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Posted
About One Year Ago
by
Jimv Van
Police Seek Food Lion Robber
Area authorities are still searching for the person who robbed the Food Lion market in Bel Air Friday evening. The incident occurred around 7:30 p.m., as a man displayed a handgun, and demanded money from the register. He then left the store and possibly got into a vehicle and fled the area. This is the second armed robbery in the Bel Air/Cresaptown area, as two others are being sought for taking prescription medication from Steve’s Pharmacy last week. Anyone with information on either crime, or the identity of the subject is asked to contact the Allegany County Sheriff’s Office or the C3I unit.
Keyser CVS Pharmacy Robbed
West Virginia law enforcement authorities are seeking the person who robbed the CVS Pharmacy Saturday night; this is the second robbery of a pharmacy in Keyser within four days. There are few details about this robbery, and Keyser Police say they will provide more information as the investigation continues. It is known the robbery took place around 9:04 p.m., and there are surveillance photographs available. Not only is this the second robbery of a pharmacy in Keyser, it is the fourth robbery in the area in the last several days.
Keyser Memorial Bridge Work on Schedule
The new Keyser Memorial Bridge is on target to open by the end of next year. According to the Mineral News-Tribune, crews are beginning to lay forms between the steel girders that will hold steel reinforcements and the concrete deck itself. The deck concrete will be poured early next spring. During the winter, construction crews will be focusing on other aspects of the project.
Cumberland Man Arrested During Halloween Parade
Forty-nine year old Cumberland resident Gary Claus was arrested during last week’s South Cumberland Halloween parade. He was accused of pouring a chemical cleaner out of a second-floor window of an apartment in the 300-block of Virginia Avenue. It was determined this was a safety concern, and after several attempts to enter the apartment, officers arrested Claus. He was charged with disorderly conduct, and later released pending trial. There were no injuries during the incident.
Man Files Redistricting Suit
A Smithsburg resident has filed suit in U.S. District Court of the redistricting map, approved last week. In the suit, Howard Gorrell contends the map dilutes the voting power of agriculture-related electorates in the 6th Congressional District. The map moves a large portion of Montgomery County into the Western Maryland District; Governor O’Malley says it reflects changing demographics along the Interstate 270 Corridor. The courts must rule on the case by January 11th, the filing deadline for candidates in the April 3rd primary.
Contractor Faces Charges in Somerset County
A roofing contractor has been charged with conspiracy, and theft by deception, after accepting an over $28,000 deposit for work that was not completed at the Meyersdale Grace Brethren Church. Jason Lee Diirner received the down payment in increments from April 25th to July 7th; he had been employed by Specialty Roofing Company of Windber. The company did complete the work for just over $19,000, according to police.
Wounds Found on Body in Jefferson County
The case involving a body found in Jefferson County on Wednesday is now being treated as suspicious, as several wounds have been found on the body. The identity has not been released, but it is known he is a 41-year old white male from Fairfax County, Virginia. The body was found about 300 to 400 yards off Mission Road, and an autopsy will determine the cause and manner of death.
Posted
About One Year Ago
by
Jim Van
Pharmacy Robbed in Bel Air
Police are continuing to look for two suspects who robbed Steve’s Pharmacy in the Bel Air Plaza, then fled on foot. One of the suspects, who displayed a handgun in the waistband of his pants, demanded prescription medication. The other suspect, apparently acting as a lookout, was seen outside the business, Both fled with an unspecified amount of medication. The suspect who robbed the pharmacy is described as a white male in his twenties, 5’10” to 6-feet tall, thin build and short brown hair. He was wearing a blue and white checked flannel shirt, blue jeans, gloves, and a pair of sunglasses to conceal his identity. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Maryland State Police, the C3I unit, or Allegany/Mineral County CrimeSolvers.
Black Bear Hunt Closed
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has closed the 2011 black bear hunting season. It was closed at 9 p.m. last night with hunters reporting 65 bears to mandatory check stations in Western Maryland. Of that number, 59 were taken from Garrett County and 6 from Allegany County.
Sheriff’s Office Investigates Two Accidents
The Allegany County Sheriff’s Office investigated two separate motor vehicle accidents on McMullen Highway on Wednesday. In the first, at 6:48 a.m., Ellerslie resident Scott Simpson hit the back of a car driven by 51-year old Bedford resident Terry Ruby. In the second, Gayle Storer hydroplaned on the wet roadway and hit a car driven by Michelle Westfall of Cumberland. A third car, driven by Krystal Linaweaver hit the rear of the Westfall vehicle. No charges were filed in either accident; Gayle Yost was taken to the Western Maryland Regional Medical Center for treatment.
Hunters Rescued by DNR, Police
As they were participating in the annual black bear hunt in Western Maryland, Robert and Scott Metheny became disoriented and were rescued by law enforcement authorities and members of the Department of Natural Resources on Monday. The rescue took place in far Western Maryland, near its border with West Virginia. For their part, the Metheneys bagged a black bear, weighing in at over 200 pounds.
Woman Held on $10,000 Bond for Breaking and Entering
A Baltimore Avenue woman was being held on $10,000 bond, after being charged with breaking into another apartment there, and taking a shower. Cumberland City Police had contacted the property management agency, and were told nobody had permission to be in the apartment. As a result, Dawn Marie Quinones was charged with 1st, 3rd, and 4th degree burglary and theft.
State Police Investigate Destruction of Property Case
The Maryland State Police are investigating the destruction of contribution boxes and the theft of items from St. Ambrose Catholic Church off of Winchester Road. The incident occurred sometime between 11 a.m. Sunday and 9 a.m. Tuesday. There was no sign of forced entry. The damage and losses totaled $200, and anyone with information is asked to contact the Cumberland barrack of the Maryland State Police at (301)-729-2101.
Keyser Man Found Guilty of Sexual Assault
Thirty-nine year old Keyser resident Robert Rhodes was found guilty of sexually assaulting six female minors, with over 30 counts of sexual abuse and related charges lodged against him. The trial concluded yesterday, as the jury announced the guilty verdict. Rhodes was taken to the Potomac Highlands Jail, after his bond was revoked. Rhodes could be sentenced to up to 200 years in jail, on the 34 counts of which he was convicted.
Cumberland Schedules Leaf Collections
The city of Cumberland will begin leaf collection on Monday. Residents may bag leaves and place them at the curb on their regular collection days. Beginning on Monday, through November 4th, leaves will be collected on the Upper West Side of Cumberland. From November 7th through the 10th, leaves will be collected on the Lower West Side. Then, over the course of the next several weeks, collection will take place in North End, East Side, Mapleside, and South End.
Mission of Mercy Set for This Weekend
The Western Maryland Mission of Mercy, providing free dental care for Allegany County residents, is this weekend at the Allegany County Fairgrounds. More than one hundred had pre-registered for the clinic, with more than 50 dentists set up for the event. Doors open at 6 a.m. Friday and Saturday. If certain procedures cannot be done at the Mission of Mercy clinic, patients will be given advice on what can be done. Also, X-rays will be done during the clinic.
TGCC Presents “Truth and Challenges” with Marcellus Shale
Members of the Greater Cumberland Committee will be presented with the most current information about environmental impacts and land issues in conjunction with harvesting for Marcellus Shale throughout the region. The presentation will take place on Thursday, November 3rd. The guest speaker will be Tejas Gosai of KDKA Radio in Pittsburgh. Gosai hosts the “Marcellus Shale and You” weekend talk show.
Body Found in Jefferson County
The body of a 41-year old white male, reportedly from Fairfax County, Virginia was found in a wooded area of Mission Road in Jefferson County on Wednesday. The body was found by a man, walking his dog, who then contacted the Sheriff’s Office. Little information is being released. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities have not said if it is a suicide.
Posted
About One Year Ago
by
Jim Van
More Details on Murder Investigation
There are more details regarding the arrest of a Cumberland resident, in connection with the murder of Ryan Henry and the wounding of his brother, Richard, in Ridgeley last month. Tavon Kearney had been the target of the federal murder investigation. Kearney was arrested in Hampton, Virginia. Still at large is Rasshammach Roberts of Hollis, New York. Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Rasshammach Roberts should call (304)-262-8615 or send an email to michael.ulrich@usdoj.gov.
Public Hearing Set on Slots
Maryland’s Video Lottery Facility Location Commission will conduct a site visit and public hearing for the Allegany County facility operation license proposals on Tuesday, November 8th from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. This will be the Commission’s first of two site visits and public hearings for the remaining locations proposed for video lottery terminal operation licenses in Maryland. A tour of Rocky Gap is scheduled for 2 p.m.; applicant presentations will take place at 3:30 p.m., and a public hearing will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. The applicant presentations and public hearing will be held in the Cumberland “A” room of the lodge.
Parents Lose State Appeal
The Maryland State Board of Education has upheld a decision from the Allegany County Board of Education, regarding its decision to phase out the Washington County School Choice Program. In a five-page opinion, the State Board supported the local board’s decision to bus children in the far east end of the county into Allegany County Schools, and against the parents who had filed suit to keep their children in Washington County Schools.
Brooklyn Resident Faces Drug Charges
Thirty-three year old Timmie Cotton of Brooklyn, New York faces numerous drug charges, after being stopped in the 300-block of Pennsylvania Avenue. A search revealed an electronic hidden compartment under the front passenger seat. The compartment contained a substantial amount of crack cocaine and Ecstasy, two handguns, and drug paraphernalia. The street value of the street drugs is estimated at over $31,000. Cotton is being charged with possession with intent to distribute crack, possession with intent to distribute MDMA, or Ecstasy, possession of crack, possession of Ecstasy, possession of cocaine and marijuana, and a handgun in a vehicle.
Rhodes Trial Underway in Mineral County
The trial of Robert S. Rhodes, Jr., is underway in Mineral County Circuit Court. Rhodes is charged with several sexual assault and sexual abuse counts, involving seven minor children. Rhodes’ attorney says his client is innocent of all 39 charges against him, which allegedly involved six girls and one boy. Rhodes is expected to testify on his own behalf.
Money Stolen From Employee in Grantsville
The Maryland State Police Barrack at McHenry is looking for a person who stole $300 from the pocketbooks of an employee of the Flower Loft in Grantsville. The employee was waiting on another customer, when the money was removed between 1:30 and 1:45 P.M. Monday. No description of the suspect is available, but anyone with information about the theft should contact the Maryland State Police at McHenry. The number is (301)-895-1101.
Hardy County EMS Settles False Claims Allegations
The Mathias-Baker, West Virginia EMS group has paid more than a million dollars to settle allegations that it submitted false claims for payments to the Medicare and Medicaid programs. The settlement, specifically for $1,068,717.56, ends an investigation that the group submitted false claims to Medicare and Medicaid for non-emergency transports from May of 2008 to January of 2010. The patients were allegedly being taken to and from routine medical appointments, even though their medical conditions did not require ambulance transport.
Student Charged in Connection with South Penn Fire
A seven-year-old juvenile at South Penn Elementary School is being charged in connection with yesterday’s fire at the school. He is being charged with malicious burning, malicious destruction of property and disruption of school activities. He was released to his mother, pending further disposition. He allegedly used a lighter to set fire to combustible plastic in the bathroom. Damages were estimated at $200.00. The school was evacuated at the time of the incident, and staff members extinguished the fire. South Penn resumed normal operations with the area of the fire being closed, pending cleanup.
Student Arrested At Allegany
A 14-year old male student at Allegany High School was arrested on Tuesday, and charged with possession of marijuana, along with possession with intent to distribute. The Cumberland Police Resource Officer, who investigated, transported him to police headquarters. The Department of Juvenile Services was contacted and the teen was released to his parents, pending court action.
North-South Coalition To Hold Second Annual Meeting
The North-South Appalachian highway coalition will hold its second annual meeting in Meyersdale this Friday at 9 a.m. at the Morguen Toole Company on Center Street. The Coalition is a three-state group of individual businesses, county and municipal governments and non-profit organizations, focused on the development of U.S. Route 219, from Somerset to the Maryland state line, and U.S. Route 220 from the Cumberland area to Appalachian Corridor “H” in West Virginia.
More Interest in Sixth District Race
Two Republican lawmakers, State Senator Christopher Shank and Delegate LeRoy Myers are considering jumping into Maryland’s Sixth District Congressional Race. An article in Monday’s Hagerstown Daily-Mail noted that there is widespread speculation that the current representative, Roscoe Bartlett will retire, since his district now has a larger percentage of Democrats, especially in Montgomery County. Another indication is that Bartlett has raised only $1,000 from July 1st through September 30th. Publicly, Bartlett has said he has filed for re-election, and will run.
Posted
About One Year Ago
by
Jim Van
City Hires Consultant for City Market
The Cumberland Mayor and Council voted 3-0 last night to hire consultants FranPoint Partners to help find a location for the proposed City Market. FranPoint is the same group hired by the city of Annapolis to reopen its historical downtown market. The City will pay half of a $2500 fee to bring a representative of the group to town to officially take a look at possible sites for the City Market, according to the Cumberland Times-News.
Bear Hunt Underway This Week
The black bear hunt is underway in Garrett and Allegany Counties. This is the seventh year for the hunt, during which time, 343 bears have been killed. A harvest of 55 and 80 bears is expected this year, and it is expected to last only a few days.
Cumberland Has Highest Gas Prices in Maryland…Again
Cumberland has, once again, topped the list for the highest average price for a gallon of unleaded, regular gas. Last week’s price of $3.55 is fourteen cents higher than the state average, and nine cents higher than the national average of $3.46. Gas prices have been on the rise for the past week or so. Last week, Cumberland’s average price per gallon was $3.50, and again was the highest average price in the state.
Chamber Holds Business Recognition Dinner
The Allegany County Chamber of Commerce presented its 24th annual business recognition awards last night at Rocky Gap State Park. The Outstanding Young Professional Award was presented to Evan Offstein. The Community Service Award went to Kim and Marion Leonard; Life Fitness Management earned the Entrepreneurial Spirit Award, while TWR Communications was named the Business of the Year by the Chamber. Executive Director Stu Czapski served as Master of Ceremonies for the event.
Slots Revenue Estimates Adjusted Downward
While the state’s slot machine commission considers locations in Baltimore and at Rocky Gap State Park, analysts are adjusting estimated slot machine revenues downward, because of the economy and increased competition from neighboring states. Maryland’s two operating casinos in Perryville and near Ocean City report an estimated revenue drop of $56 million, to $161 million.
Fire Caused By Unattended Food on Stove
Monday afternoon’s fire on Maryland Avenue was caused by food, left unattended on a kitchen stove. The call came in at 4:49 p.m. at the home of Tracy Turner, and was confined to the apartment, located at 916 Maryland Avenue. Damages were estimated at $15,000 to the building and $5,000 to its contents. There were no injuries.
