Maryland’s farming community came together recently in Cambridge for their annual Farm Bureau Convention. Panel discussions explored how state agencies engage with agriculture. There were also talks about grassroots policy agendas, energy, and land usage.  Governor Wes Moore addressed the gathering by video with a review of the state’s support for agriculture…        “Together, we signed into law legislation that helps our state’s farmers.  We signed bills into law that addresses crop damage from wildlife; we’ve expanded the certified local farm and fish program and secured permanent funding for the Agricultural Development Commission in Southern Maryland.”

Closures and Delays announced for Sunday, December 15th. Grace Memorial Community Church – No Services today Allegany County Snow Emergency plan in effect – Maryland State Police. WOMAN'S CIVIC CLUB  S CANCELLING THE CHRISTMAS TREE HEALTH STORE             

The Maryland State Police have settled a lawsuit that claimed discrimination against females and people of color.  The lawsuit claims that MDSP violated Title VII when it used a certain physical fitness test and a certain written test to hire entry-level Troopers, because the tests disqualified more female and African-American applicants.  MDSP agreed to use only lawful tests going forward. They also agreed to provide monetary awards and priority hiring awards to affected female and/or African-American applicants who could have become Troopers if MDSP had not used the tests challenged in the lawsuit.

The clock is ticking on getting holiday shopping done and pressure is mounting to buy the perfect gift.  A survey from Topcashback.com shows that 64.5% of consumers overspend on gifts by up to $300 each year. Topcashback offers a few tips to rein in spending including looking for time-sensitive discounts, prioritizing essentials and avoiding impulse purchases, and use cash-back options whenever available. 

National Weather Service has issued a WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 7 AM THIS MORNING TO 7 AM EST MONDAY… Heavy mixed precipitation expected. Total snow and sleet accumulations of 1 to 4 inches, with locally up to 6 inches possible in western Allegany and eastern Garrett. Ice accumulations of one tenth to one third of an inch. In Maryland, Extreme Western Allegany and Garrett Counties. In West Virginia, Western Grant, Western Mineral, and Western Pendleton Counties. From 7 AM this morning to 7 AM Monday. Roads, and especially bridges and overpasses, will likely become slick and hazardous. Plan…

National Weather Service has issued a WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS FROM 7 AM THIS MORNING TO 1 AM MONDAY… Mixed precipitation expected. Total snow and sleet accumulations of 1 to 4 inches and ice accumulations up to two tenths of an inch in portions of western Maryland, western Virginia, and eastern West Virginia from 7 AM this morning to 1 AM Monday. Roads, and especially bridges and overpasses, will likely become slick and hazardous. Plan on slippery road conditions. A period of snow and sleet is likely from this morning through this afternoon, transitioning to a period of freezing rain by late…

On Saturday, December 14, 2024, officers of the Cumberland Police Department responded to a residence in the 100 block of Oldtown Road for an assault.  Officers contacted the alleged victim who reported that he had been assaulted by Amanda Brown.  Officers observed that the victim had sustained injuries consistent with his statements. After further investigation, Brown was placed under arrest and transported to Central Booking.  She was remanded to the Allegany County Detention Center and held without bond. ARRESTED:  Amanda Brown        AGE:  44       Cumberland, MD CHARGES:  Assault-2nd Degree On Saturday, December 14, 2024, officers of the Cumberland Police Department responded…

First Lady Cathy Justice joined school administrators, superintendents, and educational leaders from across the state at the 2024 West Virginia Leaders of Education Conference. Hosted by the West Virginia K-12 Principals Association (WVPA), this highly anticipated annual event brings together professionals dedicated to preserving and advancing public education. The conference, supported by partners including the West Virginia Department of Education, Lifetouch, the WV Heart Association, the WV Education Alliance, and Apple, Inc., provides a platform for collaboration, professional development, and resource sharing. It is open to all West Virginia school administrators, central office personnel, superintendents, WV Department of Education officials,…

Allegany College of Maryland encourages anyone who plans to attend ACM, or any college or university, to complete their 2025-26 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) this month or in January. The FAFSA is available online at www.studentaid.gov/fafsa. Meghan Palumbo, director of student financial aid at the college, recommends that even those individuals who haven’t fully committed to attending ACM next year use the holiday break to complete their FAFSA. “Knowing your total financial aid package this spring can help you decide if ACM is right for you.”   Expanded eligibility for federal aid  ACM uses the FAFSA to help students…

Governor Wes Moore announced the launch of Maryland’s Unified Benefits Screener, a joint initiative between the Maryland Departments of Human Services, Health, and Information Technology to streamline benefit access. The new screener—the state’s first interagency online tool developed with a person-centered and mobile-first design—allows Marylanders to quickly and easily check their eligibility for Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Emergency Assistance, Women Infants and Children (WIC), and Home Energy Assistance Program (OHEP) benefits. “Our administration is committed to sweating the details of governing and implementing common sense solutions that make life better for Marylanders,” said Gov. Moore. “In partnership, we are…