Commission to Hold Meeting on Rocky Gap

The Maryland Video Lottery Facilities Commission has scheduled a meeting for Friday, and it is possible a slots license for Rocky Gap could be awarded then. Former Speaker of the House, Casper Taylor, Jr. says that Rocky Gap is on the agenda for Friday’s meeting. There is only one company left in the running for the slots license, and that is Evitts Resort, LLC. A meeting today will run through a checklist of items, before the slots license is officially awarded.

Probation Denied for Mineral County Sex Offender

Convicted Mineral County sex offender Michael Lynn Rosier has been denied probation. During yesterday’s hearing, Judge Andrew Frye denied the request, following testimony from the mothers of three victims. More than 500 resident signed a petition asking that he be kept in jail. Rosier was convicted in 2008 of several sexual offenses against minor children. Rosier will continue to serve his sentence at the Mount Olive Correctional Center in Fayette County.

Residents May Soon Have High Speed 4G LTE Services

U.S. Cellular customers in Hagerstown and Cumberland will be among the next customers to experience high-speed 4G LTE services. The higher speeds are expected to be implemented in the second half of the year; residents will experienced an enhanced wireless experience, with countless entertainment possibilities and ways to help simplify and organize their lives. The higher speeds will only initially be available with certain phone models, such as the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1.

Susquehanna Acquires Tower Bancorp

Susquehanna Bancshares has completed its acquisition of Tower Bancorp. This will create the largest community bank in the state. The acquisition was completed on February 17^th. Tower has bank branches in central and southeastern Pennsylvania, as well as in Maryland. With the acquisition, Susquehanna will have $17.5 billion in assets and 261 offices in Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, and West Virginia.

Same Sex Marriage Could Soon Be Law

The Maryland Judicial Proceedings Committee is expected to send same sex marriage legislation to the full chamber, and a final vote could come by the end of the week. Last week, the House passed the bill by a slim margin of 72 to 67, getting only one more vote than needed to gain a majority. Opponents of the measure have vowed to take it to referendum should it pass the Senate and be signed into law by Governor Martin O’Malley.

Marylanders Paying More for Gas

Drivers could be paying $5 for a gallon of gas before summer, and many are already frustrated with the price they are now paying. The national average for a gallon of gas is $3.56, while Maryland is averaging $3.61 per gallon. Meanwhile, Governor Martin O’Malley is proposing a six per cent sales tax on gas, arguing that it hasn’t risen in 20 years. The Governor claims Maryland needs the money for transportation infrastructure.

Layoffs at ATK

While Alliant Techsystems recently won a major military contract, employees there were recently asked to volunteer for layoffs before they may be ordered late next month. Several defense projects there are ending, and federal cutbacks have forced the layoffs. While no specific numbers have been discussed, it is known that about 1350 employees work there.

Bedford County Man Killed in Crash

Bedford County resident Dale Crawford was killed late yesterday morning on Clear Ridge Road. Crawford lost control of his car, which traveled sideways in the northbound lane, colliding with another vehicle, driven by Flintstone resident Kirk Logeston. The Logeston vehicle hit the front passenger side of Crawford’s car, traveled off the road and rolled onto the roof. Crawford was not wearing a seatbelt and was ejected. Logeston was taken to Conemaugh Memorial Hospital in Johnstown.

Holiday Inn Sold To New York Firm

The Downtown Cumberland Holiday Inn has been sold to a New York city firm. The sale price was listed at $3.6 million, while the previous sale price about seven years ago was nearly $5 million. The new owners, CHPHC Hotel I, LLC, bought the facility from Maryland Motel Management, Incorporated.

Home Had No Smoke Detectors

A home at 629 that caught fire last Friday afternoon had no working smoke detectors, and the cause of the blaze remains under investigation. The fire originated in the kitchen of the two story duplex, in the unit that was occupied by Christian Liller; the other side of the home was unoccupied. The Red Cross is providing assistance to one family affected by the fire.

Man to Appear for Probation Hearing

A probation hearing has been set for a Piedmont man, convicted in 2008 of two counts of first-degree sexual abuse and one count of second degree sexual assault involving minor children. Forty-seven year old Michael Lynn Rosier pleaded “no contest” to the charges. The victims ranged in age from 10 to 12 years old at the time of the crimes. He is currently serving his sentence at the Mt. Olive Correctional Center in Institute, West Virginia.

