Parking in downtown Cumberland may be a little easier now, thanks to a new contactless payment option.  The City has partnered with ParkMobile, a mobile parking app that shoppers can download to their phones.  The app allows drivers to park, pay, and extend parking sessions without returning to their vehicle. App information is posted on meters and payment kiosks.  Denise Adams, Citizen Service Representative, tells WCBC that this is a new option for downtown visitors…    

The Allegany County Commissioner took action to finalize the purchase of the former FedEx distribution center at Thursday’s public meeting.  The purchase price for the 36,000-plus square foot building is $1.1 million.  Economic Development Director Jeff Barclay says there are already some interested parties in the property on Lane Avenue in LaVale…    

The Center for Digital Government recognized the Motor Vehicle Administration as the first state in the nation to offer Mobile ID Digital Wallet on both Apple and Google. The recognition came at the Center’s GovX Summit, the group’s annual event highlighting trends, best practices and ideas for government services. The MVA was one of 12 winners from around the country in the Center for Digital Government’s State Government Experience category.  The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, which awarded the agency two TransComm Skills Contest awards, also recognized the MVA recently.  

Congressman David Trone spoke at a forum sponsored by Voice of the People on substance abuse disorder and treatment options.  A survey done by the organization of Western Maryland residents shows support for increasing federal programs of treatment for substance use and mental health. Trone is the co-chair of the Bipartisan Addiction and Mental Health Task Force and explained the power of the painkiller fentanyl…    

Today, November 2, 2023, Westmar Middle School was placed in a HOLD status due to a medical emergency. A HOLD status is used when the hallways need to be kept clear of occupants. The Allegany County Sheriff's Department has given the “All Clear” and the instructional day has resumed as normal.  

Marylanders can now enroll in health plans for 2024 on MarylandHealthConnection.gov, the state’s health insurance marketplace. All plans available through Maryland Health Connection cover many services at no cost including vaccines, screening for diabetes and high blood pressure as well as screenings for different cancers. This year, Aetna is now available in addition to CareFirst, Kaiser Permanente, and United Healthcare. Marylanders age 18-37 can get special discounts on plans. Value Plans are available that are designed to lower out-of-pocket costs for common health care services and are a good fit for those with high prescription costs due to lower caps….

Emancipation Day in Maryland is celebrated each year on November 1st.  The day is marked annually by the Governor to recognize and remember the end of enslavement in the state in 1864, following the Emancipation Proclamation of 1863.  Governor Wes Moore took time to remember those in Maryland’s history that played a part in ending slavery…   

Congressman David Trone took part in a Voice of The People forum discussing substance abuse disorders and treatment.  A survey of over 700 people in the 6th congressional district showed an overwhelming majority of constituents favored increased federal spending on treatment programs.  Trone, whose nephew died of an overdose, knows how wide the problem reaches…    Congressman Trone also said that budgeting money to battle the issue isn’t enough when it comes to getting the money to where it needs to go…   

Maryland has a new weapon in fighting weather-related disasters.  The first of 75 Mesonet Towers was unveiled in Clarksburg with the Department of Emergency Management.  The towers are being installed throughout the state and will provide rapid, precise data for risk communications by increasing the accuracy of weather forecasts and lead-time of potentially severe weather.  Russ Strickland, Department of Emergency Services Secretary, says the system will benefit the entire state…   

The Allegany County Commissioners are expected to vote Thursday on the purchase of the former FedEx distribution center in LaVale.  The building became available when FedEx built its new site along Route 51 in 2022. Economic Development Director Jeff Barclay wanted to secure the property for the county to market to prospective businesses.  The sale price for the property is $1.1 million.