Maryland's coronavirus positivity rate has prompted some states to require visitors from Maryland to quarantine when visiting. According to WBAL,  Maryland is back on New York state's list of quarantine states, which means travelers from Maryland who are visiting New York are required to quarantine for 14 days. New York, New Jersey and Connecticut now consider Maryland a coronavirus hot spot. Maryland travelers visiting those states must quarantine for 14 days.  Maryland travelers landing at New York airports will have to fill out a form or possibly face a $2,000 fine. New York Governor  Andrew Cuomo…   Maryland Governor Larry Hogan…

Two weeks ago, members of volunteer rescue squads from across the county packed the meeting of the Allegany County Commissioners expressing  concern for the future of their companies as officials mull budget and manpower issues for area first responders. Some answers may be provided tonight when Allegany County Emergency Services Director  James Pyles provides an update to the commissioners. Much of the disagreement involves the percentage split that is shared between county EMS responders and the fire and rescue squads.  During the 90 minute session last month, volunteers and company representatives blasted Pyles for what they believe is an attempt on…

It was a somber tone coming from West Virginia Governor Jim Justice during his regular COVID-19 briefing which began by his announcing four additional deaths. That brings the Mountain State’s total to 254 deaths.  The DHHR added 147 new cases of the virus to bring the total to 11,808. The daily positive test rate is up to 7.78% from 6.02% on Tuesday. West Virginia continues to lead the nation in the rate of spread of COVID-19.  Governor Justice urged residents to take note of the rising numbers and to step up their efforts in following safety and health protocols and…

Governor Larry Hogan got his seasonal influenza vaccination today and urged all Marylanders to do the same to help them stay healthy this fall and winter, especially while COVID-19 is still a threat.   “There has never been a more important time to keep you and your family protected against preventable disease,” said Governor Hogan. “Please get your flu shot early this year, especially if you have underlying health conditions, which make you more vulnerable to serious illness.”     Influenza is a contagious respiratory disease that may lead to serious complications, hospitalization, and even death. Although most influenza cases are…

The University System of Maryland and its institutions are girding for a drop-off in revenue, including state and federal funding. WBAL reports USM officials said Wednesday they are planning cuts to operating expenses and capital spending, as well as personnel moves including hiring freezes, furloughs, temporary pay cuts and layoffs. The system projects its original 2021 fiscal year budget will take a $500 million hit in addition to the roughly $230 million losses suffered in the 2020 fiscal year, when institutions refunded some of students' room, board and fees. The 2021 fiscal year deficit includes a $130 million cut to…

The U.S. Department of Education announced that Allegany College of Maryland will again receive a federal Student Support Services (SSS) grant of $1.2 million to help students succeed in and graduate from college. Renewed support of ACM’s student support services program, which the college calls Pathways for Success, is evidence of its effectiveness since its 2010 launch.     SSS helps college students who are low income, first generation (those whose parents do not have a four-year college degree) or students with disabilities. The array of comprehensive services the grant provides include academic tutoring, financial aid advice, career and college mentoring, help…

The South Cumberland Business and Civic Association’s annual Halloween Parade will not be held this year due to the COVID-19 pendemic. The following statement was issued by association president David Goad:   The South Cumberland Business and Civic Association’s “Marsha L. Thomas Memorial” Halloween Parade will not be held again this year. I regard to the current coronavirus outbreak our parade committee and the executive board members of the association made a tough decision to cancel in the interest of all participating parade members and the attending public. Furthermore, the education of our youth has become primarily virtual and extracurricular…

Maryland’s casinos are operating at 50% capacity. But the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Commission said revenues are still relatively strong despite the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic. The Baltimore Sun reported Tuesday that Maryland’s casinos, including Rocky Gap, made $149.5 million in revenue in August. That’s about $4.7 million less in revenue than what casinos made in August 2019. Casinos in the state had been forced to close before reopening in a limited capacity in June.  The commission said that August 2020 was the eighth-best month of revenue in the Maryland casino program’s history. August 2019 was the fourth-best month for the state’s casino revenue.

Governor Larry Hogan today announced that Maryland’s 24 local jurisdictions can begin applying for $16 million in Maryland Eviction Prevention Partnership grants, which will help support local rental assistance programs across the state.  “Maryland was one of the first states in the nation to implement a moratorium on evictions for tenants affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, and we have backed that up with targeted relief programs,” said Governor Hogan. “These grants will help ensure more of our citizens can remain safe and secure in their homes.” Through the Maryland Eviction Prevention Partnership, the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development…

On Tuesday September 8 2020, Deputies of The Allegany County Sheriff's Office were on patrol on eastbound I68 in Cumberland when they observed a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed.    A traffic stop was conducted and upon approaching the vehicle deputies detected a strong odor of marijuana emanating from the vehicle, deputies also learned that the operator was unlicensed. A probable cause search of the vehicle yielded nearly 500 grams of suspected marijuana as well as paraphernalia to indicate the illegal distribution of CDS.    Subsequently the operator,  Kevin Ferney Murillo Osorio -27 years old of Jessup, MD,…