Layoffs at ATK

 

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

 

 

Bedford County Man Killed in Crash

 

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

 

 

Holiday Inn Sold To New York Firm

 

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

 

 

Home Had No Smoke Detectors

 

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

 

 

Man to Appear for Probation Hearing

 

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

 

 

Man Sentenced for Child Pornography

 

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

 

 

Information Sought on Breaking and Entering

 

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

 

 

Merchants Urged to be Watchful of Counterfeit Bills

 

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

 

 

Former Berkeley County Deputy Dies in Police Pursuit

 

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

Friday Blaze Injures Two Firefighters

Deputy State Fire Marshals are investigating the cause of a fire at 629 Maryland Avenue Friday afternoon. The house, a two-story duplex was occupied by Christian Liller; one of the units was unoccupied at the time. Liller jumped from the second floor to escape, while two firefighters received injuries while battling the blaze. The fire is believed to have originated in Liller’s kitchen.

Man Arrested at Scene of Fire

During Friday’s fire on Maryland Avenue, 50-year old William Bruce Swift was arrested. He had told police he wanted to retrieve his keys from the house next door to the scene of the fire. When police refused to let him past the firefighting operation, he continually pushed a Cumberland Police Officer, and tried to get away. He was eventually arrested and charged with second degree assault, failure to obey a lawful order, resisting arrest and obstructing firefighters. He was released on personal recognizance.

Delegation Members Disagree on School Issues

Delegate LeRoy Myers has testified on legislation he has sponsored, which would allow students in Eastern Allegany County to attend school in Hanock. The bill specifies that students could go to school in an adjacent county, if they would otherwise have to travel more than 30 miles. Delegate Kevin Kelly disagrees, saying the issue should be a school board decision, and not that of the General Assembly.


Four Arrested in Keyser Drug Bust

Four Keyser residents were arrested for drug-related offenses after they fled a Ward Avenue residence where Keyser police were attempting to serve an unrelated warrant. Those taken into custody were Terry Hedrick, Whitney Landis, Angela Cleaver and Jessica Hines. Found inside the house were both crack cocaine and marijuana, which had been packaged for sale.

Man Continues to Drive, Despite 37 Traffic Offenses

Keyser law enforcement officials are frustrated with the justice system, after a man there was arrested, following his 37th traffic offense, for driving with a suspended or revoked license. Eugene “Tootie” Bush was released on bond, following his most recent arrest. In addition to driving with a suspended license, he was additionally charged with driving without insurance, driving with an unrestrained child in the vehicle and fleeing police. They say that until jail time is given or a significant bond is set for Bush, he will probably continue to drive.

County Invites Public To Subscribe to Newsletter

The Allegany County Commissioners are inviting all citizens to receive the Allegany County Government quarterly electronic newsletter. This highlights key information pertaining to Allegany County government and is useful for both citizens and stakeholders. Subscribe by visiting the Allegany County Government homepage at www.gov.allconet.org, and clicking the “Join Our Mailing List” link. From there, citizens can fill out their information and email address in order to receive the letter.

Alice Manicur To Be Inducted into Hall of Fame

Dr. Alice Manicur, of Frostburg State University, is one of six women to be inducted in to the Maryland Women’s Hall of Fame. The induction ceremony will take place on March 7th. The Hall of Fame honors historical and contemporary women who have made unique and lasting contributions to Maryland’s economic, political, cultural and social life. Dr. Manicur served as the senior student services professional at Frostburg State University for 46 years, retiring as Vice President for Student and Eductation Services in 2006.

Bill Requiring “Epi Pens” in All School Systems

A bill has been introduced in Annapolis that would require uniform policies for treating students with life-threatening allergies. Senator Christopher Shank of Washington County is calling on school systems to have epinephrine auto injectors or “epi pens” should a student need a does to counteract a severe allergic reaction. Ten school systems in the state have policies on epinephrine and eight do not.

