A recent caller to the Dave Norman program complained that renters at the Winchester Road apartments owned by the Woda-Cooper Companies have been denied the right to fly the American flag, one resident even being threatened with eviction.   The “Freedom to Display the American Flag Act of 2005”makes it illegal to restrict owners from flying a flag although a landlord can restrict the time, place, and manner of the flag display. WCBC reached out to the management of Woda and Stephanie Rinehart, Regional Manager, sent a copy of the company’s policy statement on the issue.   The statement says that Woda…

Residents and business owners can get an update on the construction in the downtown area Tuesday morning.  A virtual town hall is being held at 11am to discuss the status and direction of the Reimagine Cumberland project with DDC Executive Director Melinda Kelleher and Project Manager Matt Eidelmann.  The town halls are scheduled to keep business owners and citizens updated on the progress of the downtown revitalization.  Keller said the link for the call is available on the City of Cumberland website and anyone is invited to attend the call. 

  Gov. Jim Justice underwent routine and successful gallbladder removal surgery this afternoon. Despite never having gallbladder issues before, he had a sudden flare-up last Thursday evening. After consultation with his doctors, they recommended it be removed.  Gov. Justice is currently resting well, in good spirits, and anxious to get back to work serving the great people of West Virginia.

Maryland State Police are investigating an overturned tanker truck crash that occurred on Monday morning in Washington County. The driver of the truck, Steven Patrick Norfolk, 32, of Pennsylvania, was transported by ambulance for treatment of his injuries. The tanker truck was carrying ammonium nitrate, with about three to five gallons spilling into the road.    As a precaution, nearby businesses within 1,500 feet of the scene were asked to evacuate before being allowed to return by 9:30 a.m. I-81 north and 1 lane of I-81 South were able to be opened by Monday evening. The cause of the crash…

U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and Senator Ben Cardin announced the inclusion of $4,240,000 in direct federal funding for projects they requested within the Senate Appropriations Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Subcommittee’s proposed funding legislation for fiscal year 2024. The projects support development in rural communities, in areas ranging from education and conservation to public safety and infrastructure. Included in the funding is money for projects in Garrett and Allegany Counties – expansion for the Bloomington Fire Company, Garrett County utilities infrastructure equipment, and Tri-Towns EMS building restoration. Funding…

On Sunday, June 25, 2023, the Cumberland Police Department served a criminal summons on Samantha Smith-Booker.  The summons was issued as the result of an incident that was reported to have occurred on May 25, 2023 at a residence in the first block of Pennsylvania Avenue.  On this date, the alleged victim reported to police that he was strangled by Smith-Booker.  The officer observed physical signs of injury to the victim.  Police filed for charges against Smith-Booker at the District Court of Allegany County.  Smith-Booker signed for her copy of the summons and she was released pending trial. ARRESTED:  Samantha…

On Sunday, June 25, 2023, the Cumberland Police Department served a bench warrant on Christopher Washington.  The warrant was issued as the result of Washington violating probation.  He was originally charged with a DUI offense.  Washington was arrested and transported to Central Booking.  He was later seen by a District Court Commissioner for his initial hearing and posted a $100 bond. ARRESTED:  Christopher Greg Washington   AGE:  51     Harrisonburg, VA

Cumberlands first Rockin’ BBQ Food and Music Festival held at Canal Place on Saturday was a finger licking lineup of food vendors and rock ‘n roll bands. Six vendors gather to showcase their culinary skills and offer a wide array of delicious barbecue. Among the participating restaurants Bacon and Bird, Lost Mountain BBQ, Hey Crazzie Kitchen, Rio Grande, Mise En Place and, Homestead Food Co. A local panel of celebrity judges evaluated the delicious selections and the award for top barbecue went to Mise En Place on North Center Street in downtown Cumberland. WCBC news spoke with the owner J.W. McConnell about…

A trip to Frederick and a behind the scenes tour is leading Cumberland Economic Development Director Matt Miller to some valuable information to help the City’s business development efforts.  Through a connection with Frederick Economic Development Director Richard Griffin and the Maryland Economic Development Association, Miller was able to get a firsthand look at Frederick’s economic development structure, operations, and connections that he says will be worthwhile in Cumberland…

James Pyles enters his 34th year in public service, currently serving as the Director of Emergency Services for Allegany County.  As part of his long time commitment to protect young people against heroin and opioids addiction, Pyles helped Allegany High School close out the school year, speaking on the risks and outcomes of the opioids epidemic… Director Pyles reflected on one moment at the conclusion of his class when a student came forward… 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…