Two community events honoring area law enforcement are scheduled to take place in the coming days in Cumberland. On Sunday, Back the Blue 2021, will be held outside of Cumberland’s City Hall at 57 North Liberty Street. The public is encouraged to come out and show their support for all area law enforcement and criminal justice professionals. Cumberland Mayor Ray Morriss… The City of Cumberland has also announced The kickoff event for the 7th Annual National Night Out Event will be held on Monday August 2nd from 6-8pm at the Constitution Park Pool for a free Swim. At this event participants will…

Lt. Governor Boyd Rutherford has announced that Allegany College of Maryland will serve as the first stop in a series of  town hall meetings focusing on strategies for addressing the ongoing crisis of drug overdoses.  Rutherford made the announcement last week as he spent two days in Allegany County- among other things discussing the ongoing opioid crisis. The August 26th  the town hall “will engage community members, discuss their experiences, as well as what tactics may be effective in addressing the opioid crisis.”  According to the latest data, opioid overdose deaths have increased in Washington, Allegany and Garrett counties by…

On Tuesday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued new masking guidelines in the wake of the rapid rise in cases of the COVID-19 delta variant.  The new guidance includes recommendations that everyone – including fully vaccinated individuals – wear a mask in public indoor settings to prevent the spread of the virus. “People who decline to be vaccinated are essentially choosing to be naturally infected with COVID-19 instead,” said Jennifer Corder, MD, Deputy Health Officer for Garrett and Allegany Counties.  “COVID-19 is not going anywhere, and is more easily transmissible than ever. Choose the safer way to…

COVID-19 hospitalizations in West Virginia have increased to levels not seen since mid-June, as vaccination rates continue to be stagnant: the state’s dashboard says 56.3% of residents over the age of 12 have been fully vaccinated. According to the Department and Health and Human Resources, there were 1,758 active cases Wednesday after 196 cases were added. Three additional deaths in the state were reported on Wednesday. None were in the WCBC listening area.

The Maryland Department of Labor has extended the use of debit cards for unemployment claimants statewide. The department announced in the spring that it was phasing out Bank of America debit cards and would be implementing direct deposit or paper checks for benefit payment through a new contract with Wells Fargo. The debit cards were originally set to expire on Sunday, Aug. 1. The deadline has been extended to Oct. 1.  

On Tuesday, July 27th, 2021, Officers with the Cumberland City Police responded to Greene St at the George Washington Headquarters for the report of a disturbance. Upon arrival, Officers located multiple subjects in the area including John Leo Mohl, 48, of Cumberland MD. While on scene, Mohl was actively consuming an open container of alcohol and arguing with another male subject. He was ordered to cease his disruptive behavior multiple times. Mohl refused to comply with the orders and began to yell at officers on scene. As a result, Mohl was placed under arrest. He was issued Citations for Disorderly…

A Garrett County woman was sentenced to 15 days in jail and 18 months of probation after nine malnourished dogs were found at her breeding facility last year. Leslie R. Gillespie, 43, of Oakland pleaded guilty last week to three counts of animal cruelty and neglect and failure to provide vet care. The dogs found on the property in December 2020 were covered in mud and feces and had matted fur, authorities said. Gillespie was a wheaten terrier and poodle breeder who operated Wheaten Hills Breedings Facility, which has been closed.  

 A Garrett County judge has been given more time to respond to a civil lawsuit that alleges he forcibly had sex with an employee. The civil action, filed in May in federal district court in Maryland, details several allegations against Raymond G. Strubin, 65, circuit court and administrative judge for Garrett County. The lawsuit provides claims made by the complainant, Loriann Ludwig, 52, former Garrett court jury commissioner and law librarian. The new deadline is Sept. 9.   

FrostburgFirst is pleased to announce an artist has been selected for an upcoming public art project in downtown Frostburg. In June 2021, FrostburgFirst put out a call for proposals for a public art project next to the Mechanic Street parking lot in downtown Frostburg and received some incredibly creative responses. The review panel selected the proposal submitted by Cumberland resident and local artist Frank Asher to move forward with implementation. The project requirements included the use of sustainable or recycled materials, an interactive element, and a theme celebrating the beauty, history and culture of Frostburg. Frank Asher was delighted that…

West Virginia Governor Jim Justice announced the Delta variant of COVID-19 is in 19 counties during a press conference Tuesday morning. Although the numbers are on the rise, Justice said there is no need to panic or to start thinking that there will be another mask mandate at this time…