Two West Virginia Astrophysicists have been honored with Distinguished Mountaineer Awards for their contributions to science.  At a ceremony in Morgantown, Governor Jim Justice presented Dr. Maura McLaughlin and Dr. Duncan Lorimer the awards for representing West Virginia on an international level. The doctors were recognized for work in gravitational waves and pulsar astrophysics…

Holiday travel this summer is on the rise and Triple-A expects more of the same for the upcoming July 4 holiday. AAA projects almost 71 million Americans will head 50 miles or more from home during the week of the fourth.  The busiest days on the road are projected to be Wednesday, July 3 and Monday, July 8. Air travel is also expected to set a record with almost 6 million passengers. AAA reminds drivers to map their routes, secure loose items in the car, and bring entertainment for children.

Peggy Keene of the Daughters of the Revolution brought an update to the Mayor and City Council recently that continued to reveal issues with vagrancy and litter around the historic cabin.  DAR volunteers had previously cleaned the cabin area for visits during the recent Museum week in the county, only to arrive for tours and find trash, human filth and people sleeping by monuments in the park… Mayor Ray Morriss says he will get with the City Administrator and Chief of Police to put together a plan to address the ongoing issue.

Twenty patients were on hand at UPMC Western Maryland on Tuesday to celebrate the 100th Watchman procedure performed at the Heart and Vascular Institute, including the first and 100th patient.  Dr. Hani Alkhatib began doing the procedure in Cumberland 2 ½ years ago.  The procedure where a device is implanted in the heart to prevent clots is a good choice for those with AFIB who are older or cannot take blood thinners.  Dr. Alkhatib noted that many more positive changes are coming for local patients…

Walker Smith used his arm and his bat to lead the Athletics to a 7-0 win Tuesday night in a game broadcast by Classic Hits 107.  Smith pitched a one hitter, striking out 12, and he stroked a home run in the first inning.  Keegan Glotfelty added two doubles and a triple while Jordan Jones and Camden Iser each had two singles for the Athletics.  For the Pirates, Caden Hall played outstanding defense in center field.

The Cumberland Fire Department urges residents to refrain from purchasing, transporting, and using illegal or contraband fireworks this Fourth of July.  Chief Adams urges residents to attend one of the many licensed public fireworks displays that are held throughout Maryland during the Fourth of July holiday period.  The City of Cumberland will provide a public display at Constitution Park on the Fourth of July at approximately 9:15 PM.

Paving at two major intersections in downtown Cumberland is planned for Wednesday and Thursday.   The Mechanic Street / Baltimore Street Intersection will be closed to through traffic overnight on Wednesday and Thursday. Paving will occur between 7:00 PM and 6:00 AM.  Vehicles will be detoured to Queen City Drive via Frederick Street and Harrison Street.  Traffic is expected to be fully restored after work is completed at 6:00 AM on each day.  George Street and Baltimore Street will be closed to through traffic between Queen City Drive and George Street on Wednesday, June 26th from 7am to 5pm.  A detour will…

Thirty-five firefighters working in the extreme heat on Saturday brought a structure fire under control in 10 minutes along Canal Road near Mexico Farms, One EMS provider was transported from the scene due to the heat.  The Maryland Office of the State Fire Marshal indicated the preliminary cause of the fire to a manufactured home was the malfunction of a window air conditioner. Occupants of the home are being assisted by the American Red Cross.  A dog and cat perished in the fire that occurred around 3:30 Saturday afternoon.

Several changes in staffing of school principals have been announced by Allegany County Public Schools.   Josh Cook will become Acting Principal at Bel Air Elementary, Tim Farrell will be headed to Flintstone Elementary, and Bill Dwyer will head Frost Elementary.  Other changes include Scott Sisler to Cash Valley, Misty Dotson to Northeast, Shannon Ralston to Beall Elementary, and Tessa Fairall will become principal at South Penn. The changes are in effect for the 2024-25 school year.

On Monday, June 24th, 2024, officers with the Cumberland Police Dept. were flagged down in the area N. Mechanic St by an injured male subject. Officers discovered that the male was suffering from a laceration to the neck and immediately called for emergency medical services. It was learned that the victim had been assaulted in the area of Baltimore St after an argument over a cigarette. The victim advised that after he refused to give the male suspect a cigarette, the man got angry and cut his throat. The suspect then fled the area on foot. The victim provided a…