The number of vehicle thefts in Maryland declined for the fourth straight year in 2020. However, work continues by the Maryland State Police, allied law enforcement agencies and the Maryland Vehicle Theft Prevention Council to reduce those rates even further in upcoming years. This come as July is National Vehicle Theft Prevention Month. In Maryland, a car is stolen every 49 minutes, while one is stolen every 39 seconds in the United States. In most cases, vehicles are stolen either for the resale or distribution of parts, for transportation purposes, for the commission of other crimes, or for exportation. One of the…

In honor of the Allegany High School Reunion weekend festivities, the City of Cumberland welcomes everyone to gather on the downtown bricks on Friday, July 8th from 6PM-9PM for a “Friday After Five” performance by Queen City Funk and Soul. For this evening, an open container ordinance will be in effect, so grab some food and drinks from a downtown restaurant or bar and enjoy the music. The fun continues on Saturday, July 9th from 2PM-4PM, as we welcome Almost Indigo on the bricks. This band is comprised of current students and recent graduates of Allegany High School.

A fire was reported in the 300 block of Williams Street early this morning, with emergency crews dispatched to the scene approximately 5:30 a.m. No injuries reported

On 6/30/2022 at approximately 2:00 PM the Cumberland City Police were dispatched to the 300 block of Davidson Street for two young unattended juveniles walking in the roadway. Upon arrival the officer spoke to witness who had the children safe inside a nearby residence. The officer learned the children were walking without shoes and not fully clothed. The officer was able to get one of the juveniles to provide their name. The officer contacted Child Protective Services and provided the juveniles name. The officer was advised that there was an ongoing investigation involving the juveniles being left unattended in the…

The 13th annual 4th of July celebration on historic Washington Street returns this year with food, drinks, and live music. The Chinese Bandits celebrating 51 years of performing will be steps of the Allegany County library from 6 till 9, DJ Mark Stevens will provide patriotic music during the city of Cumberland fireworks extravaganza. This years event is sponsored by Let's Beautify Cumberland in cooperation with the Friends of the Washington Street Library, the Washington Street Association and the Heritage Days Festival committee. WCBC news spoke with Ed Mullaney Co-Chair of this year's event who says as always the food…

Maryland’s Primary Election is less than three weeks away- and locally the District One State Senate race will result in one of the area’s leading Republicans no longer holding public office. The race pits Delegate Mike McKay against Allegany County Commissioner Jake Shade- both vying for the seat being vacated by Senator George Edward’s retirement. In a candidates forum this week sponsored by the Allegany County Chamber of Commerce the two men fielded questions on the economy, COVID and the challenges facing rural Maryland.  Although there was generally a civil tone in the 45 minute session, the two did exchange…

WCBC’s Andee Thompson has retired- bring to a close a 36 year career in local radio. Andee began at WCBC in August of 1986, originally scheduling ads before moving into the sales department. Her final day on the job was Thursday…

Five of the six Republican candidates seeking election to the Allegany County Board of Commissioners took part in a Chamber of Commerce forum this week- with economic development and jobs dominating much of the discussion.  Candidate Bill Atkinson talked about the role tourism can play in boosting the economy… Candidate David Robison says the county isn’t taking advantage of the numerous properties that have been invested in over the years- with many sitting vacant… Incumbent David Caporale said despite a perception to the contrary the county has seen businesses locate and expand in recent years.. Candidate Jonathan Dayton says there…

Following the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, West Virginia Governor Jim Justice said Thursday he will make good on his promise to call lawmakers back to Charleston for a special session on West Virginia abortion rights. On Wednesday night, West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey released a memorandum saying that an abortion law in the West Virginia State Code from the 1800s is enforceable. That law is older than the state and would make abortion a felony in West Virginia.  After consulting with legislators and the state’s legal team, Justice said he is prepared to move forward…

Marylanders will be paying more at the pump as of today due to a legislatively mandated automatic gas tax increase. A bill passed in 2013 calls for an automatic gas tax increase based on inflation, which is measured by the Consumer Price Index. Starting today drivers will pay about 7 cents more per gallon for gas. This brings to total state gas tax from 36 cents a gallon to 43 cents per gallon. Ahead of the hike, some elected officials called on the Maryland General Assembly to convene a special session to suspend the state’s gas tax. Delegate Kathy Szeliga…