Last year the Allegany County Commissioners final budget reflected what was described as  a record-breaking $4.2 million  surplus. It continues a recent run of healthy financials for the county- and although the budget process won’t get underway in earnest until next month- all preliminary signs point to the positive trends continuing. The county benefited financially in 2021 from coronavirus relief funding which pumped $13 million into the county's coffers through the federal American Rescue Plan Act. An increase in property tax assessments and an unexpected spike in income tax revenues have all contributed to the county’s fiscal health. County Administrator…

In March of 2016, the Frostburg City Council voted to amend the city’s zoning laws regulating domestic livestock, allowing households to keep up to six live chickens. A number of Cumberland residents are looking for the city to follow that lead. During the regular public meeting of Cumberland’s City Council last week, a half  dozen citizens lobbied for chickens to be permitted within city limits… Although the city agreed to take the request under advisement, Mayor Ray Morriss sounded less than enthusiastic about the idea…

Glenn Stahlman, a resident of Cash Valley Road in LaVale since the 1960’s, addressed the Allegany County Commissioners last week, once again with complaints about traffic safety issues.  Stalhman said the three and a half mile stretch of road is one of the more heavily traveled in the county-  and all too often used by drivers with no regard for safety. Having failed to get any satisfaction from the Sheriff’s Department- Stalhman on several occasions in the past few years has taken his case to the county commissioners saying that he is particularly concerned with the safety of school children…

Five new committees are being appointed by the Downtown Development Commission with the goal being to have them in place and contributing by summer. During the regular monthly meeting, DDC executive director Melinda Kelleher and historic preservation coordinator Ruth Davis-Rogers provided an overview of the committees and their connection to the Main Street America and Main Street Maryland programs. The committees focus on: design; promotion; organization; economic restructuring and smart growth. Ruth-Davis said national and state models were used in formulating the DDC’s list of committees…

Allegany County Emergency Services are currently on the scene of a house fire on Wood Rose Ave.  WCBC News will update with information as it becomes available. 

Frostburg State University is celebrating its 125th year in 2023 with a special event on May 6.  John Short, Vice President for University Advancement, told WCBC News at Thursday night’s PACE reception that oral histories are being posted online at this time from willing graduates.

On January 21st, 2023, at approximately 11:37 a.m. the Cumberland Police Department responded to the area of Baltimore Street for the report of a male urinating in public. A witness directed officers to the location of the male. The officers were able to contact the subject and identify him as Kevin Clark. Clark was subsequently placed under arrest for disorderly conduct. He was transported to the Cumberland Police Department where he was issued a citation and released. NAME:  Kevin Lamont Clark  AGE: 35  Cumberland, MD CHARGES: Disorderly Conduct

On January 21st, 2023, the Cumberland Police Department served an arrest warrant on Hallie Holder. The arrest warrant was issued as a result of an incident that occurred on January 18th, 2023, in the 200 block of E. Industrial Blvd. An officer conducted an investigation into threats of violence made toward several victims. During the course of the investigation, Holder attempted to spit on officers and Holder continued to threaten to assault the officers after his handcuffs were removed. Holder was transported to the hospital,at this time.  The officer later filed for charges at District Court on Holder. Holder was…

On January 21st, 2023, the Cumberland Police Department served a criminal summons on Mark Wharton. The summons was issued as a result of Wharton being in possession of CDS, during a traffic stop that occurred on July 28th, 2022. Wharton signed for his copy of the summons and was released pending trial at District Court. NAME: Mark Blaine Wharton  AGE: 55 Cumberland, MD CHARGES: CDS possession not cannabis  

On Sunday, January 22, 2023, at approximately 2:44 a.m., the Cumberland Police Department responded to Ridgeway Terrace in reference to a large fight involving several subjects in the street and the sound of gunshots. Upon the officer’s arrival to the scene all subjects had fled.  Officers were able to locate evidence at the scene which confirmed that an assault took place as well as empty casings from a small caliber firearm was also located. Officers began to investigate and talk to anyone in the area who may have information.  Surveillance video which captured the fight was able to be reviewed and several…