Stu Czapski of the Cumberland Economic Development Corporation gave a short update to the Mayor and City Council about the Business Attraction grant program for downtown.  $30,000 is available for new business start-ups to help with rent for the first 6 months after opening. Right now 9 applicants are readying businesses to open within the downtown footprint.  One key of the businesses being able to utilize the grant money is hiring and keeping 3 full-time and 6 part-time employees.  Czapski said that making the money available to new businesses only prevents others from just moving around town to secure grant…

Maryland’s redistricting attempts received barely a passing grade from CHARGE, the Coalition Hub for Advancing Redistricting & Grassroots Engagement. The group looked at all 50 states and graded them on several factors related to redistricting including transparency, willingness of decision makers to draw districts based on public input, and nonpartisanship. Maryland’s grade in the report is a “C” and points to partisan gerrymandering, an advisory commission created by the Governor with no power over the legislature and not enough transparency in creating district mapping. Key recommendations are to pass legislation giving the advisory commission a mandate that would allow it…

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The daughter of Former Fairmont, West Virginia resident and Olympic Standout Mary Lou Retton has started a crowdfunding campaign on Spotfund for her mother who is currently in ICU in Texas.  ABC’s Daria Albinger has more on the former gymnast’s condition who does not have health insurance…  

According to the latest report by the West Virginia Hospital Association, nursing had the highest overall rates of vacancies and turnovers, at more than 19-percent and 26-percent respectively. Nurse and Chief Clinical Officer Rebecca Love, of nurse staffing company IntelyCare says in rural regions, hospitals often become the stop-gap solution for both residents' health and communities' economic wellbeing. According to the report, West Virginia hospitals are licensed for around 64-hundred beds, but currently can only staff 48-hundred, stretching nurses thin and affecting patient care.

Local citizens will have the chance to gain a better understanding of the workings of the Allegany County Sheriff’s Department with the upcoming Citizen’s Police Academy.   The academy came about in relation to the Police Accountability Act of 2021 and includes class time, special speakers and field trips to facilities that interact with the Sheriff’s Department.  The class size is limited to 20 people and anyone is eligible over the age of 18, whether or not they live in Allegany County. Tanya Gomer shared the dates of the 2024 class that starts in March…

The Allegany County Chamber of Commerce is hoping that a new set of workshops at this year’s Local Business Showcase event will encourage those who are either interested in starting their own business or expanding one to participate and learn from speakers on various strategies including start-up, funding, and marketing. Executive Director Juli McCoy outlined the workshop day… 

Democrat Congressman Jamie Raskin of Maryland along with other Jewish members of Congress issued a statement on the ongoing Israel/Hamas war.  Raskin said he hasn't heard those dissenting voices who are actually blaming Israel for the attack from Hamas, and says that his caucus is unified…

Hagerstown City Council member Robert Bruchey resigned his seat at the conclusion of Tuesday’s Mayor and Council work session.  Bruchey had served previously as Mayor of Hagerstown for four terms and this was his first stint as councilman.  Bruchey told the council that an opportunity had come for him and his family to change direction and solidify their future. Council now needs to decide if they want to fill the vacant slot or finish the current term with four council members.

While October may be the month that Breast Cancer Awareness is highlighted, it is an ongoing fight to keep early diagnosis and prevention at the forefront of women’s health.  UPMC Oncologist Dr. Mavromatis says one factor women should keep in check is diet and weight… Alcohol is another factor…