Thousands of Maryland students are now  back in school- and many systems across the state are operating with serious teacher shortage. While Allegany and Garrett County school systems are adequately staffed at this point- state education officials admit this year will be a challenge. WBAL reports across Maryland, local school systems have developed what they call backup plans to help them respond to the teacher shortage, but even with first-time teachers coming onboard, the numbers are still not adding up. Clarence Crawford, president of the Maryland State Board of Education, says while some of the efforts being taken may help…

Last Thursday’s announcement that the Rocky Gap Casino Resort is being sold caught most local and state officials off guard.  Details of Golden Entertainment’s plan to sell the Western Maryland resort for $260 million were announced during a meeting of the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Commission with Golden Entertainment officials declining to take questions from state regulators as the deal is pending. A number of elected officials with the state and county told WCBC News they had no advanced knowledge of a potential sale- learning through media reports after the announcement was made. In 2021, Rocky Gap had $78…

Although the COVID-19 pandemic and more recently supply chain issues slowed hampered the schedule  considerably in the past year, construction continues along Park Street and the hope is that “open for business”  signs will be popping up in spring. It was seven years ago when city officials announced plans for a commercial plaza at the site situated in the Rolling Mill neighborhood between Maryland Avenue and Park Street and Emily and Williams streets, off Interstate 68- and a groundbreaking ceremony was held in December of 2020. The developer, Ed Scott, of Kline Scott Visco Commercial Real Estate, provided an update…

On August 27th,2022,  The Maryland State Police, and Allegany County Sheriff's Office responded to the 12000blk of Bowling Street, Cumberland, MD for a reported armed robbery. Almost immediately upon arriving  officers were directed to a McMullen Highway address as the possible suspect location.  It was learned that a male subject had displayed a handgun to the victim and ordered him to surrender his car keys.  The subject then forced the victim to a different location in the home where he ordered him to remain.  The suspect then exited the home and began to flee.  As the suspect fled he was pursued…

On August 27th, 2022 at approximately 6:00 pm officers of the Cumberland Police Department responded to the 200 block of Paca Street for a reported assault. Upon officer’s arrival they spoke with the victim who advised that Charles Robert Bauman II had assaulted them. The victim advised officers that Bauman had grabbed them by the arms, threw them to the ground, and strangled them. Officers observed evidence of the assault and placed Bauman under arrest. While officers placed Bauman under arrest he began yelling and creating a disturbance. Bauman was then taken before a District Court Commissioner where he was…

The West Virginia State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) is seeking nominations for Our Legacy, Our Future Preservation Awards. Nominations will be accepted until Sept. 15, 2022. Individuals, organizations, resources and historic districts are all eligible for consideration. The awards will be presented at a reception at West Virginia Independence Hall in Wheeling on Sunday, Oct. 9, 2022, at 2 p.m. Nominations will need a one-page summary of the reasons for the nomination and up to five supporting documents.  This awards program honors the exemplary work of dedicated people who keep the state moving forward as they help to preserve and protect its…

On August 26th, 2022 at approximately 2:00 pm officers of the Cumberland Police Department responded to the 300 block of Davidson Street for a reported breaking and entering. Upon officer’s arrival they located an unsecured door, the property to be posted as no trespassing, and continued to check the residence. Officers then located Aaron Scott Long, and Chandler Long to be at the rear of the residence. The officers continued their investigation and learned that Chandler had been inside the residence. Aaron was released on a Criminal Citation for Trespassing and Chandler was placed under arrest for breaking and entering….

On August 27th, 2022 at approximately 1:30 am officers of the Cumberland Police Department responded to the area of Pershing Street and Mechanic Street for a reported fight in progress. Officers arrived on scene and observed a large crowd of people. In this large crowd officers observed Amia Denise Blowe and Iyana Tanae Smith to be engaged in a fight in the street. As officers placed Smith and Blowe under arrest they observed a second fight occurring involving Jaylyn Butler, and another male. Officers attempted to place Butler under arrest, but he actively resisted arrest. Officers were able to place…

CHARLESTON — West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey announced a representative from his office will meet with Eastern Panhandle residents in September to discuss consumer-related issues and answer any potential questions. “These public events are a great way for consumers to talk one-on-one with our consumer representatives,” Attorney General Morrisey said. “Residents can easily get questions answered, learn what is going on in their area and how to keep personal information safe and secure.” Richard Dennis, a consumer outreach and compliance specialist with the office, will host the events as scheduled below:  Sept. 7: 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. – Hardy…