On 1/8/2024 at approximately 10:30 PM the Cumberland City Police Department were alerted to the lobby of the Police Station for an assault victim. The Cumberland Fire Department transported the victim to the hospital due to their serious injuries. The victim was interviewed and advised Christopher Seifarth had entered their residence and assaulted them with an unknown object. Officers responded to the victim’s residence in the 1000 block of Kent Avenue and observed signs of forced entry. The officers located a hammer in the area in which the assault occurred. Officers were unable to locate Seifarth at that time, so…

When Governor Moore introduces his administration’s plans to toughen up on juvenile crime in the state, he firmly reached across the aisle in wanting to deal with some of the more aggravating repeat offenders… Among the plans are upgrading charges for some offenses from a misdemeanor to a felony. Senator Mike McKay thinks that would be helpful in stopping some crime…    

The Downtown Development Commission is working to fill in the empty retail spaces available in downtown Cumberland, hoping to have a full complement of businesses when construction is completed. At Thursday’s DDC meeting, Executive Director Melinda Kelleher said a list is being developed with the help of property owners of what’s available…    

The filing deadline to be on the ballot for the May 14th Primary election is February 9th. Right now, only one candidate has filed for office – Crystal Bender for the Allegany County Board of Education.  Board of Ed positions currently held by Bender, Dave Bohn, and Tammy Fraley are open in the coming election as well as the two seats currently held by Eugene Frazier and Lauri Marchini on the Cumberland City Council.  

No Labels, a political group co-chaired by former Maryland Governor Larry Hogan, has acquired the number of signatures needed to become a recognized political party in Maryland. So far, the group is has achieved ballot access in over a dozen states and is laying the groundwork for a possible third-party presidential ticket for the 2024 election. Hogan says it’s time for a third option…    

A State of the County document was presented at Thursday’s Allegany County Commissioner’s meeting.  Touching on all areas of the county’s responsibilities to its citizens, it highlights finance information, staffing, tourism, and emergency services. Commission President Dave Caporale pointed out highlights dealing with the county’s public works projects… He also touched on achievements within Economic Development…

By prioritizing the well-being of older people, the Longevity Ready Maryland initiative will address the needs of a growing older adult population.  The Executive Order was signed by Governor Moore this week and directs the Department of Aging to develop a plan to tackle challenges throughout the lifespan including health care, caregiver support, and a robust care workforce. Department of Aging Secretary Carmel Roques says living longer is now the norm and a redesign of long-term services is crucial…

 A joint investigation between the Office of the State Fire Marshal and the Cumberland Fire Marshals Office led to the arrest of a Frostburg man.  Joshua Todd Beeman, 41, was charged after they determined he was responsible for setting a Cumberland shed on fire earlier this month.  On January 4, 2024, at around 5:00 p.m., the Cumberland Fire Department was dispatched for a shed fire at 310 Park Street. Firefighters arrived and extinguished the fire within minutes before it spread to nearby structures. The fire caused approximately $1,500 in damage, and no one was reported injured. Investigators with the Cumberland Fire…

The U.S. Department of Agriculture today announced a new, permanent summer grocery benefits program for children – known as Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer. States will provide families with $120 per eligible child for the summer to buy food at grocery stores, farmers markets or other authorized retailers – similar to how SNAP benefits are used. Summer EBT is one of three key mechanisms that USDA is now using to tackle child hunger during the summer. Families are encouraged to participate in all summer nutrition programs available to them. Summer meal sites provide free meals to families and many rural communities offer to-go or home-delivered…

The West Virginia Department of Human Services has begun mailing applications for the Low Income Energy Assistance Program to those who received assistance this past season. If determined eligible, a one-time payment will be issued to the Public Service Commission-regulated heating vendor. If the household heats with fuel such as wood, coal, or liquefied petroleum gas, the payment will be mailed to the individual. Applications can be returned via mail or completed online at wvpath.wv.gov.