Thousands of 529 account holders are unsure how much is in their prepaid college funds. A calculation error with the Maryland Prepaid College Trust showed accounts had overblown interest balances, leading participants to believe more money was available for college expenses. Those accounts are now locked as an audit is done to correct the error and revise account balances.  In the meantime, account holders have had to find other financial sources to pay college expenses. The state hopes to have the issue resolved sometime in the fall.

Demographic issues continue to present significant headwinds for West Virginia. Employers are desperate for workers, colleges need more students and merchants always want more customers. There have been some hints in recent years of more people moving to West Virginia, and the Ascend WV program is paying professionals to relocate here. However,  new Census Bureau numbers still show a declining and aging population between 2020 and 2022. For example: –The state’s population declined by nearly 19,000 during the period, to 1,775,156. The population peaked at two million in 1950, and it has been gradually dropping over the last seven decades. —The median…

The Maryland Department of the Environment has issued a Code ORANGE Air Quality Alert Wednesday for Western Maryland. A Code Orange Air Quality Alert means that air pollution concentrations within the region may become unhealthy for sensitive groups. Sensitive groups include children, people suffering from asthma, heart disease or other lung diseases and the elderly. The effects of air pollution can be minimized by avoiding strenuous activity or exercise outdoors. 

On June 27, 2023 officers of the Cumberland Police Department served an Arrest Warrant on Brandon Marshall Ridgeley. The Arrest Warrant stemmed from an incident on June 25, 2023, when officers of the Cumberland Police Department responded to Fourth Street for an assault in progress. Officers were advised by the victim and a witness that Ridgeley rushed out of the house and began yelling at them. They indicated that Ridgeley was holding two large Steak knives. The victim stated that Ridgeley was pointing the knives at her and made numerous threats including threatening to stabbing her. Ridgeley was transported to…

Cumberland’s Downtown Development Commission held a virtual town hall on Tuesday to take in concerns and comments from both citizens and business owners on the Baltimore Street Project.  Matt Idleman, Project Manager, gave a brief update of the construction process… During the town hall, CEDC Director Matt Miller cautioned business owners about posting interruptions on their social media pages, saying word of mouth is both good and bad…

The Maryland Public Service Commission has approved the request of Potomac Edison to buy out its contract with AES Warrior Run seven years early. Potomac Edison says the move will save customers up to $80 million dollars – an early end to the Warrior Run contract has an estimated 90% probability of saving customers money over the remaining term of the agreement. AES is a coal-fired plant that has been producing energy for Potomac Edison customers since 2000.  Repeated calls to AES for a response have gone unanswered.  Allegany County Commissioner Creade Brodie recently asked that the Manufacturer’s Tax Exemption…

The Maryland legislature passed over 300 bills in its most recent session, many not taking effect until October 1st.  Bills that are going to begin on Saturday include tax cuts for veterans – this expands the amount of military retirement income exempt from state taxes for vets 55 and older from $15000 to $20000.  The Health Care for Heroes Act creates a program to reimburse members of the National Guard up to $60 per month for premiums paid under its TRICARE health insurance program.  Schools will need to provide Title Nine information to students, parents, faculty, and staff and indicate…

The McMullen Building in Downtown Cumberland has its anchor food establishment.  Garrett Eagan of CG Enterprises confirmed that D’Atri’s Pasta and Subs will be locating on the first floor of the building, bringing a 70-seat fast-casual restaurant and full-service bar.  Eagan shared their vision for that part of the property…

Mayor Ray Morriss spoke with WCBC recently about his time on the executive board of the Senator George Edwards Fund.  With the board being reorganized, Morriss is no longer a member and he shared with WCBC how the decisions for the first round of funding were decided upon… The Mayor said that he didn’t have any issues with the businesses that received grants through the fund, but not all would have been his choice…

The Maryland legislature passed over 300 bills in its most recent session, many not taking effect until October 1st.  Bills that are take effect Saturday include tax cuts for veterans – this expands the amount of military retirement income exempt from state taxes for vets 55 and older from $15000 to $20000.   The most publicized law taking effect deals with cannabis – adults over 21 will be able to legally possess up to 1.5 ounces of usable cannabis without a medical marijuana card.