The Maryland Natural Resources Police reported a safer weekend than years past during the July 4 weekend this year.  Despite being the busiest boating holiday, no boating fatalities were recorded on Independence Day weekend. Nine boating accidents occurred on Maryland’s waterways, down from 12 in each of the previous two years.   RP officers made nine Operating While Under the Influence of Alcohol arrests during the agency’s “Operation Dry Water” heightened enforcement period from July 4-6. This was the highest number of arrests NRP recorded since making 12 arrests during Operation Dry Water in 2018.

We have been experiencing technical issues with our website and mobile app today due to the global technology outage involving CrowdStrike and are working to resolve them. If you require assistance, please call us at 1-888-460-4332 (Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. ET). If you have an emergency, please contact us immediately at our 24/7 emergency line 1-888-460-4332. If you are unable to report an emergency to us, please call 911 from a safe place.

Today, Governor Wes Moore released the following statement on the State of Maryland’s response to the global technology outage involving CrowdStrike software and Microsoft operating systems: “I have been fully briefed on the global technology outage involving CrowdStrike software and Microsoft operating systems, and I continue to receive regular updates from our state public safety and cybersecurity teams. Our administration is working in close coordination with county and local governments, critical private and nonprofit operations, and all key stakeholders affected by this outage to minimize any disruptions to the Marylanders affected by this global event. We are closely monitoring outages…

The worldwide Microsoft outage is affecting local courts, offices, and facilities.  The Allegany County Circuit and District courts are closed to the public today, but will remain open for emergency matters. City and county government offices are open as usual at this time.

My Brother’s Keeper tonight Friday, July 19th, 8 p.m. at Loft 129 located at 129 Baltimore Street, Award-winning rising group on the National music scene… My Brother’s Keeper! My Brother's Keeper is a progressive bluegrass band from Cincinnati, OH that draws inspiration from rock, gospel, bluegrass and everything in between. My Brother's Keeper consists of brothers Benjamin, Titus, and Joshua Luckhaupt on guitar, mandolin, and fiddle respectively. Wyatt "Sawmill" Murray completes this ensemble on the upright bass. MBK features four-part family harmonies, soulful lead vocals, thoughtful original music, and an energetic live show that appeals to fans of any genre. Unique and exciting, My Brother's…

On July 18th, 2024, the Cumberland Police Department arrested Justin Lee Martz, 36, of Cumberland MD. Martz was arrested on an active Arrest Warrant issued by the Allegany County District Court for an incident that occurred on June 16th. On that date, the Cumberland Police responded to a residence in the 600 block of Shriver Ave for the report of an attempted burglary. The investigation revealed that Martz had attempted to enter the residence unlawfully, through a front porch window. It was also discovered that Martz was prohibited from being at the residence or attempting to contact the resident due…

Governor Wes Moore put through nearly $150 million dollars in spending reductions at the Maryland Board of Public Works meeting on Wednesday, saying the money needs to be directed toward Medicaid and child care programs. Cuts came across the board from state agency budgets to move money to the health focus…   The Maryland Republican Senate Caucus quickly reacted, saying the changes are not actual spending cuts, but transfers between agencies with an additional $190 million dollar move from the Rainy Day Fund to cover the health programs.  Senator Mike McKay said the Rural Maryland Council lost money originally budgeted…

The budget shortage facing Allegany County – two million dollars – has focused on spending within the department responsible for emergency response. The Emergency Medical Service Union, local 1715, has rejected proposals from the county to save money by changing work scheduling and uniform allowances.  Union President Steve Corioni says a workable solution could be negotiated with the next contract, with talks due to start in the coming months…  

Governor Jim Justice announced on Thursday Appalachian Regional Commission grant funding recommendations for 11 projects across West Virginia. The West Virginia Department of Economic Development administers the state’s Appalachian Regional Commission program that provides financial and technical assistance for economic development and infrastructure projects. The ARC will consider projects for rural water and sewer projects, West Virginia Main Street programs, and assistance to small and medium sized businesses to become more competitive.  Justice said these programs would be beneficial across the state…  

At Tuesday’s Mayor and City Council meeting, an order authorizing the new contract between the City of Cumberland and AFL-CIO Local #203 was approved.  The contract covers Cumberland firefighters through June of 2027.  Mayor Ray Morriss said the new contract has no major changes for the three-year period…   In the wake of the troubles facing the county and the Emergency Medical Service union, the Mayor was asked how their contract negotiations went so well. Morriss says the majority of the firefighters come to work for the City for their full careers and understand how the city works…