The Allegany County Health Department reports that the Allegany County COVID-19 case rate is currently 64.92 cases per 100,000 population, the highest case rate of any jurisdiction in Maryland.  ​"Because our vaccination rate is so low, our county has the highest COVID-19 case rate in the state. Do your part to allow Allegany County to move back towards normalcy. We need our children to attend school and play sports, we need our businesses to be successful and we need health care workers to staff our hospital and medical offices.​  Vaccination is safe, effective, and the best way to turn this around,"…

Several sources have now confirmed that the Cumberland Mayor and City Council has selected the candidate that will fill the vacancy on the council created by Seth Bernard's resignation. There were a total of ten who applied and interviews were conducted this week. Apparently candidates were being notified on Wednesday and an official announcement could come as early as Thursday. 

The Maryland Department of Health (MDH) today announced a three-year, $1.8 million grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to strengthen community-based COVID-19 response in three underserved jurisdictions. The award provides $600,00 annually in financial support and technical assistance for MDH community health workers in Allegany, Dorchester and Somerset counties. "Community health workers are on the frontline in our fight against COVID-19 and are trusted by the members of the communities they serve," said MDH Secretary Dennis R. Schrader. “This CDC grant will help us further reach into vulnerable communities and address COVID-19 needs." The award supports…

 UPMC is announcing leadership changes that will further enhance clinical operations, innovation, research and overall excellence.   Mark Sevco will assume the role of president, UPMC Hospitals, comprised of 40 academic, community and specialty hospitals. Joon Lee, M.D., will become president of UPMC Physician Services, overseeing its 4,200 employed physicians. Sevco and Lee will co-lead the Health Services Division and report to UPMC president and CEO Leslie Davis.    Sevco currently is president, UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, which is nationally ranked as a top-ten pediatric hospital by U.S. News. He has served UPMC for 30 years in various capacities including…

According to  Allegany County Emergency Services, a roofing company employee suffered severe burns Wednesday when the manlift he was operating came into contact with electrical lines while he was working in the Upper Potomac Industrial Park. The Cumberland Times News reports the unidentified man was reportedly talking with first-responders as he was being treated at the scene and before being flown to the Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center in Baltimore by Maryland State Police Trooper 5 helicopter. No other injuries were reported in the incident that was reported to the Allegany County 911 center at 11:32 a.m. with first reports…

Frostburg State University will launch the public phase of its $25 million fundraising campaign, Forging Futures: The Campaign for Frostburg State University, at noon. The fundraising effort, which is the largest in FSU’s history, is focused on three themes: forging the future of Frostburg’s students, forging the future of the University and forging the future of the region – Western Maryland and surrounding areas. John Short is the Vice President for University Advancement and the Executive Director of the FSU Foundation…

For several years, the desired likely use for the M & T Bank building on the Cumberland Mall has been that of a boutique hotel. Yesterday, CEDC Executive Director Matt Miller told WCBC News that, while such a hotel would be a great anchor for downtown, a request for proposals for use of the building would likely be issued in the near future… Miller told the CEDC Board of Directors that there has been interest shown in the 19 Frederick Street property across from City Hall, and that an RFP for that facility will be generated soon.

President Joe Biden recently announced that employers with over 100 employees would be required to have workers vaccinated against COVID-19 or face weekly testing. ShaAllegany County Government employs more than 100, so it would potentially be required to follow the directive, but Commission President Jake Shade says there has been nothing official received yet. Shade says the current policy is not to require vaccinations or testing of county employees…

The debate over Heritage Days commenced on the WCBC Dave Norman Morning Show Monday. It started with a call from Ed Taylor, with the Cumberland Historic Cemetery Organization… Dave Williams is with the festival organizing committee… Ed Taylor, with the Cumberland Historic Cemetery Organization… Dave Williams is with the festival organizing committee…

A legislative oversight committee has approved a Maryland State Board of Education mandate to require all students to wear face coverings.  The order now takes effect immediately and will continue through February 22, 2022. During last evening’s County Board of Education meeting, Allegany County Health Officer Jenelle Mayer gave an overview of the pandemic… Later in the meeting, Board Member Tammy Fraley asked for more options for parents… Superintendent Jeff Blank has been asked to provide such options at the next meeting.