work. Participants should bring their own water, work gloves, and work boots. The Dans Mountain Volunteer Team will provide food at noon following the project.

On March 6, 2025, the Allegany County Combined Criminal Investigations Unit (C3I), in conjunction with the Frostburg Police Department, received an anonymous tip alleging that Derek Lindon Shank, the band director at Mountain Ridge High School, had engaged in inappropriate behavior with a student at the school. In response, C3I launched a comprehensive investigation. As part of the inquiry, investigators executed multiple search and seizure warrants and conducted interviews with numerous individuals. Upon completion of the investigation, the Allegany County State’s Attorney presented the findings to the Allegany County Grand Jury. As a result, Derek Shank was indicted on the…

On Wednesday, June 25, 2025 at approximately 12:25 PM, an officer of the Cumberland Police Department was conducting patrol in the area of N. Centre Street when he observed Kathleen Burns camping in a city park.  This was the second offense within 48 hours.  Burns was placed under arrest and transported to police headquarters.  Burns was issued a criminal citation and released pending trial.   ARRESTED:  Kathleen Virginia Burns   AGE: 70  Cumberland, MD CHARGES:  Camping Ordinance  

National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory for today from 11 AM this morning to 7 PM this evening. Heat index values up to 107 expected east of the Blue Ridge, and up to 103 west of the Blue Ridge in DC, central, north central, northeast, northern, southern, and western Maryland, central, northern, northwest, and western Virginia, and eastern and panhandle West Virginia. Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Take extra precautions when outside….

A West Virginia mother is suing the State Board of Education and the Raleigh County Board of Education.  Miranda Guzman sought a religious exemption from vaccination for her child under an executive order enforcing the Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 2023.  The Raleigh County Board of Education denied the exemption, but Governor Patrick Morrisey says religious liberties must be upheld…     “As governor, I fully support Miranda’s ability to seek a religious exemption and I support her lawsuit against school board bureaucrats—the politically, unaccountable board—who are trampling on her religious freedoms.  We are going to stand behind her and…