The long awaited return of the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad’s 1309 steam locomotive will take place this Saturday, May 3rd.  The engine had been taken out of service for repairs to its pistons. Wes Heinz, director of WMSR, says that after a year off the tracks, 1309 will make its first trip up to Frostburg…     “We are planning on debuting her on Saturday. If everything works out the way we have planned and we hope Saturday she’ll lead her first trip up to Frostburg in about a year, so, we like to try to debut steam the first…

A powerful storm in western Pennsylvania Tuesday night downed trees and power lines, with officials reporting at least three deaths.  A Duquesne Light spokesperson called the storm’s damage “unprecedented” for knocking out electricity for some 250,000 of its customers and producing reports of 22,000 hazards, including felled trees, downed wires and broken poles.  Authorities say two electrocutions in Pennsylvania are storm-related.

The Maryland Department of Agriculture has begun to inspect electric vehicle chargers in the state.  The department has typically inspected gas pumps and grocery store scales but now has moved on to include EV charging stations.

Pennsylvania state police say a Bedford County woman is behind bars after she allegedly ordered a child to lie about being sexually assaulted.  Police say 35-year-old Jasmine Allison, of Bedford Township, is now jailed after investigators say she coerced a girl into lying about being sexually abused by a relative.

On April 29th, 2025 the Cumberland Police Department served a criminal summons on Mercedes E. Webb. The summons was issued after a Cumberland Police officer conducted an investigation into an assault that occurred on Columbia Street on April 21st, 2025. An officer responded to the 400 block of Columbia Street and spoke with a victim that advised Webb assaulted them. The officer observed injuries consistent with the victim's statement and applied for charges at District Court. Webb signed for her copy of the summons and was released pending trial at District Court.  NAME: Mercedes E. Webb AGE: 26 Cumberland, MD…

On April 29th, 2025 the Cumberland Police Department served a bench warrant on Rodney Lee Smith. The warrant was issued after Smith failed to appear for court on April 28th, 2025, which violated terms of his probation. Smith was placed under arrest and transported to central booking. He was then seen by a District Court commissioner where he was held on $2,500.00 bond. NAME: Rodney Lee Smith AGE: 58 Cumberland, MD CHARGE: Violation of Probation  

Allegany County Public schools are the recipient of funds from the GIANT Company’s Feeding School Kids initiative. Community members who shop at select stores help support school districts in addressing childhood hunger. Shoppers are able to round up their purchase to the nearest dollar or converting CHOICE points into a donation for their local schools’ food program.  Schools use the funds to expand food distribution programs, cover student meal debt, and provide extra weekend meals.

Maryland Public Television is taking to the skies for its newest documentary, “Maryland By Air.” Cal Ripken, Jr. narrates the one-hour program showcasing Maryland from above using drones, helicopters, and a vintage bi-plane. Aerial footage of Western Maryland is featured including the hills of Allegany and Garrett counties, Deep Creek Lake, Antietam National Battlefield, and the C&O Canal. The show airs Thursday at 8pm on PBS.

On April 29th, 2025 at approximately 8:07 p.m. an officer with the Cumberland Police Department was patrolling the 900 block of Frederick Street when they observed a male subject with an active arrest warrant, Jude David Smith. The officer then approached Smith who began to run from the officer. Smith then abruptly turned on the officer and retrieved a large knife from his waistband. Smith then threatened himself and officers with the knife. He was given multiple orders to drop his weapon to which he did not comply. Smith then attempted to flee, once more. After a brief foot pursuit,…

On April 29th, 2025 at approximately 11:23 a.m., an officer from the Cumberland Police Department was patrolling the area of Queen City Drive. When they observed Richard Lee Flowers crossing an area of CSX property that was conspicuously marked "NO TRESPASSING." The officer contacted Flowers and issued him a citation for the offense. He was then released from the scene pending trial at District Court.  NAME: Richard Lee FLowers AGE: 61 Cumberland, MD  CHARGE: Trespassing on Posted Property