New applications are being accepted for Maryland’s Build Our Future grant program. The program is a financial resource for innovation infrastructure projects supporting eligible technology sectors including defense and agriculture. Matched grants of up to $2 million dollars will be available for projects demonstrating a transformative impact in growth and innovation in the state’s strategic industry sectors. Additional details are available through commerce.maryland.gov

Over the Labor Day weekend, 415,000 vehicle transactions are expected to take place on the West Virginia Turnpike, starting this evening and going through Monday. An estimated 140,000 transactions will occur at the three toll booths on the turnpike on Friday alone as drivers get to their holiday destinations. Drivers may apply for an E-Z Pass or renew one online, or can visit state parkways customer service centers in Charleston and Beckley.

The Cumberland Police Department is requesting the public’s assistance in locating Robert Kyle Ahalt. Robert was reported missing after last being seen on August 28, 2024. Robert is a white male, age 48, 5’08”, approximately 170 lbs., with short brown hair and beard, with blue eyes. Robert was last seen in the area of Willowbrook Road with an unknown clothing description. Anyone with information as to his whereabouts is urged to contact the Cumberland Police Department at 301-777-1600.

Interstate 68 westbound has traffic backed up past the Seton Drive exit.  Drivers should avoid the area and choose an alternate route west.

The Maryland Transportation Authority awarded a $73 million contract for the first phase of the Key Bridge rebuild.  Kiewit Infrastructure of Omaha, Nebraska was awarded the contract to begin rebuilding the vital transportation link in Baltimore following the deadly March 26 collapse.  The completion of the Key Bridge project is targeted for 2028.

The National Weather Service has implemented a flood watch for the area until midnight.  Impacted areas include central and eastern Allegany County and parts of Mineral, Hampshire, Morgan, and Washington Counties.

The City of Cumberland Engineering Department, on behalf of CSX, would like to notify the public that the Knox Street Crossing will be closed to thru traffic on Friday, August 30th until Wednesday, September 4th. Additionally, the Baltimore Street Crossing will be closed from Tuesday, September 3rd to Wednesday, September 4th. Signage will be in place to detour passenger vehicles around the road closures. Traffic is expected to be restored by 8:00PM on September 4th for the Knox Street Crossing and Baltimore Street Crossing. Additional information will be released in the event the closure duration needs to be extended.

While the name change from Redskins to Commanders is still settling in, add the name change of the stadium to the mix.  Fed Ex gave up the naming rights to the home field of the Washington Commanders football team and the new name is Northwest Stadium, following an agreement with Northwest Federal Credit Union, headquartered in Herndon, Virginia.  WCBC will carry the Commanders season, starting with the first regular season game on September 15th.

One of the five City Council candidates has spoken out, saying he is strongly in favor of reinvigorating the area around the George Washington Headquarters on Greene Street. Candidate Brian Lepley says there is untapped potential in that area of the city…  

To start off the Labor Day weekend safely, the Allegany County Sheriff’s Office will conduct a sobriety checkpoint in support of their efforts to crack down on impaired driving in the community. The checkpoint will be enforced on the Route 220 Corridor from 9pm on August 30 to 1am on August 31.