For the 7-day period of  March 18-24, 2022, there were no schools that met the definition of a School Wide or Cohort Outbreak of COVID-19.  ACPS had 6 staff members and 6 students reported as positive for COVID-19 during this time.  ACPS had 1 staff member quarantined as a close contact, and 4 students were reported as a close contact to a positive person and required to quarantine. 

 A Maryland judge ruled Friday that the state’s new congressional map is unconstitutional, preventing the map from taking effect.  Judge Lynne Battaglia issued the ruling after a trial last week in which Republican lawmakers contended that Maryland's congressional map approved by the General Assembly in December violates the constitution by drawing districts that favor Democrats, who control the legislature. The judge is  entering a judgment in favor of the plaintiffs to reject the map and “permanently enjoining its operation, and giving the General Assembly an opportunity to develop new Congressional Plan that is constitutional.” An appeal by the state is…

Federal and local investigators are asking for the public's help finding an accused violent drug trafficking suspect from Western Maryland. The FBI and Maryland State Police are searching for Rodney Gaines. nvestigators say Gaines is also known by his alias "Butters." Police say Gaines faces charges related to a violent drug trafficking group that has been operating in Western Maryland since April 2021.Federal officials issued an arrest warrant for Gaines earlier this week, after he was charged with several counts including possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. 

Governor Larry Hogan today submitted a $291.7 million supplemental budget to the General Assembly with substantial provider rate increases for health care and disability services providers, and additional resources to support child care providers and facilities. “Every day, we are inspired by the commitment of our health care and child care providers, and these investments will help further expand access to critical services for Maryland families,” said Governor Hogan. “We continue to devote part of our record surplus to relief and resources for those in need, including our developmentally disabled community.” $210 MILLION FOR ADDITIONAL HEALTH CARE AND DISABILITY SERVICES…

On Thursday, March 24, 2022 at approximately 7:50 AM, an officer of the Cumberland Police Department conducted a field interview with Logan McDaniel in the 100 block of Park Street.  After speaking to McDaniel, he advised that he was currently in possession of a controlled dangerous substance.  The CDS was seized and McDaniel was placed under arrest and transported to police headquarters for processing.  He was later released on a criminal citation pending trial.   ARRESTED:  Logan Tyler McDaniel       AGE:  27       Cumberland, MD

On Thursday, March 24, 2022 at approximately 8:15 AM, officers of the Cumberland Police Department responded to a residence in the 100 block of Arch Street for a disturbance.  An officer contacted an alleged victim who reported that she had been arguing with Janelle Keating because she suspected Keating of stealing an ATM card from their roommate.  The victim advised that Keating then scratched her neck and punched her in the face.  The officer observed injuries to the victim consistent with her statement.  Keating was located by police on Virginia Avenue.  She was arrested and transported to Central Booking.  She…

A sometimes contentious discussion on the budget and the tax rate versus actual taxes dominated Thursday’s meeting of the Allegany County Commissioners. The county is in the middle of it’s budget process with a public hearing on the constant yield topping the agenda. While one constituent emphasized that even if the rates remain the same- there are some people who will actually have to pay more in taxes due to an increase in property assessments. The commissioners meanwhile focused on the rate… On a separate budget matter, Commissioner David Caporale took exception to a recent media report which suggested the…

This time two years ago, Maryland recorded its first COVID-19 cases. Over 1 million recorded cases later, the state is now recording it's lowest number since August. The declining metrics have led to a number of eased restrictions across Maryland, and though it may feel like a reprieve from life in the pandemic, health officials are quick to say that it is not over yet. UPMC Western Maryland President Michele Martz, appearing on WCBC’s “ Dave Norman Show”, said that while metrics now look good, another wave of COVID-19 may be likely…

As major crime fighting initiatives are being debated by lawmakers in Annapolis- local officials have concerns that many of the proposed laws and some  already on the books-  are soft on crime and punishment.  During a budget presentation before the Allegany County Commissioners on Thursday afternoon, Sheriff Craig Robertson said many of the Maryland laws in place- and some being considering benefit the criminals while impeding law enforcement.  It’s a situation that is not lost on sheriff’s departments across the state.. It is a trend that also concerns County Commissioner Creade Brodie Jr…

The C&O Canal Towpath and Greater Allegany Passage have been nomiated as one of the top best recreational trails in North America by USA Today's '10 Best.'  Allegany County is home to approximately 70 miles of these two trail systems which merge here in Cumberland creating a 330 mile connection from Pittsburgh to Washington DC. With spring weather just  on our doorstep Wheelzup Adventures located in downtown Cumberland on Baltimore Street is beginning their Weekzup Wednesday. WCBC News spoke with shop owner Mandela Echefu about their weekly event. You can vote for your favorite trail at www.10best.com once per day until the…