On 06/28/2023 the Cumberland City Police Department served three Arrest Warrants on Nichole Jones. The Warrants were issued when Jones failed to appear in District Court from a previous controlled dangerous arrest. Jones also violated the conditions of probation from a previous theft charge. Jones was transported to the Allegany County Detention Center for central booking. Jones received a hearing before a District Court Commissioner and was held without bond. Arrested – Nichole Anne Jones (33) Cumberland, MD Charges – 2 counts of Bench Warrant Failure to Appear and Bench Warrant Violation of Probation    Warrant Served On 06/28/2023 the…

The Maryland Municipal League wrapped up their annual conference in Ocean City this week. Mayor Ray Morriss was elected once again as an At-Large Member of the Board for the coming year.   Also attending this year’s conference for the first time were Council members Jim Furstenburg and Laurie Marchini.  Mayor Morriss talked to WCBC about some of the learning experiences available at the conference… Morriss told WCBC that he also got an opportunity along with Frostburg Mayor Bob Flanagan to talk one-on-one with Governor Wes Moore…  

Allegany County Public Schools are ahead of the curve for one of the new laws that take effect in Maryland on July 1st.   Title Nine is a federal civil rights law enacted as part of the Education Amendments of 1972. It prohibits sex-based discrimination in any school or any other education program that receives funding from the federal government. New regulations for providing Title Nine information begin next month but Superintendent of Schools Jeff Blank says the county already has those in place…

New Electric Vehicle chargers have been installed at Canal Place in downtown Cumberland through a joint project with Potomac Edison.  WCBC talked with Dede Ritchey, Executive Director of the Canal Place Authority, about the type of chargers that are in place… Ritchey hopes to have the chargers fully operational in the next 2-3 weeks once the missing part is installed.

On Wednesday’s Dave Norman program, Garrett Eagan shared some of the back-story on how D’Atri’s Pasta and Subs decided to locate in the corner parcel of the McMullen Building Downtown.  He noted that it was good fit for both parties… Eagan also provided information on the status of two other storefronts that are part of the Baltimore Street level of the McMullen Building…

Merchant’s Alley in downtown Cumberland is getting a bit of a facelift.  According to Melinda Kelleher, Executive Director of the Downtown Development Commission, a new 5-bike parking rack has been installed and additional signage and lighting is also in the works.  The merchants in the area have planted flowers to liven up the space and banners have been hung on poles recently.  The Merchant’s Alley area provides access to several downtown businesses as well as outside dining sites.

July 4th festivities are ramping up for the City as the holiday approaches.  The Historic Washington Street area is having its annual celebration beginning at 6pm on July 4th.  Ed Mullaney of Let’s Beautify Cumberland tells WCBC some details… The celebration on Washington Street features music from Surrender Dorothy, DJ Mark Stevens playing patriotic music during the fireworks, as well as food and drinks.  Mullaney reflected on how many years the event has been taking place…

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced that legislation passed during the 2023 General Assembly will increase the price of hunting licenses and some associated stamps beginning with the 2023-24 hunting season.  Under the new legislation, the price of a resident regular hunting license will increase from $24.50 to $35 while the cost of a non-resident hunting license will increase from $130 to $160. Prices for apprentice and junior hunting licenses, 3-day non-resident licenses, migratory game bird stamps, and stamps/permits for furbearer-related activities have also been adjusted. The 2023 legislation also created a new hunting stamp that will be required in order to…

James Pyles enters his 34th year in public service, currently serving as Director of Allegany County Emergency Services. As part of his long time commitment to protect young people against heroin and opioid addiction, Pyles helped Allegany High School clost out the school year, speaking on the risks and outcomes of the opioid epidemic… Director Pyles stated that fentanyl remains the number one threat to our country… Pyles Stated that, “during this school year and every school year, I am happy to invest my own time and money into providing lifesaving information to the youth of our state.”

All branches of the Allegany County Library System will close at 5pm on Monday July 3 and remain closed on Tuesday July 4 in observance of the Independence Day holiday.  Frostburg, LaVale, and South Cumberland branches will also close at 1pm on Friday July 21 for a staff picnic. Library patrons have access to a wide range of digital collections via the library’s website. These collections offer 24/7 access to ebooks, audio books, movies, music, magazines and more.  Go to www.alleganycountylibrary.info for more information and updates.