Rocky Gap Opening Tomorrow

The Rocky Gap Casino officially opens tomorrow, offering 558 slot machines and 10 table games in converted conference space at the Rocky Gap Lodge. A "test run" of sorts was completed yesterday; Rocky Gap will be Maryland's fourth casino, and will add 250 jobs. Private bondholders agreed to write off about $26 million to help Lakes Entertainment buy the resort for about $10 million. The lodge and golf course incurred an operating loss of $4.3 million in 2011.

Foreman Enters Guilty Plea

John Shingler, foreman for the town of Piedmont, has pleaded guilty to a charge of conversion of government property in U.S. District Court in Martinsburg. Shingler represented the town of Piedmont when he obtained six surplus travel trailers from the West Virginia State Agency for Surplus Property in 2009. Shingler claimed the property was being obtained for use by the city; the trailers were to be used for specific purposes, but were instead claimed by private citizens who paid for them. The value of the trailers was placed at $111,000. Shingler is facing a prison term of up to ten years and a fine of up to $250,000. He may also be ordered by the court to make restitution.

Garrett County Fire Determined to be Arson

A Sunday morning fire on Sanders Lane in Garrett County was deliberately set, according to the Maryland State Fire Marshal's Office. There were no injuries, and damages totaled $70,000. The origin of the fire was inside the home and was discovered by the owner, Ashley Spady. Along with several fire companies, both the Garrett County Sheriff's Office and Potomac Edison responded. Anyone with information is asked to contact the fire marshal's office at (301)-766-3888.

Teen Victim Identified

Fifteen year old Kaleb John Rightenour has been identified as the victim of last Saturday's crash, involving his all-terrain vehicle at the Bedford County dirt track near New Enterprise. Rightenour, of Martinsburg, Pennsylvania was a sophomore at Northern Bedford High School, and was enrolled in the school's welding and technical program. His death was the first in 30 years at the track. President of the Blair-Bedford Dirt Drags, Bill Ickes, says he is devastated by Saturday's events. Grief counselors and local ministers are being made available to the students at his school.

Ridgeley Woman Jailed on $2500 Bond

Thirty-five year old Ridgeley resident Crystal Smith was jailed on $2500 bond, following an incident on Maryland Street in Keyser. She was charged with domestic assault for threatening to slam her two-week old baby onto the sidewalk, if the child's father did not come out of his residence to talk to her. She was additionally charged with domestic battery for grabbing the father during the incident. He was given temporary custody of the child, and was also granted a temporary restraining order against Ms. Smith, which, in effect, bars her from regaining custody.

Man Charged With Malicious Burning

A nineteen-year old Cumberland man was arrested and faces a number of charges in connection with an incident in the vicinity of the Sunshine Laundry at Greene and Chase Streets. Patrick Norman Younger was arrested on Allegany Street. He is accused of setting a trash can on fire at 20 Chase Street. He was positively identified by a witness, was arrested and held on $2500 bond at the Allegany County Detention Center.

Domestic Dispute Results in Arrest

A Grantsville man was taken into custody and charged, in connection with a domestic incident Sunday evening on Castle Ridge Road in Grantsville. Maryland State Police determined that a domestic assault occurred between Stephen Wilt and hit live-in girlfriend, Sherry Lynny Fike. It was also learned that Wilt had also assaulted Brady Lynn Fike, who resides with the suspect. Wilt was charged with second-degree domestic assault. He was taken to a Garrett County Court Commissioner for a bond hearing.

Service Interruption Planned in Hampshire County Area

Potomac Edison is planning a service interruption tomorrow from 9:30 to 12 noon in the Hampshire County area. Crews will be working on lines, beginning at the Verizon Building in Burlington to Russeldale Road and down Williamsport Road to the Hampshire County Line.

Shooting Reported in Meyersdale

The Pennsylvania State Police are investigating a shooting incident on Broadway Street in Meyersdale Borough Sunday evening. The original call was for a domestic dispute; on e person was taken to Conemaugh Meyersdale Medical Center for treatment. It is not known if the gunshot wound was self-inflicted.

Head of State Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services Leaving

A 26-year veteran of the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services is leaving for a federal job. The head of the unit, Jesse Ballard, is going to work for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. DPSCS handles investigations of inmates, detainees, employees and others. The Department has recently come under fire after a federal indictment, charging 25 people in a contraband conspiracy was handed down. The indictment included 13 correctional officers.

