The Daily Record, a statewide business and legal newspaper has announced its list of the Top 100 Women in Maryland.  This year’s recipients include Dr. Cynthia Bambara of Allegany College of Maryland, Sara-Beth Bittinger of Frostburg State University, Lauri Peskin-Marchini of Cumberland City Government, Carissa Rodeheaver from First United Corporation, and Dr. Diane Romaine, Lifetime Dental Care.  The recognition notes outstanding achievement by women in professional accomplishment, community leadership and mentoring.

With March Madness right around the corner, the Maryland Attorney General’s Office is cautioning Marylanders to be vigilant and wary of scams and aggressive marketing meant to persuade bettors to make bigger and riskier bets. Check consumer reviews and ratings with the Better Business Bureau.  Read the fine print on all promotions, especially those that look too good to be true. Look for conditions or penalties that may limit how and when you are able to cash out winnings. There is no such thing as a completely risk-free bet, or free money, when it comes to gambling.

An important issue to the businesses and residents of the downtown area continues to be security.  Matt Miller of Cumberland Economic Development has been working on a project to  tackle that concern and recently had an update about a surveillance system being installed…    

On Sunday, March 17, 2024, the Cumberland Police Department served a criminal summons on William Stewart Sr.  The summons was issued as the result of an incident that occurred on March 6, 2024.  On this date at approximately 4:38 PM, officers responded to Baltimore Street at Queen City Drive for an assault.  Police contacted the alleged victim who reported that William Stewart struck him with a closed fist.  After further investigation, police filed for charges against Stewart at the District Court of Allegany County.  Stewart signed for his copy of the summons and he was released pending trial. ARRESTED:  William…

The Maryland Senate chamber unanimously passed their version of the state’s budget this past Thursday, a $63 billion dollar package that is actually one billion dollars less than last fiscal year. Senate President Bill Ferguson was quick to give kudos to the Senators for working together and having what he called “agreeable differences.”  The Senate’s version of the budget stays honest to the wishes of Governor Moore…    

Coming down the final straight in Annapolis is a last-minute bill that would put the ownership of Pimlico Racetrack in the hands of the state to restore the course that is one of the jewels in horseracing’s Triple Crown.  $400 million in bond money would be used to rebuild the aging track. The Preakness Race would still be held this year at the track, but then while renovations take place, the race would move to the Laurel Race Track before coming back to a new Pimlico.

Governor Jim Justice signed off on West Virginia’s new budget, but is likely to call back the legislature to make some changes.  The $5 billion dollar budget isn’t complete in Justice’s eyes – $100 million was pulled out of the budget that should be with the Department of Human Services and losing that money could mean losing millions in federal matching funds. Legislators are also holding back over $400 million that may or may not be owed back to the federal government in covid funds…    

The Downtown Development Commission meeting this past week featured a number of updates on the construction project – Executive Director Melinda Kelleher says with the work that is already done, one can really start to see what the downtown will look like… The milder weather has helped Triton Construction with laying pavers and other prep work getting accomplished…    

For over seven years, Senior Deputy State Fire Marshal Melissa Decker and her partner, K9 Sky, have been assisting fire investigators across Maryland and beyond in finding trace amounts of flammable liquids to help build cases against arsonists or to rule out their use so investigators can focus on other potential reasons for a fire. However, Sky is hanging up her badge, and the beloved accelerant detection canine officially retired today.  Trained by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), K9 Sky started in the "Puppy Behind Bars" program, where she lived with and was socialized by inmates who provided…

The State of Maryland is considering a $400 million bond to finance renovations to Pimlico Racetrack, home of the second leg of horse racing Triple Crown, the Preakness Stakes.  While renovations are taking place, the race would move to the Laurel Race Track.  The Preakness has been run in Maryland since 1873.