Interim Cumberland Fire Chief  Shannon Adams had the interim removed from his title on Tuesday as the Cumberland Mayor and City Council officially approved him as the city’s permanent chief. Adams replaces Donnie Dunn who retired in July after 44 years of service. Cumberland Mayor Ray Morriss… Adams began his firefighting career with the Bowling Green department in September 1989. His career as a Cumberland firefighter began Feb. 1, 1995. He talked with WCBC News about the most satisfying part of a career in firefighting…

With the anticipation of extremely cold temperatures over the next few weeks, the City of Cumberland Water Department recommends that citizens and business owners consider leaving a small trickle of water run in a sink to avoid water line freezing. Though not a requirement of home and building owners, most frozen water lines occur on service lines in and around residential homes and commercial buildings and are the responsibility of the property owner or occupant. Though optional, leaving a small trickle run may avoid costly damage from busted pipes and the need to thaw out water lines.  Residents and business owners…

The Maryland Department of Health (MDH) today announced the allocation of $15 million in emergency funding to address urgent operational needs of Adult Medical Day Care (AMDC) facilities impacted by the current COVID-19 surge. “AMDC centers provide a valuable service for some of Maryland’s most vulnerable citizens and their families,” said MDH Secretary Dennis R. Schrader. “These centers help individuals remain in their homes and communities, avoiding more costly institutional long-term care.” Governor Larry Hogan previously announced $100 million in emergency funding to support Maryland hospital and nursing home workforce needs and to help expand COVID-19 testing and treatment availability….

Just last week a media release was sent out promoting the return of the Mountain Maryland PACE reception- however it is appearing more and more likely the event will face a similar fate as last year. The annual affair in Annapolis has served as a showcase for Western Maryland since 1977 and provides leaders from local business and government a chance for face to face meetings with state directors to discuss regional economic development opportunities. Last year COVID concerns forced PACE to be cancelled- and with the virus surging once again- the scheduled reception and follow up legislative breakfast set…

WCBC's 12 Most Compelling List fof 2021 includes… Allegany County Economic Development Director Jeff Barclay, who has been sidelined by medical issues most of the past two years. Barclay, though, made a big splash at year's end, announcing that FedEx would be locating a distribution center at Mexico Farms tha would eploy a sizable number of local residents in the near future. Cumberland turned to longtime resident Joe George as an appointment to City Council after the midyear resignation of Seth Bernard, George was an executive with CBIZ, and has also been very active with efforts to Save The Shrine…

WCBC's 12 Most Compelling List fof 2021 includes… Allegany County Economic Development Director Jeff Barclay, who has been sidelined by medical issues most of the past two years. Barclay, though, made a big splash at year's end, announcing that FedEx would be locating a distribution center at Mexico Farms tha would eploy a sizable number of local residents in the near future. Cumberland turned to longtime resident Joe George as an appointment to City Council after the midyear resignation of Seth Bernard, George was an executive with CBIZ, and has also been very active with efforts to Save The Shrine…

Maryland Governor Larry Hogan declared a state of emergency Tuesday in response to surging COVID-19 hospitalizations, which have surpassed 3,000. The 30-day emergency declaration is intended to help hospitals manage a sharp rise in COVID-19 patients and staffing shortages afflicting health systems throughout the state, the governor said. The governor also announced two executive orders, one that empowers health officials to regulate hospitals’ bed space and resources and another to shore up the EMS workforce.

On January 3rd, 2022 officers of the Cumberland Police Department responded to the 200 block of Bowen Street for a reported motor vehicle theft. The officers spoke with the victim and broadcasted an attempt to locate for the vehicle. The vehicle was located by Hancock Police Department and the Maryland State Police. They stopped the vehicle and transported the operator, Jaden Jessie, to the Allegany County Detention Center, where he was placed under arrest. Jessie was taken before a District Court Commissioner where he was held on $5,000.   Arrest: Jaden Tyrone Jessie, age 22, Cumberland Maryland Charges: Theft of…

Lynn Workmeister, who had spent decades as a prominent Cumberland area businessman, has died at the age of 80.  On Monday, local funeral director Wendy Upchurch shared her thoughts on her friend with WCBC's Dave Norman…

Maryland Senator Ben Cardin says Republicans blocked the nomination of a key appointee of President Joe Biden to the Small Business Adaminstration.  Cardin says the nomination of Delawar Syad was scuttled over the use of payroll protection plan funding for Planned Parrenthood….