Donations are being requested by Garrett County Law Enforcement agencies for the annual Police Providing Presents event by December 6th.  The event gives children of Garrett County the opportunity to shop with an officer for presents for family and themselves.  Donations can be delivered or mailed to the Department of Social Services, attention “Finance Office” in Oakland.  Questions can be directed to the Maryland State Police McHenry Barrack.

The Allegany County Sheriff's Office Crash Team has been investigating the hit and run of a pedestrian on Route 51 in Oldtown that occurred during the early morning hours of Saturday October 18, 2025. A motor vehicle crash had occurred and the driver of that vehicle had extracted themselves from the vehicle but while he was standing in the roadway being assisted by other motorists, a light colored pickup truck drove by striking him causing serious physical injury. The light colored pickup truck then immediately turned around and fled south on Route 51. The injured driver was flown by Trooper…

On Tuesday, October 21, 2025 at approximately 7:20 AM, officers of the Cumberland Police Department responded to a business in the 100 block of N. Mechanic Street for a disturbance.  Police contacted the staff who reported that Brittany Rice was banging on the windows of the business after being told to leave the property.  Officers advised Rice to leave the property and not return.  Rice walked away and tampered with a police cruiser.  Rice was arrested and transported to police headquarters for processing.  She was taken to Central Booking and later seen by a District Court Commissioner for a bond…

The Allegany County Commissioners held a special public work session on Tuesday to discuss options on handling issues at the county animal shelter. The county received notice Monday evening that all remaining members of the shelter foundation had resigned and that only 2 part-time workers were at the shelter.  County Administrator Jason Bennett set the tone for the commissioner’s concerns…     “What we really need to figure out is the immediate and the immediate is how do we care for the animals. There’s 430, 40 animals out there right now. We have to figure out how we care for…

Lt. Andrew Tichnell retires after 24 years with the Cumberland City Police Department.  Tichnell joined the Cumberland City Police in September of 2001 and was made lieutenant in 2020.  The Mayor and City Council recognized Tichnell for his service during Tuesday’s council meeting.  Police Chief Jim Pyles thanked Tichnell for the role he has played in the community… “What you’ve done for many years, you’ve touched many lives, you’ve touched many youth, and one life, one day, you’ve changed the City of Cumberland, and thank you.” Mayor Ray Morriss added that Tichnell was leaving big shoes to fill in community…

Maryland Water Service sending out a rate increase notice the same day as a public meeting regarding water issues is yet another reason Bel Air residents are determined to make changes. House Minority Leader Jason Buckel said the group needs a plan. “Does the county want to take the system over via eminent domain or otherwise, do people want to oppose the transaction formally, legally, how do you do that? And then are people going to come through the proper system, the legal system and oppose this 17%, roughly, rate increase?” According to Senator Mike McKay, the citizens are organized…

Maryland’s lone Republican Congressman Andy Harris, who also heads the Freedom Caucus on Capitol Hill, is pointing squarely at Democrats for the continued government shutdown that started on October 1. Harris said the Dems have had 11 opportunities to vote to reopen government and pay federal employees…     “Instead, they’ve sided with the same radical activists that filled the streets this weekend chanting “no kings” at rallies backed by the Communist Party USA and socialists. The same people who claim to hate power while demanding more control over your life.”

The State of Maryland has launched a modernized unclaimed property website and system at marylandcomptroller.gov/ucp that will make it easier for residents to reclaim lost assets. State Comptroller Brooke Lierman spoke with WCBC about the new Kelmar Abandoned Property system’s ability to cut down time to reclaim property from what was up to a six-month wait…      “And I said well this is crazy – we need to get people their money, We were able recently to adopt this new system. It’s used by 40 other states and we’re really excited now to have this new offering for Marylanders.”…

On Tuesday, October 21, 2025 at approximately 4:58 PM, officers of the Cumberland Police Department responded to a business in the 400 block of Virginia Avenue for the report of Megan Pettit trespassing on the property.  Police confirmed that Pettit had been served with a no trespassing letter.  Officers arrived on scene and placed Pettit under arrest.  She was issued a criminal citation and released pending trial. ARRESTED:  Megan Lynn Pettit           AGE:  39              Cumberland, MD CHARGES:  Trespass: Private Property

A fire Tuesday morning in Frostburg caused $40,000 in damage.  The fire was reported at 6:57 a.m. at 317 Main Street.  Twenty-eight firefighters responded and the kitchen fire was extinguished in five minutes.  The fire was deemed accidental and the owner of the home, Shannon Paige McGann, and a pet escaped the fire safely.  The American Red Cross is assisting.