The Allegany County Health Department reports that there have been only 18 new COVID-19 cases added to the state’s dashboard for Allegany County in the past week. The county’s COVID-19 Community Level, as reported by the CDC, remains low, as does the rest of the state. The health department continues to offer COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters to the public each Wednesday. Youth vaccines (ages 5 to 11) are given from 3 to 4:30 p.m. on the main floor of the Willowbrook Office Complex (12501 Willowbrook Road, Cumberland, MD). Vaccines for ages 12 and older are offered at the Allegany County…

Mariela Roca, a U.S. Air Force Veteran, and 12-year Maryland resident officially announced her candidacy to represent the people of Maryland’s 6th Congressional District. Roca initially filed to run for Congress in District 8 before Democrats’ gerrymandered maps were overturned.  Frederick County is now in its entirety part of the 6th district, instead of sharing areas with the 8th district under the previous maps. “When I decided to run for Congress last year, it was because I wanted to continue to serve my country, my community, family, friends, and the great people of Maryland. This is the community where I have built my…

Governor Larry Hogan today swore in Judge Matthew J. Fader as Chief Judge for the Court of Appeals, and officially designated Judge E. Gregory Wells as Chief Judge for the Court of Special Appeals. “I am proud to designate Judge Fader and Judge Wells to preside over the state’s highest courts,” said Governor Hogan. “They are both highly respected and experienced jurists who serve with distinction and an unwavering dedication to the law.” In total, the governor has made 163 judicial appointments during his tenure. He has focused on ensuring that the composition of the courts better reflects the diversity of the state. Earlier…

The Martinsburg VA Medical Center Nutrition and Food Service (NFS) rose to every challenge faced during the COVID-19 pandemic to prepare and serve over 575 meals daily to its inpatient Veterans. In order to provide a fresher, more restaurant-style experience to inpatient Veterans, NFS began making 80 percent of their meals completely from scratch in 2019, called cook to order. At the onset of the pandemic over two years ago, NFS recognized the need to increase disposable food serving products due to infection control protocols. However, their supply chain for everyday ingredients and supplies became strained, and some companies they…

The Joint Communications Center of Allegany County reports a working house fire in the 400 block of Baltimore Avenue. The initial call came in after 11:00 AM.   Traffic in the area is being rerouted to allow emergency crews room to work. The house is a  white, wood framed dwelling.   Cumberland Police are also on the scene.

On April 14, 2022, officers of the Cumberland Police Department observed a possible drug transaction take place and a vehicle pull away from the scene.  A traffic stop was conducted on the vehicle and the officers contacted the operator.  While speaking with him, the officers observed him to be in possession of capsules containing suspected heroin and fentanyl.  The male was identified as John Tyler Brennan, age 30, of Cumberland, MD.  He was placed under arrest.  Other officers then located the suspected dealer, identified as Akhary Tiere William, age 21, of Cumberland MD.  He was also placed under arrest.  Brennan…

One of the telling statistics on the impact of COVID-19 is looking at the overall death rate, mainly to see if there is a dramatic spike over the past two years. West Virginia Coronavirus Czar Dr Clay Marsh says that not only has there been an increase in overall numbers, there has been a decline in how long we are expected to live…

Earlier this week, WCBC News asked West Virginia officials if they were being as aggressive in getting booster shots to residents of long term care facilities. Major General Jim Hoyer, who heads up the Joint Interagency Task Force dealing with the pandemic, gave updated numbers and said statistics on the second booster push would be forthcoming…

The Cumberland Downtown Development Commission held its meeting early Thursday morning. Much of the focus of the session was on events occurring this weekend for Easter and plans for the upcoming Allegany High School reunion in June. A bittersweet announcement was made by Sandy Saville, who said she will not be seeking a fourth term as chair of the commission… 

Update: At this time, out of an abundance of caution three students, the bus driver, and the driver of the other vehicle have been transported to UPMC Western MD. All other students have been released to their parents. The accident scene is being cleared currently. Original Release: Garrett County Public Schools Bus #74 has been involved in a collision with another vehicle on Lower New Germany Road in Avilton. There are possible student injuries. GCPS Administration is en route to the scene. Parents of all students on the bus will be contacted ASAP.