Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration is encouraging highway users to use its real-time traffic map to plan routes in light of the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse last month. The map enables users to see real-time information such as traffic volumes, live cameras, and any incidents on the state highway system. The map can be accessed by clicking the Interactive Map icon at https://chart.maryland.gov/. The State Highway Administration urges drivers to bookmark the link and view before venturing out onto the highway system.  The Francis Scott Key Bridge accommodated an average of more than 30,000 vehicle trips every day…

Maryland’s congressional delegation announced they will introduce a bill that will make clear the federal government will cover the cost of rebuilding Baltimore’s collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge. The federal government generally covers 90% of the cost and the state 10% when replacing bridges, but exceptions have occurred in similar emergency cases, said MD Sen. Ben Cardin a Democrat, after lawmakers attended a closed-door briefing on cleanup efforts. The legislation will also make clear that any money recovered from third parties will be used to reimburse federal taxpayers. “The fundamental issue right now is passing legislation to clarify that this is 100% a…

Allegany County Sheriff’s Office and Maryland State Police have combined resources to target open and active warrants. As a result, the following individuals have been apprehended. Tuesday, April 9, 2024 Adam Lee Shipway, 45 of Cumberland, was arrested on two (2) District Court Bench Warrants – both for Failure To Appear. His original charges include: Possession/Receipt of CDS While Conf/Det, CDS:Possess-Not Cannabis. On 04/09/24, the County Combined Warrant Unit responded to a residence on Dale Ave in Cumberland. Consent was obtained to search the house, and Shipway was found hiding in the basement. A $5,000 bond (100% acceptable) was set…

Monday, April 8, 2024 Shawn Joseph Miller, 37 OF Cumberland, was arrested on two (2) Circuit Court Bench Warrants for Violation of Probation. His original conviction was for Assault Second Degree in both cases where he entered an Alford Plea and was sentenced to 1-year detention with 5-years supervised probation in one case and 8-years detention with all but 1-year suspended and 3-years supervised probation in the other case. He is being held without bond at the Allegany County Detention Center pending a bail review in Circuit Court. Kristen Lauren Gulick, 39 of Cumberland, was arrested on a Circuit Court…

Registration for 2024-2025 Allegany County Public Schools Pre-K and Kindergarten programs is open April 15 through May 17. Registration is by appointment only at the school your child will attend. Programs are available for three, four, and five year olds. Documentation including proof of residency, child’s birth certificate, child’s SSN, record of immunization, and parent photo ID are required. Proof of family income is required for those registering for Pre-K 3 and 4 only.  For more information, call the school board at 301-759-2011.

The City of Cumberland, along with Canal Place is seeking proposals for the development of a Cumberland Wayfinding Plan. It would be a consistent and updated signage system of communicating amenities, directions, transportation, and other services to visitors using any type of transportation coming to the area. The proposal packet can be obtained from Historic Preservation Planner Ruth Davis-Rogers at City Hall or by calling 301-759-6431. The proposal deadline is 3pm, May 15.

Late Saturday night, after developing a fever and experiencing symptoms of dehydration, Congressman David Trone’s doctor recommended that he seek further medical treatment. He was diagnosed with a minor stomach infection and has been discharged from hospital. Trone says he is feeling better and expects to resume a full campaign schedule in the days ahead.

Maryland’s casinos combined for the fifth-best single month total in revenue in the history of the state program.  In March, the six Maryland casinos generated $178.1 million in revenue.  Tax contributions from that revenue totaled just over $1.6 million. The taxes go to the Education Trust Fund and communities where the casinos are located.  For Rocky Gap Casino, it was another down month, bringing in $5 million dollars – off 6.7% from March of last year. Monthly revenues year-over-year for Rocky Gap have been down since May of 2022.

Two of the 33 new Maryland State Troopers who graduated last week are from the Cumberland area.  Allan Stevenson and Robert Bower who both attended Fort Hill, graduated the 28-week training academy in Sykesville.  Trooper Bower’s first assignment will be in Forestville while Trooper Stevenson will serve from the Golden Ring Barrack in Essex.  Lt. Governor Aruna Miler spoke of the hard work Maryland State Troopers put in every day…

Cumberland’s Mayor and City Council will be meeting in closed session tomorrow to discuss the development of parcels on the former Memorial Hospital site and to receive legal advice regarding the same.  The meeting will take place beginning at 4pm at the County Office Complex on Kelly Road due to construction at City Hall.