December 16th, 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…

NEW COMMUNITY SCHOOL LEADERSHIP –

Across the county, new leadership was instated at the county and state educational levels. Dr. Darlene Brannigan-Smith stepped in as Interim President for Frostburg State University following the death of Dr. Ron Nowaczyk early in the year.  David Jones was named the sixth president of Allegany College of Maryland after Dr. Cynthia Bambara’s retirement, and Dr. Michael Martirano returned to his home county to become the Superintendent of Allegany County Schools following the retirement of Jeff Blank.

MAY FLOODING –

The early weather forecasts on May 13th indicated rainfall, but nothing could have prepared Westernport and Lonaconing for the atmospheric river weather event that dumped up to 5 inches of rain in less than an hour in some places. Heroic efforts of emergency responders and at least one rogue parent worked to evacuate students by boat at Westernport Elementary where the first floor quickly came under water. The heavy rains washed out roads, bridges, and other critical infrastructure.

FEMA DENIAL –

Western Maryland and nearby West Virginia both had large amounts of damage from the May 13th flooding that struck the region. Both states reached out to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA, for federal damage recovery funds. However, while West Virginia received an emergency declaration almost immediately, Maryland did not.  Politicians called “foul,” saying President Trump was punishing the Democrat-run state, starting a war of words with Governor Wes Moore. A FEMA appeal, which uncovered up to $35 million dollars in damages for Allegany County, was also denied.  The county and state continue to look for flood recovery funds.