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A custodian employed by Berkeley County Schools is facing numerous criminal charges after authorities say he was found hiding inside a girls’ locker room at Martinsburg High School while a basketball game was underway. School officials reported that the incident occurred during a girls’ varsity basketball matchup between Martinsburg High School and visiting Hedgesville High School. During the event, a custodian identified as Mr. Shoup was discovered concealed inside a storage

Authorities have concluded a coordinated investigation into a bomb threat that disrupted operations at the Circuit Court for Washington County earlier this month. The Washington County Sheriff’s Office and the Maryland Office of the State Fire Marshal announced that the threat, which also referenced harm to a sitting Circuit Court judge, was made during two separate phone calls received on Monday, February 2, 2026, between approximately 7:30 a.m. and 7:40 a.m. Court employees

CUMBERLAND, Md. — Crack cocaine remains the most prevalent illegal drug circulating in the City of Cumberland, according to Police Chief Jim Pyles , who addressed the Allegany Republican Alliance during a recent community meeting. Chief Pyles, who assumed leadership of the Cumberland Police Department  in October 2025, outlined his strategic priorities for the department, placing narcotics enforcement at the forefront. With a professional background rooted in drug enforcement

The expansion of federal immigration enforcement has officially reached Western Maryland. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement  (ICE) has confirmed the purchase of a massive 825,000-square-foot warehouse property at 16220 Wright Road in Williamsport. The facility is expected to accommodate up to 1,500 detainees at a time and will serve as a central detention and processing hub. This acquisition is part of a broader national effort to significantly expand detention capacit

Maryland Governor Wes Moore  announced Friday that the state is preparing to closely examine the federal government’s recent purchase of an industrial property in Williamsport, raising concerns about how the site may be used. The property, acquired by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security , is reportedly being considered as a holding location for undocumented immigrants. Moore said any such plan would face legal and regulatory review by Maryland officials. He specifically

Office of the State Prosecutor  officials announced that a grand jury in Allegany County  has issued an 11-count indictment against James Burt , a captain with the Cumberland Police Department . The charges include six counts of misconduct in office, four counts of second-degree assault, and one count of a fourth-degree sexual offense. According to prosecutors, Burt has been employed as a sworn officer since the early 2000s and has served in a leadership role as captain since

FROSTBURG, MD — What started as a routine fraud investigation quickly escalated into a full search-and-seizure operation on Park Avenue this week. Deputies with the Allegany County Sheriff’s Office executed a warrant that uncovered evidence tied to alleged credit card fraud, identity theft, and forgery. That search led to the arrest of Jason Darko Achampong, 23, who was taken into custody and booked into the Allegany County Detention Center. Officials say the case is far from

Census data shows Western Maryland communities facing the greatest economic strain While national poverty rates have declined in recent years, many Maryland communities continue to struggle with rising living costs and stagnant wages. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, roughly 37 million Americans live below the federal poverty line. However, many economists argue the government’s poverty formula is outdated, relying on cost estimates from decades ago and failing to fully a

On Sunday, February 1, 2026, at approximately 9:57 p.m., officers with the Cumberland Police Department responded to the first block of West Second Street in Cumberland for a reported breaking and entering that was actively in progress. Upon arrival, officers made contact with a female identified as Natarsha Lynn Pownall-Fussell, who alleged that she had been assaulted by a male at the residence and made statements threatening to set the home on fire. Police then spoke with t

Authorities confirmed that no hazardous or suspicious devices were discovered at the Washington County Circuit Court on Monday, Feb. 2, after a reported bomb threat prompted the evacuation of the downtown Hagerstown courthouse complex. According to the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, the threat was called in shortly before 10 a.m., leading officials to clear the building at 24 Summit Ave., located at the corner of West Washington Street. As a precaution, the first block o

Cumberland, MD — The Bishop Walsh Varsity Girls Basketball team delivered a commanding performance Friday night, overwhelming Broadfording Christian Academy with a decisive 57–15 victory and showcasing the depth, talent, and bright future of the Lady Spartans program. The starting lineup featured Anzleigh Simmons, Cayenne Ostrander, Lanie Odom, Aeri Jackson, and Naiara Shaffer , who set the tone early with relentless defense and efficient offense. Under the leadership of He

SOMERSET COUNTY, Pa. — State police have taken a Stoystown man into custody following a late-night shooting incident outside the Cairnbrook Community Club. Authorities say 42-year-old David Leipchack was arrested Saturday night after allegedly firing a handgun at a pickup truck as it was leaving the club’s parking lot. The shots were reportedly fired shortly after an altercation inside the building. Police state that multiple rounds struck the vehicle, but the two people ins

What the New SNAP Rules Mean **Overview** A wide-ranging tax and spending package signed into law by President Donald Trump in July brought significant changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), including tougher participation requirements for many adult recipients. Under the updated law, certain SNAP participants must now work, volunteer, or take part in approved job-training programs for at least 80 hours each month. Individuals who fail to meet this r

CUMBERLAND, MD — January 31, 2026 On Saturday, January 31, 2026, at approximately 8:56 p.m., officers with the Cumberland Police Department responded to the 200 block of Memorial Avenue for a reported disturbance related to a parking dispute. Upon arrival, officers made contact with the involved parties and identified one of the subjects as Aaron Devone Manning , 49, of Cumberland, Maryland. Police reported that Manning was actively causing a disturbance and refused to comply

Cumberland, MD – January 31, 2026 — The Cumberland Police Department reports the arrest of a LaVale man following a traffic stop that led to the discovery of suspected narcotics and drug paraphernalia. At approximately 4:22 p.m. on Saturday, January 31, 2026, a Cumberland Police officer conducted a traffic stop in the 1000 block of East Industrial Boulevard. During the interaction, the driver was identified as Bryan Scott Haller, 38, of LaVale, Maryland. A police K-9 unit was

As of late January 2026, three alleged members of a group authorities have characterized as a “cultlike” organization known as the Zizians remain jailed and are preparing for a joint trial in Cumberland, Maryland. The defendants—Jack LaSota, identified by investigators as the group’s leader and also known as Ziz, along with Michelle Zajko and Daniel Blank—were taken into custody in February 2025 after a trespassing report led police to Piney Mountain near Frostburg, Maryland.

Pointing to widespread issues such as failing heating systems and deteriorating roofs, the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development has introduced a limited-time WholeHome Critical Home Repairs initiative. The program will distribute grants on a first-come, first-served basis. Backed by the Homeowner Assistance Fund, the initiative will allocate over $3.5 million to help homeowners resolve serious health and safety concerns within their homes. Managed by the C

Downtown Cumberland, Maryland, offers a variety of dining options that cater to different tastes and budgets. Whether you crave a hearty pizza, fresh seafood, or classic Italian dishes, this city has something to satisfy your appetite. This post ranks the top five downtown restaurants based on affordability and cuisine type, helping you choose the best spot for your next meal. Leftys Place Detroit-style pizza with crispy edges 1. Leftys Place – Detroit Style Pizza Leftys Plac

Cumberland, Maryland, offers some of the most scenic and accessible hiking trails in the region. Whether you are a seasoned hiker or just looking for a peaceful walk in nature, the Cumberland area has trails that showcase its rich history, diverse landscapes, and stunning views. This guide highlights the top hiking spots around Cumberland to help you plan your next outdoor adventure. Forest trail winding through tall trees in Cumberland Maryland, perfect for hiking Rocky Gap