DEAR READERS: We need certain vaccines because of the ways we live and work — and especially how we raise farmed animals for consumption under crowded and often unsanitary conditions with poor air and water quality. These and other environmental factors increase the probability of infectious…

OAKLAND — An existing grant program has been modified and a new one has been created to continue to assist Garrett County’s small businesses and their employees through the COVID-19 pandemic.

This week we started unlocking our office doors for the first time since the COVID-19 shutdown. I watched through my window as masked individuals ascended the three steps and simply opened the door without knocking. It felt odd. I pondered how we all take the first steps to face this “new no…

OAKLAND — CurlyRed, a branding, print and web design firm, is moving its downtown Oakland office from 204 Alder St. to 108 S. Second St. in the historic Republican newspaper building.

CUMBERLAND — Sheetz has served nearly 600,000 free meals through the Kidz Meal Bagz program to children and families in need during the COVID-19 pandemic.

OAKLAND —  Financial Information Systems has announced First United Bank & Trust as one of the winners of its 2020 FIS Impact Awards program. In its fourth year, the program recognizes organizations that have used FIS technology in innovative ways to enhance customer experiences and driv…

MCHENRY — The Garrett County Chamber of Commerce recently launched Takeout Bingo, a special promotion to encourage residents to support local restaurants.

MCHENRY — Deep Creek Fireplace & Outdoor Store will host the first virtual Business After Hours for the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce on May 14 from 4:30 to 5:30 pm.

CUMBERLAND — The Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation announced 14 new online services on Maryland Business Express that will make it easier for businesses to get back into good standing status, a requirement necessary for many types of coronavirus-related relief.

OAKLAND — Carissa Rodeheaver, CEO, president and chairwoman of the board of directors of First United Corp., has been named one of Maryland’s Top 100 Women by The Daily Record. 

CUMBERLAND — In recognition of the deep toll that the COVID-19 pandemic is taking on businesses, Comptroller Peter Franchot is extending business-related tax filing deadlines for a second time.

Miller named account manager at agency

The CARES Act, sometimes called the stimulus act, is the 852-page, $2.2 trillion bill that Congress recently passed to provide relief to individuals and businesses during the pandemic as we all stay away from being with others in this surreal world.