Pennsylvania Man Sentenced to Prison for Murder

Washington County Pennsylvania resident Brett Bailey has been sentenced to 15 to 40 years in state prison, in connection with the shooting death of another man at a Somerset Borough apartment last April 14th. Bailey had admitted to shooting Samuel Taylor during a drug deal along West Main Street. Taylor died three days later at Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center in Johnstown.

Man Arrested in Connection with Baltimore Shooting

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

 

Man Found Not Guilty of Sexual Assault

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

 

Baltimore Pike Investigation Continues

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

 

Beitzel Files Poaching Bill

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

 

Friendsville Gas Station Burglarized

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

 

Chamber Supporting Tax Credit for Coal

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

 

School Must Increase Enrollment to Stay Open

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

 

City Police Seeking Information on Stolen Vehicle

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

 

Board Sponsors Trust/Estate Meeting

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

Minnick Enters Alford Plea

Accident resident Jeffrey Minnick has entered an Alford plea to two counts of first-degree murder in the slayings of two Oakland residents. An Alford plea, while not admitting guilt, acknowledges the state could win a conviction at trial. Minnick is charged with the murders of 18-year old Jessica Irene Baker and 24-year old Timothy Lax. Minnick could receive a sentence of dual life terms.

 

Man Charged in Brother’s Death

Romney resident David Corey has been arrested in connection with the January 8^th shooting death of his brother, Daniel. Forensic evidence linked David Corey to the crime. Daniel Corey was found dead of a gunshot wound to the chest in the second-floor bedroom of his residence on January 8^th. He was jailed without bond at the Potomac Highlands Regional Jail in Augusta, pending his next court appearance.

 

Frostburg Expected to Approve Memorandum of Understanding

The city of Frostburg is expected to approve a memorandum of understanding, which will allow Frostburg State University police officers to patrol neighborhoods near campus where students live. The assistance of the campus officers is part of the memorandum, which will be announced at tonight’s meeting of the Mayor and Council at 7 p.m.

 

 

Traffic Group To Meet

The City of Cumberland Traffic Group is meeting today in the City Hall Council Chambers. A full agenda of the meeting will be posted on the city of Cumberland’s website, which is www.ci.cumberland.md.us. Questions can be directed to the City of Cumberland Engineering Department at (301)-759-6600.

 

Break In Reported at Somerset County Medical Office

It’s unclear whether anything was stolen, but Pennsylvania State Police in Somerset are investigating a break-in at Medical Associates of Boswell in Stoystown borough this week. A plate-glass window inside the office was broken, and personnel are now taking inventory. The Pennsylvania State Police at Somerset are asking anyone with information to call them at (814)-445-4104.

 

Corbett Signs Marcellus Shale Bill

Pennsylvania Governor Tom Corbett has signed a Marcellus Shale bill into law, and local officials are cautious in their support. The “impact fee” could raise about $180 million for those wells already drilled by the end of 2011, using average natural gas prices, and given that local governments impose the fee. In Bedford County, only one well has been drilled.

 

O’Malley Unveils Gas Tax

As promised, Governor Martin O’Malley has unveiled the details of his gas tax. The bill, as proposed, phases in the state’s 6 per cent sales tax on gasoline over three years. For the first three years the tax is in effect, gas tax collections would be halted for one year, if gas prices increase 15 per cent. The bill also puts limits on “raiding” the transportation fund, using highway money to balance the budget. Tax collections would also be halted, until the money transferred is put back into the transportation fund.

 

Same Sex Marriage Progressing

A bill to legalize same-sex marriage in Maryland is progressing to the House of Delegates. Two committees voted to send the measure to the full chamber. It is possible the House could take its final vote on the bill by Friday.

Bedford County Woman Killed in Accident

A 23-year old Bedford County woman was killed in a single-vehicle accident in Woodbury Township late Saturday afternoon. A vehicle, driven by Susanne Smith slid on a patch of ice, struck a small embankment, causing it to overturn in an open field off of Hickory Bottom Road. Ms. Smith was ejected, and was not wearing a seatbelt.

