On Wednesday, July 9, 2025 at approximately 11:40 AM, an officer of the Cumberland Police Department was patrolling the area of Park Street when he observed two females crawl underneath a stopped train at the Baltimore Street railroad crossing.  The crossing gates were down and the lights were flashing at the time.  The officer contacted the females and identified them as Michaela Lumb and Alexandra Pontarelli. They were issued criminal citations and released pending trial. ARRESTED:  Michaela Lynn Lumb      AGE:  30          Frostburg, MD CHARGES:  Trespass: Posted Property ARRESTED:  Alexandra M. Pontarelli     AGE:  31 …

The hot weather can only mean one thing –it’s time for the Allegany County Fair and Ag Expo. Every summer since 1924 has seen livestock, crafts, baking, entertainment and rides greet visitors at the fairgrounds off of McMullen Highway.  The fair opens Friday at Noon, and fairgrounds manager Kevin Kamauf tells WCBC there are attractions for everyone to enjoy…    “They brought back the Banshee roller coaster, it was here two years ago and they brought it back. There’s a couple new kiddie rides that haven’t been here before. There’s 26 total rides – adult, family rides, and kid rides….

The Queen City Regional Antique Car Club will be holding their celebration of Collector Cars in downtown Cumberland as part of Friday After 5 this Friday, July 11.  Baltimore, Centre and Liberty Streets will close at 4 pm.  Those attending the event are asked to park in the parking garage or other lots around downtown.  Two bands will also be performing, according to Kyle Blake, President of the Queen City Regional Antique Club, and the event is free…     “Black Guy Fawkes and Butterscotch Blonde they’ll be playing here on Baltimore Street.  We’ll also have vehicles—all types—antiques restored, original…

Lonaconing Mayor Jack Coburn spoke with WCBC’s Dave Norman recently regarding the Allegany County Library system’s recent change to its leadership. Coburn commended the ACLS board of trustees, saying they worked through the pressure they have been under recently…     “I must commend the library’s trustees and the board. They have been under a lot of pressure and our goal from day one was to make sure that not library in Allegany County closed, and the library board did just that for us. I think we’re at the point now we are on the way back up to having…

The Centers for Disease Control report a 44% drop in overdose deaths from 2023 to 2024 in the state of West Virginia. It was the largest drop nationwide. Governor Patrick Morrisey said the decline is owed in part to the state opting to make its own settlements with drug companies, giving them quicker access to monies for programs and treatment. The drop indicates more than addressing an abuse issue…     “We’re not only making progress in reducing substance abuse disorder and reducing the number of deaths, we’re actually addressing one of the core economic problems that West Virginia faces…

A surprise announcement at the end of the last Cumberland City Council meeting revealed the city is looking at the possibility of a field house for the community.  Mayor Ray Morriss said visits have been made to a new such facility in Hagerstown to get an idea what Cumberland would be committing to financially…     “The Hagerstown facility was $25 million dollars. So you’re probably talking by the time we would construct something like that, a $30 million dollar build.” For now, the city’s economic development staff is heading up the detail work on the project…     “The…

The Historic Highlands Association of Realtors has grants for Allegany County residents affected by flooding that occurred in May. Applications will be accepted through August 15 and can be accessed at www.hharealtors.org. Association president Jessie Devore says they were approved for $60,000 from the National Association of Realtor’s Relief Fund. Each approved applicant can receive up to $1,000…     “If you had damage during the flood and have a mortgage then we will base your application off the cost of your mortgage for that month. If you do not have a mortgage then you will qualify for up to…

Authorities are investigating the cause of death for a Delaware man at the Potomac River near the U.S. 340 bridge on Tuesday, July 8, according to Maryland Natural Resources Police.  Natural Resources Police spokesperson said that it's believed the man had a medical episode, but officials will need to wait for autopsy results.  The man was identified as Cory A. Binkoski, 51, of Laurel, Delaware. Binkoski appeared to be part of a sanctioned inner tubing trip.

On Tuesday, July 8th, 2025, the Cumberland Police Department served a Criminal Summons on Sean Allen Smith, 38, of Cumberland, MD. The summons was in reference to an incident that occurred on July 4th, 2025, in the downtown Cumberland area. During that incident, an officer with the Cumberland Police observed two vehicles being operated in an aggressive and negligent manner, traveling at high speeds in a well-populated area. The officer activated their emergency equipment in an attempt to stop the vehicles involved. The vehicle Smith was driving at the time failed to stop for the officer and fled the scene….

Governor Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania dealt some harsh reality to reporters recently as he detailed what will happen to state residents as a result of the spending bill just passed by Congress. He said the state has rural hospitals already working in a deficit and their future is now quite uncertain…     “So if you’re already facing a deficit and your Medicaid is being slashed, we estimate that there’s about 25 rural hospitals that are likely to shutter in the next few years because of this.” Shapiro also cautioned that there is no large-scale state bailout coming…    …