Members of the West Virginia House of Delegates voted Monday to kill a controversial vaccination exemptions bill. This has been one of the hot-button issues of the legislative session. Discussion on the House floor went on for about two hours today, with 26 delegates rising to speak.
Work is expected to start sometime in April to shore up the landslide-prone hillside along the Great Allegheny Passage biking and hiking trail below Kennywood near Pittsburgh. The two-week project means the trail will be closed between mile markers 136 to 138, a key segment of the 150-mile trail. Especially affected will be bicyclists from out of the region who may be unaware that they will be stopped by locked gates.
On Sunday, March 23rd, 2025, the Cumberland Police Department arrested Tracy Kerry Williams, 39, of Cumberland MD. Williams was arrested on three active Bench Warrants issued by the Allegany County District Court on March 13th, 2025. All the warrants allege Williams violated the terms and conditions of probation that stemmed from three previous convictions on charges of trespassing, CDS possession, and assault. He was taken before a District Court Commissioner for an Initial Appearance where he was remanded to the Allegany County Detention Center. He is currently being held without bond. Name: Tracy Kerry Williams …
A recent survey from Wallet Hub ranked states in the US from best to worst for places to retire. The survey looked at key indicators of retirement – friendliness, financial factors like tax rates and the cost of living to things like access to quality medical care and fun activities. Maryland scored 36th overall, with high scores for access to quality medical care and activities, but was 44th for affordability. Pennsylvania ranked 6th in the survey while Virginia was 11th.
Two important transcontinental highways will be celebrating their 100th anniversary in 2026. One is the famous Route 66, while the other is US Route 50. Route 50 covers over 3,000 miles from Ocean City, Maryland to Sacramento, California. West Virginia House Delegate Gary Howell says there are plans in his state to celebrate the highway that travels through more than 200 miles of West Virginia. Improvements to roadside parks and landmarks are planned along with an update to Skyline Overlook in Mineral County where tourists stop to view Saddle Mountain.
On March 21, 2025, at approximately 1:56 AM, Deputies from the Allegany County Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop on a black Honda Civic on McMullen Highway in Cumberland, Maryland. Upon approaching the vehicle, deputies observed several factors consistent with criminal activity. Deputies established probable cause to conduct a search of the vehicle. During the search, deputies discovered a quantity of suspected crack cocaine in an amount indicative of possession with intent to distribute. Additionally, a loaded .45 caliber semi-automatic handgun was recovered, along with a significant sum of U.S. currency believed to be proceeds from the sale of controlled…
On Sunday, March 23rd, 2025, the Cumberland Police Department arrested Romeo Flores, 56, of Cumberland MD. Flores was arrested on an active Arrest Warrant issued by the Allegany County District Court for an incident that occurred on March 23rd, 2025, at a residence in the 600 block of Bedford St. During that incident, it is alleged that Flores assaulted two juveniles and fled the home before police arrived on the scene. He was taken before a District Court Commissioner for an Initial Appearance where he was remanded to the Allegany County Detention Center. He is currently being held without bond. …
Mayor Ray Morriss spoke with WCBC News regarding the number of businesses closing in the downtown Cumberland and LaVale areas. Morriss said M&M Bakery leaves a hole with their closing, but there is opportunity to be found. The bakery closing, he said creates the chance for someone to have their dream business. “Anyone that has ever thought, ‘I’d like to own a bakery. I’d like to do something,” because it’s going to leave a void and a great business opportunity for someone. So I’m – that’s what I’m looking for is – who wants to be the person who will…
As we approach Crossover Day, this week marks a crucial deadline for Subcommittees to finalize their work, ensuring bills move forward through the full committees. Crossover Day is the day when all House Bills with the potential to become law are sent to the Senate, and vice versa. Unlike the U.S. Congress, our part-time legislature operates under strict timelines, making these deadlines even more significant. Here are some key highlights from this week’s developments. Senate Bill 8, which has successfully passed the House, is now on its way to the Governor for final approval. This important bill permits the installation…
The Western Maryland Economic Futures Fund, known locally as the Senator George Edwards Fund, successfully had legislation passed in both chambers of the General Assembly. House Sponsor Jason Buckel said the fund is critical for the economic future of the region. Senator Mike McKay tells WCBC continued work with present and coming governors will assure money continues to flow to the fund… “So each year, we’ll have to work with the governor to make sure that he puts in – or she in the future, put in money for that fund. Moore has already expressed his support of…