 

Fire Destroys Ski Lodge

A weekend fire has destroyed the Mystic Mountain ski lodge at the Nemacolin Woodlands resort, near Farmington. More than a dozen  fire departments from a four-county area responded to the fire, which broke out shortly after 8 p.m. The building collapsed about two hours later. Strong winds fueled the flames, and firemen had trouble with hydrants, because of freezing temperatures. One firefighter was taken to the hospital with minor injuries, and the cause remains under investigation.

 

Firefighter Killed In Hampshire County

The West Virginia State Police barrack is investigating a fatal accident in which 19-year old  Gore, Virginia firefighter Zachary Whitacre was killed when responding to a call in Hampshire County. The crash occurred along U.S. Route 50 and Timber Ridge Road. He was riding on the back of a tanker, driven by his father. The vehicle hit a patch of ice, and Donald Whitacre lost control of the truck, and it struck an embankment. Zachary Whitacre was ejected, and died as the result of his injuries.

 

Piedmont Bank Robbed

A suspect robbed the Piedmont Branch of the First United Bank and Trust early yesterday afternoon. The Mineral County Sheriff’s Department and the West Virginia State Police are searching for a white male who robbed the Ashfield Street bank, and then fled on foot. Maryland State Police and the medevac helicopter responded to aid in the search for the suspect. Mineral County’s tracking dog was also used in the search for the suspect. It was not known whether he displayed a weapon in robbing the bank.

 

Virginia Truck Driver Treated for Injuries

Madison, Virginia resident Kevin Tate was treated and released from Potomac Valley Hospital after a logging truck accident yesterday morning on Route 135 at the New Page plant in Luke. Tate was driving for Jay R. Marshall, Incorporated of Unionville, Virginia. Route 135 was closed for about four hours to allow for cleanup. Tate was charged with failure to control speed to avoid a collision. Several agencies, including the State Highway Administration and the Maryland State Police Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division were on the scene of the 5:45 a.m. crash.

 

Carbon Monoxide Detected at Business Center

One person was taken to the Western Maryland Regional Medical Center, after reportedly suffering a seizure, as Frostburg Fire and Ambulance personnel responded to the Allegany Business Center at Frostburg State University yesterday afternoon. They had been checking for the presence of carbon monoxide. Six others were checked at the scene but showed no symptoms of being exposed to carbon monoxide.

 

Two Fires Destroy Homes

Two weekend fires destroyed two homes and has left a youth football league without any equipment. A Saturday fire in Schellsburg destroyed the family home of the Chris Ansell family. The second fire, at 1:30 a.m. Sunday, leveled an unoccupied farmhouse on the property of the Crossroads Bible Church. Virtually all of the Little Bisons Youth Football League equipment was stored there. The loss could be upwards of $20,000 and there was no insurance on the equipment.

 

Sports Programs Benefit from Hooley Plunge

Unified sports programs in Allegany County are one of the beneficiaries of the annual Hooley Plunge, to be held this year on March 3^rd at Rocky Gap State Park. Last year’s plunge produced more than $28,000 for the school system’s SLE and unified sports programs. Funds are allocated to these programs to help pay for items such as computers, instructional supplies, equipment and field trips. For more information on this year’s Hooley Plunge, visit their website at www.hooleyplunge.com.

 

Maryland Joins Mortgage Settlement

Maryland is joining other states in a $25 billion settlement with the nation’s five largest mortgage servicers, a landmark agreement that would provide nearly a billion dollars in aid to the state’s homeowners, who were victims of shoddy and illegal foreclosure paperwork practices. The settlement, announced last week, has the affected banks paying to help homeowners across the country who have lost their homes to foreclosure and those who are still at risk of foreclosure. Maryland’s share is expected to help 40,000 former or current homeowners in the state, and would be funneled to various housing programs.

