More than $30 million dollars is coming to Maryland after being held up for 25 years.  The money is for healthcare costs related to treating smoking-related illnesses.  Big tobacco companies Philip Morris and R.J. Reynolds had attempted to avoid paying the money in the Master Settlement Agreement, saying that Maryland had failed to enforce a particular statute regulating the cigarette industry. An arbitration hearing was held in March on the issue and a unanimous decision was issued in Maryland’s favor.

Both Hampshire and Mineral Counties will be getting some state grant money for programs in their areas.  Governor Jim Justice announced that over two million dollars in funding is going to West Virginia counties for comprehensive opioid and substance abuse programs.  Hampshire County will receive over $60,000 to improve mental health treatment and peer recovery services.  Hampshire will also receive almost $20,000 for Prevention Resource Officers in county schools while Mineral County will receive almost $40,000 for their schools.

One of the bills that the Joint Republican Caucus is hoping to get through the General Assembly in the coming year is the Violent Firearms Offenders Act.  Senate Minority Whip Justin Ready said the bill passed the Senate in previous years with bipartisan support… The bill would also close a longstanding “drug dealer loophole” and create penalties for someone who sells or gives someone a gun knowing they are going to commit a crime…                

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has announced that the two-week firearms hunting season for white-tailed deer runs November 25-December 9.  Hunters are reminded that an antler-point restriction remains in effect this season and that Chronic Wasting Disease Management areas include all of Allegany Carroll, Frederick, and Washington counties. Deer harvested from these areas must not be transported out of the managed areas. Hunters are required to wear fluorescent orange or pink as a cap, vest, or jacket. 

Northeast Elementary School has been recognized as a 2023 National Blue Ribbon School within the category of “Exemplary Achievement Gap-Closing Schools.” The category recognizes Northeast as being among the state’s highest performing schools in closing achievement gaps between student groups and all students. Administrators from the school traveled to Washington DC to attend the recognition ceremony. First Grade Teacher Natalie Williams said the award reflects the dedication of students, parents, and educators working hand in hand.

The financial situation of the City of Cumberland seems to be a good one right now.  At the recent work session for the Mayor and Council, City Comptroller Mark Gandolfi presented a debt-affordability study that seemed to put a positive light on finances and debt service.  Mayor Ray Morriss agrees the City is doing well right now but does see there is some needed work that will have to be addressed in the coming years…

On Monday November 27th, 2023 Officers of the Cumberland Police Department observed Desean L Thomas Jr trespassing on the CSX Railroad tracks. Desean L Thomas Jr was contacted and issued one Criminal Uniform Citation for Trespassing. Arrest: Desean L Thomas Jr, age 27, Baltimore Maryland Charges: Trespassing

On Sunday November 26th, 2023 Officers of the Cumberland Police Department were dispatched to a residence in the 20 block of Grand Ave. for a disturbance. Upon arrival Officers learned that the female was assaulted by James E Robinette Jr.  As a result of the assault, James E Robinette Jr was arrested on scene and taken to the Allegany County Detention Center.   Arrest: James E Robinette Jr, age 34, Midland Maryland Charges: Assault Second Degree

On Sunday November 26th, 2023 Officers of the Cumberland Police Department were dispatched to a residence in the 600 block of E Second Street for an assault involving a handgun. Upon arrival Officers observed that Gerald Allen Moore assaulted an adult and a juvenile with a handgun. It was later determined the handgun was a replica airsoft gun with the orange markings removed. Due to the assaults, Gerald Allen Moore was arrested on scene and taken to the Allegany County Detention Center. Arrest: Gerald Allen Moore, age 33, Cumberland Maryland Charges: First Degree Assault, Second Degree Assault, First Degree Assault,…

The West Side Neighborhood Association is keenly interested in the housing development that will be taking up residence where Allegany High School once stood.  They continue to have concerns over the lawsuits and quality ratings that developer D.R. Horton has received from other builds across the country, especially the specifications used to build the homes.  Neighborhood Association spokesperson Max Green says the density of the build isn’t among their major concerns…