Cumberland Woman Charged with Assault
Thirty-seven year old Cumberland resident Brandolyn Michelle Simpson was arrested Monday in the 1800-block of Bedford Street. The victim advised the officer that he had an argument with his girlfriend, Ms. Simpson, and that she had struck him in the face. She was released on personal recognizance, following an appearance in District Court.
Task Force Arrests Twenty Suspected Dealers
The Bedford County Drug Task Force has arrested twenty residents who are suspected drug dealers. Residents, ranging in age from 18 to 50 were taken into custody during “Operation Scarecrow,” culminating an eight-month investigation. Most were arrested for heroin offenses, although some were taken into custody for allegedly dealing other substances, such as mushrooms and marijuana.
Serge Babo Reunites with Family
Serge Babo, who was deported to Cameroon, Africa over a year ago, was reunited with his family in Ridgeley recently. He had been arrested and deported in August of last year. Now, he is a legal permanent resident of the United States and in three years, can file for citizenship. His wife, Brittney, credited the community in having her husband returned, and expressed appreciation for its support.
National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week
Approximately 32,000 homes in Allegany contain lead; nearly a quarter of a million children, living in the United States have blood-lead levels high enough to cause significant damage to their health, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data from a 2003-2004 national survey. This is National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, and the Allegany County Health Department notes that lead poisoning is entirely preventable. For information and home lead testing kits, call Tina Tindal, RN, Lead Coordinator at (301)-759-5077.
Posted
About One Year Ago
by
Jim Van
Another Arrest in Labor Day Weekend Shooting
Another person has been arrested in connection with the fatal Labor shooting death of a New Jersey man and wounding of his brother. Tavon Joseph Kearney, formerly of the Baltimore area and Cumberland, was arrested yesterday in Hampton, Virginia. Kearney was taken into custody by U.S. marshals and the Hampton, Virginia Police Department. He was charged with first-degree murder and attempted first-degree murder. In the incident, 25-year old Ryan Henry was killed and his brother, Richard, was seriously wounded.
Man Charged in Theft Case
Cumberland resident John Ervin Arnold has been arrested on theft charges, stemming from an investigation by the Maryland State Police and the Allegany County C3I unit. Arnold is accused of taking a large sum of cash from his employer, Mountainview Healthcare. Approximately $15,000 had gone missing from a business account, and Arnold had been working as the office manager at the time. He was charged with three counts of theft and one count of theft scheme. He was ordered held on $20,000 bond; he has since posted bond and is free, pending his next court appearance.
Missing Baltimore County Man Found Dead in West Virginia
The body of a Baltimore County man, who had been missing more than two weeks, has been found in Morgan County, West Virginia. Fifty-two year old Michael Diffenderfer had been missing since October 5th. His body was found in a car along the Milo School Road in Morgan County. There was no evidence of foul play; police found two empty pill bottles in the car.
Vehicle Runs Into Residence
No charges have been filed in a crash yesterday, in which a 1998 GMC Van hit the front of a residence at the intersection of Oldtown Road and South Street. The van was traveling southbound on Hill Top Drive, when its brakes failed. It traveled across Oldtown Road and into a residence. No injuries were reported, and the investigation is ongoing.
Three Taken Into Custody Following Burglary
Three Piedmont residents were arrested inside the former Save-A-Lot building at the Tri-Towns Plaza. A caller reported a burglary in progress, and the Allegany County Sheriff’s Department surrounded the building. The three suspects-28-year old Ryan Butler, 17-year old Cody Broadwater, and 28-year old Philip Saville of Piedmont-were taken into custody without incident. All were charged and are being held on $20,000 each, after an initial appearance in District Court.
Sheriff Investigating Break In
The Allegany County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the break in of storage units in the 11,000-block of McMullen Highway. Sometime between Thursday and Friday, a person or persons broke into several storage units and removed items from them. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Sheriff’s Office at (301)-777-5959.
CSX, Police To Participate in Public Awareness Campaign
The Cumberland City Police Department, in conjunction with CSX, are participating in a public awareness event to promote safe pedestrian travel at railroad crossings. An event this Thursday at the Baltimore Street crossing, will include an officer from the Cumberland Police Department, along with members of the CSX Community Affairs and Safety Unit. The event will be held from 1 to 5 p.m. The goal is to inform citizens of the dangers they face when they do not use the appropriate locations to cross the tracks or when they fail to abide by the warning gates when they are activated. Officers are also making routine checks of the underpass several times a day to ensure citizen safety. The public is encouraged to use the underpass, as it is a safe alternative to crossing the tracks.
Kindergarten Report Card Distribution to be Delayed
Allegany County Public Schools’ kindergarten report cards will be on a delayed distribution schedule for the first nine-week period of the 2011-2012 school year. The current timeline that Maryland has established for data collection does not align with report card distribution; therefore, kindergarten report cards will not be distributed on Monday, November 21, 2011.
State Deemed Negligent in Prison Bus Slaying
The state of Maryland will pay $18.5 million to the parents of a Maryland inmate, who was murdered by another aboard a state prison bus in 2005. The state, along with three correctional officers, were found to be negligent in the death of Phillip Parker, Jr. Another officer was found to be grossly negligent
Unemployment Rate Rises in Maryland
The state’s unemployment rate continued to inch upward for the fourth consecutive month in September, rising from 7.3 per cent in August to 7.4. This year’s low was 6.8 per cent in May. The rise in the rate could indicate that discouraged workers who had been sitting idle, have resumed their job search. Most of the jobs lost were in the government sector, but the Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation could not say which municipalities cut jobs.
Posted
About One Year Ago
by
Jim Van
Woman Found Unharmed After Search
Sixty-eight year old Pennsylvania resident Susan Ray was found unharmed Saturday area near Woodcock Hollow Road in Mount Savage. Ms. Ray, along with her husband were in the area for the dog show at the Fairgrounds this past weekend. She went walking with three of her dogs in a remote area of Piney Mountain, and became lost. Several groups were involved in the search; Natural Resources Officer Kurt Deterlie and his K-9, “Blue” tracked Ms. Ray for nearly six miles, before she was found safe. The Mount Savage ambulance responded to the scene.
Change of Venue Motion Denied
A motion for a change of venue in the case against Kelly Bradley has been denied in Mineral County Circuit Court. Ms. Bradley, along with her husband, are accused of setting fire to the Pines Restaurant and Lounge in June of last year, which also destroyed the Wee Care Day Care Center and CitiFinancial. Her attorney, Angie Collins, argued that the trial should be moved because of the popularity of the Pines as a social gathering place and the extensive coverage the case has received. A pre-trial hearing is scheduled for Friday, December 2nd, and the jury trial has been set for April 23rd through the 27th of next year.
Man Held on Bond Following September Incident
Twenty-year old Rawlings resident Timothy Llewellyn is being held on $45,000 bond after being arrested in connection with an incident that happened on September 18th at a Somerville Avenue residence. He is accused of trespassing on private property, causing over $1,000 property damage, assaulting the victim outside the residence and disturbing the peace. The victim did not require medical attention; Llewellyn was also served with two additional arrest warrants for failure to appear, and was held without bond on those two warrants.
NAACP Holds Dinner
Honoring the memory of Past President Norma Blacke Bourdeau, the Allegany County Branch of the NAACP held its annual Freedom Fund Dinner yesterday at the downtown Cumberland Holiday Inn. Current President Bernard Wynder moderated the program. This year’s guest speaker was Dr. David Cox, Superintendent of the Allegany County School System. Also speaking during the dinner was Mr. Gerald Stansbury, President of the Maryland State Chapter of the NAACP.
North-South Coalition To Hold Meeting
The North-South Appalachian Highway Coalition will hold its second annual meeting in Meyersdale on Friday, October 28th at 9 a.m. The meeting will be held at the Morguen Toole Company, located at 130 Center Street in Meyersdale. The Coalition is a three-state group of individual businesses, county and municipal governments and non-profit organizations, focused on the development of U.S. Route 219 from Somerset, Pennsylvania to the Maryland state line, and U.S. Route 220, from the Cumberland area to Appalachian Corridor “H” in West Virginia.
Accidental Shooting Investigated
The Mineral County Sheriff’s Office is investigating an accidental shooting yesterday afternoon on Knobley Road, near Taylor Lake. The victim was accidentally shot in the abdomen by a handgun, and was flown to the Western Maryland Regional Medical Center for treatment. The investigation is continuing.
Sewage Treatment Plant on Hold
A shortage of funds is holding up a long-planned sewage treatment facility in Hardy County. The project is about $3 million short. The money was supposed to have come from one of several grants from the Environmental Protection Agency, but the funding was pulled in an effort to reduce the EPA’s total budget by $140 million. If and when it is built, the facility would help the Mountain State meet requirements from the EPA, as part of a federal mandate to reduce the pollution that eventually makes its way to the Chesapeake Bay.
Trail Monument Drawing Attention
A monument, located at the Deal access area along the Great Allegheny Passage is drawing a lot of attention. According to the Somerset “Daily American” newspaper, the four-sided monument features the names of donors to the $12 million tunnel restoration project and information about the project itself. A Somerset couple, Colin and June Deakins spearheaded the campaign to erect the monument. Trail Coordinator Brett Hollern says the monument is also a reminder to residents there are opportunities for them to make contributions, and that it can inspire people toward philanthropy.
Clear Spring Man Sentenced for Child Pornography
Clear Spring resident Kenneth Eugene Norris has been sentenced to 15 years in prison, for sexually exploiting a minor to produce child pornography. The incidents reportedly involved two girls, under the age of 12, who were under Norris’ supervision. The video shows the nude girls performing in various gymnastics exercises. After serving his sentence, Norris will be on supervised release for life.
Posted
About One Year Ago
by
Jimv Van
Woman Found Unharmed After Search
Sixty-eight year old Pennsylvania resident Susan Ray was found unharmed Saturday area near Woodcock Hollow Road in Mount Savage. Ms. Ray, along with her husband were in the area for the dog show at the Fairgrounds this past weekend. She went walking with three of her dogs in a remote area of Piney Mountain, and became lost. Several groups were involved in the search; Natural Resources Officer Kurt Deterlie and his K-9, “Blue” tracked Ms. Ray for nearly six miles, before she was found safe. The Mount Savage ambulance responded to the scene.
Change of Venue Motion Denied
A motion for a change of venue in the case against Kelly Bradley has been denied in Mineral County Circuit Court. Ms. Bradley, along with her husband, are accused of setting fire to the Pines Restaurant and Lounge in June of last year, which also destroyed the Wee Care Day Care Center and CitiFinancial. Her attorney, Angie Collins, argued that the trial should be moved because of the popularity of the Pines as a social gathering place and the extensive coverage the case has received. A pre-trial hearing is scheduled for Friday, December 2nd, and the jury trial has been set for April 23rd through the 27th of next year.
Man Held on Bond Following September Incident
Twenty-year old Rawlings resident Timothy Llewellyn is being held on $45,000 bond after being arrested in connection with an incident that happened on September 18th at a Somerville Avenue residence. He is accused of trespassing on private property, causing over $1,000 property damage, assaulting the victim outside the residence and disturbing the peace. The victim did not require medical attention; Llewellyn was also served with two additional arrest warrants for failure to appear, and was held without bond on those two warrants.
NAACP Holds Dinner
Honoring the memory of Past President, the Allegany County Branch of the NAACP held its annual Freedom Fund Dinner yesterday at the downtown Cumberland Holiday Inn. Current President Bernard Wynder moderated the program. This year’s guest speaker was Dr. David Cox, Superintendent of the Allegany County School System. Also speaking during the dinner was Mr. Gerald Stansbury, President of the Maryland State Chapter of the NAACP.
North-South Coalition To Hold Meeting
The North-South Appalachian Highway Coalition will hold its second annual meeting in Meyersdale on Friday, October 28th at 9 a.m. The meeting will be held at the Morguen Toole Company, located at 130 Center Street in Meyersdale. The Coalition is a three-state group of individual businesses, county and municipal governments and non-profit organizations, focused on the development of U.S. Route 219 from Somerset, Pennsylvania to the Maryland state line, and U.S. Route 220, from the Cumberland area to Appalachian Corridor “H” in West Virginia.
Accidental Shooting Investigated
The Mineral County Sheriff’s Office is investigating an accidental shooting yesterday afternoon on Knobley Road, near Taylor Lake. The victim was accidentally shot in the abdomen by a handgun, and was flown to the Western Maryland Regional Medical Center for treatment. The investigation is continuing.
Sewage Treatment Plant on Hold
A shortage of funds is holding up a long-planned sewage treatment facility in Hardy County. The project is about $3 million short. The money was supposed to have come from one of several grants from the Environmental Protection Agency, but the funding was pulled in an effort to reduce the EPA’s total budget by $140 million. If and when it is built, the facility would help the Mountain State meet requirements from the EPA, as part of a federal mandate to reduce the pollution that eventually makes its way to the Chesapeake Bay.
Trail Monument Drawing Attention
A monument, located at the Deal access area along the Great Allegheny Passage is drawing a lot of attention. According to the Somerset “Daily American” newspaper, the four-sided monument features the names of donors to the $12 million tunnel restoration project and information about the project itself. A Somerset couple, Colin and June Deakins spearheaded the campaign to erect the monument. Trail Coordinator Brett Hollern says the monument is also a reminder to residents there are opportunities for them to make contributions, and that it can inspire people toward philanthropy.
Clear Spring Man Sentenced for Child Pornography
Clear Spring resident Kenneth Eugene Norris has been sentenced to 15 years in prison, for sexually exploiting a minor to produce child pornography. The incidents reportedly involved two girls, under the age of 12, who were under Norris’ supervision. The video shows the nude girls performing in various gymnastics exercises. After serving his sentence, Norris will be on supervised release for life.
Posted
About One Year Ago
by
Jim Van
Kroll Pleads Guilty in 1980 Sexual Assault
Cumberland resident John Leroy Kroll has pleaded guilty to all charges filed against him in Bedford County, in connection with a 1980 incident in which he kidnapped a girl in Cumberland, and sexually assaulted her in the Lake Gordon area. Bedford County District Attorney Bill Higgins credited his counterpart in Cumberland, Michael Twigg, for his extreme vigilance in the prosecution of Kroll, who will be sentenced on January 12th of next year. He will remain in the Bedford County Jail until his sentencing.
