This is the final week to apply to the Allegany County Chamber of Commerce “Leadership Allegany” program. The program is beginning its 28th year of aspiring leaders coming together to learn about shaping the future of their communities, according to Chamber Director Juli McCoy… “The Leadership Allegany Program is the set-up to provide participants with a deeper understanding of local and state operations, and also dive into community challenges and systems that shape the public and private sectors and kind of what makes our community unique.”

THIS IS AN URGENT MESSAGE FROM THE ALLEGANY COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT. RAW SEWAGE CONTINUES TO FLOW INTO GEORGES CREEK AT SEVERAL POINTS BETWEEN SHAFT AND WESTERNPORT.  THIS ALSO AFFECTS THE POTOMAC RIVER DOWNSTREAM FROM THE MOUTH OF GEORGES CREEK IN WESTERNPORT (WHERE GEORGES CREEK EMPTIES INTO THE POTOMAC RIVER).  DO NOT DRINK, FISH, OR COME INTO DIRECT CONTACT WITH THOSE WATERS UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.  THE AFFECTED PORTION OF THE POTOMAC RIVER IS DOWNSTREAM FROM THE MOUTH OF GEORGES CREEK.  CONTAMINANTS FROM RAW SEWAGE CAN CAUSE SEVERE ILLNESS.  AGAIN, THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT IS URGING THOSE IN THE VICINITY OF THESE WATERS NOT TO DRINK,…

Governor Wes Moore this morning signed a State of Preparedness declaration ahead of a potentially hazardous heat wave with dangerously high temperatures for much of Maryland. According to the National Weather Service, extreme heat is expected Monday through Thursday, with increasing humidity during that time, requiring heightened awareness and preparedness from Marylanders and those visiting our state. “Our top priority is the health and safety of Marylanders,” said Gov Moore. “This State of Preparedness will ensure that Maryland is coordinated and poised to protect our people in anticipation of extreme heat and humidity. We ask that all Marylanders do their part to stay…

On Sunday, June 22, 2025, the Cumberland Police Department served a criminal summons on Megan Carbaugh.  The summons was issued as the result of an incident that occurred on May 11, 2025 at approximately 2:13 AM when police responded to Merchant’s Alley for a hit and run complaint.  The victim reported that his vehicle had been struck by another vehicle, causing damage.  A suspect was developed and identified as Megan Carbaugh.  Police filed for charges against Carbaugh at the District Court of Allegany County.  Carbaugh signed for her copy of the summons and she was released pending trial. ARRESTED:  Megan…

Garrett County’s Health Department has issued a notice after the county confirmed its fourth case of rabies this year.  A feral cat made unprovoked attacks on five people last week in McHenry. The cat was euthanized and testing confirmed rabies.  Those attacked have sought medical attention. Sydney Stein of the CDC says there are signs that an animal may be rabid…     “Excessive drooling, difficulty swallowing, having paralysis or having seizures. They can also be acting aggressively. Or, if it’s a wild animal, it might be timid and allow you to approach it which it should not.”

The West Virginia University Board of Governors has adopted its 2026 fiscal year budget. The budget is set $1.29 billion dollars as enrollment continues a slight decline. Tuition increases are in effect for the Morgantown campus, as well as Potomac State College in Keyser and the Institute of Technology in Beckley. New university president Michael T. Benson takes over the leadership post in July.

HEAT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM TO 9 PM MONDAY… HEAT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM TO 9 PM TUESDAY by the National Weather Service. Heat index values up to 102 expected in the valleys in Maryland, Central and Eastern Allegany County. In West Virginia, Eastern Grant, Eastern Mineral, Hampshire, Hardy, and Morgan Counties. Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS… Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors.

UPDATE Jun 23 @ 7PM – Atticus Casey has been located and he is safe.  The Cumberland Police Department would like to thank the public for its assistance.   June 23 @ 3:17AM – Atticus Casey has been reported missing to the Cumberland Police Department. Casey is a black male, 12 years old, approximately 5’0”, approximately 105 lbs. He was last seen in the area of S. Centre Street on Sunday afternoon, 6/22/25 at approximately 4:30 PM. He is possibly wearing a brown sweatshirt.  Anyone with information as to his whereabouts is urged to contact the Cumberland Police Department at 301-777-1600.

The U.S. Senate is working toward a vote on their version of the so-called “Big Beautiful Bill” that holds President Trump’s fiscal desires for 2026. The Senate version maintains tax cuts put in place during Trump’s first term and adds additional cuts as well as removing taxes on tips and some overtime work. West Virginia Senator Shelley Moore Capito, chair of the Senate Republican Policy Committee, says the bill is moving in a positive direction…   “I feel like we’re on a very positive path because we cannot let taxes go up. We need those business tax relief for our…

The Cumberland Historic Cemetery Organization is working on two new monuments they plan to have ready in the next year or so.  CHCO President Ed Taylor, Jr. tells WCBC that one will be unveiled this November for late city resident Nathaniel Rice who was killed while working in 1900…    “He was a city worker who was killed on the job. His name is Nathaniel Rice. He was buried alive while digging a trench for the city down in South Cumberland in 1900. He’s been buried in the German Reformation Cemetery up on Baltimore Avenue for over a century without…