December 30th, 2025 by WCBC Radio

Top 12 Most Compelling People of 2025

Just as there are memorable stories throughout the year, there are also people who leave their mark on the community. 2025 was no exception. This week, WCBC introduces you to the 12 Most Compelling People of the Year, and reflects on their good – or bad – effects on the area…

JACK COBURN & JUDY HAMILTON – These two mayors have set a standard this year for how small town America deals with disasters.  Coburn and Hamilton, mayors of Lonaconing and Westernport respectively, have guided their towns through flood recovery efforts, and gotten down and dirty with residents cleaning up after the flood. They continue working through bureaucracy to provide essentials to families and businesses while also maintaining their full-time jobs in the community. Both mayors, Republicans, have endorsed Democrat Governor Wes Moore for a second term.

RUTH DAVIS-ROGERS – Ruth Davis-Rogers joined the City of Cumberland in 2022 as the Historic Preservation Officer. She has guided the work of preserving history in the city with a mind on economic development and community revitalization. One of her programs, nicknamed Ruth’s Roofing program, has provided grants for low-income homeowners and she has just completed the final draft of the city’s comprehensive plan. In 2026, Ruth Davis-Rogers will leave Cumberland to return to her home in Calvert County to do historic preservation there.

LARRY SMITH – A former school teacher, Larry Smith knows what information can do. When faced with almost constant water rate increases in his community, he gathered all the information he could on water rates across the country. He has led a coalition of residents from Bel Air, Pinto, Glen Oaks, and Highland Estates who continue to battle against private water service provider Maryland Water, engaging local, state, and federal representatives to come up with an answer. Smith now waits to see if Governor Moore will declare a special state of emergency for their situation.