 

Somerset Man Pleads Guilty To Sexual Assault Charge

Sixty-two year old Somerset, Pennsylvania resident John Wayne Hinton has pleaded guilty to three felony counts of aggravated indecent assault in a case in which he admitted to sexually assaulting eight children, beginning in May of 2010. Hinton said he committed the offenses while baby-sitting the girls at two Somerset borough residences. He will be sentenced on April 12^th, and faces a mandatory minimum of 30 years in prison and a  maximum of 60 years and $75,000 in fines.

Commissioners OK Dirt Track Racing

The Allegany County Commissioners have approved a contract to continue dirt track auto racing at the Allegany County Fairgrounds. A three year lease with an option to renew for an additional two years was executed with Oval Track Promotions of Westminster, Maryland. The previous contract expired ended on January 31^st. Also during yesterday’s meeting, County Commission President Mike McKay read a two-page prepared statement, denouncing same sex marriage. Governor Martin O’Malley is proposing a same-sex marriage bill in the General Assembly with the hopes it will pass during this session.

 

Board Delays Action on Teacher

The Salisbury School Board is continuing to investigate allegations that a teacher called students derogatory names. The controversy centers around an eighth and ninth-grade algebra teacher, who allegedly berated his students in class. The Superintendent, Joseph Renzi, declined comment on whether the teacher in question has been suspended. A group of parents complained to the school board on February 1^st,  about the alleged name-calling. There was no word on whether she is still employed by the district, but is “being very cooperative” with administrators.

 

Firefighters Called To West Side

Cumberland City firefighters were called to 881 Patterson Avenue Wednesday evening to battle a fire found in a control heating unit of a gas furnace at the Shawna Peck residence. The call, at 11:38 a.m., was made by an occupant of the residence. They were on the scene for about 38 minutes. The fire was extinguished and the gas supply was shut off before clearing the scene.

 

Somerset Man Faces Child Porn Charges

Thirty-eight year old Richard Woy of Lowry Road in Somerset, is facing 19 counts of sexual abuse of children by possessing child pornography, and one count of criminal use of a communication facility. All charges are felonies. He is accused of having numerous provocative images, which were captured on Woy’s computer-tower and several CD’s. He is also charged in an unrelated case with sending explicit sexual material over the Internet.

 

Two Accused of Stealing Electrical Services

Two people from Alum Bank have been accused of stealing electrical service, and will face further action following a hearing in Bedford County Court. Forty-seven year old Harold Lester Ritchey-Zerby and 34-year old Trisha Ann Corle are accused of installing a stolen electrical meter at an apartment they rent; the meter had been installed upside-down, and was noticed by a Bedford Rural Electric employee visiting a family member near the power the apartment.

 

Two Arrested for Trespassing on CSX Property

Twenty-four year old Steven Grapes and 21-year old Antonio Smith have been issued criminal citations for trespassing on CSX property. Cumberland City Police officers saw the two behind the Auto Zone store at Queen City Center, walking across the CSX main train tracks toward Queen City Drive. Grapes was also found to have an active arrest warrant for driving on a suspended license. He was held at the Allegany County Detention Center on $1,000 bond, while Smith was released from custody.

 

Students Rank Number One in AP Scores

For the fourth straight year, Maryland students ranked first in the nation on their scores for AP exams. The state came in second place in the total percentage of high school students taking the AP exams. Interim State School Superintendent Bernard Sadusky says they are delighted with the news, and adds although the state has very rigorous course in high school, nothing duplicates the college experience like an AP course in high school.

 

BPW Approves Drug Contract

The Maryland Board of Public Works has approved a $2.4 billion prescription drug contract for state employees during its meeting this week. The Board voted 2-1 to award the five-year contract to Missouri-based Express Scripts, Incorporated, instead of Maryland-based Catalyst RX, which currently provides the service to the state.

