House Republicans today responded to the announcement that State Superintendent Mohammed Choudhury will not seek an extension to his contract which is set to expire in 2024. “Just days ago, Superintendent Choudhury came before the House Ways & Means Committee and pledged that he was staying in Maryland,” said House Minority Leader Jason Buckel.  “This abrupt turnaround and lack of transparency are endemic to Mr. Choudhury’s tenure as Maryland’s Superintendent. He has continuously failed to be upfront and accountable. It is time for our state to move on.” “Superintendent Choudhury’s decision not to pursue a contract extension is, hopefully, a step in the…

On Thursday September 14, 2023 the Allegany County Sheriff's Office responded to a residence in the area of Bedford Road, Cumberland, MD to check on the well being of an occupant at the residence. Upon arrival to the scene two deceased individuals were located. The Sheriff's Office requested the assistance of investigators with the C3I Unit, the Maryland State Police Crime Scene Unit, and the Medical Examiner's Office. An investigation at the scene revealed that a 56 year old white male killed his wife, a 52 year old white female, and then took his own life. There is no threat…

Joseph Alan Gordon, 33 of Columbus, Ohio, was served a Grand Jury Criminal Indictment with 17 charges including: Assault-First Degree, Attempted Kidnapping, Rape First Degree and Kidnap-Child under 16. He is being held without bond at the Allegany County Detention Center until his initial appearance in Circuit Court. Jason Andrew Jeffries, 35 of Cumberland, MD, was served a Grand Jury Criminal Indictment for CDS Distribution – Narcotics, CDS: Possession with intent to Distribute: Narcotics and CDS: Possession – Not Cannabis. He was served a Criminal Summons at the Allegany County Detention Center. Kennell Lemone Stith Jr., 26 of Baltimore, MD…

Allegany County, the Mountain Side of Maryland, has been named one of the ‘Best Places to Visit During Fall’ by USA Today’s 10Best, securing the second spot on the top 10 list. A panel of travel experts partnered with USA Today's 10Best editors to select the initial 20 nominees, of which Allegany County was included and was the only county-defined destination on the list. “These places were nominated by an expert panel as the best places to visit in the U.S. during fall for their beautiful scenery, fantastic weather, and wealth of seasonal activities and events,” the USA Today 10Best…

West Virginia University should not be looking for a bailout from the West Virginia Legislature for their deficit issues.  Governor Jim Justice addressed the university’s financial woes during his weekly media briefing and told reporters that the college needs to get their financial house in order…

The expansion to the property tax and rent rebate program is set to benefit older Pennsylvanians in the Keystone State. House Bill 1100 was recently signed into law by Governor Josh Shapiro, and starting in 2024 it increases the yearly property tax and rent rebate allowance from $650 to $1,000 and raises the income cap to $45,000.  State AARP Director Bill Johnston-Walsh says the program provides financial relief to those who need it most but also demonstrates a proactive approach to addressing the needs of an aging population…

Sources out of Baltimore are reporting that Mohammed Choudury, State Schools Superintendent has told the Maryland State Board of Education that he does not intend to pursue a second term.  Appointed in 2021, Choudury came to Maryland from San Antonio, Texas.  The State Board said it intends to present plans for transition and a national search by its Sept. 26 meeting.

There was a bomb threat at the Allegany County Circuit Court this morning. The immediate area has been shut down. Buildings within the area were evacuated and staff have been transported out of the vicinity.  Bomb dogs have searched the building and the Sheriffs Office is on the scene. The all-clear has been given for staff to re-enter the building.

On September 14, 2023 Cumberland Police served a Circuit Court Bench Warrant on Donald Eugene Dockeney. Dockeney was transported to the Allegany County Detention Center and held without bond. Arrest: Donald Eugene Dockeney, age 43, Cumberland Charge: CDS Possession not Canabis

On September 14, 2023 officers of the Cumberland Police Department served an Arrest Warrant on Richard Allen Lowry. The Arrest Warrant stemmed from an incident that occurred on August 19, 2023. Officers from the Cumberland Police Department were dispatched to a residence on Patterson Avenue for a report of theft. The homeowner provided video surveillance capturing the suspect removing the items. The homeowner provided a list and values of the stolen property.  Officers continued their investigation and later developed a suspect. Officers located the stolen property at a local Pawn Shop.  During the investigation Officers located the stolen property and…