Special Session Wrapping Up
Governor Martin O’Malley has signed a bill that sets new boundaries for the state’s eight Congressional Districts. Meanwhile, Sixth District Congressman Roscoe Bartlett, whose area was drastically altered by redistricting, criticized the plan, but says he filed for re-election in June and approval of the map has not changed his plans to seek re-election to represents the residents of Maryland’s Sixth District in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Amtower Criticized Over Administrative Assistant
The same citizen movement that helped to elect Keyser Mayor Randy Amtower, Keyser Citizens for Fiscal Accountability, is now criticizing him over his hiring and staffing practices. One resident challenged Amtower for hiring Frostburg resident Carisa Fazenbaker as his administrative assistant. In his defense, Mayor Amtower says the hiring was cost-neutral, because Keyser did not fill a vacant position in the water department, according to the Mineral News-Tribune.
Former Correctional Officials Dropped from Civil Case
Former Public Safety and Correctional Services Secretary Mary Ann Saar and former Division of Correction Commissioner Frank Sizer have been dropped from a civil case stemming from an inmate’s murder aboard a prison bus. The charges, brought by the parents of Philip Parker, allege that five correctional officers aboard the bus traveling from Hagerstown to Baltimore in 2005, were negligent in failing to prevent their son’s murder. For its part, the state says the officers weren’t negligent, because they had no way of knowing Parker was in danger. Kevin Johns was convicted of the murder, but killed himself in prison in 2009.
Driver Sought in Hit and Run
The Maryland State Police are trying to identify a man, who struck another vehicle in the rear at the intersection of Campground and Braddock Roads Wednesday afternoon, and drove away. The vehicle is described as a mid-sized SUV. It struck a black Chevrolet Cavalier that was stopped at a traffic signal. The man is described as having sandy-colored hair and wearing a black uniform with a yellow patch. The impact caused damage to the front end of the SUV. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Maryland State Police at (301)-729-2101.
Man Served With Criminal Summons
Twenty-nine year old Cumberland resident Chad Robinette was served with a criminal summons on Wednesday, charging him with three counts of possession, other than marijuana. The summons was served in connection to an incident that happened on October 9th, where a Cumberland City Police officer in the area of Queen City Center, observed his acting suspiciously. Officers found three different types of controlled dangerous substances on Robinette.
Bedford County Hears Budget Requests
Bedford County’s commissioners are conducting budget hearings and heard presentations from several departments on Wednesday. The Sheriff’s Office has requested an increase in the budget for uniform allowance, travel expense, materials, supplies and other services. The Tax Assessment and Tax Claims Office is requesting just over $300,000 for FY 2012. That represents an decrease from the estimated spending total of just over $9700, when compared to FY 2011.
Gas Tax Increase Not a “Tough Sell”
Leaders from Maryland’s two largest counties and Baltimore city have asked lawmakers to raise the state’s gas tax to fund road projects and create jobs, and Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake says the tax increase won’t be a “tough sell,” because residents realize there is a need to patch roads, which would create jobs. Governor Martin O’Malley, who is advocating an increase, says a 15-cent increase would put tens of thousands of people to work. The current tax is 23.5-cents a gallon.
Maryland Bans Sale of “Bath Salts”
The state has taken emergency action to ban the sale of so-called “bath salts,” sold in mini-marts and smoke shops. They are being banned because of how dangerous they are; they can be inhaled, smoked, ingested or injected. The end result of taking the drug can be paranoia, hallucinations, and other extreme effects. The emergency regulation takes effect immediately.
Posted
About One Year Ago
by
Jim Van
Kroll Pleads Guilty in 1980 Sexual Assault
Cumberland resident John Leroy Kroll has pleaded guilty to all charges filed against him in Bedford County, in connection with a 1980 incident in which he kidnapped a girl in Cumberland, and sexually assaulted her in the Lake Gordon area. Bedford County District Attorney credited his counterpart in Cumberland, Michael Twigg, for his extreme vigilance in the prosecution of Kroll, who will be sentenced on January 12th of next year. He will remain in the Bedford County Jail until his sentencing.
Special Session Wrapping Up
Governor Martin O’Malley has signed a bill that sets new boundaries for the state’s eight Congressional Districts. Meanwhile, Sixth District Congressman Roscoe Bartlett, whose area was drastically altered by redistricting, criticized the plan, but says he filed for re-election in June and approval of the map has not changed his plans to seek re-election to represents the residents of Maryland’s Sixth District in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Amtower Criticized Over Administrative Assistant
The same citizen movement that helped to elect Keyser Mayor Randy Amtower, Keyser Citizens for Fiscal Accountability, is now criticizing him over his hiring and staffing practices. One resident challenged Amtower for hiring Frostburg resident Carisa Fazenbaker as his administrative. In his defense, Mayor Amtower says the hiring was cost-neutral, because Keyser did not fill a vacant position in the water department, according to the Mineral News-Tribune.
Former Correctional Officials Dropped from Civil Case
Former Public Safety and Correctional Services Secretary Mary Ann Saar and former Division of Correction Commissioner Frank Sizer have been dropped from a civil case stemming from an inmate’s murder aboard a prison bus. The charges, brought by the parents of Philip Parker, allege that five correctional officers aboard the bus traveling from Hagerstown to Baltimore in 2005, were negligent in failing to prevent their son’s murder. For its part, the state says the officers weren’t negligent, because they had no way of knowing Parker was in danger. Kevin Johns was convicted of the murder, but killed himself in prison in 2009.
Driver Sought in Hit and Run
The Maryland State Police are trying to identify a man, who struck another vehicle in the rear at the intersection of Campground and Braddock Roads Wednesday afternoon, and drove away. The vehicle is described as a mid-sized SUV. It struck a black Chevrolet Cavalier that was stopped at a traffic signal. The man is described as having sandy-colored hair and wearing a black uniform with a yellow patch. The impact caused damage to the front end of the SUV. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Maryland State Police at (301)-729-2101.
Man Served With Criminal Summons
Twenty-nine year old Cumberland resident Chad Robinette was served with a criminal summons on Wednesday, charging him with three counts of possession, other than marijuana. The summons was served in connection to an incident that happened on October 9th, where a Cumberland City Police officer in the area of Queen City Center, observed his acting suspiciously. Officers found three different types of controlled dangerous substances on Robinette.
Bedford County Hears Budget Requests
Bedford County’s commissioners are conducting budget hearings and heard presentations from several departments on Wednesday. The Sheriff’s Office has requested an increase in the budget for uniform allowance, travel expense, materials, supplies and other services. The Tax Assessment and Tax Claims Office is requesting just over $300,000 for FY 2012. That represents an decrease from the estimated spending total of just over $9700, when compared to FY 2011.
Gas Tax Increase Not a “Tough Sell”
Leaders from Maryland’s two largest counties and Baltimore city have asked lawmakers to raise the state’s gas tax to fund road projects and create jobs, and Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake says the tax increase won’t be a “tough sell,” because residents realize there is a need to patch roads, which would create jobs. Governor Martin O’Malley, who is advocating an increase, says a 15-cent increase would put tens of thousands of people to work. The current tax is 23.5-cents a gallon.
Maryland Bans Sale of “Bath Salts”
The state has taken emergency action to ban the sale of so-called “bath salts,” sold in mini-marts and smoke shops. They are being banned because of how dangerous they are; they can be inhaled, smoked, ingested or injected. The end result of taking the drug can be paranoia, hallucinations, and other extreme effects. The emergency regulation takes effect immediately.
Posted
About One Year Ago
by
Jim Van
House Debating Redistricting
House Democratic leaders say they are confident that its redistricting plan will pass without changes. The General Assembly is meeting in special session, which has been extended to debate the plan, which needs a three-fifths majority to pass, since it is emergency legislation. The plan calls for the removal of part of Frederick and Baltimore, and all of Carroll Counties from the 6th Congressional District, now represented by Republican Roscoe Bartlett. In other legislative news, a number of committees have met to discuss a gas tax hike, which Governor O’Malley supports; a vote on that will, most likely, be taken during the regular session, which starts in January.
Preliminary Report Issued on Plane Crash
The National Transportation Safety Board has released a preliminary report on this month’s plane crash near Moorefield, which killed three people. The report gives no indication of the cause of the crash that killed pilot Michael Garrone, Laura Stettmier, and Chas Armitage, Jr., president of Uncle Charley’s Sausage Company in Parks Township, Pennsylvania. The report does state that the plane struck 120-foot high trees in a mountainous area during rainy weather and broke into several pieces. According to one of the victim’s family members, all three died on impact.
Garrett County Votes to Not Hire Lobbyist
The Garrett County Commissioners have decided to not participate in a plan to hire a lobbyist to advocate issues important to Western Maryland in the General Assembly. County Administrator Monty Pagenhardt says too many uncertainties surround the issue, such as whether the lobbyist would pursue one issue or several. A plan suggested earlier called for a lobbyist for the Western Maryland counties of Garrett, Allegany, Washington, Frederick and Carroll; each county would have contributed about $5,000 each to pay his or her salary.
Locomotive Shop Renovated
CSX Corporation has spent more than $6 million over the past two years to update the Cumberland Locomotive Shop. The Cumberland Times-News says those renovations were recently completed with the installation of a new turntable. The shop has new equipment, such as a crane that can lift 125 tons, which is roughly more than the average weight of a locomotive. The Cumberland Shop is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, year round.
CDS, Prescription Charges Lodged Against Ohio Resident
Cumberland City Police arrested Dayton, Ohio resident Colby Twinam in the 400-block of Maryland Avenue early Wednesday morning. They were called to check on a person, who was passed out in a vehicle there. In searching Twinam and the vehicle, officers found prescription pills, in a wrapper. He was charged with CDS possession and removing or altering the label of prescription medication.
Bear Season Begins Monday
The annual bear hunt in Allegany and Garrett Counties begins on Monday. The hunt is being held annually, to manage the bear population, and can last up to six days. Nearly 4,000 hunters applied for the 260 bear hunting permits that were awarded via a lottery. It is hoped the hunters will harvest between 15 to 20 bears.
Informational Event Set
The Allegany County Commissioners have announced an informational event, to be held on Wednesday, October 26th at the downtown Cumberland Holiday Inn. The event is entitled, “Potomac Edison’s Energy Efficiency Program Update,” and will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. The seminar pertains to commercial and industrial energy efficiency projects, occupancy sensors, HVAC equipment, variable frequency drives and the like. For additional information and to RSVP, contact Celia Salgado at (212)-660-1923.
Community Trust Foundation to Honor Dr. Halmos
The Community Trust Foundation will honor one of its own at its inaugural Humanitarian Event, to be held on Thursday, November 3rd at the Lane Center of Frostburg State Univeristy. The event, to be held from 6 to 9 p.m., will honor Dr. Peter Halmos, who will be the first recipient. Dr. Halmos was unanimously selected by his fellow board members in the areas of leadership and philanthropic works.
Fire Reported at Hancock Industrial Building
Heat from a blow torch may have started a fire Tuesday at the former Fleetwood RV Sales building in Hancock. A contracting company had been working in the building; the sprinkler system in the building may have dissipated the flames. The fire was contained to one empty room and the roof, and it was extinguished in 15 minutes. Firefighters from the surrounding area responded and there were no injuries.
Posted
About One Year Ago
by
Jim Van
House Debating Redistricting
House Democratic leaders say they are confident that its redistricting plan will pass without changes. The General Assembly is meeting in special session to debate the plan, which needs a three-fifths majority to pass, since it is emergency legislation. The plan calls for the removal of part of Frederick and Baltimore, and all of Carroll Counties from the 6th Congressional District, now represented by Republican Roscoe Bartlett. In other legislative news, a number of committees have met to discuss a gas tax hike, which Governor O’Malley supports; a vote on that will, most likely, be taken during the regular session, which starts in January.
Preliminary Report Issued on Plane Crash
The National Transportation Safety Board has released a preliminary report on this month’s plane crash near Moorefield, which killed three people. The report gives no indication of the crash that killed pilot Michael Garrone, Laura Stettmier, and Chas Armitage, Jr., president of Uncle Charley’s Sausage Company in Parks Township, Pennsylvania. The report does state that the plane struck 120-foot high trees in a mountainous area during rainy weather and broke into several pieces. According to one of the victim’s family members, all three died on impact.
Garrett County Votes to Not Hire Lobbyist
The Garrett County Commissioners have decided to not participate in a plan to hire a lobbyist to advocate issues important to Western Maryland in the General Assembly. County Administrator Monty Pagenhardt says too many uncertainties surround the issue, such as whether the lobbyist would pursue one issue or several. A plan suggested earlier called for a lobbyist for the Western Maryland counties of Garrett, Allegany, Washington, Frederick and Carroll; each county would have contributed about $5,000 each to pay his or her salary.
Locomotive Shop Renovated
CSX Corporation has spent more than $6 million over the past two years to update the Cumberland Locomotive Shop. The Cumberland Times-News says those renovations were recently completed with the installation of anew turntable. The shop has new equipment, such as a crane that can lift 125 tons, which is roughly more than the average weight of a locomotive. The Cumberland Shop is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, year round.
CDS, Prescription Charges Lodged Against Ohio Resident
Cumberland City Police arrested Dayton, Ohio resident Colby Twinam in the 400-block of Maryland Avenue early Wednesday morning. They were called to check on a person, who was passed out in a vehicle there. In searching Twinam and the vehicle, officers found prescription pills, in a wrapper. He was charged with CDS possession and removing or altering the label of prescription medication.
Bear Season Begins Monday
The annual bear hunt in Allegany and Garrett Counties begins on Monday. The hunt is being held annually, to manage the bear population, and can last up to six days. Nearly 4,000 hunters applied for the 260 bear hunting permits that were awarded via a lottery. It is hoped the hunters will harvest between 15 to 20 bears.
Informational Event Set
The Allegany County Commissioners have announced an informational event, to be held on Wednesday, October 26th at the downtown Cumberland Holiday Inn. The event is entitled, “Potomac Edison’s Energy Efficiency Program Update,” and will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. The seminar pertains to commercial and industrial energy efficiency projects, occupancy sensors, HVAC equipment, variable frequency drives and the like. For additional information and to RSVP, contact Celia Salgado at (212)-660-1923.
Community Trust Foundation to Honor Dr. Halmos
The Community Trust Foundation will honor one of its own at its inaugural Humanitarian Event, to be held on Thursday, November 3rd at the Lane Center of Frostburg State Univeristy. The event, to be held from 6 to 9 p.m., will honor Dr. Peter Halmos, who will be the first recipient. Dr. Halmos was unanimously selected by his fellow board members in the areas of leadership and philanthropic works.
Fire Reported at Hancock Industrial Building
Heat from a blow torch may have started a fire Tuesday at the former Fleetwood RV Sales building in Hancock. A contracting company had been working in the building; the sprinkler system in the building may have dissipated the flames. The fire was contained to one empty room and the roof, and it was extinguished in 15 minutes. Firefighters from the surrounding area responded and there were no injuries.
