The Blueprint for Maryland Future’s Accountability and Implementation Board has released a nearly 180-page draft document that outlines plans to revamp the state’s education system. The proposed 10-year comprehensive plan details a multi-billion-dollar plan to reform early childhood education, hire and retain high-quality and diverse teachers, ensure students are prepared for college and technical careers and provide additional resources for students in need. Allegany County School Superintendent Jeff Blank, addressing the state board at last week’s monthly meeting held in Hagerstown, said the new revenue stream creates a world of opportunity for the system. He says it is a vastly different atmosphere…

Bolstered by an influx of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds- many municipalities have been flush with cash in recent years sporting healthy fiscal reserves. Cumberland has reaped the benefits from the financial windfall, but Mayor Ray Morriss says it is important for the city to follow a fiscally conservative path moving forward as those new funds have the potential to rapidly disappear…

Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott is responding to the effort by the Republican candidate for governor, Dan Cox, on his message for people to watch out for potential voter fraud surrounding the election. Cox called on his supporters to monitor ballot drop boxes, take photos and videos, and even confront people they deem to be suspicious.  During a press conference at City Hall, Scott said they're coordinating with police on making sure everyone is safe while voting while at the same time blasting Cox suggesting he is unfit to serve…

The Cumberland Historic Cemetery Organization is holding it’s final momument ceremony of the year on Saturday when two Confederate soldiers are recognized at Kelly’s Island on the Potomac River near Fort Ashby. According to information provided by the organization the two men were shot in the back by Union troops while swimming across the Potomac River near Cumberland in 1861. Identified by last names only “Foley and O’Fanton” – they are buried in the Ft Ashby cemetery. While discussing the upcoming ceremony on WCBC’s “Dave Norman Show”, organization president Ed Taylor Jr also addressed the large number of incidents across…

According to Allegany County Emergency Management, a vehicle accident on Route 220 north/Bedford Valley road has closed the highway as of approximately 1:38 this afternoon. WCBC will provide further details as they become available.  

On Wednesday November 2, 2022, at approximately 1950 hours officers of the Cumberland Police Department responded to an address in the 400 block of Baltimore Avenue for an assault involving a knife. Upon arrival police made contact with a victim on scene. The victim advised that they had been arguing with David Easton Williams when he produced a knife and began to threaten them with it in a reckless manner. Williams was then placed under arrest and transported to central booking.  He was later seen by a district court commissioner and remanded to the Allegany County Detention Center held without…

On Wednesday November 2, 2022, at approximately 1200 hours officers of the Cumberland Police Department responded to an address in the 700 block of Hill Top Drive for a disturbance. Police made contact with a victim on scene who advised they were arguing with Ashley Hook. Police attempted to speak with Hook who refused to cooperate and began yelling at officers. She was advised to stop creating a disturbance. Hook continued her actions and was subsequently placed under arrest. She was transported to police headquarters and released on a citation. ARREST: Ashley Nicole Hook  AGE: 32  Cumberland, MD CHARGE: Disorderly…

On Wednesday November 2, 2022, the Cumberland Police Department served a bench warrant on Mathews Norris. The warrant was issued as a result of Norris violating conditions of his probation. He was originally charged with possessing child pornography.  Norris was arrested and transported to central booking. He was later seen by a district court commissioner and remanded to the Allegany County Detention Center without bond. ARRESTED:  Mathews Mark Norris     AGE: 49       Cumberland, MD On Wednesday November 2, 2022, the Cumberland Police Department served two bench warrants on Cody Butler. The warrants were issued as a result of Butler violating conditions of…

Although not being taught in the Allegany County Public School system, some Board of Education candidates have sounded the alarm about “critical race theory” as part of their campaigns.  The term critical race theory refers to an academic framework that argues racism is a systemic problem ingrained in American institutions. There are six candidates running for three open seats on the school board- and they addressed the CRT issue during a recent WCBC forum. Incumbent David Bohn and challenger Janet Heavner… Challengers Meggin Miller and Linda Widmyer… Incumbent Robert Farrell and challenger Lori Lepley…    

The growing homelessness and vagrancy problem in Cumberland is becoming a regular topic of discussion during City Council meetings with a number of citizens raising concern. The pedestrian underpass that crosses beneath Queen City Drive and the CSX railroad tracks; Canal Place and George Washington’s Cabin are popular gathering places.   Karen Lockhart, a woman who says that she has been a resident for less than two years, has appeared before city officials on a number of occaisions seeking answers. Lockhart said she  isn’t interested in seeing people arrested or forced out of town- but rather would like to see a…