The Allegany County Library Board of Trustees lost several members over the course of the summer, including the system director and three trustees.  Vicki Brenneman from the Save the Westernport Library nonprofit organization sang the praises of the remaining board members during the recent county commissioner meeting where new board members were appointed… “The remaining trustees of the library system, they need huge, huge kudos for stepping up and doing what they did.  Very short-staffed as volunteers, and under great pressure and we recognize and appreciate very much all that they have done.”

The 9th annual Whiskey Rebellion celebration takes place this Friday, September 12th, starting at 6 pm at the Allegany Museum.  Vic Rezendes of the Museum says not only is the entire region known for producing whiskey, but Cumberland itself is too… “Maryland has a long history of producing whiskey including Cumberland here.  So, we’re proud to advertise that heritage here.” Tickets are $60 if purchased in advance and $80 at the door.  Rick Blair, also with museum, says this year, a historical reenactor by the name of Many Faces will expound on the history of the Whiskey Rebellion… “He’s very…

The Frankfort Falcon State Championship Henry .22 magnum rifles are available at The Gun Shop in Ridgeley, West Virginia.  As with the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad’s No. 1309 commemorative rifle, Rob Fout of The Gun Shop partnered with Henry USA Repeating Arms to design a rifle to honor Frankfort State Football Championship.  Fout says the rifle’s design has the helmet, the Falcon, and the blue background… “It is very much in color.  14-0 dedicated to Coach Kevin Whiteman, and then the inscription, the laser engraving on the receiver—you have the black bear and the cardinal, and the state trophy.  It…

The first week of school is underway at the area’s newest school, Messiah Christian Academy in Carpendale.  Administrator Dan Thompson told WCBC News that although the faculty members may receive less pay than public school teachers, they are highly qualified instructors.  He added that nothing matches the excitement of the first day of school and that the students, parents, and faculty were pleased.    

Flags are  lowered to half-staff today at the state Capitol and state facilities throughout West Virginia to commemorate the life and service of former senator and state agriculture secretary Walt Helmick.  Governor Patrick Morrisey made the order Monday afternoon. Flags will be flown at half-staff until sunset on the day of internment.

A baptismal service will take place Friday, September 12th, at the Rocky Gap State Park.  Dan Bible said he spoke with Christine Atkinson, a local ordained minister and founder of Fine China Ministry, about how he felt the need to hold a baptismal.  Atkinson expressed to Bible her desire to hold one as well.  “Christine Atkinson and her husband Jay Atkinson wanted to have a baptism out at Rocky Gap State Park.  Well, that was also on my heart—had been for quite a while, and so we scheduled one.  We’re going to have one September 12th.  It’s going to start…

There will be a public meeting on Wednesday, September 10th from 5 to 6:00 pm at the Cumberland City Hall Council Chambers to discuss the conversion of Ascension Street and Jefferson Street to one-way traffic. The streets run off Maryland Avenue and Williams Street. The public is encouraged to attend to hear the proposal and voice any concerns about the proposed traffic change for the two streets.  Anyone with questions may contact the City of Cumberland Engineering Department at 301-759-6600.

Maryland’s Director of Rural Economic Strategy, Carl Anderton, is convinced that growth is coming to Western Maryland.  In his job, Anderton covers 16 counties on the Eastern Shore, Southern Maryland, and Western Maryland. He says that where workforce development plays a part, Allegany County is poised to succeed in meeting the needs of businesses that would locate here…     “The workforce here is tremendous. The work ethic here is tremendous – I mean that’s your baseline. You got to have folks that want to work before they can work, you know, and you definitely have that. So the goal…

On Monday, September 8, 2025 at approximately 5:34 PM, officers of the Cumberland Police Department responded to a residence in the 600 block of Fayette Street for a disturbance involving a firearm.  Police contacted two alleged victims who reported that Jason Baker pointed a rifle at them.  After further investigation, Baker was placed under arrest and transported to Central Booking.  A search warrant was executed at the residence and two firearms and ammunition were seized.  Baker was found to be prohibited from possessing firearms. He was later seen by a District Court Commissioner and remanded to the Allegany County Detention…

On Monday, September 8, 2025 at approximately 8:35 PM, officers of the Cumberland Police Department responded to a residence in the 100 block of S. Liberty Street for an assault.  Police contacted the alleged victim who reported that he was assaulted by Amber Diehl.  Officers observed that the victim had sustained injuries. After further investigation, Diehl was placed under arrest and transported to the Allegany County Detention Center where she is currently being held pending her initial appearance before the court. ARRESTED:  Amber Marie Diehl      AGE: 35       Cumberland, MD CHARGES:  Assault-2nd Degree