A CSX train derailed around 730PM on August 14th allong Queen City Drive in downtown Cubrerland with two empty cars dislodged from the tracks.  CSX officials arrived on the scene shortly after Allegany County Emergency Services.  After several hours, the necessary equipment arrived on scene to clear the derailed train cars.  Queen City Drive will be shut down between Bedford Street and Centre Street for equipment removal. This project is expected to take several more hours to be completed.  WCBC;s Bryan Gowans reports from the site of the delrailment…    

On August 14th, 2022 the Cumberland Police, along with the Cumberland Fire Department were called to Queen City Drive for a train derailment. Two empty cars had become dislodged from the tracks.  CSX officials arrived on the scene shortly after.  After several hours, the necessary equipment arrived on scene to clear the derailed train cars.  The Police closed Queen City Drive between Bedford St and N. Centre St. while the work was being conducted.  At this time the roadway is open while the derailed train cars are being cleared. After the derailed train cars are cleared Queen City Drive will…

Interest in the former Luke Mill property continues with sources telling WCBC News that momentum toward a deal is building. Speculation has centered on an incineration operation which could employ hundreds- but there is no confirmation at this time. Last owned by the Verso Corporation, the mill was closed in June 2019, impacting 675 workers. While a liquidation sale of the equipment was held on-line in early June-  Allegany County officials at the time expressed optimism that the land could be marketed for other businesses. State Senator George Edwards said he won’t comment on any potential transaction until such a…

With temperatures still hovering around 80 degrees, talk of snow days seems a little out of place, however an inclement weather plan is required prior to the start of the new school year. With opening day set for August 24th, the Allegany County Board of Education approved a plan at its regular public meeting following a presentation by chief academic officer Kim Green-Kalbaugh, She said MSDE permits school districts to use up to eight days of virtual learning. The ACPS will utilize those virtual learning days for inclement weather. For the first three inclement weather days, asynchronous learning will be…

The Allegany County Commissioners, last week, voted to re-authorize property tax credits for 10 community organizations. The tax credits have been extended to the entities for several years in the past with the latest credits approved for the 2023 fiscal year. County Attorney Lee Beeman… The following entities were granted credits: the LaVale Lions, Allegany County Ag Expo, Cumberland Cultural Foundation, Frostburg Lions, the Carver Center, Allegany County Animal Shelter, the Lions Center for Extended Care, United Brotherhood of Carpenter Local 1024, Cumberland Outdoor Club and the Western Maryland Labor Council.

Officials say this is the best time ever for entrepreneurs and property owners to pursue business plans in the downtown district- with another grant program totaling nearly $1 million about to open for applications. Earlier this year the Allegany County Commissioners voted to award $365,000 to a variety of business and property improvement programs administered by the Cumberland Economic Development Corporation. The county's $365,000 contribution brings the CEDC's Baltimore Street Comprehensive Investment Program to $950,000. CEDC executive director Matt Miller said this is the most amount of money ever made available at one time for investment in the downtown business…

Republican Maryland Governor Larry Hogan made a stop at the Iowa State Fair amid speculation he plans to launch a campaign for president in 2024. Hogan’s trip made him the first Republican 2024 hopeful to visit the fair this election cycle. Prognosticators have widely speculated he intends to run for president, seeking to fill a moderate, anti-Trump lane in a party still led by former President Donald Trump. Despite what appear to be obvious campaign stops in Iowa, and last month in New Hampshire, Hogan maintains he won’t make a decision until he completes his term as governor…

West Virginia Governor Jim Justice has called the National Guard in to help with staffing shortages at the state’s regional jails and prisons.  According to the governor’s office, the correctional officer vacancy rate at the Potomac Highlands Regional Jail in Hampshire County is 64%. The Vicki Douglas Juvenile Center in Berkeley County is close behind at 61%. Justice said he was disappointed when state lawmakers failed to approve a locality pay raise bill during this year’s regular legislative session…

The Cumberland Police are currently on Queen City Drive with CSX for a train derailment.  Two empty cars have come off the tracks.  There is no danger to the public, however the train crossings will be closed on Baltimore St at Queen City Drive and at Beall St for an extended period of time.   Please find alternate routes.   

UPDATE 3:30PM  Repairs have been made and streets reopened. The City of Cumberland Water Department is reporting an emergency shutdown due to a 12" water main break on Oldtown Road.  The area affected includes Oldtown Road from Winifred Road to Mullen Street.  Road closures include Oldtown Road from Mullen Street to White Oaks Avenue and Winifred Road to Michigan Avenue.: