This week, five new appointments to the West Virginia First Foundation were announced by Governor Jim Justice.  The private foundation is responsible for the statewide distribution of opioid settlement funds that now approaches $1billion.  Suggestions on how to use the funds include medication for addiction treatment and harm reduction services – such as needle exchanges, naloxone, and overdose prevention centers. West Virginia Hope in Action Alliance Executive Director Mary Newlyn says services are needed to help stabilize communities and families. At least 1300 drug overdose deaths occurred in West Virginia in 2020, a 51% increase compared to 2019.

The Maryland Center for School Safety along with the Maryland State Police are reminding motorists that school is back in session and that drivers must stop for school buses.  Drivers should stop at least 20 feet from a school bus with the stop arm extended and red lights flashing.  Do not pass the bus from any direction until the stop signals are off.  Tips for drivers include: paying attention in school zones, stopping when a school bus stops, and prepare to stop when the school bus is flashing yellow lights.   Violators stopped by police can face a fine of up…

The National Transportation Safety Board has released its preliminary investigative report of the August 6th accident that claimed the life of a conductor trainee at the CSX railroad yard in Cumberland. On Aug. 6th at approximately 11:43pm, a conductor trainee was riding on the side of a railcar that was moving on the track when he struck the handrail of a standing locomotive on an adjacent track and later died as a result of his injuries.  The newly released investigation, which included the examination of the locomotives’ event and image recorders, interviews, and an accident reconstruction, noted that on the night…

The Allegany County Sheriff’s Office and Maryland State Police – Barrack C have combined resources to target open and active warrants. As a result, the following individuals have been apprehended. Tanner Steven Schweinsberg, 34 of Cumberland, was served a District Court Bench Warrant for Violation of Probation. His Original Charge was Assault 2nd Degree. He is currently held without bond at the Allegany County Detention Center pending a bail review. Jason Lynn Winfield, 41 of Cumberland, was arrested on a District Court Warrant and charged with 32 Counts of Violation of Conditions of Release. He is currently being held without…

Allegany County EMS is reporting a working fire at the former Galliker Dairy on West Industrial Boulevard in Cumberland.  According to reports, the fire is under control but streets around the dairy building are closed and drivers should avoid the area.

Thousands of students in West Virginia have returned to college and are looking for ways to supplement their spending.  Attorney General Patrick Morrisey is urging caution when looking for employment opportunities and be extra cautious of work-from-home positions or jobs that say immediate start.  Other tips include looking at the employer website to make sure it is authentic, checking the job title to see if the same job posting exists in different cities, and avoiding any job that asks for money or financial information. 

The Biden-Harris Administration has released a list of the first 10 medicines slated for Medicare Price Negotiation.  The ten meds include Eliquis and Xarelto that treat and prevent blood clots, Jardiance, Januvia, and Farxiga – drugs primarily used for diabetes, Entresto – a heart failure treatment drug, Enbrel, Imbruvica, and Stelara along with a group of insulin injection drugs.  Negotiations on the drug pricing will begin in 2023 with negotiated prices going into effect in 2026.   The price of insulin for people on medicare has already been reduced to $35 per month.  Maryland’s Healthcare for All President Vincent DeMarco says…

On Tuesday, August 29, 2023, the Cumberland Police Department served an arrest warrant on Brian Shelton.  The warrant was issued in connection with a robbery investigation.  On August 28, 2023 at approximately 5:37 PM, officers of the Cumberland Police Department responded to the area of Seymour Street at E. Fourth Street for the report of a strong-arm robbery.  Police contacted the alleged victim who reported that he was robbed by a juvenile male.  The victim explained that the suspect arrived in a vehicle operated by Brian Shelton.  The suspect exited the vehicle and forcibly removed a bag and a knife…

On Tuesday, August 29, 2023 at approximately 3:40 PM, an officer of the Cumberland Police Department responded to a business in the 700 block of Park Street for a theft complaint.  Police contacted the staff who reported that Martin Stanback stole food from the store.  The officer contacted Stanback who was currently eating the food that was reported stolen.  After further investigation, Stanback was issued a criminal citation and released pending trial. ARRESTED:  Martin Lewis Stanback                 AGE:  32                 Cumberland, MD

On Tuesday, August 29, 2023, the Cumberland Police Department served a bench warrant on Michael Alburtis.  The warrant was issued as the result of Alburtis violating probation.  He was originally charged with Disturbing the Peace/Disorderly.  Alburtis was arrested and transported to central Booking.  He was later seen by a District Court Commissioner and posted a $500 bond. ARRESTED:  Michael Scott Alburtis       AGE: 35          LaVale, MD BENCH WARRANTS SERVED On Tuesday, August 29, 2023, the Cumberland Police Department served two bench warrants on Jason Winfield.  Both warrants were issued as the result of Winfield violating probation.  In both cases, Winfield was originally charged with…