Snow showers are expected through early this evening across eastern west Virginia, the northern Shenandoah Valley, and portions of western Maryland. Localized bursts of heavier snow showers are likely through 6 PM, where visibility will be reduced to near one-quarter mile. Snowfall will coat the ground in most locations with localized amounts around 1 to 2 inches possible. Temperatures will fall well below freezing this evening and a few snow showers may persist. Any standing water or slushy surfaces will freeze.

On Thursday, January 2nd, 2025, the Cumberland Police Department arrested Jennifer Beth Thompson, 39, of Cumberland MD. Thompson was arrested on an active Bench Warrant issued by the Allegany County District Court on October 29th, 2024. The warrant alleges Thompson violated the terms and conditions of probation that were placed upon her due to a previous conviction on theft charges. 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 on $1,000 bond. Name:    Jennifer Beth Thompson                                 Age:   39 Charges:    Bench Warrant-Violation of…

Maryland’s State Highway Administration will continue repair work on the Route 50 bridge on the way to Ocean City.  Beginning Friday January 3rd, crews will work 24 hours a day closing the roadways, sidewalks, and marine channels into March.  The two eastbound lanes and sidewalk of the bridge will be closed off to create a safe work zone.  Two-way traffic will be maintained using the westbound lanes of the bridge.  Weather permitting, the work being done on the surface and underneath the drawbridge will be complete by mid-March.

A “whole of government” strategy has been released by the Maryland Department of the Environment. Plans from 25 state agencies were submitted to meet the state’s climate goals. Plans include installing heat pumps, and electrifying vehicle fleets.       D-O-E Secretary Serena McIlwain told “State Circle” her department will be asking the legislature for more help in the billion dollar a year plan…     “They range from incentives for educating the public, which I personally feel is so important. The public needs to know more about all the climate challenges we have and how we need their help in making sure…

The controversial Piedmont Reliability Project has filed with the Maryland Public Service Commission for authority to construct a 70-mile transmission line through the state.  The line would run through Baltimore, Carroll, and Frederick counties. It is intended to bring more power to the Virginia area for the concentration of data centers located there. Maryland’s Governor Wes Moore has said he has grave concerns about how the study area for this project was determined, the lack of community involvement and most importantly – the project’s comprehensive benefit to Marylanders.

An arrest has been made in connection with the intentional burning of a tree at Radiant Life Church, located at 212 Park Street in Cumberland. Dalton Richard Eugene Gates, 32, was apprehended after an investigation that began with surveillance footage and was aided by an investigator randomly scrolling through Facebook. On December 9, 2024, just after 5:00 p.m., a tree was discovered on fire at Radiant Life Church. The Cumberland Fire Department responded and extinguished the fire within minutes. The Cumberland Fire Marshal's Office later concluded that the tree was intentionally set and requested the assistance of the Office of…

GCPS will dismiss two hours early today, Friday, January 3, 2025. All after-school and evening activities are canceled.

With the anticipation of frigid temperatures over the next few weeks, the City of Cumberland Water Department recommends that citizens and business owners consider leaving a small trickle of water running in a sink to avoid water line freezing. Though not a requirement of home and building owners, most frozen water lines occur on service lines in and around residential homes and commercial buildings and are the responsibility of the property owner or occupant. Though optional, leaving a small trickle run may avoid costly damage from busted pipes and the need to thaw out water lines.  Residents and business owners should…

National Weather Service WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL MIDNIGHT TONIGHT for extreme Western Allegany-Western Highland-Western Mineral… Snow expected. Total snow accumulations between 2 and 4 inches. Winds gusting as high as 45 mph. In Maryland, Extreme Western Allegany County. In Virginia, Western Highland County. In West Virginia, Western Mineral County until midnight EST tonight. Steady snow this morning will transition to snow showers and squalls this afternoon and evening. Snow showers will gradually taper off tonight. Plan on slippery road conditions on I-68 and US-40 west of LaVale, MD, US-50 west of New Creek, WV, and US-250 west…