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Weber Street Assault Arrest

On 04/21/2025 at approximately 4:30 PM the Cumberland City Police Department were dispatched to the 30 block of Weber Street for an assault. Upon arrival officers spoke to the victim who advised they were assaulted by Dennis Bolden. Officers observed injuries consistent with the victim’s complaint. Bolden was placed under arrest without incident and transported to the Allegany County Detention Center. Bolden was seen by a District Court Commissioner and was held on a $5,000.00 bond. Arrested – Dennis Joey Bolden (47) Cumberland, MD Charge – Assault 2nd Degree

WCBC Student Salute Scholars Chosen

Three area students will be receiving scholarships to Frostburg State University through the Student Salute program sponsored by WCBC, Chessie Federal Credit Union, and the Allegany County Chamber of Commerce. Qualifying Allegany County high school seniors are featured on WCBC outlining their academic achievement, leadership, and community involvement. All three winners this year are seniors at Fort Hill High School. The top winner of a $5,000 scholarship to FSU is Kamryn Rice. Two scholarships of $500 each were awarded to Charlotte Crawford and Gunner Wilson.

Trash Increase Coming for City Residents

Cumberland residents will face increases in both water service and trash pick-up in the coming year.  The water increase is 20% but the trash increase is much steeper. Currently, trash charges are approximately $16.50 per month, rising to $28.55. City Comptroller Mark Gandolfi says the increase just covers the new contract with Burgmeier’s Hauling, but residents will still pay less than those in the county…      “Just in fiscal ’25, we rebid the trash contract, and as a result of those results, we’re recommending a 73% trash rate increase. There are no sewer or property tax rate increases recommended.”

Administrator Comments On Bel Air Water Issues

The Allegany County Commissioners have been acting as a liaison to organize a meeting of state and federal representatives to discuss options to help those in the Bel Air area with high water rates form Maryland Water Service. County Administrator Jason Bennett spoke during the commissioner’s meeting, saying that before a date is set, the county wants to learn how the privately owned company works…     “We have heard from members of the federal delegation that certainly want to be involved. We are also working on making contact with Maryland Water Service to better understand rate structure among other…

City Council Recognizes Top Gun

At the most recent Cumberland Mayor and City Council meeting, Cumberland Police Chief Chuck Ternent recognized the winner of the recent shooting competition among police officers.  This year, the winner was Corporal Ashley Davis. Ternent says the shoot-out is a tradition…    “It’s usually really competitive and this year was no exception. We had to have a couple shoot-offs. But Corporal Davis scored a perfect score, 100%. So that’s great.”

Storm Causes Loss of Eagles Nest In Shepherdstown

An eagle’s nest that had online viewers transfixed for over 20 years was destroyed in the weekend storm that ripped Shepherdstown. The National Conservation Training Center said Monday that a sudden windstorm blew the nest from the top of its sycamore tree home. A trio of eaglets were in the nest at the time and did not survive the 90-foot fall. The NCTC did say that both adult eagles appear to be ok and have been seen flying and perching in the tree near another nest they built last year.

Senator Releases 90-Day Report

For the past 13 years, Maryland Senator Mike McKay has communicated each vote he has taken in the General Assembly in Annapolis as a matter of transparency. He has recently published his 90-day Report of the 447th legislative session, available to anyone by contacting the Senator. This week, WCBC is reviewing with McKay some of the key issues in Annapolis this year…     “The least I can do is put down with pencil and paper how I voted. So people may agree with me or disagree with me but they can’t say that they didn’t know about it. And…

Archbishop Lori Comments on Passing of Pope Francis

Archbishop William Lori, leader of the Archdiocese of Baltimore, has praised Pope Francis for his devotion to his flock.  Pope Francis appeared in public Easter Sunday in Rome.  Archbishop Lori praised the Pope for his courage in the face of illness and noted that at heart, the Pope was a pastor.

BENCH WARRANTS SERVED

On April 20th, 2025 the Cumberland Police Department served several bench warrants on Amanda Renee Swauger. The warrants were issued after Swauger violated terms of her probation. She was placed under arrest and transported to Central Booking. She was later seen by a District Court commissioner and remanded to the Allegany County Detention Center without bond. NAME: Amanda Renee Swauger  AGE: 36 Hagerstown, MD CHARGES: Violation of Probation 

County Posts Notice Of Property Tax Increases

On Friday, Allegany County officially posted the proposed increases to real property tax rates. The complete list is available on the county’s website. County residents will see tax increase from .9750 per $100 to .9950 per $100 of assessment. Frostburg will increase from .8681 per $100 to .8728 per $100 of assessment. A public hearing on the rate increase will be held at 5:00 pm on May 1 during the County Commissioner’s public meeting.