Families and friends across Maryland and throughout the region will travel this weekend to celebrate the Fourth of July holiday. Whether the travel plan involves highways, bridges, transit or Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, the Maryland Department of Transportation is urging everyone to put safety first this Fourth of July. “As we gather to celebrate our freedom and independence, we must remember that civic responsibility is essential to the American experience,” said Maryland Transportation Secretary Paul J. Wiedefeld. “I urge everyone to be united in safety this Fourth of July, and help Maryland achieve the goal of zero deaths and…

The Maryland Department of the Environment has issued a Code ORANGE Air Quality Alert Friday for Western Maryland. A Code Orange Air Quality Alert means that air pollution concentrations within the region may become unhealthy for sensitive groups. Sensitive groups include children, people suffering from asthma, heart disease or other lung diseases and the elderly. The effects of air pollution can be minimized by avoiding strenuous activity or exercise outdoors.   

On Thursday, June 29, 2023 at approximately 2:24 PM, officers of the Cumberland Police Department responded to the 900 block of Maryland Avenue for the report of subjects using CDS inside a vehicle.  Officers arrived and located the vehicle.  Officers contacted the occupant of the vehicle, Jonathen Wickline, and found him to be in possession of suspected Fentanyl.  Wickline was arrested and transported to police headquarters.  He was issued a criminal citation and released pending trial. ARRESTED:  Jonathen James Wickline               AGE:  37                Wiley Ford, WV CHARGES:  CDS: Possess-Not Cannabis

On Thursday, June 29, 2023, the Cumberland Police Department served a criminal summons on Jessica Metty.  The summons was issued as the result of an incident that occurred on June 22, 2023.  On this date at approximately 9:54 AM, officers of the Cumberland Police Department responded to the 100 block of Baltimore Street for a violation of a court order.  It was reported that Metty violated a Final Peace Order.  After further investigation, police filed for charges against Metty at the District Court of Allegany County.  Metty signed for her copy of the summons and she was released pending trial….

On Thursday, June 29, 2023, the Cumberland Police Department served two bench warrants on Geordy White.  The warrant was issued as the result of White failing to appear in court on June 26, 2023.  He was originally charged with 2 counts of Do Not Possess Valid Rabies Certificate.  White was arrested and transported to Central Booking.  He was later seen by a District Court Commissioner for his initial hearing and released on his personal recognizance. ARRESTED:  Geordy Dwayne White        AGE:  31         Cumberland, MD

July 1 marks the legalization of marijuana use for recreational purposes in Maryland. Residents will be able to possess 1.5 ounces of the plant without legal consequences. Senator Mike McKay spoke to WCBC about how sales will be conducted… The Senator also noted that policing around marijuana is also changing – law enforcement can no longer search a car based on the smell of marijuana – and that may ultimately bring more harm to the community… ​There are 2 marijuana dispensary locations in Allegany County – Beall Street, and Industrial Boulevard.

Mayor Ray Morriss was at the annual conference of the Maryland Municipal league this past week in Ocean City. He talked to WCBC about events at the conference, classes available to attendees, and his main take away from the event…

Catholic Charities is celebrating its centennial in 2023 and several events are occurring across the state. On Thursday, the Allegany Arts Council was host to the organization as it paid tribute to the people and programs serving the local area. Andy Wayne of Catholic Charities spoke of one group… Villa Maria serves 700 clients a year in the area and employs over 20 employees with different services…

The Supreme Court on Thursday handed down a major ruling on affirmative action saying that colleges and universities cannot use race as a factor in college admissions. Reaching out to Frostburg State University President Ron Nowaczyk, he took a moment to comment on the ruling to WCBC…

According to airnow.gov, the smoky skies in our area will persist at least through Saturday with an air quality index of “unhealthy for sensitive groups.” Smoke concentrations were greatest over Western Maryland on Wednesday but have increased steadily statewide. The smoke has been coming from wildfires in Canada that have been burning since March. For people with air sensitive issues, staying indoors or wearing a mask when outdoors is suggested.