In March, the Mason Sporting Complex in South Cumberland was chosen as the likely site for construction of a $700,000 skate park- and efforts have been underway since to secure a funding package. City officials,  along with advocates for the skate park, agreed in principle that the Mason Complex at Offut Street would be the logical choice for the facility. Other locations that were considered included: Jaycees Field on Furnace Street and Constitution Park. Allegany County has pledged $250,000 toward the project. The city, and the advocates, will need to raise roughly $450,000 to make the park become a reality….

The City of Cumberland Engineering Department, on behalf of Belt Construction, would like to notify the public that water service will be shut down in the Decatur Heights region of the City on Wednesday, July 27, 2022, from 8am – 5pm, in order for the contractor to connect the existing service mains to the new water main. Residents and businesses on the following streets are expected to be without water:   Decatur St. from Frederick St. to Baltimore Ave. Charles St. from Henderson Ave. to Bellevue St. Davidson St. from Henderson Ave. to Linden St.  Water service is expected to…

As West Virginia's Republican supermajority continued advancing a sweeping abortion ban bill Tuesday, Democrats failed for the second time in two days to garner enough support to add exceptions for rape and incest victims. During an hourslong meeting Tuesday, House Judiciary Committee Republicans overwhelmingly rejected Democrat's amendment for a rape and incest exception, sending the abortion ban to the full House of Delegates. A similar proposal failed Monday in the House Health and Human Resources Committee. “Men perpetrating such horrific acts makes me unsettled at times,” said Republican Del. Pat McGeehan, who noted he has a daughter. He voted against the…

The City of Cumberland Engineering Department, on behalf of Belt Construction, would like to notify the public that water service will be shut down in the Decatur Heights region of the City on Wednesday, July 27, from 8am – 5pm, in order for the contractor to connect the existing service mains to the new water main. Residents and businesses on the following streets are expected to be without water: Decatur St. from Frederick St. to Baltimore Ave. Charles St. from Henderson Ave. to Bellevue St. Davidson St. from Henderson Ave. to Linden St. Water service is expected to be restored…

The Cumberland Times News reports Frostburg officials have entered into an agreement with a developer who plans a project featuring business and residential space as part of the Center Street redevelopment project. A letter of intent was signed during the regular  mayor and City Council meeting with Gillis Gilkerson of Salisbury. The agreement provides for the selling of the property to Gilkerson after a year. The city has been pursuing the project for a number of years using Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development Strategic Demolition Funds and Allegany County Community Enhancement Program funds.

Governor Larry Hogan and Maryland's Opioid Operational Command Center (OOCC) today announced $10 million in block and competitive grant awards to help support programs around the state to address the opioid crisis. The grant funding, which will be distributed between July 2022 and June 2023, will be used to support the Hogan-Rutherford administration’s policy priorities of Prevention & Education, Enforcement & Public Safety, and Treatment & Recovery.  “Our administration has made it a top priority to put the resources and support systems in place at every level to expand access to treatment, and combat the heroin and opioid crisis,” said…

The Cumberland Times News reports a Garrett County man was jailed Monday to await extradition to Preston County, West Virginia, where he is wanted on charges of concealing a human body, according to the Preston County Sheriff’s Office. Thomas Dunbar, 36, of Oakland, was taken into custody Monday by the Garrett County Sheriff’s Office. The body of Todd Saunders was reportedly found in a secluded pond in Preston County about a month after he was reported missing Oct. 27, 2020, the Preston County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement. Authorities said prior to being reported missing, Saunders had been living with his daughter,…

A new opponent with more philosophical differences- but Delegate Mike McKay believes he will have the same advantages in the General election for state senate as he did in the primary.  Mckay defeated Allegany County Commissioner Jake Shade in last week’s GOP primary- and as he did during the campaign- McKay following his win pointed to his experience in office as the key. As he now prepares to face Democrat Michael Dreisbach in November- he tells WCBC News that he will continue to push the message that experience matters. McKay has served two terms in the Maryland General Assmbly and…

Governor Jim Justice announced abortion policy has been added to the call for the legislative special session that got underway Monday, although the governor did not yet provide a bill or state specific policies to be considered.  West Virginia’s criminal abortion statute dates back to the 1800s and is the current subject of a court battle. The U.S. Supreme Court’s recent decision that rolled back national abortion rights sent the issue to state governments. The updated call only says the special session now will clarify and modernize the abortion-related laws currently existing as part of the West Virginia Code…

On July 25, 2022 Officers of the Cumberland Police Department served an arrest Warrant on Jonathon Keith Bray. The original investigation was conducted by the Cumberland Police. On 7/12/22 Officers were dispatched to a residence in the city for a report of a breaking and entering. Officers arrived and were advised that the resident was awakened by Mr. Bray yelling through the kitchen door. Bray broke into the house by breaking a window and removing the locking mechanisms. Bray them entered the house and fled when the resident called the Police. Officers were advised that Mr. Bray also broke into…