West Virginia Governor Jim Justice announced today that, with the number of Omicron variant cases climbing across the country, he has directed state health officials and his COVID-19 response team to continue closely monitoring case numbers along with the state’s hospital bed availability. “We only have 18 cases, but we know it’s absolutely moving. It’s going to get higher,” Gov. Justice said. “I’ve directed my team to keep a close watch and provide me with recommendations about our hospitals and our critical care infrastructure. “The bottom line is that we need to save lives, protect our hospitals, and protect our ability…

Ahead of the new year, Governor Larry Hogan today announced three key appointments: Former Maryland Secretary of Commerce Mike Gill has been named secretary of the Maryland Department of Commerce, succeeding Secretary Kelly Schulz. Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) Executive Director James F. Ports, Jr., has been named secretary of the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT), succeeding Secretary Greg Slater. William Pines, MDTA’s chief engineer, will succeed Ports as MDTA’s executive director. Governor Hogan issued the following statement:  “We’re excited to add new members of our Cabinet with a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to public service. Mike Gill…

For the past seven years, the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad has struggled under the weight of restoring Steam Engineer 1309. For much of the time, the financial future of the entire operation seemed to hang in the balance of the massive undertaking. Announced deadlines came and went, and although there was always hope, audits and rumors of mismanagement also floated through the community. For several years, Wesley Heinz has been working on the project behind the scenes, and this year, brought a breath of renewed hope and new ideas as the new Executive Director of WMSR. Summer ice cream trains…

A week after files of harrassment against Delegate Jason Buckel were dropped, he was overwhelmingly re-elected as House Minority Leader by the Republican Caucas Wednesdat night. Additional details to follow…

Wesley Heinz named WCBC Person of the Year. For the past seven years, the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad has struggled under the weight of restoring Steam Engineer 1309. For much of the time, the financial future of the entire operation seemed to hang in the balance of the massive undertaking. Announced deadlines came and went, and although there was always hope, audits and rumors of mismanagement also floated through the community. For several years, Wesley Heinz has been working on the project behind the scenes, and this year, brought a breath of renewed hope and new ideas as the new…

On December 29th, 2021 officers of the Cumberland Police Department responded to the 200 block of Pennsylvania Avenue for a reported violation of a court order. Upon officer’s arrival they spoke with the victim who advised they had a Peace Order against Jawan Brodie, who was inside the residence. Officers located Brodie inside the residence, in violation of the Peace Order, and placed him under arrest. Brodie was taken before a District Court Commissioner where he was held without bond. Arrest: Jawan Karim Brodie, age 28, Cumberland Maryland Charges: Failure to Comply with a Peace Order.

Maryland on Wednesday surpassed 2,000 COVID-19 hospitalizations for the first time during the pandemic as hospitals transition to contingency protocols. In the past 24 hours, Maryland posted 10,873 new COVID-19 positive cases and hospitalizations set a new record at 2,046. The governor said most of the hospitalized patients are unvaccinated. Governor Larry Hogan said the state's Surge Operations Center is monitoring statewide hospital bed capacity and is maximizing alternate care sites. Hospitals are required to suspend elective surgeries and manage patient census. In addition, the state is streamlining licensing and funding measures to address urgent health care staffing shortages. Hogan said…

The days of looking for the next Kelly Springfield, Westvaco, PPG or Celenese have passed for Cumberland- with an economic development consultant advising the city to “think small” when it comes to attracting new businesses. Kyle Talente, vice president of RKG Associates based in Alexandria, Virginia, presented recommendations to the Cumberland Mayor and City Council earlier this month. Given the population trends in the area as well as the lack of available buildings and property inventory needed to accommodate major manufacturers, Telente says the focus moving forward should be on attracting small businesses…

It was an early Christmas present last week for the city of Cumberland- as the Mayor and Council announced that the city has been awarded a $375,000 grant to help pay for the addition of three police officers to the Cumberland Police Department. The Cumberland Police Department tries to maintain a staff of 50 officers- however due to retirements and other forms of attrition, the grant will allow the department to hire up to three officers above the current staff level to help fill vacant positions. Mayor Ray Morriss said that heading into the new year, hiring additional officers will…

With more than 2,000 people in the hospital from COVID-19 and a positivity rate of nearly 20%, the Maryland Hospital Association wants the governor to declare a Limited Public Health Emergency for health care services and staffing. That declaration would give hospitals the flexibility to adjust operations. Locally, UPMC issued a status report indicating that  “in the West Central Pa. and Maryland region, including UPMC Western Maryland, UPMC Altoona, UPMC Bedford, and UPMC Somerset, UPMC is currently caring for 90 COVID-19 inpatients. UPMC Western Maryland continues to be open and available”. Hospital Association President Bob Atlas said those in the hospital…