UPDATE – one lane is now open on Westbound I68 at Exit 39 Traffic is being detoured off of Interstate 68 West at Exit 39 due to an accident that occured earlier. Traffic is backed up over Haystack Mountain so expect delays.

Westbound Interstate 68 near the 39-mile marker at LaVale is closed due to a vehicle accident.  Medevac was deployed to the area but has left the scene.

The Pittsburgh Penguins surprised the hockey world Monday by firing veteran coach Mike Sullivan.  Sullivan led the Penguins to consecutive Stanley Cup titles in 2016 and 2017.  He leaves Pittsburgh as the winningest coach in franchise history.  The Penguins have failed to make the playoffs for three consecutive season.

On Sunday, April 27, 2025, Officers of the Cumberland Police Department were patrolling in the area of Canal Street when they observed two individuals trespassing in a posted area. Officers made contact with the individuals, Harold Nicol and Ryan Strickland, who were advised of the trespassing violation. Both Nicol and Strickland were issued citations for trespassing on posted property and released pending their trials at the District Court.  Arrest: Harold Nicol, Age 41, Lavale, Maryland. Charge: Trespassing Posted Property.  Arrest: Ryan Strickland, Age 42, Cumberland, Maryland. Charge: Trespassing Posted Property. 

On Saturday, April 26, 2025, Officers of the Cumberland Police Department were patrolling in the area of Queen City Drive when they observed three individuals trespassing on the railroad tracks. Officers made contact with the individuals, Fred Henry, Wallace Mason, and April Martz, who were advised of the trespassing violation. All three were issued citations for trespassing on posted property and released pending their trials at the District Court.  Arrest: Fred Anthony Henry, Age 51, Cumberland, Maryland. Charge: Trespassing Posted Property.  Arrest: April Dawn Martz, Age 49, Cumberland, Maryland. Charge: Trespassing Posted Property.  Arrest: Wallace Breman Mason, Age 60, Cumberland,…

On Sunday, April 27, 2025, Officers of the Cumberland Police Department served a criminal summons on Steven Squires. The summons was issued as a result of a citizen's complaint. Squires was served with the summons and released pending his trial at the District Court.  Arrest: Steven Paul Squires, Age 48, Cumberland, Maryland.  Charge: Harassment Course of Conduct. 

On Saturday, April 26, 2025, Officers of the Cumberland Police Department served a bench warrant on Lyle Butts. The warrant was issued as a result of Butts violating the terms of his probation. Butts was originally convicted of possessing a controlled dangerous substance on November 2, 2024. Butts was located and placed under arrest. He was transported to the Allegany County Detention Center, where he was held without bond pending his trial.  Arrest: Lyle Brandon Butts, Age 36, Cumberland, Maryland. Warrants: Violation of Probation (CDS Possession not Marijuana).

AHEC West has added two new points for naloxone distribution in Allegany County. One site will be a vending machine at Concerted Care Group on Industrial Boulevard. A second site will be in Frostburg at Jamaica Junction on Main Street. Naloxone, or NARCAN, is a nasal spray that reverses the effect of opioid overdoses. AHEC West also distributes naloxone at the Possibility Shop on Baltimore Street in Cumberland. There is no charge for the medication.

During the most recent Board of Public Works meeting, Maryland’s Comptroller, Governor and Treasurer approved funding of $950 million dollars for projects across the state, including several in Western Maryland. The BPW approved a new five-year contract with Aladdin Food Management for food services at Frostburg State University. The company will be doing facility renovations.  UPMC was awarded a five-year contract for student counseling and crisis management at FSU. $87,000 was awarded for field upgrades at the PVAA complex in Cresaptown.

The Washington Commanders are coming home to D.C.  At a press conference this morning, DC Mayor Muriel Bowzer was joined by the football team’s owner Josh Harris, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and various Washington football icons.  Plans are for a new stadium along with housing, multipurpose areas, and retail space. A 67,000 seat stadium will be built along the Anacostia River.  Bowzer said it was a collaboration… “We were joined in our goals to advance a deal we could be proud of. A development that would serve the city for generations to come and support the best professional sports franchise…