Diabetes impacts a significant number of local residents, and resources are available in Allegany County to make sure residents are aware of the symptoms of diabetes and how to possibly prevent it. UPMC Western Maryland provides the National Diabetes Prevention Program, which is an evidence-based program from the CDC, which provides classes and tests to make sure residents who are pre-diabetic take certain precautions to reduce the risk of becoming diabetic. Dr Smrite Manandhar says that pre-diabetes is when your blood sugar is high enough that you’re considered pre-diabetic, but it’s not quite high enough that you are going to…

Students at five public elementary schools in Allegany County will be receiving free breakfast and lunches for this school year. Officials with the Allegany County Board of Education announced earlier this month that all students at Westernport, George's Creek, South Penn and John Humbird elementary schools will continue to receive the free meals under a federally-administered program- and that Cash Valley Elementary has been added to that list as it now meets the criteria. In addition, parents of the students will not be required to apply or file any paperwork to become eligible.  Todd Lutton, supervisor of food service, said the Community…

Allegany County Emergency Services reports a truck fire Wednesday afternoon on Interstate 68 near the exit 33 off-ramp closed the eastbound lanes of the highway. Fire crews were called to the interstate about 3:45 p.m. The truck was reportedly hauling felt roofing paper. A small brush fire also reportedly broke out along the embankment. The fire was reportedly under control at 4:35 p.m. and  one lane of the roadway was reopened.  Numerous fire units from Allegany and Garrett counties responded, including Allegany County hazardous materials crews to off-load the truck's diesel fuel. Maryland State Police are investigating the incident. Maryland…

Due to mechanical issues, the Constitution Park Pool has unexpectedly had to close for the remainder of the season. The main pool pump experienced a failure and while repairs have been scheduled, due to the damage and the lead time required to secure the parts, the repairs will not be completed prior to the Labor Day weekend. We apologize for any inconvenience and look forward to the return of swimmers for the 2023 pool season. Questions may be directed to Diane Johnson, Director of the Parks and Recreation Department, by calling 301-759-6636 or sending an email to diane.johnson@cumberlandmd.gov.

U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) released the following statement regarding President Biden’s action to cancel $10,000 in individual student loan debts and $20,000 in Pell Grant recipients’ loan debts for Americans making less than $125,000 annually and to extend the pause in student loan debt repayment for borrowers through December 31, 2022.   “For too long many Americans struggling to get ahead have been burdened by the heavy weight of student debt – holding them back from financial stability and economic opportunity. But now, thanks to these executive actions by President Biden, millions of Americans from a wide array…

With summer vacations ending and schools heading back into session, Maryland Department of Health (MDH) and the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) are urging parents statewide to keep COVID vaccinations and boosters at the top of their back to school checklist to keep their children and schools COVIDReady all fall.     “Our children deserve the strongest protection against COVID, exactly like they do with other potentially dangerous childhood diseases such as polio and measles,” said MDH Deputy Secretary for Public Health Services Dr. Jinlene Chan. “If you have not already done so, please get your children updated on all…

Deputies with the Allegany County Sheriff’s Office S.O.R.T executed a search and seizure warrant in the 400 block of Poplar Street. During the search of the residence an amount of Controlled Dangerous substances (Fentanyl) was located within.  Information was obtained during the seizure indicating the male occupant of the residence had left prior to deputies arrival. The male identified as 30-year-old Marc C Coleman II was located a short time later and taken into custody with additional CDS and criminal charges. Charges: CDS: POSSESS-NOT CANNABIS x 2 CDS: POSS PARAPHERNALIA OBSTRUCTING & HINDERING

Arrest Warrants Served On August 23rd, 2022 officers of the Cumberland Police Department served an Arrest Warrant on Shaheed Shamarr Montgomery. The Arrest Warrant was issued by the District Court stemming from an assault investigation. During the investigation officers responded to the 600 block of East First Street for a reported assault. At the conclusion of the investigation, it was learned that the victim was struck several times and strangled by Shaheed. Evidence was obtained and an application for charges was completed against Shaheed. Shaheed was placed under arrest and was taken before a District Court Commissioner where he was…

An equipment problem has forced the early closure of Cumberland’s Constitution Park Swimming Pool – and it will not be open for the Labor Day Weekend. City Administrator Jeff Silka confirmed to WCBC News that an engine in one of the pumps ceased functioning and the city will not be able to secure the necessary parts to repair the problem before the Labor Day holiday thus ending the pool season for the summer. He said obviously having no pool available for the last holiday weekend of the summer season is a disappointment…

President Biden has floated the possibility of erasing some student loan debt for millions of Americans- a plan that has many Republicans including Maryland’s governor fearful of economic disaster. While most of those carrying student loans are holding out hope the president will wipe out their student loan debt- a  new  poll finds more than half of Americans worry the  action would make inflation- and the economy-  worse.  Governor Larry Hogan… Several states including Maryland offer tax credits for student loan debt. In January, Hogan announced more than 40,000 people benefited from the state's Student Loan Debt Relief tax credit program…