When it comes to preventing the spread of COVID-19, Frostburg State University is leading by example.  With 88% of students and 91% of employees fully vaccinated against COVID, FSU is bringing back a more traditional student experience even as Allegany County as a whole continues to experience high COVID transmission and case rates.    While some campus activities remain virtual, many activities such as in-class face-to-face learning, sporting events, live performances, and social activities have been reinstated, and yet case rates on campus remain low.  Out of 793 tests administered on campus between October 18 and 24, only four were…

The Mayor and City Council of Cumberland issued an official proclamation on Oct. 19 retroactively declaring the month of September 2021 in Cumberland as the ”60th anniversary of Allegany College of Maryland.” The City’s proclamation notes that the college “was founded in 1961 with classes starting on September 25 of that year, and has strived to provide quality, affordable education and workforce development to our residents.” 

Allegany County Emergency services reports a vehicle rollover on Interstate 8 east forcing the closure of lane three.

Allegany County Public Schools sends its heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and community in the loss of one of our students from Fort Hill High School, Saiquan Jenkins.  After a thoughtful discussion was had among advisors, coaches, administration, student athletes and student representatives, the decision is to move forward with the annual Homecoming Game scheduled for tomorrow, Saturday, October 30, 2021, at 12:30 p.m., at Greenway Avenue Stadium Collectively, the decision was made to play the game and honor #3, Saiquan Jenkins.     The entire school system is grateful for the love and support of our community, the schools within…

Cumberland City Police Chuck Ternent has confirmed to WCBC News that  a 16-year-old Fort Hill High School student has been charged as an adult with first-degree murder in the after-school stabbing Thursday of fellow student Saiquan Jenkins. Jenkins died of his injuries after being taken to UPMC Western Maryland by a Cumberland Fire Department ambulance. The 16-year-old youth, who was not identified by police, was detained a short time after the incident after he was identified in witness interviews and upon being located on Maryland Avenue by Cumberland Police officers and Allegany County Sheriff’s Office deputies. Police said the juvenile…

Allegany County Emergency Management reports a single vehicle accident on Interstate 68 East near Vocke Road. Emergency crews responded just after 9 a.m.

A somber day in our community with the loss of Saiquan Jenkins, a 17 year old Fort Hill student who was murdered following a stabbing incident between Warwick and William Streets near the school yesterday afternoon the incident occurred about 2:45 p.m. A suspect was taken into police custody about 15 minutes later in the 600 block of Maryland Avenue. Jenkins was transported to UPMC Western Maryland where he succumbed to his injuries shortly after arrival. Saiquan was a junior at Fort Hill High School as well as a member of the Fort Hill football team. Late last night members of the…

Although the Cumberland Mayor and City Council took action last year to enhance code enforcement efforts- Mayor Ray Morriss says he believes a big  part of the problem lies with the judicial system. In the summer of 2020, the Council voted unanimously to do away with a warning process for nuisance violations, clearing the way for officers to issue citations and fines to offenders- with the objective being to allow swift action on violations such as high grass and weeds, burning leaves and feeding feral animals. While that action may have improved the process for issuing citations and warnings- the…

Maryland Governor Larry Hogan said Thursday that the partisan divide in Washington is having a devastating effect on the nation. Hogan, rumored to be considering a run for president, has been making the national news rounds,  and on Thursday he appeared on both “CBS Mornings” and “Fox News”.  He feels that the most frustrating debate centers on the COVID-19 vaccination.  While  many Democrats have advocated vaccine mandates, conservative Republicans in some states have argued freedom of choice. Hogan, a Republican who has been overwhelmingly elected twice in Democrat heavy Maryland,  pointed to misinformation  as well as a lack of transparency…

Fire destroyed a three-story home late Wednesday in the Lakewood subdivision of Mineral County. The home was owned by Bill and Linda Freas. Bill Freas is a prominent local businessman.  About 65 volunteer firefighters from Allegany and Mineral counties fought the blaze on South Lakewood Drive that started just before 11:30 p.m. The cause of the fire is  under investigation by the Wiley Ford Fire department and the West Virginia State Fire Marshal’s Office. A detached, two-bay garage also was destroyed. Two vehicles inside were damaged by smoke and water. Mark Yoder, owner and developer of Lakewood Enterprises, witnessed the…