On Wednesday, May 7th, 2025, at 2040 hrs, the Cumberland Police Department responded to the area of Interstate 68 W/B at Johnson St. for the report of a tractor-trailer crash. Upon arrival, officers discovered a fully loaded 2016 Freightliner truck and trailer had rolled over while attempting to negotiate the turn. Thankfully, no other vehicles were involved in the crash. The operator of the truck, a 54-year-old male from Clinton NC, was believed to be uninjured in the crash, but was transported to a nearby medical facility as a precaution. The cause of the crash remains under investigation, but speed…

Maryland has joined eight other Mid-Atlantic States in a plan to identify ways to pursue inter-regional solutions to make energy systems reliable and cut consumer costs. The group hopes to address gaps in transmission planning and standardize transmission equipment. Katie Dykes of the Connecticut Department of Energy said there are fundamentals that drove creation of the Northeast States Collaborative…     “Because transmission would cross multiple jurisdictional boundaries, multi-state collaboration as well as collaboration with federal partners is critical in making progress in securing these benefits for our economies and our rate payers.”

The Western Maryland Scenic Railroad serves as one of Cumberland’s main attractions. Visitors come to ride the train, experience the scenic areas, and add to the local economy. Wes Heinz, director of the scenic railroad, says the rail excursions serve as a catalyst for tourism in the area…     “You’re looking at a number somewhere in the 20-25% range on the average – not counting Polar Express, of course, but on the average you are looking at about 20-25% of the people that come in to ride the train, stay though the night, and they visit our towns and…

Maryland Governor Wes Moore signed the Excellence in Maryland Public Schools Act into law Tuesday in Annapolis. The legislation trims the original Blueprint for Education and Governor Moore said that several goals have been reached with the new law…    “The Excellence in Maryland Public Schools Act will help us to close the teacher shortage, it will help us improve academic achievement, and it will make sure that we invest responsibly in our education system all at the same time.” Governor Moore added that the work is not done with regard to public school education in Maryland…    “While this…

The City of Cumberland has set up this Saturday as Spring Clean Up Day in the city. Residents are encouraged to clean out houses and garages of unwanted items and bring them to designated pick-up sites, according to City Councilman Rock Cioni…   “There’s going to be dumpsters at three locations-Braddock Middle School, Constitution Park, and the parking lot at Tighlman and School Streets. You can’t dump tires, batteries, paint, appliances, hazardous materials.” The Clean Up Day is also for any groups who would like to pick up garbage in neighborhoods or other parts of the city…    “You can…

Joining other Maryland healthcare facilities including Walter Reed Medical Center, Meritus Medical Center, and MedStar Harbor, UPMC Western Maryland has been awarded a grade of “A” in patient safety. Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grades is the only hospital ratings program focused solely on preventable medical errors, infections, and injuries that kill more than 500 patients a day in the United States. UPMC has also won other high ratings from Leapfrog in areas of patient care, medication administration and infection prevention.

Prominent Cumberland Attorney Daniel F. McMullen, Jr. passed away this week at the age of 94.  During his career, McMullen held positions locally as attorney to the Allegany County Board of Education, special counsel to the Maryland State Highway Administration, as well as being in private practice.  Family and friends will be received at the Scarpelli Funeral Home today from 4 to 7pm. There will be a burial mass at 11am Friday at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church.

A rollover Tractor Trailer accident at Vocke Road ramp and Route 220 ramp closed eastbound Interstate 68 just before 9 p.m. Wednesday night. No report of injures from emergency services. The ramp remain closed until 1:40 a.m. Thursday. The accident remains under investigation Cumberland Police Department.

Dr. Michael Martirano is excited to begin work as the new Superintendent of Schools for Allegany County.  He said the application process for the position was smooth and professional…     “Began the process with the Board of Education; obviously they consulted with MABE, the Maryland Association of Boards of Education, which they did an amazing job in terms of their selection process, so professional. I put my application in, began the interview process and one thing led to another and I was just humbled when the board president Bender called and offered me the position. I mean I’m overjoyed.”…

A three vehicle accident Wednesday afternoon has backed up traffic on National Highway in Lavale.  The accident took place near Parkside Boulevard.