Governor Signs Several Bills

Governor Martin O'Malley signed several bills yesterday, including one of the strictest gun control laws in the nation. The National Rifle Association and other opponents say they will immediately challenge that measure, which takes effect October 1st,  in court. O'Malley also signed the first gas tax increase in 20 years. And, using a handheld cellphone to talk or text will be considered a primary offense, after October 1st. The first offense would be punishable by a fine of up to $75; fines increase up to $175 for a third offense.

DNR Boat Sinks At Deep Creek Lake

There won't be too many details until a report is filed, but a Department of Natural Resources boat sunk yesterday afternoon at Deep Creek Lake. The DNR boat was unmanned at the time, and it was brought to the surface with air bags. The 24-foot Ottercraft is a work boat and is able to lift heavy loads. Two staff members were in a boating accident, but no other information will be provided until the report is finished.

Second Case of Rabies In Garrett County

There has been a second case of laboratory-confirmed rabies in Garrett County. The case involved a goat in the southern area of Garrett County. The animal became ill, and died on Monday, May 6th. It tested positive for rabies; a total of seven peopled initiated post-exposure treatment for the virus, and an additional goat was vaccinated against rabies, and will be watched closely for six months.

Three Personnel Changes for County Schools

The new school year will see two new principals and a new chief academic officer for the coming year. Scott Sisler will replace Steve Wilson as principal at South Penn Elementary School. Candy Canan will become principal at the Center for Career and Technical Education. Kim Green has been named the chief academic officer for the school year. The appointments are effective July 1st.

Man Arrested After Forcing His Way Into Home

Twenty-year old Keyser resident Matthew Ryan O'Reilly was arrested after forcing his way into a home...the home of Mineral County Sheriff Jeremy Taylor. O'Reilly thought he was at his uncle's house; Sheriff Taylor's wife was able to call her husband to report the incident. O'Reilly had admitted to using about a gram of crystal methamphetamine earlier in the day. He is being held in the Potomac Highlands Regional Jail on $10,000 bond.

State Police Seek Man In Connection to March Incident

The McHenry Barrack of the Maryland State Police is attempting to locate Brian Keith DeBerry. He is wanted in connection with a March 9th incident on Teaberry Lane in Accident. DeBerry is wanted on an arrest warrant, charging him  with second-degree assault and malicious destruction of property charges. He may be in the Oakland, Maryland or Terra Alta or Fairmont, West Virginia areas. Anyone with any information is asked to contact the McHenry Barrack of the Maryland State Police at (301)-387-1101.

Man Held Without Bond

A 27-year old Mount Savage man is being held without bond, following his arrest on Wednesday. Andrew Wade Ridgeley is charged with the fraudulent use of a credit card last February 13th and February 14th. He is charged with I.D. theft and 7 counts of illegal use of a credit card.

Baltimore Man Charged with Unauthorized Use

Baltimore resident Rodricus Marquees Wilkes is being charged in Cumberland with driving a vehicle without the owner's consent and unauthorized removal of property. The incident occurred earlier this week, when the victim lent Wilkes a car, but failed to return it after several hours. The victim could not get in touch with him, and enlisted the help of the Cumberland City Police. After his appearance in District Court, Wilkes was released on personal recognizance.

O'Malley, O'Reilly Battle It Out

It seems to be a war of words between Governor Martin O'Malley and talk show host Bill O'Reilly, when it comes to the corruption that has been uncovered in Maryland's jails. O'Reilly has referred to Corrections Secretary Gary Maynard as a, quote, "moron." O'Malley says he has no desire to fire Maynard. Meanwhile, Tavon White, who federal authorities call a gang kingpin, has complained about conditions in Cumberland, where he is being held, following his transfer from Baltimore.

Fewer West Virginians Seeking Unemployment Benefits

The state of West Virginia's unemployment rate declined four-tenths of a percentage point to 6.6 per cent in April, and this is the lowest rate in four years. The number of unemployed residents fell 2600 to 53,500. Trade, transportation, and utilities and other services added 200 jobs, while educational and health services showed the largest unemployment declines at 800.

Man To Stand Trial in Fatal Shooting of Sheriff

An October 21st trial date has been set for 37-year old Tennis Maynard, who is accused of fatally shooting Mingo County Sheriff Eugene Crum on April 3rd. Maynard pleaded not guilty to the charges of first-degree murder, attempted murder and felony fleeing a police officer during Wednesday's arraignment hearing in Cabell County. A bond hearing has been set for June 17th in Huntington.

