U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen and Congressmen Steny Hoyer, Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, Kweisi Mfume, Andy Harris, Anthony Brown, Jamie Raskin and David Trone Thursday wrote to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Baltimore District Director Greg Collett urging him to address concerning trends in the delivery of routine services at the USCIS Baltimore Field Office. The lack of responsiveness from the USCIS Baltimore Field Office “frustrates our constituents and leaves them with an upsetting lack of information about decisions that are fundamental to their livelihoods,” the delegation said.   “We recognize that the past few years have…

The Maryland Department of Health (MDH) has confirmed and reported the death of a Maryland resident in which human monkeypox (MPX) was a contributing factor. The individual was immunocompromised, resulting in a more severe case. MDH will not be providing additional information to protect patient confidentiality. “Human monkeypox is still circulating and can cause severe illness and death,” said MDH Deputy Secretary for Public Health Services Dr. Jinlene Chan. “If you are eligible, such as being immunocompromised or at-risk, the best way to protect yourself against serious illness from MPX is by getting vaccinated.” MPX is a rare but serious…

Lt. Governor Boyd Rutherford celebrated the finale of his State Park Bucket List journey, officially visiting all 75 state parks in Maryland. He was joined by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for the momentous occasion at St. Clement’s Island State Park in St. Mary’s County.  Rutherford visited Rocky Gap State Park last year. 

Fifty junior and senior students from Allegany High School were inducted into membership of the National Honor Society (NHS) on Tuesday, October 18, 2022, in front of parents, staff, students, and guests. Honored guests included Superintendent of Allegany County Public Schools, Mr. Jeffrey Blank; Mrs. Crystal Bender, school board President; Mrs. Debra Frank, school board member; and Mrs. Tammy Fraley, school board member. Speakers included Mrs. Heidi Laupert, Allegany High School Principal, and Mr. Larry Jackson, Allegany High School’s Teacher of the Year. The ceremony was held in the theatre and was also observable via live-stream school-wide to the entire…

BENCH WARRANT SERVED On Thursday, October 20, 2022, the Cumberland Police Department served a District Court bench warrant on Marquis Carpenter.  The warrant was issued as the result of Carpenter violating probation.  Carpenter was originally charged with traffic offenses.  He was arrested and transported to Central Booking.  He was later seen by a District Court Commissioner and remanded to the Allegany County Detention Center on a $2,500 bond. ARRESTED:  Marquis Laniell Carpenter      AGE: 29        Cumberland, MD BENCH WARRANTS SERVED On Thursday, October 20, 2022, the Cumberland Police Department served two Circuit Court body attachments and three District Court bench warrants…

While the six candidates seeking one of three open seats on the Allegany County Board of Education were like minded on a wide range of issues during WCBC’s forum this week- there were a few hot button issues that saw some division. One of those focused on how the subject of gender identity is being handled in the school system. Under state guidelines issued in 2015, it is suggested that all Maryland schools provide access to a restroom that corresponds to a student’s gender. A single stall in the restroom with a locking door should be designated “unisex/gender neutral” and…

Gun ownership and the Second Amendment were among the issues addressed during WCBC’s  political forum featuring candidates for the Maryland District 1 Senate seat. Delegate Mike McKay, a Republican, is facing Democrat Mike Dreisbach in the Nov. 8 general election. The winner will fill the seat made available by the retirement of Senator George Edwards. Gun issues surfaced in Maryland over the summer when Governor Larry Hogan relaxed the conceal/carry rules. Maryland has some of the more restrictive gun laws in the nation, and Mckay says he has no interest in seeing any further bans…  Dreisbach, owner of the Savage…

The Cumberland Mayor and city council Thursday evening authorizatiog two cost share agreement with the Maryland State Highway Administration regarding replacement of the bridge on Cumberland Street over the CSX railway with the city's portion estimated not to exceed $209,846 which represents 20% of the total estimated cost of 1,049,846. City officials also authorizing a cost share agreement with the Maryland State Highway Administration regarding the replacement of Baltimore Street bridge over Wills Creek with the city's portion estimated not to exceed $22,364. This represents 20% of the total estimated cost of $101,820. Robert Smith, Director of Engineering for the…

As a result of efforts by Maryland’s Congressional delegation- Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin and Congressman David Trone- six million dollars is targeted for the River Park at Canal Place project. However until the EDA frees up funds, the county will need to advance $70,000 toward the project to move things along.  The project would be located on the North Branch of the Potomac River behind Canal Place. It includes trails, whitewater features and river access for boating and fishing to create a destination for hikers and bikers and use by local residents. $6 million in federal funding…

During a recent news conference, Maryland Governor Larry Hogan filled in more of the picture of the events on Jan. 6, 2021, after a new video released shows congressional leaders seeking help. Last week, never-before-seen video was released from the January 6, 2021, insurrection, including clips of congressional leaders working with the governors of Maryland and Virginia to send law enforcement officers. Hogan told reporters that he saw the new video and that it was an accurate depiction of the day's events…