For 12 years now, the Let’s Beautify Cumberland! Committee has recognized residents and businesses who stand out in caring for their gardens and helping their neighbors. Nominations for the 2025 Blue Ribbon and Good Neighbor awards are being accepted through June through the group’s Facebook page. LBC Chair Ed Mullaney said awards would be presented in August at a city council meeting…     “So it’s a way to recognize people for their talents and their skills and everybody needs an “atta-boy.” My colleague Sue Cerutti who I had the wonderful honor of sharing the downtown manager position with years…

As local businesses continue to work through cleanup and restoration from the devastating flooding in May, the Allegany County Chamber of Commerce is launching Business Recovery Reimbursement Grants. Through July 11th, businesses impacted by flooding can apply for reimbursement of cleanup expenses, according to Chamber President Juli McCoy…     “Businesses can very easily apply for them through a simple form and sharing copy of receipts and evidence of the cleanup work that was done and then we will make some decisions over the next two weeks after that to get them some small donations to get them back on…

Summer heat has hit the region with expected temperatures in the 90s this week. Maryland’s Department of Health is urging residents to take precautions in the warmer weather. In addition to staying hydrated with water and avoiding alcohol and caffeine, Dr. Kevin Reed from Southern Maryland Hospital Center says knowing the best time to be outside for activities is also important…     “The best time to be out is early in the morning or late in the day. That’s when the heat and humidity haven’t risen so much that you can’t regulate your temperature. SO, if you want to…

At Allegany County’s last open work session, commissioners discussed how board of trustee positions are being filled for the county library system. Appointees for the library are presented to be accepted or rejected by commissioners rather than commissioners vetting nominees. Commissioner Bill Atkinson thinks the board should represent each region of the system…    “Their board is what, seven? So, you’ve got six libraries – there should be one from every region that has a library and then one at-large member.” Commission President Dave Caporale compared the way Board of Education vacancies are filled…     “We have the pleasure…

The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory from noon until 8 p.m.  Temperatures are expected to reach the mid-90s.  During a heat advisory, it's crucial to drink plenty of water, seek cool environments, and avoid strenuous activities, especially during the hottest parts of the day. It's also important to check on vulnerable individuals like the elderly, children, and pets. 

BENCH WARRANT SERVED   On Saturday, June 21, 2025, the Cumberland Police Department served a Circuit Court bench warrant on Travis Shaffer.  The warrant was issued as the result of Shaffer violating pre-trial release conditions on an original charge of CDS: Possess with Intent to Distribute.  Shaffer was arrested and transported to the Allegany County Detention Center where he is currently being held without bond pending his appearance before the court.   ARRESTED:  Travis Vaughn Shaffer      AGE:  37             Cumberland, MD   _____________________________________________________________   CDS ARREST   On Saturday, June 21, 2025 at approximately 8:17 PM, an officer of the Cumberland…

The Cumberland Rotary Club is accepting allocation requests from local organizations and programs.  The deadline to apply is July 31.  In the past year, examples of groups receiving Rotary funds include the Allegany Arts Council, the Allegany County Animal Shelter, the 4-H Robotics Club, and the Embassy Theatre.

The Cumberland Historic Cemetery Organization will hold its annual memorial service for the unborn at 2 p.m. this afternoon.  The service will take place at Davis Memorial Cemetery on Uhl Highway.

On Friday, June 20, 2025 at approximately 9:35 AM, an officer of the Cumberland Police Department conducted a traffic stop on Frederick Street.  A police K-9 was requested and utilized which resulted in a positive alert for the odor of drugs.  A search of the vehicle was conducted and one of the occupants, Jennifer Bible, was found to be in possession of suspected crack cocaine.  Bible was placed under arrest and transported to police headquarters.  She was issued a criminal citation and released pending trial. ARRESTED:  Jennifer Diane Bible         AGE: 38       Cumberland, MD CHARGES:  CDS: Possess-Not Cannabis

Recent Allegany High School graduate Avery Miller finished 2nd in the heptathlon at the New Balance Nationals in Philadelphia, PA on Thursday.  Miller, who set records throughout her career at Allegany, finished the event with 5,290 points, 292 points behind winner Yuliya Maslouskaya, who finished behind Miler in 2024.  Last year, Miller’s 5,057 points were enough to win the competition.  This year, she led the field in the 200-meter dash and the shot put.  Miller will continue her academic and athletic careers at Penn State in the fall.