Spring Gap Fire Remains Under Investigation

The Maryland State Fire Marshal is investigating the cause of a fire in Spring Gap this morning. Ten or more fire companies from a two-state area battled the blaze in a vacant two-story, single-family dwelling, which was owned by Freda Minnick. The fire, which was discovered by a passerby, originated in the first floor area. The first call came in to the Allegany County Office of Emergency Services at 4:25 a.m.

 

Keyser Funeral Director Sentenced

Keyser businessman Brian Smith has been sentenced to 120 days in jail, on a charge of battery, stemming from the sexual abuse of a teenage boy. Smith was also ordered to be placed on three years’ probation, pay court costs and perform 100 hours of community service. He will report to the Potomac Highlands Regional Jail in Augusta on February 15^th to begin the sentenced. Smith was sentenced to one year, with all but 120 days suspended. The conviction resulted from a plea agreement for Smith.

 

Fourth Arrest in Vandalism, Theft Case

A fourth person has been arrested in connection with a string of thefts and destructions of property that happened last month at several locations in Frostburg. Eighteen year old Kevin William Palsgrove of Elkton, Maryland  has been charged with three counts of theft and one of malicious destruction of property for his part in the incident. As were three co-defendants in the case, Palsgrove was an FSU student this past fall, but is not enrolled now. The incident resulted in over $13,500 in damage and the theft of less than $100.00 in Christmas decorations. All of the defendants are free on their own recognizance, pending their next court appearance.

 

Pennsylvania Man Arrested in Cumberland

Hyndman resident Michael Roy Lantz was arrested on Frederick Street after he was seen operating a vehicle in an erratic manner. A K-9 unit responded to scan the car for drugs, and three hypodermic needles and two metal spoons were found under the drivers’ seat. He also did not have insurance on the vehicle, and the tags displayed belonged on another vehicle. He was released pending his trial in District Court.

 

Hyndman Council May Provide Space

The Hyndman Borough Council is exploring the possibility of providing the Hope for Hyndman Charter School with more space. The council said it will meet with its attorney, hopefully before a hearing is held on the closing of Hyndman-Londonderry Elementary School. There has also been some discussion about donating an undeveloped tract of land on the south end of town. However, there is some concern about locating additional space at the industrial park site, which is not near the present campus.

 

Cardin Comments on FAA Reauthorization

Maryland United States Senator Ben Cardin says the change in the Essential Air Service subsidy contained in the reauthorization of the FAA bill will give Hagerstown Regional Airport a “good chance to keep the subsidy” for Cape Air’s commuter flights to Baltimore-Washington Thurgood Marshall Airport. The Senator added that the continuation of the subsidy will help “overall economic development” in the region.

 

Maryland May Face Bond Rating Downgrade

Maryland State Treasurer Nancy Kopp says Moody’s bond rating service has reassessed the state’s rating and is keeping a negative outlook. The Treasurer says that Maryland faces a bond rating downgrade. The state is trying to prevent that from happening. Because of the large number of federal employees living in Maryland, any action by Washington to downsize will have a negative impact on the state.

 

Cell Phone Use Could Become Primary Offense

The House Environmental Matters Committee held a hearing yesterday on a bill that would make it a primary offense for talking on a handheld cell phone while driving; it is now a secondary offense. This means a police officer could pull someone over after seeing a driver talking on a cell phone. Presently, police can only issue a citation for talking on a cell phone, while another driving violation is observed.

 

DeWeese Guilty of Five Felonies

Former Democratic State Representative and House Speaker Bill DeWeese was found guilty of all but one of six felony corruption charges, resulting from a state legislative probe into the misuse of public resources. DeWeese is accused of using more than $100,000 of staff time and other state resources for his own political benefit. The jury took three days to reach the verdict.

