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West Virginia postpones tire collection events

The West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection’s (WVDEP) Rehabilitation Environmental Action Plan (REAP) has postponed its tire collection events indefinitely due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In the interim, state citizens can lawfully dispose waste tires at local tire shops or landfills for a nominal fee.   Tire collection events are often hosted by a combination of REAP staff, tire contractors, and local volunteers, and require citizens to provide a state-issued ID before dropping off their tires.

County Library system hosting book discussions focused on race in America

The Allegany County Library System is hosting a series of book discussions to continue to engage our community in conversations about race in America.  As a follow-up to Dr. Ibram X. Kendi’s live discussion on How to Be Antiracist, we invite you to join us for a number of conversations centered around themes from Dr. Kendi’s other award winning book, Stamped from the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America.   Beginning tonight, September 1, discussions will be held at 7:00 PM every other week through the end of October, totaling five events.  Two hosts from the library will…

Two prison employees injured in weekend assault

Two employees of the North Branch Correctional Institution were taken to UPMC Western Maryland after a correctional officer was assaulted Saturday morning. According to the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services. "An inmate struck a correctional officer during an inmate assault on a staff member Saturday morning at North Branch Correctional Institution". DPSCS spokesman Mark Vernarelli said that two employees were taken to the hospital for medical evaluation of non-life threatening injuries and as a precaution. Further details of the incident were not provided. Detectives of the state agency are working with NBCI officers on the investigation.

State School Board rejects Superintendent’s proposed school schedule changes

The Maryland State Board of Education rejected state Superintendent Karen Salmon's proposal to change up local school schedules. The Maryland State Education Administration cheered the decision, with President Cheryl Bost warning schedule changes announced as schools start up would cause confusion and stress for parents, students and teachers

Prosecutors seeking nearly three-year sentence for former Pugh aide

Federal prosecutors are asking for nearly three years in prison for ex-Baltimore Mayor Catherine Pugh’s aide Gary Brown Jr., saying he carried out an “eight-year pattern of nonstop criminality.” Brown was deeply involved in four different schemes, sometimes acting in concert with Pugh and other times acting alone, according to prosecutors, who said he played the role of “bagman” for a campaign finance scheme in addition to helping carry out the “Healthy Holly” children’s book scandal.  Pugh is serving a three-year sentence at a federal prison. Her legal troubles began when the Baltimore Sun reported she had entered into a no-bid deal with the…

Police Make Arrest After Disturbance Call

On Monday at approximately 10:30 PM the Cumberland City Police Department were dispatched to the 300 block of Frederick Street for a disturbance. Upon arrival officers spoke to the victim and learned that they were inside their vehicle when they were assaulted by Melissa Ann Vanmeter. Ms. Vanmeter then stood behind the vehicle not allowing the victim to leave. Officers contacted an independent witness who observed Ms. Vanmeter standing behind the vehicle causing a disturbance. Ms. Vanmeter was arrested and taken before a District Court Commissioner for an initial appearance. Ms. Vanmeter was released on her personal recognizance pending trial…

WVSSAA director elaborates on color coding rules

If you’re a high school athlete in the Mountain State and your county is coded yellow, your parents will be permitted to come to your games.   If your code is green, then other members of your household can also attend. WCBC got that word from West Virginia Secondary Schools Athletic Association Executive Director Bernie Dolan Monday…

Trone anticipates progress North South Corridor

Sixth District Congressman David Trone met with State Senator George Edwards, Delegate Wendell Beitzel, and the Garrett County Commissioners Friday concerning the Route 219 portion of the North South Corridor. Trone says he’s been successful in getting $100 million in additional funding for the overall Appalachian Regional Commission highway fund…

Edwards supports Hogan’s school reopening decision

Maryland Governor Larry Hogan caught many off guard when he gave all systems in the state his approval to have students attend classes in person. District 1 State Senator George Edwards is among those who agree with the decision…

WV schools superintendent: In-person learning is best

West Virginia Governor Jim Justice announced Monday that southern counties which would be unable to participate in sports this week will have players and coaches tested to possibly reverse that decision. Last week, WCBC asked State Superintendent Clayton Burch about the overall percentage of parents electing to not send their children for in person learning, and he indicated it is 27%.  Monday, he stayed with the theme that he believes the kids need to be in school…