U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen and Congressman David Trone have announced $18 million dollars in funding to upgrade essential wastewater and stormwater systems to protect public health and waterways in Maryland. This funding from the Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean Water State Revolving Fund will be used to upgrade and modernize wastewater and stormwater infrastructure throughout Maryland. This funding builds on the $2.4 billion announced for clean water infrastructure upgrades nationwide through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

Several events are scheduled for downtown Cumberland in coming weeks.  A masquerade ball will be held at the Embassy Theatre Saturday evening.  The Farmers Market season opens at Canal Place April 27 at 9:30 a.m.  Friday After Five gets underway May 5 next to Mezzo’s on S. Centre Street.

The FCC is terminating the license of Roger Wahl, owner of 93.3 FM in Meyersdale, WQZS.  The FCC said Wahl “lacks the qualifications to remain a licensee.”  Wahl pleaded guilty to criminal charges in 2020.

The Allegany County Commissioners have announced their agenda for Thursday’s public meeting.  One item on the agenda is the announcement of a request for proposals for market-rate housing for the former Allegany High School site on the West Side of Cumberland. 

Pennsylvania Senator Bob Casey joined state and White House officials in Gettysburg to announce $200 million established under the American Rescue Plan, to expand high-speed internet access for more than 44,000 homes and businesses throughout Pennsylvania, particularly in rural communities. Pennsylvania is expected to receive at least $1 billion more to expand affordable high-speed internet across the Commonwealth from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The American Rescue Plan provided $10 billion in funding to the U.S. Department of Treasury, of which Pennsylvania is receiving $279 million, for critical capital projects to provide high-quality modern infrastructure, including reliable, affordable broadband infrastructure.

U.S. Congressman David Trone has reintroduced the Expanding Veterans’ Options for Long Term Care Act, which would help senior veterans live more independently and cut costs for the Department of Veterans Affairs. The legislation creates a three-year pilot program for eligible vets to receive assisted living care paid for by the VA.  The number of veterans eligible for nursing home care is expected to rise by approximately 535% over the next 20 years. Many of these veterans do not require nursing homes and would be better served by assisted living, allowing them to live more independently. Currently, the VA is barred…

On April 18th, 2023 at approximately 6:45 pm offices of the Cumberland Police Department responded to a business in the 200 block of Greene Street for a theft. Upon officer’s arrival they spoke with a victim who advised their cell phone had been stolen. The victim was able to utilize a mobile tracking feature to locate the proximity of his cell phone. Through the investigation it was discovered that Jack Pifer had stolen the cell phone and it was inside the vehicle he was operating. Pifer was issued a Criminal Citation for theft and awaits his trial at District Court….

On April 18th, 2023 officers of the Cumberland Police Department served an Arrest Warrant on Kenneth Wilson III. The Arrest Warrant was issued by the Circuit Court when Wilson violated his pre-trial release conditions. Wilson was remanded to the Allegany County Detention Center where he was held without bond. Arrest: Kenneth Leon Wilson III, age 32, Cumberland Maryland. Charge: Violation of Pre-Trial Release On April 18th, 2023 officers of the Cumberland Police Department served an Arrest Warrant on Devonta Blowe. The Arrest Warrant was issued by the District Court when he failed to appear for his trial on April 17th,…

On April 18th, 2023 at approximately 12:20 am officers of the Cumberland Police Department responded to the 600 block of Fairview Avenue for a reported breaking and entering. Upon officer’s arrival they spoke with witnesses, obtained a description of the suspect, a description of a vehicle used to leave the area, and items that were stolen. Officers were able to locate a vehicle matching the description of the vehicle and initiated a traffic stop on the vehicle. Once the officers contacted Candice Mallow, who matched the description provided by witnesses, as well as observing items next to her that were…

On Tuesday morning on WCBC's Dave Norman Program, Allegany County Administrator Jason Bennett was a guest and discussed the recent news of a budget deficit of approximately $10 million. Bennett discussed one of the major causes of the current deficit – rising EMS costs with the lack of volunteers joining the emergency response agencies around the county due to increasing requirements to become an EMT.