In 2022, there were over one thousand bicyclist fatalities. Over 46,000 bike riders were injured.  Bicycle safety is important year-round, but National Bicycle Safety Month helps to bring heightened awareness to the issue. The West Virginia Governor’s Highway Safety Program is providing tips for cyclists to keep them safe on roadways…

The Cumberland Historic Preservation Commission Meeting for the month of May will be held Wednesday, May 15th, at 4pm. Due to renovations taking place at City Hall, the meeting will be held at Allegany Museum ballroom located at 3 Pershing Street in Cumberland, MD. A copy of the meeting agenda and packet can be viewed on the City of Cumberland's website 48 hours prior to the meeting at the following link: Agendas & Minutes | Cumberland, MD (cumberlandmd.gov) Please contact Ruth Davis – Rogers, Historic Planner/Preservation Coordinator at 301-759-6431 or ruth.davis-rogers@cumberlandmd.gov, if you have any questions.

Retired Maryland state employees are facing the loss of their prescription drug plan at the end of the year and many are just finding out about it.  How and when did this happen?  State Senator Mike McKay tells WCBC that it is not necessarily any one person’s doing, but the collective General Assembly under the O’Malley Administration meeting a constitutional directive… Debra Holliway Hill, attorney for United We Matter, an organization fighting in part to get back those prescription benefits, says the state has set itself up now to reduce other employee benefits in the future… Ken Fitch with United…

Along with Allegany County residents, Cumberlanders will also be facing a water service increase come July.  City Comptroller Mark Gandolfi presented an initial budget overview for Fiscal Year 2025 at Tuesday’s Mayor and Council work session, and the 20% lift is something that Mayor Ray Morriss thinks is better done now than later… Gandolfi says the major change in the water budget is because of losing a big customer…

Those needing assistance with self-representation in court proceedings have a new resource in Allegany County.  The Court Help Access and Information Center is now open in the Circuit Court Annex on Prospect Square.  Residents can receive assistance with civil legal matters including landlord-tenant, divorce, custody, expungement, and consumer matters. Court help center attorneys are available to explain court documents and assist with completing court forms and preparing for court or mediation appearances.

Wind turbines are becoming more familiar in the region as they stretch across the ridges of Appalachia.  The newest set of turbines is set for construction atop Dan’s Mountain, but local citizens group Anchor has been fighting against the installation for over 15 years.  John Fetchero, Anchor’s spokesperson, says the turbines do not create as much energy as people may think… Anchor also views the turbines as having a detrimental effect on something the county banks on – the natural beauty of the area…

Maryland casinos had overall reduced revenue in April, bringing in almost 7% less than at this time last year.  Combined gaming from slots and table games generated $163.1 million dollars for the state’s six privately owned casinos.  Tax revenue to the state was down as a result with $69.7 million going to Maryland.  Rocky Gap Casino continued its monthly year-over-year decline, showing a 20% decline over last April. The local casino generated just over $4 million in revenue through its 627 slot machines and 16 table games.

Individuals interested in a career in healthcare may want to explore a scholarship opportunity through the Western Maryland Health System Auxiliary.  Scholarships are available for any area of study within healthcare. Patty DeArcangelis Auxiliary Publicity Chair explains… This year, the auxiliary is also supporting existing employees of UPMC Western Maryland with the opportunity to apply for tuition reimbursement. Information and forms are at www.wmhs.com.

On May 7th, 2024 at approximately 11:30 p.m., the Cumberland Police Department responded to a business in the 200 block of Greene Street for an intoxicated subject that had been ordered to leave the premises, by officers, and had since returned. The officers contacted the individual and identified him as Christopher Michael Freeman Sr. Freeman had been ordered to leave the business at 8:55 p.m. as well as 9:49 p.m. Freeman was subsequently placed under arrest for failing to remain off of the property and intoxicated public disturbance.   NAME: Christopher Michael Freeman  AGE: 44  Rawlings, MD CHARGES: Trespassing on Private Property, Intoxicated Public…

On May 7th, 2024 at approximately 4:30 p.m., the Cumberland Police Department responded to the 200 block of Baltimore Street for a complaint of subjects trespassing; inside of a property posted for all persons to vacate by April 11th, 2024. Inside of the posted property, officers located three individuals Tyra Larae Rice, Jessica Nicole Porter, and David Lee Sheppard. The three were placed under arrest and issued criminal citations for trespassing. All were released pending trial at District Court. NAME: Jessica Nicole Porter AGE: 36  Cumberland, MD CHARGES: Trespassing on Posted Property NAME: David Lee Sheppard  AGE: 35  Mount Savage, MD CHARGES: Trespassing on Posted Property NAME: Tyra Larae…