On May 2nd, 2022 an officer of the Cumberland Police Department conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle in the area of Greene Street with heavy front-end damage. Upon contacting the operator, Cora Houdersheldt, the officer observed signs of impairment. The officer continued their investigation and learned that Houdersheldt was the suspect vehicle in a hit and run. After performing standardized field sobriety, the officer observed additional evidence that Houdersheldt was operating a motor vehicle while under the influence. She was then placed under arrest and later released on citations pending her trial at District Court.   Arrest: Cora Jean…

A tribute and recognition of State Senator George Edwards and Delegate Wendell Beitzel were among the highlights of the 2022 Allegany County Lincoln Day Dinner held at the Ali Ghan Shrine Club. Both men announced last year that they would not seek re-election. Edwards is winding down a nearly 50 year career in public office and although he will no longer an elected official- he pledged to continue to work for the betterment of Western Maryland in any way he can…

One of the bills passed by the 2022 Maryland General Assembly restores state highway user revenue. That money comes from a portion of the gasoline tax, and is distributed to counties, cities and towns to pay for road maintenance.  Highway user revenue was severely cut by the state to help balance its budget during the 2008 and 2009 recession- and since that time-  without this money for road repair and maintenance, counties and towns were forced to make some tough decisions. For Allegany County the allocation this year will jump to $1.1 million- and while that does represent an increase-…

In a recent appearance on WCBC’s “Dave Norman Show”, Cumberland Mayor Ray Morriss talked about the city’s plans and priorities for the coming year, and he says creating more unity between the downtown mall and Canal Place tops the list. Although separated by only 100 yards- the fact that the Times News building blocks a line of vision between the two is often given as the reason for the apparent lack of connectivity…

With supply chain issues still hampering the construction industry- the Allegany County Commissioners recently tabled action to award two contracts waterline piping- concerned that there was only a single bidder. Those issues resulted from the pandemic-  and the related snarls have plagued the U.S. construction industry for roughly two years now.  Commissioner Creade Brodie Jr, pointing out that the two projects each with single bids will total nearly $340,000 for waterline piping, suggested taking a closer examination before signing off on either one. He doesn’t want to see the county taken advantage of as a result of a depleted inventory…

WCBC News has learned that Stacey Bingaman, the long time president and CEO of First Peoples Community Federal Credit Union, has been relieved of those duties and is no longer employed by First Peoples.  Steve Nelson, chairman of the board of directors, was not at liberty to provide any details…

Allegany County Emergency Services reports a house fire on Main Street in Frostburg. Units are in the scene

The WMHS Auxiliary announced its newest fundraiser – an evening gala called A Shimmering Summer Night – scheduled for June 4, 2022 at the Cumberland Country Club, from 8 pm until midnight. The event features a cocktail buffet, silent auction, and dancing to the classic sounds of Queen City Funk and Soul. Proceeds benefit UPMC’s Center for Hope and Healing here in Cumberland – a 24/7 crisis resource facility for those struggling with opioid addiction and other substance misuse. Tickets are now on sale at www.wmhs.com/shimmering-night In 2019, the Auxiliary made a five-year, $1 million commitment to the new crisis…

The City of Cumberland’s Community Development Department has announced two grant programs designed in support of our Neighborhood Revitalization Initiative to reduce blight. Both programs are aimed at helping to revitalize properties within our community. The Home Rehabilitation Grant Program is intended for the improvement of a property in the city limits of Cumberland that is vacant and uninhabitable in its current condition. The property must be assessed under $100,000. Applicants will be eligible for a 50% matching grant, up to a maximum of $25,000 upon the completion of the project. There are no income guidelines associated with this grant, but certain conditions will apply. The…

Allegany County Public Schools will host a Student Mental Health and Wellness Fair on Wednesday, May 11, from 4-6 p.m. at Allegany High School. There will be large prize drawings for students in attendance totaling $1,000 in addition to prize drawings from the YMCA to include an Apple watch, Beats earbuds, and an Amazon gift card. This event is an opportunity to share information with students about ways they can take care of their emotional, social, and physical well-being. For more information, call 301-759-2066