Bluestone State Park was the setting for the introduction of a new team within the West Virginia Natural Resources Police.  A ten-officer dive team with members throughout the state will now be available for search and rescue efforts and investigations.  Natural Resources Police Colonel Bobby Cales said the team underwent intensive training of over 100 hours to receive initial certification…

The Hope Scholarship Program has met state law requirements for opening up to all school-age children residing in West Virginia beginning in the 2026-2027 academic year. The program offers eligible families money toward a personalized education for their student that can be used for tuition, fees and other expenses. For the 26-27 school year, the scholarship amount is estimated to be around $5,000.

One year in to cannabis legalization, the State of Maryland is celebrating more than $1.1 billion dollars in sales.  Total medical and adult-use retail sales passed one billion  dollars, with $700 million coming from the adult-use market.  2023 saw $800 million in sales in just six months after cannabis became legal on July 1 of that year. Medical marijuana sales are not subject to sales tax in the state, but the sales from adult-use sales has generated over $60 million in revenue.

The summer program for the Allegany County Library this year is taking events outside the walls of library locations.  Events include the upcoming Reptile Experience at Rocky Gap State Park’s pavilion.  Ashley Swinford, Marketing Manager for the library system, says the hands-on event for children up to age 17 takes place Wednesday July 10th, starting at 5pm…

Despite an appeal from another vendor, the Maryland Board of Public Works approved a new $20 million dollar contract for EBT cards with Conduent, the company Maryland has been using since 2007.  Human Services Secretary Raphael Lopez says the new cards with chip technology will curtail the theft of SNAP food benefits that have cost the state close to thirty million dollars…  Fidelity Information Services, a company that also bid on the contract, said they are in the midst of an appeal with the state and Vice President Mike Miller told the board they should not vote on a new…

Allegany College of Maryland has received grant for over $800,000 to introduce self-care strategies to students in all 22 Allegany County public schools.  ACM’s “Meeting The Moment” project will allow mind-body coping skills to be taught at all grade levels to reduce stress and increase self-awareness.  The grant is part of the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future education plan.  Kathy Condor, Program Manager, says such tools are critical for students in a post-pandemic world… This is the largest health grant in ACM’s history.  Condor notes that area schools are looking forward to the skills and techniques students will be learning, including…

The City of Cumberland and Allegany County are both stepping up efforts to bring new housing and business to the region.  While the county’s efforts focus largely on manufacturing-type businesses, both entities want the most they can get in order for the area to thrive.  Cumberland Mayor Ray Morriss says it is a collaborative effort to get development to happen in the right place at the right time…

On 07/07/2024 the Cumberland City Police Department served five Arrest Warrants on Jessica Porter. Porter failed to appear in District Court for two previous trespassing cases and three previous possession of CDS cases. Porter received a hearing before a District Court Commissioner and was remanded to the Allegany County Detention Center without bond. Arrested – Jessica Nicole Porter (36) Cumberland, MD Charges – Five bench warrants for failure to appear Warrant Served On 07/07/2024 the Cumberland City Police Department served an Arrest Warrant on Glenn Williams. Williams failed to comply with pre-trial release conditions from a previous theft less than…

Maryland State Highway Administration will begin a pavement patching project on westbound I-68 between Beall Street and Vocke Road on Monday, July 8. The patching project should be complete by July 25, weather permitting. Crews will work nightly 8pm to 6am. Drivers can expect alternating lane closures on westbound I-68. The SHA’s contractor, Belt Paving of Cumberland, will use electronic message boards, detour signs, barrels, and cones to guide motorists safely through the work zone.

On 07/06/2024 the Cumberland City Police Department served two Arrest Warrants on Kristie Dawson.  Dawson has been charged with violating the conditions of probation from previous burglary and theft charges.  Dawson received a hearing before a District Court Commissioner and was remanded to the Allegany County Detention Center on a combined $1,000.00 bond. Arrested – Kristie Lynn Dawson (38) Cumberland, MD Charges – Two bench warrants for violation of probation Warrant Served On 07/06/2024 the Cumberland City Police Department served an Arrest Warrant on Shelby Meade. A citizen applied for charges at the District Court Commissioner’s office alleging Meade violated…