An emergency statewide masking policy that was proposed before the latest COVID-19 surge is now in effect in Maryland schools-  however it’s an action that will not change anything for Allegany County schools. After a hearing this week, the General Assembly's Joint Committee on Administrative, Executive and Legislative Review voted 11-5 to approve a school masking regulation to last for 180 days beginning immediately. The state said it's providing so-called "off ramps" for local school districts to lift mask mandates based on the following guidelines: Students can remove their mask when 80% of a county or the city has been vaccinated, a single school…

As he stood in front of the U.S. Capitol on the one year anniversary of the violent insurrection-  Maryland Governor Larry Hogan told CBS News that  the people who thought they were Patriots trying to defend freedom that day were mentally unbalanced.  Maryland was front and center on January 6th 2021, sending state police and the National Guard to D.C. for protection and to help restore order. Hogan said seeing so many people continue to stand by the narrative that the 2021 election was rife with fraud is astounding to him…

West Virginia Governor Jim Justice plans to send a letter  to the CDC asking for permission to begin giving fourth COVID-19 vaccination doses for people 50 years and older, people with compromised immune systems and essential workers. The plan follows Israel’s lead, where officials began administering fourth doses, late last month.  At the very beginning of the pandemic in 2020, West Virginia was viewed as one of the state’s leading the way in combating the spread of COVID-19, and Justice said this call for a fourth shot is another step in that direction. He said he has little or no confidence…

Next week, the reconstituted Carver Community Center Board will meet for the first time to begin the process of rehabilitating and restoring the aging and dilapidated facility. In it’s 100 year history, the building, located at 340 Frederick Street,  has served as a  high school; as the orginal Allegany College of Maryland and was targeted to be converted into the Carver Community Center back in 2004- organized by a tax exempt non-profit. That proposal never got off the ground and the facility fell into disrepair and closed in 2011. In the spring of 2020, the Cumberland City Council voted to…

On Thursday,  Governor Larry Hogan announced 10 locations for COVID-19 testing in the state of Maryland- the closet one being at Meritus Health Hospital in Hagerstown. Speaking at the  University of Maryland Laurel Medical Center, the governor announced all sites will be open daily for walk-ups, with no appointment necessary…

No arrests have been made or charges of any kind filed, but an investigation into an incident that saw four Beall Elementary School students transported by ambulance for medical evaluation is continuing by Frostburg City Police. Allegany County Emergency Services reported Wednesday that the students were observed by school officials to be acting in an unusual manner. The students apparently are from the same family. An officer with Frostburg’s Police Department told WCBC News that Allegany County Child Protective Services is involved in the investigation. As part of the initial police response,  the Allegany County Sheriff’s Department conducted a drug…

Allegany County Emergency Services reports a multi vehicle accident on Interstate 68, mile marker 35 eastbound. One vehicle has rolled over. Fire EMS and Police are on the scene.

Governor Larry Hogan today provided an update on the state’s preparations for a winter storm tonight and tomorrow. A winter weather advisory is in effect for much of the state, except for Garrett County and part of Allegany County, which are under a winter storm warning. “As we did earlier this week, we have mobilized our statewide operations center in preparation for this storm, which could have a significant impact on tomorrow morning’s commute,” said Governor Hogan. “We ask Marylanders to avoid travel tonight and tomorrow morning if possible, especially with the possibility of wind gusts that could take down…

Due to impending weather the COVID-19 Testing Clinic on Friday January 7,at the Allegany County Fairgrounds will have a delayed start time.  Clinic will open at 10:00AM and end at the regular time of 2:00PM.

WHAT…Heavy snow. Snow accumulations of 6 to 10 inches. * WHERE…In Maryland, Extreme Western Allegany County. In West Virginia, Western Mineral County. * WHEN…Until 3 AM EST Friday. * IMPACTS…Travel could be very difficult. The hazardous conditions could impact the evening commute. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS…The heaviest snow is expected this evening when when snowfall rates of 1-2 inches per hour are possible. Visibility will be reduced to near or less than one-quarter mile during the heaviest snow. * AFFECTED AREAS: EXTREME WESTERN ALLEGANY … WESTERN MINERAL