Efforts to open a skateboard park in Cumberland are continuing- but to date there is still no agreement on a possible location. Following months of meetings between city officials and a small citizens group in support of a city skatepark- the Cumberland Mayor and City Council voted last month to officially support the concept. Options that have been discussed  include Cumberland Street, Canal Place and Constitution Park- with the citizens group strongly pushing for a downtown Cumberland site. Mayor Ray Morriss provided an update during this week’s city work session…

WCBC News reported on the effects of the remnants of former Hurricane Ida for most of Wednesday. Many localities in the listening area had flash flooding during the day. National Weather Service alerts involving high water were broadcast throughout most of the afternoon via instant Emergency Broadcast Alerts and WCBC News Special Reports.  Several communities and neighborhoods were impacted by the flooding, including several areas of the Will's Creek basin, including Hundman, Ellerslie, Corriganville, Motor City, the Narrows and through the flood control in Cumberland. Warnings also were issued for George's Creek in Midland, Lonaconing and Westernport.  Route 220 also was…

With COVID-19 cases increasing over the last several weeks, Allegany County Health Department is reporting increased demand for COVID-19 vaccines.  COVID-19 vaccines are available at various locations throughout the county including pharmacies, urgent care clinics, and primary care offices.  Free COVID-19 vaccination clinics continue every Wednesday on the ground floor of the Allegany County Health Department main building, 12501 Willowbrook Road, Cumberland.   From 9 a.m. to noon both the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson COVID vaccines are offered for those age 18 and older.  Then, from 1 to 4 p.m. the Pfizer COVID vaccine is offered for those age 12…

Cumberland Police announcing that Fayette Street is currently closed due to flooding

MESSAGE POSTED ON SEPT 1, 2021 AT 15:00 HRS ATTENTION RESIDENTS OF KINGS GROVE RD IN ELLERSLIE – YOU ARE URGED TO EVACUATE YOUR HOMES DUE TO THE IMPENDING FLOOD THAT IS OCCURRING RIGHT NOW. PLEASE EVACUATE THE AREA NOW.

WCBC's mobile news unit has been touring the area and documented the flooding…    

Flash flooding and a downed tree has Route 220 closed as emergency units attempt to clear the scene. Even before the downed tree, the road was not passable and considered dangerous for travel. 

Flash flooding from tropical depression Ida was widespread across the region Wednesday afternoon. Some of the more challenging situations for local EMS is a mud slide reported on Greene Street. Numerous flooded basement and downed tree calls began to stream into 911 centers in Allegany and Mineral counties just after noon. State Route 36 in the Mount Savage area was closed due to high water. At least one vehicle was reportedly stranded in the water. Route 220 is being described as unsafe for travel. Flooding also was reported in the Dingle and Fayette Street areas in Cumberland and along George's…

On Tuesday morning at approximately 11:38 am, a male subject walked into VanMeter’s Grocery in Flintstone, Maryland, brandishing a firearm and demanding cash. He attempted to open the cash register himself but was unsuccessful. The suspect fled on foot and ran north towards the interstate and was spotted getting into a silver or gray sedan by a witness. He then reportedly drove past the store traveling south on Murley's Branch Road. Troopers from the Cumberland barrack and Deputies from the Allegany County Sheriff’s department canvassed the area with negative results.  The suspect was reported to be wearing a black "hoodie"…

Governor Larry Hogan today made the following announcement regarding the state’s response to Tropical Depression Ida: “This morning, I directed the Maryland Emergency Management Agency to raise its state activation level for Tropical Depression Ida. This will allow MEMA to coordinate an efficient statewide multi-agency response, and work in real time to address any local requests for assistance. “With this major storm, there is the potential for significant amounts of rainfall that could lead to severe flash flooding and river flooding thereafter. Winds of 25-35 mph could lead to instances of downed trees and power outages. A tornado threat encompasses…