Posted
About One Year Ago
by
Jimv Van
House Debating Redistricting
House Democratic leaders say they are confident that its redistricting plan will pass without changes. The General Assembly is meeting in special session to debate the plan, which needs a three-fifths majority to pass, since it is emergency legislation. The plan calls for the removal of part of Frederick and Baltimore, and all of Carroll Counties from the 6th Congressional District, now represented by Republican Roscoe Bartlett. In other legislative news, a number of committees have met to discuss a gas tax hike, which Governor O’Malley supports; a vote on that will, most likely, be taken during the regular session, which starts in January.
Preliminary Report Issued on Plane Crash
The National Transportation Safety Board has released a preliminary report on this month’s plane crash near Moorefield, which killed three people. The report gives no indication of the crash that killed pilot Michael Garrone, Laura Stettmier, and Chas Armitage, Jr., president of Uncle Charley’s Sausage Company in Parks Township, Pennsylvania. The report does state that the plane struck 120-foot high trees in a mountainous area during rainy weather and broke into several pieces. According to one of the victim’s family members, all three died on impact.
Garrett County Votes to Not Hire Lobbyist
The Garrett County Commissioners have decided to not participate in a plan to hire a lobbyist to advocate issues important to Western Maryland in the General Assembly. County Administrator Monty Pagenhardt says too many uncertainties surround the issue, such as whether the lobbyist would pursue one issue or several. A plan suggested earlier called for a lobbyist for the Western Maryland counties of Garrett, Allegany, Washington, Frederick and Carroll; each county would have contributed about $5,000 each to pay his or her salary.
Locomotive Shop Renovated
CSX Corporation has spent more than $6 million over the past two years to update the Cumberland Locomotive Shop. The Cumberland Times-News says those renovations were recently completed with the installation of anew turntable. The shop has new equipment, such as a crane that can lift 125 tons, which is roughly more than the average weight of a locomotive. The Cumberland Shop is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, year round.
CDS, Prescription Charges Lodged Against Ohio Resident
Cumberland City Police arrested Dayton, Ohio resident Colby Twinam in the 400-block of Maryland Avenue early Wednesday morning. They were called to check on a person, who was passed out in a vehicle there. In searching Twinam and the vehicle, officers found prescription pills, in a wrapper. He was charged with CDS possession and removing or altering the label of prescription medication.
Bear Season Begins Monday
The annual bear hunt in Allegany and Garrett Counties begins on Monday. The hunt is being held annually, to manage the bear population, and can last up to six days. Nearly 4,000 hunters applied for the 260 bear hunting permits that were awarded via a lottery. It is hoped the hunters will harvest between 15 to 20 bears.
Informational Event Set
The Allegany County Commissioners have announced an informational event, to be held on Wednesday, October 26th at the downtown Cumberland Holiday Inn. The event is entitled, “Potomac Edison’s Energy Efficiency Program Update,” and will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. The seminar pertains to commercial and industrial energy efficiency projects, occupancy sensors, HVAC equipment, variable frequency drives and the like. For additional information and to RSVP, contact Celia Salgado at (212)-660-1923.
Community Trust Foundation to Honor Dr. Halmos
The Community Trust Foundation will honor one of its own at its inaugural Humanitarian Event, to be held on Thursday, November 3rd at the Lane Center of Frostburg State Univeristy. The event, to be held from 6 to 9 p.m., will honor Dr. Peter Halmos, who will be the first recipient. Dr. Halmos was unanimously selected by his fellow board members in the areas of leadership and philanthropic works.
Fire Reported at Hancock Industrial Building
Heat from a blow torch may have started a fire Tuesday at the former Fleetwood RV Sales building in Hancock. A contracting company had been working in the building; the sprinkler system in the building may have dissipated the flames. The fire was contained to one empty room and the roof, and it was extinguished in 15 minutes. Firefighters from the surrounding area responded and there were no injuries.
Posted
About One Year Ago
by
Jim Van
Route 51 Accident Closes Road
A 18-year old Cumberland woman was airlifted to the Western Maryland Regional Medical Center, and later taken to Baltimore’s Shock Trauma Center, after being hit by a car on Route 51 early yesterday morning. She was walking in the travel portion of the roadway, when she was struck by an SUV, driven by Joyce Levinson of Slanesville, West Virginia. The Allegany County Sheriff’s Office, which investigated, says the accident happened in the area of the salt dome at Oldtown. Route 51 was closed for approximately two hours, while the scene was cleared. The call came into the Allegany County Office of Emergency Services at 6:10 a.m.
Senate Committee Approves Redistricting Plan
The Maryland State Senate has voted 33 to 12, to approve a plan to change the boundaries of the state’s eight Congressional Districts. The plan calls for the removal of part of Frederick and Baltimore, and all of Carroll Counties from the 6th Congressional District, now represented by Republican Roscoe Bartlett. It adds part of Montgomery County to that district, an effort many see as making it easier for a Democrat to win that Congressional seat. Opponents of the redistricting plan say they will file suit, if it is approved by the full General Assembly. A new map must be in place in time for candidates to file to get on the ballot for the April 3rd Maryland Primary election.
Piedmont Teen Who Perished in Fire Identified
The seventeen-year old Piemont youth who died in an early Saturday morning house fire has been identified as James Michael Miller, a student in the Mineral County School System. The fire was at 23 East Hampshire Street; two firefighters were injured, with one suffering smoke inhalation. The investigation by the West Virginia State Fire Marshal’s office is continuing.
Slots Commission To Hold Public Meeting
The Maryland Video Lottery Facilities Commission will hold a meeting at Rocky Gap State Park, to consider two proposals to bring slots to the area. The meeting has been set for 2 p.m. on November 8th, with a public hearing set for 5 p.m. There are two proposals for Rocky Gap, as a third was rejected by the commission. They are Lakes Entertainment, Incorporated of Minnesota and Evitts Resort, LLC.
Oakland Resident Faces Rape Charges
Forty-nine year old Oakland resident James Leroy House has been arrested and charged with various counts of rape and numerous other sex offense charges. Police forced their way into a Mayhew Inn Road residence, after receiving a call of a possible rape in progress. An adult female reported House had allegedly tied her up and sexually assaulted her. He is being held in the Garrett County Detention Center.
Father Charged in Accidental Shooting of Son
Police have charged Somerset County resident Robert Duda with involuntary manslaughter in the death of his son last month. Duda told police the shooting was an accident. Robert Duda took his son, Bryan, to Somerset County hospital, where he received treatment for his injuries, but the boy died a short time later. Bryan Duda was a student at the Somerset Area High School. Robert Duda now faces charges of recklessly endangering another person, as well as involuntary manslaughter.
Woman Pleads Guilty to Child Endangerment
Thirty-year old Kimberly Jean Dickman has pleaded guilty to child endangerment after her boyfriend was convicted last month on similar charges. The open plea agreement, signed by Ms. Dickman, means she will face a sentence, as the court sees fit. The charges stem from ongoing abuse of her 6-year old daughter by Jeffrey William Loshaw, while she was present. Her sentencing will take place on November 17th.
WVSBDC Offering Small Business Workshops
Two small business workshops are scheduled for Wednesday, October 26th in Parsons, West Virginia. The workshops, entitled, “Business Fundamentals,” and “Sustainable Growth,” are part of the West Virginia Small Business Development Center new training and business coaching program, “Three Step Jump Start,” to help small business owners receive the right information at the right time. Registration is required at least two days in advance. Call (304)-530-4964. Both workshops will be held in the City of Parsons Administrative Center, 341 Second Street.
Body of Young Boy Discovered
The body of a young boy was found in Montgomery County yesterday morning, and it is thought it is the body of 11-year old William McQuain, whose mother, Jane McQuain, was found dead last week. Her estranged husband, Curtis Maurice Lopez, was arrested and has been charged in connection with her death. He has waived extradition and is being transported back to Montgomery County. William McQuain is Lopez’ stepson. Lopez had served more than a dozen years in prison in Pennsylvania, before being paroled in 2000; Ms. McQuain had told an ex-boyfriend last week that she feared for her safety, and the Lopez might harm her.
Posted
About One Year Ago
by
Jim Van
Truck Driver Dies of Injuries
A truck driver, who ran off the road in Barrelville last week, has
died of his injuries. Fifty-eight year old John Everett Clinger of Oak
Hill, Florida died early yesterday morning at Maryland’s Shock Trauma
hospital. Clinger crashed through a barrier, and into Little Jennings
Run. He had been trapped in the cab of the tractor-trailer for about an
hour. Barrelville Road was closed for four hours until the rig could be
removed from the scene. Clinger died about 1:30 yesterday morning.
Wisp Owners File for Bankruptcy Protection
D.C. Development, LLC, owners of the Wisp Ski Resort, has filed for
Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. The filing, on Saturday in U.S.
Bankruptcy Court in Greenbelt, Maryland, stems from the group’s alleged
default on nearly $30 million in loans from BB&T Corporation of
Winston-Salem, North Carolina. The money was to be used to build a
golf-course community near the ski hill, but the partners are
financially strapped, as the home sites have not sold as well as
expected. The sale of Maryland’s only ski resort remains an option; The
Wisp is expected to open on November 25th, weather permitting.
Power Outage Reported in Keyser
High winds late Sunday night downed two trees in Keyser, causing an electrical outage in the west end of the city. Two trees fell in front of the Mineral County Courthouse, causing court to be canceled yesterday. Law enforcement services were not disrupted by the outage, which was to have lasted through yesterday afternoon.
Two Wanted in Drug Bust Arrested
The final two men of a dozen people wanted in connection with a drug
operation, have been arrested in Hampshire County. Fifty-four year old
Gary Lee Mercer of the Augusta area and 47-year old David Allan Clayton
of Romney have been arrested in connection with the illegal use and
resale of prescription drugs and illegal narcotics. Police seized more
than four dozen guns and well over $150,000 in cash during the drug
sweep. Several West Virginia law enforcement agencies, including the
West Virginia State Police, Romney City Police, and the Potomac
Highlands Drug Task Force executed five search warrants on three homes,
one vehicle and one garage, all in Hampshire County.
Dog Stolen from South Central Avenue Residence
A reward is being offered for the return of an AKC-registered male Boxer dog, taken from the 200-block of South Central Avenue over this past weekend. The dog was wearing a Harley-Davidson collar. The incident remains under investigation by the Cumberland City Police Department, and the reward is being offered by the Allegany and Mineral County CrimeSolvers group.
General Assembly Considering Redistricting Map
The Maryland General Assembly is in special session to redraw the
boundaries of Maryland’s Congressional Districts. The session is
expected to last through tomorrow, and Governor Martin O’Malley has
unveiled a plan, very similar to one approved earlier this month by a
redistricting commission. One aspect of the plan would change the
predominantly Republican Sixth Congressional District now represented by
Congressman Roscoe Bartlett, to include more Democrats from Montgomery
County.
Student Remembered at Homecoming Game
A moment of silence and a balloon launch were among the observances Saturday at the Chestnut Ridge Homecoming game in memory of Brian Corle. The 17-year old boy was killed Thursday night, when his pickup truck slid off the roadway, hit an embankment, and rolled over. The accident occurred on State Route 96, about a mile north of Route 56.
Posted
About One Year Ago
by
Jim Van
Truck Driver Dies of Injuries
A truck driver, who ran off the road in Barrelville Road last week, has
died of his injuries. Fifty-eight year old John Everett Clinger of Oak
Hill, Florida died early yesterday morning at Maryland’s Shock Trauma
hospital. Clinger crashed through a barrier, and into Little Jennings
Run. He had been trapped in the cab of the tractor-trailer for about an
hour. Barrelville Road was closed for four hours until the rig could be
removed from the scene. Clinger died about 1:30 yesterday morning.
Wisp Owners File for Bankruptcy Protection
D.C. Development, LLC, owners of the Wisp Ski Resort, has filed for
Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. The filing, on Saturday in U.S.
Bankruptcy Court in Greenbelt, Maryland, stems from the group’s alleged
default on nearly $30 million in loans from BB&T Corporation of
Winston-Salem, North Carolina. The money was to be used to build a
golf-course community near the ski hill, but the partners are
financially strapped, as the home sites have not sold as well as
expected. The sale of Maryland’s only ski resort remains an option; The
Wisp is expected to open on November 25th, weather permitting.
Power Outage Reported in Keyser
High winds late Sunday night downed two trees in Keyser, causing an electrical outage in the west end of the city. Two trees fell in front of the Mineral County Courthouse, causing court to be canceled yesterday. Law enforcement services were not disrupted by the outage, which was to have lasted through yesterday afternoon.
Two Wanted in Drug Bust Arrested
The final two men of a dozen people wanted in connection with a drug
operation, have been arrested in Hampshire County. Fifty-four year old
Gary Lee Mercer of the Augusta area and 47-year old David Allan Clayton
of Romney have been arrested in connection with the illegal use and
resale of prescription drugs and illegal narcotics. Police seized more
than four dozen guns and well over $150,000 in cash during the drug
sweep. Several West Virginia law enforcement agencies, including the
West Virginia State Police, Romney City Police, and the Potomac
Highlands Drug Task Force executed five search warrants on three homes,
one vehicle and one garage, all in Hampshire County.
Dog Stolen from South Central Avenue Residence
A reward is being offered for the return of an AKC-registered male Boxer dog, taken from the 200-block of South Central Avenue over this past weekend. The dog was wearing a Harley-Davidson collar. The incident remains under investigation by the Cumberland City Police Department, and the reward is being offered by the Allegany and Mineral County CrimeSolvers group.
General Assembly Considering Redistricting Map
The Maryland General Assembly is in special session to redraw the
boundaries of Maryland’s Congressional Districts. The session is
expected to last through tomorrow, and Governor Martin O’Malley has
unveiled a plan, very similar to one approved earlier this month by a
redistricting commission. One aspect of the plan would change the
predominantly Republican Sixth Congressional District now represented by
Congressman Roscoe Bartlett, to include more Democrats from Montgomery
County.
Student Remembered at Homecoming Game
A moment of silence and a balloon launch were among the observances Saturday at the Chestnut Ridge Homecoming game in memory of Brian Corle. The 17-year old boy was killed Thursday night, when his pickup truck slid off the roadway, hit an embankment, and rolled over. The accident occurred on State Route 96, about a mile north of Route 56.
