West Virginia is losing $100 million for solar power development. The Environmental Protection Agency announced late last week that the Solar for All Program created under the Biden administration is now defunded. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin says the agency no longer has authority or funding for the program…     “The new law eliminates billions of green slush fund dollars by repealing the greenhouse gas reduction fund. While this program was stood up in 2024, very little money has actually been spent. Recipients are still very much in the early planning phase, not the building and construction process.”

As the Union Rescue Mission expands, their budget has seen an expansion of its own.  Pastor David Ziler of URM says before he took over the shelter the monthly cost to run it was $1,500.  As they expand and work with inflation prices, Ziler says that monthly cost is now $50,000 and the community is who they rely on for most of funding…     “That’s mostly coming from the church and private donors.  We do apply for grants from like Walmart, and American Woodmark, and DelFest helps us out always, but for the most part, it’s coming from $50…

The City of Cumberland will be holding its Citizens Local Government Academy for the second year starting September 11th.  Two-hour classes will meet Thursday evenings from 6-8pm for eight weeks.  Anyone 18 and older can apply through the City’s website until Monday, August 25th.  City Administrator Jeff Silka tells WCBC the program shows the City’s work behind the scenes…     “You get behind the curtain, as we like to call it.  Everybody likes to complain about, ‘Why isn’t this pothole filled?’ or ‘Why does it take 10 years to get this project funded?’  If you wanna know how local…

On Friday, August 8th, 2025, officers of the Cumberland Police Department were patrolling in the area of Canal Street when they observed three individuals trespassing in a posted area. Officers made contact with the individuals, Roger Darr, Aaron Thrasher and Kiera Camaraza, who were advised of the trespassing violation. All three were issued criminal citations for trespassing on posted property and released pending their trials at District Court. Arrest: Roger Darr, Age 42, Cumberland, Maryland. Charge: Trespassing Posted Property Arrest: Aaron Thrasher, Age 43, Cumberland, Maryland. Charge: Trespassing Posted Property Arrest: Kiera Camaraza, Age 29, Cumberland, Maryland. Charge: Trespassing Posted…

On Sunday, August 10th, 2025, the Cumberland Police Department arrested William Stewart Sr. Stewart was arrested on an active Bench Warrant issued by the Allegany County District Court on August 7th, 2025. On that date, it is alleged that Stewart failed to appear in District Court for a previous charge of trespassing on private property. Stewart was taken before a District Court Commissioner for an Initial Appearance, where he was released on his own recognizance. Arrest: William Stewart Sr, Age 42, Cumberland, Maryland. Charge: Bench Warrant- Fail to Appear

The City of Cumberland is asking bill payers to double check their account set-up for online payments. Several banks have done software or other system updates that affect account numbers for payments, resulting in returned payments.  Payers should make sure the full account number is entered, including any leading zeros when submitting payments. Anyone with questions can contact the city’s Tax and Utility office at 301.759.6409.

Allegany County Emergency Services responding to a 911 call just before 4:00 p.m. on Saturday at Rocky Gap State Park for a drowning victim. The juvenile male was pulled from the lake and CPR in progress as responders arrived on scene. Maryland State Police Trooper 5 landing in the amphitheater to transport the juvenile. No additional information has been released on the status of the patient.

Campers and Sentinels gathered Saturday morning at Greenway Avenue Stadium to help raise funds for improvements. High school students and alumni from the class of 74 walked a mile raising just over $2,400. WCBC News spoke with Jon Felten, Secretary of Greenway Avenue Stadium Capital Improvement Fund and said the walk is to raise awareness and funding to continue improvements at the stadium and highlighted some of the past improvements the committee has already accomplished…    "We started off with new field turf and now we moved to a renovated scoreboard, sound system, then an 8 lane running track replacing…

On Saturday, August 10th, 2025, the Cumberland Police Department served a bench warrant on Jermiah Robert Tigner, of Cumberland, MD. The warrant was issued as a result of Tigner failing to appear in Allegany County District Court on an original charge of CDS Possession of Paraphernalia. Tigner was taken before a District Court Commissioner for an Initial Appearance, where he was released on his own recognizance. At the time of his arrest, Tigner was found to be in possession of a quantity of suspected drug paraphernalia. He was subsequently issued a criminal citation for the offense. ARRESTED – Jermiah Robert…

Allegany County Board of Education will meet on Tuesday, August 12, 2025 in the Washington Board Room at the Board of Education Central Office, 108 Washington St., Cumberland, MD 21502.  At that time, it is anticipated that the Board will consider closure of the Open Session to meet in Executive Session, beginning at 1:00 p.m., to discuss personnel matters, negotiations, consult with counsel, and conduct administrative function. These discussion items are permitted under the Open Meetings Act, Section 10-508 (a)(1) and (a)(7) and Section 10-103.  The Public Session will begin at 4:00 p.m.    The meeting agenda is accessible at…