Man Sentenced for Child Pornography

Forty-seven year old Ridgeley resident Robert Glenn Hare was sentenced recently in U.S. District Court on a count of possession of child pornography. He will serve 120-months in jail, followed by 10 years of supervised release. He had pleaded guilty to having in excess of 20,000 images and in excess of 100 videos of child pornography in his possession. The case was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s office.

Information Sought on Breaking and Entering

The Maryland State Police at McHenry are looking for information on a breaking and entering that took place sometime between February 10^th and 20^th. A person or persons entered a residence on the Sam Friend Road and took a number of items, including walkie-talkies, drills, a socket set, and a vacuum cleaner. Anyone with information is asked to contact the barrack at (301)-38701101,

Merchants Urged to be Watchful of Counterfeit Bills

Are merchants are encouraged to be watchful of money they are accepting. There have been at least eight cases of counterfeit cash being passed at Washington County businesses since January 16^th. The Bob Evans Restaurant on the Dual Highway, for example, recently noticed a $20 counterfeit bill had been used in the restaurant. The U.S. Secret Service is notified when counterfeit cash is found. Its agents work to determine if the fake money is part of an organized ring.

Former Berkeley County Deputy Dies in Police Pursuit

Former Berkeley County Sheriff’s Deputy and current Monongalia County Deputy Sgt. Michael Todd May died in a police pursuit on Saturday night that began in West Virginia and ended in Pennsylvania. Morgantown resident Jerod Alan Green has been charged with homicide by vehicle/DUI related. May had assisted in the pursuit of Green’s vehicle and was hit by the suspect’s pickup truck, just after he crossed a median strip on Interstate 79.

Man Arrested in Connection with Baltimore Shooting

Forty-six year old William Jeffrey Howard of Westernport was arrested by members of the Allegany County Combined Criminal Investigation Unit, for his involvement in a shooting that took place Wednesday afternoon in Baltimore. A handgun, believed to be used during the incident, was recovered from Howard’s vehicle, and additional evidence was recovered from the home where he was living. He was charged with attempted first and second degree murder, first and second degree assault, along with conspiracy, several handgun violations and related charges. He is being held without bond in the Allegany County Detention Center, pending his return to Baltimore.

Man Found Not Guilty of Sexual Assault

A Mineral County jury took only 25 minutes to find Cody Dennis of Keyser not guilty on both charges of sexual assault. A young Keyser woman had accused him of raping her in October of 2010. A jury of nine men and three women heard graphic testimony during the trial. The incident began as a going-away party for a friend of Dennis’, who was being deployed to Iraq. Had Dennis been convicted of both charges, he would have faced a possible 10 to 25 years on each charge.

Baltimore Pike Investigation Continues

The investigation into the theft from the Baltimore Pike Volunteer Fire Department is continuing, and prosecutors say they will ask for restitution, which could be upwards of $100,000. Former office holders Donald Burton Ware and Beth Anne Evans have been charged; Assistant State’s Attorney Sam Lane says the cases are being treated separately.

Beitzel Files Poaching Bill

Delegate Wendell Beitzel has filed House Bill 1052 that would give the Maryland Department of Natural Resources the increased ability to provide harsher penalties for those individuals who illegally poach wildlife. Over the last several years, Delegate Beitzel has joined with Delegate Barbara Frush on the measure that would give the DNR greater authority in regards to enforcement against poaching. This measure, in the past, has overwhelmingly passed the House of Delegates only to be stalled in the Maryland Senate.

Friendsville Gas Station Burglarized

The investigation into the breaking and entering of the Liberty Gas Station on Maple Street in Friendsville is continuing. Maryland State Police say a person or persons broke into the station and stole several cartons of cigarettes; a vending machine was also forced open, after entry was made through the rear of the business. The incident happened sometime between 9 p.m. Wednesday and 6 a.m. yesterday. Anyone with information is asked to contact the McHenry Barrack of the Maryland State Police at (301)-387-1101.

Chamber Supporting Tax Credit for Coal

The Allegany County Chamber of Commerce has written to Sheila Hixson, Chair of the House Ways and Means Committee, supporting the preservation of the tax credit for Maryland-mined coal. Repealing the tax credit, according to the letter, would have a direct effect on the Western Maryland area, through the elimination of jobs. It would also have harsh economic consequences for the farthest reaching counties of the state. The letter was signed by Executive Director Stu Czapski and Bill DuVall, Legislative Committee Chair.

