Fueled by the NFL Playoffs this year, Maryland’s January sports wagering market generated over $8 million in taxes to the state, an increase of nearly four times more than January of 2023.  January is usually strong because of the football playoffs and was exceptionally higher this year because of the appearance of the Baltimore Ravens early on.  A total of $544.9 million was wagered in January and $464.9 million paid out in prize money.  The Sports Wagering Tax goes to support the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future Education Plan.

With just a few hours to go before the deadline, Neil Parrott filed paperwork to run for the open District 6 Congressional seat.  Parrott has run for the seat twice before, losing to David Trone by fairly wide margins. This time he will be facing fellow Republicans including Mariela Roca, and Dan Cox.  Parrott said in his announcement that he thinks he has well-rounded experience for the role…

The Snow Emergency Plan for Allegany County will be placed in effect this morning, February 13, 2024 at 0300 hours by Maryland State Police Cumberland Barrack and the Maryland State Highway Administration. Citizens are reminded and encouraged to report any suspected crimes or illicit drug activity to the Allegany & Mineral County Crime-solvers at 301-722-4300 or on the web at http://www.allegany-mineralcountycrimesolvers.com/.  You do not have to give your name and tips always remain anonymous.  Rewards are available up to $1,500 in cash.  All information is welcomed and appreciated in the fight against drugs and crime. 

February 14 – UPDATE – The missing juvenile was found by police in South Cumberland and returned to his mother. The Cumberland Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in locating a missing juvenile, Jose Michael Lee Logsdon. Logsdon is a 13-year-old white male, approximately 5 feet 9 inches tall and 155 pounds. Logsdon was last seen on St. Mary’s Avenue in Cumberland on February 12th, 2023 at approximately 7:30 am, wearing a blue hooded sweatshirt, light gray sweatpants and black Crocs. Anyone with information as to his whereabouts please call the Cumberland Police Department at 301-777-1600. Callers can remain…

All Allegany County Public Schools will be CLOSED, Tuesday, February 13, 2024. Synchronous learning will take place for students via the Schoology platform with login hours at 8:30 am for elementary and 8:00 am for middle and high.  As always, students without access to connectivity will be given up to two days to submit assignments.  All synchronous virtual learning schedules can be found on the ACPS website.   Additionally, all staff may work remotely, Tuesday, February 13, 2024, with the exception of essential personnel.

Emergency responders including those from Allegany County are on site in Morgan County, WV at a train derailment. Reports are the derailment near Magnolia includes at least one tanker leaking fluid.

The Cumberland Fire Department is on the scene of a house fire in the 600 block of North Mechanic Street. Mechanic Street is closed at this time – drivers are urged to find another route. Initial reports had fire and smoke coming from the roof of the building and possible entrapment.

WINTER STORM WARNING NOW IN EFFECT

Rain changing to heavy, wet snow. Total snow accumulations of 5 to 7 inches for elevations above 1500 feet, and 2 to 5 inches at lower elevations. Winds could gust as high as 40 mph in Maryland, Central and Eastern Allegany County and in West Virginia, Eastern Mineral County. from 2 AM to 10 AM Tuesday. Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous conditions could impact the morning commute. ADDITIONAL DETAILS…Rain is expected to change to snow between 3 AM and 5 AM. Snow will be heavy at times, with rates of around 1 inch per hour through mid morning…

While no regular public meeting is scheduled this week, the Cumberland Mayor and City Council will be holding a public work session on Tuesday, February 13th at 4pm. The council will receive updates regarding the Downtown Comprehensive Investment Program, the Downtown Surveillance Project and an update from the Cumberland Economic Development Corporation. Questions may be directed to the City Clerk’s office.