General Assembly to Consider Gas Tax, Same Sex Marriage

Governor Martin O’Malley has been criticized by both parties for using the Transportation Trust Fund to help balance the state budget, and now for wanting to raise the state’s gas tax. O’Malley has yet to formally introduce legislation to begin collecting the sales tax. The Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee could vote as early as Thursday on a bill to legalize same-sex marriage. Last year, similar legislation died for a lack of a vote in the House of Delegates, but had been approved by the full Senate.

 

Commissioners to Comment on ASCI Debt

The Garrett County Commissioners will provide comment on Adventure Sports Center International’s debt situation, and will take a position on the matter today. ASCI has defaulted on $3 million in capital debt obligations and the chairman of ASCI, Duane Yoder, says the group may consider transferring ownership to either Garrett County or Garret College.

 

Motion Filed to Have Correctional Officer Case Dismissed

Garrett County State’s Attorney Lisa Thayer Welch, acting as special prosecutor, is filing paperwork to have charges against a North Branch Correctional Institution Correctional Officer dropped. The paperwork, filed at the end of last month, seeks to have the case against Warren Mallow dismissed; he was to have stood trial next Tuesday. Mallow and a co-defendant were charged, after an inmate was allegedly beaten in a cell while handcuffed. The inmate suffered a broken wrist and head injuries, after it was allegedly slammed into a wall. Mallow and co-defendant David Robey are five year veterans of the State Division of Corrections.

 

NewPage Opposing Depositions of Executives

NewPage Corporation has filed an emergency motion in Delaware Bankruptcy Court, to keep several company executives from being deposed. An emergency motion to quash subpoenas issued to a number of company executives was recently filed. Depositions are considered part of the discovery process during bankruptcy proceedings. At issue is the long term incentive plan for executives, which could provide from 40 percent to 150 percent of their salaries as bonuses.

 

Woman Faces Charges in Crash

A Cumberland woman faces numerous charges in a crash on Sunday afternoon. A vehicle, operated by Cherrie Pearlanne Mulkey ran into an unoccupied house at the corner of Tilghman and Cumberland Streets. She and a passenger fled the scene, but were apprehended a short time later. Ms. Mulkey was issued six traffic citations and was released from Police Headquarters. The Cumberland Fire Department responded to the scene to clean up the fluids leaking from the vehicle. She also refused medical treatment from the Fire Department.

 

Adult Education Orientation to be Held

The Allegany County Public School system will hold orientation sessions for its Adult Education programs on February 22^nd, March 14^th and March 28^th at the One Stop Job Center in downtown Cumberland. The orientation provides an overview and evaluation for individuals who want to earn their Maryland High School diploma. To register for a session, call (301)-687-8025.

 

Copper Theft Investigated

Pennsylvania law enforcement authorities are investigating the theft of copper pipe and electric line from a home on Cook’s Mill Road in Bedford County’s Londonderry Township. The owner of the home resides in Springfield, Virginia. A person or persons gained access to the basement of the home and removed all the copper piping from the basement; then, the circuit breakers were turned off and about 150 feet of copper electric line was taken from the basement.

 

Gas Prices Continue to Rise

Motorists around Maryland paid about five cents a gallon more for regular, unleaded gas last week. The average price is $3.52, up from $3.47 the week before. The national average is $3.48. Analysts say the trend is atypical, in that prices bottom out during the cold winter months and rebound in spring, but present gas prices reached record-level highs during the month of January. Future gas prices will be dependent on developments that arise in the Middle East, and throughout financial markets, which impact the price of crude oil.

 

Mid-Atlantic States Receive Offshore Wind Approval

Maryland, along with Delaware, Virginia and New Jersey have been given the go-ahead to development wind power off the coasts of their respective states. U.S. Interior Secretary Ken Salazar says an environmental impact assessment found no significant problems with issuing wind power leases in areas off the mid-Atlantic. Governor Martin O’Malley calls it a “major step” towards establishing offshore wind energy in Maryland.

