Last week, Attorney General Anthony Brown announced charges brought against four individuals between the ages of 16 and 20 for their roles in a string of gun store thefts. Between December and March, 81 firearms were stolen in Anne Arundel, Prince Georges’ and Baltimore counties. Only six of the firearms have been recovered. Senator Mike McKay commented to WCBC that introducing another bill in the coming General Assembly making stealing a firearm a felony is a real possibility… "If we truly are going to be worried about firearms we need to make sure that if you still one it's a…

On September 3, 2024, the Cumberland Police Department served an Arrest warrant on Araya Maureen Plauger. The  warrant was issued for theft less than $100.00. With an additional charge for Failure to appear. Arrest: Araya Maureen Plauger, age 30, Ridgeley, West Virginia. Charge: Theft less than $100.00 and Failure to appear.     

On September 3, 2024, the Cumberland Police Department served a Summons on Tracy Lee McDonald. The summons stemmed from a vehicle accident on August 8, 2024. McDonald was found to be at Fault and failed to provide necessary documentation. Arrest: Tracy Lee McDonald, age 49, Cumberland, Maryland. Charges: Driving motor vehicle on highway without license, Failure to control speed to avoid collision and Failure of vehicle driver involved in an accident to provide insurance information.                                         

Maryland’s Department of Housing and Community Development announced awards in Technical Assistance Grants as part of the Fiscal Year 2025 Operating Assistance Grant Program. The program assists nonprofit organizations, local governments and local development corporations involved in community and economic revitalization. The City of Frostburg will receive $20,000 to support a Main Street revitalization roadmap report that identifies action items for economic revitalization, identifies strategies for holistic economic development, improves quality of life, and engages the community.

Senate Minority Leader Steve Hershey shared the following comments following the Maryland Department of Transportation’s release of the Consolidated Transportation Plan “Once again, it’s disappointing to see that the Governor and Department of Transportation can’t figure out how to maintain and operate the state’s transportation system without having to make severe cuts to the construction and maintenance of the state’s roads and highways network. Did they not get the message the Democrat-led General Assembly just hiked the vehicle registration fees for all Maryland motorists? Instead of maintaining our roads, the Governor sets forth priorities to advance EV charging infrastructure, move forward…

The latest Gonzales Media Services research poll shows that Maryland Governor Wes Moore is riding a big approval bump over this past winter’s results. New results show Moore with a 64% approval rating, up 33 points from the February poll. That’s the highest positive rating for a Democratic office holder since Governor William Donald Schafer was in office 40 years ago. As expected, 82% of Democrats support Moore, but 35% of the state’s Republicans are also giving him a thumbs up.

West Virginia State Treasurer Riley Moore recently celebrated West Virginia’s “National ABLE Savings Day,” encouraging employers, advocates and individuals with disabilities to explore the ways the ABLE savings program can empower residents to become more financially independent. ABLE allows eligible individuals to save and invest money without harming their ability to receive public benefits. Previously, those receiving benefits such as SSI could not save more than $2,000 without risking loss of benefits.

The Garrett County Sheriff’s Department is actively seeking qualified candidates for full time positions as Sheriff’s Deputies.  Salary for the position starts at just above $49,000 per year and includes a comprehensive benefits package. There is also currently a hiring bonus program and additional pay for lateral transfers.  Applications are due Monday, September 16th.

A Tuesday afternoon unveiling took place at the Rosenbaum Building as a mural was revealed to the public.  Marc Phillips is the artist.  Phillips also has a mural at Cartridges Galore.  The mural is located on the first floor at the Rosenbaum.

State police say they have a suspect in a Sunday murder in Mineral County. No arrests have been made. Troopers said Emma Westover, 22, of Keyser, was found dead in a vehicle Sunday afternoon near Antioch. Troopers determined the cause of death was by homicide. “Investigators have identified a suspect related to the incident and an investigation is underway,” a state police news release said. Troopers were assisted at the scene by the Mineral County Sheriff’s Department.