Maryland’s horseracing industry could undergo a bit of a shakeup under plans awaiting state approval.  Pimlico Race Course would become the centerpiece for Maryland racing and Laurel Park would most likely close under the plan.  Members of the Maryland Thoroughbred Racetrack Operating Authority determined that keeping both Pimlico and Laurel open was not affordable so plans are to revamp Pimlico and move the Preakness Stakes to Laurel during the racecourse remodel for race years 2025 and 2026.

Mixed precipitation expected. Total snow accumulations of around an inch west of Keyser's Ridge, with two to four inches expected east toward Savage Mountain and Frostburg. Ice accumulations of a few hundredths to around one tenth of an inch. Winds gusting as high as 50 mph in Garrett and Extreme Western Allegany Counties from 4AM to 1PM Tuesday. Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous conditions could impact the morning commute. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches. Precipitation will overspread the area in the predawn Tuesday. A wintry mix is expected through the morning before a changeover to rain…

On January 7th, Officers from the Cumberland Police Department (CPD) were dispatched to the area of Greenway Avenue and Brookfield Avenue for a disturbance. A male was running through the neighborhood, yelling and on persons property. He was arrested and transported to PH to where he was positively identified as Alexander Robert Baseman, formerly of Bethlehem Pennsylvania. Alexander Robert Baseman was served his paperwork and was taken to Allegany County Detention Center to await his hearing. Arrest: Alexander Robert Baseman, age 30, Cumberland MD Charges: Disorderly Conduct, Disturbing the Peace, Disturbing the Peace, Public intoxication, Failure to Obey a Lawful…

People have heard a lot of talk about the proposed River Park at Canal Place. DeDe Ritchie, Director of the Canal Place Authority, says it is going to happen, but the preparation work takes time and immediate results are not possible… Ritchie’s hopes for the project see it surpassing similar attractions in the region…

Bridges in Cumberland seem to be in any type of shape right now – closed, open, under construction, or down to one lane.  For work on the damaged Washington Street Bridge to occur, any plans will have to go before the federal government for a ruling… Work on the closed Cumberland Street Bridge across the CSX tracks should start sometime this year, with the Fayette Street Bridge to follow…    

Cumberland City Police officers answered over 31,000 calls for service last year.  Within that number are stories of assaults, crash investigations, thefts, and traffic stops.  Also in that total are 27 assaults on police officers in 2023.  Captain James Burt says those unfortunate events usually occur when officers answer a call for someone already being combative…    

On January 7th, Officers from the Cumberland Police Department (CPD) were dispatched to a local business where a customer was refusing to leave when asked. Upon arrival the customer failed to identify herself to Officers and failed to the leave the property when asked several times. Teresa Lousie Walter was placed under arrest and taken to Cumberland Police Headquarters where she was written one Criminal Citation. She was released from Cumberland Police Headquarters. Arrest: Teresa Louise Walter, age 59, Cumberland MD Charges: Failure to Obey a Lawful Order

Renovations are taking place on Washington Street at the historic Hoye House next to the Emmanuel Episcopal Church. Barbara Crane, co-senior Warden at Emmanuel, said the new Will’s Creek Museum will become the base for the tours given of the church grounds… The museum will operate independently of the church and has recently received a second grant from the Maryland Humanities to help with operational costs during renovations. Crane talked about plans for the space…

The McMullen Building in downtown Cumberland is now home to the largest privately owned solar project in Allegany County and biggest system in the Cumberland city limits.  The 259-panel solar farm will generate enough electricity to power 16 homes per year. The environmental impact of the project includes the offset of 200 barrels of oil per year and 100 tons of CO2.  Paradise Energy Solutions of Washington County did the installation on the McMullen Building roof.

Larry Hogan says he is frustrated with the current field of candidates for the Republican presidential race. He says their in-fighting is doing no good to challenge Donald Trump and most Americans think the country is hopelessly divided. Coming up on the Iowa primaries, Hogan knows Trump is the frontrunner…