Since the Roe v. Wade ruling was overturned, the Department of Veterans Affairs has provided abortion services to veterans and their beneficiaries in cases of rape, incest, or threats to the life or health of the mother. Trump administration officials are now ending the Biden-era rule that allows those services to be provided.  Lindsay Church with Minority Veterans of America says veterans will now be at the mercy of their state’s abortion laws…    15 secs "All of this is wrapped up in the veteran community being more likely to be sexually assaulted in the military, to be sexually assaulted…

The proposed Mid-Atlantic Resiliency Link, a transmission line that would run from Pennsylvania through Maryland to Virginia is raising a large number of opponents from residents to nature lovers.  The line is to run parallel with power lines already in place, but John Bambacus, an opponent and former Maryland State Senator, says it will still involve taking property…     “They want to expand the right-of-way to over 600 feet. 600 feet is a lot of space. It’s going to take private property, farm land. This area – Garrett and Allegany County are known for its tourism, of course. You’re…

More than 3,000 flash flood warnings have been issued so far this year across the United States, and AAA is warning consumers that water damaged cars could flood the market.  Ben Perricone of AAA says a water-damaged car isn’t immediately noticeable…     “The challenge for folks, is a lot of that water damage will not manifest itself until much later in the car’s life, until it’s had a chance to generate corrosion and rust and that sort of thing.”  Perricone adds that buyers should check the car’s Vehicle Identification Number through their insurance agency…    “Get him or her…

On Sunday, August 24, 2025, at approximately 3:13 a.m., the Frostburg City Police Department responded to an East Main Street business for an armed robbery that had just occurred. Officers learned that an individual entered the business, displayed a handgun, pointed it at staff and customers, demanded and obtained cash and other items, and fled the scene on foot. Based on information learned at the scene, the suspect was identified as Ronald Dewain Smith, Jr., 36, of Frostburg. Officers responded to a private residence where they located Smith and placed him under arrest. A search of the residence was conducted…

On Sunday, August 24, 2025, Officers of the Cumberland Police Department responded to the 600 Block of Yale Street for the report of an assault. Upon arrival, Officers made contact with several residents inside the home. It was learned through the investigation that Garrett Butler had assaulted multiple persons inside to include using a knife. As a result, Butler was taken before a District Court Commissioner, where he was remanded to the Allegany County Detention Center and held without bond.  ARRESTED: Garrett Ray Butler    AGE: 23        Cumberland, Maryland CHARGES: Assault 1st Degree, Assault 2nd Degree (x2),…

Deputy State Fire Marshals charged a Cumberland man with allegedly setting a fire in July near the  Board of Education maintenance building. Michael Gage Butler, 30, was arrested by troopers last Thursday. Just after noon on July 4, the Cumberland Fire Department and Cumberland Police Department responded to a fire at 211 Market Street. Firefighters controlled the fire, limiting damages to an estimated $1,000. Firefighters were able to extinguish the fire before it spread to the building. Investigators from the Office of the State Fire Marshal, the Cumberland Fire Marshal's Office, the Cumberland Police Department, and the Board of Education Security…

The town of Lonaconing is holding a 90 day “Get Healthy” program beginning September 2nd.  .  Mayor Jack Coburn told WCBC the town has hosted the event before and wanted to bring it back again to encourage healthy goals.  Those interested should check-in at the Lonaconing Town Hall …     “The customer comes in, pays $5 to join the program.  They weigh in up until the second of September when it starts, and then the 90th day will be December 1st.  They need to come back in on that date and get weighed for their final weight.” Four winners…

Handicap parking violators will see a jump in the amount of fines 30 days from now.  The City of Cumberland saw enough of an issue with non-handicapped drivers ignoring the $25 fine a decision was made to increase it, according to Mayor Ray Morriss…    “It seems like the $25 fine is not really a deterrent for that space a little closer.  I think when you get to $500 people have a tendency to say, ‘You know, it is not worth it.’” Mayor added that the City will take the next 30 days to ensure the signage is clear…  …

First semester funding is available for West Virginia Hope Scholarship student participants to use for the 2025-2026 academic year.  Though the deadline for the full amount was in June, new Hope students who apply by September 15th will receive 75%, 50% between September 16th and November 30th, and 25% December 1st through February 28th.  Information is available at hopescholarshipwv.gov.

Elizabeth Manges is the recipient of Allegany College of Maryland’s seventh Distinguished Alumni Award.  Manges is the first woman president of the Hometown Bank of PA, a community financial institution with seven branches.  She has more than three decades of banking, lending, and finance experience.  She also serves on the ACM Bedford County Campus Advisory Committee.