Along with Allegany County residents, Cumberlanders will also be facing a water service increase come July.  City Comptroller Mark Gandolfi presented an initial budget overview for Fiscal Year 2025 at Tuesday’s Mayor and Council work session, and the 20% lift is something that Mayor Ray Morriss thinks is better done now than later… Gandolfi says the major change in the water budget is because of losing a big customer…

Those needing assistance with self-representation in court proceedings have a new resource in Allegany County.  The Court Help Access and Information Center is now open in the Circuit Court Annex on Prospect Square.  Residents can receive assistance with civil legal matters including landlord-tenant, divorce, custody, expungement, and consumer matters. Court help center attorneys are available to explain court documents and assist with completing court forms and preparing for court or mediation appearances.

Wind turbines are becoming more familiar in the region as they stretch across the ridges of Appalachia.  The newest set of turbines is set for construction atop Dan’s Mountain, but local citizens group Anchor has been fighting against the installation for over 15 years.  John Fetchero, Anchor’s spokesperson, says the turbines do not create as much energy as people may think… Anchor also views the turbines as having a detrimental effect on something the county banks on – the natural beauty of the area…

Maryland casinos had overall reduced revenue in April, bringing in almost 7% less than at this time last year.  Combined gaming from slots and table games generated $163.1 million dollars for the state’s six privately owned casinos.  Tax revenue to the state was down as a result with $69.7 million going to Maryland.  Rocky Gap Casino continued its monthly year-over-year decline, showing a 20% decline over last April. The local casino generated just over $4 million in revenue through its 627 slot machines and 16 table games.

Individuals interested in a career in healthcare may want to explore a scholarship opportunity through the Western Maryland Health System Auxiliary.  Scholarships are available for any area of study within healthcare. Patty DeArcangelis Auxiliary Publicity Chair explains… This year, the auxiliary is also supporting existing employees of UPMC Western Maryland with the opportunity to apply for tuition reimbursement. Information and forms are at www.wmhs.com.

On May 7th, 2024 at approximately 11:30 p.m., the Cumberland Police Department responded to a business in the 200 block of Greene Street for an intoxicated subject that had been ordered to leave the premises, by officers, and had since returned. The officers contacted the individual and identified him as Christopher Michael Freeman Sr. Freeman had been ordered to leave the business at 8:55 p.m. as well as 9:49 p.m. Freeman was subsequently placed under arrest for failing to remain off of the property and intoxicated public disturbance.   NAME: Christopher Michael Freeman  AGE: 44  Rawlings, MD CHARGES: Trespassing on Private Property, Intoxicated Public…

On May 7th, 2024 at approximately 4:30 p.m., the Cumberland Police Department responded to the 200 block of Baltimore Street for a complaint of subjects trespassing; inside of a property posted for all persons to vacate by April 11th, 2024. Inside of the posted property, officers located three individuals Tyra Larae Rice, Jessica Nicole Porter, and David Lee Sheppard. The three were placed under arrest and issued criminal citations for trespassing. All were released pending trial at District Court. NAME: Jessica Nicole Porter AGE: 36  Cumberland, MD CHARGES: Trespassing on Posted Property NAME: David Lee Sheppard  AGE: 35  Mount Savage, MD CHARGES: Trespassing on Posted Property NAME: Tyra Larae…

On May 7th, 2024 the Cumberland Police Department served a bench warrant for violation of probation on Joshua Lee Horner. Horner was originally charged with driving a motor vehicle on a highway without a required license. Horner was found to have violated terms of his probation and a bench warrant was issued. He was placed under arrest, and remanded to the Allegany Detention Center without bond. NAME: Joshua Lee Horner  AGE: 40  Cumberland, MD CHARGES: Driving without a license  

On May 7th, 2024 the Cumberland Police Department served a criminal summons on Brenda Lene Ogden. The summons was issued after an officer conducted an investigation of a theft that occurred on April 17th, 2024 on Browning Street. The officer was able to view video surveillance of Ogden taking property off of a porch. Ogden was positively identified in the surveillance video, and the officer filed for charges at District Court. Ogden signed for her copy of the summons and was released pending trial at District Court. NAME: Brenda Lene Ogden AGE: 41  Cumberland, MD CHARGES: Burglary 4th degree, Theft…

Senator Van Hollen says “The latest attacks against Angela Alsobrooks are simply not true. She is a proven leader and the best choice to serve Marylanders in the Senate.  Angela is the strongest candidate in this race, and she will beat Larry Hogan in November.”