West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey on Friday led a coalition of 24 states in a letter to Congress offering the states’ “experiences and perspectives” regarding the implementation of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency of Waters of the United States (WOTUS) “conformed” rule. The House subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment has scheduled a hearing next week: Waters of the United States Implementation Post-Sackett [v. Environmental Protection Agency] Decision: Experiences and Perspectives. In 2023, the Attorney General led a 26-state coalition in an amicus brief to the Supreme Court in support of the petitioners, Michael and Chantell Sackett. In May 2023,…

The community is invited to join the City of Hagerstown on Saturday, September 7 for “Aaron Brooks’ Homecoming of Hope”, a celebration intended to honor Aaron and to inspire others by sharing the incredible story that has taken him from Hagerstown to places all around the world, and back to Hagerstown with the 86kg freestyle wrestling Olympic bronze medal around his neck. “What’s so amazing about his story is that it’s real,” Mayor Tekesha Martinez said.  “Aaron’s just 24, and yet he’s shown us all what can be accomplished when we embrace our roots, our faith, and hard work. His journey…

High School Gameday hosted by Garrett Eagan and Mike Allen previews the week's action in high school football action. High School Gameday brought to you by Bella Napoli Pizza Pasta Subs Greene Street – the official host and home of High School Gameday.     

Dillen Allen Smith, 30 of Flintstone, was served a District Court Bench Warrant for Violation of Probation. Smith’s original conviction was for Driving Vehicle While So far Impaired by Drugs Cannot Drive Safely. He was sentenced to a Fine of $307.50 and 3-years Unsupervised Probation Before Judgement (PBJ) and a suspended 60-days suspended sentence. Smith was released on his own recognizance on this matter, but is being held at this time at the Allegany County Detention Center on other charges. Heather Renee Sager, 31 of Cumberland, was served a Circuit Court Bench Warrant Violation of Probation. Sager’s original conviction was…

This week, the Mayor and City Council of Cumberland celebrated the retirement of employees Tim Amann, Terry Puffinberger, and Juli Davis. Amann retired with 48 years of service with the police department and municipal parking authority, and Puffinberger worked in the fire department for 34 years as a paramedic and equipment operator. Fire Chief Shannon Adams reviewed Davis’ 47-year career that started in 1977 with the City…     “She started in Finance first and then moved to HR and then in 1995 she moved over to the Fire Department where she has been as the administrative officer.  She handled…

On Thursday, September 5th, 2024 deputies with the Allegany County Sheriff's Office responded to the 14000 block of Ellerslie Road for a reported collision involving a motorcycle and SUV.  As a result of the collision, Robert Jeffrey Palmer (63 of Paw Paw, WV) was pronounced dead on the scene. A preliminary investigation conducted by the Sheriff's Office Crash Team revealed that for unknown reasons, Palmer crossed the centerline. Palmer then collided with a south bound vehicle. Paramedics with the Allegany County Department of Emergency Services attempted live saving efforts; however they were unsuccessful. The operator of the SUV was transported to UPMC, Cumberland for treatment of…

Sunday, September 8 marks 988 Day, dedicated to raising awareness about the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. The Lifeline gives 24/7 access to crisis counselors providing support to individuals experiencing mental health-related distress, including thought of suicide, mental or substance crisis or other emotional challenges. Jeremy Smith from First Choice Services says calls they have received have been from individuals 34 or younger…     "Majority of our calls lately have been from people under the age of 34 so we're definitely seeing the younger generation reach out and ask for help and that's good we want to destigmatize you…

The Chief Robert H. Bob Shimer Public Service award was presented to the 2024 awardees during Thursday’s Allegany County Commissioner’s Meeting.  Scott Yates from Shaft Volunteer Fire Department has served over 25 years, being fire chief for 23 years.  Dale Evans of LaVale Rescue Squad has served since 1973. Cumberland Fire Chief Shannon Adams Presented the awards.  Commission President Dave Caporale said the award is presented annually by the Allegany County Emergency Services Board…     "The award is intended to reward the efforts of a deserving individual or group that demonstrate a continuous effective commitment to citizens of Allegany…

Maryland Senator Mike McKay will be proposing a bill in the next General Assembly that will authorize first responders to receive treatment for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. As technology advances, 911 callers will be able to grant first responders phone access to video real-time situations. McKay says these responders will witness traumatic situations and the bill would enable those to receive treatment if needed…      "That is wonderful technology to help solve problems and help people. I just think of all the mental health issues that are going to come with that, I'm  worried about our dispatchers having to watch…