Posted
About One Year Ago
by
Jim Van
Teenager Dies in Fire
A 17-year old Piedmont boy died in a fire early Saturday morning, and
two firefighters were injured. The fire, at 23 East Hampshire Street,
was called in at 2:26 a.m. One of the two firefighters was treated for
smoke inhalation at the Western Maryland Regional Medical Center. The
name of the teenager was not released. The cause of the fire is not
known, nor is an estimate of damages.
Federal Authorities Charge 35 Gang Members
A racketeering indictment has led to the arrest of 35 members of the
“Bloods” gang members, charging them with murder, kidnapping, and other
crimes from Western Maryland to the Eastern Shore. Authorities say cells
of the South Side “Brims” coordinated gang activity across the state and
the region, including at least one murder in Baltimore, a kidnapping in
Frederick and a witness intimidation incident in Allegany County. The
alleged leader of the gang was identified as Andre Ricardo Roach of
Prince George’s County, who is accused of leading the gang since 2005
from behind bars at the North Branch Correctional Institution in
Cumberland, where he is serving a 50-year sentence for murder. Also
indicted were Richard Demoan Hall of Frederick, who is accused of aiding
in the escape of Garrett County inmate Deandre Kelly in January and
Matthew Owen Collins of Cumberland, who was indicted for shooting a
.380-calibre gun during a drug trafficking crime.
Man Arrested For Alleged Distribution In North End
Patrick Lionel Smith is being held on $20,000 bond, following an
incident Thursday evening in North End. Smith is accused of dealing
drugs in the 400-block of Columbia Street. Police located Smith in the
300-block of Furnace Street and searched him. He allegedly had a
quantity of suspected crack cocaine, along with prescription narcotic
pills and a sum of money. He faces a number of charges, including CDS
possession with intent to distribute, possession and omitting a label on
prescription drugs.
Mount Savage Man Charged\
Twenty-six year old Jacob Nathan Landis was charged with felony
assault, among other charges as the result of an incident early
yesterday morning in the 700-block of Virginia Avenue. Landis allegedly
assaulted another man, who was taken to the Western Maryland Regional
Medical Center for treatment of his injuries. Landis reportedly tried to
flee the scene, but was apprehended by Cumberland City Police officers.
Emergency Sewer Repairs on Fayette Street
Beginning on Monday, emergency sewer repairs will begin in the area of
Fayette Street in the Dingle. The section of Fayette Street, between
Greene Street and Gephart Drive will be closed to all traffic for about
two weeks. All residents and people traveling in the area will have to
use Thompson Avenue for access between Greene Street and Gephart Drive.
The alley that is between, and runs parallel to Gephart Drive leading to
Fayette Street will also be closed to Fayette Street for all traffic.
Broadway Paving Slated
The City of Cumberland Engineering Department will be paving Broadway
Circle at its intersection with Williams Street this Wednesday. That
area will be closed from Wednesday through Friday. The dates are subject
to change due to weather conditions, and will allow for installation of
a new entrance onto Broadway Circle. Any traffic needing to enter
Broadway Circle should use an alternate route, for example, from Fort
Hill Avenue.
DNR To Open Chronic Wasting Station \
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is opening a Surveillance
Station in Allegany County, where hunters may bring their white-tailed
deer to test for Chronic Wasting Disease. There has been one confirmed
case in Maryland, found in a deer from eastern Allegany County last
year. The station will be located off of Interstate 68, at Exit 64 at
the Green Ridge State Forest Headquarters, and will be open from 9 a.m.
To 8 p.m.
Board Receives Academic Performance Update
The Allegany County Board of Education received an annual academic
performance update at its October work session. The 2011 assessment
results revealed continued success for Allegany County Public Schools;
other highlights included the an increased graduation rate and a
decreased dropout rate. There was also an increase in Advanced Placement
courses; and, SAT and Early College/Dual Enrollment summaries.
Keyser Passes Cell Tower Agreement
The city of Keyser has approved a contractual arrangement with a Ripley
firm, regarding the regulation of construction of cell phone towers in
the city limits. The agreement with Fox Engineering was unanimously
passed by the Mayor and Council; it won’t cost the city any money, but
the fee to Fox will be paid from the application fees charged to the
developers of future cell towers.
MSEA Convention To Take Place in Ocean City
The Maryland State Education Association will hold its annual
convention next Friday and Saturday in Ocean City at the Roland Powell
Convention Center. MSEA President Clara Floyd, the MSEA Board of
Directors and over 600 delegates, comprised of educators from every
county in the state, will gather for the convention. The main orders of
business will be association policy and school funding, along with other
issues impacting Maryland’s educators and students.
Posted
About One Year Ago
by
Jim Van
Special Session Set Next Week; No Jobs Bill To Be Considered
It’s official…Governor Martin O’Malley has signed an executive order, calling lawmakers back into session Monday, to redraw the boundaries of the state’s Congressional Districts. Speaker of the House Michael Busch, and aides to Governor O’Malley both say there will be no consideration of any kind of jobs bill. Members of the General Assembly’s Tea party Caucus are planning to hold a rally next Tuesday in Annapolis to protest high state taxes.
Woman Charged With Theft of Medication
Cumberland resident Megan Michelle Batzel has been charged, following an investigation by Cumberland City Police, with the theft of medication from the Devlin Manor Nursing Home on September 19th. She was in possession of the medication, which was not prescribed to her. Following an appearance in District Court, she was released on personal recognizance.
Men Charged with Theft from Museum
Two Westernport men were charged in connection with the theft of an artifact from the Westernport Train Museum. Twenty-two year old Blake Cronk and 26-year old Randy Lee Marchinke are accused of taking the item, and trying to sell it at a scrap yard. Police were able to recover the item, and both men were released on personal recognizance, following a hearing before a District Court Commissioner.
Cumberland Man Charged with Assault Wednesday
Steven Michael Rose, of Cumberland, was released on personal recognizance, following an incident at a business in the 400-block of Baltimore Avenue. Rose is accused of pushing a city police officer in the chest; Rose was in the parking lot of the business, and was refused service due to his level of intoxication level, but he refused to leave. He tried to go back inside and was further charged with disorderly conduct.
Marijuana Growing Operation Discovered in Garrett County
Garrett County deputies discovered a marijuana growing operation, as they tried to serve a warrant on 40-year old Eric Carlton Sines for burglary and theft from a Loch Lynn home. Sines was not only charged in connection with the burglary, but faces additional charges of manufacturing a controlled dangerous substance and possession of marijuana and paraphernalia. Sines was held in the Garrett County Detention Center on $5,000 bond.
Compound Bow Shooting Was Self Defense
The woman at the center of a fatal confrontation in Somerset County says it was a matter of self-defense. Thirty-eight year old Lisa Woolley, of Central City, was planning to divorce her husband, Carl, to marry the victim, 43-year old Tony Bittinger of Salisbury. Following Sunday’s confrontation, she said her husband fatally shot Bittinger with a compound bow, because he wouldn’t leave their home. State Police are still investigating the case, and have not said if charges will be filed, as they are awaiting the results of blood tests.
Father and Son bound Over to County Court
Fifty-four year old Manns Choice resident George Edward Dodd and his son, 23-year old Bradley John Dodd of Everett will remain in the Bedford County Jail, in connection with an October 6th incident, which took place at approximately 9:30 p.m. The two are accused of firing shots and alleged racial slurs during an argument with Manns Choice resident Marcus Lamor Nelson. Police also found marijuana in George Dodd’s home. He is charged with assault, terroristic threats and ethnic intimidation, among other counts. His son is charged with ethnic intimidation, recklessly endangering another person, terroristic threats and simple assault.
PACE Reception Dates Set
The Cumberland/Allegany County Industrial Foundation and the Garrett County Development Corporation are hosting the “PACE” Reception and Legislative Breakfast in Annapolis. The events are held to educate state legislators and officials about Allegany and Garrett Counties from the local perspective. This year’s theme is “Come to Play-Plan to Stay.” The PACE reception is planned for Thursday, January 26, 2012 from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The Legislative Breakfast will be from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. at the Loew’s/Annapolis Hotel.
NewPage Partners with West Virginia DNR
The NewPage Luke mill has announced that it is in discussions with the West Virginia Department of Natural Resources about converting some of its land on Green Mountain in Mineral County into a Wildlife Management Area. Full details are not yet finalized, but NewPage is considering the option to provide Green Mountain residents, mill employees and the general public an opportunity to use and enjoy certain company-owned lands in a safe and controlled environment.
Posted
About One Year Ago
by
Jim Van
No Railroad Strike in Near Future
There won’t be a strike by CSX workers, nor will there be a lock out in the near future. President Obama has issued an executive order, appointing a five-member board to look into a labor dispute, affecting freight railroads, but not passenger service. The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen had voted to strike earlier this month; the executive order provides for a two-month negotiation period, between labor and management, along with an additional 30 days to decide whether to accept a recommended settlement, according to the Cumberland Times-News.
Cigarette Tax Opposed by Local Lawmakers
A proposal to place a $1-per-pack tax on a pack of cigarettes is not sitting well with local lawmakers. The AARP of Maryland is pushing for the tax, but State Senator George Edwards says that if they want to do away with smoking in Maryland, the General Assembly should pass a law, banning the sale of any tobacco products in the state. Delegate Kevin Kelly, called the proposal “outrageous,” noting that people do not have the money to pay more taxes.
Police Say Man Was Armed; Family Says He Was Carrying a Stick
The man who was shot and killed by a compound bow in Somerset County was carrying a weapon, according to police; family members of Tony Bittinger say he was only carrying a piece of wood. More details are being released about the shooting late Sunday afternoon, along the Lincoln Highway. The name of the Central City man who shot Bittinger has not been released. No charges have been filed, and the investigation is continuing.
Bald Eagle Case is Closed
The Maryland Natural Resources Police say a bald eagle, found dead along Hazen Road in Cumberland last month, died of natural causes and the case is closed. A hole in the eagle’s body was made post-mortem. The bird was discovered September 16th . However the probe into the death of a northern goshawk in Garrett County in June is still being investigated.
Man Arrested in Assault Incident
Thirty-nine year old Cumberland resident Thomas Heinrich Lee, Sr., has been arrested in connection with an alleged assault that took place in the 200-block of Pear Street. Lee is accused of spitting on, punching and kicking the victim during the assault. He was held on $8500 bond, and the victim was taken to the Western Maryland Regional Medical Center for treatment of injuries sustained in the incident.
Misprint in Calendar Clarified
The Allegany County Board of Education is correcting an item that appeared in the printed and online version of the Town Planner. It shows that schools are closed on Friday for the Maryland State Education Association Convention. That is a mistake, and the MSEA Convention is actually being held next Friday, October 21st, and school will be open.
Expansion Slated for Bedford County Business Park
A company in the Bedford County Business Park is planning to double its size there, in part, due to the Marcellus Shale natural gas industry. Rex Heat Treat, one of the original tenants in the park, will build a 30,000-square foot building to service “expanding markets.” At least seven more employees will be hired following the expansion. Long-range plans call for a doubling of the Rex Heat Treat workforce.
Bedford Board Facing Major Cuts
The Bedford County Emergency Food and Shelter Program is facing a $30,000 reduction in funding, making it more difficult to stock food banks and pantries. The program had previously been awarded just over $39,000, now has just over $6300 in allocations to the food bank and shelter program. At a board meeting this week, some decisions were made on how to most effectively allocate the money, with $1,000 going to the Breezewood Trucker Traveler Program, and the balance to the Bedford Food Outreach.
State Police Investigate Possible “Bid-Rigging” Activity in Meyersdale
The Pennsylvania State Police are looking into possible violations of the Anti-Bid-Rigging Act in Meyersdale, in particular the borough’s bids for various construction projects at the Meyersdale Community Center, repairs for the borough secretary’s office, and the renovation of the center’s basement to house a police station. They are looking into whether a local contractor hired to renovate the police station was involved in bid pooling, in which several bidders conspire to split up contracts, and to ensure each gets a certain amount of work. Instead of confidential bids, the vendors discuss their bids to guarantee that each wins a share of the company’s business.
Posted
About One Year Ago
by
Jim Van
Henderson Avenue Bridge to Close
The Henderson Avenue Bridge is closing for about a month, starting next Wednesday, October 19th. Repairs will be done during the month-long shutdown. Motorists will be required to follow the detoured route, using Valley Street to connect from Henderson Avenue to Centre and Mechanic Streets. Local residents in the North End will be permitted access to Pear Street and adjacent alleys from the east side of the bridge, via Henderson Avenue.
Two Arrested in Robbery, Thefts
Two men, one from Keyser and the other from the Bronx, New York have been arrested in connection with both the armed robbery of the 7-11 on Route 220, and the breaking and entering of the Tobacco Outlet in the Keyser Mall over the weekend. Brent Redman was identified in a surveillance video in connection with the Tobacco Outlet thefts; authorities also implicated Anthony Torres to the robbery at the 7-11. Bond for Redman was set at $7,500, while Torres was held on $1900 bond.
Legislation To Be Introduced On Redistricting
A Republican State Senator will introduce legislation in the upcoming special session of the General Assembly to preserve the 6th Congressional District from changes made under a draft plan. Senator Joseph Getty says his proposal would keep the Western Maryland District largely as it is. Representative Roscoe Bartlett has held that seat since 1993. The special session will begin next week, and many angry Republicans are saying Democrats are trying to make it harder for Bartlett to win re-election.
Fugitive Taken Into Custody
Twenty-four year old Shane Christopher Combs, who had been wanted for violation of probation, was arrested by Cumberland Police detectives working in the south end of Cumberland on Monday. They found Combs standing along the street; Combs was also found to be in possession of suspected narcotics and drug paraphernalia. He was taken before a District Court Commissioner for a hearing.
Man Jailed in Prescription Drug Incident
Nicholas County, West Virginia resident Roger Dale Proctor is being held in the Allegany County Detetntion Center on $10,000 bond, after being arrested Monday night. He was a passenger in a car that was stopped on Interstate 68 near Rocky Gap. After noticing an odor of marijuana, the car was searched, and packages containing 228 morphine pills and 26 suboxone pills were discovered. Proctor was charged with possession with intent to distribute both.
Fire Causes Damage to Greene Street Residence
A Dryer fire in the 800-block of Greene Street yesterday morning caused about $5,000 in damage to the home and its contents. Firefighters responded to a call at 834 Greene Street yesterday morning, and were able to control the fire in about 5 minutes. They returned to the station by 8 a.m.
Cumberland Has Fastest MVA Facility in the State
The Cumberland Motor Vehicle Administration holds the distinction of being the fastest location in the state. State records show Cumberland has an average wait time of under 12 minutes. However, at the Essex location, the wait is an average of more than 40 minutes.
