Maryland Delegate Jason Buckel’s bill designed to prevent further issues with common carriers such as trains, trucks, and other transportation vehicles damaging infrastructure without having to pay for those damages has moved to the “third reader” stage in the Senate Chamber. House Bill 860 will have a final reading, possibly today or over the weekend before moving to the Governor. The bill was submitted as a response to CSX trains that have damaged no less than three bridges in Cumberland, leaving the city with having to pay for repairs.

On Friday, April 4, 2025, the Cumberland Police Department served criminal summonses on Tyler Sneden and John Northcraft.  The summonses were issued as the result of an incident that occurred on March 31, 2025 when police responded to a residence in the 300 block of Williams Street for a trespassing complaint.  Officers were informed that there were people inside the residence which should be vacant.  Police contacted the occupants and advised them of the complaint.  One of the occupants was identified as Tyler Sneden.  While speaking with Sneden, officers learned that John Northcraft had also been at the property.  After…

During last night’s Allegany County Commissioner meeting, the commissioners approved the development agreement with D.R. Horton to build 65 homes in the old Allegany High School neighborhood.  The commissioners also approved the solicitation of public bids for the site work needed in order to start building.  Griffin Burns, Director of Land for D.R. Horton was present and said they’re anticipating moving forward… “We’re excited to be here in Allegany County, excited about the project, excited to get going with groundbreaking here later in the year.  I want to thank the commissioners and the staff for getting us to this point. …

The West Virginia Legislature passed Senate Bill 486 which is designed to safeguard the integrity of West Virginia’s elections. Ensuring only eligible voters participate, the bill outlines requirements including being a registered voter, at least 18 years old, a US Citizen and a bona fide resident of the area where a voter lives. The key aim of the bill is to prevent both legal and illegal aliens from casting ballots by allowing only US citizens to vote in state elections.

Efforts of residents in the Bel Air, Pinto, and Highland Estates areas to get some relief from high water rates imposed by Maryland Water Service continue, but one resident at a press conference this week said the Maryland Public Service Commission is not being much help. Resident Chris Offut related the PSC’s response to his letter…     “I used the words ‘price gouging,’ I allude to the fact that I can’t go get my water from a competitor. It’s not like I can go to Walmart or Lowes to decide where I’m going to get my water. And basically,…

The budget moving through the Maryland General Assembly has been presented as giving most state residents tax relief, but some lawmakers say it is smoke and mirrors. Delegate Kathy Szeliga who represents Baltimore County, says the cut does not make up for other increases…    “So, it’s like mincing words. The income tax portion –people may see like a $40 tax cut for the year. But when you add all the other fees and taxes up that Marylanders will be paying, everyone’s paying more.”

Bond initiatives for projects in Garrett, Allegany, and Washington Counties have a hopeful future according to Senator Mike McKay.  As the Maryland General Assembly wraps up its session in Annapolis, approvals for bonds will likely happen in the coming days before Sine Die on Monday.  McKay says if everything passes, the area will be pleased…     “We got about three million dollars. That is way more than what I had expected to get. I was expecting maybe to get about 500,000 so we punched above our weight and since I weigh a lot, that’s why we got a lot.”

Governor Wes Moore presented the 2025 Maryland Sustainable Growth Awards Thursday. The awards recognize programs that exemplify well-planned economic and community development initiatives. This year, the Baltimore Street Redevelopment Project received the Project Award for their transformative $17 million investment to revitalize above and below-grade design along Baltimore Street in Cumberland. Matt Miller, Director of the Cumberland Economic Development Corporation accepted the award from Governor Moore and Housing and Community Development Secretary Jake Day.

Hancock High School has a new head football coach.  Greg Cartrette takes over the Panther program.  Cartrette spent four years as an assistant at Southern Garrett High School and also coached the semi-pro Western Maryland Cougars.  Hancock compiled a 3-6 record last season.

Maryland lawmakers voted Wednesday to create a commission to study and recommend potential reparations for slavery and the lingering effects of racial discrimination in the state.  The 101-36 vote in the Maryland House sends the bill to Gov. Wes Moore, a Democrat who says he will consider the legislation.  Potential reparations outlined in the bill include official statements of apology, monetary compensation, property tax rebates, social service assistance, as well as licensing and permit fee waivers and reimbursement. Reparations also could include assistance with making a down payment on a home, business incentives, child care, debt forgiveness, and tuition payment…