Agreement Reached in Sex Abuse Case

A plea agreement has been reached in the case of Brian Smith, owner of the Smith Funeral Home in Keyser. He had been accused of the sexual abuse of a teenage boy. His trial was to have begun in four days. He pleaded guilty to battery and will be sentenced next week. The battery charge carries a maximum sentence of one year in jail and a $500 fine.

 

Three Charged with Thefts, Vandalism

Three men have been charged in connection with a string of thefts and destructions of property occurring last month in Frostburg, and charges are pending against a fourth. The men-three former Frostburg State University students-are accused of stealing Christmas decorations from private residences. Later, it was discovered that large rocks had been thrown through the windows of a several vehicles and in one instance-through the widow of a residence. Charged were 19-year old Robert Evans Patterson of Elkton, Maryland;18-year old Nicholas Dorsey of California; and, Brandon Shea Nils Mac Murphy of Riva, Maryland. All three were freed on their own recognizance, pending their next court appearance.

 

Legislation on Natural Gas, Oil Leasing to be Proposed

Delegate Wendell Beitzel and Senator George Edwards will be offering legislation regarding the recordation of natural gas and oil leases during the 2012 legislative session. One of the measures being pursued would require the clerks of the court to file an intake sheet with natural gas and oil leases. The legislation would also require the registration of land agents. With the deadline for introductions quickly approaching, these measures will be submitted soon, and committee hearings will be scheduled.

 

Rape, Robbery Reported in Bedford County

Two suspects are being sought in connection with an alleged rape that took place early last Saturday morning. The victim said she agreed to drive the two men home from Tony’s Bar in Riddlesburg. One of the suspects asked her to pull to the side of the road, dragged from her car and assaulted. The woman also reported that her cell phone and $200 in cash were stolen. The incident occurred sometime between 12:15 a.m. and 4:30 a.m. Saturday along Six Mile run Road in Broad Top Township.

 

Beitzel Bill To Be Heard Next Week

Delegate Wendell Beitzel has introduced a bill that will be heard before the Senate Appropriations Committee. It would amend the Maryland State Constitution to prohibit the transfer of funds from the two major sources of revenue for Chesapeake Bay cleanup efforts in the state. During last year’s session, Governor O’Malley transferred $290 million from the Bay Restoration Fund and the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays 2010 Trust fund, into the general fund. The funds are to be replenished with general obligation bonds, which require additional interest costs and limits the amount of bond funds available for other vital state capital projects.

 

Somerset Man Killed in Accident

Twenty-eight year old Somerset, Pennsylvania resident Joshua Berkey was killed and his 9-month old daughter was hospitalized in a single-vehicle accident yesterday in Milford Township. The accident happened as Berkey hit a drainage ditch and rolled the vehicle. He was not wearing a seatbelt and was ejected from the vehicle. His daughter, who was secured in a child safety seat, was taken to Conemaugh Hospital in Johnstown for evaluation and treatment of minor injuries.

 

Teacher Accused of Name-Calling

A high school math teacher at Salisbury-Elk Lick school is being accused of berating his students with demeaning and derogatory names during class. The unnamed teacher was discussed during a recent school board meeting. One of the students is the son of Frostburg State University sports and exercise professor John Wright. While the superintendent is taking the complaint seriously, the parents whose children were affected will aceept nothing less than probation for the teacher.

 

Human Remains Found at Cheat Lake

Police are investigating human remains found at Cheat Lake, near Morgantown, earlier this week. A West Virginia animal research team notified police after noticing something suspicious in the water. The remains were determined to be human. The remains have been sent to the Medical Examiners’ Office for identification purposes. There is no word on whether foul play is suspected.

 

Four Officers Injured in Scuffle With Inmate

Four Correctional Officers were injured at MCI-Hagerstown Wednesday morning. One officer were preparing to escort an inmate to a medical appointment, when one was struck by the inmate. Three other officers responded and used pepper spray to restrain the inmate. The officer who was hit and three others who were exposed to pepper spray were treated at a local clinic. The inmate will now be transferred to a maximum-security prison.

