UPDATE at 9:20 p.m. Charliena Rodriguez has been located.  The Cumberland Police Department would like to thank the public with any assistance they may have provided in this matter. Charliena Marie Rodriguez has been reported missing to the Cumberland Police Department.  She is a Hispanic female, 17 years old, 5’07”, approximately 120 lbs., with medium length purple hair and brown eyes.  She was last seen in the area of Maryland Avenue, Cumberland on 07/11/24, unknown clothing description at this point in time in the investigation.   Anyone with information as to her whereabouts is urged to contact the Cumberland Police Department at…

U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen (both D-Md.) today praised their colleagues on the Senate Judiciary Committee for promptly sending the nomination of Magistrate Judge Adam Abelson to the full Senate on a bipartisan vote for confirmation to fill a vacancy on the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland. “Judge Abelson is an outstanding nominee for the federal judiciary. His commitment to public service and the rule of law is without question. We recommended Judge Abelson to President Biden for this position because of his strong experience, integrity and demonstrated belief in equal justice for all. We look forward to…

Governor Wes Moore today announced that the Maryland Energy Administration is awarding $6 million for new projects through the Solar Energy Equity Program. The awards will help increase access to clean, renewable energy for Marylanders who are experiencing low to moderate income and who live in underserved or overburdened communities. “Maryland is leading the way in the transition to clean energy, and we will leave no one behind. We are excited to work alongside all of our partners to invest in communities with the greatest need throughout our state,” said Gov. Moore. “These awards will generate new jobs, help families…

The Park Place United Methodist Church in LaVale is celebrating its 130th anniversary. Celebrations will begin with a re-dedication of the church on its actual birthday of Wednesday July 17 from 11 am to 1 pm, according to Richard Matlick, Church Administrative Board Chairman… On July 20, Park Place will have an open house starting at 10am with outside activities, games, and free food. Church tours include the history of the church and its stained glass windows.

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration has approved $267 million dollars for Maryland to deploy or upgrade high-speed internet networks. The funding is part of the Biden Administration’s $42 billion Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment or BEAD program, the cornerstone of the “Internet For All” initiative.  Maryland submitted specific strategies for funding to address broadband gaps in rural and underserved areas. Ronnie Hammond – Deputy Director of the Office of Statewide Broadband, says that actual ground work could start by this time next year…

The Garrett County Department of Public Works – Roads Division has announced that Snowy Creek Road Bridge is scheduled for replacement and is now under construction.  The construction phase will be in effect until further notice. Motorists should expect traffic delays during the bridge construction work.  The public is cautioned to consider utilizing an alternate route of traffic if towing a trailer or recreational vehicle.  Alternate routes of traffic will include Russ DeBerry Road and Hutton Road. Any questions or concerns may be directed to Tracy Kelley, Engineering Division, at 301-334-7482, during normal business hours.

Maryland State Police and the Maryland Vehicle Theft Prevention Council are urging motorists to take precautions against vehicle thefts during the month of July.  Proactive measures are important, as vehicle theft has increased 25 percent from 2019 to 2023, especially among KIA and Hyundai models. Sergeant Davaughn Parker says there are easy steps to safeguarding a vehicle from theft, including anti-theft devices, parking in well-lit areas, and putting away valuables from sight…

Since November of 2023, Hampshire County Schools have been under what the West Virginia Board of Education calls a state of emergency regarding their special education programs.  At the July State Board of Education meeting, significant progress was noted across 19 indicators of improvement and the emergency could be lifted before the end of the year.  Hampshire County Schools Superintendent Jeff Pancione says he wants to work toward being an example for the rest of the state…   

Eighteen community groups have received funding through the hotel-motel tax receipts collected by the City of Cumberland.  This year, $45,000 was distributed to various community groups that had submitted requests for funding that exceeded $120,000.  Mayor Ray Morriss said all of the groups that receive money are deserving because of the work they do within the community…

Nominations for different awards to be presented by the Allegany County Chamber of Commerce at their annual recognition event must be submitted by Friday, July 12.  Annually, the Chamber recognizes businesses and individuals in four categories – Business of the Year, Community Service, Entrepreneurial Spirt, and Non-Profit. In addition, the ceremony spotlights the Western Maryland Jaycees Outstanding Young Professional award.   Questions can be directed to the Chamber at 301.722-2820.