The Mayor and Council of Frostburg will be meeting in special session on Tuesday, January 28 at 4pm for an early legislative session update from Percy Public Affairs. Percy’s representative, Rich Reinhardt, is a lobbyist that works for both the City of Frostburg and the City of Cumberland. He is expected to go over legislation that may have an effect on the city in the coming budget year.

Congressman Riley Moore from West Virginia introduced the United States Reciprocal Trade Act along with eight other House colleagues. The legislation would empower the President to address harmful trade imbalances caused by foreign tariffs and non-tariff barriers placed on U.S. manufactured goods. It authorizes the President to negotiate with other nations on behalf of the American people to lower tariff rates on American goods.  This is Riley’s first bill to be introduced since he took office at the beginning of the month.

Maryland Congresswoman April McClain-Delaney voted for the Fix Our Forests Act this week.  In a statement, the congresswoman said that more must be done to respond to disasters such as the fires in Los Angeles – firefighters must be equipped with the tools needed to fight these fires.  She said she voted for the bill but objects that there are no resources for funding included to make the provisions come to fruition and equip fire departments with needed equipment.

Catholic Schools Week is being celebrated nationwide with the theme “United in Faith and Community.”  Bishop Walsh principal Jen Flinn says that this week kicks off with parish Masses over the weekend where BW students will give presentations.  Other activities include Bring a Friend Day, Catholic Schools Week Mass, Prayer Buddies, and a White Out basketball game Monday night.

Linda Widmyer will be sworn in Monday as the new member of the Allegany County Board of Education.  Widmyer was approved by a 2-1 vote by the county commissioners Thursday.  The swearing in will be at 10 a.m. at the Washington Street office of the school board.

Saturday, January 25th, 2025.     ***Adult Arrest*** On Friday, January 24th, 2025, the Cumberland Police Department arrested Mary Ellen Marlow, 65, of Cumberland MD. Marlow was arrested on charges of being a fugitive from justice when it was discovered that she had an extraditable warrant for her arrest in West Virginia. The original warrant was issued by the Hampshire County Magistrate Court in 2009 for charges of felonious CDS possession. She was taken before a District Court Commissioner for an Initial Appearance where she was remanded to the Allegany County Detention Center. She is currently being held without bond,…

Maryland U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen and Congressman Jamie Raskin have reintroduced their Handgun Permit To Purchase Act. The legislation would expand adoption of state and local gun safety laws. The bill creates an incentive for states to implement laws that require individuals to obtain a license before purchasing a handgun. The introduction comes after the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear a challenge to Maryland’s 2013 Handgun Qualification Licensing Law.

Dr. Arvin Singh will now lead the WV Department of Health, bringing with him a background in healthcare leadership, strategy, and operations. Dr. Singh holds multiple advanced degrees, including a Master of Public Health from George Washington University, a Master of Business Administration from Penn State University, a Master in Science in Healthcare Leadership from Brown University, and a Doctorate in Education from Nebraska Methodist College, with a focus on healthcare leadership.  

A fire on Friday in Midland was caused by a malfunctioning wood stove, according to the Maryland State Fire Marshal.  A house trailer on Quinn Street suffered $3,000 in damages from the fire that was discovered by one of the residents just before 6am Friday. The Midland Fire Company No. 1 took 20 minutes to bring the fire under control. The residents are being assisted by the American Red Cross.

A local attorney is doing damage control after a story concerning a former lawyer with the same name began making rounds. A disbarred Hollidaysburg attorney with the name Michael Cohen is facing criminal charges after a bad real estate transaction.  Cumberland’s City Solicitor, Michael Cohen has had to field questions about the situation and wants to set straight those who may be concerned…     “I’m getting emails, telephone calls, and text messages about it. This guy is not me. My name is Michael Scott Cohen. His is Michael B. And I just want to let everyone know that, or…