Master Deputy State Fire Marshal Edward Ernst, assigned to the Western Region of Office of the Maryland State Fire Marshal is the recipient of the 2023 James C. Robertson Deputy State Fire Marshal of the Year award. This is the third time Ernst has won the award, a first in the Agency's history.  Ernst conducted 62 fire and explosive investigations in 2023, maintaining a 56% criminal case closure rate. Ernst received the award during the Maryland State Firemen's Association annual convention in Ocean City on June 17.

Citing “moral justice and economic justice,” Governor Wes Moore pardoned 175,000 Marylanders earlier this week for marijuana convictions. Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown praised Governor Moore for the action, saying the pardon will remove barriers to creating successful lives previously prevented by the convictions…   

The continuing heat dome over the region this week can take its toll on animals as well as humans.  Taking care of family pets in the heat has its challenges. Tina Rosa of the Allegany County Animal Shelter says that pets need special care in hot weather, including avoiding hot pavement and having plenty of cold water available… Heatstroke is a very real possibility with high temperatures. If your pet shows signs of heatstroke, there are immediate steps to take to help the animal…

With 52 years of service, Cumberland City employee Kevin Ogle is retiring on Friday. Ogle has been employed by the city since 1972 when he joined the Cumberland City Police.  After 37 years with the police force, he then became the Supervisor of the Parking Authority.  Police Chief Chuck Ternent presented Ogle with a plaque and reviewed his police service at Tuesday’s City Council meeting…      

Wanting to make sure the fit is just right is one of the reasons it seems that time is dragging on with housing development on the former Memorial Hospital site.  Talks are continuing with RAZ Development on collaboration options.  Mayor Ray Morriss says the City wants to be sure whatever develops fits the area and is of good quality… Morriss says more builders are now approaching Cumberland, looking for ways to develop land…    

In addition to the beautiful area gardens to enjoy this Saturday on the Cumberland Garden Club Tour, there is also the chance to win some nice prizes.  The Garden Club fundraisers support scholarships to Allegany College and Frostburg State University as well as providing assistance to community gardens at Riverside Park, Veterans’ Park, and garden therapy through HRDC.  Club member Charlotte Lapp says the raffles are rich in prizes…    

Physical activity offers many health benefits, especially for men. With June being Men’s Health Month, UPMC Western Maryland is drawing attention to its free community health and wellness programs that can assist men with an exercise routine. Mike Browning, a UPMC Health Coach, explains that men’s bodies are perfectly suited for beneficial exercise… UPMC has free programs with no co-pay to help men get a safe exercise routine started…    

On Wednesday, June 19th, 2024, the Cumberland City Police arrested Timothy Dwight Bickling, 40, of Cumberland MD. Bickling was arrested on an active Arrest Warrant issued in reference to an incident that occurred on June 17th. During that incident, The Cumberland Police responded to a residence in the 200 block of Pennsylvania Ave for the report of an assault. Once on scene, officers contacted the victim of the assault, who was found to be suffering from multiple injuries. Based on statements gathered by officers and through continued investigation, Bickling was discovered to the suspect in the assault. As a result,…

On Wednesday, June 19th, 2024, a Cumberland Police Officer on patrol in the area of Henderson Ave, observed a female subject trespassing on the CSX tracks in the area. The subject, identified as Lisa Marie Curtain, 52, was advised she was not permitted to be on the tracks. Curtain acknowledged that she was aware of the “no trespassing” signage. As a result, Curtain was issued a criminal citation and released, pending trial in District Court. Arrested: Lisa Marie Curtain                     Age: 52 Charges: Trespass-Posted Property.

Farmer’s Market will run 9:30 am – 1 pm and music from 10:30 am – 12:30 pm at Canal Place Festival Grounds today.