Latest news with #AlleganyCounty
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Yahoo
3 arrested on drug charges in I-68 traffic stop
FLINTSTONE — Three people were arrested on drug distribution and handgun charges when a vehicle traveling at an estimated speed near 100 mph was stopped Tuesday on westbound Interstate 68, according to the Allegany County Sheriff's Office. Deputies assisted by Maryland Natural Resources Police took Tyrelle D. Brown, 36, of Baltimore, into custody along with 26-year-old Shayanne A. Thomas, of Columbia, and Gacua Crowner Jr., 23, Severna Park, on multiple felony and misdemeanor charges relating to drug distribution and weapons violations. Upon making the stop during traffic enforcement in the area of Rocky Gap State Park, deputies reportedly observed indicators in the vehicle of possible drug trafficking. A search of the vehicle allegedly led to discovery of a large amount of illicit drugs, a loaded handgun that had its serial number removed and a large sum of U.S. currency, police said. Following the arrests, Brown, Thomas and Crowner were jailed without bond at the order of a district court commissioner.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Yahoo
Cumberland man arrested in South End assault incident
CUMBERLAND — A city man was arrested Tuesday in the 200 block of Seymour Street after he allegedly assaulted two people, one of whom he attempted to hold under water in a nearby pool, according to Cumberland Police. Police arrested Donald J. Pryor, 58, on first- and second-degree assault charges, assault of a law enforcement officer and related offenses before he was jailed at the Allegany County Detention Center without bond. Police said Pryor also assaulted one of the arresting officers. It was not known if the victims or the involved police officer required medical care.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Opinion: Voters must separate fact from fiction on role of treasurer in Allegany County
The Allegany County Treasurer is an elected official who takes a sworn oath to uphold the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of New York. At the beginning of each term, they pledge to faithfully perform their duties as Treasurer. FACT: The Treasurer has NO voting power on decisions by the state, federal, local government or any other appropriate standards that govern the operation of the Treasurer's office. The responsibilities of the Treasurer are defined by various laws. The County Treasurer must abide by these laws, rules and regulations as does every other Treasurer/CFO across the state. FACT: The Treasurer does NOT have any voting authority regarding the approval of service contracts. FACT: The County Treasurer has very little choice in a court ordered appointment as Administrator of an Estate. FACT: The County Treasurer has no voting power on any policy, procedures, contracts, union contracts, raises or salaries, projects, payments of bills, borrowing, tax foreclosures, sales tax, budgets, etc. – the position holds NO voting power on any County Board decisions. FACT: The Treasurer has NO voting power on the approval of the tax foreclosure process or the sale of county owned property of any kind. FACT: While there are no real qualifications for the position of County Treasurer, this job would be a very difficult job for someone off the street with no experience in Governmental Accounting. It takes education with a concentration in accounting/finance/math and several years of institutional knowledge to comply with all the laws, regulations and policies to take care of the people's money. FACT: The Treasurer has NO voting power on the approval of the county budget nor and authority to approve budget transfers within the annual budget. FACT: The Treasurer has NO voting power in any Board decisions. FACT: The County Treasurer has NO voting power in paying of the county bills. FACT: The Treasurer has NO voting power or authority to set the rate of sales tax charged or decrease or increase that rate nor does she have the vote to share or not share sales tax revenue with municipalities. FACT: The Treasurer has NO voting power or authority to set the county tax rate nor the County tax levy. FACT: The Treasurer has NO authority over the town's assessor or the assessments of properties within Allegany County. FACT: The Treasurer has NO voting power on collecting property taxes by partial payments. More: Here are the Allegany County primary candidates on the ballot in June More: Here are the Steuben County primary candidates on the ballot in June FACT: Nine of the employees of the County Treasurer's office require a minimum of a high school diploma and are required to comply with civil service rules. There are Account Clerk Typists, Tax Specialist, Junior Accountant, Accountants, Sr. Accountant and a confidential secretary. The Deputy County Treasurer's position is a personal appointment of the Treasurer and serves at the pleasure of the Treasurer during the Treasurer's elected term of office. The elected Treasurer is a full-time position that works side by side the staff in the office. The commitment is to get the job done whatever it takes and as Treasurer, I work regular hours, not only during the work week but weekends as well. Most often putting in 50-70 hours a week. It is crucial to emphasize the importance of verifying facts before spreading them. Misinformation can easily lead to misunderstandings and misinformed opinions. Let's commit to seeking the truth and sharing only what is substantiated. It does not make fiscal sense to choose a person that does not have a clear understanding of the position/role of the Treasurer. — Terri Ross, of Angelica, has served six terms (24 years) as the Allegany County Treasurer. She is retiring at the end of 2025. This article originally appeared on The Evening Tribune: Opinion: What is treasurer's role in Allegany County? These are facts
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Kelley defeats Cyr in treasurer's race: Allegany County primary election results