School Must Increase Enrollment to Stay Open

Parents of students at the Hyndman-Londonderry Elementary School were told that if enrollment doesn’t reach at least 100 students for the next school year, it will close. Currently, there are only 38 students currently in attendance, costing the state of Pennsylvania nearly $1.3 million to keep the school open this year. The public record on the elementary school will be kept open until May 15^th.

City Police Seeking Information on Stolen Vehicle

Cumberland City Police are seeking information on a stolen vehicle, taken from the 200-block of Park Street. The theft occurred between 2:30 a.m. and 2:45 a.m. Tuesday morning. The vehicle is a 2003  Ford E-150 Econoline white panel van, bearing the number “13” on both sides. The vehicle registration is “34N882.” Anyone with information is asked to contact Cumberland City Police at (301)-777-1600 or Allegany County CrimeSolvers at (301)-722-4300.

Board Sponsors Trust/Estate Meeting

The Allegany County Board of Education and Family Support Services for Families of Children and Young Adults with Disabilities will sponsor a Special Needs Trust/Estate Planning meeting on Tuesday, February 28^th at the Cash Valley Elementary School in the media center. The meeting’s presenter will be Michael G. Day and Associates. For more information, or to RSVP,  call (301)-689-2407.

Man Arrested in Connection with Baltimore Shooting

Forty-six year old William Jeffrey Howard of Westernport was arrested by members of the Allegany County Combined Criminal Investigation Unit, for his involvement in a shooting that took place Wednesday afternoon in Baltimore. A handgun, believed to be used during the incident, was recovered from Howard’s vehicle, and additional evidence was recovered from the home where he was living. He was charged with attempted first and second degree murder, first and second degree assault, along with conspiracy, several handgun violations and related charges. He is being held without bond in the Allegany County Detention Center, pending his return to Baltimore.

Man Found Not Guilty of Sexual Assault

A Mineral County jury took only 25 minutes to find Cody Dennis of Keyser not guilty on both charges of sexual assault. A young Keyser woman had accused him of raping her in October of 2010. A jury of nine men and three women heard graphic testimony during the trial. The incident began as a going-away party for a friend of Dennis’, who was being deployed to Iraq. Had Dennis been convicted of both charges, he would have faced a possible 10 to 25 years on each charge.

Baltimore Pike Investigation Continues

The investigation into the theft from the Baltimore Pike Volunteer firefighters, and prosecutors say they will ask for restitution, which could be upwards of $100,000. Former office holders Donald Burton Ware and Beth Anne Evans have been charged; Assistant State’s Attorney Sam lane says the cases are being treated separately.

Beitzel Files Poaching Bill

Delegate Wendell Beitzel has filed House Bill 1052 that would give the Maryland Department of Natural Resources the increased ability to provide harsher penalties for those individuals who illegally poach wildlife. Over the last several years, Delegate Beitzel has joined with Delegate Barbara Frush on the measure that would give the DNR greater authority in regards to enforcement against poaching. This measure, in the past, has overwhelmingly passed the House of Delegates only to be stalled in the Maryland Senate.

Friendsville Gas Station Burglarized

The investigation into the breaking and entering of the Liberty Gas Station on Maple Street in Friendsville is continuing. Maryland State Police say a person or persons broke into the station and stole several cartons of cigarettes; a vending machine was also forced open, after entry was made through the rear of the business. The incident happened sometime between 9 p.m. Wednesday and 6 a.m. yesterday. Anyone with information is asked to contact the McHenry Barrack of the Maryland State Police at (301)-387-1101.

Chamber Supporting Tax Credit for Coal

The Allegany County Chamber of Commerce has written to Sheila Hixson, Chair of the House Ways and Means Committee, supporting the preservation of the tax credit for Maryland-mined coal. Repealing the tax credit, according to the letter, would have a direct effect on the Western Maryland area, through the elimination of jobs. It would also have harsh economic consequences for the farthest reaching counties of the state. The letter was signed by Executive Director Stu Czapski and Bill DuVall, Legislative Committee Chair.

School Must Increase Enrollment to Stay Open

Parents of students at the Hyndman-Londonderry Elementary School were told that if enrollment doesn’t reach at least 100 students for the next school year, it will close. Currently, there are only 38 students currently in attendance, costing the state of Pennsylvania nearly $1.3 million to keep open this school year. The public record on the elementary school will be kept open until May 15^th.

