The Biden administration announced this week $600 million in funding for new at-home COVID-19 tests to be produced.  Twelve companies will produce about 200 million tests for the federal stockpile, plus more that the public will once again be able to order online.  Starting September 25, orders can be placed through COVIDTests.gov for up to four tests per household and will be delivered free of charge through the US Postal Service. The tests being produced will be able to detect the latest circulating variants of the virus.  

The Allegany County Commissioners officially awarded the bid for the development of the former Allegany High School at their public meeting last night.  The deadline for submitting bids related to the site was originally June 30th but was extended to August 28th – three bids were received for the project and the winning bid was Texas-based developer D.R. Horton, whose Capital Division Office is located in Edgewater, MD. Economic Development Specialist Adam Strott told the commissioners that the Horton bid was innovative…   Strott says the plans for the sight will be new to the Allegany County real estate market……

News concerning the possible location of a waste transfer center at the intersection of Route 220 and Bedford Road has triggered local residents into action.  Burgmeier Hauling has submitted a request to the Allegany County Zoning to operate a facility similar to their Altoona location.  Richard Mihailovich, a resident in the area, says letters to select property owners were received from the county but the location affects the entire Union Grove/Smouse’s Mill area…   A public hearing on the land use permit application is scheduled for Wednesday, October 4th at 5pm at the County Office Complex on Kelly Road.  

Cumberland’s Community Development office gave the Mayor and City Council and update on property acquisitions at a recent work session.  Kevin Thacker, head of code compliance and zoning, told the council that his enforcement officers often go beyond their job descriptions to help both homeowners and the city…   Thacker relayed the story of a property that the city will be receiving from a homeowner that can no longer maintain his property but will be a good project for someone else…    

Frostburg State University exceeded its recent fundraising goal for a comprehensive campaign for the college.  Funding surpassed the $25 million goal set by the university that was to be competed in 2023 in conjunction with FSU’s 125th anniversary.  Part of the monies raised will be for scholarships while some money has been earmarked for special projects like the Challenger Center for middle and high school students. Also, a new facility will be locating in downtown Frostburg, according to Vice President of University Advancement John Short…  

Some West Virginia delegates are calling on a special session in Charleston to address the financial issues of West Virginia University.  Democratic delegates including Evan Hansen of Morgantown want to see the legislature come up with a plan to help the university.  WVU is dealing with a $45 million deficit and has cut almost 150 jobs and nearly 30 majors…   Hansen says some of the programs that have been cut have value for the Mountain State…  

On 9/21/2023 at approximately 11:00 AM an officer from the Cumberland City Police Department observed Brandon Williams trespassing on CSX property near Queen City Drive. The officer contacted Williams who was aware of the posted no trespassing signs. Williams was issued a criminal citation and is free pending trial in District Court. Arrested – Brandon Harley Williams (23) Cumberland, MD Charge – Trespassing Posted Property

On 09/21/2023 at approximately 5:00 PM the Cumberland City Police were dispatched to the 100 block of Arch Street for a disturbance. Upon arrival officers were advised that Leonard Metzner was outside the residence threatening to assault several subjects with a knife. Officers contacted Metzner and located a knife a short distance away from him. Metzner was placed under arrest and issued a criminal citation. Metzner signed for his copy of the citation and was released pending trial in District Court. Arrested – Leonard Wayne Metzner (57) Cumberland, MD Charge – Disorderly Conduct

On 09/21/2023 the Cumberland City Police served an Arrest Warrant on Eric Burley. The warrant was issued when Burley violated his probation from a previous CDS possession not marijuana charge. Burley was placed under arrest and CDS paraphernalia was located on him. Burley was transported to the Allegany County Detention Center. Burley is held without bond pending his next appearance in Allegany County Circuit Court. Burley was issued a criminal citation for the CDS paraphernalia. Arrested – Eric Jason Burley (37) Cumberland, MD Charges – Bench Warrant Violation of Probation, Possession of CDS Paraphernalia     

N. Centre Street will be closed to thru traffic between Union Street and Frederick Street from 6:00 AM and 4:00 PM on Friday, September 22nd. Signage will be in place to detour passenger vehicles around the road closure. Pedestrian traffic will also be re-routed around the construction at the intersection with Baltimore Street.