The Congressional Budget Office on Wednesday said the U.S. Treasury Department will exhaust its ability to pay all its bills sometime between July and September, unless the current $31.4 trillion cap on borrowing is raised or suspended. In a report issued alongside its annual budget outlook, the non-partisan CBO cautioned that a historic federal debt default could occur before July if revenue flowing into the Treasury in April – when most Americans typically submit annual income tax filings – lags expectations. Democrats are pressing for a quick, clean increase in Treasury borrowing authority, while Republicans insist on first nailing down significant reductions in…

A very busy Wednesday for Allegany County Emergency Services battling two large brush fires, a house fire and unintended trash fire as well as a missing juvenile. Kicking off yesterday afternoon with the fire and Corriganville area along Mount Savage and later a second fire along Mountain Ridge Road area of Rawlings. Low humidity Gusty winds and dry ground conditions for a second straight day make a dangerous combination for brush fires in our region. Firefighters from Allegany and Garrett County along with fire crews from Pennsylvania and West Virginia responding to the Corriganville fire. An hour later firefighters from Allegany…

With Maryland's new governor pushing for another increase in the state's minimum wage by October, some local officials are concerned with the impact that could have small businesses in the region. Western Maryland faces a unique challenge in that customers can easily cross borders to West Virginia or Pennsylvania to shop. The minimum wage in Pennsylvania is $7.25 an hour, in West Virginia it is $8.75. Cumberland Mayor Ray Morriss said that a multi tiered approach with the rates depending on what part of the state you live in would be helpful, but he doesn't anticipate the General Assembly moving…

The City of Cumberland Engineering Department would like to notify the public on the behalf of Columbia Gas of Maryland that between February 15th, 2023 and February 24th, 2023 there will be construction performed on Weber Street, between Baltimore Ave and Westview Terrace from 7AM to 7PM each day. Weber Street will be closed to thru traffic from Baltimore Avenue to Westview Terrace between 7AM and 7PM on February 15th to February 24th. The road closure will allow Columbia Gas and its contractor to complete a critical task in the project area. A separate project will take place between February 15th,…

Even though covid numbers are down dramatically, crowded hospitals are becoming an issue nationwide. According to the Maryland Hospital Association it is a combination of factors beginning with flu cases on the rise while staffing levels are significantly down at the same time, more people are seeking care some for issues that put off during the pandemic some for issues caused by it. Which all adds up to crowded hospitals. While those are problem that have been experienced locally at UPMC Western Maryland and hasn't gotten unmanageable according to hospital officials. President Michelle Martz tells WCBC news that the staffing shortage…

On February 16th, 2023 officers of the Cumberland Police Department served a Criminal Summons on Autumn Forsythe. The Criminal Summons was issued by the District Court stemming from a theft investigation that occurred on February 8th, 2023, at a Park Street business. During this incident officers spoke with employees and learned that a female had taken items from the store without paying. Officers were able to obtain evidence, and with the public’s assistance, were able to identify the female as Forsythe. She was served with her criminal summons and released pending her trial at the District Court. Arrest: Autumn Lee…

Beginning in the fall of 2023, Frostburg State University will partner with Allegany County Public Schools to offer the Bobcat Academy – a dual enrollment pilot program to give motivated high school juniors and seniors an immersive college experience and an opportunity to earn college credits while simultaneously completing high school.  Students meeting the eligibility requirements and who are interested in applying for acceptance into the Bobcat Academy will have the opportunity to do so at several Open House events. The dates are as follows: Monday, Feb. 20, at 11 a.m. at Allegany High School and Wednesday, March 1, at…

The City of Cumberland Engineering Department would like to notify the public on the behalf of Columbia Gas of Maryland that between February 15th, 2023 and February 24th, 2023 there will be construction performed on Weber Street, between Baltimore Ave and Westview Terrace from 7AM to 7PM each day.   Weber Street will be closed to thru traffic from Baltimore Avenue to Westview Terrace between 7AM and 7PM on February 15th to February 24th.   The road closure will allow Columbia Gas and its contractor to complete a critical task in the project area.   The Engineering Department will issue…

Governor Wes Moore announced $13.7 million in Capital Grants funding and a $9.1 million contract for the non-profit Oyster Recovery Partnership, awarded this morning at the Board of Public Works meeting. The funding will foster essential capital projects for museums, community centers, medical and athletic facilities, community revitalization, and historical buildings, and will continue the state’s critical oyster restoration work. “The funds awarded today will help ensure that some of Maryland's most renowned institutions and most important economic drivers will continue to thrive and grow,” said Governor Wes Moore. “We are committed, through these investments, to moving Maryland forward.” Capital Grant programs…

Allegany County Emergency Services reports a large brush fire near Mt Savage Road and Portertown Road