With plans finally announced to see steam engine 1309 up and running announced- the hope is the historic locomotive will be active for many years to come.  Western Maryland Scenic Railroad representatives this past weekend officially unveiled  1309-  announcing that it’s inaugural run will be the weekend of December17,18 and 19 leading the Polar Express excursions. The steam engine, purchased in 2014, has now undergone a lengthy restoration process. Wes Heinz, the new executive director of the tourist train operation, tells WCBC News that the steam engine is now ready to roll…

Sounding a familiar theme, West Virginia Governor Jim Justice on Wednesday urged everyone eligible for the COVID-19 vaccinne who has not gotten it- to do so as quickly as possible. During his regular briefing, Justice said that COVID is everywhere and the only way to guarantee survival is to be vaccinated. Those declining too- are making poor, potentially life threatening choices… While pushing for everyone to get vaccinated,  Justice said he has no plans to push for a mandate, strongly criticizing President Biden’s recent call for vaccine requirements…

On Tuesday, September 7, 2021, at 1:26 p.m., Frostburg City Police were called to a local hotel for a report of recurring suspicious and possible drug activity in the parking lot by individuals who were presently in the lot and who were not current guests at the hotel. Upon contacting the individuals at the scene, who were in their vehicles, officers learned that a passenger, Damonye Taekwon Anderson, 25, of Chesterfield, Virginia, had extraditable capias arrest warrants out from Virginia in connection with charges involving receiving stolen firearms, possessing a sawed off shotgun, controlled dangerous substance violation, and felony eluding….

The Maryland Department of Health (MDH) today announced a three-year, $1.8 million grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to strengthen community-based COVID-19 response in three underserved jurisdictions. The award provides $600,00 annually in financial support and technical assistance for MDH community health workers in Allegany, Dorchester and Somerset counties. "Community health workers are on the frontline in our fight against COVID-19 and are trusted by the members of the communities they serve," said MDH Secretary Dennis R. Schrader. “This CDC grant will help us further reach into vulnerable communities and address COVID-19 needs." The award supports…

UPMC Western Maryland is currently operating under temporary EMS diversion, according to a statement from the Hospital This does not close the emergency department but seeks to limit those coming with lower severity of illness. When operating under diversion, all UPMC hospitals continue to accept any ambulance arriving on site, including those with heart attack, stroke, major trauma and severe symptoms, and UPMC Western Maryland will always accept walk-in patients

On Tuesday, September 7, 2021, at 1:26 p.m., Frostburg City Police were called to a local hotel for a report of recurring suspicious and possible drug activity in the parking lot by individuals who were presently in the lot and who were not current guests at the hotel. Upon contacting the individuals at the scene, who were in their vehicles, officers learned that a passenger, Damonye Taekwon Anderson, 25, of Chesterfield, Virginia, had extraditable capias arrest warrants out from Virginia in connection with charges involving receiving stolen firearms, possessing a sawed off shotgun, controlled dangerous substance violation, and felony eluding. Officers placed Anderson under…

The Allegany County Health Department reports that the Allegany County COVID-19 case rate is currently 64.92 cases per 100,000 population, the highest case rate of any jurisdiction in Maryland.  ​"Because our vaccination rate is so low, our county has the highest COVID-19 case rate in the state. Do your part to allow Allegany County to move back towards normalcy. We need our children to attend school and play sports, we need our businesses to be successful and we need health care workers to staff our hospital and medical offices.​  Vaccination is safe, effective, and the best way to turn this around,"…

Several sources have now confirmed that the Cumberland Mayor and City Council has selected the candidate that will fill the vacancy on the council created by Seth Bernard's resignation. There were a total of ten who applied and interviews were conducted this week. Apparently candidates were being notified on Wednesday and an official announcement could come as early as Thursday. 

The Maryland Department of Health (MDH) today announced a three-year, $1.8 million grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to strengthen community-based COVID-19 response in three underserved jurisdictions. The award provides $600,00 annually in financial support and technical assistance for MDH community health workers in Allegany, Dorchester and Somerset counties. "Community health workers are on the frontline in our fight against COVID-19 and are trusted by the members of the communities they serve," said MDH Secretary Dennis R. Schrader. “This CDC grant will help us further reach into vulnerable communities and address COVID-19 needs." The award supports…

 UPMC is announcing leadership changes that will further enhance clinical operations, innovation, research and overall excellence.   Mark Sevco will assume the role of president, UPMC Hospitals, comprised of 40 academic, community and specialty hospitals. Joon Lee, M.D., will become president of UPMC Physician Services, overseeing its 4,200 employed physicians. Sevco and Lee will co-lead the Health Services Division and report to UPMC president and CEO Leslie Davis.    Sevco currently is president, UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, which is nationally ranked as a top-ten pediatric hospital by U.S. News. He has served UPMC for 30 years in various capacities including…