Allegany County Emergency Services reported a vehicle accident on New Georges Creek Road in Westernport near the SHA sale done. The road was closed as crews cleared the scene

In order to raise awareness about the Child Tax Credit payments that will begin today, Representative David Trone (MD-06) hosted a virtual presentation with Rob Bader, the Director of Tax Operations at the CASH (Creating Assets, Savings, and Hope) Campaign of Maryland. This nonprofit focuses on promoting economic advancement for low income individuals and families across Maryland. You can watch the event here.   “The American Rescue Plan’s new and improved Child Tax Credit is an historic investment in our nation's children,” said Representative David Trone. "By putting more money in the pockets of hardworking parents, we are setting future…

The Allegany County Health Department has been notified that the Delta variant of COVID-19 has been identified in a case of the virus within the county. Health Officer Jenelle Mayer says the Delta variant is of great concern because it is more contagious than the other variants. Maryland Health Secretary Dennis Schrader says the most important thing any one can do to protect themselves is to get vaccinated.  

A big turnout for the Memorial Day Monday Del McCoury Band concert at Cumberland’s Canal Place has resulted in charitable DelFest Foundation donations to two local non-profits. Foundation Treasurer Matthew Scarpelli and DelFest Community Liaison Barb Buehl recently presented checks for $5,000 to County United Way and $1,000 to the Western Maryland Food Bank, resulting from vending and contribution tip jars at the free May 31st event. The Food Bank also received 456 pounds of contributed dry goods collected by Del’s Army at Memorial Day Weekend events at B-Chord in Lessburg VA and Cumberland. Buehl tells WCBC News that giving back…

Allegany County Commission President Jake Shade this week announced he will seek the District One State Senate seat that has been held the last 16 years by George Edwards.  Edwards announced Tuesday he would not be a candidate in 2022- bringing to an end 40 years of service in the Maryland General Assembly.  Shade, in his second terms as County Commissioner, joined WCBC’s “Dave Norman Show” Wednesday to discuss his decision. He said bringing stability and credibility to the county was a priority when he took office and he believes that has largely been achieved… Still seven months until the deadline…

Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot encourages taxpayers with last-minute questions about their state income tax returns before today’s July 15 filing deadline to seek assistance from agency staff, either in person or virtually.  The comptroller extended the deadline by three months due to the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as state and federal legislation that required extensive changes to 2020 tax forms in the middle of the tax filing season.  Franchot tells WCBC News that it is important for taxpayers to meet today’s deadline to avoid potentially costly penalties…

Complaints about delays in mail delivery service in Cumberland have been commonplace for a few years now- however Cumberland is hardly alone. WBAL reports that according to U.S. Postal Service Inspector General Tammy Whitcomb, changes made by the U.S. postmaster general contributed to service problems. There has been no shortage of complaints and frustration from Marylanders over postal delivery delays- with many residents and businesses in Cumberland being hit particularly hard by these issues. Whitcomb acknowledged the agency's failures regarding delivery delays, noting that changes U.S. Postmaster General Louis DeJoy made to the agency when he assumed his leadership role led to…

The Hogan administration recently announced a total of $314,550 in Maryland Heritage Area (MHAA) funding to projects located in the Passages of the Western Potomac Heritage Area.  The Canal Place Preservation and Development Authority that administers the heritage area program in Allegany County was very pleased to learn of this funding. “Heritage tourism fosters economic development and job creation, while making our communities better places to live and work”, said Governor Larry Hogan. There is a total of 13 heritage areas in the state of Maryland, and each one contributes to Maryland’s economy by saving and enhancing places that attract…

Earlier this year, UPMC Western Maryland instituted a new provider-focused, quality improvement and recognition program. This initiative, known as the STAR program, is built around four pivotal focuses in the care delivery model: Service Excellence, Teamwork, Accountability, and Respect.     Each month, one of these four ideals is chosen as the focus of an improvement process. Providers can accrue points based on the STAR practice and STAR challenge identified for that month, culminating with the high-performers being recognized at the end of each month.     June’s focus was accountability. Dr. Christina Sensabaugh, a provider in Hospital Medicine Services, was selected…

As part of his upcoming fall tour, country music legend Garth Brooks is scheduled to be in Baltimore on Saturday, Oct. 2, at 7 p.m. rain or shine.  This tour comes after Brooks received the Billboard Music Icon Award in October 2020, and the release of two albums, his 12th studio album "FUN" and live album "Triple Live Deluxe." In January 2020, Billboard announced that Brooks was the first artist to make it on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart in the 80s, 90s, 00s, 10s and now 20s. Tickets go on sale July 23.