The Maryland Chamber of Commerce is coming out strongly against a bill that would lower the sales tax rate. That sounds counterproductive, but Allegany County Chamber Director Juli McCoy says the bill is misleading… McCoy listed some of the services that would now have a tax applied if House Bill 1515 passes… The increase is seen as a possible solution to financing one of the state’s largest expenses – education…

The Cumberland Historic Cemetery Association is determined to preserve history throughout the Mid-Atlantic. In addition to erecting monuments and markers to historic figures, they are also concerned with preservation of history.  With the recent introduction of a federal bill to remove and destroy the Robert E. Lee Statue at Antietam, Ed Taylor, Jr of the association says the group is taking action…    

Paul Kelly is waiting for an answer. Development of the former Memorial Hospital site has been over a year in negotiations and most recently RAZ Development representative Kelly approached the Cumberland Mayor and City Council asking for one more meeting to go over any lingering concerns and risks. He says he can’t speculate what the City’s issue is but would like Cumberlanders to know the importance of getting the project underway… Kelly says it is in the best interest of all parties to have that one more meeting…

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and Turnpike Commission has started enforcement of the Work Zone Speed Safety Camera program. Over the course of the five year pilot program, there was a 38% reduction in speeding in work zones, a 47% reduction in excessive speeding in work zones, and work zone crashes declined by up to 50% when a speed enforcement vehicle was present.

West Virginia is sending a bill to the Governor’s Desk that will add a new poster to every school in the Mountain State.  Senate Bill 152 requires a poster or framed copy of the US national motto “In God We Trust” to be displayed in every main building of every public charter, elementary, and secondary school, and in state institutions of higher education.  There was debate on whether the motto should be displayed in every classroom of every school, but that was deemed to be too expensive to carry out.

Frostburg State University’s 3rd annual Giving Day took place last week and exceeded the university’s expectations.  Stephanie Loar, FSU Annual Giving Specialist, reviewed the results of the event… Five hundred donors who gave $75 or more received a pair of limited edition Bobcat socks.  Hundreds of funds received donations during the event from donors as far away as California…

On Sunday, March 10th, 2024, the Cumberland City Police responded to an apartment building in the 400 block of Washington St for the report of a disturbance. Upon arrival on scene, a female was located in the common area of the property. The female was yelling and had thrown food items around. Multiple residents were contacted and advised that the female did not live there, nor had a reason to be on the property. As a result, Melody Joy Llewellyn, 45, of Frostburg MD, was placed under arrest. She was taken before a District Court Commissioner for her Initial Appearance…

On Sunday, March 10th, 2024, the Cumberland City Police arrested Cecely Grady, 34, of Lonaconing MD. Grady was arrested on an active Bench Warrant issued by the Allegany County District Court. The warrant alleged Grady violated the terms and conditions of her probation that had been placed upon her due to a previous conviction on charges of failing to send a child to school. She was taken before a District Court Commissioner for her Initial Appearance where she was remanded to the Allegany County Detention Center. She was held on $100 bond. Arrested: Cecely Grady                      Age: 34 Charges: Bench Warrant-Violation…

The Cumberland City Police Department is seeking assistance in locating a missing juvenile, Jose Michael-Lee Logsdon. Jose is described as a 13-year-old white male, approx. 5’09” tall, 140 lbs, black hair, brown eyes. He was last seen wearing sweatpants, hoodie sweatshirt, and croc style shoes. He was last seen in the area of Saint Mary’s Ave. At this time, no foul play is suspected. Any persons with information concerning the whereabouts of this child, please contact the Cumberland City Police by dialing  301-777-1600 or 911.

Stan Strickland of Rainmaker Music Management made an announcement on WCBC, DelFest is signing a multi-year agreement with the county for the annual festival. The annual 4-day festival takes place over Memorial Day weekend held at the Allegany County Fairgrounds. Del McCoury was in town last week to visit with students enrolled in the Social Media Marketing program through Allegany College of Maryland,