The budget moving through the Maryland General Assembly has been presented as giving most state residents tax relief, but some lawmakers say it is smoke and mirrors. Delegate Kathy Szeliga who represents Baltimore County, says the cut does not make up for other increases… “So, it’s like mincing words. The income tax portion –people may see like a $40 tax cut for the year. But when you add all the other fees and taxes up that Marylanders will be paying, everyone’s paying more.”
Bond initiatives for projects in Garrett, Allegany, and Washington Counties have a hopeful future according to Senator Mike McKay. As the Maryland General Assembly wraps up its session in Annapolis, approvals for bonds will likely happen in the coming days before Sine Die on Monday. McKay says if everything passes, the area will be pleased… “We got about three million dollars. That is way more than what I had expected to get. I was expecting maybe to get about 500,000 so we punched above our weight and since I weigh a lot, that’s why we got a lot.”
Governor Wes Moore presented the 2025 Maryland Sustainable Growth Awards Thursday. The awards recognize programs that exemplify well-planned economic and community development initiatives. This year, the Baltimore Street Redevelopment Project received the Project Award for their transformative $17 million investment to revitalize above and below-grade design along Baltimore Street in Cumberland. Matt Miller, Director of the Cumberland Economic Development Corporation accepted the award from Governor Moore and Housing and Community Development Secretary Jake Day.
Hancock High School has a new head football coach. Greg Cartrette takes over the Panther program. Cartrette spent four years as an assistant at Southern Garrett High School and also coached the semi-pro Western Maryland Cougars. Hancock compiled a 3-6 record last season.
Maryland lawmakers voted Wednesday to create a commission to study and recommend potential reparations for slavery and the lingering effects of racial discrimination in the state. The 101-36 vote in the Maryland House sends the bill to Gov. Wes Moore, a Democrat who says he will consider the legislation. Potential reparations outlined in the bill include official statements of apology, monetary compensation, property tax rebates, social service assistance, as well as licensing and permit fee waivers and reimbursement. Reparations also could include assistance with making a down payment on a home, business incentives, child care, debt forgiveness, and tuition payment…
On Wednesday, April 2, 2025 at approximately 8:10 PM, officers of the Cumberland Police Department responded to a business in the 700 block of Park Street for a theft that just occurred. Police contacted the staff who reported that he observed Chad Dawson steal items. Police also learned that Dawson had four active warrants for his arrest. One warrant was issued as the result of an incident that occurred on April 21, 2024 at approximately 8:39 PM when officers responded to a business on Park Street for a theft. The staff advised Dawson stole merchandise from the store. After further…
The Ferleman Gallery on North Centre Street has a new exhibit by artist Wendell Myers called “Echoes of Light.” Tom Ferleman, gallery owner, tells WCBC the exhibit opens to the public on Friday April 4 with a reception beginning at 5pm. Saturday afternoon, a Q&A session with Wendell Myers will be open to the public regarding the paintings created in memory of travels with his late wife… “He still paints many of the sceneries he and his wife used to enjoy when they would walk different lakes and rivers and towns across Europe. So this exhibit is a…
Cumberland’s Fire Chief Shannon Adams was celebrated for three decades of public service during Tuesday’s Mayor and Council meeting. Chief Adams has served at the Cumberland Fire Department for 30 years, the last three as Fire Chief. City Administrator Jeff Silka thanked the Chief for his service to the community… “You have empowered your leadership. You have empowered your rank and file. You are very respected within the community and it’s been a pleasure to work with you the three and half years that I have known you, and I believe they would say for the thirty years that…
On Wednesday, April 2, 2025 at approximately 11:39 PM, an officer of the Cumberland Police Department was at a business in the 200 block of Greene Street when the staff reported that Michael Bergman was inside the store and was not allowed to be there. The officer confirmed that Bergman was barred from the store. Bergman was located and escorted from the store. He was issued a criminal citation and released pending trial. ARRESTED: Michael Wayne Bergman AGE: 61 Cumberland, MD…
On Wednesday, April 2, 2025 at approximately 3:39 PM, officers of the Cumberland Police Department responded to the area of Howard Street for the report a male subject waving around a firearm. When officers arrived, they located and detained the subject who was identified as Jacob Baker. Police later located the weapon which was determined to be a BB gun. After further investigation, Baker was arrested and transported to police headquarters. He was later released on a criminal citation. ARRESTED: Jacob Allen Baker AGE: 36 Cumberland, MD CHARGES: Disorderly…
