Cybersecurity was the main topic at Tuesday’s work session for the Cumberland City Council.  Cyber Security Specialist Chip Watkins brought the council up to speed on efforts the City is taking to tighten systems against data breaches and internet attacks.  Watkins says that municipalities are often easy targets that hackers can breach and get access to sensitive records and areas. Watkins says recently installed firewall systems have shown him just how often the city is targeted. Dave Biser, a citizen attending the work session and regular public meeting, works in computer security and lauded the City’s efforts in keeping information…

More than 13% of health insurance claims are being denied in West Virginia, according to a report from the Department of Health and Human Services. Health advocates say companies are raking in profits while residents can’t get the pacemakers, medication or surgeries they need, with serious consequences for community health. According to a federal report, one out of every eight requests for prior authorization of services by Medicaid Managed Care Organizations were denied in 2019. Eve Marcum-Atkinson of the West Virginia Citizen Action Group says transparency and accountability from insurers is needed.

As Governor of the state where major US Naval assets are docked, Governor Glenn Youngkin is seeing Virginia play out a special role in support of the war in Israel.  Youngkin joined in a special service in Richmond at Keneseth Beth Israel Synagogue to join Jewish community leaders in pledging support for Israel.  The Governor spoke about the deployment of two carriers from Norfolk.

The West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine and Frostburg State University have entered into a memorandum of understanding that will better prepare FSU students interested in pursuing a career in osteopathic medicine.  The new pre-osteopathic medicine program, or POMP, will provide skills and credentials necessary for admission to the West Virginia school. The program is designed for undergrads who have in interest in osteopathic medicine and plan to enter such a medical school. Currently 13 schools of higher education have affiliated with the program.

The projected deficit in Maryland’s budget is causing ripples throughout the state.  The Capital Debt Affordability Committee is recommending additional loans of over $8 billion in the next five years.  Facing a structural deficit of over $418 million in FY 2025, questions have arisen over what programs the Moore Administration will prioritize or dial back.  State Budget Secretary Helene Grady said the focus would be on deferred maintenance and upgrades to aging state facilities, schools, and economic competitiveness. The budget deficit will exceed $1.8 billion in 2027, mostly due to costs for implementation of the Blueprint for Education.

Firefighters in Western Maryland are on the receiving end of some federal funding from the Senators Cardin and Van Hollen. Allegany, Garrett, and Washington Counties have each received funding for equipment that will enhance emergency response capabilities.  Shaft Volunteer Fire Department received $16,500 to acquire a turn-out gear extractor and dryer. Deep Creek VFD received monies to replace self-contained breathing apparatus.  Fire Departments in Williamsport and Sharpsburg also received funding for equipment.  The funding is from the Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant program.  

***Adult Arrest*** On Monday, October 16th, 2023, The Cumberland City Police responded to a Queen City Drive business for the report of a theft. Upon arrival, Officers were advised that a male subject had left the store after stealing a sweatshirt. Officers were able to locate the subject a short distance from the store wearing the sweatshirt with the tags still attached. As a result, Damian Moshe Seltzer, 45, of Cumberland MD, was issued a criminal citation for theft and released, pending trial in District Court. Arrested: Damian Moshe Seltzer          Age: 45                 …

West Virginia’s Department of Health and Human Services is highlighting the programs available to women during their observance of Breast Cancer Awareness month. The breast and cervical screening program provides resources to decrease incidence of cancer, morbidity, and mortality by focusing on populations who are underserved. Through the program, uninsured or underinsured West Virginians have access to screening and information on risks and preventive measures. Individuals interested in these resources can visit www.dhhr.wv.gov/bccsp.

Maryland’s Horse Month will showcase the many ways the State is enriched by horses and the horse industry.  The state’s horse industry has an annual economic impact of $2.1 billion dollars and has more horses per square mile than any other state. The Maryland 5-Star At Fair Hill is a major equestrian event with dressage, cross-country, and show jumping starting October 19th in Elkton.  Horse enthusiasts can also visit the new Maryland Horse Library and Education Center in Reisterstown which includes a collection of sporting books, meeting space, and interactive kiosks.

Former Maryland Governor Larry Hogan is still playing the keep-away game from saying he will run for President. Hogan spoke with Bloomberg TV in Washington DC and said his primary focus right now is getting the Republican Party back on track amid all the chaos in the Senate, calling it a “train wreck.”  Hogan is honorary co-chairman of “No Labels,” a group that has been laying groundwork for a third-party bid in the event that the Presidential race comes down to Biden versus Trump…