With summer in full swing and more social activities and events returning to normal, the Allegany County Health Department reminds everyone to have fun, but continue to do your part to limit the spread of COVID-19 and other illnesses in our communities.  When planning to get together, outdoors is safest.  Individuals who are not fully vaccinated are advised to continue masking at indoor gatherings.  Good hand hygiene and social distancing where possible are also recommended to help prevent COVID from ruining your summer fun.   And, of course, if you are feeling ill, please stay home and isolate yourself from others…

WBAL reports the final numbers are in for early voting ahead of Tuesday's primary. For the eight-day period which ended Thursday evening, the State Board of Elections reports more than 172,000 people voted early, which represents more than 4.5% of the state's eligible voters. That total includes nearly 47,000 people who voted on Thursday, by far the largest one-day total of the early voting period. Twice as many Democrats as Republicans voted early. This total is about 22% fewer than the early voting period ahead of the gubernatorial primary four years ago.  Ballots are being counted with results to be…

A two vehicle accident on Interstate 68 East just east of the Clarysville Bridge. Maryland State Police are on the scene. No injuries reported.

 Fire officials say a National Highway home was destroyed by a fire early Friday that was discovered by a Maryland State Police trooper. The Cumberland Times News reports the  4:10 a.m. fire apparently began at the back of the two-story frame located at 1067 National Highway. There were no injuries. Dozens of volunteer firefighters from various companies responded to the scene under the direction of the LaVale Volunteer Fire Department. First-arriving LaVale volunteers reportedly found the dwelling fully engulfed in flames. LaVale was assisted by volunteer fire companies from Corriganville, Ellerslie, Mount Savage, Frostburg, Shaft, Midland, Bedford Road, Bowling Green,…

Audio from the Thursday night forum.  

On July 14th, 2022, The Cumberland City Police arrested Katrina Brena Jenkins, 30, of Cumberland MD. Jenkins was arrested on an outstanding Bench Warrant issued by the Baltimore City District Court. The Warrant alleged that Jenkins failed to appear in District Court on April 17th, 2019, on previous charges of Second Degree Assault and Dangerous Weapon with Intent to Injure charges. Jenkins was taken before the District Court Commissioner for her Initial Appearance where she was remanded to the Allegany County Detention Center. She is currently being held without bond. Arrested: Katrina Brena Jenkins                     Age: 30 Charges: Bench Warrant –…

The Allegany County Fair and Ag Expo opens today and runs through next Saturday. Kevin Kamauf, events coordinator and manager at the Allegany County Fairgrounds, tells WCBC News that this year’s attractions include rides once again provided by Reithoffer Shows . He says there were big crowds for the 2021 fair and he anticipates similar if not better numbers this year… The nightly entertainment lineup includes the Arion Band, The Newsboys with Adam Agee, Get The Lead Out, and Niko Moon. As always there will be plenty for auto enthusiasts throughout the week in the Grandstand. Tickets for the concerts…

With the $10 million downtown mall renovation project set to go out to bid to prospective construction in just a few weeks- the Downtown Development Commission is moving forward with plans to let businesses know what to expect. Known as the Baltimore Street Access Project, plans include reinstalling Baltimore Street through the downtown pedestrian mall following the replacement of underground utility lines. The plan also includes a new streetscape with plants and shrubs, as well as reimagined parklets.  The Cumberland Economic Development Corp. are preparing mitigation plans for downtown businesses to help them work with any inconveniences that may occur…

The City of Cumberland Engineering Department, on behalf of JMT, would like to notify the public that beginning on Monday, July 18, 2022, through Friday, July 22, 2022, the underside of the Crosstown Bridge (I-68) will be inspected. At various times, the following roads will be flagged to route vehicles around the inspection equipment: Johnson Street Bridge Street South Mechanic Street South Centre Street Queen City Drive Park Street These roads are not expected to be closed at any point during this annual inspection. JMT will stage cones in the parking areas under the bridge to restrict parking in areas…

WCBC Radio hosted a candidates’ forum Thursday evening with state senate candidates Mike McKay and Jake Shade.  The candidates were asked whether they would like the Republican Party in Maryland to be more of a Donald Trump party or Larry Hogan.  Delegate McKay left little doubt as to his feelings. County Commissioner Jake Shade gave a more nuanced answer.