Additional Charges Filed in Robberies, Home Invasions

Four individuals who were arrested in December for several armed robberies and home invasion robberies have had additional charges lodged against them. Twenty-year old Cory Joseph Crabtree, 24-year old Cody Crabtree, along with 22-year old Gregory Thomas Laisure and 35-year old Melvin Ray Howell III have all been charged with armed robbery, burglary, first-degree assault and related charges. Information was developed from the earlier arrests that enabled investigators to obtain new charging documents for the suspects. Three are being held at the Allegany County Detention Center on bonds, ranging from $500,000 to $525,000.  Howell remains incarcerated in Pennsylvania, pending extradition to Maryland, as well as the charges related to other armed robberies and home invasion robberies.

 

Second Burger King Suspect Arrested

A second suspect has been arrested in connection with the breaking and entering at the Frostburg Burger King in December. Twenty-five year old Lonaconing resident Michael Clay Blubaugh, who along with Llany Vega, are accused of entering the restaurant in the early morning hours of December 12^th, and removing an undisclosed amount of cash from the safe. He is currently being held on $55,000 bond on the charges lodged against him. Vega remains free on personal recognizance, pending his next court appearance.

 

Kidnapping Attempt Investigated

The Mineral County Sheriff’s Department is investigating a possible kidnapping attempt last week in the Cut-Off Road area of Route 220. Police say a man approached a 14-year old girl, as she was getting off the school bus, and offered her a ride. The suspect is described as having blond, spiked hair and driving a late 80’s or early 90’s vehicle with primer all over it. Police are looking for a suspect, so they can identify a motive for his actions. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Mineral County Sheriff’s Office at (304)-788-0441.

 

Sexual Misconduct Alleged in Keyser

A Keyser city council candidate has accused unnamed senior city officials of sexual misconduct, and those charges have been forwarded to the West Virginia Attorney General’s Office, the state’s Ethics Commission and local law enforcement agencies. Candidate Mark Tranum says five city employees have approached him on the issue, including supervisors who spoke of misconduct by “the mayor’s office,” involving several city workers. Tranum says he won’t go into details, because he was advised not to, by the Attorney General’s Office.

 

Man Arrested on CDS, Trespassing Charges

Twenty-five year old Cumberland resident Michael Robert Caswell was arrested Sunday for trespassing on CSX property in the area of Queen City Drive. He was also found to be in possession of CDS paraphernalia. He was issued criminal citations for both, and released from the scene.

 

Fiber Line Installation Set

The City of Cumberland is letting the public know that North Mechanic Street, from Market Street to Pershing Street will be under flagging conditions for aerial fiber line installation. Work will take place from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Use caution in the area of construction and follow the detour route in place. Any questions should be directed to Clint Wade at (304)-366-0845.

 

Smoke Alarms News Conference Set

A smoke alarms fire and life safety news conference has been scheduled for Wednesday at 10 a.m. at Cumberland Fire Station #1. The purpose is to provide the media and public with accurate and up to date information regarding working smoke alarms, and their importance in providing life safety efforts during a fire. A presentation of 60 smoke alarms by the Cumberland Firefighters, Local 1715 President Ken McKenzie will occur during the conference.

 

Delegate Introduces Wastewater Legislation

Delegate Shane Robinson of Montgomery County has introduced a bill in the General Assembly that would ban the treatment of wastewater created by other states, in the  hydraulic fracturing process. It does not, however, address wastewater created in Maryland, although there is no “fracking” taking place in the state at this time.

 

Vandals Strike in Everett

Police are investigating a rash of vandalism that took place late last week. Business owners and others discovered black, spray-painted messages and drawings on buildings and a Jeep there. The word “Crips” was spray painted at various locations. Another vehicle was left with a flat tire, when someone broke or cut the valve stem. Anyone with information is asked to contact Everett Borough Police.