A public workshop for the draft version of the Cumberland Historic Preservation Plan is slated for Tuesday, September 12th.  The opinions and insights of the city’s residents will help direct the final plan for execution.  The Lakota Group of Chicago was hired by the city to develop the plan and members of the group were in town this past spring to visit and meet with the public. The plan will facilitate housing and neighborhood revitalization, economic development and heritage tourism.  A digital copy is available for review at www.cumberlandpreservationplan.com

Frostburg State University has a new Bachelor of Science Program within the Biology and Geography departments.  The new degree in Environmental Science replaces previous concentrations in the biology and earth sciences majors. Students enrolled in the new B.S. program will study topics ranging from climate and soil science to ecology and wildlife management while learning to mitigate harm, solve problems, and plan for a healthier future. The degree can serve as an entryway to the new Master’s in Environmental Management in Sustainability. 

Ridership on the popular Western Maryland Scenic Railroad has seen a distinct increase over last year’s numbers.  2022 saw a total of 62,000 visitors ride the train while 2023 is on track to have 75,000 riders.  Wes Heinz, executive director for the railroad, points to his team and the variety of trains running as reasons for growth… Heinz also shared that the Polar Express train that runs through the holiday season won an award for the second year in a row for its efforts in decoration…  

A special meeting for Bel Air residents only will take place this evening at the Bel Air Pavilion.  An update on the proposed Dan's Mountain Wind Force Project will be provided.  The meeting begins at 7pm.

Allegany County Commissioner Creade Brodie, Jr. was one of the recent attendees at the Maryland Association of Counties Summer Conference.  While many of the members attending needed to take classes offered during the conference, Brodie has already graduated from the courses.  Instead, he says he used his time to work on building relationships with other MACO members and explore options for the county available at the vendor area…  

Gettysburg National Military Park will have a guest bugler from Cumberland on the evening of August 24th –  The 100 Nights of Taps, sponsored by Taps for Veterans runs Memorial Day through Labor Day to honor the fallen laid to rest at Gettysburg National Cemetery.  Chris Myers from Cumberland will bugle Taps the evening of August 24th.  Myers began playing trumpet at the Florida School for the Blind in third grade and became bugler for his Scout Troop at the age of 11. He has been asked to play bugle calls for memorial events throughout Florida and now plays for…

On August 23rd, 2023 at approximately 8:30 a.m. an officer from the Cumberland Police Department observed Anthony Clayton Talbert Sr. enter upon posted private property. Talbert was placed under arrest and issued a citation for the offense. He was then released pending trial at District Court.   NAME: Anthony Clayton Talbert Sr.  AGE: 42   Cumberland, MD CHARGES: Trespass on Posted Proper

On August 23rd, 2023 the Cumberland Police Department served a criminal summons on Lindsay Dawn Evensen. The summons was issued after an officer conducted an investigation of a theft that occurred on August 9th, 2023 on Queen City Drive. The officer then filed for charges at District Court. Evensen signed for her copy of the summons and was released pending trial at District Court. NAME: Lindsay Dawn Evensen AGE: 38  Cumberland, MD CHARGES: Theft $100 to under $1,500, Unlawful removal of Grocery Cart    

News that the Alhambra Catholic Invitational Tournament has been placed on indefinite hiatus has affected more than basketball fans in the community.  Over the years, the ACIT drew teams and people from ten states, the District of Columbia and Canada having an economic impact on the area.  One local business that has been affected by the ending of the annual tournament is Printers Inc on Virginia Avenue.  Bill Smith, owner of the business said his company has done the tournament booklet for several years…

Garrett and Preston County divers recovered the body of a man who drowned at Deep Creek Lake on Sunday.  Natural Resources Police responded at approximately 5pm on Sunday to search for a man reported missing. The man was tubing on the lake, being towed by a boat when he fell from the tube.  Divers recovered the body on Monday after an overnight search.  The man was not wearing a lifejacket. The name of the deceased is being withheld by family request.