City Police Seeking Information on Stolen Vehicle

Cumberland City Police are seeking information on a stolen vehicle, taken from the 200-block of Park Street. The theft occurred between 2:30 a.m. and 2:45 a.m. Tuesday morning. The vehicle is a 2003  Ford E-150 Econoline white panel van, bearing the number “13” on both sides. The vehicle registration is “34N882.” Anyone with information is asked to contact Cumberland City Police at (301)-777-1600 or Allegany County CrimeSolvers at (301)-722-4300.

Board Sponsors Trust/Estate Meeting

The Allegany County Board of Education and Family Support Services for Families of Children and Young Adults with Disabilities will sponsor a Special Needs Trust/Estate Planning meeting on Tuesday, February 28^th at the Cash Valley Elementary School in the media center. The meeting’s presenter will be Michael G. Day and Associates. For more information, or to RSVP,  call (301)-689-2407.

Robbery Suspect Arrested

A Pasadena, Maryland man was quickly arrested late Monday night in Anne Arundel County, in connection with the robbery of the First United Bank in Piedmont. Alexander D. Devault was taken into custody without incident. He is being held in Anne Arundel County, pending extradition back to West Virginia. It is not known whether the robbery suspect displayed a weapon during the robbery, which happened early Monday afternoon. Devault, in 2010, had been convicted of robbing the Midland Firemen’s Club.

Board Wants Commissioners to Take Stand on Education Issue

The Allegany County Board of Education wants the county commissioners to oppose state legislation that would reverse the local decision last year to end the Washington County School Choice Program. About 40 students who live in the Little Orleans area were allowed to attend Hancock, because it was closer to where they lived than the closest school in Allegany County. A bill that would erode that local control is being sponsored in the General Assembly by Delegate LeRoy Myers.

Housing Authority Requests Roof Repair Funding

The Cumberland Housing Authority has requested over $130,000 to repair six roofs on housing units at Jane Frazier Village. The Authority made the request of the Mayor and Council at last night’s meeting. David Riekse says the roofing situation is so bad, they could collapse. He requested about $22,000 per roof from the Community Development Block Grant Funding. Local funding is being sought because of federal budget cuts in the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Woman Accused of Burglarizing Mother’s Home

Bedford County resident Heather Diggins is accused of burglarizing her mother’s home on Hillside Drive this past weekend. She and Michael Shilling entered the home, and took an Xbox, coins and a diamond ring, totaling $2400. They were found in the Sheetz parking lot in Everett borough shortly after the incident, and were taken into custody. They were remanded to the Bedford County Jail.

Crime on the Decrease in Keyser

Despite social media reports that crime is on the rise in Keyser, Police Chief Karen Shoemaker told the Mayor and Council that shows an overall decrease over the past six years. Comparing the years 2006 through 2011, of 48 categories of incident reports, Keyser posted declines in31 areas, or about 65 per cent of incident types. Categories that showed a decrease of 50 per cent or more include child abuse, forgery, prowlers and trespassing. Showing an increase were the categories of harassment, indecent exposure, overdoses, and breakings and entering.

League Seeks Youth Football Donations

All of the jerseys and equipment for the Bedford Bison Youth Football Program, totaling about $25,000 in value,  were destroyed by fire over this past weekend. The fire, at a building used for storage for Heartland Hall, has been ruled arson, with total losses of nearly $100,000. An account has been set up at Hometown Bank, under Bedford Youth Football, if you would like to make a donation.

Local Man Arrested in Traffic Incident

Thirty-nine year old Cumberland resident Brian Russell Price faces a number of charges, stemming from a warrant from January. Price is accused of failing to remain at the scene of an accident that happened on January 9^th. Price left the scene of the accident before police arrived. He was charged with obstructing and hindering, disturbing the peace, failure to furnish registration identification and failure to report the accident. He was remanded to the Allegany County Detention Center, and held on $3,000 bond.

Senator Edwards Earns Kennedy Award

Maryland State Senator George Edwards has received the Thomas Kennedy Award, which goes to a former Delegate, for “personal courage and dedication to the principles of liberty and freedom.” Thomas Kennedy was a 19^th century delegate from Hagerstown, who fought to let Maryland Jews hold elected office. Past recipients of the award include Casper R. Taylor and present United States Senator Ben Cardin. Senator Edwards served as a delegate from 1983 to 2007, then was elected to the State Senate.