UPMC clinical leaders on Friday shared new information about booster shots, vaccines for young children, the effects of COVID-19 on the unvaccinated pregnant population, and vaccine safety. Dr Richard Beigi, president UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital, said that sadly- a year and a half into the pandemic- doctors and health care professionals are still spending much of their  time addressing vaccine misinformation… Tami Minnier, chief quality officer, said any concerns or questions a person may have about  the COVID-19 vaccine can best be addressed by their doctors…

Friends, lawmakers, former employees and citizens of Baltimore came to the Maryland Science Center last week to commemorate that would have been William Donald Schaeffer's 100th birthday. Schaefer, who served two terms as Governor, Comptroller and Mayor of Baltimore, was one of the more colorful figures in the state’s political history and often garnered national media attention. He passed away in April of 2011. Comptroller Peter Franchot, said given the gridlock and partisan bickering taking place in politics today, the country could use more strong leaders like Schaefer…

West Virginia State Senators held a media briefing on the recently passed national infrastructure bill, and the special guest was United States Senator Joe Manchin. WCBC News asked Manchin if the funding in the bill would allow the completion of Corridor H, also known as US Route 48 in our area…

While our area still trails state averages in getting initial doses, there are some who won't get the recommended booster shot against COVID because of an unpleasant reaction to the first go around.  Dr Clay Marsh was asked if booster doses would cause milder reactions because a person's immune system had already experienced the vaccine…

Just before 8:30 PM, The Joint Communications Center of Allegany County dispatched crews to the Lover's Leap area above the Narrows for a potential high angle rescue. This story will be updated as information becomes available.

8:20 PM – All units have cleared the scene and the road has been reopened. 5:30 PM UPDATE:  McMullen Highway will be closed in both directions for an extended period of time, according to ACJCC,   Allegany County's Joint Communication Center has dispatched units to US Route 220 near Hi Rock Animal Hospital for a multi vehicle collision. The call came in around 4:50 PM and the road has been shut down for emergency response.

The Maryland Department of Health (MDH) today announced an update on the top and bottom 10 skilled nursing facilities in the state ranked by percentage of staff with at least one dose of a vaccine against COVID-19.   Per vaccination protocols in effect since September 1, 2021 and reinforced on November 4, 2021 by the Federal government, all nursing facility staff are required to have their first or single dose of COVID-19 vaccine. Nursing facilities that fail to comply with vaccination protocols or do not adequately report their vaccination data are subject to fines, civil penalties, and enforcement actions.   …

1:10 PM UPDATE – US 220 has been reopened The Joint Communications Center of Allegany County dispatched police, ifre and EMS to the scene of a reported head on collision on McMullen Highway  The mishap occurred near the intersection of Dan Reed Road just before noon.

On Sunday, November 7th, 2021 the Cumberland Police Department served a criminal summons on Karlee Jo Bentham charging her with theft.  The summons was issued in reference to a complaint filed that Bentham stole prescription medication from a E. Mary Street residence back on October 18th, 2021.  She was later interview by an officer and admitted to the theft.  Bentham signed and received copies of the charging documents and was released pending trial at District Court. Karlee Jo Bentham, age; 24, Cumberland, Maryland.   On Sunday, November 7th, 2021 the Cumberland Police Department served a criminal summons on Jessa Amber…

On Sunday, November 7th, 2021 a Cumberland Officer on patrol stopped a vehicle in the Oldtown Road area for an equipment violation.  The officer contacted the driver who was identified as Joseph Eugene Hyser, who told the officer about having handgun in the vehicle.  Hyser was removed from the vehicle and the officer secured the firearm, which was loaded until further information could be obtained.  The officer eventually determined that Hyser did not have the proper permit for transporting a loaded handgun in Maryland.  He was arrested and charged with having a loaded handgun in a vehicle.  He was taken…