After two years, the West Virginia National Guard has been relieved of its duties within the state’s prison system.  Critical staffing shortages had led Governor Jim Justice to call in the Guard to fill positions across the state by declaring a state of emergency in 2022. William Marshall, Corrections Commissioner for the state, told a legislative oversight committee that the shortage is now at a manageable level…

Over 100 musicians and singers have been able to learn up-close from top musicians at the DelFest Music Academy.  The yearly academy includes one-on-one instruction, mixed instrument classes, and vocal classes.  Lisa McCoury, daughter-in-law of festival namesake Del McCoury, runs the academy that gives musicians the opportunity to learn from professionals that perform at DelFest and play during the festival soundcheck on Thursday night. Five students were able to attend the academy this year on scholarships from the Troy McKenzie DelFest Academy Scholarship fund, set up by friends of the long-time DelFest fan who passed away in 2023 from cancer.

On Thursday May 23rd 2024 at approximately 2:00 am officers of the Cumberland Police Department responded to the 100 block of Oak Street for a reported assault. Upon officer’s arrival they spoke with the victim who alleged that Marley Powell had struck them in the face and strangled them after being engaged in an argument. The victim indicated that Marley had fled the residence prior to police arrival. Additional responding officers were able to locate Powell a short distance from the scene where he was subsequently placed under arrest. Marley was remanded to the Allegany County Detention Center where he awaits…

On Wednesday May 22nd, 2024 officers of the Cumberland Police Department served a Criminal Summons on Jonathan Walters. The Criminal Summons was issued by the District Court stemming from an assault investigation on May 21st, 2024. During the incident officers of the Cumberland Police Department responded to the 200 block of Pear Street for a reported assault. Upon officer’s arrival they spoke with the victim who alleged that Jonathan had scratched them, and threw their cell phone onto the ground. The officers spoke with witnesses who corroborated the victim’s statement. An application for charges was completed and this Criminal Summons…

 West Virginia WIC program's monthly cash value benefits for the purchase of fresh produce will be accepted at authorized farmers markets starting on June 1, 2024.  “The WIC Farm Market Direct mobile payment system has many benefits for both WV WIC participants and local farmers,” said Heidi Staats, Director of the Office of Nutrition Services. “It simplifies the purchasing process for participants, reduces stigma by functioning like other mobile pay options, streamlines payments to farmers and farmers markets, provides real-time data for review and analysis, and ensures efficient and secure management of federal funds and benefits.”  The WIC monthly cash…

Autumn Hoppert won the Dr. Leo H. Ley Award as the top female student athlete Wednesday night at Bishop Walsh.  Mason Mathews received the Rapplier Award as the top male student athlete.  Former Bishop Walsh basketball coach Rob Duncan was the featured speaker.

Potomac Edison and Verizon will be replacing a pole damaged earlier today in a motor vehicle crash.  National Highway near Star-Lite Roller Rink will be reduced to one lane for several hours this afternoon while work is being done.  Please use caution in the area and watch for flaggers and equipment.

The City of Cumberland is accepting applications to help revitalize properties in the community.  The Community Development Department Home Rehabilitation Grant is intended for the improvement of properties that are currently vacant and uninhabitable. A 50% matching grant up to $15,000 is available to those who are eligible. Application information is available at the Community Development office, currently located at 446 N. Mechanic Street or by calling 301-759-6459.

Frostburg State University recently provided an update on campus President Ron Nowaczyk.  The president stepped aside from his duties in November for medical reasons. A statement from FSU says that Nowaczyk continues to improve and his medical team has encouraged him to return to university activities and responsibilities on a limited basis. They will continue to monitor his progress for a while before giving him clearance to return to the office full-time.  Al Delia, FSU Vice President for Regional Development and Engagement, has been overseeing day-to-day college operations.

UPDATE – National Highway is back open to traffic. A motor vehicle crash has National Highway shut down near the Star-Lite Roller Rink in lower LaVale. One telephone pole damaged with low-hanging lines across the roadway. One vehicle involved. Please avoid the area.