December 18th, 2025 by WCBC Radio

WCBC 1270AM keeps Cumberland area listeners informed on top news events 24 hours a day on the national and local levels. This week, the WCBC News Team is rolling out the top 12 local news stories that kept the attention of our audience this year…

LIBRARY SHAKE-UP – When Allegany County government asked agencies to cut budgets, one agency refused. The county library system director John Taube asked for MORE funding, saying library closures would result otherwise. Taube’s actions upset county officials and library patrons and brought the library’s budget under scrutiny. By July, the library’s board of trustees decided it was time to move on, Taube was out, and longtime library employee Lisa McKenney was in. The library system is now working to restore the flood damaged Westernport location and volunteer groups are flourishing.

POLICE CHIEF RETIRES – Somewhat shrouded in mystery, the end of the police career for Charles “Chuck” Ternent came in June when WCBC revealed he had been relieved of his duties as Cumberland’s police chief and Lt. Eric Bonner was assigned to be the acting chief. Despite other local news outlets questioning WCBC’s breaking news on the police issue, WCBC Radio’s initial report proved to be accurate. Ternent had 32 years of service with the police department. In early October, Jim Pyles was named the new Police Chief after a national search.

NEW PRIVATE SCHOOL OPENS – Managers and employees often have disagreements that lead to someone leaving for another position. In the case of Calvary Christian Academy in Cresaptown, ongoing disagreements between the church pastor, church administrative board, school administrator and teachers resulted in the majority of the staff quitting and a new school being established. After talks with Calvary’s pastor and board broke down, concerned parents and staff went to work finding a new location to open a school. In September, Messiah Christian Academy opened its doors in Carpendale with former CCA Administrator Dan Thompson in charge.