Over $800,000 in federal funding is coming to support Maryland firefighters and first responders in Allegany, Frederick, Garrett and Washington Counties. Funding will enhance response capabilities through training and equipment upgrades. Included in the grant money is $95,000 to the Barton Hose Company and Deep Creek Fire Company to install a diesel exhaust extraction system and over $300,000 to Frederick County for traffic incident management training.

Twenty-four high school graduates have been selected as West Virginia’s fifth cohort of underwood-Smith Teaching Scholars. Included are Jada Sanders and Jack Stanislawczyk from Keyser High School and Emma Cremann from Moorefield High School.  Students will receive $10,000 a year for four years toward their college education in exchange for teaching in West Virginia for five years after graduation. The program is designed to address teacher shortages in math, science, special education, and elementary education.

The Trump Bus Store will be making local stops in the area for those wanting to purchase campaign materials for the Republican Presidential candidate.  Upcoming stops include the old Rite Aid location on Route 220 in Keyser today from 11am till 6pm, the Lower LaVale Volunteer Fire Department on August 13 from 11am till 6pm, August 14 in Moorefield, and August 17 in Meyersdale. The mobile store carries a selection of shirts, hats, flags, and other items.

Governor Wes Moore today signed a State of Preparedness declaration ahead of possible effects from the remnants of Hurricane Debby later this week. While the path is still uncertain, possible effects on Maryland could include heavy rain and winds, inland and tidal flooding. “The safety of Marylanders is our top priority. By declaring a State of Preparedness, I am directing the Department of Emergency Management to coordinate the comprehensive preparation of State government ahead of potential impacts from the remnants of Tropical Storm Debby,” said Gov. Moore. “Residents and visitors should monitor local weather forecasts, remain vigilant, and be prepared to follow…

The University System of Maryland and American Federation of State and County Municipal Employees Maryland Council 3 have reached an agreement to improve salaries and benefits for workers represented by the union. The three-year agreement covers approximately 5,700 employees –or about 95 percent of unionized employees at nine of system’s 12 institutions, including Frostburg State University.  Under the agreement, every eligible employee will receive a pay increase of at least 5.5% effective July 1, 2024. This includes a 3% cost-of-living adjustment plus a 2.5% merit increase. Increased Paid Leave will also be available.

The Baltimore Catholic Archdiocese will hold a second gun buy back this coming weekend. Last year, over 360 handguns, rifles, and semi-automatic weapons were purchased from citizens and then destroyed through the Baltimore City Police Department – $60,000 raised for the event changed hands.  This year, the Archdiocese will have more money for buyback, hoping to reduce the incidence of gun violence in the community by reducing the number of available firearms.  Baltimore Archbishop William Lori says the event is designed to bring Baltimore peace and healing…  

National Night Out has its annual celebration this evening with events taking place in front of the Salvation Army on Sommerville Avenue  This year, 120 community groups and agencies will be set up for the evening. Cumberland Police Chief Chuck Ternent talked to WCBC about the National Night Out program, saying it enhances relationships between neighbors and law enforcement, growing a sense of community… Residents are also encouraged to have their porch lights on from dusk till dawn to increase safety and reduce criminal activity.

On Monday, August 5th, 2024, The Cumberland Police Department served two Criminal Summonses on Daniel Monrose Jr, 39, of Cumberland MD. Both summonses were in reference to incidents that occurred on July 25th, 2024. During these incidents, The Cumberland Police responded to residences on Lincoln and Bedford St for the reports of thefts from motor vehicles. In each incident, unlocked vehicles were entered and property was stolen from the owners. During the investigation, evidence was obtained and Monrose was identified as the suspect. Monrose was served the summonses at the Allegany County Detention Center, where he is currently being held…

On Monday, August 5th, 2024, The Cumberland Police Department served a Criminal Summons on Tiffany Nicole Butler, 39, of Cumberland MD. The summons was in reference to an incident that occurred on May 26th, 2024. During this incident, a victim alleged that they permitted Butler the temporary use of their motor vehicle. According to the victim, Butler refused to return the vehicle within the agreed upon amount of time. As a result, the victim filed for charges with the District Court Commissioner. Butler was served the summons and released, pending trial in District Court. Arrest: Tiffany Nicole Butler                   Age: 39…

On Monday, August 5th, 2024, the Cumberland Police Department arrested Shauwn Kirby Layton, 53, of Cumberland MD.  Layton was arrested on an active Bench Warrant issued by the Allegany County District Court on August 5th. The warrant alleged Layton failed to comply with and order of the court or condition of pre-trial release that stemmed from a previous case charging him with trespassing, assault, and resisting arrest. Layton was taken before a District Court Commissioner for an initial appearance where he was remanded to the Allegany County Detention Center. He is currently being held without bond.  Arrest: Shauwn Kirby Layton          …