West Virginia House Bill 4299 would allow teachers, administrators, and support personnel to carry concealed firearms and be designated as school protection officers. Training through the Department of Homeland Security must be completed and the individual must have a valid concealed carry permit. The program is not mandatory, but if the county should decide to do it, they will have the support to do so. Proponents of the bill feel this would provide extra protection to schools. Opponents feel it could cause dangerous situations. The bill has advanced to the Judiciary Committee.

Maryland State Comptroller Brooke Lierman is looking back at the accomplishments of her first year in office. The Comptroller of Maryland has more than one thousand employees in offices throughout the state. Lierman recently released the first State of the Economy report analyzing opportunities and challenges. She also has announced a way to keep citizens across Maryland engaged and educated on the programs of the Comptroller’s office…    

The 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. Wednesday, January 24, 2024 Damian Joshua Cline, 25 of Cumberland, was served a Circuit Court Bench Warrant for Violation of Probation. His original charge is for Conspiracy – Possession with intent to Distribute: Narcotics. He was released on his own recognizance in this matter. Richard Allen Lowry, 33 of Cumberland, was served two arrest warrants. A Circuit Court Bench Warrant for Violation of Probation. His original charges in that matter are Theft: $1,500 To…

The Allegany County Commissioners approved a loan program last night to help new small businesses to expand.  Adam Strott, Economic Development Specialist, explained that the Business Expansion Deferred Loan plan would be a tiered system of lending. Parts of the loan amount could be forgivable… During the meeting, Commission President Dave Caporale also said the County is working on a relief grant program for downtown Cumberland merchants…

Release from Mineral County Schools: Recent School Threats found to be Viral Hoax: As you may be aware, yesterday we received a threat regarding Frankfort High School.   Today we were made aware of another vague and non-specific threat which did not target any particular school or schools. In fact, today’s threat did not even mention schools. However, we investigate all threats to determine their credibility and maintain safe school environments.   After having thoroughly investigated yesterday and today’s threats, in conjunction with the Office of Emergency Management, MC Sheriff’s Dept, the WV State Police, and the Maryland Department of…

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has set the state’s Primitive Deer Hunt for February 1-3 statewide. Hunters with a valid hunting license, or those exempt from the hunting license requirement, may use primitive bows or muzzleloaders to hunt sika and white-tailed deer during these days.  Primitive hunting devices are defined as long bows, recurve bows, flintlock, or sidelock percussion muzzleloaders. Hunters in Allegany, Garrett and the western portion of Washington County may harvest one antlerless deer that will not count against their existing archery or muzzleloader bag limits.

Pennsylvania Department of Human Services Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh, has announced the launch of P-A Navigate, an online tool connecting Pennsylvanians with community-based organizations, county and state agencies, and healthcare providers for referrals to resources that help them meet their most basic needs like food, shelter, transportation, and more. Dr. Arkoosh said the online program is a long-held dream come true for services…      

Cumberland Fire/Police Department responding to motor vehicle accident on Bond Street and Henderson Avenue with airbag deployment. A second ambulance has been requested to the scene. Travelers can get around the incident by taking Knox Street on the North end and Frederick Street on the south end of Henderson avenue..

On Wednesday, January 24, 2024, the Cumberland Police Department served a bench warrant on Ashley Silvious.  The warrant was issued as the result of Silvious failing to appear in court on January 23, 2024.  She was originally charged with driving without a license.  Silvious was arrested and transported to Central Booking.  She was later seen by a District Court Commissioner and posted a $1,500 unsecured personal bond. ARRESTED:  Ashley Marie Silvious       AGE:  36          Cumberland, MD BENCH WARRANT SERVED On Wednesday, January 24, 2024, the Cumberland Police Department served a bench warrant on Eric Whetstone.  The warrant was issued as the…

In Maryland’s general election this November, voters will have a referendum on an amendment to determine whether reproductive freedom should be enshrined in the state constitution.  Abortion advocates rallied in Annapolis this week to kick off the “Yes On Reproductive Freedom” campaign.  Maryland House Speaker Adrienne Jones says she wants Maryland to send a message…