U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.) issued the following statement after voting against a bill to reauthorize the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). “The FAA reauthorization is an important, must-pass bill, but I am greatly disappointed that critical amendments were blocked from consideration. Foremost among these was an amendment to ensure the safety of flights in and out of Washington National Airport (DCA) that I cosponsored with Senators Chris Van Hollen, Tim Kaine and Mark Warner. Against the recommendations of the FAA itself, which indicated that additional flights would add to already overburdened flight operations, the Senate has voted to add 10…

Governor Wes Moore today presided over the third bill signing ceremony of 2024, which included three bills included the governor’s legislative agenda—the ENOUGH Act; to address concentrated poverty in Maryland’s marginalized communities; the Critical Infrastructure Streamlining Act, which removes barriers to Maryland’s technology infrastructure growth; and the Transparent Government Act, which improves predictability for entrepreneurs and businesses seeking to grow their businesses in Maryland. "We are data-driven and heart-led in everything we do. Today, Marylanders are moving in partnership to build a more competitive state through historic legislation designed to lift everyone up and leave no one behind," said Gov….

The Allegany County Sheriff’s Office and Maryland State Police have combined resources to target open and active warrants. As a result, the following individuals have been apprehended. Tuesday, May 7, 2024 Dakota Lee Castro, 21 of Frostburg, was arrested as a Fugitive from Justice. He is wanted by Mineral County, WV for Shoplifting-Removal of Merchandise. He was released on a $2,500 Unsecured Personal Bond. Amber Lynn Saltarelli, 43 of Barto, PA was arrested as a Fugitive from Justice. She is wanted by Berks County PA for Violation of Probation. She waived extradition at review and is being held without bond…

U.S. Senator Ben Cardin took to the Senate floor this week for an update on recovery efforts after the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge. The Senator continued his push to fulfill President Joe Biden’s commitment that the federal government pay the full cost of replacing the essential thoroughfare…

In May of 2025, anyone planning to board a commercial flight or enter a federal facility will be required to have a REAL ID-compliant identification. Maryland’s Motor Vehicle Administration is encouraging customers to sign up for a myMVA account to check their REAL ID status.  Obtaining a REAL ID requires one proof of age and identity, one proof of Social Security, and two proofs of state residency on file with MVA. Customers may renew their driver’s licenses up to 12 months before the expiration date and obtain the new ID without an additional fee.

Roy DeVore, Jr. will be stepping aside as athletic director at Fort Hill to spend more time with his young family.  Gavin Palumbo will take over duties this fall.  Palumbo is a Fort Hill graduate and was a star athlete during his high school career.  He has also served as an assistant football coach for many years.

 Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration will begin a resurfacing project May 14 on US 219 near I-68 (National Freeway/Exit 22) near Grantsville. The project should be complete by Friday, May 17, weather permitting. The work will require a detour during work hours on US 219 to US 219 Business (Chestnut Ridge Road) and back to US 219. Crews will work 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. Drivers are encouraged to add additional drive time during work. The State Highway Administration’s contractor, Keystone Lime Co., Inc. of Fort Hill, PA, will use signs, flaggers, and barrels to guide motorists safely…

West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey is co-leading with Indiana a coalition of 25 states in a lawsuit asking the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit to review and declare unlawful the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s recently-released new rule on existing coal-, natural gas- and oil-fired power plants. The rule would force power plants fueled by coal or natural gas to capture smokestack emissions or shut down. It would regulate those plants under the Clean Air Act by imposing more stringent emissions standards. The rule ignored 2022’s rebuke from the U.S. Supreme Court in West Virginia v….

No local races are involved in the May 14 primary election, but two races of interest are the 6th District seat in Congress and the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Ben Cardin. Incumbent Congressman David Trone is seeking the Democratic Senate nomination, facing a stiff challenge from Prince Georges County Executive Angela Alsobrooks. Former governor Larry Hogan is expected to take the Republican nomination for Senate. A large contingent of Democrats and Republicans are vying for the sixth district house seat currently held by Trone.

WCBC and the Allegany County Chamber of Commerce presented the annual Frostburg State University Student Salute Scholarships at Tuesday evening’s Allegany County School Board meeting. Scholarships are provided by WCBC’s High School Student Salute, sponsored by Chessie Federal Credit Union. This year’s winners are Morgan Steckman, Anna Delaney, and Erin Worgan of Mountain Ridge High School.  Andrea Kraft from the Chamber explained the selection process for the scholarships… School Superintendent Jeff Blank offered his thanks for the long-running program…