Maryland’s Department of Housing and Community Development has issued the largest mortgage revenue bond in the agency’s history. Proceeds from the $400 million bond may be used to finance affordable, mortgage loans for first-time homebuyers through the Maryland Mortgage Program.  The program has been the state’s flagship homeownership source for more than 40 years, providing fixed-rate mortgages along with other mortgage products. Borrowers can receive additional down payment and closing cost assistance, helping to address one of the biggest barriers for many homebuyers. For more information, visit mmp.maryland.gov.

On November 29, 2023 Officers from the Cumberland Police Department served a Bench Warrant for Failure to Appear on Matthew James Brehm for an original charge of theft. Matthew James Brehm was taken to ACDC to await his hearing. Arrest: Matthew James Brehm, age 43, Cumberland MD Charges: Bench Warrant Failure to Appear

On Thursday November 30th, 2023 Officers of the Cumberland Police Department were dispatched to Sheetz Store on Virginia Ave for a theft in progress. Upon arrival Donovan Owenn Grabill was found sitting in the isle while eating items from the store shelf. Donovan Grabill failed to comply with Officers, was arrested and taken to ACDC. Arrest: Donovan Owenn Grabill, age 18, Cumberland Maryland Charges: Theft less than $100, Obstructing and Hinder    

Home builder D.R. Horton has housing developments in many Maryland and Pennsylvania locations near Cumberland including Frederick, Gettysburg, and Ellicott City.  Allegany County Commission President Dave Caporale has taken issue with complaints about the quality of Horton’s builds, pointing to other areas where the developer has had success… Caporale also said that a reason for the drop in county population has possibly been the historical shortage of new housing…

Additional emergency state funding has been approved by Governor Wes Moore for hate-crime prevention grants. One million dollars in additional grants are available to Maryland organizations serving protected classes and religious organizations for the hiring of security personnel or security enhancements.  The funding is in addition to $5 million released earlier in the year. Lt. Governor Aruna Miller said the state is committed to providing faith-based and nonprofit groups the resources they need to ensure the safety of their members and congregations. Information on the grants is available through the Governor’s Office of Crime Control and Prevention.

Allegany County Public Schools recently held the Annual Focus on the Future Showcase that targets all eighth grade students. The event provides students with information, course suggestions, college or trade school options, and job market information. Focus on the Future also seeks to promote economic growth in Allegany County by keeping graduates locally employed with the necessary expertise to enter the workforce. The event featured ten career clusters of occupations representing a full range of career opportunities. Local businesses participated in the event by providing hands-on experiences for students that introduced them to a variety of workplace skills.

Allegan County Emergency Services along with Garrett County Emergency Services responding to a commercial fire, Meshach Frost Village Frostburg. This fire is off Broadway near the University. All occupants of the building have been evacuated. Fire crew's staging on Water Street. Please avoid the area. Update: 9:05 a.m. Fire knocked down, crew's beginning mop up and being relieved from the area.     

Water on Liberty St. has been shut off because the contractors have hit another water service.

On November 28, 2023, Cumberland Police Department served a Bench Warrant on Richard Alan Wilburn, 46, of Cumberland Maryland. The Bench warrant  for failure to appear, was issued by the District Court of Maryland. The original charge was driving a motor vehicle with a suspended out of state license. Wilburn was transported to the Allegany County Detention Center with a bond set at $2000.00. Arrest: Richard Alan Wilburn, age 46, Cumberland Maryland. Charges: Bench Warrant FTA, driving a Motor vehicle with a suspended out of state license. On November 28, 2023 Officers of the Cumberland Police Department Arrested Jared Citarelli…

The shooting death of Maryland Circuit Court Judge Andrew Wilkinson in Hagerstown just weeks ago has opened a case for more protections of judges, especially those dealing with custody issues or domestic violence.  Maryland Supreme Court Judge Matthew Fader held a virtual meeting Tuesday with judges, magistrates, and other court employees across the state to discuss ways to protect judges and other court personnel who could be subject to violent acts in or out of the courthouse. Senator Mike McKay spoke with reporters following the Washington County Legislative Breakfast about the situation as well…