Ridgeley Mayor Indicted

Ridgeley Mayor Jim Twigg has been indicted by a Mineral County Grand Jury, on eight felony counts of fraudulent or unauthorized use of a government-issued purchase card. Twigg allegedly charged over $400 to the card; the Mayor, for his part, claims the town has been reimbursed for the expenses. He was unaware of the indictment, prior to a meeting of town officials last night. The charges were made during travel, on behalf of the town. Twigg could be removed from office, if found guilty.

School Board May Be Minimally Funded

The Allegany County Board of Education could be, for the first time ever, funded at the lowest possible level, as required by state law. A draft budget from the county recommends $29.8 million for the fiscal year; the board had requested $31 million. The board has been cut by nearly $11 million in state funding in the past four years. The state is expected to fvund the board $74.7 million, according to the Cumberland Times-News.

Accident Involving ACPS Bus

An Allegany County Public School bus, en route to Allegany High School, was involved in a minor traffic accident. The bus was turning left, off of Cumberland Street, when the back end hit an unoccupied, parked vehicle. There was only one student on the bus at the time, and no injuries. ACPS administrators, as well as law enforcement officers responded to the scene. The parents of the student on the bus were notified, and the school nurse examined the student as a precaution. No replacement bus was necessary.

Route 219 Southern Link Best Use of Funds

Completing the southern link of U.S. Route 219 is the best use of Pennsylvania Appalachian Development Highway System Funds. There is no section of the Appalachian system that is as far along as Route 219. Of a total of $500 million in ADHS funds, $305 million is promised for the completion of the 12-mile stretch of U.S. Route 219 from Somerset to Meyersdale. The balance of the money could be used for the final leg of Route 219 in Pennsylvania, from Meyersdale to the Maryland line and Interstate 68.

Judge to Address Mini-Marina Request

Oakland Judge Jim Sherbin will reconsider a request to establish a mini-marina at the Lakeside Creamery, and a decision is expected by June 1st. Business owner Bill Meagher has made the request for the mini-marina, but it's been determined that his property did not meet the minimum total lot or land area per use of 10,000 square feet in the ordinance, and instead a permit was based on a minimum land area of 6,000 square feet, according to the Cumberland Times-News. Attorney Greg Skidmore has requested Meagher repeat the zoning process.

West Virginia PSC Approves Second Rate Hike

The West Virginia Public Service Commission has approved a second utility rate increase for Keyser, authorizing a 15-per cent sewer rate hike to pay for a $2.6 million sewer upgrade in the Hawthorne Heights neighborhood. The Mineral News-Tribune notes the increase will also affect residents of New Creek and McCoole, Maryland, whose sewer systems feed into Keyser's. However, New Creek residents will see an 8 per cent increase, while McCoole's will be 7 per cent.

Charges Pending in Accident

Charges are pending against a driver who hit a telephone pole on Cumberland Street early Monday morning. The car then overturned onto its roof. Traci Glotfelty was extracted from the car, after she hit the pole, and her vehicle overturned after striking the front porch steps at 216 Cumberland Street. Two streets signs were also damaged; Allegheny Power was notified and later responded to assist with the damage caused to the light pole. Her vehicle was towed from the scene.

Nemacolin Plans Summer Opening

Nemacolin Woodlands Resort plans to open the "Lady Luck" casino in early July, featuring 600 slot machines and 28 table games. General Manager Rich Laudon says they are hoping to attract customers from the Uniontown, Pennsylvania and Morgantown, West Virginia areas. The casino is in the process of hiring employees, with Laudon noting he has been pleased with the quality of the applicants for the positions.

Housing Workshop Set for May 21st

A free housing workshop is set for next Tuesday, for residents of Hampshire, Grant, Hardy, Pendleton, and Mineral Counties. The Region 8 Planning and Development Council and the West Virginia Housing Development fund are co-sponsoring the workshop, which is being held for those interested in purchasing a home, but afraid to take the first step. The workshop will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Mineral County Health Department in Keyser. To register, call (304)-257-2448.

Former Sheriff Sentenced to One Year in Federal Prison

Former Jefferson County Sheriff Robert Shirley was taken into custody, and will spend the next year in federal prison for his role in the 2010 beating of a bank robber, following a high-speed chase. Shirley had requested he report to a federal facility on his own, but that was denied. He will also have to pay over $1800 to the victim, convicted bank robber Mark Daniel Haines. Shirley will also be on probation for 18 months following his release. Haines had also been incarcerated at the Allegany County Detention Center some time ago.