A caller to the Dave Norman show this week brought up the ongoing issue of having a Memorial Day parade go through downtown Cumberland.  The caller suggested that the city is in tough shape if it cannot grant such a request…     “It is pretty sad that we can’t have a doggone parade down Baltimore Avenue, and if they’re worried about paying somebody time-and-a-half, Cumberland is in trouble.” City Council member Rock Cioni commented that there is support for the event…     “I’ve talked to my cohorts on the City Council and we support bringing back the Memorial…

All westbound traffic on Interstate 68 is shut down on the crosstown bridge while crews work to remove wreckage from a tractor trailer crash.  Lanes should be shut down for approximately three hours.

Police and emergency services are on the scene of a truck crash just before the Beall Street exit of Interstate 68 Westbound. A truck traveling in that direction crashed into the guardrail and is hanging over the rail. Traffic is moving although there are lane closures.   

A Somerset, Pennsylvania inmate has been sentenced to death for killing a prison guard.  Thirty-year-old Paul Kendrick was sentenced Thursday for murdering Sergeant Mark Baserman in 2018 at the Somerset Correctional Institute.  Kendrick was already serving a life sentence for another killing. 

Officials at West Virginia University have confirmed the visas of seven students have been revoked by the federal government.  A WVU spokesperson confirmed as of Wednesday one student and three alumni from the Morgantown campus and three students at WVU Institute of Technology in Beckley had been notified of terminations in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System.  WVU Director of News Communications Shauna Johnson said in all cases the justification listed was “Name found in criminal records check.”

The Allegany County Public School System’s 11th grade students captured the top team and individual honors at the 35th ACM Tri-State Mathematics Contest. Allegany High School Team 1 came in first place with Allegany student Bryce Bridges winning first place in the individual competition with a perfect score. Bryce’s perfect score is believed to be the first in the competition.  Allegany High School Team 2 placed third and CCTE placed fourth.  Seven Tri-State area high schools participated in the competition.

WCBC has learned that it is indeed Longhorn Steakhouse that will be locating along Vocke Road in LaVale. Construction continues at the site, but no hard opening date has been set. Jeff Barclay of Allegany County Economic Development said other restaurants and retailers are also interested in the LaVale area while plans continue in Cumberland for a location of Chipotle and Jersey Mike’s Subs. Construction of a new location for Dunkin Donuts is also continuing at Williams and Park Streets.

On Wednesday, April 9th, 2025, The Cumberland Police Department arrested John Edward Northcraft, 43, of Cumberland MD. Northcraft was arrested on an active Bench Warrant issued by the Allegany County Circuit Court on April 4th, 2025. The warrant alleges Northcraft violated the terms and conditions of probation that had been placed upon him due to a previous conviction on harassment charges. Northcraft was taken before a District Court Commissioner for an Initial Appearance where he was remanded to the Allegany County Detention Center. He is currently being held without bond. ARRESTED – John Edward Northcraft  W/M 43yo CHARGES – Bench Warrant-…

On Wednesday, April 9th, 2025, The Cumberland Police Department arrested Jeremy Allen Shields, 40, of Cumberland MD. Shields was arrested on a Fugitive Warrant when it was discovered he had an active warrant for his arrest in the state of West Virginia. The original warrant, issued by the Magistrate Court of Mineral County, was issued for charges of battery, breaking and entering, and destruction of property. Shields was taken before a District Court Commissioner for an Initial Appearance where he was remanded to the Allegany County Detention Center. He is currently being held without bond, awaiting extradition to West Virginia….

Business growth in Downtown Cumberland has taken a positive turn as investors buy and rehabilitate buildings for upper-story living and new retail, restaurant, and office space. A standout in this area has been the Rosenbaum Building, home to shops and apartments as well as business office space.  Mayor Ray Morriss sees movement to the area being a good sign economically…    “Sparc Engineering which is setting their offices up in the Rosenbaum Building, I think that especially Sparc – that is something that could truly help us in our area to generate future jobs as businesses and firms that are…