U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin (both D-Md.) wrote to U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas urging the Department to issue a new Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designation for Sudan. TPS is designated for countries that are deemed unsafe for their citizens to return due to extraordinary circumstances such as war or natural disaster, allowing those countries’ nationals that are already in the U.S. to live and work here on a temporary basis. Sudan has an active TPS designation that is set to expire on October 19, 2023. In their letter, the Senators call on the Biden Administration…

First Lady Cathy Justice hosted Take a Paws to Read at the Governor’s Mansion today, highlighting the significance of reading and celebrating the role of therapy dogs. The event aimed to encourage students to pause and continue reading during the summer months, maintaining their reading skills. “Reading is so important for student success, and our Take a Paws to Read event demonstrated the enjoyment that reading can bring,” First Lady Justice said. “We want students to keep reading during the summer and discover the joy that books can bring.”     Third-grade students from Bridgeview Elementary in Kanawha County and Wayne Elementary…

Traffic Alert… Cumberland Police Department is on the scene of a motor vehicle crash in the 800 block of Greene Street. The police department is requesting that motorists find an alternate route. The roadway is expected to be open in approximately 2 hrs. Updated at 8:30AM Traffic Alert… Allegany County, Cumberland. Vehicle accident Greene St, South of "The Dingle", shut down at this time. Posted at 7:20AM

On Wednesday, May 17, 2023, the Cumberland Police Department served a criminal summons on Alvin Lowry Jr.  The summons was issued as the result of an incident that occurred on May 12, 2023.  On this date at approximately 11:44 AM, officers of the Cumberland Police Department responded to a residence in the 900 block of Eastgate Ct. for an assault.  Officers arrived but were unable to contact anyone at the residence.   At approximately 1:00 PM, the alleged victim met with an officer at police headquarters and reported that he had been assaulted by Alvin Lowry Jr.  The victim explained that…

On Wednesday, May 17, 2023, the Cumberland Police Department served a bench warrant on Jules Schwarz Jr.  The warrant was issued as the result of Schwarz failing to appear in court on May 15, 2023.  He was originally charged with Disorderly Conduct and Disturb Peace-Loud Noise.  Schwarz was arrested and transported to Central Booking.  He was later seen by a District Court Commissioner and remanded to the Allegany County Detention Center on a $1,000 bond. ARRESTED:  Jules Michael Schwarz Jr.    AGE:  63     Cumberland, MD BENCH WARRANT SERVED On Wednesday, May 17, 2023, the Cumberland Police Department served a bench warrant…

Cumberland citizen Ellen Coffey appealed to the City Council on Tuesday evening for assistance with a downtown business that wants to expand.  Coffey asked help for “Pepper In A Bottle” owner Michael Harris… Coffey elaborated that help for the smaller businesses in the city is important… Mayor Ray Morris responded by saying the council would speak with the Fire Marshal regarding the situation…

The County United Way campaign continues through the end of May and so far this year, donations are down from previous campaigns.  While many other organizations in the area may rely on funding from state and local government programs, that is NOT the case with the United Way.  Executive Director Michele Walker spoke to WCBC recently and explained their funding sources… Tax-deductible donations to the United Way can be made online at www.cuw.org

Maryland House Minority Leader Jason Buckel spoke to WCBC on Wednesday regarding Senate Bill 1 – the “Gun Safety Act of 2023.”  The Maryland House Republican Caucus had sent a letter to Governor Wes Moore asking the bill be vetoed for several reasons, first being its unconstitutionality.  Buckel said they did not receive any response from the Governor’s office… Buckel says that Democrats are taking the wrong direction in the area of gun control legislation…

Friday marks the 26th annual Day of Caring and Sharing, sponsored by the County United Way along with Let’s Beautify Cumberland and the City of Cumberland.  Michele Walker, United Way Director, spoke with WCBC to discuss how much work this year’s event will cover… Walker also told WCBC what the day’s timeline looks like for volunteers this year… Drivers should look for volunteers wearing safety-yellow t-shirts this year and are encouraged to give a honk or wave in support.

Long-time local businessman Paul Herring passed away on May 5th in Ocean View, Delaware.  Herring was formerly President of First Peoples Community Federal Credit Union for 34 years.  Jim Stahl was on the Dave Norman program on Tuesday and recalled a humorous encounter Herring had with the late Jack Kent Cooke when he was in town with the Washington Redskins…