Governor Signs Several Bills

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

DNR Boat Sinks At Deep Creek Lake

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

Second Case of Rabies In Garrett County

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

Three Personnel Changes for County Schools

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

Man Arrested After Forcing His Way Into Home

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

State Police Seek Man In Connection to March Incident

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

Man Held Without Bond

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

Baltimore Man Charged with Unauthorized Use

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

O'Malley, O'Reilly Battle It Out

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

Fewer West Virginians Seeking Unemployment Benefits

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

Man To Stand Trial in Fatal Shooting of Sheriff

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

Ridgeley Mayor Indicted

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

School Board May Be Minimally Funded

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

Accident Involving ACPS Bus

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

Route 219 Southern Link Best Use of Funds

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

Judge to Address Mini-Marina Request

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

West Virginia PSC Approves Second Rate Hike

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

Charges Pending in Accident

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

Nemacolin Plans Summer Opening

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

Housing Workshop Set for May 21st

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

Former Sheriff Sentenced to One Year in Federal Prison

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

Man Served with Three Warrants

A Frostburg man was served with three arrest warrants over the weekend, and is being held without bond in the Allegany County Detention Center. Thirty-six year old Joshua Ian Cline is accused of breaking into a Memorial Avenue residence in April, and stealing an electronic gaming system valued at about $400. He also damaged a screen in breaking into the home. Cline is also being held on child support contempt charges, and failure to appear.

Man Held on Sex Offense Charges

Cumberland resident Roger Martz was arrested during a traffic stop over the weekend. During the arrest, it was discovered he had an outstanding warrant, stemming from a citizen complaint filed in District Court. A woman claims she was sexually assaulted by Martz in November and December of last year. He was held on $35,000 bond.

No Charges in Garrett County Collision

No charges were issued, but one person was taken to Garrett Memorial Hospital, following a two-vehicle collision on the Garrett Highway at Friendsville Road over the weekend. McHenry resident Lesa Maust was making a left turn from Garrett Highway onto Friendsville Road; she struck another vehicle, driven by 65-year old Donald Harvey Umbel of McHenry. Mr. Umbel was taken to the hospital for injuries sustained during the collision.

Keyser Mayor Moving to Increase Fire Fee

Keyser Mayor Randy Amtower is proposing that fire protection fees be increased to cover the expense of the Keyser Volunteer Fire Department. There has been no increase in fees for the past eight years. The Mayor is proposing increasing the fee to $2.40; they are collected as part of the monthly water bill. Last year, the fee generated $59,000, but expenses totaled $79,000. The deficit was covered through a reserve fund, which is rapidly being depleted, according to the Mineral News-Trivbune.

Mountain Ridge Schedules Combined Spring Concerts

The Mountain Ridge High School Band has had a banner year, depsite a pending embezzlement case against one of the organization's volunteers. The Mountain Ridge Concert Band, the Marching Band and the Jazz Orchestra have all garnered a number of accomplishments this past school year,and the groups will be presenting their combined spring concerts next Saturday and Sunday. The concertswill be held on Saturday evening at 7 p.m., and Sunday afternoon at 3 p.m. Proceeds from the ticket sales will be distributed equally between the band and choral programs.

USS Somerset to be Commissioned in Philadelphia

The USS Somerset, the Navy's newest amphibious transport dock ship, will be commissioned, or put into active service. The ship is named in remembrance of Somerset County, where hijacked United Airlines Flight 93 crashed during the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. The USS Someret was commissioned in July. Two other ships, the USS New York and the USS Arlington are also named to commemorate the other sites attacked that day-the World Trade Center towers, and the Pentagon.

O'Malley Expects More Firings

Governor O'Malley expects more firings and personnel changes, in light of indictments handed down, in connection wtih a drug and contraband smuggling ring at the Baltimore Detention Center. A total of 25 people, including 13 correctional officers were indicted last month. The Governor continues to express confidence in Secretary of Public Safety and Corrections, Gary Maynard. A reporter from "The O'Reilly Factor" questioned O'Malley about the scandal, which has been covered on the Fox Television show. For his part, O'Malley called O'Reilly's comments a "cheap shot," and vowed to "root out" the problem rather than "paper over them."

Toddler Dies of Methadone Intoxcaton

A 23-month old West Virginia toddler died of methadone intoxication, and her parents are now facing charges in connection with the case. Thirty-eight year old David Delauder and 31-year old Ida Evans Delauder of Barbour County are accused of giving their daughter, Ona Leann Delauder methadone they purchased on the street. When the parents awakened the next morning, the toddler was not breathing, and a nearby relative called an ambulance. they are being held at the Tygart Valley Regional Jail on $100,000 bond each.