One of the main issues that the Maryland Republican Caucus wanted to address in Annapolis this year was Juvenile Justice Reform.   While many bills were submitted to try to tighten up the juvenile justice system, not everything went through this year.  House Minority Leader Jason Buckel says that one bill deals with younger law-violators in an attempt to turn them around before it’s too late… Buckel gave an example of what was happening prior to this law being revised, showing there was room for changing how courts deal with younger law-breakers…

Rocky Gap Resort will once again being playing host to the Western Maryland Democratic Summit on Saturday.  The event completely sold out in January when tickets were released.  Robin Summerfield, local representative for US Senator Ben Cardin, says the summit acts a clearinghouse for the state’s Democratic candidates… Those attending will hear from a wide array of state leaders including the Governor and Lt. Governor, Comptroller, as well as party candidates running for state office… The Summit is a signature event in Maryland politics, solidifying the party for the General Election in November…

Governor Wes Moore has launched the Francis Scott Key Bridge Collapse Response Website for Marylanders in search of federal, state, and local resources related to the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge. The website includes information on relief programs, traffic updates, and guidance available through Maryland Business Recovery Centers. Links on salvage and response operations from the Unified Command, traffic alerts from MDOT and 511 Traveler Information are provided.  The web address is response.maryland.gov/bridge. 

Wednesday, April 10, 2024 Miosotis Christina Amarante de Caffrey, 54 of Wayne, New Jersey was arrested on a District Court Bench Warrant for Failure to Appear. Her original charge includes: Theft: Less Than $100. She was released on her own recognizance. Julita Sulayao Jeffries, 71 of Frostburg, was arrested on a District Court Bench Warrant for Failure to Appear. Her original charge include: DUI and other traffic offenses. She was released on a $2,500 corporate bond.

UPDATE  3:40pm 911 Phone Lines for Cumberland and Allegany County have been restored. _____ UPDATE 3:30pm  Update from the Allegany County Department of Emergency Services: 911 phone lines have been transferred to Garrett County. Fire and EMS personnel have been released from manning phone calls at their departments. Administrative lines are still directly affected and are not routed to another location, only 911 lines are equipped to be transferred. The issue is still being worked on. In case of an emergency, please call 911 again to be directed accordingly. All fire, EMS, and police calls will be handled and directed accordingly…

All phone lines are down including 911 at the dispatch center. An urgent trouble ticket is opened and the problem is being worked on. 

Allegany County Public Schools is reporting that Eckhart School was placed in a brief HOLD status today due to a disruption. School administrators resolved the situation and the instructional day resumed as normal. 

It's Severe Storm Awareness Week in Maryland.  The Maryland Department of Emergency Management urges residents to be aware of spring weather hazards including wind, hail, tornado activity and rain and prepare appropriately.  Marylanders are urged to install the MdReady Web App on phones which gives instant access to emergency notifications and information.  To get the app, visit MdReady.maryland.gov and follow the prompts.

On Wednesday, April 10th, 2024, the Cumberland City Police arrested Abree Danicka-Nickol Braitwaite, 30, of Cumberland MD. Braitwaite was arrested on an outstanding Arrest Warrant issued by the Allegany County District Court for an incident that occurred on March 28th. During that incident, the Cumberland Police responded to a residence in the 400 block of Arch St for an attempted burglary. Once on scene, officers contacted the resident who alleged that Braithwaite has come to the residence on numerous occasions and tried to gain access. As a result of the investigation, an application for charges was submitted and an arrest…

On Wednesday, April 10th, 2024, the Cumberland City Police served a criminal summons on Aaron Michael Thrasher, 42, of Frostburg MD. The summons was in reference to an incident that occurred on April 4th at the UPMC Western Maryland Campus. During the incident, it is alleged that Thrasher became combative with staff, causing an employee to be injured with a needle. As a result of the incident, an application for charges was submitted and a summons issued. On this date, the summons was served and Thrasher was released, pending trial in District Court. Arrested: Aaron Michael Thrasher                      Age: 42 Charges: Assault 2nd Degree…