Bedford County Crash Injures Several
Pennsylvania authorities say five juveniles were hospitalized Monday after a pickup truck crashed into a tree in Bedford County. Troopers say the crash was reported just before 3 p.m. in West Saint Clair Township. According to a crash report, the 16-year-old driver reportedly lost control, left the roadway and struck a tree.
Feature Length Documentary on Roberto Clemente to Air in September
A documentary telling the story of the life of Pittsburgh Pirate Hall of Famer Roberto Clemente will soon be available to a wide audience. Its television debut will be on The History Channel on September 23. The running time is one hour and 41 minutes.
Governor Moore Appeals WMD FEMA Denial
Governor Wes Moore today announced the appeal of President Trump’s denial for a Major Disaster Declaration for flooding that occurred in Western Maryland this past May. Maryland’s initial request was denied on July 22 in a letter from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) which stated assistance to Maryland was deemed unwarranted. Since the President’s initial denial, FEMA has validated an additional $17.9 million in damages, raising the total estimated damages to $33.7 million. This is nearly three times the State’s Federal threshold for assistance. “Maryland has met long-standing criteria for FEMA support in the wake of historic floods across Mountain Maryland….
Bench Warrant Served
On Monday, August 18th, 2025, the Cumberland Police Department arrested Lee Emanuel Phillip, 35, of Keyser, WV. Phillip was arrested on an active Bench Warrant issued by the Allegany County Circuit Court on October 29th, 2024. The warrant alleged Phillip failed to appear in Circuit Court on that date for a previous CDS possession charge. He 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 - Lee Emanuel Phillip, 35yo CHARGES - Bench Warrant-Failure to Appear.
Frostburg Schedules Au Petit Demolition
The City of Frostburg has announced a partial closure of Main Street between Depot and Water Streets this Wednesday starting at 7am, weather permitting, for the demolition of the Au Petite Restaurant building at 84 East Main Street. Traffic detours will be in place around the closure from Depot Street to Water Street. Westbound traffic will follow Depot Street around to the Post Office and Eastbound traffic will be diverted to Water Street and onto Center Street.
Gallery Stage Celebrates One Year
Cumberland’s Gallery Stage on North Centre Street is celebrating its one-year anniversary this week with a special performance on Thursday. The band “Wild Hymns” will be performing at the venue, starting at 7pm. The group is a Pennsylvania-based ensemble blending folk, indie, and Americana influences. Admission is free for this particular show but tickets are needed for the event.
Scenic Railroad Acquires Locomotive 111
A locomotive designed for heavy industrial switching and railroad yard service has found a new home in Western Maryland. The former Conemaugh & Black Lick Railroad SW7 #111 will be coming to the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad just in time for RailFest in September when it will receive an official welcome. The acquisition was made possible through the Kovalchick Family and Corporation, and JC and Annie McHugh of McHugh Locomotive. The locomotive is the last survivor of the original 25 SW7s based out of Johnstown.
Music Educator, Business Owner Passes
George Ott, who for many years led high school music programs in Allegany and Mineral counties, passed away on Sunday at the age of 81. Ott was a 1962 graduate of Ridgeley High School and obtained a bachelor’s degree in music from WVU. He served as director of the Ridgeley and Frankfort High School bands, writing the fight song for the Frankfort Falcons. He was also band and choir director at Fort Hill and retired from Bishop Walsh. He operated Ott’s Music and Christian Book Store for many years as well as the Ridgeley Dairy Queen and Gardner’s Candies.
Mechanic Street Lane Closure
North-bound lane closure on Mechanic Street will be in effect between Frederick Street and Baltimore Street. This will begin on Tuesday, 8/19/25, and be in effect until further notice. Traffic Control Devices will guide motorists through the area. Please be aware, slow down, and obey all Traffic Devices and Personnel working in the area. The north-bound lane closure will allow the contractor to perform critical underground infrastructure repairs.
County Resubmits FEMA Claim
Allegany County on Friday submitted a revised claim to the Federal Emergency Management Agency for the catastrophic flooding that struck the Georges Creek area in May. The county’s first submission was rejected by FEMA, with many saying the denial was politically motivated as a shot against the Moore Administration by President Trump. County Administrator Jason Bennett tells WCBC that the agency worked with the county on the resubmission that now has a higher total for damages… “FEMA validated us – we were at $15.8 million – they validated costs – I didn’t see the exact final number, but…