Sitting directly in the heart of downtown Cumberland across the street from City Hall and the Chamber of Commerce office- the building at 19 Frederick Street could prove an ideal location for any number of business ventures. Sitting vacant – the former post office, police station and HRDC senior center has drawn some interest over the years- but none of those  proposals have advanced beyond the talking stages. The hope is that will change. Mayor Ray Morriss said a recent request for proposals saw a very strong response…

Getting in the holiday spirit early, Comptroller Peter Franchot Thursday officially kicked off the annual Shop Maryland and Save for the Holidays campaign with visits to two longstanding Prince George's County businesses. As part of the Shop Maryland campaign, Comptroller Franchot will visit local retailers to show his support and make some holiday purchases- and once again Cumberland will be one of his stopping points.  Franchot has once again partnered with the MD|DC Credit Union Association to provide savings to members who shop locally and support Maryland small businesses….

Met with push back and criticism from local elected officials and the governor- some members of the District One legislative delegation are distancing themselves from a proposal to have Garrett, Allegany and Washington counties become part of West Virginia. A letter signed by the delegation was sent to West Virginia state leaders October 14th- but Allegany County officials only found out about the plan via media reports prompting strong criticism from Commissioner Jake Shade calling it “ridiculous” and an “embarrassment” to every voter in the region. State Senator George Edwards talked with WCBC News and made clear that this proposal…

WCBC Station Manager Mary Clites contracted the COVID-19 virus in early August and after a lengthy hospital stay and rehabilitation out of state- she is now back in the Cumberland area continuing therapy. With hundreds of listeners seeking updates on Mary’s condition, she phoned in to WCBC’s “Dave Norman Show” with a status report…

On Saturday, Alexander Thomas Carlyle Lyddane, age; 20, of Cumberland was served a criminal summons charging him with fourth degree burglary and conspiracy to commit fourth degree burglary. The summons was issued by the District Court Commissioner in reference to an incident to occurred on October 19, 2021 when he is alleged to have force his way into a Shiver Avenue residence according to the complainant. Lyddane signed and received copies of the charging documents and was released pending trial at District Court.    

On Saturday, Cumberland Police responded to a Columbia Street address for a disturbance. When officers arrived, they spoke with several members of the residence who told officers that Cameron Ray Lyddane and Charles Joseph Trabing assaulted one another after an argument. Officers did observe injuries to both Lyddane and Trabing consistent with a physical altercation. Both were arrested and charged with second degree assault. They were taken before the District Court Commissioner and Lyddane was released on his own personal recognizance and Trabing was held without bond pending trial. Cameron Ray Lyddane, age; 22, Cumberland, Maryland. Charles Joseph Trabing IV, age;…

  Photo by Ranger Elena Gilroy, Maryland Department of Natural Resources                     The Maryland Department of Natural Resources remind hunters that squirrel, rabbit, fall turkey, and other seasons are either underway or set to open in the coming weeks. These species offer generous seasons and bag limits and a chance to make some great memories this fall and winter. “While our deer hunts get a lot of attention, hunters shouldn’t overlook the excellent opportunities available to pursue some of Maryland’s other game species.” Wildlife and Heritage Service Director Paul Peditto said. “Small game hunting can provide fast action, perfect…

The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR) reports as of October 22, 2021, there are currently 8,746 active COVID-19 cases statewide. There have been 25 deaths reported since the last report, with a total of 4,263 deaths attributed to COVID-19.     DHHR has confirmed the deaths of a 76-year old female from Harrison County, a 60-year old male from Braxton County, a 71-year old female from Mingo County, an 86-year old female from Fayette County, a 53-year old female from Kanawha County, a 75-year old female from Harrison County, a 57-year old female from Cabell County, a…

It’s mid-October here in Maryland and we have something to offer every fall foliage enthusiast. Crossing our state from west to east, you will experience it all — glorious autumn jewel tones decorating the skyline in the west —breathtaking sunrises and local critters basking in the last warm days of fall in the east. We cover it all this week, and we’ve received some of the best photos yet from our park managers, forestry staff, and loyal readers to beautifully illustrate this magical time of year. Join us as we follow the transition each week with reports from our experts…

After hearing stroing criticism from local officials and some constiuents, State Senator George Edwards and Delegate Jason Buckel have withdrawn support of a proposed secession proposal. The following letter was released Friday: Dear Colleagues: I would like to express my thoughts regarding recent communications which all of us participated in as members of the Garrett County, Allegany County, or Washington County delegations regarding instituting the process to potentially have these three western counties leave the State of Maryland and join the State of West Virginia. I believe that our intentions have been misconstrued, and that in fact the entire effort…