The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) will restore MD 56 (Big Pool Road) bridge traffic over I-70 (Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway) to its original pattern tomorrow, June 2. Crews will be working on the bridge deck and will remove the temporary traffic signal. Two-way traffic will be restored on the bridge by the end of the day.   MDOT SHA contractor Concrete General, Inc of Gaithersburg, will be performing the work. The shift is part of a project to rehabilitate the MD 56 bridge over I-70. Originally constructed in 1964, the bridge is safe for travel, but the bridge deck surface is nearing the end of its service life. Learn more about the project here.      …

On Monday, May 31st, 2021 a Cumberland Police Officer was on Patrol in the area of Queen Street and Virginia Avenue when he stopped a vehicle for an equipment violation.  The driver was contacted and made aware for the reason of the stop.  A Cumberland K-9 assisted with the stop and based on the alert of the K-9 for the presence of CDS, a search was conducted.  A passenger; identified as Robert Kyle Miller was found to be in possession of a quantity of heroin and uncapped hypodermic syringes.  He was arrested and charged with possession of heroin and possession…

On Monday, May 31st, 2021 the Cumberland Police Department served a criminal summons on Joseph Henry Dowell charging him with malicious destruction of property and discharging a firearm in the City.  The summon was issued by District Court in reference to an incident that occurred on May 28th, 2021 at a Grand View Terrance property.  On that date, Dowell is alleged to have fired a shotgun damaging a window according to the complainant.  He signed and received copies of the charging documents and was released pending trial at District Court.   Joseph Henry Dowell, age; 57, Cumberland, Maryland.                                                                             

Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan on Monday announced the state has reached its goal of vaccinating 70% of adults in the state by Memorial Day. In a news release, Hogan said the state's aggressive vaccination efforts will continue “to make sure no arm is left behind." Hogan made the announcement, saying President Biden set a goal for 70% of the country's adults to get the shot by July 4th and that Maryland set the goal of doing that by Memorial Day. The state has administered more than 6 million doses of vaccine, and more than 2.9 million people are fully vaccinated.    …

Established in 2004, the Historic National Road Yard Sale on US 40 stretches 800-plus miles across the heart of “Main Street of America” from Maryland to Missouri- and Cumberland is on the map. The 200-year-old scenic bypass showcases the country from the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains to the iconic Gateway Arch in St. Louis.  The Historic National Road Yard Sale draws thousands of visitors. According to some reports, the annual event pulls in tens of thousands. Crowds, however, are dispersed throughout six member states.  This year’s event runs from June 2nd through the 6th.   Downtown Development Commission executive director Melinda…

The installation of the new turf at Greenway Avenue Stadium was completed in 2019  thanks to the efforts of the Greenway Avenue Committee- but there remains a great deal of improvements needed.  Prior to the pandemic, the stadium fund committee hosted fundraising activities, including annual events such as the “Walk a Mile for ‘Ol Greenway,” a cruise-in and car show at Windsor Castle. Mark Manges and Greg Hare have served as co-chairs of the committee. City Councilman Rock Cioni praised the legislative delegation headed by state senator George Edwards for securing $1.5 million in state funding- but says the city needs to…

In a unanimous vote last week, the Maryland State Board of Education appointed Mohammed Choudhury as the next Maryland State Superintendent of Schools. Choudhury will begin his term on July 1. Choudhury will replace Dr. Karen Salmon who will retire on June 30 after an education career spanning more than 45 years, including five years leading the Maryland State Department of Education. Choudhury currently serves as associate superintendent and chief strategy, talent and innovation officer for the San Antonio Independent School District…

As a result of state legislation approved this past session in the Maryland General Assembly- businesses with alcohol licenses in Allegany County will see those fees waived/or reimbursed for the 2020/2021 licensing period. The state legislation mandated the county to cover the cost which will amount to roughly $80,000. The county commissioners took action at their most recent meeting to approve those funds. County Commission President Jake Shade…  

West Virginia Governor Jim Justice has announced initial plans for the state’s latest COVID-19 incentive program. Drawings for residents who’ve been vaccinated will include: college scholarships, 10 Rocky Ridge Ford F-150 pick-up trucks and  major cash prizes will be among the prizes-  with the governor promising more details after Memorial Day. The drawings will start on June 20 and anyone who has had their first shot will be eligible…

In the past year, Allegany County government has either directly provided or distributed via the state more than $4 million to assist local businesses hit hardest by the pandemic- and those dollars are continuing to be dispersed. Allegany County Commissioners President Jake Shade…