Frostburg State University has officially kicked off a multi-million fundraising campaign targeting  a number of projects including the Regional Science Education Center. The university has already raised nearly $16 million toward its goal of $25 million during the quiet phase of the fundraising campaign. In addition, the FSU Foundation has $1 million going toward the building. John Short, vice-president for University Advancement and executive director of the foundation, tells WCBC News that the largest fundraising effort in FSU’s history is focused on three themes: forging the future of its students; the university and the region of Western Maryland; and surrounding…

COVID-19 numbers are spiking in Allegany County and the school system has been impacted with some schools experiencing outbreaks- and some athletic events having to be postponed. While some county school systems are looking at mandated vaccinations for teachers and staff- Allegany County Board of Education president Crystal Bender says it is not an issue for the local system… As far as extra curricular activities, Bender says while there have been a few issues, overall those programs are working well to date…

Purchased in 2014 and undergoing a lengthy restoration since- the massive Baldwin steam locomotive No. 1309 is nearly ready to be put into service. Western Maryland Scenic Railroad executive director Wes Heinz anticipates it will be ready to roll in time to lead the popular Polar Express excursions in mid December. Heinz tells WCBC News that the steam engine experience is unique-  and early indications are it will be a huge draw…

The Bank of Romney is working with West Virginia State Police and Hampshire County Sheriff's Deputies to identify the man who robbed its Augusta Branch Wednesday at 12:25 PM. We have this photo from a security camera on our website, and if you can help with the ID, you should contact the police agencies working on the case.

On Saturday, Cumberland Police Department served a criminal summons on Patrick Lee Thompson for second degree assault. The summons was issued by District Court in reference to an incident that occurred on August 7, 2021 when he is said to have assaulted a Cumberland officer who was trying to render aid to him for several lacerations to his hands. Thompson signed and received copies of the charging documents and was released pending trial.   Patrick Lee Thompson, age; 29, Cumberland, Maryland.  

Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall. F. Scott Fitzgerald Fall is officially here and the trees are starting their transformation across the state. The western parts of Maryland will see the first true signs of color beginning this week, although things are off to a slow start. With the recent rain fall color should ramp up soon and the show will begin. Join us as we follow the transition each week with reports from our experts at our state forests and parks. This year for the first time, we welcome all of Maryland’s outdoor…

On Saturday, Cumberland Police served a District Court bench warrant on Travis Lee Houdershell. The warrant was issued for failing to appear for trial back on April 13th, 2021 for several motor vehicle violations. He was taken before the District Court Commissioner and was released on his own personal recognizance pending trial.   Travis Lee Houdershell, age; 42, Cumberland, Maryland.  

Allegany County’s COVID-19 case rate has remained the highest in Maryland for eight consecutive days, with Garrett and Washington Counties also among the jurisdictions with the highest COVID case rates in the state.  Health officials cite vaccination refusal as a key factor driving the high rate of infection in western Maryland. “If anyone doubts that vaccination rates directly impact and improve infection rates for COVID-19, just look at the numbers.  Jurisdictions that are experiencing lower case rates are those with a larger portion of their population fully vaccinated,” states Allegany County Health Department Public Information Coordinator Brenda Caldwell.  Maryland county-level…

According to Maryland State Police, a suspect has been developed in a shooting incident Thursday afternoon in which a McCoole residence was struck by gunfire. The Cumberland Times News reports no injuries were reported in the 3:30 p.m. incident on McCoole Drive Southwest, which remains under investigation by state police criminal investigators and the Allegany County Narcotics Task Force. No specific information was developed during the initial investigation as to possible suspects or description of a vehicle that may have been involved in the incident. Police say it  was determined by troopers and an on-scene MSP supervisor that there were…

On Friday, Sthe Cumberland City Police arrested Corey Francis Schriner, 23, of Cumberland MD. Schriner was arrested on an outstanding Bench Warrant for failing to appear in Circuit Court for a previous assault charge.  Schriner was remanded to the Allegany County Detention Center, held without bond. Arrested: Corey Francis Schriner       Charges:Bench Warrant – Failure to Appear