National Weather Servicehas issued a WINTER STORM WATCH from Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday morning. Heavy snow possible. Total snow accumulations between 4 and 6 inches possible.in ortions of DC, central, northeast, northern, and southern Maryland, and central and northern Virginia. Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous conditions could impact the Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning commutes. Monitor the latest forecasts for updates on this situation. Persons should delay all travel if possible. If travel is absolutely necessary, drive with extreme caution and be prepared for sudden changes in visibility. Leave plenty of room between you and the motorist ahead of…

Health Savings Accounts are a convenient way for consumers to put aside money for medical bills. They are also good for tax reasons. Paying medical bills with those funds can be counted as deductible on income taxes in many cases. Joe Mullenax says HSA accounts grow tax free, creating an emergency fund if needed…      “So if you put money in – 3,000, 4,000 – whatever your number is, and you don’t use it for three or four years, you’re going to have a lot of money in there for whenever your emergency arises. And that money has grown…

West Virginia community and local governments across the Mountain State can apply for AARP’s 2025 Community Challenge Grant program. The grants are part of AARP’s nationwide Livable Communities initiative which support the efforts of cities, towns, and neighborhoods to become better places to live for those age 50 and older. Capacity-building micro-grants, demonstration grants, and flagship grans for larger projects are available. The program is open to eligible nonprofits and government entities. More information is available at aarp.org.communitychallenge.

Hearings were held in Maryland’s House Health and Government Operations committee on a bill seeking to expand the authority of the state’s Prescription Drug Affordability Board.  House Bill 424 would allow the board to set upper payment limits on high-cost prescriptions for all Marylanders. The bill’s sponsor, Delegate Bonnie Cullison, said the board is not trying to take money away from pharmaceutical companies…     “The board is able to carefully monitor economic situations and adjust practices based on the changing market conditions, insuring it can protect consumers.”

Although a federal judge has put a temporary pause in place for the Trump Administration’s buyout plan for federal workers, many lawmakers are still urging a second look at the offer to understand what it means.  Maryland Congresswoman April McClain-Delaney spoke on the House floor, asking workers not to sign on for the plan…     “I implore you. Do not take that buyout. It is not to be trusted. As the buyout letter says, we are truly at a fork in the road. Do we defend American workers and our institutions or gut the federal agencies of the knowledge…

The Allegany County Commissioners had a full meeting last Thursday with many constituents signing in to speak on various subjects.  The appointment of Linda Widmyer to the county school board drew the attention of several people, including former school board member Debra Frank who spoke to the commissioners about not choosing an applicant with board experience…     “When you have had, or have rather, two applicants who have had extensive board experience, one actually coming in third in the most recent election, and you chose someone without that experience, it shines a bright light on partisanship in what should…

On Saturday, February 8th, 2025, the Cumberland Police Department arrested John William Jenkins III, 52, of Ridgeley WV. Jenkins was arrested on two active warrants issued by the Allegany County District Court. One warrant alleged Jenkins failed to appear in court in April 2024 for a trespassing charge. A second warrant was issued for an incident that occurred on November 27th, 2022, where it was alleged that Jenkins was involved in an intoxicated disturbance in the area of Greene St. Jenkins was taken before a District Court Commissioner for an Initial Appearance where he was released on a $2,500 unsecured…

Due to predicted freezing rain and ice accumulation, the Mountainside Baroque event, “Echoes of the Oratory: Chantalong #2,” scheduled for Saturday, February 8th, will be postponed until the advertised snow date: Saturday, February 22, also at 3pm at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Cumberland, MD, with West Virginia Bishop Matthew Riegel as the workshop leader.  

While meeting with members of the West Virginia Press Association (WVPA) at their annual "Legislative Look-Ahead Conference" held in Charleston, Secretary of State Kris Warner announced the 2025 legislative initiatives for the Secretary of State's Office (WVSOS).   Secretary Warner took office as West Virginia's 31st Secretary of State on January 13 after serving four years as the Executive Director of the WV Economic Development Authority (WVEDA). Prior to his time at the WVEDA, he was appointed by President Donald Trump to serve as the West Virginia State Director for USDA Rural Development.   The WVPA's conference was held at…

On Saturday, February 8th, 2025, the Cumberland Police Department arrested Brook Debebe Tessemma, 56, of Silver Spring MD. Tessemma was arrested on an active Arrest Warrant issued by the Allegany County District Court for an incident that occurred on January 27th, 2025. On that date, officers responded to a business in the 700 block of Park St for the report of a theft. It was learned that a subject had entered the store and exchanged counterfeit money for real US currency. During the investigation, Tessemma was developed as a suspect, and a warrant was issued for his arrest. He was…