New Poet Laureate Named
First Lady Dawn Moore and the Maryland Arts Council has announced the appointment of Lady Brion as Maryland’s 11th Poet Laureate. Lady Brion is a spoken-word artist, writer, and activist who focuses on women’s empowerment and telling the story of the Black experience. She performed at the inauguration of Comptroller Brooke Lierman in 2023… “…while the cemetery soil reminds us of the toil and all we have survived. Dawn is evidence of the possibility held inside the breath of each morning. There is an agitation in the atmosphere.”
ASSAULT ARREST
On Thursday, September 19, 2024 at approximately 6:36 PM, officers of the Cumberland Police Department responded to the 900 block of Gay Street for an assault. Police arrived and contacted the alleged victim who reported that she had been assaulted by Jon Vanetta. Officers observed that the victim had sustained injuries that were consistent with her statement. After further investigation, Vanetta was placed under arrest and transported to Central Booking. Vanetta was later seen by a District Court Commissioner and remanded to the Allegany County Detention Center without bond. ARRESTED: Jon Christophe Vanetta AGE: 60 Cumberland, MD CHARGES: Assault-1st Degree, Assault-2nd Degree, Reckless Endangerment
BENCH WARRANT SERVED
On Thursday, September 19, 2024, the Cumberland Police Department served a bench warrant on Brenda Ogden. The warrant was issued as the result of Ogden failing to appear in court. She was originally charged with Burglary-4th Degree Theft, and Theft less than $100. Ogden was arrested and transported to Central Booking. She was later seen by a District Court Commissioner and released on her personal recognizance. ARRESTED: Brenda Lene Ogden AGE: 41 Cumberland, MD BENCH WARRANTS SERVED On Thursday, September 19, 2024, the Cumberland Police Department served a bench warrant and an arrest warrant on Eugene Edwards. The bench warrant…
Violent Incident At Allegany HS Being Investigated
A video on social media that has become “viral” shows a recent bullying incident at Allegany High School. According to the victim’s mother, this is the second time in two school years at two different schools that her child has been subject to bullying. Amanda Workman spoke exclusively to WCBC News about the situation, saying that legal action is being taken in the incident… “The school is pressing charges against them. Yeah, it’s up to DJS whether or not they go to court or not.” A spokesperson for the school system said that all protocols were followed in the incident….
Neighborhood Association Shares Concerns
West Side Neighborhood Association President Max Green shared a letter sent to the city about community concerns during Tuesday’s Mayor and City Council meeting. Some of the concerns include illegal drug activity on Patterson Avenue and traffic safety at Moose Curve on Interstate 68. Green also spoke about concerns neighbors have at Lee and Beall Streets regarding the new location of Grow West – a cannabis dispensary… “We’re very supportive of investments in our neighborhood, and we love to see new businesses, but that also has an I-68 exit right there and another one to up the other way, and…
Allegany County Makes Top 10 Best Fall Destinations
Allegany County was named one of USA Today’s top 10 Best places to visit in the fall. Initially, the County was selected as one of 20 destinations by an expert panel. The public had the final say and voting made it rank third in the top 10. Allegany County Commissioner Bill Atkinson congratulated the Allegany County Mountain Side of Maryland Tourism staff at last night’s County Commissioner meeting… “Allegany County one of the best places to visit for fall by the USA Today, one of the 10 best in the whole country. So, kudos again for our tourism staff for…
Library Reaches All-Time High for Summer Activities
At the Allegany County Commissioners’ meeting, the executive director of the Allegany County Library, John Taube, shared that the library’s Story Time in the Park summer program was a success. Taube said that attendance reached an all-time high this year… “Between June 1st and September 1st over 2,663 kids and family members joined us in the parks for all kinds of activities.”
State Police Warn Of GMail Scam
Maryland State Police are warning residents to be aware of an internet scam involving Gmail accounts. Reports indicate victims receive an email with a photograph of their residence from Google Maps. The scammer then attempts to blackmail the victim saying they have evidence they have false or personal information that they will use against them and demands money via Bitcoin. If you receive any email like this, contact the Maryland State Police.
