The state of Maryland has automatic voter registration through government agencies, but that still may be missing a large number of young people. The University of Maryland reports that over a third of eligible 18-year olds were unregistered in the state. Joanne Antoine with Common Cause Maryland says her civic group works to register voters of all ages up until Election Day…     “We provide opportunities to register up to Election Day. Even for that person who it wasn’t until the last minute where a candidate reached out to them, they want to get engaged. They’re able to go…

Frostburg State University’s Appalachian Festival begins this Thursday with a film festival and ends with a Capstone Concert featuring Tim O’Brian and Jan Fabricius on Saturday, September 20th.  This year marks the festival’s 20th year, according to Kara Rogers Thomas from FSU.  Saturday evening’s concert is the only ticketed event.  Thomas says the rest of the weekend will be filled with a variety of free music, and activities across the campus…     “We have all sorts of music and workshops, and presentations, and storytelling, and local food vendors, and artisans, and lots of community organizations coming together.  It really…

At the inauguration of Allegany College of Maryland’s newest president, the son of the college’s first president, Dr. Robert Zimmer, was a guest speaker. Dr. William “Chip” Zimmer said the experience that new President David Jones has already gained at ACM supports his leadership…     “More than anyone, David Jones knows and embraces the history, the culture, the importance, the vitality this college as the crown jewel of Western Maryland. His 29 years here, on the banks of the Potomac, gives him the compassion, grace, and vision to continue ACM’s strong and enduring legacy.” President Jones acknowledged the work…

Maryland Senator Chris Van Hollen was a guest speaker at the annual Polk County Steak Fry in Iowa – a crucial gathering for Democrats and their campaigns.  Van Hollen urged those present to continue to speak out vigorously and courageously, but also peacefully…     “You know that the Democratic Party is facing a reckoning. It is time to decide who we are, who we are fighting for and how we are going to fight back effectively. We are the keepers of a sacred inheritance. We are the party that fights for workers, for social security, for Medicare, for public…

On Tuesday, September 16th, 2025, the Cumberland Police Department served multiple Civil Citations as a result of ongoing increased patrols in the downtown mall and surrounding area. During the patrols, officers observed numerous violations resulting in the following charges: ARRESTED -  Richard Leonidas Page II,  Cumberland MD,  68yo. CHARGES -  Open Container Alcohol in Public ARRESTED -  Ivan Candelaria Valentin,  Cumberland MD, 39yo. CHARGES -  Littering  ARRESTED -  Christopher Lake Carrigan, Waynesboro PA,  20yo. CHARGES -  Underage Poss. of Alcohol. Intoxicated Public Disturbance. ARRESTED – Steven Jefferson Battle, Cumberland MD, 36yo. CHARGES -  Open Container Alcohol in Public  All subjects…

As Allegany County awaits a response to their appeal for FEMA flood relief, Lonaconing Mayor Jack Coburn tells WCBC the funding is especially needed as winter approaches.  Nighttime temperatures are growing colder, and homeowners in the Coney area remain without furnaces…     “There’s people that don’t have furnaces in place, and we’re trying to see if we can help them with those, because when they do come, we also have a limited amount of installers, and there’s a lot of furnaces—and Westernport is the same way.  That’s a big concern for us right now.  Their stuff’s getting cold without…

During a recent Allegany County School Board meeting, a citation of recognition from Governor Wes Moore was presented to teachers and principals involved in May’s flooding. Allegany County Education Association President Kimberly Sloane said the citation was a way to thank leaders at Westernport, Westmar, Georges Creek, and Mountain Ridge schools for their efforts…    “Your ACPS staff – many who are ACEA members – were true heroes. They proved they were dedicated, courageous, and resilient. These dedicated employees went above and beyond their duties for their students and communities, guiding their students all to safety, and keeping watch into…

Introduced in Congress on September 11th, Congresswoman April McClain Delaney’s FLAME Act is designed to prevent last-minute cancellations of training at the National Fire Academy. In March, FEMA abruptly suspended programs at the Emmitsburg facility that provides training for emergency personnel. Delaney’s bill requires a 30-day notice of cancellations, gives only the US Fire Administrator authority to issue large-scale cancellations, and allow fire departments that incur expenses due to canceled classes to obtain reimbursement from FEMA.

Since last year, the City of Cumberland has worked to develop energy saving projects with Centric Business Solutions Services Inc.  At last night’s Mayor and City Council meeting, they passed a $4.2 million agreement with Centric to install a solar array that will replace the main switchgear at the Waste Water Treatment Facility.  Bobby Smith, Cumberland City Engineer, told the council the solar panels will produce over a third of the plant’s energy… “It’s roughly a 2 acre array on the former baseball field behind the plant, and putting panels on top of roofs that have a southern view.  The…

One of the programs within the latest federal spending bill is the Rural Health Transformation program, designed to strengthen rural communities across America by improving healthcare access, quality, and outcomes. With so much of West Virginia considered rural, Governor Patrick Morrisey says he is not wasting time to tap into his state’s share of the $50 billion available…     “We’re working to put an application together, not only to access those dollars but to build out, to effectuate rural healthcare outcomes, but also drive economic growth as well.”