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South Penn In “Hold” Status Briefly Today

From Allegany County Public Schools:  Today, May 8, 2025, South Penn Elementary School was placed in a HOLD status due to a medical emergency. First Responders arrived on scene and provided medical service. School administrators gave the “All Clear” and the instructional day resumed as normal.

Criminal Summons Arrest

On Wednesday, May 7th, 2025, the Cumberland Police Department served a Criminal Summons on Kara Inez Miller, 37, of Cumberland, MD. The summons was in reference to an incident that occurred on May 2nd, in the area of Williams St and Maryland Ave. During the incident, it is alleged that Miller had approached a vehicle stopped at a traffic signal and attempted to get the occupants to roll down the window. When the occupants did not comply, Miller began to yell and strike the vehicle, causing damage to it. On this date, Miller was served the summons and released, pending…

Go Green Week May 12-18

In observance of Mental Health Awareness Month, Maryland is encouraging its citizens to “Go Green for Mental Health” in May. The campaign aims to raise mental health awareness by illuminating buildings in green nationwide from May 12th through the 18th. Citizens are also urged to wear green, light homes in green, take photos and share their participation and experiences on social media.

Paving On Route 220 North

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation is advising motorists to expect minor delays along Route 220 in Cumberland Valley Township outside of Bedford. Paving is taking place along a five-mile stretch of highway, resulting in single-lane closures and delays of up to 15 minutes. Work includes milling, resurfacing, and guide rail upgrades. Three bridge structures are also being rehabilitated during the project.

Motor Vehicle Crash

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…

State Part of Strategic Plan Exploring Cost Savings In Electric Transmission

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.”

Railroad Seen as Tourism Catalyst

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…

Governor Signs Education Bill

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…

Spring Clean-Up Day This Saturday

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…

UPMC Earns Distinction from Leapfrog Group

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.