All Allegany County Public Schools after-school and evening activities are CANCELED for today, Thursday, February 24 as a result of inclement weather

Governor Larry Hogan today issued the following statement: “Putin’s attack on Ukraine is not just a barbarous military assault from a deranged autocrat, it is an attack on the right of sovereign nations and free people to choose their own destiny—all that America stands for in the world. “This unprovoked aggression demands a unified and resolute response from America and our allies. Putin and Russia must face devastating consequences. If we fail to stand for freedom, Europe and the world will be a much darker and more dangerous place. “The First Lady and I join Marylanders and Americans today in…

WCBC Finckle Forecaster Diane Clark explains the weather occurring in our area… WHAT…Significant icing expected from freezing rain. Ice accumulations of one tenth to one third of an inch, with the highest amounts on the ridges. Snow and sleet accumulations less than one inch. * WHERE…In Maryland, Garrett, Central and Eastern Allegany and Extreme Western Allegany Counties. In West Virginia, Western Mineral and Eastern Mineral Counties. * WHEN…Until 10 AM EST Friday. * IMPACTS…Power outages and tree damage are likely due to the ice. Travel could be nearly impossible. The hazardous conditions could impact the commutes through Friday morning. *…

On Wednesday, February 23, 2022 at approximately 2:05 PM, a Cumberland City police officer conducted a traffic stop on N. Allegany Street.  The officer contacted the driver and identified her as Crystal Marie Vanmeter.  A K-9 alerted on the vehicle.  A search of the vehicle revealed that Vanmeter was in possession of suspected crack cocaine.   Vanmeter was arrested and later released on criminal citation pending trial.   ARRESTED:  Crystal Marie Vanmeter      AGE:  27      Cumberland, MD CHARGES:  CDS: Possession-Not Marijuana

Cumberland officials are continuing efforts to bring growth to the city, including the possible development of CSX land. While much of the economic development focus in recent years has been on the Cumberland Gateway Plaza- commonly known as the Rolling Mill project- there has been regular, ongoing discussions about the CSX-owned tracts beside Martin’s supermarket on Park Street. The large unencumbered parcels of land beside Martin’s have been placed on the market by CSX Transportation and Mayor Ray Morriss said the city remains extremely interested in seeing some kind of commercial development there…

The restaurant industry was one of the hardest hit by the coronavirus pandemic, and a recent study shows that restaurants in Maryland are some of the least likely to recover.  Hundreds of restaurants across the state, many in Western Maryland, have been forced to close their doors for good. After nearly two years of shutdowns, capacity limits and supply chain issues, many of the still struggling  restaurants are asking congress to replenish the Restaurants Revitalization Fund.  Maryland U.S. Senator Ben Cardin said efforts to provide assistance for those restaurants who missed out on the initial allocations are continuing…

Less than a month remains to file for to run for office in Maryland-  and candidates are beginning to emerge for a number of local seats. There are five Republican candidates for what will be three open seats on the board of Allegany County Commissioners headed by incumbents Creade Brodie Jr and David Caporale. Also on file: Bill Atkinson, Jonathan Dayton and Todd Logsdon. There are three open seats on the board of education and to date a total of four candidates: incumbents Robert Farrell and David Bohn are joined by Linda Widmyer and Lori Lepley. The office for Mayor…

Despite strong opposition from the county health officer and at least two members of the School Board- the Allegany County Board of Health on Wednesday voted to abolish the current quarantine measures in the public school system effective March 1st. The action is in anticipation of the Allegany County School Board voting to drop the mask mandate. The one hour session was dominated with clarifications of terminology such as the differences between quarantining and isolation; and outbreak versus exposure. After two draft motions were rejected due to a lack of clarity, the health board finally voted in approval of a…

Due to recent complaints and problems in the Area of Westernport, Maryland, the Allegany County Sheriff’s Office has made it a priority to saturate this region with extra patrols. During this recent initiative, numerous arrests have been made in the Westernport area; including drug violations, warrant services, traffic violations, and other offenses. On 02/16/2022, at approximately 1200 hours, Deputies with the Allegany County Sheriff’s Office, acting on a tip from members of the community, responded to a residence on Vine Street in Westernport Maryland in an attempt to locate Gregory Allen Boggs Jr., who was wanted on two active warrants…

Despite strong opposition from the county health officer and at least two members of the School Board- the Allegany County Board of Health on Wednesday voted to abolish the current quarantine measures in the public school system effective March 1st. The action is in anticipation of the Allegany County School Board voting to drop the mask mandate. The one hour session was dominated with clarifications of terminology such as the differences between quarantining and isolation; and outbreak versus exposure. After two draft motions were rejected due to a lack of clarity, the health board finally voted in approval of a…