Cumberland’s City Council heard an update from their Annapolis lobbyist on Tuesday.  Richard Reinhardt of Percy Public Affairs shared that the Governor’s Miscellaneous Grants program has a hearing next week that includes money for a city intersection…. Reihardt also shared that money will be coming through bond initiatives for another project…   

The Maryland House and Senate will now have to hammer out differences over the Juvenile Justice Reform Act. The Senate passed their version of the bill late Monday evening by a 43-2 vote. The bill tightens up what happens to children 10-12 years of age who commit crimes like carjacking. The House passed a similar bill last week, but it will be compromise legislation that goes to Governor Wes Moore for his signature. Senator Stephen Hershey said this bill is only a step…    

The Maryland Attorney General’s office is warning residents about election season phone scams.  Not always asking for money, these calls can try to convince people to not exercise their right to vote, or spoof a celebrity or politician voice to convince individuals to take or not take a certain action.  The use of artificial intelligence could violate the Telephone Consumer Protection Act.  If you think you have received a scam election call, contact the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection office with as much information on the call as possible.

Chronic absenteeism in Maryland’s public schools is prevalent across the state. Post-COVID, Baltimore County schools have the worst rate at 54%.  Missing 18 or more days of school is considered chronic.  Recent state reporting shows Allegany County has a chronic absenteeism rate of 36.8%  These numbers affect how students learn, the time they have to learn, as well as school reporting at the state level.  Trina Simpson who oversees accountability and assessments for the county schools, says schools are working to change how families perceive attendance…    

Western Maryland Scenic Railroad director Wes Heinz has had the opportunity this year to see the workings of Maryland government up-close and personal.  Along with the mayors of Cumberland and Frostburg, he was recently a guest at the state Board of Public Works meeting where the railroad received official approval of a $200,000 grant.  Heinz talked about the experience in Annapolis and time spent with Governor Wes Moore…    

Bills to change how health insurance companies in Maryland make treatment coverage decisions are crossfiled in the General Assembly. What’s known as 'utilization review' is a process that can be time-consuming, with criteria that may be set by the insurance company. Senate Bill 791 would require insurers to use nonprofit clinical guidelines to make coverage decisions. David Lloyd, with the mental health advocacy organization 'Inseparable,' says these bills will remove barriers to care….    

On March 5, 2024, Cumberland Police Department served a Criminal Citation for trespassing on Michael Lagana, 19, of Cumberland Maryland. A Cumberland Police Officer observed a subject illegally crossing CSX Train tracks in the area of Queen City Drive. This area is clearly Posted No trespassing. Arrest:  Michael Lagana, age 19, Cumberland Maryland. Charges: Trespassing.

On March 5, 2024, Cumberland Police Department served two Criminal Summons on Dustin Edwards, 33, of Cumberland Maryland. The Criminal Summons were issued by the District Court of Maryland for two separate incidents. The first incident occurred on February 8, 2024 when a subject reported that her wallet was stolen. The victim indicated that over $200.00 was stolen. The second incident occurred on February 27, 2024, when the victim stated that Edwards used her Cash app without permission. In this incident the victim claimed $150.00 was stolen. Arrest:  Dustin Michael Edwards, age 33, Cumberland Maryland. Charges: Two counts of Theft….

Allegany Hearing and Balance has changed ownership after 40 years under Dr. Jana Brown.  This past October, Dr. Chrissy Lemley became the new owner after working at the business since 2014.  Dr. Brown says she will still be working, albeit in a scaled back manner… Dr. Lemley intends to keep the practice running as it always has, but is ready for the inevitable changes that come with hearing technology…

According to Public Information Officer Christian Brooks,  administration at Fort Hill High School was notified of a threatening note written on a bathroom wall. Cumberland City Police, along with school administration, conducted an investigation and found the threat to be non-credible. There was no disruption to the school day.