Wings of Freedom at Cumberland Airport
The “Wings of Freedom” Tour of World War II vintage planes is coming to Cumberland’s Regional Airport on today through Friday. On display will be a B-17 Flying Fortress, a Consolidated B-24 Liberator and North American P-51 Mustang, through the Collings Foundation. The planes will arrive shortly before 2 p.m., and will be departing the Cumberland area around noon on Friday.
D.A. and Your Safe Haven To Offer Program on Communications
The Bedford County District Attorney’s Office and Your Safe Haven, Incorporated will host a free program for parents and students on staying safe in a constantly connected world. The program will held at the Bedford Elks Country Club at 7 p.m., October 20th. James Dill, the retired Deputy Chief of the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General and President of IT IS, LLC, will offer insights and precautions related to how teens communicate, using social networks and cell phones/smart phones.
Homicide Investigation Continues
Whether Sunday’s incident in Somerset County was self-defense or homicide remains under investigation by police. Forty-three year old Tony Bittinger was killed by an arrow, shot from a compound bow, following an argument with an unidentified 38-year old man, along the Lincoln Highway near Reels Corner. There was at least one witness to the incident, and the investigation is continuing by the Pennsylvania State Police.
Toddler Dies At Children’s Hospital
A two-year old boy, who suffered severe brain damage after police say he was beaten by his mother’s boyfriend, has died at Children’s Hospital in Washington, D.C. Logan Miller, of Washington County, died Monday. Brian Miller, the boyfriend, has been charged with child abuse and assault, and has admitted causing the youngster’s injuries. He is currently being held on a half-million dollars bond. The charges against Miler may be upgraded to homicide, in light of the two-year old’s death.
Posted
About One Year Ago
by
Jim Van
Driver Severely Injured in Accident
Oak Hill, Florida resident John Everett Clinger is in Baltimore’s Shock Trauma Unit, following an accident yesterday, in which his tractor-trailer ran off Barrelville Road, through the barrier, and into Little Jennings Run. The truck was carrying a load of “Mike’s Hard Lemonade,” and some of the payload spilled into the creek. Clinger, 58 years old, was trapped in the crushed cab of the tractor. Barrelville Road was closed for about four hours. Clinger apparently fell asleep at the wheel. He was initially treated at the Western Maryland Regional Medical Center; because of heavy fog, the Trooper Five helicopter was unable to fly him to Shock Trauma, and was driven there by Valley Ambulance. Charges are pending.
Bankruptcy Hearing for NewPage Friday
There will be a Meeting of Creditors of the NewPage Corporation Friday at a federal courthouse in Wilmington, Delaware. This is a major step in the proceedings for the company; a representative of NewPage is required to be at the hearing as part of federal bankruptcy rules. The company website states that it will be selling its Canadian mill in Nova Scotia, but there are no plans to sell its domestic facilities.
Vehicles, Buildings Vandalized; Teens Charged
Several vehicles and buildings in Cumberland were vandalized early Sunday morning, and three juveniles have been charged. Vandalism reports were received from Gay Street, Miltenberger Place, and Park Street. The vehicles and buildings were spray painted. Several suspects were developed and three juveniles-two 17-year olds and a 13-year old-were taken into custody. Juvenile petitions were submitted to the Department of Juvenile Services for multiple counts of malicious destruction of property.
Oakland Man Hurt in Motorcycle Accident
Twenty-year old Oakland resident Jesse James Kovach was treated at Garrett Memorial Hospital, following an accident over the weekend on Hutton Road. The accident occurred as Emerson Walter Hamrich of Brooklyn Park, tried to turn onto Otterbein Street from Hutton Road. Kovach was found to be at fault, and charged with failure to yield the right-of-way.
Residents Overwhelmingly Oppose Corridor Alignment
The West Virginia Department of Highways held a meeting last week on a proposal, known as “Corridor ‘C,’” which would help connect Corridor “H” with Interstate 68. The proposal would run through Short Gap, and in fact, through the fire hall, as it connects to the Interstate. The overflow crowd at the meeting spoke out against the plan, which is the most expensive of the options to complete Corridor “H” in the Mountain State, costing more than $200 million more than other routes.
Gas Prices on the Decline; Highest Prices in Cumberland
While gas prices statewide are on the decline, the highest price for a gallon of regular can be found in Cumberland. The average price is now $3.32, compared to $3.36 a week ago. As of Sunday, the national average is $3.40, which is what the average price is, locally. The cheapest gas in the state can be found in Salisbury, which is reporting $3.24 per gallon.
Two Arrested in Pharmacy Armed Robbery
Two people are now in custody in connection with the Friday armed robbery of Reed’s Pharmacy in Capon Bridge, West Virginia. Twenty-three year old Kristal Dawn Swisher was arrested on Saturday, while 26-year old Cerferino Jose Delgado was arrested Sunday in Star Tannery, Virginia, near Winchester. The pair stole about 1200 Oxycodone tablets, with a street value of about $30,000. It was also reported the two had their two small children in the car, when the robbery was committed. Delgado is being held in a Frederick County, Virginia jail, awaiting extradition to West Virginia.
Man Fatally Shot by Bow in Somerset County
Forty-three year old Fort Hill, Pennsylvania resident Tony Bittinger was killed by an arrow, shot from a compound bow on Sunday. An unidentified, 38-year old Central City man was in an altercation with Bittinger, which turned extremely violent. The suspect retrieved a compound bow from inside his residence, in Stonycreek Township, and shot Bittinger in the chest. He died at the scene. At least one person saw the incident happen.
Parking Lot Fire Leads to Arrest
A car fire Saturday night, in the parking lot of Somerset Hospital’s emergency room, led to the arrest of a man by Somerset Borough Police. The man apparently wrapped a t-shirt around the exhaust pipe of his car, and lit it. Firefighters quickly extinguished the blaze, and the car was towed from the scene. The man, whose name was not released, was arrested at the scene. The investigation is continuing.
Posted
About One Year Ago
by
Jim Van
Driver Severely Injured in Accident
Oak Hill, Florida resident John Everett Clinger has been transported to Baltimore’s Shock Trauma Unit, following an accident Monday, in which his tractor-trailer ran off Barrelville Road, through the barrier, and into Little Jennings Run. The truck was carrying a load of “Mike’s Hard Lemonade,” and some of the payload spilled into the creek. Clinger, 58 years old, was trapped in the crushed cab of the tractor. Route 47, the Barrelville Road, was closed for about four hours. Clinger apparently fell asleep at the wheel. Clinger was initially treated at the Western Maryland Regional Medical Center; because of heavy fog, the Trooper Five helicopter was unable to fly him to Shock Trauma, and was driven there by Valley Ambulance. Charges are pending.
Three Confirmed Dead in Plane Crash
It has been confirmed that all three on board a plane that crashed in Hardy County were killed in the crash. The wreckage was found last Thursday in an area of Hardy County, near the West Virginia/Virginia border. Killed in the crash were 52-year old Chas Armitage, Jr., the president of “Uncle Charley’s” sausage company, along with his girlfriend, 49-year old Laura Stettmier and the pilot, who was identified as 52-year old Michael Garrone. The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the cause of the crash.
Kroll Trial Set for Later This Month
The trial of 62-year old John Leroy Kroll will take place in Bedford County in the next two weeks. Kroll is accused of attempted homicide, aggravated assault, corruption of a minor and several other counts, in connection with the kidnapping and assault of a Flintstone girl in 1980, when she was just nine years old. Kroll’s original conviction, in Allegany County, was overturned because of a “lack of territorial jurisdiction,” since the crimes against Charity Shankle occurred in Bedford County. Kroll was scheduled to be released in March of next year, having served time for first-degree assault and kidnapping in connection with the incident.Charges were filed in Bedford County in August of last year, for the crimes that actually occurred in Bedford County.
Frostburg Man Jailed on Drug Charges
Frostburg resident Stephen Fisher remains in the Allegany County Detention Center on $25,000 bond, after a traffic stop, during which drugs were found. Fisher was stopped on Cherry Lane in Frostburg, and subsequently charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance and drug paraphernalia. During a search at the Detention Center, several small bags of suspected cocaine were also found.
Man Charged Following Motorcycle Crash
Twenty-five year old Cumberland resident Aaron Northcraft was charged with negligent driving, following an accident over the weekend on Winchester Road. His motorcycle was traveling at a high rate of speed, near the Applebee’s entrance, when he began to brake heavily, causing the motorcycle to travel onto its front wheel and overturn. He was taken to the Western Maryland Regional Medical Center for treatment following the accident.
Congressman Discuss State Redistricting with Governor O’Malley
Two Maryland Congressmen have asked Governor Martin O’Malley to make “substantial” changes in the state’s proposed new political map. The Governor met with Representative Christopher Van Hollen, a Democrat and Sixth District Congressman Roscoe Bartlett. Governor O’Malley says he will consider their suggestions before submitting a final proposal to the General Assembly next month.
Police Warn Against Smoke Detector Scam
Cumberland City Police are warning citizens, especially the elderly, to be aware of a scam in the area. Three men recently visited an elderly person’s house in the North End of Cumberland, claiming to represent AARP. They asked to be allowed to check the smoke detector in the home and then left the residence. The victim later discovered a substantial amount of money missing. A check with AARP revealed that they do not offer that particular service, and did not have anyone checking smoke detectors in the area.
Penn Mar Recycling to Expand Local Operation
Penn Mar Recycling, LLC, a multi-state recycling operator and subsidiary of miller’s Recycling of Bedford will be expanding its operation in Allegany County in Riverside Industrial Park. Penn Mar currently occupies 10,000 square feet in the county, and by November 1st, they will expand and lease approximately 75,000 square feet in Buildings 24 and 25 in Riverside Industrial Park in Cumberland. Increased demand for new recycled materials, an opportunity to tap new markets, and favorable partnerships with the local area all factored in to the company’s decision to expand in Allegany County.
Alcohol Tax To Pay for School Projects
The Maryland Board of Public Works has approved $18 million for school construction projects in Howard, Montgomery, and Anne Arundel counties. The BPW approved the money, which came from the first portion of revenue from the 50 per cent increase in the sales tax on alcohol that the General Assembly approved in April. The money will specifically be earmarked for athletic fields in Howard County, renovations to schools in Montgomery County and a new high school performing arts center in Anne Arundel County.
Six Mile Run Man Killed in Accident
Fifty-two year old Eddie Singer of Bedford County was killed in a two vehicle accident over the weekend. He was a passenger in a car, driven by 43 year old Diane Singer; the car was struck by a pickup truck, driven by 45-year old Joseph Beltz of Defiance. The two drivers were taken to Altoona Regional Hospital, while Eddie Singer was pronounced dead at the scene. The Pennsylvania State Police are continuing their investigation.
Posted
About One Year Ago
by
Jim Van
Driver Severely Injured in Accident
A tractor-trailer driver was severely injured early this morning in an accident on Barrelville Road, and is being transported to the Shock Trauma Center in Baltimore. The accident occurred at 2:13 a.m., as the driver broke through the barrier on the road, spilling his load of “Mike’s Hard Lemonade” into the creek. The driver, who has not been identified, was driving for Werner’s Transport, and was trapped in the rig for over an hour, before being extricated. He had been coming from Pennsylvania. Barrelville Road was closed, but has since re-opened. A Hazmat unit was dispatched to clean up the alcohol from the creek. Heavy fog in the area prevented the transport of the driver, and Valley Ambulance was called to take him to Baltimore. The truck was demolished in the accident.
Three Confirmed Dead in Plane Crash
It has been confirmed that all three on board a plane that crashed in Hardy County were killed in the crash. The wreckage was found last Thursday in an area of Hardy County, near the West Virginia/Virginia border. Killed in the crash were 52-year old Chas Armitage, Jr., the president of “Uncle Charley’s” sausage company, along with his girlfriend, 49-year old Laura Stettmier and the pilot, who was identified as 52-year old Michael Garrone. The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the cause of the crash.
Kroll Trial Set for Later This Month
The trial of 62-year old John Leroy Kroll will take place in Bedford County in the next two weeks. Kroll is accused of attempted homicide, aggravated assault, corruption of a minor and several other counts, in connection with the kidnapping and assault of a Flintstone girl in 1980, when she was just nine years old. Kroll’s original conviction, in Allegany County, was overturned because of a “lack of territorial jurisdiction,” since the crimes against Charity Shankle occurred in Bedford County. Kroll was scheduled to be released in March of next year, having served time for first-degree assault and kidnapping in connection with the incident.Charges were filed in Bedford County in August of last
year, for the crimes that actually occurred in Bedford County.
Frostburg Man Jailed on Drug Charges
Frostburg resident Stephen Fisher remains in the Allegany County Detention Center on $25,000 bond, after a traffic stop, during which drugs were found. Fisher was stopped on Cherry Lane in Frostburg, and subsequently charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance and drug paraphernalia. During a search at the Detention Center, several small bags of suspected cocaine were also found.
Man Charged Following Motorcycle Crash
Twenty-five year old Cumberland resident Aaron Northcraft was charged with negligent driving, following an accident over the weekend on Winchester Road. His motorcycle was traveling at a high rate of speed, near the Applebee’s entrance, when he began to brake heavily, causing the motorcycle to travel onto its front wheel and overturn. He was taken to the Western Maryland Regional Medical Center for treatment following the accident.
Congressman Discuss State Redistricting with Governor O’Malley
Two Maryland Congressmen have asked Governor Martin O’Malley to make “substantial” changes in the state’s proposed new political map. The Governor met with Representative Christopher Van Hollen, a Democrat and Sixth District Congressman Roscoe Bartlett. Governor O’Malley says he will consider their suggestions before submitting a final proposal to the General Assembly next month.
Police Warn Against Smoke Detector Scam
Cumberland City Police are warning citizens, especially the elderly, to be aware of a scam in the area. Three men recently visited an elderly person’s house in the North End of Cumberland, claiming to represent AARP. They asked to be allowed to check the smoke detector in the home and then left the residence. The victim later discovered a substantial amount of money missing. A check with AARP revealed that they do not offer that particular service, and did not have anyone checking smoke detectors in the area.
Penn Mar Recycling to Expand Local Operation
Penn Mar Recycling, LLC, a multi-state recycling operator and subsidiary of miller’s Recycling of Bedford will be expanding its operation in Allegany County in Riverside Industrial Park. Penn Mar currently occupies 10,000 square feet in the county, and by November 1st, they will expand and lease approximately 75,000 square feet in Buildings 24 and 25 in Riverside Industrial Park in Cumberland. Increased demand for new recycled materials, an opportunity to tap new markets, and favorable partnerships with the local area all factored in to the company’s decision to expand in Allegany County.
