Today could be significant for the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad as steam engine 1309 will be inspected by the Federal Railroad Administration. A multi million dollar restoration of the Baldwin Steam engine has been underway for several years- and officials with the scenic railroad believe it is now ready for the final step- federal approval. Cumberland Mayor Ray Morriss is a member of the railroad board of directors and says if it passes inspection it could be ready to roll next month.. Meanwhile Morriss reports that ticket sales have been brisk for the popular Polar Express excursions…

Now 20 months into the Coronavirus pandemic- and the debate over wearing masks shows no signs of stopping.  While many studies have shown that masks significantly decrease the chances of transmitting coronavirus, and some types of masks can help prevent their wearers from catching the virus, debates still rage across the country including in Allegany County.  In the opinion of Matthew Simmons, an infectious disease doctor at UPMC Western Maryland, the science is clear in favor of masking…

A year after the pandemic wiped out a number of traditional holiday celebrations in Cumberland- all systems are go for the return of the tree lighting ceremony and the New Year’s Eve Ball Drop. Downtown Development Commission Executive Director Melinda Kelleher, during this month’s regular meeting,  made the announcement. In 2021, the city’s  tree lighting ceremony had to be conducted virtually; while the ball drop on New Year’s Eve was canceled.  Both are planned as live, in-person events this year with the tree lighting set for next Friday, the day after Thanksgiving.  As usual there will be numerous festivities taking…

The office of 6th District Congressman David Trone has responded to a WCBC inquiry into allegations that Trone's district aide, Cassie Conklin, was behind an anonymous Twitter account used to racially harass a Frostburg State University Student Government presidential candidate. "Please know that our office is taking this matter extremely seriously. "From the moment we learned of this situation, we launched a thorough investigation among all parties involved. We will take appropriate action at the conclusion of our investigation. "The hateful rhetoric used against Frostburg State University’s SGA and its leadership is reprehensible. "Like you, we are deeply concerned and determined…

The Allegany County Health Department still has a number of appointments open for Moderna COVID booster vaccinations for next Wednesday, November 24 at the Allegany County Fairgrounds.  Eligibility requirements and a link to register can be found at health.maryland.gov/allegany.    “The majority of vaccinated county residents initially received the Moderna two-dose series, and so the demand for Moderna boosters is high,” explained health department Public Information Coordinator Brenda Caldwell.  “That is the reason we are requiring a scheduled appointment for the Moderna booster at our clinics – to manage the volume of patients coming through the clinic to help ensure…

Governor Larry Hogan today issued the following statement: “The murder of a 69-year-old grandmother inside a church in East Baltimore has shaken city residents and community leaders to the core. It follows a string of senseless violence that includes a barber shop killing, and the assault of a priest in broad daylight in Little Italy just last week. “People are hurting, they’re scared, and they’re searching for answers. They want to know why this bloodshed keeps happening, and what it’s going to take for something to change. “This heartbreaking violence is tearing the city apart. Enough is enough. We need…

Governor Larry Hogan today announced Maryland as the first state in the country to become a partner in the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Better Climate Challenge. The “lead by example” partnership agreement, signed by Secretary Ben Grumbles of the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE), commits the state to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in state government operations by at least 50% within 10 years.  “Our administration continues to set an example by identifying energy efficiency opportunities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from our state buildings,” said Governor Hogan. “Maryland has one of the nation’s most comprehensive, detailed, and balanced…

An estimated 100,000 Americans died of drug overdoses in one year, a never-before-seen milestone that health officials say is tied to the COVID-19 pandemic and a more dangerous drug supply. Overdose deaths have been rising for more than two decades, accelerated in the past two years and, according to new data posted Wednesday, jumped nearly 30% in the latest year. Experts believe the top drivers are the growing prevalence of deadly fentanyl in the illicit drug supply and the COVID-19 pandemic, which left many drug users socially isolated and unable to get treatment or other support.

Allegany County Tourism, in partnership with the Canal Place Preservation and Development Authority, Cumberland Downtown Development Commission, Downtown Cumberland Business Association,  and FrostburgFirst, will be giving away $1,000 in cash prizes during the 2nd Annual “Shop Small, Win Big” contest, valid November 26 through December 19, 2021. The collective goal is to encourage shopping locally during the holiday season. Shoppers who purchase online or in-person from small businesses in Allegany County during the contest period can submit their shopping receipts as entries that will qualify them to win weekly drawings for $50 Visa gift cards as well as the grand…

WBAL reports a single case of monkeypox virus infection was confirmed Tuesday in a Maryland resident who recently returned from Nigeria. Maryland health officials said the resident has mild symptoms, is currently recovering in isolation, and is not hospitalized. No special precautions are recommended at this time for the general public, according to the Maryland Department of Health. "Public health authorities have identified and continue to follow up with those who may have been in contact with the diagnosed individual," Dr. Jinlene Chan, MDH deputy secretary for public health, said in a statement. "Our response in close coordination with (Centers for…