Keep clear path to mailbox

CUMBERLAND — The U.S. Postal Service is asking customers to clear a path to the mailbox, including steps, porches, walkways and street approach.

Whether mail arrives on foot or by postal vehicle, the carrier needs to be able to approach the mailbox to deposit mail. Letter carriers are instructed to refrain from delivering to locations they deem hazardous.



Red Cross improves national Web site

CUMBERLAND — American Red Cross Blood Services has a new nationwide Web site, RedCrossBlood.org.

The site includes a list of all blood donation opportunities with directions and online scheduling.

It also provides more thorough information regarding blood and blood donation and other opportunities to get involved with the Red Cross.

The new Web site serves the entire country, but includes a special section to access local information by entering your ZIP code.



Midland to receive park money

MIDLAND — Midland will receive $49,500 in Program Open Space funding to construct a pre-engineered, insulated panel building at Midland Baker Park to house maintenance equipment and chemicals, according to an announcement by Gov. Martin O’Malley and the Maryland Board of Public Works.

“We continue to take the necessary steps to improve our recreational areas, to make them safe and enjoyable for all Marylanders’ children and families,” O’Malley said.



Improved Internet access for students

ROMNEY, W.Va. — The West Virginia Schools for the Deaf and Blind are among the schools and libraries throughout West Virginia that will share $716,477 to help students and residents access the Internet, according to Sen. Jay Rockefeller, who co-authored the E-Rate program that is increasing high-speed access via discounts for telecommunication services.

The Romney-based school for deaf and blind students will receive $14,952.

“I’ve been fighting very hard for over a decade to make sure that all students and communities in West Virginia continue to receive the technology funding they need,” Rockefeller said. “I believe up-to-date technology is critical in linking our students and community members to important resources locally and across the globe.”



Services for disabled to expand

ROMNEY, W.Va. — The Hampshire County Special Services Center is one of four projects in West Virginia that will benefit from $6 million secured by Sen. Robert C. Byrd via the 2010 Transportation and Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Bill.

The $974,000 going to the Hampshire County project will pay for relocation of the special services center, which serves people with developmental disabilities. Services will also be expanded because of the funding.

The other allocations are:

•$2.922 million for the Pocahontas County Wellness Center.

•$1.461 million for the Spencer-Ripley Armed Forces Reserve Center.

•$730,500 for the Appalachia Service Project in southern West Virginia.