Alcohol Tax To Pay for School Projects
The Maryland Board of Public Works has approved $18 million for school construction projects in Howard, Montgomery, and Anne Arundel counties. The BPW approved the money, which came from the first portion of revenue from the 50 per cent increase in the sales tax on alcohol that the General Assembly approved in April. The money will specifically be earmarked for athletic fields in Howard County, renovations to schools in Montgomery County and a new high school performing arts center in Anne Arundel County.
Six Mile Run Man Killed in Accident
Fifty-two year old Eddie Singer of Bedford County was killed in a two vehicle accident over the weekend. He was a passenger in a car, driven by 43 year old Diane Singer; the car was struck by a pickup truck, driven by 45-year old Joseph Beltz of Defiance. The two drivers were taken to Altoona Regional Hospital, while Eddie Singer was pronounced dead at the scene. The Pennsylvania State Police are continuing their investigation.
Posted
About One Year Ago
by
Jim Van
Three Confirmed Dead in Plane Crash
It has been confirmed that all three on board a plane that crashed in Hardy County were killed in the crash. The wreckage was found last Thursday in an area of Hardy County, near the West Virginia/Virginia border. Killed in the crash were 52-year old Chas Armitage, Jr., the president of “Uncle Charley’s” sausage company, along with his girlfriend, 49-year old Laura Stettmier and the pilot, who was identified as 52-year old Michael Garrone. The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the cause of the crash.
Man Arrested on California Warrant
A 49-year old man, who had been wanted in California on numerous charges, was arrested in Cumberland, after he had applied for HUD assistance, while attempting to obtain housing in Cumberland. A warrant for Ron Dale Howell had been in effect since 2007; he had been charged with violation of probation, along with armed robbery, kidnapping, and assault with a dangerous and deadly weapon. He had been living in an apartment at the JFK homes. He was taken into custody, and is being held at the Allegany County Detention Center, pending his extradition and return to the state of California.
Man Arrested on Fugitive Warrant
Forty-three year old Eric Michael Warnick of Midland has been arrested by members of the C3I Warrant/Fugitive Unit, with assistance from the Allegany County Sheriff’s Office. Warnick is alleged to have had inappropriate sexual contact with a 10-year old girl. He was charged with various degrees of sexual offense and assault. He was taken to a District Court appearance and released on personal recognizance pending his next court appearance.
Student Arrested for Threat
Following Wednesday’s evacuation of Fort Hill High School due to a threatening messgage, another student-this time from Washington Middle School-has been arrested. The eighth grade student allegedly produced a threatening message. An evacuation of the school was not necessary, because it was immediately determined that the threat was not credible. The student has been disciplined in accordance with the Board of Education’s policy on student discipline.
Western Maryland AHEC Wins $20,000 in Funding
The Western Maryland Area Health Education Center will receive $20,000 in funding as a winner in Tom’s Of Maine’s “50 States for Good,” program. Thanks to public support online, the funding will help with the Mission of Mercy clinic, a two-day, free dental clinic that provides oral health services to over 700 people who would otherwise have no access to dental care. Upwards of 500 community volunteers, as well as 200 dentists, dental assistants, hygienists, oral surgeons, physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses and dental students make the program possible. The Cumberland community is being credited with voting online daily for the funding.
Chamber Business Awards to be Presented
The Allegany County Chamber of Commerce has announced its 2011 Outstanding Business Award winners. They include TWR Communications, business of the year. Other honorees are Life Fitness Management for Entrepreneurial Spirit and Kim and Marion Leonard for Community Service. The 24th Annual Outstanding Business Recognition Dinner will be held on Tuesday, October 25th at the Rocky Gap Lodge and Golf Resort. Cocktails will begin at 6 p.m., with dinner at 7 p.m. The 2011 Western Maryland Jaycees’ Outstanding Young Professional will also be recognized at the event.
Somerset County Firefighter Sentenced for Arsons
Nineteen year old Kenneth Roy Beeman, a Boswell, Pennsylvania junior firefighter has been sentenced to prison for setting fire to two houses, including one that burned while his grandmother slept upstairs. In the second incident, Beeman was accused of setting fire to a home where his girlfriend worked as a nanny. No injuries were reported in either fire, and Beeman faces at least 2-1/2 year in prison. His attorney had asked the judge to consider his client’s cooperation in the case.
City Performing Williams Street Repairs Next Week
The City of Cumberland Engineering Department is notifying residents of a lane closure on Williams Street, beginning Monday through Friday of next week. Williams Street will be reduced to one lane at Williams Street-the Park Street Intersection to allow Belt Paving to perform some needed inlet repairs. All traffic will use one lane from the traffic signal at Williams Street/Maryland Avenue intersection through the turn onto Park Street. Work will take place in the right lane of Williams Street in the vicinity of Miller’s Gym.
TGCC Presents Regional Broadband Update
The Greater Cumberland Committee members were presented with an overview of the region’s approach and priority as it relates to the broadband initiative entitled “Connecting Our Counties: The Future of Broadband.” Economic Development representatives from Allegany, Garrett, Mineral, and Bedford Counties held a panel discussion to discuss the value of broadband as an economic driver, its priority level in conjunction with their respective County’s Strategic Plan, and any funding made available at the state and federal level.
Berlin Man Sentenced in Charity Scam
Twenty-four year old Berlin resident Chad Flick was sentenced to a total of two to 23 months,but then paroled immediately, in a case where he bilked area businesses and individuals out of money. Flick , alone, and in some cases with co-defendants, approached business owners and individuals at various times last year seeking funds for an event, which was to have benfitted Children’s hospital. He also is accused of altering some of the checks he collected. He was ordered to perform 100 hours of community service, and pay court costs, a supervisory fee, and more than $3700 in total restitution.
Pilot Killed As “Kit” Plane Hits Home
The pilot of a “kit” or experimental plane was killed as it struck a home in the Hedgesville, West Virginia area Wednesday night. The plane was registered to Harry Weber of Danville, Connecticut. It hit a home in the Northridge subdivision, next to Green Landings, a private airfield. The pilot was taken to INOVA Fairfax Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
Posted
About One Year Ago
by
Jim Van
Plane Found in Hardy County
The wreckage of a plane, that went missing on Sunday, was found in Hardy County, West Virginia last night. A helicopter operated by the State Police, found the plane in Peru, an area about 15 miles south of Moorefield. The plane had been carrying three people, including Michael Garrone, 52-year old Chas Armitage, Jr., and 49-year old Laura Stettmier. The search had been hindered by rain, fog and a cloud cover, which cleared up by Wednesday. There has been no official confirmation of fatalities or injuries.
Man Arrested on California Warrant
A 49-year old man, who had been wanted in California on numerous charges, was arrested in Cumberland, after he had applied for HUD assistance, while attempting to obtain housing in Cumberland. A warrant for Ron Dale Howell had been in effect since 2007; he had been charged with violation of probation, along with armed robbery, kidnapping, and assault with a dangerous and deadly weapon. He had been living in an apartment at the JFK homes. He was taken into custody, and is being held at the Allegany County Detention Center, pending his extradition and return to the state of California.
Man Arrested on Fugitive Warrant
Forty-three year old Eric Michael Warnick of Midland has been arrested by members of the C3I Warrant/Fugitive Unit, with assistance from the Allegany County Sheriff’s Office. Warnick is alleged to have had inappropriate sexual contact with a 10-year old girl. He was charged with various degrees of sexual offense and assault. He was taken to a District Court appearance and released on personal recognizance pending his next court appearance.
Student Arrested for Threat
Following Wednesday’s evacuation of Fort Hill High School due to a threatening messgage, another student-this time from Washington Middle School-has been arrested. The eighth grade student allegedly produced a threatening message. An evacuation of the school was not necessary, because it was immediately determined that the threat was not credible. The student has been disciplined in accordance with the Board of Education’s policy on student discipline.
Western Maryland AHEC Wins $20,000 in Funding
The Western Maryland Area Health Education Center will receive $20,000 in funding as a winner in Tom’s Of Maine’s “50 States for Good,” program. Thanks to public support online, the funding will help with the Mission of Mercy clinic, a two-day, free dental clinic that provides oral health services to over 700 people who would otherwise have no access to dental care. Upwards of 500 community volunteers, as well as 200 dentists, dental assistants, hygienists, oral surgeons, physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses and dental students make the program possible. The Cumberland community is being credited with voting online daily for the funding.
Chamber Business Awards to be Presented
The Allegany County Chamber of Commerce has announced its 2011 Outstanding Business Award winners. They include TWR Communications, business of the year. Other honorees are Life Fitness Management for Entrepreneurial Spirit and Kim and Marion Leonard for Community Service. The 24th Annual Outstanding Business Recognition Dinner will be held on Tuesday, October 25th at the Rocky Gap Lodge and Golf Resort. Cocktails will begin at 6 p.m., with dinner at 7 p.m. The 2011 Western Maryland Jaycees’ Outstanding Young Professional will also be recognized at the event.
Somerset County Firefighter Sentenced for Arsons
Nineteen year old Kenneth Roy Beeman, a Boswell, Pennsylvania junior firefighter has been sentenced to prison for setting fire to two houses, including one that burned while his grandmother slept upstairs. In the second incident, Beeman was accused of setting fire to a home where his girlfriend worked as a nanny. No injuries were reported in either fire, and Beeman faces at least 2-1/2 year in prison. His attorney had asked the judge to consider his client’s cooperation in the case.
City Performing Williams Street Repairs Next Week
The City of Cumberland Engineering Department is notifying residents of a lane closure on Williams Street, beginning Monday through Friday of next week. Williams Street will be reduced to one lane at Williams Street-the Park Street Intersection to allow Belt Paving to perform some needed inlet repairs. All traffic will use one lane from the traffic signal at Williams Street/Maryland Avenue intersection through the turn onto Park Street. Work will take place in the right lane of Williams Street in the vicinity of Miller’s Gym.
TGCC Presents Regional Broadband Update
The Greater Cumberland Committee members were presented with an overview of the region’s approach and priority as it relates to the broadband initiative entitled “Connecting Our Counties: The Future of Broadband.” Economic Development representatives from Allegany, Garrett, Mineral, and Bedford Counties held a panel discussion to discuss the value of broadband as an economic driver, its priority level in conjunction with their respective County’s Strategic Plan, and any funding made available at the state and federal level.
Berlin Man Sentenced in Charity Scam
Twenty-four year old Berlin resident Chad Flick was sentenced to a total of two to 23 months,but then paroled immediately, in a case where he bilked area businesses and individuals out of money. Flick , alone, and in some cases with co-defendants, approached business owners and individuals at various times last year seeking funds for an event, which was to have benfitted Children’s hospital. He also is accused of altering some of the checks he collected. He was ordered to perform 100 hours of community service, and pay court costs, a supervisory fee, and more than $3700 in total restitution.
Pilot Killed As “Kit” Plane Hits Home
The pilot of a “kit” or experimental plane was killed as it struck a home in the Hedgesville, West Virginia area Wednesday night. The plane was registered to Harry Weber of Danville, Connecticut. It hit a home in the Northridge subdivision, next to Green Landings, a private airfield. The pilot was taken to INOVA Fairfax Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
Posted
About One Year Ago
by
Jim Van
No Sign of Missing Plane
Civil Air Patrol members and other volunteers are continuing the search for a single-engine plane which is believed to have gone missing somewhere in Hardy County, West Virginia. Three people were on board the single-engine plane, including the president of Uncle Charley’s Sausage Company in Pennsylvania, Chas Armitage, Jr. The plane went missing Sunday evening, as it was enroute from Danville in Southern Virgina. It had requested permission to land at the Grant County Airport in Petersburg, West Virginia, but dropped out of radio and radar contact about 12 miles south of the airport. Also on board were the pilot, Michael Garrone and 49-year old Laura Stittmier.
Indiana Man Chosen To Head YMCA
Don Enterline, currently the chief operating officer for the YMCA of Greater Fort Wayne, Indiana, has been chosen as the CEO of the Cumberland facility. He brings with him vast YMCA leadership experience, including securing grants and fundraising, membership, and board development. He will begin his new duties on November 7th.
Mount Savage Man Arrested in Burglary
Thirty-two year old Nicholas Griffith of Mount Savage has been arrested in connection with a burglary that happened at a private residence on Huff Road in Mount Savage last month. He is accused of forcing his way into the home and stealing both money and guns, with a total value of over $2,000. He is charged with various counts of burglary and felony possession of a firearm. He received a hearing before a District Court Commissioner.
Fort Hill Incident Investigated
A threatening message was found in a bathroom at Fort Hill High School yesterday. Law enforcement authorities were notified and the students were evacuated to Greenway Avenue stadium via a fire drill, while the school was searched. Bomb-detecting K-9 units from the Maryland State Police were brought in to assist with the scan. The building was searched and cleared and students returned to the building. All classes resumed as normal.
Lonaconing Will Select new Administrator Next Year
Lonaconing Mayor Jack Coburn says the town will fill the position of town administrator next year, depending on outside help until then. Town Administrator John Winner passed away in September. He had been the town administrator for decades. Coburn says Lonaconing primarily depends on grants, and until a new administrator is hired, grant funding agencies and RKK Engineering have stepped forward to make sure applications are dealt with in a timely manner.
Tomblin Wins Tuesday Election
Acting Governor Earl Ray Tomblin was elected earlier this week to lead the state of West Virginia until next year’s elections. With the majority of the vote counted, Tomblin received 50 per cent of the vote to Republican challenger Bill Maloney’s 47 per cent.
Posted
About One Year Ago
by
Jimv Van
No Sign of Missing Plane
Civil Air Patrol members and other volunteers are continuing the search for a single-engine plane which is believed to have gone missing somewhere in Hardy County, West Virginia. Three people were on board the single-engine plane, including the president of Uncle Charley’s Sausage Company in Pennsylvania, Chas Armitage, Jr. The plane went missing Sunday evening, as it was enroute from Danville in Southern Virgina. It had requested permission to land at the Grant County Airport in Petersburg, West Virginia, but dropped out of radio and radar contact about 12 miles south of the airport. Also on board were the pilot, Michael Garrone and 49-year old Laura Stittmier.
Indiana Man Chosen To Head YMCA
Don Enterline, currently the chief operating officer for the YMCA of Greater Fort Wayne, Indiana, has been chosen as the CEO of the Cumberland facility. He brings with him vast YMCA leadership experience, including securing grants and fundraising, membership, and board development. He will begin his new duties on November 7th.
Mount Savage Man Arrested in Burglary
Thirty-two year old Nicholas Griffith of Mount Savage has been arrested in connection with a burglary that happened at a private residence on Huff Road in Mount Savage last month. He is accused of forcing his way into the home and stealing both money and guns, with a total value of over $2,000. His is charged with various counts of burglary and felony possession of a firearm. He received a hearing before a District Court Commissioner.
