It may be 80+ degrees outside, but Christmas is on the minds of those planning events in Downtown Cumberland.  The City is in search of a Christmas tree – this year to be displayed at Canal Place because of ongoing construction.  Melinda Kelleher, Executive Director for the Downtown Development Commission, told WCBC that the search is on for a tree donated by an area family, something that has become a tradition for the holiday season…

An email sent to CSX employees from CEO Joe Hinrichs on Monday announced that all CSX conductors are being sent back to their home facilities for half-day training on critical rules and riding equipment. This follows the second death of a conductor since June.  On Monday, Travis Bradley of Ridgeley was killed on the CSX line through Cumberland and in June a conductor lost his life at the Seagirt Marine Terminal in Baltimore. Extended training for conductors had just been announced on July 31, adding an extra week to training at the CSX facility in Atlanta to increase conductor’s exposure…

UPDATE @ 7:11  Lanes now reopened… clearing stages. MSP Troopers report all lanes remain Closed @5AM Allegany County Emergency Services out early this morning for motor vehicle crash Interstate 68 westbound just before exit 50 overturned 18 wheeler. All lanes blocked at this time.  @3.28AM  

Power lines fell onto Route 140 in Westminster at about 6 p.m. Monday, trapping 33 people including 14 children inside cars for over five hours while crews from BGE worked to de-energize the power lines. In all, more than 30 power poles were broken by straight-line winds during the storms BGE officials said.

Governor Wes Moore continued his swing through Western Maryland over the weekend following his stop at the Allegany County Chamber of Commerce Crab Feast.  Saturday morning saw the Governor make a private visit to the Women’s Health Center of Maryland on Route 220 where he presented a citation to the staff.  He then visited the Deep Creek Lake Discovery Center in Garrett County before returning to the Baltimore area to attend a concert.  In his remarks at the Chamber event, the Governor said it was his fifth time visiting Mountain Maryland.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources recently purchased the Old South Mountain Inn, a historic structure east of Boonsboro on Old National Pike that will be managed by the Maryland Park Service.  The DNR says there are plans to expand recreational opportunities and add interpretive exhibits about the Civil War Battle of South Mountain at the site. The Old South Mountain Inn will be used as a visitor’s center.  The Inn was founded as early as 1732 and served as a wagon stand along the National Road, a private residence, and most recently as a tavern and restaurant. It is…

On Monday, August 7th, 2023, The Cumberland City Police responded to a Wempe Dr residence for the report of a breaking and entering. Upon arrival on scene, officers contacted the resident of the home who advised an unknown male was sleeping in their bedroom. The residents stated they awakened in the morning to find the male asleep in the home. The subject was then awakened and identified as Charles Russell Servis Jr, 48, of Cumberland MD. At this time, Servis was also found to be in possession of a bag of pills, a controlled substance. As a result of the…

On Monday, August 7th, 2023, The Cumberland City Police arrested Daniel Alexander Walker, 34, of Cumberland MD. Walker was arrested on two Bench Warrants issued by the Allegany County District Court. The warrants allege that Walker failed to appear in District Court on two separate occasions in May. The original charges against him were traffic related charges for driving w/o a license. He was taken before the District Court Commissioner for his Initial Appearance where he was remanded to the Allegany County Detention Center. He is currently being held on $2500 bond. Arrested: Daniel Alexander Walker               Age: 34 Charges: Bench…

The City of Cumberland indicates that water service will be interrupted on the 700 block of Bedford Street on August 8th from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm in order for a new fire hydrant to be installed.

Twenty-one teaching positions currently show as open on the Allegany County Public Schools website. That follows a trend across the state as counties are challenged with filling classrooms with teachers for the coming school year.  Montgomery County Schools currently has 289 full-time openings with 98 of those in special education.  The Maryland State Education Association says staffing is an urgent issue across the state with positions at all levels – teachers, substitutes, counselors, and bus drivers.  The MSEA points to low pay, burnout, and disrespect from students and parents as reasons for dwindling numbers of applicants.  WCBC has spoken to…