On Monday, November 27th, 2023, The Cumberland City Police arrested David Allen Mullen, 58, of Cumberland MD. Mullen was arrested on an outstanding Bench Warrant issued by the Allegany County Circuit Court. The warrant alleges that Mullen violated the terms and conditions of pre-trial supervision that stemmed from a previous assault charge. Mullen was taken before a District Court Commissioner for his Initial Appearance where he was remanded to the Allegany County Detention Center. He is currently being held without bond. Arrested: David Allen Mullen           Age: 58 Charges: Bench Warrant – Violation of Pre-Trial Supervision On Monday, November 27th, 2023,…

The 2023 Maryland Connected Devices Grant will enable over 140,000 individuals to gain device access to the internet.  The Office of Statewide Broadband and the Department of Housing and Community Development have provided the grant funding for ChromeBooks to be distributed throughout the state for low-income and elderly to have access to critical programs including health, education, and government services.   Allegany County Administrator Jason Bennett said that the grant will help 5,000 residents locally…    

A micro-revolving loan fund that has just started within the City of Cumberland is seeking to help small businesses out with low-interest loans of up to $10,000.  Some business owners have said the amount really wouldn’t go that far in helping an established small business that needs assistance, though it would be helpful for startups.  Mayor Ray Morriss says the City is already thinking of ways they could add to the loan’s fund, possibly with the county…

Part of the reimagining of downtown Cumberland involves serving the needs of tourists of the future.  Those tourists may be driving electric vehicles.  Seth Moessinger of the Clean, Safe, and Green committee of the Downtown Development Commission recently presented some information to the Mayor and City Council about electric vehicles and drivers… Mayor Ray Morriss is warm to the idea of locating EV chargers so that drivers have more to do than sit at a gas station off the highway…    

More than $30 million dollars is coming to Maryland after being held up for 25 years.  The money is for healthcare costs related to treating smoking-related illnesses.  Big tobacco companies Philip Morris and R.J. Reynolds had attempted to avoid paying the money in the Master Settlement Agreement, saying that Maryland had failed to enforce a particular statute regulating the cigarette industry. An arbitration hearing was held in March on the issue and a unanimous decision was issued in Maryland’s favor.

Both Hampshire and Mineral Counties will be getting some state grant money for programs in their areas.  Governor Jim Justice announced that over two million dollars in funding is going to West Virginia counties for comprehensive opioid and substance abuse programs.  Hampshire County will receive over $60,000 to improve mental health treatment and peer recovery services.  Hampshire will also receive almost $20,000 for Prevention Resource Officers in county schools while Mineral County will receive almost $40,000 for their schools.

One of the bills that the Joint Republican Caucus is hoping to get through the General Assembly in the coming year is the Violent Firearms Offenders Act.  Senate Minority Whip Justin Ready said the bill passed the Senate in previous years with bipartisan support… The bill would also close a longstanding “drug dealer loophole” and create penalties for someone who sells or gives someone a gun knowing they are going to commit a crime…                

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has announced that the two-week firearms hunting season for white-tailed deer runs November 25-December 9.  Hunters are reminded that an antler-point restriction remains in effect this season and that Chronic Wasting Disease Management areas include all of Allegany Carroll, Frederick, and Washington counties. Deer harvested from these areas must not be transported out of the managed areas. Hunters are required to wear fluorescent orange or pink as a cap, vest, or jacket. 

Northeast Elementary School has been recognized as a 2023 National Blue Ribbon School within the category of “Exemplary Achievement Gap-Closing Schools.” The category recognizes Northeast as being among the state’s highest performing schools in closing achievement gaps between student groups and all students. Administrators from the school traveled to Washington DC to attend the recognition ceremony. First Grade Teacher Natalie Williams said the award reflects the dedication of students, parents, and educators working hand in hand.

The financial situation of the City of Cumberland seems to be a good one right now.  At the recent work session for the Mayor and Council, City Comptroller Mark Gandolfi presented a debt-affordability study that seemed to put a positive light on finances and debt service.  Mayor Ray Morriss agrees the City is doing well right now but does see there is some needed work that will have to be addressed in the coming years…