WCBC has learned that it is indeed Longhorn Steakhouse that will be locating along Vocke Road in LaVale. Construction continues at the site, but no hard opening date has been set. Jeff Barclay of Allegany County Economic Development said other restaurants and retailers are also interested in the LaVale area while plans continue in Cumberland for a location of Chipotle and Jersey Mike’s Subs. Construction of a new location for Dunkin Donuts is also continuing at Williams and Park Streets.
On Wednesday, April 9th, 2025, The Cumberland Police Department arrested John Edward Northcraft, 43, of Cumberland MD. Northcraft was arrested on an active Bench Warrant issued by the Allegany County Circuit Court on April 4th, 2025. The warrant alleges Northcraft violated the terms and conditions of probation that had been placed upon him due to a previous conviction on harassment charges. Northcraft was taken before a District Court Commissioner for an Initial Appearance where he was remanded to the Allegany County Detention Center. He is currently being held without bond. ARRESTED – John Edward Northcraft W/M 43yo CHARGES – Bench Warrant-…
On Wednesday, April 9th, 2025, The Cumberland Police Department arrested Jeremy Allen Shields, 40, of Cumberland MD. Shields was arrested on a Fugitive Warrant when it was discovered he had an active warrant for his arrest in the state of West Virginia. The original warrant, issued by the Magistrate Court of Mineral County, was issued for charges of battery, breaking and entering, and destruction of property. Shields was taken before a District Court Commissioner for an Initial Appearance where he was remanded to the Allegany County Detention Center. He is currently being held without bond, awaiting extradition to West Virginia….
Business growth in Downtown Cumberland has taken a positive turn as investors buy and rehabilitate buildings for upper-story living and new retail, restaurant, and office space. A standout in this area has been the Rosenbaum Building, home to shops and apartments as well as business office space. Mayor Ray Morriss sees movement to the area being a good sign economically… “Sparc Engineering which is setting their offices up in the Rosenbaum Building, I think that especially Sparc – that is something that could truly help us in our area to generate future jobs as businesses and firms that are…
West Virginia has passed a bill establishing a universal licensing reciprocity system. The legislation enables West Virginia to accept professional and occupational licenses issued by other states for individuals who establish residency. Governor Patrick Morrisey believes the system will spur growth and economic development in the state… “When other states passed universal licensing, it helped increase their work force by thousands. This is going to insure that nurses, doctors, contractors, realtors, skilled workers who are licensed in another state, you can move to West Virginia, and you can get to work right away.”
West Virginians applauded a call by President Trump this week to bolster the coal business in the United States, a boost to the struggling industry that has shown to be a source of reliable energy but is under attack for pollution and climate change concerns. West Virginia Senator Jim Justice said coal is a critical part of energy production for the country… “I truly believe that if we don’t watch out that a year and a half from today – if we don’t fix our grid now, and we don’t really get at making more and more energy,…
Maryland U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen joined family members and supporters of Kilmar Obrega Garcia for a press conference again demanding his return to the United States. Garcia was living legally in Maryland and was deported last month to a maximum-security prison in El Salvador. Government officials said the deportation was a mistake and Van Hollen said the fight continues to bring him home… “This is something that is so reprehensible that we will fight back in the courts, and we’ll fight back in Congress, and we’ll fight back in our communities. But right now of course, this is…
Maryland’s six casinos generated just over $172 million dollars in revenue during March. The total was down 3.4% from the same month in 2024 when casinos registered their fifth-best performance. Tax revenue for the state in March totaled $74.5 million dollars and include over $53 million going to the Education Trust Fund. Locally, Rocky Gap Casino generated $4.5 million but had a year-over-year decrease of just under 10% from 2024.
It’s National Library Week and libraries across Allegany County are holding events to celebrate. The Allegany County Library system has debuted two new library card designs from a design contest held in September. Ashley Swinford, director of marketing and outreach, says the cards illustrate what the library means to the artists… “We did a callout to patrons of all ages to design a library card that illustrates what the library means to them. We took a public vote, and the staff weighed in, and we came up with two designs by Marissa and Carmen that were selected. These…
