Along with the release of the State of the County booklet at the Allegany County Commissioner’s meeting this past Thursday that highlights the progress of local government, a new citizen recognition program was also announced.  Allegany County’s “Positive People” Campaign is an initiative to recognize and celebrate local citizens who are making a positive impact.  Commissioner Bill Atkinson described the program…    

West Virginia ranks number one in the nation for vehicle collisions with wildlife. The West Virginia Department of Transportation says through November of 2023, nearly 11-thousand deer as well as 15 bears. National Wildlife Federation spokesperson Jeremy Romero says federal infrastructure law allocates 350-million dollars to states over five years for construction of wildlife crossings like underpasses, or overpasses with fencing …    

The Mayor and City Council of Cumberland will meet in closed session beginning at 4pm at City Hall on Tuesday, January 16, 2024, f to discuss a proposal from a developer to develop parcels on the former Memorial Hospital site and to discuss an additional development proposal for multiple lots within the City. The Open Work Session will then begin at 5pm and will include an update from the City’s lobbyist Richard Reinhardt. The regular Public Meeting will be held at 6:15 PM in the City Hall Council Chambers. Agenda items include the swearing in of five new City Police officers.

The United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit has granted a re-hearing on the State of Maryland’s petition in the case of Maryland Shall Issue v. Wes Moore.  The full appellate court will reconsider the November ruling by a three-judge panel which decided Maryland’s law requiring most citizens to obtain a license before acquiring a handgun was unconstitutional. Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown issued a statement saying his office is steadfast in its commitment to uphold measures they believe are crucial for removing guns from the streets and reducing gun-related incidents. 

Work on the reconstruction of downtown Cumberland is continuing through the winter months. Triton Construction has been working mainly on Liberty Street recently, and that work has resulted in long street closures, creating issues for residents and businesses.  Downtown Development Director Melinda Kelleher says that the contractor has been doing its best to stay on schedule… Kelleher also said that the view along Baltimore Street would continue to evolve as the contractor works through the winter months…

On January 14, 2024, Officers responded to the Train tracks on Baltimore Street for a report of a subject trespassing on the tracks. Officers learned that the subject was also throwing items on the tracks that could damage or derail CSX trains. The area where the subject was located is property owned by CSX Corporation and is clearly Posted against trespassing. The subject was identified as Mackenzie Troy Leahey of Pittsburg Pa. Mr. Leahey was placed under arrest and issued two Criminal Citations and later released.   Arrest: Mackenzie Troy Leahey, 28 years old, Pittsburg PA. Charges: Trespassing on Posted Property and…

On January 14, 2024 Officers of the Cumberland Police Department served a bench warrant and arrest warrant on Trevon Marcel Emerson. The Arrest Warrant was issued by the District Court of Maryland. The arrest warrant was issued from an incident in which Emerson fled from Officers. On this day Officers attempted to serve Emerson with a Bench Warrant. Officers attempted to Serve Emerson with a Bench Warrant on January 13, 2024. As Officers made entry into the residence, they observed Emerson jump from a bedroom window and flee down Maryland Avenue. This earned Emerson two additional charges. Officers located Emerson…

Former Maryland Governor Larry Hogan formally endorsed Nikki Haley for president Sunday.  Hogan stated that Haley, the former governor of South Carolina and U.N. ambassador, gives the Republican Party the best chance to win in November.  

Snow. Additional snow accumulations of two to four inches, especially on western facing slopes. Winds gusting as high as 55mph in Maryland, Extreme Western Allegany County and in West Virginia, Western Mineral County until noon today. Plan on slippery road conditions. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches. Snow showers and squalls continue through noon, producing additional snow accumulations, blowing snow, and near zero visibility. Instructions: Slow down and use caution while traveling. When venturing outside, watch your first few steps taken on steps, sidewalks, and driveways, which could be icy and slippery, increasing your risk of a fall and injury.

On Saturday, January 13th, 2024, the Cumberland City Police arrested Jeremy Allen May, 41, of Cumberland MD. May was arrested on an active Arrest Warrant issued by the Allegany County District Court for an incident that occurred on January 12th. During that incident, the Cumberland Police responded to the 400 block of Grand Ave for the report of a man armed with a machete creating a disturbance in the area. Officers arrived on scene, and located May in a back yard of a nearby residence. When confronted, May refused to drop the machete and began to yell at officers. He…