Maryland saw 23 railroad-crossing collisions that included three fatalities in 2021, the most recent data available from the Federal Railroad Administration. Every five days, a child in the US is killed in a train collision. Since 2018, there's been a 35-percent increase nationwide in the number of trespassing collisions on railroads. Buck Russel of Union Pacific Railroad says the rails are private property, so people on railroad tracks are considered trespassers – not pedestrians…
Governor Josh Shapiro, is taking the next step in creating Pennsylvania’s first comprehensive economic development strategy. Shapiro wants the state to develop an innovative and aggressive economic development plan that includes the assessment of the Commonwealth's areas of strength, analysis of barriers to growth, and concrete goals and initiatives to guide policymaking and investment decisions… Shapiro is inviting the public to comment on the development of the plan by visiting teampa.com/openforbusiness and adding their input.
A unique opportunity for individuals to learn how to give back to the community will be taking place this week. Lea Shaffer of the Community Trust Foundation says that Thursday October 5th, the 1812 Brewery will be hosting a free after-hours event to highlight those who have already provided humanitarian support to the Allegany County area and educate others who may be interested in participating… The Community Trust Foundation provides funding for projects and events across the region…
The Western Maryland Jaycees Lights on the Lake Fundraiser Event Returns to Illuminate the Holidays Rocky Gap State Park: Flintstone, Maryland – The Western Maryland Jaycees are thrilled to announce the highly-anticipated return of the Lights on the Lake fundraiser event, set to light up the holiday season with a spectacular display of festive lights and community spirit. The event will take place on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays throughout December: 1st – 24th, from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM, at Rocky Gap State Park. This is the third year that the Western Maryland Jaycees have partnered with Rocky Gap State…
Moving to a cashless society isn’t happening anytime soon in the District of Columbia. While many businesses went to digital-only transactions during the pandemic, the DC Council passed legislation in 2020 that retailers can’t discriminate against those with no bank accounts or credit cards – a demographic made up mostly of elderly or low-income people. Some businesses have found ways around the law, only accepting exact change for purchases done in cash. Parking facilities are exempt if they did not accept cash prior to December of 2020.
Even though he sits on the subcommittee for Homeland Security, Maryland Congressman David Trone wasn’t interested in getting its 2024 funding bill passed recently. Trone took to the House Floor instead to blast Republicans trying to get the bill passed in the midst of a pending government shutdown, saying they are ignoring other issues…
In our series this week, Silence during Crisis, WCBC News looks at how emergency information is disseminated to the public through County officials. Locally Emergency Services utilizes social media posts to its followers along with a web-based software to provide alerts to the public over the Wireless Alert System. Justin Orendorf, Communications Chief with Garrett County Emergency Services….says that the system can provide alerts to people who subscribe as well as those traveling through the area using the cellular phone system… Roger Bennett, Deputy Director for Allegany County Emergency Services…says the County is in the process of transferring from one…
On 10/01/2023 at approximately 6:00 PM the Cumberland City Police were dispatched to the hospital for a trespassing complaint. Upon arrival officers made contact with security. Security advised Steven Kienhofer had been asked to leave but was refusing. The officer advised Kienhofer to leave but he refused. Kienhofer was placed under arrest without issue and transported to the police station. Kienhofer was issued a Criminal Citation and released pending trial in District Court. Arrested – Steven Delaine Kienhofer (71) Cumberland, MD Charge – Trespassing
On 10/01/2023 at approximately 5:30 PM a complainant came into the Cumberland City Police Station. They advised they had an active protective order against Stanley Caito who is currently incarcerated at the Allegany County Detention Center. Caito had called the complainant from the Detention Center. The officer verified that the protective order was active and had been served. The officer contacted staff at the Allegany County Detention Center and learned that Caito contacted the complainant on two occasions after the order was served. An application for charges was submitted to the District Court Commissioner and a Criminal Summons was issued….
Congressman David Trone, a member of the Homeland Security Subcommittee, blasted Republicans for working to pass the 2024 Homeland Security Funding bill. Trone made remarks on the House floor in opposition to the bill that would provide over $91 billion to the department. The bill passed the house with a 220-208 margin. Trone said that voting on extreme Republican led bills do nothing to prevent the pending government shutdown…
