Maryland failed to assess the Francis Scott Key Bridge for its vulnerability from a vessel collision and still has yet to assess the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, the National Transportation Safety Board announced this week.  National Transportation Safety Board Chairwoman Jennifer Homendy provided an update to the investigation of the Key Bridge collapse, announcing the agency is issuing urgent safety recommendations to 30 owners of 68 bridges in 19 states to assess the structures' vulnerability from a vessel collision.  

Bishop Walsh defeated Worcester Prep in Annapolis Friday to claim the state title in Mock Trial.  The championship is the second for BW, which also claimed the 1990 title.  Allegany County has now won two consecutive championships as Allegany High School won in 2024.  Bishop Walsh is coached by Tony Orndoff with assistance from Nathan Williams and Jessica Colwell.  Thirteen students are on this year's title squad.

Sometime during the overnight period of 03/21/2025 person(s) unknown damaged the speed detection trailer belonging to the Cumberland Police Department. The trailer was parked on Seton Dr near Moccasin Trail. Anyone with any information is asked to contact the Cumberland Police Department at 301-777-1600. You may also submit an anonymous tip to the Allegany/Mineral County Crime Solvers at www.allegany-mineralcountycrimesolvers.com. Tipsters may be eligible for an award of upo to $1,500 and do not need to leave their name or appear in court. The speed detection trailer is a tool that focuses on public safety and reducing speeds, motor vehicle collisions, and can be deployed…

The West Virginia Senate Education Committee approved a bill Thursday that would require age-appropriate instruction on the Holocaust, beginning at grade 6.  The bill, sponsored by Sen. Mike Oliverio, will now go to the full Senate

On Thursday, March 20, 2025, the Cumberland Police Department served a bench warrant on Nicholas D’Atri.  The warrant was issued as the result of D’Atri failing to appear in court on an original charge of Knowingly Driving Uninsured Vehicle.  D’Atri was arrested and transported to Central Booking.  He was later seen by a District Court Commissioner and released on his personal recognizance. ARRESTED:  Nicholas Joseph D’Atri       AGE:  34           Cumberland, MD BENCH WARRANTS SERVED On Thursday, March 20, 2025, the Cumberland Police Department served three bench warrants on Kayden Brewington.  The warrants were issued as…

On Thursday, March 20, 2025, the Cumberland Police Department served a criminal summons on Ryan Roach.  The summons was issued in connection with a burglary investigation that began on March 14, 2025 in the 100 block of Arch Street.  Police were called to the residence at approximately 2:31 PM and contacted the alleged victim who reported that someone had entered her garage without her permission.  A suspect was developed and identified as Ryan Roach.  After further investigation, police filed for charges against Roach at the District Court of Allegany County.  Roach signed for his copy of the summons and he…

The Allegany County Commissioners met to go over options for an increasingly difficult FY26 budget season.  With pushbacks from the state sitting at just under $6 million, options on cost cutting and revenue increasing were discussed.  A decision on whether to raise property tax rates by six cents per $100,000 of value along with an income tax increase were discussed, as well as deep cuts to staff and services.  It was clear Commissioner Creade Brodie wants to protect citizens…     “Right now we’ve got departments that don’t care if the three of us swing from the same rope as…

The Maryland House passed the Second Look Act that would review the jail terms of those incarcerated for more than 20 years, depending on their age at the time of sentencing.  That bill has now passed over to the Senate where it will have a hearing in the Judicial Proceedings Committee.  However, committee member Senator Mike McKay thinks such bills will probably take a back seat to more important issues…     “Is this a priority for the 2025 session? I tend to believe it’s not, and that budgetary issues and energy are the top priority.”

The once thought-as-dead Business Services Tax has come back, this time on a much narrower scale.  Maryland’s new proposed tax delivers revenues on data and IT services at half the rate, 3%, of the current rate on goods. Senate President Bill Ferguson said the tax focuses on the growing role of digital in society and its use to replace workers.  House Minority Leader Jason Buckel said it’s a solution that will damage the economy and drive business elsewhere…     “I just think it’s a bad idea. I think it’s a bad idea because at the end of the day,…

On Thursday, March 20, 2025 at approximately 7:48 PM, an officer of the Cumberland Police Department conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle on W. Industrial Blvd. at S. Wineow Street.  A police K-9 alerted to the odor of drugs in the vehicle.  A search was conducted and a passenger, Sarah Dersin, was found to be in possession of suspected methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.  Dersin initially provided officers with a false identity and was later found to have an active bench warrant.  The warrant had been issued as the result of Dersin failing to appear in court on original charges…