Though it has never been officially open to public access, Wills Mountain State Park is now posting signage to deter people from using the land. The Maryland Department of Resources has recently purchased the Artmor Plastics property and now the DNR wants to work on creating an access point for users and evaluate the parkland that encompasses over 500 acres. DNR officials hope that the Artmor property will now give them the area to create access for those wanting to use the park that was established in 1998.  

The West Virginia Secretary of State’s office registered 1,160 new businesses statewide during the month of July. Wetzel, Summers, Wyoming and Morgan counties experienced notable growth. Statewide, West Virginia has registered almost 14,000 new businesses in the last twelve months. Counties leading the state in July registrations include Berkeley, Jefferson, and Monongalia.

The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration is continuing work on the bridge replacement project of the US 522 bridge over eastbound I-70. Starting Monday, August 12 through August 14, crews will be removing the debris shield from under the southbound US 522 bridge deck. The work should be complete by 5 a.m. Wednesday, weather permitting.  Drivers can expect temporary closure and detour of eastbound I-70 at the US 522 bridge, as well as the southbound US 522 and westbound I-70 ramps each evening from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m.

Local weather observer, Erick Kirchne,r is reminding everyone to be aware of the weather conditions that may occur with the rains from what was once Hurricane Debby. With flooding possible, he advises leaving extra time to travel or even switching event dates or times. He also tells WCBC News that residents should check around their properties to be sure that water has a place to escape and not back up…   For flood prone areas, Kirchner suggests having a place to take shelter if needed…  

The Downtown Development Commission has announced that Taylor Layton is the new marketing coordinator for downtown.  Layton will focus on social media and special events.  Layton is a cum laude graduate of West Virginia University

This week is National Stop on Red week and AAA reminds drivers that ignoring traffic signals has consequences. Over 1,000 lives are lost every year on America’s roads due to red-light running. Maryland is in the top ten state for fatal red-light running crashes. Between 2018 and 2022, 68 fatal red-light crashes resulted in 78 deaths. To reduce the chance of running red lights, AAA suggests limiting distractions, driving defensively, preparing to stop and tapping the brake.

The July numbers are in for Maryland’s six casinos and they are down from a year ago. Revenue from slot machines and table games came close to hitting $170 million dollars, but that number is down 2.6% from July of 2023.  Tax revenue to the state was down as a result, with just over $72 million dollars being collected. Rocky Gap Casino’s take fell over 13% from last July, bringing in just $5 million dollars. The local casino has 636 slot machines and 16 table games.

As expected, Maryland Democrats are singing the praises of Governor Tim Walz of Minnesota, the choice of Democratic nominee Kamala Harris to be her running mate. Governor Wes Moore praised Walz as “a governor with a proven track record of progress and a lifelong patriot.”  Senator Chris Van Hollen served in Congress with Walz and said, “there’s no better person Vice President Harris could have picked.”  Republican Vice Presidential nominee J.D. Vance had an opposite view…  

The Garrett County Sheriff’s Office would like to inform residents of a paving scam in the area. The company arrives at businesses or residences, stating they have leftover asphalt from a previous job and will pave your driveway. Once agreed upon, they arrive with multiple extra loads of asphalt and charge higher prices than negotiated. This paving company has been traveling to multiple locations in the Oakland and Deep Creek Lake area, as well as the surrounding area. Residents are urged to use caution to such scams, always ask for a business license, and agree to signed contracts.

Work is progressing along Maryland Avenue and WIlliams Street on the Cumberland Gateway, also known as the Rolling Mill project – the developer recently bought the remaining house on Emily Street.  Work is now happening to get a portion of the lot ready for Royal Farms to begin their build.