A Maryland State Police helicopter crew rescues three people in two separate hoist missions Sunday in West Virginia. Shortly after 7:45 a.m. on Sunday, the Maryland State Police Aviation Command was called to perform an aerial rescue for an injured hiker and his teenage son.  The father-son pair had been out in the woods in Tucker County, West Virginia since Saturday, when the father suffered an injury. Trooper 5, based out of the Cumberland Section, was requested for the aerial rescue due to the rescuers’ limited resources, terrain difficulties, an extended extrication time and the nature of the father’s injuries.  …

Design Committee for the Downtown Development Commission said recently the group will soon be looking for proposals for artwork to enhance Church Alley that runs from the rear of the Arts Council building to North Centre Street.  The art will be part of the downtown redevelopment project…  

An award-winning AmeriCorps program is still accepting applications for work through the end of August.  The Maryland Conservation Corps provides young adults with opportunities for service in the community and environment by preserving, protecting, and restoring Maryland’s natural resources. Members plant trees, build trails, restore habitats and assist with special events. Members receive a bi-weekly allowance, healthcare benefits, low cost housing at certain crew sites and an AmeriCorps education award to be used toward school tuition or certain student loans. For information, go to www.dnr.maryland.gov

On August 14th, 2023 officers of the Cumberland Police Department responded to the 500 block of Eastern Avenue for a reported disturbance. Upon officers arrival they spoke with the complainant who advised that Shelia Cappadona was at his residence, creating a disturbance and refusing to leave. Cappadona was ordered to leave the property and to refrain from creating any further disturbances. A short time later officers were dispatched back to the residence due to Cappadona returning and creating another disturbance. Officers arrived and located Cappadona on the property, and placed her under arrest. Cappadone was remanded to the Allegany County…

On August 13th, 2023 officers of the Cumberland Police Department responded to the 400 block of Virginia Avenue for a reported disturbance. Upon officers arrival they observed Amanda Swauger to be acting in a disorderly manner. She was ordered to discontinue her actions and to refrain from causing any further disturbances. A short time later officers were dispatched to the ten block of Virginia Avenue for another disturbance involving Swauger. Upon officers arrival they observed Swauger to again be acting in a disorderly manner and was placed under arrest. During a subsequent search incident to arrest officers located items of…

Transportation came up as a challenge during the State of the County event held this week at Allegany College of Maryland. Developing ways for residents who would like to live in the region and work in the metro areas to the East were discussed.  Jason Bennett, County Administrator, reminded those in attendance of the study being done on the Marc Train’s possible expansion to the area… Bennett also discussed the status of construction at the Cumberland Regional Airport…

While most of the grant-sponsored renovations in Cumberland seem to come in the business sector, Ruth Davis-Rogers of the City’s Historic Preservation Commission was happy to share some news about residential rehabs using grant money as well.  During the Downtown Develop Commission’s monthly meeting, Rogers shared that two homes in the Washington Street Historic District are benefiting from grants received through the Maryland Historic Trust…

The plight of the homeless and how they are affecting Cumberland, specifically the downtown area, was discussed this week during a downtown stakeholder meeting.  John Buchanan of CBIZ said that he noticed someone was sleeping in front of the synagogue on South Centre Street and questioned what the city could be doing to address these increasing situations in the wake of the downtown’s redesign… City Council member Lauri Marchini said the city has been working on addressing the subject of the homeless for a long time, but it is difficult… Sandi Saville replied that what the City can and can’t…

Senator Joe Manchin still keeps beating the drum for an alternative candidate for the upcoming Presidential election but now he’s using a new word – independent.  In a recent interview, the West Virginia Senator spoke about the extremes in the two leading political parties and people in those parties who feel lost and left out… Democrat Manchin has been supportive of a third-party candidate if no one steps rises up to be a true challenger to President Biden or former President Trump. He has participated in the No Labels organization headed by Joe Lieberman, but when asked if he would…

The Allegany County Commissioners heard the preliminary recommendations for Open Space Funding at Thursday’s monthly meeting.  Commissioner Bill Atkinson was a guest on the Dave Norman program and spoke about the origins of the money for the program that comes through the Maryland Department of Natural Resources… Atkinson said that 17 of 18 projects that submitted requests for funding were accepted, enabling the County to spread the funding around the region to benefit the citizens.  Projects selected have to meet certain requirements to receive the Open Space Funds…