A new historical marker is now sitting atop Negro Mountain in Garrett County to honor the man the mountain is named for.  The Dr. Edna B. McKenzie Pittsburgh Branch of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History unveiled the marker which commemorates an unknown African American frontiersman who marched from Fort Cumberland with Colonel Thomas Cresap and his troops.  The man was killed on May 24,1756 during a skirmish with Native American French allies. As a testament to his bravery, the mountain was named for him.  

On Monday, October 16th, 2023, the Cumberland Police Department responded to the 200 blk. of N. Mechanic Street for the report of a motor vehicle theft that has just occurred.  The caller reported that his 2003 Chevrolet S10 was taken while he was inside of a store.  Officers responded to the area to initiate the investigation and an attempt to locate the stolen vehicle was broadcasted to surrounding agencies.  A short while later, the Cumberland Police Department was made aware that the stolen vehicle was sighted on N. Mechanic Street travelling in the wrong direction.  Officers immediately responded that area…

U.S. Senator Ben Cardin along with.Senator Jim Risch, intend to introduce a bipartisan resolution supporting Israel when the Senate returns to session.  “Hamas is a terrorist organization, and its brazen acts of terrorism against civilians must be met with a united response that strongly underscores America’s unwavering support for the people of Israel,” said Chair Cardin. “My thoughts are with the families of those lost and missing, including families here in the United States. The U.S. Congress is unified in working to support our ally, and to send a clear message to the world that terrorism against innocents will not be…

A Boswell man is facing charges in Somerset County for allegedly shooting his father following an argument.  Mason Jack, 20, faces two counts of aggravated assault for shooting his father in the abdomen after quarreling over a weed-eater.  Jack called 911 claiming he had shot his father after being followed home from his grandmother’s house where the two were doing yard work. Reports say both men drew guns and then got into a physical fight before Jack says he lost his glasses and shot his father claiming he couldn’t see clearly.  The father was taken to hospital with moderate injuries.

On Sunday, October 15, 2023 at approximately 1:07 PM, officers of the Cumberland Police Department responded to a residence in the 300 block of Columbia Street for a disturbance.  Police contacted the residents and learned that an assault had occurred.  The alleged victim reported that Heather Windle assaulted her.  Officers observed that the victim had sustained injuries consistent with her statement.  After further investigation, Windle was placed under arrest and transported to police headquarters.  Windle was later seen by a District Court Commissioner and released on her personal recognizance. ARRESTED:  Heather Renee Windle                 AGE:  48                  Cumberland, MD CHARGES:  Assault-2nd Degree  

On Sunday, October 15, 2023, the Cumberland Police Department served a criminal summons on Annika McAleer.  The summons was issued in connection with a theft investigation that was initiated on October 2, 2023.  On this date at approximately 11:00 PM, police learned that Halloween decorations had been stolen from a residence in the 1000 block of Frederick Street.  One of the suspects was identified as Annika McAleer.  After further investigation, police filed for charges against McAleer at the District Court of Allegany County.  McAleer signed for her copy of the summons and she was released pending trial. ARRESTED:  Annika Nychole…

Allegany County Health Department’s Tobacco and Chronic Disease program has grant funds available for community organizations to develop tobacco cessation education activities.  A total of $15,000 in funding is available. About 10% of Marylanders are smokers while 3.6% of high school students say they smoke.  Vaping or e-cigarette use among highschoolers is almost 15%, according to the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids.  Contact the health department for more information.

Fall fire season has started throughout West Virginia and continues through the end of the year.  The Department of Forestry reminds residents to confine outdoor burning to between the hours of 5pm and 7am with all fires out by 7am. Violation of the burning law is punishable with a fine of up to $1000. Debris burning is West Virginia’s most common cause of wildfires, averaging more than 35% of all wildfires over the past ten years. Over 20,000 acres of land were burned by wildfires in the state in 2022.

US Senators Chris VanHollen and Ben Cardin and Congressman David Trone announced $200,000 in funding for the Maryland Manufacturing Extension Partnership. The funds will support local manufacturing businesses and create job opportunities in Western Maryland. The federal funding is awarded through the Appalachian Regional Commission’s ARISE Program to provide support to manufacturers of renewable energy, hydrogen power, smart grid improvements and green buildings. The lawmakers said the fund will generate quality job opportunities while building the clean energy economy of the future.  

Frostburg State University Police Chief, Cynthia Smith, presented members of her team with awards for their selfless responses to dangerous situations earlier this year. On March 24, S/Cpl. Livingston, Sgt. Dunn, Cpl. Sanabria and Cpl. Robinette responded to the scene of an incident involving gunfire to assist in suspect restraint, render aid and assist with crime scene control. For their efforts, both officers were presented with a Bravery Ribbon and a citation. On May 7, Sgt. Lewis, Cpl. Shoemake and Sgt. Bevan, who was off duty at the time, responded to the scene of a crime also involving gunshots. The…