The City of Cumberland’s second Comprehensive Plan meeting had an interactive twist compared to the last meeting.  Residents from several of the City’s five main neighborhood sectors participated in a study to narrow down main areas of focus.  Those present filled out a survey which is available on the City’s website.  Woodvalley Strategies consultant Jamie Kendrick highlighted three categories of focus including opportunity areas and used the former Big Lots! location as an example… “We see an opportunity to kind of restructure that parcel if the property owner’s interested, and sometimes you just gotta give them.  Those are the types…

It has now been 50 years since Elizabeth Ann Seton became the first American-born Catholic to be canonized as a saint. The Seton Shrine in Emmitsburg is planning activities to celebrate the anniversary September 12th through the 14th. St. Elizabeth Ann Seton was renowned for her work in education, health care, and community service. A highlight of the weekend will be the celebration of the Mass on September 13th with Baltimore Archbishop William Lori presiding. The Mass will be televised later that evening on EWTN.

The work of recovery continues in the Georges Creek area after flooding caused extreme damages in the areas of Lonaconing and Westernport. FEMA has initially denied recovery funds, but an appeal is now in place with state and local leaders supporting the ask. Lonaconing Mayor Jack Coburn tells WCBC that the delay may have been helpful, as damages and bills still keep coming in… “Without having those monies readily available, those contractors that stepped up to the plate and did all this extra work still have invoices out there that’ not paid. So, it’s that two-sided sword – yes, it…

Members of the Allegany County Commission attended the Maryland Association of Counties—MACo—last week where they met with several of the state’s agencies.  County Administrator Jason Bennett said they also met with American Water where the company admitted to having a lot of work ahead of them with Bel Air’s water system… “They really wanna look into the system and analyze the system more and learn about it.  They still have that work coming.  They made it clear to us again that they have no rate case in front of the PSC yet for this takeover.  They do have one for…

Mason’s Sports Complex in South Cumberland is closed for the remainder of the year due to damage from May’s flooding. With the complex out of commission, there is a need to find playing space for fall and winter sports activities. City Councilman Brian Lepley says he and Jimmy Furstenberg have been out scouting for options… “We have been out actively trying to find fields and places for these kids to practice and play. So, not like we, the City, gave up on them. We’ve been out trying to find places for them.”

Demolition is happening at the historic Pimlico race track as a full renovation begins.  A $400 million dollar investment to restore Maryland’s horseracing industry will see a new track, grandstand, and clubhouse. Maryland’s annual Preakness Stakes, part of racing’s Triple Crown, is expected back at a new Pimlico in 2027. Maryland’s First Lady Dawne Moore said the re-do benefits everyone… “Together we are setting the stage. Not just for the future of Preakness but for the entire horseracing world, right here in Park Heights. In Maryland we don’t do small and subtle, we do big and bold. Because when our…

On Thursday, August 21, 2025, Officers of the Cumberland Police Department served a bench warrant on Michael Butler for failure to appear. Butler was transported to the Allegany County Detention Center, where he awaits his initial appearance.  ARRESTED: Michael Gage Butler    AGE: 30        Cumberland, Maryland CHARGE: Failure to Appear (Paraphernalia Possession)   On Thursday, August 21, 2025, Officers of the Cumberland Police Department were on patrol in the area of Greene Street when they observed a female in a posted no trespassing area. The female was identified as Melany Melvin. She was placed under arrest and issued a criminal citation for trespassing. Melvin was released…

Maryland Governor Wes Moore extended a formal invitation to President Donald Trump on Thursday to participate in a public safety walk in Baltimore next month, amid ongoing disputes over crime reduction strategies and the use of National Guard troops in urban areas. The invitation to the White House follows the president’s recent criticism of Baltimore’s crime situation and personal remarks directed at the governor. 

The Founder of Focus on the Family, Dr. James Dobson, has passed away at the age of 89.  The radio show Focus on the Family was founded by Dr. Dobson in the late 1970s and the show has been a programming staple on WCBC Radio for decades.  Focus on the Family combines family advice with Christian principles and continues each day on WCBC.

Governor Wes Moore attended the demolition of the clubhouse at Pimlico Racetrack in Baltimore Thursday.  New racecourse construction will begin early next year.  The new facility will support over 500 jobs, and go from hosting approximately 15 racing days per year to becoming the permanent home of Maryland Thoroughbred racing with more than 100 racing days annually.  Next year’s Preakness Stakes will stay in Maryland at Laurel Park.