Fort Hill Incident Investigated
A threatening message was found in a bathroom at Fort Hill High School yesterday. Law enforcement authorities were notified and the students were evacuated to Greenway Avenue stadium via a fire drill, while the school was searched. Bomb-detecting K-9 units from the Maryland State Police were brought in to assist with the scan. The building was searched and cleared and students returned to the building. All classes resumed as normal.
Lonaconing Will Select new Administrator Next Year
Lonaconing Mayor Jack Coburn says the town will fill the position of town administrator next year, depending on outside help until then. Town Administrator John Winner passed away in September. He had been the town administrator for decades. Coburn says Lonaconing primarily depends on grants, and until a new administrator is hired, grant funding agencies and RKK Engineering have stepped forward to make sure applications are dealt with in a timely manner.
Tomblin Wins Tuesday Election
Acting Governor Earl Ray Tomblin was elected earlier this week to lead the state of West Virginia until next year’s elections. With the majority of the vote counted, Tomblin received 50 per cent of the vote to Republican challenger Bill Maloney’s 47 per cent.
Posted
About One Year Ago
by
Jim Van
No Sign of Missing Plane
Civil Air Patrol members and other volunteers are continuing the search for a single-engine plane which is believed to have gone missing somewhere in Hardy County, West Virginia. Three people, including the president of Uncle Charley’s Sausage Company in Pennsylvania, Chas Armitage, Jr. The plane went missing Sunday evening, as it was enroute from Danville in Southern Virgina. It had requested permission to land at the Grant County Airport in Petersburg, West Virginia, but dropped out of radio and radar contact about 12 miles south of the airport. Also on board were the pilot, Michael Garrone and 49-year old Laura Stittmier.
Indiana Man Chosen To Head YMCA
Don Enterline, currently the chief operating officers for the YMCA of Greater Fort Wayne, Indiana, has been chosen as the CEO of the Cumberland facility. He brings with him vast YMCA leadership experience, including securing grants and fundraising, membership, and board development. He will begin his new duties on November 7th.
Mount Savage Man Arrested in Burglary
Thirty-two year old Nicholas Griffith of Mount Savage has been arrested in connection with a burglary that happened at a private residence on Huff Road in Mount Savage last month. He is accused of forcing his way into the home and stealing both money and guns, with a total value of over $2,000. His is charged with various counts of burglary and felony possession of a firearm. He received a hearing before a District Court Commissioner.
Fort Hill Incident Investigated
A threatening message was found in a bathroom at Fort Hill High School yesterday. Law enforcement authorities were notified and the students were evacuated to Greenway Avenue stadium via a fire drill, while the school was searched. Bomb-detecting K-9 units from the Maryland State Police were brought in to assist with the scan. The building was searched and cleared and students returned to the building. All classes resumed as normal.
Lonaconing Will Select new Administrator Next Year
Lonaconing Mayor Jack Coburn says the town will fill the position of town administrator next year, depending on outside help until then. Town Administrator John Winner passed away in September. He had been the town administrator for decades. Coburn says Lonaconing primarily depends on grants, and until a new administrator is hired, grant funding agencies and RKK Engineering have stepped forward to make sure applications are dealt with in a timely manner.
Tomblin Wins Tuesday Election
Acting Governor Earl Ray Tomblin was elected earlier this week to lead the state of West Virginia until next year’s elections. With the majority of the vote counted, Tomblin received 50 per cent of the vote to Republican challenger Bill Maloney’s 47 per cent.
Posted
About One Year Ago
by
Jim Van
“Possible Meteorite” Passes Through Area
A “possible meteorite” passing through the area prompted to calls to emergency operations centers in Maryland, West Virginia and Pennsylvania early yesterday morning. The state of Maryland could not confirm the meteorite, but footage from several video camera locations in Allegany County showed a flash of light that brightened the entire sky around 4:22 a.m. Locally, about a dozen calls were made regarding a possible explosion, following the flash of light. The Cumberland Times-News says no information on the incident has been made available from neither state nor federal agencies, including the Federal Aviation Administration, the Maryland Emergency Management Administration, nor the Maryland Institute of Emergency Medical Systems Services Statewide Communications Systems.
Search For Missing Plane Continues
More than 100 people are searching for a missing plane, concentrating on an area south of Moorefield, West Virginia along the south branch of the Shenandoah Mountains. Its last known position was about 12-miles southeast of the Grant County Airport, putting that in the Break area of Hardy County. It is believed that Charles Armitage, president of “Uncle Charley’s” Sausage was among those on board. While there was a low ceiling for aircraft, planes from West Virginia, Maryland, Virginia and North Carolina were on standby.
Couple Charged in Baby’s Death
A Somerset couple has been charged with homicide, nearly two months after a child was found dead in her crib. Twenty-six year old Cody Schartiger and 22-year old Amanda Svenungsen have been charged in connection with the death of 18-month old Baylee Svenungsen, and while the autopsy results are graphic, the infant’s death was the result of severe child abuse. The investigation is ongoing, but Schartiger is also facing abuse charges from an incident involving a three-year old child last October at the same Park Street home in Ursina, Somerset County. He is awaiting trial in that case.
Man Arrested on Warrant From Baltimore County
A Frostburg man was served an arrest warrant for failure to appear on an original charge of trespassing in Baltimore County. Twenty-one year old Gordon J.W. Whitfield was taken to Police Headquarters, and then to Allegany County District Court for an initial appearance. He was later released on personal recognizance.
Gephart Drive Repairs Slated
The City of Cumberland Engineering Department will begin milling and overlay repairs to Gephart Drive, from Fayette Street to Thompson Street on Thursday. The work will run through Friday, and parking will be restricted as posted. If there any questions or concerns, please contact the City of Cumberland Engineering Department at (301)-759-6600.
Gas Drops to Below $3.50 Per Gallon
Gas prices have been on decline for the past week, according to Triple “A,” Mid-Atlantic. The average price for a gallon of regular grade gas dropped to $3.45 last Friday, down nine cents in the past week. The highest price for a gallon of gas, as of Sunday, was in Cumberland, slightly above the average price at $3.47. A week ago, Cumberland also had the distinction of having the highest-priced gas at $3.52 a gallon.
State Board to Meet Public on Next Superintendent
The Maryland State School Board will be holding meetings in different areas of the state, as well as provide an online survey for the public to provide input on what they want in a new superintendent. The selection of a new superintendent could take at least until next spring. Information on the time and location of the meetings has not been announced.
Voters Divided on Issues
Nearly half of likely Maryland voters say they support same-sex marriage, but almost the same oppose legal rights for same sex couples as heterosexual mates. Forty-seven per cent say they agree that children of immigrants not in the state legally should be given in-state tuition. The economy and jobs are the most important issues, according to 62 per cent of those polled by the Gonzales organization.
West Virginia Tax Collections up for September
West Virginia’s tax collection totals are three per cent above what they were this time last year. Corporate profits are strong in the national economy, and also in the Mountain State. Unemployment is still around nine per cent; employment is usually the last thing to rebound following a recession. However, tobacco tax collections are down, nearly $2 million, almost six per cent less than last year at this time.
Posted
About One Year Ago
by
Jim Van
Plane Missing in Hardy County
A small plane, with three people on board, has gone missing in the area of Hardy County, West Virginia. The plane was flying to Johnstown, when the pilot reported he wanted to change course and go to Danville, Virginia. Controllers in that area lost contact with the plane just before 9 p.m. Sunday. During the course of events, the pilot notified the Grant County airport of a planned landing, but never made it. Bad weather, however, is hampering search efforts for the plane, registered to a corporation, known as Wings R Us of Leechburg, Pennsylvania. On board were 52-year old Chas Armitage, president of Uncle Charley’s Sausage in Parks Township, Pennsylvania, along with the pilot, 52-year old Michael Fiori Garrone and Armitage’s girlfriend.
Home Sustains Damage in Fire
Firefighters from numerous companies in the area battled a fire yesterday morning at 12716 McMullen Highway. The call came in at 7:50 a.m. The fire was discovered in the attic of the home by the owner, Troy Weisenmiller. Losses were placed at $21,000, and the fire has been ruled accidental by the State Fire Marshal’s Office.
Redistricting Means A Possible Challenge for Rep. Bartlett
Some political strategists would like to see Maryland’s redistricting maps drawn, that would transform the 6th District race into a toss-up between Representative Roscoe Bartlett and a Democratic challenger. The five-member panel charged with recommending a redistricting map to Governor Martin O’Malley, according to an article Monday’s “Herald-Mail.” Two members of the panel are Senate President Mike Miller and House Speaker Michael Busch both Democrats.
Man Charged with Possession of Hypodermic Syringes
A 29-year old Cumberland man, Brandon Michael Holliday, was arrested this past weekend, and charged with CDS possession of hypodermic syringes. He was arrested in the area of Pershing Street, in reference to an earlier incident, which was reported to Cumberland Police, who searched his car, after being given consent to do so. He was taken to District Court for an initial appearance and released on personal recognizance.
Schools Meet System Improvement Status
The Allegany County Public School System met System Improvement Status to achieve Adequate Yearly Progress for the 2011 school year. System Improvement Status measures AYP at the elementary, middle and high school levels. In addition the percentage of students passing the High School Assessments increased and graduation rates climbed.
Paw Paw Tunnel Hill Trail Ribbon Cutting and Hike Planned
The C & O National Historical Park recently installed a series of new wayside exhibits and directional signage along the two mile long Paw Paw Tunnel Hill Trail. On Friday, October 21st at 1 p.m., a ribbon cutting and dedication ceremony will be held at the trail, followed by a ranger-led hike. The public is welcome and invited to attend. Park visitors who hike Tunnel Hill Trail will now be guided by ten informational and directional signs and two trail head markers to learn about the history of tunnel construction and the park’s natural features.
Two Men Face Sexual Assault Charges
Eighteen year old East Freedom resident Devon Michael Miller and Michigan resident William Anthony Hoover have been charged with various sex crimes, in connection with alleged sexual encounters with three girls-ages 13, 14, and 15-over a two week period last month. Miller was released, after posting ten per cent of $10,000 bail; Hoover was taken to the Blair County prison, after failing to post 10 per cent of the $40,000 bail set by a magisterial district judge. Both will appear for a preliminary hearing Thursday.
Search For Missing Somerset County Girl Continues
The search for 17-year old Hope Marie Borelle of Somerset County is continuing. She was last seen on September 26th, after leaving a Shade Township School bus in front of her home. She is now being classified as a runaway. She is described as five feet, six inches tall, weighing 147 pounds with brown eyes and blonde-brown hair. She was last seen wearing a blue-and-black hoodie and possibly jeans. She has multiple tattoos and piercings. Anyone with information should contact Somerset County’s 911 non-emergency line at (800)-362-5060.
Posted
About One Year Ago
by
Jim Van
Man Suffers Arm Injury
Nineteen year old Oregon resident Jeffrey James Carr suffered severe arm injuries on Friday, when he fell under a train, while attempting to cross the tracks in the vicinity of Martin’s Market at Queen City Plaza. Carr was taken to the Western Maryland Regional Medical Center for treatment. The incident occurred just after 11 p.m., when his backpack became entangled, and pulled him from the moving train. Carr is described as a transient; charges are pending against him for trespassing on CSX property.
Home Declared Total Loss in Fire
A home, at 216 East Main Street in Frostburg, was destroyed by fire early Friday morning, with estimated losses placed at $100,000. The Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office says the fire at the home, owned by Cindy and David Zembower, originated on the back porch, and it remains under investigation. The house was being remodeled by the owner and was vacant at the time of the fire. The original call came in to the Allegany County Office of Emergency Services at 5:14 a.m., and Main Street in Frostburg was closed to traffic for several hours.
Billing Reminder for Wastewater Plant Users
While the state of Maryland paid for over two-thirds of the cost of the Georges Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant Project, the remaining portion will be paid by the users, individuals and entities served by the plant. The Allegany County Commissioners voted to include half of the remaining debt service as an ad valorem on the annual property real estate tax bill, and one half of the debt service as a surcharge on the quarterly water and sewer bill.
Romaine Elected President of Dental Association
Dr. Diane Romaine has been elected president of the Maryland State Dental Association. Dr. Romaine is only the second female president of the organization since its inception in 1886. She was induducted during the most recent Chesapeake Dental Conference, held late last month in Ocean City. She has practiced dentistry in Frostburg since 1995.
Accident Kills 19-Year old Bedford County Girl
A two car accident in Bedford County Saturday morning took the life of 19-year old Daisy Snowden. The two vehicle accident took place in the vicinity of South Breezewood Road, in the vicinity of Jackson Mill Road. She was a passenger in a car, driven by 55-year old Rodney Snowden, which collided with a vehicle, driven by 20-year old Kaleb Clark of Breezewood. Several others in the accident received injuries, and the crash remains under investigation.
Convicted Drug Dealer Seeks New Trial
Convicted drug dealer Gene Baker is seeking a new trial, due to alleged ineffective counsel. The 69-year old Baker was sentenced last month to 15 to 30 years for supplying heroin and crack cocaine in the Saxton-Broad Top-Hopewell areas. For a number of reasons, Baker says he was not effectively represented by his former defense attorney, Mark Zearfaus. Baker claims he didn’t know he had the right to refuse to testify, nor what the maximum sentence might be, when he turned down a five-year plea deal. A decision on a new trial will come at a later date.
Veteran’s Family Donates Items to Mountain Ridge Class
The Mountain Ridge High School Historical Research Methods class completed its first video documentary, entitled, “Our Freedom, Their Sacrifice,” at the end of the 2010-2011 school years. One of the local veterans interviewed in the video was George Holler, who passed away in March of this year. His family has now generously donated most of his wartime memorabilia to the class to preserve and display for future Historical Methods students.
New MVA Laws in Effect
Several new motor vehicle laws are taking effect October 1st, including one which prohibits reading a text message or electronic message while operating a motor vehicle in the travel portion of the roadway. Another bill permits a law enforcement agency to install cameras on school buses to record violations relating to overtaking and passing school vehicles. And, another bill would permit the director of a local department of social services, or his or her designee, to co-sign the driver’s license application of a minor committed to the custody or guardianship of social services.
Maryland Planning to Ban Crib Bumper Pads
The state is planning to ban crib bumper pads, beginning in January of 2013. The state health department believes crib bumper pads pose unnecessary health risks to infants. A four-member task force recommended the ban, saying they can suffocate or strangle babies. The ban, should it become effective, would exclude the sale of bumper pads for older children or for those who have special needs.
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