Allegany County will have a new treasurer in 2026 for the first time in nearly a quarter century. Current deputy county treasurer Jenna Kelley took a major step towards securing the top role, winning the June 24 Republican primary for a spot on the ballot in November. Kelley defeated former Allegany County legislator and businessowner Adam Cyr, an outspoken critic of county government who campaigned on a theme of bringing change to the county seat in Belmont. Kelley earned 1,651 votes, according to unofficial results from the Allegany County Board of Elections, good for 73.15% of the vote. Cyr received 603 votes, 26.72%. Kelley will now run in November to succeed longtime county treasurer Terri Ross, who is retiring at the end of 2025 after serving six terms covering 24 years. Ross endorsed Kelley for the job. "The choice for County Treasurer is not just about electing a candidate; it's about selecting the most qualified and experienced individual who will manage our county's finances responsibly," Kelley said ahead of primary day. "I am a proven leader with 13 years of experience in governmental financial management and public service. I have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to our county, ensuring that taxpayer dollars are utilized effectively and efficiently; you can trust that our county's financial health is in capable hands." Cyr was elected to the Allegany County Board of Legislators in 2021, serving District III. In early 2025, Allegany County declared his seat vacant after Cyr self-reported moving his legal residence and voter registration from the Town of Wirt to the Town of Andover, which is in in District IV. Cyr contested the county's decision, but a state Supreme Court justice decided the county acted legally in the matter, and the board appointed Charles Bessette to fill the seat in late March. The treasurer's race contributed to the highest total voter turnout for any primary election in Allegany County since 2022, when more than two dozen municipalities had primaries. The highest voter turnout rates were recorded in Angelica (19.5% and 16.1% in the two voting districts) and Amity (18.5%, 12.9%), along with West Almond (14.4%), according to Board of Elections data. "To all of my supporters who have rallied behind me, your enthusiasm and dedication have been inspiring," said Kelley. "Together, we've engaged in meaningful conversations, shared our vision and mobilized voters across our county. Thank you for believing in this campaign and for the countless hours you've devoted to spreading the word." More: Cool off at these public swimming pools, beaches around the area Elsewhere in Allegany County, Bessette was among three Republican primary winners in District III, which covers the towns of Alma, Bolivar, Genesee, Independence, Scio, Willing and Wirt. Bessette received 400 votes. Former Allegany County Sheriff Rick Whitney won a seat on the county legislature with 448 votes. Town of Independence councilmember Bill Meunier also won his first term in Belmont with 353 votes. Former District III legislator Bill Dibble received 203 votes, and political newcomer Ethen T. Marble had 184 votes. In the Republican primary for Town Council, Joshua Brown (160 votes) and James Schneider (126) had the top vote totals with two positions available. Harold W. Mitchell had 107 votes, according to the county's unofficial election results. There was one Democratic Party primary in Allegany County this year. Town of Cuba Democrats were asked to write in one candidate's name for Cuba Town Board. Jonathan Enzinna had 22 votes. In the Republican primary for two Town Council positions, Danielle R. Freeman had 58 votes, Kimberly R. Howe had 45 and Jane Hall had 32. In the Republican primary for two Town Council positions, Chris Perkins had 88 votes, Roy G. Gay had 65 and Monroe Rosemier had 50. This article originally appeared on The Evening Tribune: Kelley wins treasurer's race: Allegany County primary election results
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Yahoo
City officials: Bonner acting chief
CUMBERLAND — A local radio station's reports that the city's police chief was removed from his job are not accurate, Cumberland officials said. WCBC radio Thursday reported Cumberland Police Chief Chuck Ternent was 'out' and 'has been relieved of his duties.' In response to questions from the Cumberland Times-News Friday, City Administrator Jeff Silka said via statement that the radio station's reports and social media posts need 'correction and clarification' regarding Ternent's employment status. 'After 32 years of loyal service to the city of Cumberland and its citizens, Chief Ternent has, for some time, been contemplating retirement in order to pursue other career opportunities which have become available,' Silka said. 'Recently, Chief Ternent has been off work addressing some health issues,' he said. 'In his absence, Lt. Eric Bonner will serve as acting chief.' Background According to the city's website, Ternent holds a master's degree in management from Johns Hopkins University. Chuck Ternent mug CHUCK TERNENT He joined the Cumberland Police Department in 1992, served as a detective assigned to the Allegany County Combined Criminal Investigation Unit, became a sergeant in 2003 and over the years climbed the ranks to became police chief in 2020. In recent years, Ternent has been credited for securing outside funding for various needs, such as a $330,750 grant to support police activities including crime reduction patrols, targeted enforcement, intelligence gathering, apprehension of violent criminals and streamlining information sharing to address gang and drug trafficking. Bonner Bonner joined the department in 2002, according to the city's website. He is a 2003 graduate of the Eastern Shore Criminal Justice Academy, 2001 graduate of Fairmont State University with a bachelor's degree in criminal justice law enforcement and minor in sociology, and was employed by the Ocean City Police Department. Bonner is a 2005 graduate of the University of Maryland's Institute for Advanced Law Enforcement studies and a 2006 graduate of Castle's K-9 school in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. Bonner has served 'as a patrol officer, K-9 handler, corporal and sergeant,' according to the website. Burt Silka last month said because of confidentiality and privacy laws that deal with personnel, he could not comment on or confirm a report about police department Capt. James Burt. At that time, WCBC radio reported Burt was 'suspended from his duties.' James Burt Capt. James Burt Friday, Silka said Burt is 'currently employed' by the city. Burt served as patrol commander and administrative lieutenant, and won the department's Top Gun Award seven times during his career. 'He also attended and graduated from the United States Department of Justice Federal Bureau of Investigation — FBI National Academy — Class #275 — in 2019,' according to the website. Currently, Burt 'is the department's training coordinator,' according to the website.
