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“Purple Alert” Being Created in Maryland

Maryland Governor Wes Moore has signed a bill into law creating a “Purple Alert” that will be used by law enforcement or other agencies if a person with an intellectual developmental disability or brain injury is missing.  The new alert joins other color-coded alerts for the state – amber for children and silver for senior citizens.  West Virginia also passed legislation for a Purple alert this past session.

Maryland Shoring Up State’s Juvenile Justice System

Maryland Senate President Bill Ferguson was pleased to be at Governor Moore’s recent bill signing where several pieces of legislation were finalized to shore up the state’s juvenile justice system. Ferguson said that lawmakers had heard from constituents, law enforcement, and attorneys that the system was not working effectively and more accountability from all areas is needed… Ferguson said it was difficult legislation to draft since the subject matter is younger children and shaping their futures for a positive outcome…

County Funding Cut to ACOM Will Reduce State Funding

Attempts to balance the Allegany County budget for 2025 are being met with pushback from many of the organizations that rely on funding from the county.  Allegany College of Maryland is one of those groups who are set to lose over $800,000.  Dr. Cynthia Bambara spoke at the recent Allegany County Commissioner’s meeting, saying that the 10% cut to their funding will reduce the funding they receive from the state of Maryland… Dr. Bambara said the funding cut for one year has a cascading effect in years to come on money the college would lose from Maryland…

Governor and First Lady Justice issue statement on death of coal miner in Wyoming County

Gov. Justice and First Lady Cathy Justice issued a statement after learning of the death of a coal miner in Wyoming County.  Virgil Paynter, of Lynco, was fatally injured Thursday morning at the CM Energy Operations LP Surface Mine in Wyoming County while operating an excavator. This marks the first coal mine fatality in West Virginia in 2024. “This is truly a heartbreaking tragedy because we lost another incredible West Virginia hero,” Gov. Justice said. “We should all be grateful for Mr. Paynter’s service, just as we should be thankful for all the miners across our state and country. We…

Local Business Leader Mike Brant Passes Away

Michael "Mike" Brant, 72, died Friday.  Brant was a longtime leader at CBIZ in Cumberland, rising to Senior Vice President.  He was a community leader in Wamba Caravan 89, the Scenic Railroad Board of Directors, and the Downtown Development Commission.  Brant is survived by wife Lynelle and children Alex and Olivia.  Mass of Christian Burial will be May 28 at 11 a.m. at St. Patrick's Catholic Church.

Friendsville Road Bridge Construction to Begin This Week

Construction begins this week on a $7.7 million replacement of the Friendsville Road Bridge over Buffalo Run in Garrett County. Weather permitting, the project is expected to be completed in 2025. A temporary bridge is being constructed for motorists to use while the new bridge is built. A new traffic signal will also be in place to guide motorists through the construction. The new bridge should be complete in 2025.

Allegany County Sheriff’s Office Makes Arrests

Ruby Caroline McCullough, 34 of Cumberland, was arrested on a Circuit Court Bench Warrant for Violation of Probation. McCullough was originally convicted for: Assault-Second Degree where a 15-day jail sentence with 3-years supervised probation was imposed. McCullough is currently being held without bond at the Allegany County Detention Center pending a bail review in Circuit Court. Dylan Price Frost, 31 of Cumberland, was arrested on a District Court Warrant for the charges including: Obstruction of Justice, Assault-Second Degree, Intimidate/Influence Juror, Disturbing Peace-Loud Noise, Disturbing Peace-Hindering Passage, and Driver Spinning Wheels. Frost was released on a $2,000 bond.

Bench Warrant Served

On Saturday May 18, 2024, Officers of the Cumberland Police Department served a District Court Bench Warrant on Megan Gibson. Gibson was taken to the Allegany County Detention Center awaiting her initial appearance with the Commissioner. Arrest: Megan Gibson, age 38, Cumberland Maryland Charge: Failure to appear, original charge; two counts of Failure to send Child to School.

Theft Arrest at UPMC Western Maryland

On May 18, 2024, Officers of the Cumberland Police Department responded to UPMC Western Maryland Hospital for a report of a Theft. Upon arrival Officers made contact with an employee from a local Taxi service. It was determined that Siebert received taxi service but refused to pay the fare. Siebert was issued a Criminal Citation for theft and released pending her trial at District Court. Arrest: Tamara Siebert, age 57, Cumberland Maryland. Charge: Theft.

Westernport City Election May 28

The town of Westernport will hold its election May 28.  Voting hours are 7 a.m. until 7 p.m.