Migratory birds including the Baltimore Oriole and mallard ducks will be better protected on their long journeys with new legislation.  U.S. Senator Ben Cardin and House Representative Rick Larsen introduced reauthorizing the Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Act. Larsen says the Act will enable the US Fish and Wildlife Service to support partners in the conservation of habitats…

Fifty-eight highway cones, each clad in an orange safety vest, represent transportation  workers killed on West Virginia Highways at the Fallen Worker Memorial in Williamstown.  National Work Zone Safety week runs through April 21st and West Virginia’s Division of Highways will have the cones in place to remind drivers of work zone safety. Governor Jim Justice at the kickoff to the 2023 road construction season, made a plea for drivers to be careful on highways…

A controversial bill that has been tried five previous times in the Maryland General Assembly failed once more this past session.  Often referred to as assisted-suicide, the End Of Life bill introduced again in the House and Senate would have allowed the terminally ill to end their lives with the help of a cocktail of medicines prescribed by a physician.  Senator Mike McKay said the major change in the bill this time around was the inclusion of nursing homes…   

Regulating the use of alcohol in Constitution Park was discussed at length during Tuesday’s Mayor and City Council work session.  Ryan Mackey, Director of Parks and Rec for the City has been getting questions about the ability to bring alcohol into the park.  City Administrator Jeff Silka presented a plan that would require prior permissions since it appears many people already bring such drinks to picnics… The permit would allow alcoholic beverages in specific areas and come with an extra permit charge…

Maryland Physicians Care has named Meritus Health President and CEO Maulik Joshi as chair of the board for the organization.  Owned jointly by Meritus Health, UPMC Western Maryland, Ascension Saint Agnes, and Holy Cross Health, the group ensures that Maryland Medicaid recipients have access to quality healthcare.  Over the last 12 months, MPC has donated more than $2 million to its local communities including the Western Maryland Food Bank, the Salvation Army, Union Rescue, and Associated Charities.

A generous donation from a local non-profit has been given to the Allegany County Public School system.  A fundraiser in February by the Savage Mountain Punk Arts organization was held to raise awareness and fight food insecurity in the county, including in the public schools.  SMPA President Gerry LaFemina presented proceeds of the event to the school board at a recent meeting…

Applications are being accepted for the 2024 Leadership and Career Development Seminar with the Maryland State Police.  The free event is open to high school juniors, seniors, and incoming college freshmen interested in careers with the department.  The three-day seminar is held at the MSP Academy in Sykesville. Applicants must submit a 2-minute video or essay to explain their interest. More information is available at mdsp.gov.

On Tuesday, April 16th, 2024, the Cumberland City Police arrested Carlos Manuel Barbosa, 41, of Waynesboro PA. Barbosa was arrested on an outstanding Arrest Warrant issued by the Washington County District Court for an incident that occurred in Hagerstown MD. The warrant alleges that on December 23rd, 2023, Barbosa entered a Pilot Travel Center on Halfway Blvd, assaulted a staff member, and stole 19 cartons of cigarettes valued at more than $2,000. On this date, Barbosa was taken before a District Court Commissioner for an Initial Appearance where he was remanded to the Allegany County Detention Center. He is currently…

On Tuesday, April 16th, 2024, the Cumberland City Police responded to a business in the 100 block of Baltimore St for the report of a destruction of property. Upon arrival on scene, officers made contact with a representative of the business. They advised officers that a male suspect was seen yelling on the sidewalk in front of the business. They then observed the suspect punch and break a large window to the business, before leaving the scene. Other witnesses in the area were able to direct officers to an apartment building in the 200 block of Baltimore St, where the…

On Tuesday, April 16th, 2024, the Cumberland City Police responded to the area of S. Centre St and Salem Court for the report of two suspicious subjects in the area. Upon arrival on scene, officers observed a male subject concealing items inside the waistband of his pants and attempting to leave the area. Upon further investigation, the male was found to be in possession of an amount of suspected fentanyl in a quantity that indicated the intention of sales. As a result, Lyle Brandon Butts, 35, of Cumberland MD, was placed under arrest and transported to Police Headquarters for processing….