On Friday, the CDC authorized booth both the Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 for all adults after completion of primary vaccination with any FDA-authorized or approved COVID-19 vaccine.  This action opens up COVID booster vaccines to all individuals 18 years of age and older who received their initial series of Moderna or Pfizer COVID vaccine at least six months ago or received the single-dose Johnson & Johnson (Janssen) vaccine at least two months ago.   “As the holiday season approaches, with more travel and more gatherings, we are encouraging all Marylanders to get a booster shot and maintain their immunity,” said…

AAA is projecting that almost 1.1 million Marylanders will travel over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, an increase of more than 12% over last year, but down more than seven percent below pre-pandemic Thanksgiving travelers in 2019, which was the second-highest travel volume on record for the holiday in Maryland. As usual, the great majority of those travelers will be driving to their holiday destinations. AAA is projecting that 92% of travelers – nearly one million Marylanders – will be hitting the road, up over eight percent over last year, but still down more than five percent, compared to 2019’s pre-pandemic…

The City of Cumberland and the Downtown Development Commission (DDC) will present a variety of events to spread holiday cheer and celebrate the season, including the Tree Lighting Ceremony, Breakfast with Santa and the New Year’s Celebration. Join us on Friday, November 26 beginning at 6:00 PM as Mayor Raymond Morriss and special guests host our favorite holiday tradition, the Annual Tree Lighting, on the Downtown Mall. There will be open houses, shopping, dining and entertainment. The “Shop Small Win Big” contest will take place beginning on Small Business Saturday, November 27 through December 19. Shoppers who purchase from small businesses during these dates will be eligible to win VISA…

On Saturday, September 11, 2021, the We Are Fort Hill committee celebrated the 2020 and 2021 Hall of Fame inductees and the Deeds, Not Words honorees during a luncheon in the newly-renovated courtyard at the school. Dr. Ed Root accepted the recognition for Mr. Carl Richie; Dr. Susan Babcock Stanton Class of '74; Carol Ritter, widow of Melvin Lee Ritter Class of '55; Rebecca Harbaugh, widow of Carl R. Harbaugh Class of '57; Dave Christopher Class of '55; Stephen B. Jones, Ph.D, Class of '69; David Ronald Lohr Class of '71; Glen Ray, son of Glen Ray Sr. Class of…

As a follow up response to a WCBC inquiry regarding the status of Cassie Coinklin on the staff of Sixth District Congressman David Trone, the representatives office issued the following statement: "As a result of our full and comprehensive investigation, the staff member in question is no longer working for our office — in any capacity. "We believe that those in public service, both elected and support staff, must hold themselves to the highest standards of integrity and accountability. "We will continue to uphold that value. "We sincerely thank Frostburg State University’s Student Government Association and Administration for their courage and…

For the 7-day period of November 12-18, 2021, there were no schools identified with a School Wide COVID-19 Outbreak. Parkside Elementary School had two cohorts that met the definition of a cohort outbreak. ACPS had three staff members and 36 students reported as positive for COVID-19 during this time, and one staff member and 75 students were identified as a close contact to a positive person. 

On Thursday a deputy operating in the area of Fairview Avenue, Cumberland, MD conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle  for failing to operate right of center. Upon contacting the operator Phillip Michael Piper (27 of Cumberland) the deputy noticed him to be excessively nervous. At that time a Sheriff's Office K9 was requested to respond to the scene. Upon the arrival of the K9, a free air sniff of the vehicle was conducted leading to a search of the interior. During the search a loaded 9mm handgun was located.  The handgun had been previously reported stolen from the State of…

According to new polls results, Larry Hogan and Jim Justice are among the most popular governors in the nation. Maryland Governor Hogan came in third while West Virginia’s Justice came in 6th. The poll results released by Morning Consult ranked Vermont’s Phil Scott in the top spot. The news was not as good for Pennsylvania’s Tom Wolf who finished number 45 on the list

18-year-old Kyle Rittenhouse was found not guilty on all counts today, in a highly publicized murder trial in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Rittenhouse was found not guilty of First Degree Reckless Homicide, two counts of First Degree Recklessly Endangering Safety,  First Degree Intentional Homide, and First Degree Attempted Intentional Homicde.   Judge Bruce Schroeder gave the seven women and five men who decided the fate of Kyle Rittenhouse tha thanks of the court, and said if issues regarding personal safety would arise, they would have protection. Stay tuned to WCBC for reacction…  

The Western Maryland Scenic Railroad announced today that steam engine 1309 has passed inspection by the Federal Railroad Administration. A multi million dollar restoration of the Baldwin Steam engine has been underway for several years.  Board President Mike McKay gave us the heads up, and we were able to take photos of the first run, which included stops at the Western Maryland Station, Helmstetter's Curve at Csh Valley Road, and the Frostburg Depot.